Make Your Own Solar Cell

You can buy cheap solar cells from Radio Shack, but where's the fun in that? This oldie but goodie article from scitoys.com shows you how to make your own solar cells from cheap materials without using any special tools. They might not be quite as efficient as the ready-made units, but the completed product can generate up to 50 microamps in bright sunlight.

Are Manufacturing Jobs Moving?

Automation, not some foreign government, is the chief cause of manufacturing job losses worldwide. Or so claims this Control Design column. The author uses compelling facts and figures to show how automation destroys manufacturing jobs by increasing productivity. But according to this article, there's no need to worry because that process is a good thing. Increased productivity, it notes, boosts living standards across the globe. It also generates the capital needed to create other jobs.

Quick Connectors Speed Assembly Up by 90%

In assembling complex hydraulic manifolds, the process is slow and with threaded connectors there is the danger of incorrect torquing and hose twisting in assembly, which lead to failures. Now several manufacturers have come out with push-to-connect fittings that essentially snap into place in the correct orientation and are then secured with a nut or other fitting without the need for special tools.

Hydraulic TV

No, that headline doesn't refer to a new media technology that bypasses electronics. Rather, the National Fluid Power Association has available on its website (and for broadcast) the 30-minute program, "Fluid Power: A Force for Change." The presentation talks about the industry, its reliable technology, and its positive effects on society, as well as the promise for young engineers looking for challenging and socially-responsible careers.

"Any Fish Bites If You Got Good Bait"

So goes the song, "Fishing Blues." But now it's easier to load up on that bait thanks to the hydraulic-auger-driven Bait Blaster. Designed to ease the tasks of lobstermen, "It will bait a bag in three seconds and will bait bags as fast as you can get the bait into the hopper. You're not waiting on it, and it compacts the bait really tightly," says inventor Tom St. Claire.

Consumer Product Testing and Evaluation

CSA-OnSpex

CSA-OnSpeX offers leading-edge product performance testing and evaluation services for consumer products. CSA-OnSpeX understands product performance and quality driven customer satisfaction providing a full range of product verification, testing, evaluation, inspection, and advisory services specifically designed to help you accelerate supply chains, increase product sales, build customer satisfaction, and lower product return rates.

Name That Web Site?

Web domain designations have been tightly controlled by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann). Choices are limited to combinations such as .com, .org, and .uk — referring to specific types of organizations or countries of origin. A new Icann proposal essentially makes all letter combinations available. Supporters herald the move as opening up Web site naming. Opponents suggest it will confuse users and allow money to decide who gets a particular name.

Company Snoops After You Leave?

A great deal of press has been written lately about how little protection you have against your company monitoring your e-mails, Internet browsing, and so on. But can they continue to investigate your communications after you've left the company? And can they read what are considered private communications under the law, such as with between you and your lawyer? This The New York Times article explores a court case that examines this provocative question. The outcome will undoubtedly affect the balance between privacy and employer-monitoring for years.

A Clinical Lab Clinic

It's time to mingle and network with an international society of clinical laboratory professionals, research scientists and other individuals involved with clinical chemistry and similar disciplines. The 2008 AACC Annual Meeting allows you to develop a unique educational program, learn about the latest products for clinical scientists, and will house over 700 exhibitors from the industry. If you're a lab professional, enhance your career opportunities and knowledge by attending this expo.

New Laboratory Launched into Service

The opening of a new laboratory may not necessarily garner headlines in and of itself; unless that lab is opened in space. A Japanese laboratory known as Kibo, has recently been inaugurated on the International Space Station. The new lab will allow experimentation in fields of medicine, biology and biotechnology, material production, and communications. However, if you think your lab has issues, try imagining a day at work dealing with a faulty space toilet.

Wireless Sensors Illuminate Lamp Inspection

Often, the biggest problem implementing and maintaining sensor systems is the cabling from the sensor to the control system. Wireless sensors eliminate cabling issues as described in this Industrial Ethernet Book application note. A robotic vehicle lamp assembly system experienced frequent sensor cable breaks until installing a wireless sensor system.

Movie Mad Scientists

If you enjoy engineering, chances are you love science fiction and mad scientists. The Den of Geek Web site lists the top ten mad scientists in movies and television. Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and intrepid assistant Beaker from The Muppet Show lead the list of animated characters. Bruce Banner, aka The Hulk, is the requisite superhero. Other leading contenders are Dr. Strangelove, and Doc Brown from the Back to the Future movies.

Engineering Salaries Skyrocket

The world economy seems to have split into two areas. One area is the slumping financial and housing sector, and the second is the booming industrial and commodities sector. Evidence of strength in the industrial sector is seen in Control Design's annual salary survey. Average pay for a controls engineer is up more than 8%. For example, the average salary of a controls engineer is more than $83,500. The average electrical engineer now earns more than $87,000.