Another project - Side Projects¶

The Dean of Academic Affairs, made a special request that I work with Ozarks Medical Center to help them during this crisis.
The information located at Coronavirus Tracking, provided access to the video for the 3/17/20 meeting. I listened to the meeting and learned about the process of discovering the needs for a new project.
Additionally, there is information about face shields, face masks, and precautions to follow during this crisis. I looked into the “Hack The Pandemic N95 masks, Copper3D, Chile” entry and found the NanoHack STL digital files. Since the 3D printing is time intensive, I wanted to explore a faster option through laser cutting Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, or PETE). Using laser compatible transparency material, I thought a multi-layer PET tool with N95-like filter media formed around the tool with the tool left in the form.
Imported the STL file into Sketchup and exported a jpg file of the tool.

I was contacted by OMC and we discussed options and decided their greatest need is a supply of N95 face masks.
Using the jpg image, I printed the image on thick paper to make a paper prototype.

The fit was too small, but a good size for children. So I increased the size by 125%, printed, cutout, and tried it on. Good fit!

Due to the failure of the 3D printer print head, this direction spiraled into the use of the laser cutter.

Explored the possibilities of making this with the laser cutter using carboard and printer paper.

I had the assistance of my colleague and friend Larry Noller, a Master Machinist, in post processing and gluing. Our GOCAT administrative team delivered them to the local hospital for use.

Another Plan¶

Introduction: Over the past several years, I have been trapping rats on my property; they are a serious problem! During 2022, I caught over 220 rats. During 2021, I used Rat Bait/Poison to try and eliminate the problem; they quickly devoured two large bags, so I resorted to trapping them. As I said, the following year I caught over 220. That is 4 to 5 rats per week…I’m not exaggerating! I caught two and sometimes 3 per night. That took a lot of my time…maybe one of the reasons I have taken so long to finish Fab Academy :)
Concept: My trapping has been manual using rat traps. They work great, but the rats have learned to stay away from them due to the snapping action. After reducing the population dramatically, I noticed one male that figured out how to watch the others and get the bait after their demise. I think he has made a whole smart generation capable of avoiding traps. I need a better rat trap. BTW, my wife recommended this during my last couple of cycles in Fab Academy :))
Solution: Several vendors have offered an electronic rodent trap. My brother mentioned them to me, so I did the research. I decided on Victor’s version since they have been around as long as I can remember. But I needed a way to empty them without the daily task to do so. This is my sketch of the idea I had in mind:

This is the Victor trap and the relative size:

Inspiration: YouTube’s @thang010146 provided a concept of a flipping mechanism to empty the trap. This is similar to what I had in mind, but @thang010146 has already done the research. I hope this makes a better rat trap: