4927 St. Croix Avenue, Golden Valley, MN  55422
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Medical or Food Related Projects


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ACCUMULATION CONVEYOR REVIEW

AUTOMATIC PALLETIZING EQUIPMENT

BUBBLE SWITCH DESIGN PARAMETERS

CD PRINTING MECHANISM REVIEW

CHEESE MIXING EQUIPMENT DESIGN

CHEESE PROCESSING FACILITY

CONTROL SENSOR DEVICE THREAD FIT

COOLING FAN DESIGN

DAIRY PLANT LAYOUT

ECG CONNECTOR FOR CARDIAC STUDY

ECG GROUNDING ELECTRODE CLAMP

ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLY STATION

ENTERAL DELIVERY SYSTEM

ENVELOPE FORMING MACHINE

ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZER

FISH COOKER

FLAKE OR PELLET DRYING SYSTEMS

FLYING HEAD ACTUATOR

FOLDING HANDRAIL FOR STAIRWAYS

FOOD DELIVERY SYSTEM - HOSPITAL

FUSED DEPOSITION 3D POSITIONING

JOGGING BUGGY DESIGN REVIEW

MOLASSES MIXING TANK(s)

PASSIVE MOTION EXERCISE DEVICE

PASSIVE MOTION EXERCISE SIMULATION

PHOTO ETCHING PROCESS REVIEW

PRINTED CIRCUIT LAMINATION

PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT JUSTIFICATION

PROTOTYPE SHOP

SANITARY DESIGN APPLICATIONS

SILKSCREEN SYSTEM - COTTON BOOTIES

TISSUE EXPANDER INVESTIGATION

TRANSIT STORE SEAT-DESK MECHANISM

ULTRASOUND SUPPORT ARM

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT CURING SYSTEM

UNITED STATES VS. EUROPEAN COST

WHEELCHAIR WHEEL PRODUCTION SYSTEM


PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS


ACCUMULATION CONVEYOR INVESTIGATION   Computer Simulation Review and redesign of an installation where the manufacturer of the system was unable to offer an explanation for the system's non-function.  Conducted investigation and analysis and recommendation to fix accumulation conveyor system for production and loading of various sizes of commercial flour packages ranging from 5 to 25 lbs. Included full review of power, belts, rollers, tracks, layout, controls and recommendation for increasing capacity by about four times. (Peavey Con-Agra)

AUTOMATIC PALLETIZING EQUIPMENT  Review of design and structural configuration of the complete line of palletizing equipment for soft drink cans.  The main industrial design effort was conducted by Mario Fernandez. The object was a redesign to streamline the general appearance of the line, yet avoid any compromising of the structural integrity of the equipment.  Fernandez also developed a suggestion for a new logo and incorporated it into the renderings of the equipment.  This effort also involved review of OSHA issues relating to this equipment. (Simplimatic)

BUBBLE SWITCH DESIGN PARAMETERS  This project consisted constructing mathematical models of a number of typical bubble switch configurations.  One of our conclusions was that the sharp edge where the bubble met the flat surface was causing very high (destructive) stresses in the PC laminate material at that point.  Also, we were able to determine that the the problem was worse or most aggravated for the thicker materials.         

CD PRINTING MECHANISM DESIGN AND/OR REVIEW  Paper analysis of system for fabrication of compact disk printing system. Developed concept(s) for cost reduction and streamlining of system and reduction of number of parts.  A variety of options were looked at.  Overall effort resulted in about 30% cost reduction of the basic system.  We believe other, more radical changes will amount to even greater cost reductions with an overall increase in performance.

CHEESE MIXING EQUIPMENT DESIGN  Designed and developed full (6-unit) line of cheese mixing devices (could be used for mixing most any product) for essentially breaking up clumps of product and mixing various components.

CHEESE PROCESSING FACILITY  Review of cheese processing plant equipment for problems with equipment.  This effort involved a quite detailed look at the various items provided for production.  Undue wear patterns caused foreign (metal) particles to be introduced into the finished product.  Result was the product had to be rejected with significant financial loss to the processor.

CONTROL SENSOR DEVICE THREAD FIT PROBLEM   Review of  line of parts for control sensors for European organization to determine source of problem involving fitup of their parts with components of competitors.  Identified problem as lower quality control of competitors parts that allowed distribution of less than standard components. Submitted analysis and recommendations.

COOLING FAN DESIGN   Devised appliance motor cooling fan and housing configuration that lowered temperature inside of motor housing by nearly 18 degrees Fahrenheit as compared to the original design.  This involved complete air flow experimental and numerical analysis of the air flow and shapes of the duct(s).  We also introduced Toro to the concept of the airfoil shaped fan blade.  Also, while at Black & Decker, cooling of motors was a constant issue.  It is also an issue with almost any type of electronic enclosure.

DAIRY PLANT LAYOUT Three or four different layouts for as many dairy and cheese processing facilities.  In addition, created perspective, rendered, views of facility, showing recommended appearance changes.

ECG CONNECTOR FOR CARDIAC ANALYSIS  We designed a pickup connector that rested on the patient's stomach to connect 22 pickup points to the analysis software.  A unique feature was the clamping system that had an over-center snap action for simultaneous positioning and connecting of all points.  We followed up the design by producing and supplying about 40 perfect prototypes to our client.   

ECG GROUNDING ELECTRODE CLAMP   Design and analysis for ECG grounding electrode clamp for use with ECG heart monitoring equipment. This was a totally new concept which represented quite an improvement over anything then on the market. The most unique feature was that the connector had a self locking feature and was virtually impossible to shake lose because a direct pull would only make the connection tighter.  However, a sidewise motion would cause it to release immediately.  Formal report.

ELECTRONIC CONNECTOR CRIMPING AND ASSEMBLY STATION   (Carpel Tunnel) This unit was created to perform the operation of crimping the connectors onto the flexible tab ends of printed circuit laminations. This was created to eliminate the necessity of performing this difficult function by hand before it degenerated into a much more serious situation.  This also served to speed up the process by at least two times.

ENTERAL DELIVERY SYSTEM  Research effort to come up with various optional methods to pump medicinal or nutritional fluids into patient during various hospitalization situations.  Involved review of existing systems, brainstorming of optimal systems, and presentation of best options to client (Sandoz Nutrition)

ENVELOPE FORMING MACHINE  We designed an envelope forming machine to replace an existing, but very old, machine.  The object was to duplicate the function of the existing unit but at approximately twice the speed.  In addition, the setup for each individual envelope size took about 4-6 hours.  By making the width of the carrier track adjustable with a hand crank, we were able to cut setup to about 20 minutes per size.  Also, the output per unit time was about two times the original unit's.

ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZER   UL approval investigation for ethylene oxide gas sterilizer for use in hospitals. Included review, summary report, travel to Chicago (Northbrook) to review with U.L. (3M Co.)

FISH COOKER  Design and construction supervision of large scale tuna fish cooker.  This involved all aspects of the design and construction.  The most serious design consideration was to deal with the unequal coefficients of expansion of aluminum and stainless steel.  All US and California FDA and OSHA standards applied here or included.     

FLAKE OR PELLET DRYING SYSTEMS   Computer simulation Design or modification - including complete thermal analysis and computer modeling. These are large dryers used for the final drying of items such as Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Wheaties, Post Toasties and other familiar breakfast foods.  Flake and pellet dryers are simply large boxes, perhaps 10' to 12' square in cross section by as much as 50' long, with large perforated slat conveyors stacked inside.  A proportionally controlled air stream is passed through the system, from bottom to top to dry the product.  About thirty different units of various capacities.

FLYING HEAD ACTUATOR   Flying head actuator for simultaneous writing of information on stacked multiple computer discs - complete system concept and design. Devised system to allow individual or simultaneous actuation. System was ultimately incorporated into the disk quality assurance system at IBM's Rochester facility. (IBM Rochester)

FOLDING HANDRAIL FOR ELDERLY AND HANDICAPPED   As part of a study involving the negotiation of stairways for the elderly and handicapped, a concept was further developed for assisting the individuals to more safely climb up or down stairs.  The device essentially amounts to a walker which is affixed to one side of a stairwell and makes it possible to secure one's position all the way up and all the way down a stairway so as to avoid the head-over-heel fall.  This is presently installed in about 50 - 55 homes around the Twin Cities metropolitan area.   As result of this work, and a couple of other projects, we have gained considerable expertise in the whole area of assistive technology related to safely moving people.   We are also looking to license the involved patents to an interested manufacturer.

FOOD DELIVERY CART - HOSPITAL  (Carpel Tunnel) This effort came about as result of a review of the food delivery system at one of the local hospitals (HCMC).  The object was to see if we could come up with a better system for hooking individual food carts onto an overhead monorail that was already in place.  The existing system required a combination of high strength and agility to hook the carts on to the overhead rail.  We came up with a system for accomplishing this by designing a new food cart with the mechanism for hooking built into the roof.  The initial lift force was applied close to the center of gravity of the cart.  Simultaneously, the lifting hooks were secured by a snap in (bayonet) lock.  We built a quarter scale model unit that allowed us to work out bugs and demonstrate the concept perfectly.

FUSED DEPOSITION 3D MODELING - POSITIONING SYSTEM   Developed and built hardware for Fused Deposition Modeling elevator system (similar in result to the stereo-lithography process). The original concept was provided by the client.  Design and construction of original prototype(s) plus ultimate build of multiple units for sale by our client.  These were incorporated into initial production units .  (Stratasys)

JOGGING BUGGY DESIGN REVIEW  Initial project involved review of problems concerning Taiwan production of jogging buggies. Participated in discussion with the manufacturer. Later on worked with developing device for attachment of device to a bicycle (patented).

MOLASSES MIXING TANK(s) Complete review and analysis of molasses mixing tanks.  This included thorough stress analysis of the main structure and the 12 foot diameter circular perforated plates and welds. We took into account the cyclical (fatigue) nature of the loads as the tanks were regularly filled and emptied approximately 10 times daily (Arrow Tank).

PALLETIZING EQUIPMENT   Review, analysis, and redesign recommendations for a high volume soft drink can palletizing machine.  Work include re-specification of components in such manner as to improve visual characteristics of equipment without compromising the actual structure.  Use of proper components allowed actual slimming of the unit appearance while strengthening some of the critical components.  Graphics were developed around 3D computer models of the machines.

PAPER SLITTER - HIGH SPEED   Complete design/development of paper slitting, cut-off machine utilizing opposed circular knives. The purpose was to produce end papers for Toni Permanent Wave kits.  Features included automatic paper roll tensioning system, flying cut-offs using rotary knives, plus stacking of product for placement into packages for shipment.

PASSIVE MOTION EXERCISE MACHINE   Design of machine for providing motion for a leg recovering from knee surgery. Project included initial simulation on computer, design of linkages, propulsion system, sourcing components and building of various stages of prototype (EMPI).   Subject of article in Design News magazine.  Led to Minnesota's Seven Wonders of Engineering Award.  Follow-up project to this was analysis of linkage loads.

PASSIVE MOTION EXERCISE COMPUTER SIMULATION   Computer Simulation This was a follow up, by a few months, on work we had completed as part of our original design of the machine.  Review of linkages and creation of a graphical computer simulation of the motion of the device.  Computer program was created that not only read back the loads on all the pivot points, but the linkage loads and the bearing lives at the expected loads and speeds.  In addition it was set up so as to allow the client to enter the applied loads and the speeds involved in the various situations.  While we had completed a number of these calculations earlier, the program allowed the client to easily change all the inputs and retrieve answers, by screen or printout, for the loads and lives on all linkages and bearings in the system. (EMPI)

PHOTO ETCHING   Quite extensive photo etching process investigation and documentation of procedures, determination of level of education required, level of difficulty of overall operation, plus equipment required. Involved interview of various officers, employees, and suppliers.  Formal report.

PRINTED CIRCUIT LAMINATION  (Carpel Tunnel Issue) This project involved designing a system whereby the clear layer could be applied to the PC substrate material in such manner as to eliminate serious reject (scrap) numbers and the problem of a curl being developed in the laminate due to the roll pressure.  We absolutely solved both problems in such manner as to cause the client's main customer, a refrigerator manufacturer, to increase its orders of laminations by multiples.

PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT JUSTIFICATION   Return of investment analysis for various production equipment justification projects including plan, etc. These have involved studies whereby cash flows are tabulated, brought back to present value at various rates to find the zero sum rate, then presented with summary and recommendation. Formal report

PROTOTYPE SHOP Organized Black & Decker's original prototype shop dedicated exclusively for use of the Lawn and Garden group.  The object was to allow engineers and designers to construct very rough demonstration type models of concepts.  This was to compensate for the extreme difficulty of obtaining that type of support from the main model shop and its competing demands.  Partly as result of this, the Lawn and Garden group became one of the top performers (the top?) within the B&D engineering operation.

SANITARY DESIGN APPLICATIONS  Including full use of aluminum and stainless steel bolted and welded construction. Specific applications involving pellet and/or flake drying operations. Mostly involving internal ducted air systems over perforated slat conveyors. These all included supervision of construction.

SILKSCREEN SYSTEM FOR COTTON BOOTIES This effort was to troubleshoot and repair an inoperable piece of automatic silkscreen application equipment for cotton "booties' worn by hospital patients.  No manuals or repair instructions were could be located.  The first thing we did was to run down all the wiring to locate all start and end points.  Then we constructed a formal wiring diagram from the site sketches.  Next, we constructed the ladder diagram of the complete system, streamlined the controls, corrected existing and potential problem areas, and tested the final system.

STAIRWAY SAFETY STUDY AND FOR U.S. GOVERNMENT   As part of the government sponsored development of a concept for assisting the individuals to more safely climb up or down stairs, a study was conducted, involving the negotiation of stairways for the elderly and handicapped,   The device essentially amounts to a walker which is affixed to one side of a stairwell and makes it possible to secure one's position all the way up and all the way down a stairway so as to avoid the head-over-heel fall.  This is presently installed in about 50 - 55 homes around the Twin Cities metropolitan area.   As result of work on this study, plus other efforts, we have gained considerable expertise in assistance technology related to safely moving people.

TISSUE EXPANDER INVESTIGATION  Complete review of tissue expander characteristics for insurance company prior to authorization for payment of claim.  This included leak testing of samples provided, observation of pump-infusion system, and review of fabrication manual for the expanders.  Object was to identify where an obvious cut occurred in the tissue expander surface.  (St. Paul Companies).

TRANSIT STORE SEAT-DESK MECHANISM  This project involved investigation of, and redesign of a desk chair mechanism such as to allow a physically handicapped individual to function in a manner that accommodated her limitations.  This involved a balance system to make it easy to lift or lower the work surface of the work station along with all the normally required equipment (approx 100 lbs).  Work was performed as a sub-project to overall project by Shea Architects. (Metropolitan Transportation Commission)

ULTRASOUND SUPPORT ARM  (Carpel Tunnel Issue)  We were asked by the ARIC study group (Athlerosclerosis Risk in Communities) to develop a mechanism that would eliminate the serious discomfort felt in the arms of the technician operating the ultrasound device after a full shift of lifting and holding the sensor.  Multiples of these were designed and made for North Memorial Hospital and a North Carolina hospital when some of its employees spotted it on a visit to Minnesota.  One of the additional benefits of this device was that it held the ultrasound transducer so still that it cut the number of photos required to get an acceptable shot, from 4 or 5 per view, to 1 or two and cut the time in half for a typical set of procedures.  We'd be pleased to provide these units to any hospital in the metropolitan area for a very reasonable cost.  We might also be interested in working these units into a product line for a medical products company that knew the market.  We also have some ideas for even better versions.

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT CURING SYSTEM   Safety review of light curing system for adhesive joining of various components. Included analysis of safety issues such as pinch points, eye damage potential, and manual problems. Recommendations were made for changes to both equipment and manual with ultimate goal to obtain U.L. approval.

UNITED STATES VS. EUROPEAN SOURCING COST COMPARISON   Analysis of company's machined components of company's major lines of sensors.  Various vendors were reviewed  in this country and compared with various European options.  This effort involved visits with various vendors involved, plus documentation and recommendation for various options. (Turck)

WHEEL CHAIR WHEEL PRODUCTION SYSTEM   Production system analysis (including return on investment) for manufacture of spoke wheels for wheel chairs.  Complete study of variables and other considerations. Included review of all procedures, times, vendor supplied components, plus present plant and facility.  Effort included analysis of tooling costs and design changes into a return of investment analysis. Formal report   (Theradyne)


APPLICATIONS RESEARCH, INC.

4927 St. Croix Avenue, Golden Valley, MN  55422

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