Work aids

Robotics The introduction of robotics has given a new dimension to packaging in that it is now possible to do repetitive tasks with speed and accuracy at notably lower cost than if done by people. The manufacture of robots is well established with corporations of substantial resources providing a quality product with continuity of service, supply, and software support. There is also a specialty industry which is available to supply both accessory hardware and software which are custom designed to handle specific user situations. Economic analysis needs to be done before making the decision as to whether to automate using robots, fixed automation, or the labor of people aided by work aids. 

A robot often can be economically justified when the task of doing a certain packaging operation is an yzed in detail. For example, the palletizing of the fiber drums can be accomplished by human labor but work aids would be necessaiy in order to have acceptable production rates, reasonable operator fatigue, and a safe working environment. When the work aids are considered and their cost determined, the additional cost for providing robot capability is often of a small magnitude, which justifies its use to replace human labor. 

Based in part on work aided by a grant (CA-07250) to the University of San Francisco from the National Cancer Institute, U.S. Public Health Service. We are greatly indebted to the scientific staff of Varian Associates, Palo Alto, for the 220 MHz proton magnetic resonance spectra, and... 

Automatic control systems neither replace nor relieve the operator of the responsibility for maintaining the facility. The operation of the control systems is periodically checked to verify proper operation. If a control system fails, the operator must be able to take over and control the process manually. In most cases, understanding how the control system works aids the operator in determining if the system is operating properly and which actions are required to maintain the system in a safe condition. 

Of special interest on multiple-spout conveyor-equipped fluidizers and on certain types of screw and belt filling machines is a combination operator s seat, bag rest, and tuck-in-sleeve work aid. This device places the operator in an optimum work position after filling, to allow easy and positive tucking of the sleeve. Extensive use of the polyethylene film internal sleeve, however, has reduced the significance of die tuck-in-sleeve feature. Several types of heat-sealable valve-bag sleeves are available, as is equipment for closing them automatically. These are used when even slight leakage of product from an internal sleeve bag is unacceptable. 

In Chapter 2 the structure and function of the acquired enamel pellicle are discussed. Recent work, aided by advances in analytical methodologies, has increased our understanding of pellicle formation and maturation, and how pellicle composition relates to saliva. The authors emphasize the important role played by pellicle in plaque attachment, tooth protection and stain formation. The authors also describe research on the potential effects that dentifrices can have on pellicle. 

Molecular properties may be defined as those material characteristics that theoretically can be measured for a small ensemble of individual molecules. Due to the minimal sample requirements, molecular properties are often determined at the earliest stages of drug development. Most of the molecular level techniques are spectroscopic in nature, but insofar as they are influenced by the physical state of the substance, substantial information of great use to formula-tors can be obtained from appropriately designed experiments. For example, a screening of stressed materials can be carried out on the microgram level using infrared microscopy, and the results of such work aid the preformulation characterization of a new chemical entity. 

Several distinctions are useful to clarify the terminology in this chapter. One distinction is between a task and a job. A task is a set of actions performed by a worker who transforms inputs into outputs through the use of tools, equipment, or work aids. The actions of the task may be physical, mental, or interpersonal. On the other hand, a job is an aggregation of tasks assigned to a worker (Gael 1983 U.S. Department of Labor 1972). When the same set of tasks is performed by more than one worker, those workers are said to have the same job. 

The transformation from one soap phase to another is critically dependent on the temperature, moisture content and composition. Physical work aids the transformation which if not applied results in the presence of mixed phases. Table 5.7 summarizes the main characteristics of the four important phases. 

Work aids are labour-saving devices used to simplify an operation, reduce handling, increase productivity, improve work quality and reduce operator fatigue. The work aids... 

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