月: 2024年1月

What Is an Overall?

An overall is a type of garment that features a bib attached to the front of the pants, with the upper part of the bib connected to the back of the pants by two crossed suspenders.

Overalls used in fisheries, aquaculture, and marine sports are made of waterproof materials such as nylon or vinyl to prevent the body and clothing from getting wet due to splashes.

Aside from the upper bib, overalls leave the shoulders and back exposed. Therefore, selecting appropriate upper-body wear based on external temperature and water splash intensity is essential to maintain a comfortable working environment.

Items of clothing with a similar bib and suspender design, such as those made of denim, are also referred to as overalls. However, unlike their waterproof counterparts, these do not provide protection against water.

Uses of Overalls

Waterproof overalls are widely used in the fishing and aquaculture industries. On fishing boats, they protect against getting wet during net retrieval and fish handling. Overalls are utilized in various work environments such as fishing ports, aquaculture processing plants, wholesale fish markets, and retail fish stores, where there is potential for water exposure or clothes soiling during work.

In specific fishing activities like Ayu fishing, where individuals wade into rivers, overalls are essential. They also provide protection against water splashes on boats and ink stains during squid fishing.

In marine sports such as yacht and boat sailing, overalls are commonly worn to guard against splashes, especially during colder seasons.

What Is a Rubber Boat?

A rubber boat is a vessel with a tube-shaped hull, designed to navigate on water by injecting air or gas. It is also known as an inflatable boat, featuring easy storage and portability by deflating. Due to its buoyant hull, the rubber boat has minimal sinking in water and can navigate steadily with minimal force.

The sizes and shapes of rubber boats vary, ranging from single-person hand-rowed boats to larger ones equipped with outboard motors. For the use of powerboats, a driving license is not required if the length is less than 3 meters and the output is less than 2 horsepower.

Uses of Rubber Boat

Rubber boats, being compact and lightweight, have diverse applications. They are commonly used in leisure activities, disaster rescue operations, and are frequently stored on larger ships. The ease of storage and portability are significant reasons for their widespread use.

1. Leisure

Utilized for enjoyable activities such as fishing in seas or lakes and recreational boating like river rafting.

2. Disaster Rescue

Deployed during disasters like heavy rains or water-related accidents for rescue operations.

3. Transportation

Used as a means of transport in areas where medium or large ships cannot navigate, such as shallow waters.

4. Other

Deployed as a life raft during emergencies for evacuating from ships.

Principles of Rubber Boat

The rubber boat floats on the water’s surface due to the buoyancy generated underwater. The term “inflatable” in the rubber boat alternatively refers to the inflation of air, providing the buoyancy that keeps it afloat. Therefore, a rubber boat floats by the inflating air.

Types of Rubber Boat

Rubber boats come in two main types: powerboats equipped with outboard motors and rowboats propelled manually. While powerboats and rowboats have distinct features and uses, they share the versatility of being used in various situations. Moreover, their compact size allows for easy handling and storage.

1. Powerboats

Equipped with outboard motors, powerboats can be navigated using power, suitable for longer-range travel.

2. Rowboats

Rowboats are manually propelled using oars, making them lightweight and easy to operate, ideal for beginners.

How to Choose a Rubber Boat

Choosing the right rubber boat involves considering several factors, including durability, passenger capacity, and the ability to attach an outboard motor. Careful selection is crucial to avoid increased risks.

1. Durability

Durability is paramount for rubber boats, and it varies based on the material. Consider the usage location, as some may become unusable within a few years.

2. Passenger Capacity

Consider the designated passenger capacity, which is generally half of the stated capacity, accounting for gear and luggage.

3. Outboard Motor

Select a powerboat if planning to attach an outboard motor for motorized navigation.

4. Floor Type

There are broadly three types:

• Air Floor
  A type that inflates by pumping in air.
• Wood Floor/Aluminum Floor
  An assembly-type that allows stable navigation, either with a wooden or aluminum structure.
• Roll-up Floor
  An easy-to-assemble and dismantle type, recommended for beginners.

Structure of Rubber Boat

Rubber boats are made of two main materials: CSM and PVC, each influencing durability, weather resistance, and usable lifespan.

1. CSM

CSM offers superior durability and weather resistance, lasting around 10 to 15 years. It is not influenced by temperature changes and, while more expensive than PVC, has the advantage of being repairable.

2. PVC

PVC has a usable lifespan of 5 to 10 years but may become unusable sooner depending on the usage location. It exhibits temperature-related characteristics and is more affordable than CSM, offering sufficient performance.

Other Information on Rubber Boat

Considerations When Using Rubber Boats

Rubber boats can be easily maneuvered with minimal force but are susceptible to wind effects. Caution is necessary regarding wind direction and force during use.

Moreover, in rocky or shallow areas, there is a risk of damaging the rubber boat. Safety equipment such as life jackets should be provided to ensure safety.

What Is a Container Crane?

A container crane, also known as a gantry crane, is a crane used for loading and unloading containerized cargo. It is predominantly employed in ports for handling the loading and unloading of containers onto container ships. 

Container cranes typically consist of vertical legs, beams, girders, and an operator’s cabin. During container handling, the operator’s cabin moves horizontally along the gantry, facilitating the insertion of the container-dedicated lifting device into the container. Spaces for freight cars to stop are provided between the vertical legs to facilitate the swift loading of containers onto freight cars after transport.

Operating container cranes requires a national qualification known as the crane derrick operator license, which comes in three types: crane derrick operator (unrestricted), crane derrick operator (crane restricted), and crane derrick operator (floor-controlled crane restricted). The crane derrick operator (unrestricted) license authorizes the operation of all types of container cranes.

Uses of Container Cranes

Container cranes are primarily installed in ports where container ships dock. They are used for loading and unloading containers onto both container ships and freight cars. This operation involves a container-dedicated lifting device called a spreader, which is inserted into the corner gaps of the container.

While container cranes typically transport one container per operation, recent advancements have led to the introduction of cranes capable of transporting two containers simultaneously, enhancing transport efficiency.

Containers handled by container cranes adhere to standardized dimensions set by ISO, with standard sizes being 20 feet and 40 feet. Container cranes are designed to handle both sizes. Additionally, by altering the shape of the spreader, container cranes can transport bulk items or other heavy cargo, enabling them to move non-containerized heavy items between container ships and freight cars.

What Is an Airboat?

An airboat, also known as a propeller boat or fan boat, is a small watercraft characterized by a flat-bottomed design. It is a popular mode of transportation, especially for tourism and rescue purposes, particularly in countries such as the United States.

The primary propulsion for an airboat is a propeller, which is enclosed by a propeller guard. The propeller, driven by an engine similar to those found in automobiles, rotates to provide thrust, propelling the boat forward. One distinctive feature is the absence of a screw in the water, allowing the airboat to navigate on land depending on the engine’s output.

Uses of Airboat

The main applications of airboats are tourism and rescue. The propeller-driven thrust enables these boats to navigate areas inaccessible to regular boats, such as wetlands and debris-filled locations.

In the tourism sector, many airboat sightseeing tours are conducted, particularly in the wetlands of Florida and Everglades National Park in the southeastern United States.

During rescue operations, airboats played a crucial role in the extensive flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005. Airboats from across the United States were mobilized, rescuing approximately 3,000 people. In Japan, due to the similarity of the environment in flood-prone areas, similar to wetlands, there is an ongoing effort by authorities to introduce airboats for rescue purposes.

What Is an Outrigger Canoe?

An outrigger canoe is a watercraft characterized by a long, narrow hull with an outrigger, a float attached to either one side or both sides of the main canoe body to enhance stability.

Unlike typical single-person canoes, an outrigger canoe is designed for marine activities and can accommodate up to six people. Due to its substantial size and weight, as well as the need for a sizable group to paddle, outrigger canoeing is often considered a club sport.

For ancient communities, outrigger canoes served as essential means of transportation and fishing across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In contemporary times, the sport has evolved into a spiritual activity, emphasizing trust in fellow paddlers, reliance on natural forces, and a deep respect for nature, all achieved without any mechanical propulsion.

Uses of Outrigger Canoes

Historically, outrigger canoes were used for transportation and fishing. However, with technological advancements, their use has shifted predominantly towards sports and competitions, experiencing widespread popularity and development globally, especially in locations like Hawaii and Tahiti. The range of competitions is diverse, including 500-meter sprint races, endurance races exceeding 50 kilometers, and extensive races covering over 100 kilometers, involving traversing islands over multiple days.

Beyond competitions, outrigger canoes are also used for leisurely experiences through tours designed for families, couples, and friends. Numerous outrigger canoe schools and sports clubs offer classes to teach the art of outrigger canoeing.

What Is an ROV?

An ROV is an unmanned exploration device remotely operated by a surface operator through wired or wireless means.

Commonly referred to as ROV, it is also known as R-O-V, derived from the initials of Remotely Operated Vehicle.

Typically, a standard ROV is connected to the mother ship via primary and secondary cables, including launchers and other necessary equipment. It descends to the desired depth using winches, thrusters, and other equipment. The cables transmit power and commands from the mother ship to the exploration vehicle, relaying real-time images and information from the target location back to the ship.

Due to the diverse purposes and achievable depths depending on the exploration objectives, ROVs are used worldwide in various configurations tailored to specific needs.

Uses of ROVs

Originally developed in the 1960s in the United States for military purposes such as deep-sea mine clearance and rescue operations, ROVs have evolved to become integral in both military and civilian applications. They are widely used in the investigation and development of seabed gas fields and oil fields by private enterprises.

Depending on their intended purpose, ROVs can be equipped with a variety of tools, including sensors and devices to measure water quality and temperature, sonars for seafloor observation, and manipulators for simple tasks. Additionally, safety features such as halogen lights and radio relays are incorporated. In deep-sea exploration, ROVs operate in a buoyant state near the seabed, maintaining depth while conducting investigations. Upon completing the survey, they ascend to the sea surface, detaching thrusters or weights for buoyancy.

 

 

What Is an AUV?

An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), also referred to as unmanned underwater Vehicle (UUV), is a self-propelled underwater robot crucial as a platform for exploring areas inaccessible to humans during underwater exploration.

One of the major advantages of AUVs is their autonomy, operating without the need for human control or tether cables connecting humans to underwater robots. This eliminates the necessity for facilities such as control rooms or cable handling devices, resulting in minimal support equipment and, consequently, lower operational costs. The fully autonomous nature of AUVs allows them to operate independently of the range of human intervention, ensuring stable observations regardless of factors like water currents and waves.

Moreover, AUVs hold various promising prospects, such as operations without the need for support vessels and the efficient simultaneous operation of multiple AUVs.

Uses of AUVs

Currently, AUVs find applications primarily in relatively straightforward tasks, such as acoustically exploring terrain and conducting water quality surveys.

While the autonomy of AUVs is advantageous, the absence of human involvement poses a challenge in addressing issues or troubleshooting, requiring the robot to handle all problems independently. As a result, AUVs are mainly deployed for simpler tasks, given the difficulty of troubleshooting complex issues.

However, AUVs, with a broader operating range and lower costs compared to other underwater robots, excel in deep-sea exploration. The involvement of humans and tether cables is risky and challenging for underwater exploration in the deep sea when it comes to operating conventional underwater robots. The future holds expectations for the effectiveness of AUVs in applications such as the exploration of oil and gas, as well as offshore wind power facilities.

What Is a Bus?

A bus is a large vehicle capable of carrying a significant number of passengers simultaneously.

As a type of automobile, buses are primarily used for public transportation. They come in various types, ranging from those traversing city streets to those traveling between distant cities.

The person who drives a bus is called a bus driver, and to become one, one needs a regular driver’s license and a large-sized vehicle second-class license. Regarding bus usage, various types, such as city buses and long-distance buses traveling between cities, set fares.

On the other hand, school buses operated by schools or cram schools and shuttle buses from universities often do not set fares.

Uses of Buses

Buses are primarily used as a means of transportation for people. They serve various purposes, including commuting, going to school, shopping, and tourism.

Buses are also known as environmentally friendly vehicles because, compared to cars and motorcycles, they can accommodate a large number of people at once, reducing issues like traffic congestion and air pollution. While there are many classifications of buses based on their usage, the following are some representative types.

1. City Bus

City buses run within a city and are widely used by the public. They typically have short intervals between services, allowing passengers to board and alight at bus stops along the route.

2. Long-Distance Bus

Long-distance buses travel on expressways, providing convenient transportation between cities. They often have longer intervals between services, and seat reservations are commonly required. Large buses are typically used for this purpose.

3. Sightseeing Bus

Sightseeing buses are designed for touring specific tourist destinations, primarily used by sightseers. The routes are tailored to tourist attractions, and they may come with a guide. They are frequently used for school trips and events requiring the movement of a large number of people.

4. School Bus

Used for transporting students to and from schools, school buses often have dedicated bus stops. The size of the bus varies based on the number of students and the frequency of bus services.

Principles of Buses

Typically, buses burn fuels such as gasoline or diesel to generate energy, turn the engine using that energy, rotate the tires through the transmission, and propel the bus forward. However, in recent times, electric buses powered by stored electricity in batteries have become more prevalent.

Electric buses use stored electricity in batteries to turn the motor and move the tires. Since they do not use fuel, electric buses are environmentally friendly and quiet. Additionally, the driver can steer the bus to the left or right by manipulating the steering wheel.

Types of Buses

Buses are classified based on their size, and each type is explained below.

1. Large Bus

Large buses generally refer to buses with a seating capacity of 50 or more passengers. They are commonly used for school trips, tourism, events, and company training sessions, involving a large number of people or long distances.

2. Medium Bus

Medium buses generally refer to buses with a seating capacity of 30 to 40 passengers. Often used as chartered buses for small group tours, they are recommended for those who want to travel comfortably with fewer passengers.

3. Small Bus

Small buses generally refer to buses with a seating capacity of 15 to 20 passengers. Often used for small group tours or family events like weddings and funerals.

Other Information on Buses

Facilities on Buses

The facilities on buses vary depending on their purpose and performance. For instance, long-distance buses traveling on expressways may have spacious seats with reclining functions, toilets, and televisions.

Tourist buses designed for regular sightseeing tours may have a guide on board and large windows for better viewing. On the other hand, microbuses for transfers often have a small body for easy maneuvering and multiple doors for easy boarding and alighting.

Additionally, city buses often have a stop button. When pressed as the bus approaches the desired bus stop, a lamp indicating “Stop” lights up to notify the driver. This button is a system that has developed uniquely in Japan. City buses usually have a fare box for passengers to pay the fare directly to the driver, as well as a card reader for IC cards.

Furthermore, buses display destination signs and route numbers on the front and rear upper parts for easy identification by passengers.

 

 

What Is an Aerial Work Platform?

An aerial work platform, commonly known as a high-level work vehicle, refers to a construction vehicle equipped with a working platform at an elevated position.

Utilized as scaffolding for workers, it is defined by the following three points:

1. It has a working platform at an elevation of 2 meters or more, equipped with an ascending function and a traveling function.
2. Power is used for the ascent or descent of the working platform.
3. It is capable of traveling to any location during operation.

There are two types of high-level work vehicles: the boom-type structure with a crane-like boom and the vertical lift-type structure, where the ascent and descent of the working platform are purely vertical. The traveling mechanism is divided into truck-mounted, where the working platform is integrated into a truck, and self-propelled, where the lifting device itself has tires. The self-propelled type further includes two variations: tire-type and crawler-type.

Uses of Aerial Work Platforms

The primary application of aerial work platforms is for tasks at elevated heights. Common scenarios for the use of these platforms include maintenance of air conditioning systems, electrical facility installations, moving operations on high floors, and shipbuilding. When used for interior construction, indoor aerial work platforms are chosen.

The purpose of aerial work platforms is to provide a secure scaffolding for work, and the selection of the appropriate platform based on the work location is crucial. In places with poor footing, such as uneven terrain, crawler-type platforms are chosen. Battery-powered aerial work platforms also exist, offering superior noise levels compared to engine-driven ones, making them suitable for indoor use.

Moreover, to operate an aerial work platform, in addition to obtaining a driver’s license, participation in training based on the Occupational Safety and Health Act is required. The permissibility of use also depends on the classification of the driver’s license.

Structure of Aerial Work Platforms

The distinctive features of aerial work platforms include the power source and the working platform balancing device.

1. Power Source

When carrying workers, aerial work platforms typically have a secondary power source to prevent the entrapment of workers in the event of a power source failure.

2. Working Platform Balancing Device

The working platform balancing device automatically keeps the working platform horizontal regardless of the movement of the working equipment. Also known as the leveling device, it can be categorized into wire-type, sensor-type, and cylinder-type.

The wire-type maintains the balance of the working platform through wire tension. The sensor-type detects the boom elevation angle using sensors, allowing for electrical control. The cylinder-type operates the upper balancing cylinder connected to the hydraulic circuit when the elevation of the boom changes, causing oil to flow out from the lower balancing cylinder.

Types of Aerial Work Platforms

Aerial work platforms are classified based on structure and traveling mechanism. The structural types include boom-type and vertical lift-type, while the traveling mechanism includes truck-mounted and self-propelled.

1. Boom Type

Equipped with a crane-like boom, it has extendable, ascending, and swiveling capabilities. Workers can engage in tasks from a basket attached to the end of the boom. Some types have a wider and higher load-bearing platform than the basket and feature a mechanism where certain booms can bend. Aerial work platforms employing the boom type are truck-mounted or self-propelled and have a working platform height of 8 meters or more.

A category known as “Electrical and Communication Equipment Maintenance” exists within the boom type. Electrical and communication work is generally performed near live wires, and for the prevention of electric shock accidents, baskets and booms are made of insulating materials.

2. Vertical Lift Type

The platform ascends and descends vertically and is often used for self-propelled operations with working platform heights ranging from 2 to 10 meters. The vertical lift mechanism includes mast boom type and scissor type. The mast boom type has a vertical boom, while the scissor type uses crossed supporting legs to allow for vertical movement.

Some fire departments have rescue tower vehicles, which are vertical lift-type aerial work platforms converted from fire department vehicles. These vehicles are used for high-level rescues in locations where ladder trucks cannot be used.

3. Truck-Mounted Type

The mechanism for high-level work is integrated into a truck, allowing for legal road travel and rapid movement between bases.

4. Self-Propelled Type

There are two variations of self-propelled platforms: tire-type and crawler-type. The tire-type offers high lifting capacity and the ability to move in a working posture along a ship’s hull, and it can move within a facility. The crawler-type is capable of traveling in narrow and uneven places.

What Is a Carrier Car?

A carrier car, also known as a vehicle transporter, is a vehicle designed to transport various vehicles on its cargo bed.

It is also referred to as a vehicle transporter or car carrier. Many people have likely seen trucks carrying vehicles on the road, and most of these are carrier cars. True to its name, a carrier car is a vehicle designed to transport vehicles and must be equipped with facilities to securely fix the loaded vehicles. carrier cars play a vital role in transporting vehicles ranging from motorcycles, regular cars, and compact cars to 2-ton trucks.

Uses of Carrier Cars

Carrier cars are used to transport vehicles from automobile manufacturers’ factories and logistics centers to dealerships or export ports.

Carrier cars with added crane functions are also utilized in scenarios such as the recovery and processing of accident-damaged vehicles. Furthermore, they are useful for transporting vehicles with expired inspections, vehicles in violation of traffic laws, or those rendered inoperable for various reasons.

Principles of Carrier Cars

Carrier cars operate by using the power from the truck’s engine to activate the hydraulic system through a Power Take-Off (PTO). This hydraulic system moves the cargo bed, winch, or crane. During loading and unloading, hydraulic cylinders are activated through lever or remote-control operations to tilt or slide the cargo bed.

Structure of Carrier Cars

The basic structure of a carrier car consists of the vehicle’s body with an engine and driver’s seat, and the cargo bed for loading vehicles. There are several variations in the structure of the cargo bed.

Some carrier cars have inclines for loading, while others tilt the cargo bed by lifting the truck. Additionally, some have a sliding function for the cargo bed, and others are fitted with cranes or winches.

Types of Carrier Cars

There is a wide variety of carrier cars, ranging from those with a sliding mechanism for small trucks transporting a single vehicle to those with a capacity to carry up to eight vehicles when connected. Broadly speaking, there are three types of carrier cars.

1. Loader Type

The loader type is based on a 2-ton truck and can carry one vehicle. This is the most commonly used type and can be driven with a regular driver’s license.

2. Motorcycle Type

The motorcycle type can carry 2 to 5 vehicles, with a two-tiered system for loading on the top and bottom. It is widely used as it can transport multiple vehicles at once, but it requires a large vehicle license to operate.

3. Trailer Type

The trailer type is a large carrier car that is towed. It can carry up to six vehicles, and the trailer is also configured as a two-tiered system. In addition to a large license, a towing license is required to operate. However, as an exception, in Iwate, Miyagi, Shizuoka, Aichi, and Fukuoka prefectures, an application for a structural reform special zone has been made, allowing operation with a total length of 21 meters and a maximum loading capacity of eight vehicles.

How to Choose a Carrier Car

Choosing a carrier car is crucial, and it should be based on the primary use and the location where it will be frequently utilized. This is because the type of carrier car chosen can significantly impact the economic aspects.

Selecting a carrier car that aligns with the primary use and the location of use is essential for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Other Information on Carrier Cars

1. Advantages of Carrier Cars

While carrier cars have the advantage of transporting multiple vehicles simultaneously and reducing costs, there are also some disadvantages.

Carrier cars can significantly reduce costs by transporting multiple vehicles at once. Moreover, since they do not increase the mileage of the vehicles to be sold, the value of the transported vehicles does not decrease.

2. Disadvantages of Carrier Cars

Two-tiered carrier cars may encounter potential issues with road height restrictions. It is necessary to confirm the height restrictions on each road along the route to the destination in advance.