Strix Systems, a worldwide leader in high-performance wireless mesh networking, and Dotworkz Systems announced the availability of the highest performance, Integrated Wireless Video Surveillance System (IWVS)—the industry's only integrated wireless mesh network system specifically designed for optimal high-quality delivery of IP video surveillance over wireless/WiFi mesh networks in a single easy to deploy packaged design. Strix Systems patented high performance hardware and software are integrated into the Dotworkz D2 unique vandal-tough weatherized enclosures for IP-enabled Intelligent Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras. The integration of Strix Access/One Edge capabilities give the IWVS the ability to achieve robust, continuous high throughput and low latency via Strix intelligent radio algorithms that dynamically adjust to the environment. Maximum power enables the greatest signal strength, receive sensitivity and optimal channel selection for the robust wireless connectivity and highest achievable throughput. www.strixsystems.com

Posted by djones at 11:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In response to a request by the National Mining Association, MSHA has extended until April 30, 2008, the period for comments on the advance draft of the updated “Engineering and Design Manual: Coal Refuse Disposal Facilities.” The advance draft can be accessed at www.msha.gov. The updated design manual is being prepared by MSHA and a team led by D’Appolonia Engineering. D’Appolonia developed the industry’s first design manual for coal refuse impoundments in 1972 for the MESA, the predecessor agency to MSHA, after the Buffalo Creek, W.Va., coal refuse dam failure that caused the deaths of 125 people.
The original manual is no longer in print. The updated manual will be greatly expanded and will address advances made in the past 30 years in dam safety and slurry impoundment design, construction, monitoring, inspection, and instrumentation. Specific design guidance has been added to the manual including engineering analysis for siting impoundments over or adjacent underground mines and consideration of earthquake impacts on refuse impoundment dam safety.

Posted by djones at 10:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Czech coal producer New World Resources N.V has announced that it has filed an application for a mining license in the Debiensko 1 area of southern Poland with the Polish Ministry of Environment. The application was made by NWR's wholly-owned Polish subsidiary, Karbonia PL Sp. z.o.o. NWR’s growth strategy includes actively pursuing opportunities in Poland and the wider Central European region to expand its reserve base and long-term production capabilities. With indicated resources in excess of 100 million metric tons (mt) of coal located in southern Poland near to NWR’s existing operations in the Czech Republic, Debiensko 1 also represents a key opportunity for NWR to leverage economies of scale from integration with its existing operations over time.

The license application follows extensive preparation of the mining plan as well as discussions with the relevant constituencies including mining authorities and local municipalities. NWR’s mining concept, which is fully consistent with the local zoning plans, was accepted by the Polish Ministry of Environment in September 2007 and the relevant regional authority, the office of the Katowice governor, approved the Environmental Impact Assessment earlier this year.

"The Debiensko 1 license application follows our signing last October of a Letter of Intent with Jastrzebska Spółka Weglowa S.A., Poland’s largest coking coal mining company, to cooperate on the potential development of mining operations in the Morcinek coal field in southern Poland," said Mike Salamon, chairman, NWR. NWR’s mining consultant for the Debiensko 1 project is John T. Boyd, which is exploring various shaft sinking and engineering approaches from around the world that could help to minimize the development time necessary to commence mining at Debiensko 1.

Posted by djones at 10:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) wants to remind the mining community to use the agency’s national hotline to report all mine accidents and workplace hazards. Through the “One Call Does It All” campaign, begun last summer, MSHA is distributing an array of stickers, magnets and business cards that display the toll-free number to miners and mine operators nationwide.

That number—800-746-1553—should be used to report hazardous conditions at a mine as well as imminent danger hazardous conditions, those which could cause a serious accident, injury or illness. The hotline also accepts calls to report the location of old mine maps, impoundments and abandoned mines.

"This 'One Call Does It All' phone number makes it easy to contact MSHA in the event of a mine emergency or potential mine hazard," said Richard E. Stickler, acting assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "We want to remind miners, also, of their right to confidentially and anonymously report to MSHA any uncorrected hazardous workplace conditions they may encounter. We can better prevent mining injuries and fatalities when hazards are quickly removed from the work environment."

The Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006 included a provision that requires all mine operators to notify MSHA of all accidents that pose a reasonable risk of death within 15 minutes of when the operator realizes an accident has occurred. Violators risk a civil penalty ranging from $5,000 to $60,000.

The new materials, which include a hard hat sticker, a business card, a telephone sticker and a magnet, all carry the one telephone number miners and mine operators need. The items are being distributed by federal inspectors during normal inspections.

Posted by djones at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Strix Systems, a worldwide leader in high-performance wireless mesh networking, and Dotworkz Systems announced the availability of the highest performance, Integrated Wireless Video Surveillance System (IWVS)—the industry’s only integrated wireless mesh network system specifically designed for optimal high-quality delivery of IP video surveillance over wireless/WiFi mesh networks in a single easy to deploy packaged design. Strix Systems patented high performance hardware and software are integrated into the Dotworkz D2 unique vandal-tough weatherized enclosures for IP-enabled Intelligent Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras. The integration of Strix Access/One Edge capabilities give the IWVS the ability to achieve robust, continuous high throughput and low latency via Strix intelligent radio algorithms that dynamically adjust to the environment. Maximum power enables the greatest signal strength, receive sensitivity and optimal channel selection for the robust wireless connectivity and highest achievable throughput. www.strixsystems.com

Posted by djones at 09:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The ARMOR line of fully-rugged computing products includes the Convertible Notebook and the Tablet PC. These computers offer data protection technology, “anywhere” connectivity and sunlight readable display options.

ARMOR mobile computers combine advanced computing and communications technology with MIL-STD-810F durability and exceptional service, which includes a three-year comprehensive warranty and a direct line to customer support. These computers use Intel processing technology and offer a full array of communications options, including integrated Wi-Fi, Ethernet and a PCMCIA slot. Weighing just 5.2 lb, including batteries, the tablets and convertible notebooks go anywhere in support of any operation requiring mobility.

The C12 Convertible Notebook features a rugged, die-cast magnesium alloy case. These units have been extensively tested for drop-shock, moisture, temperature extremes and resistance to dust and vibration, providing IP 54 level protection from damaging elements. The 12.1-inch outdoor-viewable touch-screen display quickly transforms from a tablet-style computer to a compact notebook with a full-size keyboard.
The X10 Tablet features a specially designed aluminum DuraCase chassis with ShutOut sealing technology that meets IP 66 level protection from dust, dirt, water and temperature extremes. In addition, the ARMOR X10 Tablet offers no-flap input connections and tool-free, hot-swappable battery access. Available in both touch screen and passive pen versions, the 10.4-inch LCD monitor uses backlight technology for enhanced indoor and outdoor viewability—even in direct sunlight. www.drsarmor.com

Posted by djones at 04:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)