Traction Drive Technology

Throughout modern industrial times gear systems and belt systems have been the norm in the main stream thinking for power transmission. However, a different type of system, traction drives, have been around for many years and offer significant improvements in efficiency, noise/vibration and simplicity. Traction drives were first invented in the 1800s, but their benefit could not be realized until today when advancements in manufacturing, materials and fluids made it possible.

How Electronic Components Work

Electronic gadgets have become an integral part of our lives. They have made our lives more comfortable and convenient. From aviation to medical and healthcare industries, electronic gadgets have a wide range of applications in the modern world. In fact, the electronics revolution and the computer revolution go hand in hand.

Most gadgets have tiny electronic circuits that can control machines and process information. Simply put, electronic circuits are the lifelines of various electrical appliances. This guide explains in detail about common electronic components used in electronic circuits and how they work.

In this article I will provide an overview on electronic circuits.  Then I will provide more information on 7 different types of components.  For each type I'll discuss the composition, how it works, and the function & significance of the component.

1. Capacitor
2. Resistor
3. Diode
4. Transistor
5. Inductor
6. Relay
7. Quartz Crystal

[Video] Deflategate -How Temperature Can Influence Pressure in a Football

As an engineer I was intrigued by the #deflategate controversy and theories surrounding the New England Patriots. Again, as an engineer I like to test theories against real-world conditions. Basically I wanted to find out whether or not temperature can actually influence the pressure (measured in psi) of an official NFL football enough to account for what was seen during that infamous Patriots Colts playoff game - so I set up the following test:

The Test

I placed two official NFL footballs in our calibrated thermal chamber and let the footballs reach equilibrium at 24 C (75F) - the approximate temperature when the NFL officials tested the pressure of the Pats' balls.

[Video] Deflategate -How Temperature Can Influence Pressure in a Football

As an engineer I was intrigued by the #deflategate controversy and theories surrounding the New England Patriots. Again, as an engineer I like to test theories against real-world conditions. Basically I wanted to find out whether or not temperature can actually influence the pressure (measured in psi) of an official NFL football enough to account for what was seen during that infamous Patriots Colts playoff game - so I set up the following test:

The Test

I placed two official NFL footballs in our calibrated thermal chamber and let the footballs reach equilibrium at 24 C (75F) - the approximate temperature when the NFL officials tested the pressure of the Pats' balls.

How SBIR Grants can Help (or Hurt) your Small Business

Government funding is a great way to help advance your small business's technology. One of the most popular government funding avenues is the Small Business Innovative Research or SBIR program.

Our company, Mide Technology, has a long history of proposing to and winning SBIR research grants to develop and commercialize innovative technology. We've seen the benefits of securing funding through this program... but we've also experienced the challenges.

In this blog I'll provide information about the SBIR program, to those who may be unfamiliar, and some insights into what we've learned over the years. These lessons will help you in your quest to carry out your innovative research that aligns best with your small business company goals.

How SBIR Grants can Help (or Hurt) your Small Business

Government funding is a great way to help advance your small business's technology. One of the most popular government funding avenues is the Small Business Innovative Research or SBIR program.

Our company, Mide Technology, has a long history of proposing to and winning SBIR research grants to develop and commercialize innovative technology. We've seen the benefits of securing funding through this program... but we've also experienced the challenges.

In this blog I'll provide information about the SBIR program, to those who may be unfamiliar, and some insights into what we've learned over the years. These lessons will help you in your quest to carry out your innovative research that aligns best with your small business company goals.

Patent Strategizing: The First Steps

Mide works a lot with our patent lawyer Kirk Teska as we look to protect our intellectual property that emerges from one of our many research, development, and engineering programs. I've personally worked with him on a few patent applications and can attest that he knows his stuff!  

Kirk has kindly agreed to share this article he recently wrote where he discusses how one should go about patent strategizing to save time and potentially money. Hopefully, his insight can be of some help as you look to protect the exciting intellectual property you've developed!

Patents are important but expensive – one survey reveals a single patent application can cost around $10,000. Getting the patent to issue can cost twice that.  And so, clients regularly seek new strategies to lower patent legal costs. Here is one we at ITC call Claim Focused Strategizing.