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Monday, October 1, 2007

Back Shop: Tool Crib

Secure Your Aircraft with Battery Lock

You may recall the story of the 22-year-old charter pilot that stole a Citation VII from the ramp of a Florida airport and took it on an illegal joyride. Although there were many security lapses in the incident, there is a security device available that can ensure a jet isn’t similarly borrowed. The Battery Lock is a device that, when installed, will render the aircraft battery useless. It satisfies TSA’s security guidelines for GA airports and New Jersey’s requirements for a second aircraft lock. The Battery Lock is constructed of plastic polymer and seven pin, circular, hardened ball bearing lock. It can be installed and removed with one hand and can be installed on numerous aircraft types. D&K Group, 847-956-0160, www.dkgroup.com

IPLEX FX Videoscope System

Olympus introduced the latest generation of IPLEX videoscope systems, the IPLEX FX — a compact, full-featured video borescope, combining portability and military ruggedness with a complete set of advanced videoscope features. Tested to military standards, the IPLEX FX is lightweight and carried over the shoulder for easy access to even the most difficult inspection locations in the harshest of environments. The IPLEX FX is the first battery-operated system of its type in the world to be MIL-STD 810F compliant to withstand repetitive four-foot drop tests and resistance to rain, dust, sand and other environmental conditions. With a sealed, magnesium alloy chassis and protective rubber bumpers, the mechanically stronger design adds durability for lower frequency of repairs and lower cost of ownership. Olympus Industrial America, 866-642-4725, www.olympusindustrial.com

Ice*Meister Industrial Ice Detecting Sensor

New Avionics Corporation announces a revolutionary kind of ice detector for use in static-air applications. Proprietary new technology eliminates all moving parts, reducing cost, size and weight. Once "tuned" for the application at hand, Model 9734 operates as a digital ice/no-ice indicator. At maximum sensitivities, it detects the incipient formation of any kind of ice, and even senses the condensation from human breath. At minimum sensitivities, it distinguishes heavy ice from slightly heavier ice. It detects and "stretches" raindrops for efficient control of irrigation sprinklers, and it detects the point at which rain has turned to ice. It is ideal for use in hazardous, remote, unattended locations. It offers an optional de-ice heater for system reset. Model 9734 precipitation sensor system runs on about a watt from virtually any power source available, of any polarity — primary batteries, solar panels, six-volt motorcycle batteries, cell phone chargers, AC and DC alike. The three components of Ice*Meister Model 9734 are the sensor head, the cable and the interface board. Users provide raw input power and receive data output via indicator LEDs and isolating relay contacts — this helps avoid system ground loops. User interface board "tunes" sensor head to specific applications. New Avionics Corporation, 954-568-1991, www.info@NewAvionics.com

QuickView Measurement Capabilities Enhanced

QuickView, a pipeline zoom inspection camera offering distance-to-target measurement, now also measures pipe diameter and manhole depth with the push of a button. Users of the patented QuickView can now instantly know the size of the line they’re inspecting, as well as its distance below grade. These new features enhance QuickView’s data collection capabilities. The tool is available for rapid, affordable infrastructure survey. In pipe measurement mode, QuickView measures the diameter of any pipe whose end can be viewed within the camera’s field of view. An operator simply toggles to pipe measurement mode, aligns the measurement grid that appears onscreen, and presses "measure." The pipe diameter reading appears instantly onscreen. QuickView measures pipe diameters from 4"–12" (10–30 cm) in 2" (5 cm) increments. In manhole measurement mode, the procedure is much the same. QuickView measures manhole diameters from 12"–36" (30–92 cm) with ±5% accuracy, and measures manhole depth from 5’ to 40’ (1.5-12 m) with ±5% accuracy. Envirosight, 732-541-8471, www.envirosight.com

Ratcheting Hex Wrench Makes Tightening and Loosening Bolts Easier

Professional Tool Manufacturing, also known for the Drill Doctor, Darex and Work Sharp brands, has introduced a ratcheting hex key wrench for hobbyists and professionals who demand a multi-purpose, compact hand tool for a wide variety of applications. Incorporating nine of the most commonly used size hex keys (both standard and metric), the tool’s ratcheting handle makes tightening and loosening hex bolts easier than ever. The wrench’s ratcheting action powers through tasks fast and enables the user to get into those small spaces — perfect for working on projects such as engine repairs and household tasks. The tool has durable tempered steel construction, chrome vanadium steel keys hardened with black oxide coating and comfortable ratchet handle. Professional Tool Manufacturing, 800-597-6170, www.ratchetinghextool.com

NorthFlex NF11 Foamed PVC Palm-Coated Glove

NorthFlex NF11 by North Safety Products is the latest general purpose palm-coated work glove. A form fitting, seamless knit, red nylon shell coated with a flexible, black foamed PVC coating offers superior comfort, fit, dexterity, tactility, abrasion resistance and grip — even on wet surfaces. The NF11’s unique palm coating buffers the wearer’s hands from shock and vibration. North Safety Products, 888-422-3798, marketing@northsafety.com

Super-Powerful UV Lamps Reveal Microscopic Flaws

The MAXIMA ML-3500 Series ultraviolet lamps use micro discharge light (MDL) technology, plus a filter and bulb/reflector, to deliver up to 10 times the UV-A (365nm) output of conventional HID inspection lamps. With these lamps, NDT inspectors can see the smallest surface defects, hydrocarbon contamination and other flaws that escape less powerful lamps. The ML-3500S model features a spot bulb and has a nominal steady-state UV-A intensity of 50,000 µWcm² at 15 inches (38cm). The ML-3500D spot with diffusing filter has a nominal steady-state UV-A intensity of 14,000 µWcm² at 15 inches. The ML-3500FL features a flood bulb that delivers a nominal steady-state intensity of 4,500 µW/cm² at 15 inches. All bulbs feature a rated life of 2,000 hours. An instant on/off/restrike eliminates lamp warm-up and reduces inspection time. The lamps produce virtually zero emission of hazardous UV-B and emit minimum visible light. Spectronics Corporation, 800-274-8888, www.spectroline.com

New Oil Buddy is First Automatic On/Off Oil Spout

Refilling your oil and other fluids can be a messy proposition. The Oil Buddy II spill-proof oil spout will make life a lot easier — and neater. The spout is designed with a spring-loaded, automatic on/off valve and eliminates spills and extra cleaning. To use, simply insert the stem into the bottle or jug’s opening, press down and squeeze the bottle several times. When the bottle is pulled back, the valve automatically closes, preventing drips. It also enables you to stop pouring to check on the oil level. The spout is available in two colors so you can easily identify different fluids you need. Oil Buddy ll fits standard 4 to 6 quart containers and standard 4 liter/1 gallon anti-freeze coolant and windshield washer bottles. Masterlink Marketing, 800/667-4954, www.seatbeltadjuster.com

Victor Introduces Four New Torches to Bulldog Series

Victor announced four new additions to its popular Bulldog torch series. Three of the additions are extra length torches, 36", 48", 72" with 180-degree head angle. The fourth is a 36" torch with a 75-degree head angle that houses a Harris seat design that will accept the Harris style tips. All Bulldog torches are high flow capacity yet light for easy continuous use, but rugged to serve the scrap, demolition and construction trades. All of the four new torches are designed for use with alternative fuel gases; not acetylene, hydrogen or gasoline. Thermadyne Industries, www.thermadyne.com