Tool Crib

Protect Your Hearing!

Bilsom has upgraded the Viking Series earmuffs with a technology called Air Flow Control (AFC). AFC delivers attenuation across all frequencies without increasing earcup size or weight. These earmuffs can be worn numerous ways, including over-the-head, behind-the-head, and under-the-chin. That flexibility allows them to be worn with face shields, respirators and other personal protective equipement. Bacou-Dalloz Hearing Safety Group, 800-430-5490, www.hearingportal.com.

Stuck with Master Bond

Master Bond has developed a new Master Bond Supreme 3HT-80; it is a new one component heat curing epoxy. Supreme 3HT-80 exhibits both high shear and high peel strength. It offers resistance to impact, thermal shock, vibration and stress fatigue cracking. This no mix compound has an unlimited working life and cures within 30 minutes at 175�F (80�C). Supreme 3HT-80 offers adhesion to metals, glass, ceramics, wood, vulcanized rubbers and most plastics. It forms bonds that are resistant to water, oil, fuels and most organic solvents ,even upon prolonged exposures. Supreme 3HT-80 has a service operating temperature range of -100�F to +350�F. It is 100% reactive and does not contain any solvents. Numerous packaging options are available. Master Bond, 201-343-8983, www.masterbond.com.

Hangar Warmth

Although winter has passed and spring is in the air, it's a good time to plan for upgrades to hangars.

Detroit Radiant Product Company offers a full line of high and low intensity radiant heaters for industrial, commercial, and residential applications. The heaters feature coated radiant tubes with slip fit connectors and highly polished reflector material. The HL Series offers two-stage heating. Detroit Radiant Products, 800-222-1100, www.reverberray.com

VTS Uses Technology for Teaching

Translating a diagram of an aircraft system into a solid mental picture of how that system works is a constant challenge for a flight instructor or maintenance teacher. VTS, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, has developed training software that accurately animates aircraft systems for typical general aviation airplanes. So far, the company's training software is available for the Cessna 172 ($99.95) and Piper Warrior ($99.95) and Seminole ($179.95). The software doesn't just show a system but helps the student understand how the system works with interactive features. Electrical systems are brought to colorful life so the student can see the precise flow through the system. A demonstration of how the VTS software works is available on the company's website (www.vtsweb.com). The carburetor demonstration is a good example of how modern computer technology can help students understand a system. The demo, which runs in Macromedia's Shockwave environment, includes throttle, mixture, and carb heat controls alongside a cutaway view of a carburetor with fuel and air running through the venturi. The user can move the controls and see what happens, for example, when the throttle is reduced to idle and the idle circuit delivers the only fuel to the engine. The mixture control accurately shows how the fuel flow drops to zero as the user moves the red knob to idle cut-off. A clever "carb ice" button, when clicked, inserts a load of ice into the venturi, which is then removed by application of carb heat. Tools like the VTS software would make learning much simpler and effective for both pilots and mechanics. Hopefully we'll see more tools like this in more and more classrooms. VTS, phone: 218-773-0662, www.vtsweb.com.

Get Organized with Durham's Storack

Storack is a new type of expandable/contractible high capacity bulk storage rack that has been introduced by The Durham Manufacturing Company.

Fifteen 3-shelf units and fifteen 4-shelf starter units are being offered. All feature heavy duty welded construction with 13 gauge upright beams and 14 gauge cross beams. The 3-shelf units are 84 inches high and the 4-shelf units 96 inches high. Each of the 30 units varies in depth, width and weight bearing capacity up to 9250 lbs. Add-on racks, available to increase storage capacity, are identical to starter racks except they have one upright support beam rather than two. Accessories including back-to-back ties and beam cross ties plus extra shelves and ribbed decking are options.

The rack can be quickly assembled without special tools. Automatic safety locks prevent beams from loosening or separating.

Two columns of keyhole slots are provided in the upright frames and permit the simple addition of add-on units. Floor plates are punched to allow anchoring to the floor.

Ideal installations include warehouses and distribution centers where the need for flexibility, wide span heavy load capacity and quick access to shelves is critical. Galvanized ribbed decking securely accommodates hand stacked bulk or boxed storage items.

Storack is finished in durable tan powder coat. The Durham Manufacturing Company, 800-243-3774, www.durhammfg.com.