Gardening is a tool-intensive work that requires the usage of pertinent gardening hand tools. With the right tools for gardening, you can make even the most hard, back-breaking work simple and easy-to-do. So, pick from various types of garden tools and equipment based on your needs and purposes. Some of the useful lawn and garden tools you need to have are: Aerators:
You can use these garden hand tools during spring or fall to make holes in your lawn. When you aerate, the soil breaks up, and air, water, and nutrients enter the soil easily. If you have a small garden buy hand powered aerators, but for a large landscape you would need gas powered tools for gardening. Edgers:
A good-looking garden or lawn requires professional-looking edges at driveways and pathways. Use edgers to create that uniform look throughout the perimeter of your landscape. Shovels:
These lawn and garden tools are used to dig, move, and gather dirt, coal, gravel, soil, snow, and other trash. This multi-purpose tool is essential for all gardens, small or big. Pruners:
There are basically three types of pruners – bypass, anvil, and ratchet. All three styles serve different purposes. They can be used to prune trees and shrubs, cut away dead flowers and leaves, and trim hedges in your garden. Garden Tools and Equipment to Clear Snow: Tired of clearing the snow off your lawn? Get appropriate lawn and garden tools to clear the snow in your garden. Ice choppers or crappers, ice melters, snow pushers, snow rakes, and snow shovels are top picks you can go for. If you are loo3n on these garden tools and equipment to beautify and maintain your garden, visit Home Improvement Superstore. This web store has all kinds of quality tools for gardening at affordable prices. Spruce up the looks of your garden with these handy garden tools.
Archive for the ‘Tools and Equipment’ Category
Garden Hand Tools – Types and Uses
Friday, May 13th, 2011Repeatable Video Testing Tools for Equipment Manufacturers
Monday, February 28th, 2011This paper explores the challenges Video Equipment Manufacturers face when assessing video quality. Assessing video quality ultimately depends on the customer’s reaction on their new display (PC, POD, TV, etc.).
Over the next decade, it is expected that digital television penetration into the general television market will increase from less than 5% in 2003 to more than 50% by 2010.
Currently, the FCC requires that 50% of televisions 36 inches or larger have integrated digital capability by July 2005. By July 2007, the FCC will require that all new televisions 13 inches or larger must incorporate a digital tuner. Obviously the FCC’s ruling provides additional fuel for the growth of the DTV market.
So testing is increasing important. The test setup simply stated is
* Start with a known video sequence.
* New Video Processing system alters the video sequence.
* Decode the processed video sequence.
* Capture the processed video sequence.
* Display the original and processed video sequences.
* Bring in experts to subjectively vote.
Complexity arises as
* New Video Processing systems may need new equipment to playback the video sequences.
* The original and processed video sequences should be displayed in random orders.
* Expert viewers are expensive and do not produce repeatable results.
* Digital displays scale incoming video sequences based on their native resolution.
* Display manufactures want to check resolutions at 2x the video rate.
Previous Options
Each vendor builds unique test equipment to verify their new algorithms. So the first job is to debug the test equipment before it can be used to verify a new design. Debugging the test equipment can take as long if not longer than debugging the display equipment.
Easier Solution
To streamline the process, equipment for video quality testing needs to be defined, which can capture, play, and analyze any two video sequences. Further, as new input/output modules are continuously under development, the test equipment should use an open-architecture approach to ease upgradeability.
Video Clarity defined the ClearView product line with these objectives in mind.
* Capture video sequences in as many formats as possible.
* Convert all video sequences to user-selectable resolution.
* Translate all video sequences to uncompressed Y’CbCr 4:2:2 or RGB 4:4:4.
* Support 8 and 10-bit data paths with upgradeability to future 12-bit modes.
* Store the video sequences as frames (fields) so that they can be played at any rate.
* Display the video sequences in real time in multiple viewing modes.
* VTR controls – play, shuttle, jog, pause
* Integer-based zoom & pan.
* Apply objective metrics to the video sequences.
* Export pieces of video sequences to further analyze off-line.
* Use a standard operating system so that the operator can run 3rd party analysis applications.
By working in the uncompressed domain, any two video processing algorithms can be compared independent of compression or other processing.
To further simplify the work flow, any video sequence can be played; while capturing another video sequence, thus, combining the video server and capture device into one unit. By doing this, the original source is already inside the test equipment so captured content alignment is easily obtained.
The operator chooses the output video resolution and output rate independent of the input. Video sequences are cropped or centered with black borders to meet the desired resolution, and then played-out at rates up to 120Hz. The video sequence is sent to the display adapter or panel to test desired resolutions and frame rates.
Further the operator can play any stored video sequence, at any speed, for any duration either manually or using automated play lists.
The original and processed video sequences can be displayed – side-by-side, mirrored, or seamless split – on a single display. This eliminates the need to calibrate two separate displays.
ClearView applies various objective metrics to the video sequences, generates graphs, and calculates an objective score.
While development of additional objective algorithms is ongoing, we have built a hybrid system that takes into consideration subjective testing with objective measurements. ClearView can easily be programmed to display video sequences for the expert viewers; while recording the objective metric scores along with the MOS. While the MOS cannot be repeated, the objective metric can, easily and readily.
Since the system is based on an open, Windows-based architecture, any objective measurement algorithm can be modeled off-line using the stored video sequences.
Benefits
* Repeatable tests, quantitative results, and a streamlined setup.
* Analyze 2 video sequences in real-time up to 1080P.
* Input virtually any file type or capture from any digital or analog source.
* Multiple viewing modes are presented on a single display – no need to calibrate 2 separate Television displays to compare video sequences.
* Integrated uncompressed, high definition Video Server and Capture Device.
* Ability to Play 2 fully uncompressed, HD Streams in Real-Time.
* Hybrid Solution with Integrated Objective Metrics and Subjective Viewing Modes.
Case Examples
In all of the following examples, the tests can be performed using software mockups of the actual hardware unit. ClearView exports video sequences as files and accepts video files as inputs.
A Video Processing manufacturer needs to
* Source for their video processing or encoders in SDI, Component, or DVI.
* Capture the output of their unit.
* Capture the output of their unit after it has been decoded.
* Visually inspect the new algorithm compared to the original and/or previous algorithms.
* Generate a Score for repeatability.
A VOD Server manufacture needs to
* A way to bring in multiple file formats into their system through SDI or Component.
* Visually inspect the output of their VOD server compared to the original Source.
* Generate a Score for repeatability.
A Set-top Box (STB) or Decoder manufacture needs to
* Capture a “Golden” video stream or the results of one of their competitors.
* Capture the output of their unit.
* Visually inspect the “Golden” stream compared to their decoded stream.
* Generate a Score for pass/fail.
A Graphic or Display chip manufacture needs to
* Play out “Source” video sequences at various resolutions and rates to their graphic or display chip through DVI, HDMI, or VGA.
* Capture the output of their unit.
* Visually inspect the output of their algorithm compared to the original Source.
* Generate a Score for repeatability.
A Display manufacture needs to
* Play out “Source” video sequences at various resolutions and rates to test their display through DVI, HDMI, or VGA.
* Visually inspect the performance of their Display.
* Generate a count of dropped frames if any occurred.
Summary
ClearView takes advantage of the high-reliability of today’s off-the-shelf computer platforms. This ensures that products are made with state-of-the-art hardware, while at the same time avoiding the high cost of custom designs.
ClearView provides broadcasters, video researchers, compression developers with the unique ability to capture, play-out, and analyze video sequences. Objective measurements are generated and logged for repeatable tests.
Improve Efficiency of Industrial Tools And Equipments
Monday, January 24th, 2011Whenever there are tools there are always ways to maintain them as new for a longer time, there are ways to improve their efficiency and there are ways to make them as productive as possible. Thermal Flow Meters Are Parts Of Industrial Tools And Equipment 1. As industrial tools, the thermal flow meter will need special care to ensure that its operational functions remain accurate and up-to date. As any other industrial tool, if you find that your thermal flow meter is 3/4ths defective; do not bother to repair it. It is easer and better to replace it. 2. Make it a point to provide regular maintenance – “a stitch in time saves nine” is true and applicable to every situation. It is always easier to prevent something from happening, that repairing the damages done. Hence, maintenance of the thermal flow meter will go a long way to give you accurate readings, and help you assess correctly the situation. 3. Always use protective gear when working with industrial tools – whether you need a helmet, or gloves, or special light goggles, or a special outfit, take safety measures seriously. Do not tempt fate at any time. In case of accident, be aware where the local hospital and while maintaining clam send him to hospital. However, if you always had a thermal flow meter then you should know its uses. In case you do not, it is better to get someone who is familiar with it. 4. Whenever you need to remove or add screws to the thermal flow meter, be careful that you do it well. It is disastrous to spoil a pilot and then you can not put a foot on the bridge in many places. I will always remember the answer of my husband even today, after 21 years – ‘then we will put our foot elsewhere; but if you do not allow him to make his mistakes, he would not know ever that there is a bridge even!” 5. Whenever you use an instrument, use it correctly, as it is prescribed – do not cut corners when you are applying the rules. Not only you will risk personal injury, you will risk damaging the tool and may a great deal of other damages. These are like basic ground rules. They are here in context with the thermal flow meters; however, these are applicable to all the instruments under the same scheme. Hopefully, this article opens someone’s eyes.
Leading tool and equipment hire company, HSS Hire unveils its powerful online proposition, Livehire
Saturday, January 15th, 2011Dubbed â??the most powerful tool in the equipment hire industryâ?Â, LiveHire is a secure and personalised extranet that allows large customers to hire and offhire in real time, control entire registers of assets by site or by account and to change any or all of the details at the touch of a button. Users can also view and manage financial statements and KPI reports instantly, online and in real time. By providing such transparent access to, and immediate control of, all aspects of the entire hire portfolio, customers can optimise hire periods, streamline transaction costs and drive out inefficiencies.
Working together, e-inbusiness was tasked with the design and build of bespoke online management system that combined high levels of functionality along with advanced content management and customisable facilities to meet client and business needs. The development of LiveHire is the most significant incarnation to date of HSSâ??s commitment to bring the hire industry in line with modern business service practices. The system is being rolled out over the coming months, with additional statistical functionality to follow.
Built on the leading eibCommerce, combining Microsoft Commerce Server with best of breed technologies including Omniture web analytics & EPiServer advanced content management, the new site will seek to provide complete transparency and control of the whole hire process for its corporate accounts, whilst creating an exceptional, yet easy to use first class online experience .
The UK’s original tool and equipment hire company, HSS Hire has over 50 years experience and knowledge. With over two thousand staff dedicated to providing Hire, Sales and Service excellence, they have over 250 branches.
Steve Pape, IT Director, HSS Hire comments, â??e-inbusiness has been excellent and very thorough. They have delivered what we requested, whilst being very flexible to meet the changing requirements.â?Â
Nigel Corp, e-inbusiness Chief Operating Officer said: â??Itâ??s fantastic to see the HSS website go live. This is a very exciting development for HSS Hire and we are proud to work with such a professional team. Although a complex project to implement, we have delivered it to both the timescales and expectations set.â?Â
-ends-
For further information please contact Emma Gannon, Marketing Manager, e-inbusiness on 0845 863 0520 or email emma.gannon@e-inbusiness.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
Since its acquisition in 2007 by Welcom Software, e-inbusiness has seen significant growth and has made huge investments in the development of its eibCommerce platform which offers best of breed functionality with a proven fast track implementation approach.
About e?inbusiness:
Founded in 1999, multi-channel full service eCommerce agency e-inbusiness specialises in providing fully integrated, next generation eCommerce sites which combine high impact creative design with best of breed technology to build an effective online user experience.
e-inbusiness invests in strategic partnerships to provide a robust multi-channel eCommerce platform that supports Web2.0 technology. These partners include: Microsoft, Omniture, PayPal, EPiServer, QAS, Google, Scene 7 & Cheetahmail.
With a passion for brand and proven expertise in online marketing, e-inbusiness designs, builds & delivers integrated eMarketing strategies that maximise online revenue opportunities and deliver measurable results.ÂÂ
e?inbusiness has developed over 100 eCommerce sites with high profile clients including: Harrods, New Look, Rohan, Slaters, Farrow & Ball & the Jacques Vert Group. www.e-inbusiness.co.uk
Guidance for the prevention of dropped tools and items when working at height
Friday, November 5th, 2010Guidance for the prevention of dropped tools and items while working at heightFallen tools could cause harm to people, damage to machinery as well as generate costs associated with lost output time. Some typical examples of the effects associated with dropping an object shows the likely-hood of injury or even death from falling objects, relative to the mass and height from which a fall happensA bolt dropped from 23 metres is actually equivalent of being dropped from the 6th floor of a building. The actual velocity attained is 50mph / 80kph on impact. The bolt achieves a mass impact weight of 49.5kgs at this time, resulting in a fatal injury even though hit on the head whilst wearing a hard hat.A screw driver dropped from 14 metres is same as getting dropped from the 4th floor of a building. The velocity attained is 38mph / 61kph on impact. The screw driver achieves a mass impact weight of 73.5kgs at this point, causing a fatal injury even though struck on the head whilst wearing a hard hat.A claw hammer dropped from 6 metres is same as being dropped from the 2nd floor of a building. The speed attained is 24mph / 39kph on impact. The claw hammer achieves a mass impact weight of 117kgs at this time, resulting in a fatal injury even if struck on the head whilst wearing a hard hat.A sledge hammer dropped from 3 metres is equivalent of getting dropped from the 1st floor of a building. The velocity attained is 17mph / 27kph on impact. The sledge hammer achieves a mass impact weight of 147kgs at this point, resulting in a fatal injury even when struck on the head whilst wearing a hard hat.This is a guideline only and in fact even a light-weight item fallen from a considerable height may well turn out to be fatal.Prior to when Work StartsPrior to work being carried out there should be a risk assessment and a method statement which in turn details procedures, specifications for tools, equipment, systems and offers where necessary checklists.People today need to have Know-how, Awareness, Expertise, and also ComplianceDropped ToolsThere’s a serious possibility of fallen items while handling tools at height and a number of these kinds of incidents are becoming reported.Before beginning any type of activity, take into account the chance for dropped tools and objects:Recommendationso Any tools used at height need to be anchored against dropping.o Lanyards, tethers together with connectors must always always be used in between the various tools and belt or bag.o There must be a weakened link or safety provision in between the actual tool and tethering system on the belt or bag.o Wrist straps must only be worn if they offer protection against injury a result of de-gloving.o When there is a need for additional tools, a tool bag / belt with structural anchorage loops should be used.o If the method statement requires it, at all times log tools out and in in the tool register, to ensure that no tools have been left behind.o Put in position barriers below the job area and make sure the extent of the barrier area is appropriate for the work being carried out at height.o Make certain that any grating is safe and make full use of mats as well as short-term covers in places you have got the possibility of small items to fall through gaps.o Wherever a scaffolding platform must be used, make certain toe-boards are fitted.o Continue to know about other activities going on close to as well as under youDropped transportable equipmentA number of recorded occurrences relate to dropped radios, pagers, gas detectors as well as other mobile or portable equipment.Recommendationso All portable devices used at height needs to be secured against dropping.o Carrying pouches should be used for radios and all sorts of other mobile or portable equipment without any dedicated connection point.o The locks for the pouches will have to have a double securing mechanism to safeguard against accidental opening.o Belt clips which enable the radio to become detached when turned 180 degrees should not be used.The likelihood for fallen items during repair and installationWork at height is serious and is particularly shown in a significant amount of reported incidents.Recommendationso All repair along with maintenance work at height needs to be risk assessed.o All components, equipment as well as materials used at height must be anchored against dropping.o Small components should be kept in suitable storage containers or similar.o Once the tasks are finished, a final check needs to be completed, to make sure that no materials or equipment has been left at height.Always keep your worksite tidyRecommendationso Just before work begins, visually examine the work location for loose objects and also debris.Check the actual equipment and also structures within the work area to make certain that any type of fasteners, bolting, covers etc are properly secured.o Tools, equipment along with components must be secured in a secure location at the end of each shift.o Once the work is completed, one last check as well as inventory count must be completed to make sure that absolutely no tools, equipment or materials have been left behind at height.o The actual worksite must be left in a tidy and clean condition, and all tools, equipment and materials must be returned to their designated storage place.Additional ConsiderationsEven if you’re current job isn’t at height, think about the environment where you will carry out the task in addition to any other activities which may be taking place around you.Low-level applications include things like preventing tools from falling in to engines as well as gearboxes, food and pharmaceutical manufacturing lines, underground shafts etc.High-level applications can include construction sites, wind turbines, cranes, buildings, bridges, telecom masts, electric power lines, railway gantries, aircraft hangers, steel structures, buildings, Scaffolding, towers etc.Sectors in which control of tools is critical includesAirline Industries, Aerospace, Automotive, Civil Engineering, Construction, Demolition, Energy,Environment, Factory, Food, Inspection at height, Marine, Nuclear, Mechanical and Electrical,Military, Oil and Gas, Onshore and Offshore, Pharmaceutical, Plant and Machinery,Powered Access, Process and Chemical Plant, Rail, Roof and windows, Shipping, Steel, Telecommunication, Utilities, to identify merely a few.The Leading Edge Safety’s response to these pressing needsOne of the greatest issues working with tools at height applies to conduct, work procedures and inappropriate securing of tools and equipment.Leading Edge has produced a range of tool lanyards, tethers, bags and belts to offer satisfactory securing of tools and equipment while working at height.We have developed professional training courses for those working at height as well as now provide a tool tethering course.For additional guidance on dropped tool legislation and your legal responsibilites visit: http://www.toollanyardsbagsandbelts.com/legal-guidance/