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Selling electronic gadgets can be a tricky business, because the products tend to be both physically fragile and can be prone to malfunction. One way to protect yourself is by using disclaimers.

Article Ref: S01GDR

Customers could begin returning defective gadgets in large numbers – disclaimers can protect you from being liable for a replacement or refund.

You must also look at packaging and your transit company’s shipping warranties, as deficient products and services in this regard can lead to damaged goods reaching the customer.

Some issues that may require disclaimers include:

* Laws in different countries

* Electronic standards used in different countries,

* Different operational methods

* The difficulty of installation

* Potential health hazards

A Typical Disclaimer

Usually labelled as Terms & Conditions, Important Terms, Disclaimers, Warranty and Exchange Information, or something similar. It’s usual to use several disclaimers to cover as many of your requirements as possible:

* Condition of the item being sold. Condition of the packaging.

* Shipment restrictions – which countries will you ship to? Is there a shipping warranty?

* Recommendations for restrictions on the products use – not to be used around pets or by small children, for example.

* Accepted payment methods.

* Availability of refunds, exchanges and warranties.

* Legal restrictions on the products use.

Disclaimer Examples

The following are somewhat random examples of disclaimers, all taken from eBay. Obviously, you’ll have to tailor each disclaimer to each product and your own shipping/payment/warranty/restriction needs.

** GSM Cell phones:

Online electronics gadgets sellers often need to add disclaimer notices to their cell phones because not all GSM cell phone network uses the same frequency.

With the traditional 2G and 2.5G networks there were four main frequencies: 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz.

Phones that used 900MHz, and 1800MHz bands traditionally worked in most countries (with the exception of the US, North America and US territories) while 850MHz and 1900MHz phones traditionally worked in the US, North America and US territories.

The 3G system has further compounded matters by working on a different frequency and not being compatible with some phones being produced now.

A good disclaimer for GSM cell phones would read as follows:

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NOTE: This product is compatible with GSM at the frequencies of 900MHz, 1800MHz. This cellphone will not work in North America.

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** Radar Scanners:

While radar scanners are popular, it is illegal to buy, or use them.

This is largely because their main purpose is to identify speed cameras or police officers to avoid speeding tickets. This essentially explains both its illegality and its popularity.

To cover yourself include the following disclaimer:

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NOTE: Certain countries prevent the use and ownership of these devices. You are solely responsible for finding out whether this product is legal to import and/or use in your country. We will send you the products you order and cannot accept any liability for customs issues or any implications of your ownership or usage of this device.

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** Ni-Cad Batteries:

Ni-Cad batteries have a memory, as a result they work better and have a longer lifespan if they are charged a certain way when they are first used.

As a result this would be a good disclaimer:

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NOTE: Ni-Cad batteries give their best performance if fully un-charged and charged three times after purchase.

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** Cell Phone/Wi-Fi/radio signal blockers:

Like radar detectors these items are not exactly legal in all situations. However, this doesn’t stop them being popular to certain people.

This is a suitable disclaimer to use with blockers:

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These devices may not be permissible to import into certain countries due to licensing of broadcast signals or other restrictions. Please check your country’s telecommunications regulations before placing your order.

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** Thermometers:

You’re not a health professional. The chances are the people buying these electronic gadgets from you won’t be either.

This won’t stop them blaming you if a loved one became seriously ill if they were ‘misdiagnosed’ because of a reading from a thermometer they brought from you.

To cover yourself include the following disclaimer:

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Note: This device is meant for personal uses only, please refer to a physician or health professional.

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** Breathalyzers:

We all know why people buy breathalyzers. It’s for them to check whether or not they are able to drive home, or whether they will need to catch a cab.

As a result, if they fly too close to the wind and get caught they’re going to try to use YOUR device in their defense.

This is a suitable disclaimer to use in this case:

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Note: This is a reference tool only and can not be used as a legal defense.

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** GPS Devices:

The type of disclaimers you need on GPS devices depend on the type of devices you are carrying and the level of support you are willing to give to customers.

If you are dealing with GPS receivers for example and are sourcing from a factory which offers GPS ready devices that don’t come with the necessary maps then you will need to let customers know that they will need to supply their own maps.

It is worth noting that very few vendors from China actually supply the genuine GPS map software and it may be worth getting a test order of a GPS receiver sent to yourself to make sure you’re not selling GPS devices with software that is cracked or a sample.

To cover yourself include the following disclaimer:

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The unit includes evaluation GPS software only. We recommend purchasing a GPS software package from your home country that best covers your region of the world.

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** GPS Trackers

A number of problems can arise from the sale of GPS trackers. If the tracker is small they can be used for nefarious purposes (maliciously keeping track of family members and loved ones for example). A customer may also expect to see GPS software when none is included.

As a result, you may want to include one of the two disclaimers:

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This model does not come with any GPS navigation map software

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Seller takes no responsibility for harm resulting from misuse of this item

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**Heart Rate Monitors:

You’re not a health professional. The chances are the people buying these electronic gadgets from you won’t be either.

This won’t stop them blaming you if a loved one became seriously ill if they were ‘misdiagnosed’ because of a reading from a thermometer they brought from you.

To cover yourself include the following disclaimer:

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Note: This device is meant for personal uses only, please refer to a physician or health professional.

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** Car DVD Players:

If you have ever dealt with car stereos (or anything else to do with cars or electronics) you’ll know how complicated they can be.

You’ll also know that the average consumer loves to blame you for their goof-ups.

As a result it may be a good idea to include this disclaimer with any car DVD players you sell

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For optimum performance we recommend that you have this car DVD unit installed by a professional.

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** Spy Listening Devices:

While spy listening devices may seem cool it is illegal to use them in some locations and courts of law will not allow recordings from them to be used as evidence unless both parties taped have signed release forms.

To cover yourself include the following disclaimer:

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NOTE: Certain countries prevent the use and ownership of these devices. You are solely responsible for finding out whether this product is legal to import and/or use in your country. We will send you the products you order and cannot accept any liability for customs issues or any implications of your ownership or usage of this device.

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** Fish Finders:

Fish are notoriously difficult to find. Even with a fish finder. As a result you will need to protect yourself in case somebody they complain that they haven’t been able to spot any fish.

To cover yourself include the following disclaimer:

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Seller takes no responsibility for environmental factors which may inhibit the performance of this device.

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** Chargers:

Regardless of whether you are selling a back-up battery or a solar charger there are always issues surrounding the connection type the voltage and the specific capacity of devices it is compatible with.

As a result you will need to list all the relevant details that apply to the charger you are listing and include the following disclaimer:

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This charger is only compatible with devices with the specifications listed. Please pay careful attention to the listing.

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** Spy Cameras with Audio:

While surveillance cameras are perfectly legal and respected cameras with audio devices are not.

To be used in a court of law both parties taped have signed release forms.

To cover yourself include the following disclaimer:

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NOTE: Certain countries prevent the use of recorded audio footage to be used as evidence in legal cases. You are solely responsible for learning and adhering to the standards of your country when using this product.

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** Car Electronics:

Depending on the age of electronics used in the car a number of issues may arise.

Most of these issues surround the compatibility between the device you are listing and the car that the potential buyer wants to put them in to.

You may want to include the following disclaimer:

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This device is only compatible with devices with the specifications listed. Please pay careful attention to the listing.

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As I mentioned, these disclaimers are examples of what they should look like – you may want to write a disclaimer that suits your particular needs as a seller, taking into account the qualities of the product in question and both your location and the location of your customer.

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Source by Rose Li

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Vehicle History Overview

• They don’t make them like they used to.

The First Cars

• The first motor cars were nothing more than a buggy and engine (Generally repaired by blacksmiths and carpenters. These cars were very expensive, which only the wealthy could afford)
• Model T was the first car mass production on an assembly line in 1908 (Ford’s Vision was to produce an affordable car the average person could purchase)
• Model T’s came in black only to keep the costs down. (The price came down once the assembly line was streamlined, but in 1908, the cost for a Model T started at $825. By 1913 the cost of the car reduced to $550)

Cars in the 1960s

Cars were made the same basic way up through the 60s

• Body Over Frame
• Rear Wheel Drive (Same concept, but the cars were very big, bulky, and heavy)

Except people in the 60s wanted SPEED! They achieved this with Big Block Motors, which created a lot of Horsepower. (The Birth of Hotrods, Rat Fink, Flames, and Pin Striping).

Cars in the 1970s

• The government place strict fuel economy and emissions control laws
• Customers demanded cars with increased fuel economy
• New laws and customer demands started the automotive explosion of engineering ideas and changes in the automotive industry

Changes to comply with Demands and Laws

• Smaller bodied cars and smaller engines
• Aerodynamics (Increase Fuel Mileage)
• Lighter cars by using different materials and designs
• More work-hardened areas created during formation of panel (Body Lines)
• Safety

Construction of Interstate Highways + Higher Speed Limits + More High Performance Cars = Accidents and More

Deaths from Auto Accidents

Federal Laws were passed to regulate safety. These laws included:

• Installation of seatbelts
• Safety glass windshields
• Head restraints
• In 1979, the first driver side airbag was introduced
• Airbags are mandatory in motor cars produced after 1990
• Unibody Torque Boxes: Allow controlled twisting and crushing
• Crush Zones: Made to collapse during collision (To act as an absorber, absorbing the impact)

Modern Day Cars

• Carbon Fiber Parts
• Aluminum Parts
• More Plastic Parts
• High Strength Steel
• Boron Steel
• Unibody Construction
• Space Frame Construction
• Computer
• Hybrid Cars

Now they even have cars that will tell you when you’re lost, where to turn, Parallel Park for you.

Conclusion

While the modern day cars appear to be made cheap and unsafe, they are actually designed to crush or collapse, while transferring the energy around the stronger passenger compartment to protect the passengers from injury.

There is considerably more damage to modern day cars during a collision than the older vehicles, which gives the perception that “they don’t make them like they used to”. However, in reality the cars are taking the impact instead of the passengers.

The lesson was designed to give you a little history, but to also emphasize that just a hammer, dolly and a few wrenches are not going to repair today’s cars. We need highly trained collision repair and automotive technicians to repair today’s vehicles.

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Source by Donnie A Smith

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In our last post I explained how your insurance company would likely determine if your vehicle was a total loss from a covered accident. Understanding how your company makes this determination is important, however, understanding how they will value your car is even more important.

Once your car is determined to be a complete loss, the process that follows can be confusing. I wanted to provide some insight, from an insurer’s perspective, that can help you get through the total loss process should you ever find yourself in that situation.

It is important to remember that, if your car is deemed a total loss, your carrier has a duty and obligation to pay you the ACV (Actual Cash Value) or fair market value for your vehicle. Understanding that, we want to be sure you are armed with solid & reliable information in the unfortunate event you find yourself in this situation.

The Value or ACV process:

The ACV or Actual Cash Value of your vehicle is a term that is meant to demonstrate & prove what the fair market value of your vehicle is on the date of the accident. Your carrier will have your car inspected, noting all options & features as well as estimating the condition of the vehicle prior to the accident. Below is a short list of some of the main variables involved when determining the value of your car:

• Year, make & model
• Features or upgrades on the car from the manufacturer
• Is there aftermarket equipment on the car & if there is, does it add or detract from the market value
• Condition rating: estimate of the condition of the vehicle prior to the accident
• Mileage (this, as we all know, can have a substantial impact on value)

Your insurance carrier will then use a 3rd party, such as CCC, to secure a fair market value for your car. Here is a short list of things that a 3rd party will look at when estimating the value:

• All of the vehicle details noted above
• Your zip code, which tells them exactly where you live
• Comps: most insurance companies will require at least 2 solid comparative vehicles

Note that where you live is important as vehicles can have different values based on where you live as the market (where you are) is what dictates what cars like yours would sell for at the time of the accident. Also note that the comps are how a price or value is determined as it is meant to convey what a vehicle like yours, same make/model/year, condition and features, would be worth in it’s pre-accident condition.

One question or issue that does come up at times is “there aren’t any vehicles exactly like mine where I live, now what?” In this scenario, most of the time the insurance company will then look for a vehicle that is a year newer than yours with similar features & in similar condition. It is usually not permitted to use an older vehicle as a comp in this case.

What if I don’t agree with the value?

This is most often one of the biggest challenges when trying to settle a total loss claim: I don’t agree with the valuation that my adjuster provided to me. It is ok, though, this happens frequently and if armed with good, accurate information, you can navigate your way through this. Here is how:

• Request a copy of the valuation
• Review the details and ensure it represents your vehicle: options, mileage, condition, etc.
• If you feel the value is truly not accurate, do some research and find a few comps of your own, ensure they are accurate. Provide your supporting information to your carrier for consideration
• If they don’t move, advise you are formally disputing the valuation.
• Request that your insurance company issues payment for the “undisputed amount”
• Secure your own independent valuation, your insurance company will get one of their own
• The two of you will then come together and compare the valuations and reach a resolution

I know, you now have a few more questions, thought you might. Let’s address those:

1. What do you mean by “undisputed amount?” You don’t want your claim halted and, if you have rental coverage and are in a rental car, most insurance companies will only extend rental for a few days after they have made an offer to you to settle your total loss. The undisputed amount example: Valuation comes in at $20,000 but feel your car has a market value of $24,000 but are not disputing it is worth at least the $20,000. So, you accept the $20,000 but continue with the process. This will not prevent you from collecting more money should it be supported but it does get you something right now.
2. If you dispute the value and go down that path, you will have to, at your own cost, have an independent market valuation completed on your car. There are some great companies out there to help you, such as http://www.iada.org/.

I highly recommend that you work directly with your insurance company directly to resolve a dispute like this. Remember, this is a negotiation based on some subjective supporting evidence and some objective information as well, such as the make, model, year and features. The insurance carriers want to settle your claim and will, most of the time, be reasonable and work with you to settle your claim.

In addition, I strongly suggest you review your policy before going down the dispute path so you understand exactly what your policy states as it relates to this type of claim. All policies and companies have differences, some subtle and some not. Your policy will be the guiding rule over your claim so it is important to understand what it says and what your rights are.

You can also refer to your state’s Department of Insurance site to see if your state has specific rules and laws as it relates to the handling of a first party total loss claim.

So, in summary, hopefully now you have a better understanding of how a value is obtained, you also have an idea on what you can do if you happen to disagree with the value. Just remember to be sure you are able to support your dispute in value with solid information if you want your company to consider your position. And, recall, this IS a negotiation so be calm and deliberate with your argument and information. I can almost guarantee it will lead to a fair resolution of your total loss claim.

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Source by Marc R Berry

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What It Takes To Make a Diesel Run

There are only three things that are needed to make a diesel run;.

(1) Heat from compression,

(2) Fuel at the Right time and pressure.

(3) Sufficient crank shaft speed to provide the compression. The engine must also have sufficient air.

A diesel in the purist form is a very simple engine.

What makes a diesel hard to start?

• If the fuel is not injected into the cylinder at the correct time the engine will be very difficult to start. The fuel needs to be injected before the piston reaches top dead center to create a flame front in the cylinder. The timing is critical for correct engine operation.

• If the fuel injection pressure is not sufficient the engine will be hard to start. Injection pressure is difficult to test and usually manifest it self in hard starting, lack of power and sometimes smoke from unburned fuel.

• The engine must crank at sufficient speed to provide the necessary compression, heat in the cylinder to ignite the fuel. Many hard starting problems with diesel engines can be attributed to a poorly functioning starter.

How can I the do it yourselfer check some of these things?

If you own a diesel and are going to work on it, it might be worth while to invest in the tools to set the fuel injection timing. There are many methods of setting the timing of a diesel. Some older diesels use a drip tube. The V.W. diesels us a dial indicator for checking pump plunger travel on the IDI engines (Indirect Injection). Some of the Cummings diesels are timed in the same manner. Some of the new diesels are timed using a scan tool to inter face with the engine management computer.

If you are going to work on your diesel, buy a book, preferably the factory manual.

You can check to see if all fuel filters are clean.

You can check to see if your glow plugs are working. The best method that I have found to check glow plugs is to use a direct current (DC) amp clamp. This is a meter that clamps over a wire and read the amount of current flowing through it. Most glow plugs pull about 9 amps after the initial surge. You can get the correct figure from the manufactures technical data. DC amp clamps are a lot cheaper now than they were in the past. I bought the small hand held unit that our shop uses for Sears for under $50.00. If you use starting fluid in a diesel with glow plugs it nearly always burns out the glow plugs even if they are new ones.

The amp clamp that you bought to check your glow plugs is a good tool to check your starter. Measure the current draw of the starter and compare it to the manufacturers specifications. Any thing beyond these simple things will require specialized tools and knowledge.

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Source by Charles Evans

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The coconut shell is the strongest part of the coconut fruit. It is sandwiched between the flesh or meat of the coconut and coconut husk. The coconut meat inside will get easily damaged when the shell is broken. This is because the shell is the protective layer of the coconut.

It is considered as a God’s gift because you can use all its parts. There is absolutely no waste. While the tender coconut water is a health drink that is truly refreshing, the coconut meat is nutritious and tasty and can be used to make delicious curries. The coconut husk is used to make ropes, carpets, doormats, brushes, car seat covers, and bristles.

While the coconut meat is smooth and milky white, the husk is a fibrous material. It is rough and won’t get damaged easily if it gets into contact with water.

Similarly, the shell also has several amazing uses. We list out some of them.

Coconut shell handicrafts

It is used to make a number of handicraft items, which are in demand all over the world. Coconut shell creations have many takers since the shell is quite sturdy and eco-friendly. It’s handicraft industry is minting money in tropical countries, where tourism industry is thriving. It is ideal for handicrafts as they last long.

It’s used as a fuel

Apart from its decorative use, the charcoal we get when we burn shells is used as fuel. When compared to other charcoals the charcoal we obtain from coconut shell is considered far superior.

Industrial use

The charcoal is extensively used to make active carbon. Active carbon is charcoal that is treated with oxygen, and it is mostly used to get rid of dirt, and several industries use it for purification work. It is also used to brush and whiten teeth after mixing it with water. That is the reason why you see many leading toothpaste brands advertising their products as “charcoal-based”.

When compared to charcoals produced from other sources charcoal created from coconut shell is clean and is of high quality. As coconut trees grow abundantly in India as well as Sri Lanka various plants in these countries produce active carbon.

Beauty applications

Activated carbon produced using coconut shell charcoal has many industrial and beauty applications. Matured one’s are used to get high quality coconut charcoal.

The charcoal is used for barbecuing and grilling as it has a pleasant smell. The cosmetic industry mixes charcoal with thickening agents to produce various gels and creams for the skin.

Musical instruments & sound effects

Half coconut shells were used to make sound effects of a horse’s hoof beats in Hollywood films like the Holy Grail and Monty Python. The base of certain Chinese musical instruments like yea-hu and ban-hu is made using coconut shells.

Fashion accessories

The coconut shell can also be carved out to make fashion accessories like earrings, bangles, necklaces, pendants, and so on. These are also used to make buttons in Hawaii.

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Source by Amy Anderson Lee

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Car audio systems are becoming more and more popular as time passes, simply because technology has provided people with a way to listen to their music the car with tremendous power and quality. Most people will install a power amplifier into their subwoofer speaker system. However, if you are a bass freak who love superior sound quality, another good element to have is the pre-amplifier.

Many car owners are relying on a pre-amplifier to improve the quality and power boost of sound emanating from their car’s subwoofer speaker system. It is not always necessary but is becoming increasingly popular in car stereo systems. The pre-amplifier is great when you want to add a clearer bass that has a lower level of distortion.

What is a pre-amplifier and what does it do?

The pre-amplifier’s main function in the subwoofer speaker system is to prepare the power amplifier’s signal. There are various types of pre amps, such as USB, tube, and phono pre-amplifiers. However, the pre-amplifier you would use in your car’s subwoofer speaker system would be a stereo pre-amplifier.

The pre-amplifier is used to improve the overall quality of sound in a car’s audio system. A key thing to keep in mind is that the pre-amplifier supplies voltage only, not a current. The power amplifier is the component that provides the current, so therefore you cannot have one without the other. Think of it as a team where the pre-amplifier throws the ball to the power amplifier, and the power amplifier shoots the goal.

In your car’s stereo system the pre amp is the “middle man” for the audio input “stereo” and the power amplifier. When you turn your stereo on it sends an audio signal to your pre amplifier. The pre amplifier then takes that signal and levels it out if it is too low. It then sends the level signal to the power amplifier and the power amplifier will add the boost or power needed to get the best signal to your loud speakers.

Some stereo systems are coming equipped with both a pre-amplifier and a power amplifier integrated together. There is a debate on the quality of this method among serious audiophiles. It is safe to say if you have the power amplifier and the pre-amplifier in separate areas of your car audio system you will not have to make as many compromises on sound quality. The pre-amplifier in your car’s subwoofer speaker system will also be like a control panel. From here you can control connections, levels, volume, etc.

Pre-amplifiers are a great piece to have when installing a subwoofer speaker system into your car. They will add to the overall quality, power, and sound to your car’s audio system. Some people choose to leave out the pre-amplifier altogether, but if you want the best quality you will want to be sure to include it.

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Source by Jay Rivett

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Have you ever been in a motor vehicle accident? During the average lifetime, there is a strong likelihood that you or someone you know will experience an unfortunate event of this kind. Statistics show that during their life span one of every four people will be in a car crash. After a fender bender, whether you are the driver or a passenger, you may take a painkiller or two and perhaps do some physical therapy. Then, when you feel better, you may never think of it again. But what if symptoms linger? Or, worse yet, if you have no symptoms, can an accident come back to haunt you?

What Is “Whiplash”?

The non-medical term whiplash was first used in 1928. Although more accurate terms, such as acceleration flexion-extension neck injury or soft tissue cervical hyperextension injury have sometimes replaced it, “whiplash” continues to be used commonly for this kind of soft tissue neck injury. Whiplash injury specialist Dr. Arthur Croft estimates that as many as 3 million whiplash injuries occur every year in the United States, and that one of every three people will suffer from the condition.

Whiplash injury is a sudden strain or trauma affecting the bones, disks, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and tendons of the neck, a body area that involves seven vertebrae and is known as the cervical region. The damaging forward and backward or even sideways jolt of the head and neck are caused not only by automobile accidents, but also by contact sports, various amusement park rides, falls, and assaults. Statistically, motor vehicle collisions, contact sports, and amusement park rides are the top three causes.

Various symptoms are associated with whiplash injury, including, but not limited to, neck and back pain, nausea, numbness, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, vertigo (loss of balance), inflammation, hearing impairment, headaches, visual disturbances, fracture, and paralysis. Occasionally, no symptoms are present initially, only showing up days, weeks, or even years after the injury. The consequences of whiplash range from mild pain for a few days (the most common outcome) to severe disability caused by restricted movement of the head or of the cervical spine, sometimes with persistent pain. It is likely that 40% to 50% of people with whiplash injuries suffer permanent pain.

Treating the Injury

Following an accident, it is important to be checked immediately either at an emergency room or by your chiropractor. Provided no fracture has occurred, a chiropractor can do an examination that begins with obtaining a detailed history, followed by orthopedic and neurologic tests, a range of motion test, posture and palpation check, and X-rays to see the extent of damage or change in the spine. The neck should be perfectly straight on an X-ray, and your chiropractor will be able to identify any misalignment (subluxation). On a side view, the neck should show the arc of a circle. Loss of the cervical curve, which is common on physical impact, can cause any of the whiplash symptoms listed previously.

Treatment for whiplash includes passive and active exercises, gentle massage, chiropractic, therapeutic massage, spinal and extremity adjustments, as well as such therapies as traction to correct the spinal posture, electrical stimulation to relax the muscle spasms, stretching, and ice. Application of ice immediately after most whiplash injuries helps reduce inflammation and swelling. Each application should be maintained for 10 to 20 minutes every hour. After 24 hours, alternating between ice and heat is recommended, up to 20 minutes per treatment. The ice or ice pack should be wrapped in a towel before use. To sleep, the patient can roll a towel and place it underneath the neck while lying on his or her back so that the back of the skull is resting on the bed, a position that promotes healing of the injury.

Chiropractic Is Preferred

Many studies have shown chiropractic and acupuncture are more effective than medications for treatment of injuries sustained in car accidents. According to the Insurance Research Council, “nearly one third of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic.” This is an impressive number when you consider that the National Safety Council (NSC) has determined there are more than 12 million MVAs annually involving more than 20 million vehicles.

In a related study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers showed that “treatment of the facet joints [which link the bones in the spine] not only relieved severe neck pain, but also resolved the psychologic disturbances associated with car accidents.” According to another study published in Dr. Stephen Foreman and Dr. Arthur Croft’s book Whiplash Injuries: The Cervical Acceleration/Deceleration Syndrome, 3rd Edition (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001), a recent comparison of medicine, acupuncture, and chiropractic care in a randomized trial reported that “comparing medication (Celebrex, Vioxx, or paracetamol [acetaminophen]) to acupuncture and spinal manipulation over the course of 9 weeks in persons with chronic spinal pain (neck to low back pain included), the authors demonstrated a rather profound superiority in chiropractic spinal manipulation.”

Many people choose chiropractic care for treatment because of its advantage in improving soft tissue injuries (ie, ligaments, muscle, tissue), especially of the spine. As injuries associated with car accidents are most frequently sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and their associated ligaments, it is natural that chiropractic is the preferred treatment.

Preventing Further Injuries

Various proactive factors can help prevent whiplash injuries from occurring or worsening while driving. Besides the obvious steps to avoid distractions in the first place, such as not using a mobile phone either to call or text, wearing a full lap restraint is a must. Drivers and passengers should position their headrests in the middle of the back of the skull and try to keep the head on the headrest while the car is in motion. Looking straight ahead and frequently checking the rearview mirrors are also crucial for the driver.

Because some whiplash injuries result in effects that last for years, if an accident with cervical impact occurs, receiving immediate attention is essential. Seeking good medical and chiropractic care without delay can help prevent additional injuries from developing as well as preclude the need for surgery.

Dr. Chad Laurence is one of fewer than 400 doctors worldwide to be recognized as a distinguished fellow of Clinical Biomechanics of Posture. His practice focuses on structural correction of the spine, nutrition, massage therapy, acupuncture, family care, and pediatrics as well as support after personal injury and auto accidents. Dr. Laurence can help relieve symptoms for individuals suffering from a variety of physical problems, including neck and low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, extremity issues, and arthritis.

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Source by Dr. Chad Laurence

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Owner-manager conflict can result in loss of productivity, cause waste, and even make the firm go out of business. There are at least five sources of conflict that can arise between owners and managers

• Choice of Effort. Additional effort by managers generally increases the value of the firm, but since the managers expend the effort, additional effort reduces their utility.
• Perquisite Taking. It is in the interest of owners to pay sufficient salaries and bonuses to attract and retain competent mangers. However, owners do not want to overpay managers. In contrast, managers are likely to want not only higher salaries but also perquisites such as exclusive club memberships, lavish office furniture, luxurious automobiles, stimulating day care for children, and expensive French confections. Managers can be overpaid while the lower employees are underpaid thus resulting in a conflict between all involved which can cause loss of productivity and eventually even the result of the closing of the business.
• Differential risk exposure. Managers typically have substantial levels of human capital and personal wealth invested in the firm. This large investment can make managers appear excessively risk-averse from the standpoint of the owners, who (at least in a large public corporation) typically invest only a small fraction of their wealth in any one firm. Hence, managers might forgo projects that they anticipate would be profitable simply because they do not want to bear the risk that the project might fail and lead to a reduction in their compensation. Managers will look after their own interests even if it means a loss to the owners or shareholders.
• Differential horizons. Managers’ claims on the corporation generally are limited by their tenure with the firm. Therefore, managers have limited incentives to care about the cash flows that extend beyond their tenure. Owners, on the other hand, are interested in the value of the entire future stream of cash flows, since it determines the price at which they can sell their claims in the company. Again owners want their profits while managers only want to work and make enough to keep their pockets full.
• Over investment. Managers can be reluctant to reduce the size of the firm, even if it has exhausted available profitable investment projects; they prefer to empire-build. Also, managers often are understandably reluctant to lay off colleagues and friends in divisions that are no longer profitable. Managers who fire their colleagues bear personal costs (disutility), whereas shareholders receive most of the benefits. Some managers become friends with their employees and their families therefore causing problems when they have to lay them off or let them go due to the business slowing down. The managers would rather the owners or shareholders lose profits than to letting their friends lose their jobs.

One example would be a company that drilled water wells. The owners had built up the business to be an honest and reputable business but after they retired and hired a manager to run the business for them the manager had different ideas of how to run the business. They weren’t as honest as the owners were and treated employees dishonestly by cheating them out of their pay. This caused much conflict between the owners and the manager as the company was losing customers but the manager continued to pay himself big wages.

Another example is a used car lot in Dade City that the original owners sold cars in an honest and reputable way building the business up and when he hired a manager to take over the business the manager started selling cars that were breaking down within weeks after the customers drove them off the lot. The manager would not help the customers with the fixing the cars like the owner did if he sold a car that caused his customers problems. The manager was making the sales and showing profits to the owner therefore making bigger profits for himself but at the same time he was ruining the reputation of the car lot. There was conflict with the owner and manager since the owner wanted the business ran one way and the manager ran it a different way.

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Source by Nathan E Peterson

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Recently, I published an article on this site titled: What’s a 2/2 compressed air valve? Here, in the next installment in this series, is information on a slightly more complex air valve; the 3/2 style.

The first number in the 3/2 air valve, the three, refers to the number of “working” air ports that are found in the valve body. That is, the number of ports that supply air to the valve, and channel the compressed air to whatever it is that the valve is supposed to do.

Most 3/2 valves will have numbers or letters etched, cast or painted near each of their three “working” air ports. If there are numbers near the ports, the number 1 would be the supply port to bring the compressed air to that valve.

Port number 2 would be the working port from which air would flow to accomplish whatever task that you wanted that valve to do.

The third port in a 3/2 air valve is an “exhaust” port and if numbered, it could be a 3 or a 5. If the port designations in a 3/2 valve are letters, then port ‘A’ would be the supply port and port ‘B’ the working port, with the third port normally being an ‘E’.

As in the 2/2 valve there may be one or two additional ports in the ends of the 3/2 valve to allow an air signal line or lines to be connected. If this is the case, this 3/2 valve will either be single, or double air piloted.

The 2 in a 3/2 air valve indicates the number of positions that the internal valve mechanism has. In this case, two. When this valve is operated or actuated, it will either open or close and air will either flow to the application upon actuation, or it will be prevented from flowing.

Most 3/2 compressed air valves will be NC, or normally closed. When the valve is not actuated, it’s normal state is closed, and compressed air cannot pass through it.

If your application calls for air to flow through the valve when it’s not actuated, that the circuit needs air to be flowing through this valve when it is at rest, then a NO or normally open configured valve would be selected.

All 3/2 valves have actuators that will operate or ‘shift’ the air valve. An external button, or toggle, or perhaps a solenoid actuator would be the visible actuator. Inside, there will likely be an internal actuator – a spring – which will shift the valve to the off position when the external actuator is not being used.

If the external actuator is ‘detented’, then when the valve is operated, it will stay in it’s last selected position until an operator changes it. Detented means it will stay where it’s put! This is useful when an operator needs to actuate the valve, and then manually perform another operation while the air valve feeds air to the application.

Unlike it’s less complex 2/2 valve cousin, the 3/2 valve is used when a compressed air supply is needed to an application or device that uses compressed air to power it, yet in itself has no integral air pathway to atmosphere. Therefore, when the device has performed it’s function, and it’s time to ‘deflate’ it or to let the compressed air back out, the third port in the 3/2 valve comes into play.

When the compressed air supply through the valve is shut off internally, a pathway back through the valve to atmosphere will be opened, to allow the compressed air to escape. The air supply is shut, so the compressed air flowing to the valve cannot flow through it, and the compressed air that was formerly in the device or application can now bleed back down the air line through the valve to exhaust.

So, what type of devices are these?

Usually they are single acting type actuators. One comes to mind immediately; “Air springs”.

Both Firestone and Goodyear (among others) manufacture “air springs”. These are devices that look like tires, but rather than have an opening in the middle of the doughnut where the rim goes, they are closed on both sides with steel plates. In one side there will be an air port to which an air line from a 3/2 valve can be connected. These “air springs” are mounted on their sides, picture a tire lying flat after you’ve taken it off your car, and can generate huge actuation forces. Force equals pressure times area, and the “piston” size inside an air spring can be huge. The application of air springs mirrors that of typical air cylinders, yet offer large capacity at a fraction of the cost of an air cylinder of a necessary size to generate the same force as the air spring.

Another application for 3/2 valves is single acting air cylinders. Whether they are spring extend or spring retract, an air supply is required to operate the SA cylinder. A 3/2 valve is designed to do just that.

A couple of more points; the 3/2 valve can have the exhaust port plugged, and voila, you have a 2/2 valve.

If the cost of the valve is the same, you can use a 3/2 air valve anywhere you might use a 2/2 valve. Since 2/2 valves always have to have the “working port” ultimately plumbed to atmosphere, that there is an exhaust port in a 3/2 valve offers no obstacle to it’s use.

If you have a double acting air cylinder, and you don’t have a 4/2 or 5/2 (more on these valves next article) available, you can use two 3/2 valves to operate any cylinder that requires two supply lines in order for it to extend and retract.

At ABOUT-air-compressors.com my e-book entitled All About Air Valves – Volume One is now available. If you are interested in more information about air valves, do visit the site and download a copy. This first e-book is an introduction to air valves, and focuses on the 2/2 iteration. Future volumes will focus on 3/2 valves, and then the 4/2 & 5/2 configurations.

And as always, if you have any questions, please send me a message from the contact screen at my web site.

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Source by Bill Wade

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There are times when unforeseen circumstances may result in the need for an auto lease termination. Whether it’s because of relocation, job loss or financial hardship if you need to get out of your vehicle lease there are options for you.

Check your lease agreement to see if there are any restrictions on terminating your auto lease. Some lease companies will not allow you to terminate the lease in the first or last month of the lease contract.

Be sure you review all the lease termination options carefully as some are more costly then others.

1. Turn In The Lease Auto

You can simply return the lease vehicle to dealership before the lease expires. You are responsible for the remainder of the lease payments as well as any excess mileage or excess wear and tear of the vehicle. Since you are still on the hook for the remaining lease payments this may not be the best option for you if you are in a financial bind.

2. Repossess The Auto

In this situation you simply return the lease vehicle to the finance company and walk away without paying the remaining lease payments. This is not a good option as it maybe a short term solution to a financial situation but the end result is a damaged credit score. In the future you will be unable to obtain credit or will end up paying very high interest rates for credit products.

3. Auto Lease Buyout

If you have sufficient funds to purchase the vehicle, this maybe a good option for you. You will have the option to keep the vehicle or re-selling it. Depending on where you live sales taxes may need to be paid during the transaction.

4. Auto Lease Transfer

This is one of the most cost effective and popular ways of terminating an auto lease. Check your ease agreement to see if there are any restrictions on vehicle transfers. The process is quite simple. Find someone who is credit worthy and willing to takeover the lease. They pay a transfer fee and the lease vehicle is theirs.

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Source by Kevin D. Mathews