Audio Visual Systems
In recent years, audio-visual (AV) systems have become increasingly sophisticated, often connecting network, electrical, HVAC, and building automation and energy conservation systems within buildings. While they help to simplify our everyday lives, the systems themselves are quite complex, warranting a thoughtful and well-organized approach to implementation. A successful AV system installation depends on the careful coordination of resources, design, construction, and integration processes, as well as of the design and installation project teams.
InfoComm International, an ANSI accredited standards developer and organizational member, recently published an American National Standard (ANS) outlining the methods, procedures, tasks, and deliverables typically recommended or applied by professionals in AV systems design and integration projects.
ANSI/InfoComm 2M-2010, Standard Guide for Audiovisual Systems Design and Coordination Processes, provides a practical guideline for defining AV system requirements, and offers a clear accountability structure for the development and execution of the system design components. Outlining a consistent set of tasks, responsibilities, and deliverables, the standard provides a reference for the project team to follow from the initial design phase through project completion.
InfoComm is an international non-profit organization working to promote the AV industry through the dissemination of industry statistics and information to its members, the public, state legislatures, and Congress. Through tradeshows, education, certification, government relations, outreach, and information services, InfoComm promotes the industry and enhances members' ability to conduct business successfully and competently.
Lawn and Garden Tractors
As the summer season approaches, many homeowners are considering the care of their lawn and the tools and equipment needed to make their grass grow green and lush. Common in many garages and on farms of all sizes are riding lawn mowers or other ride-on lawn and garden tractors. Many of these are equipped with a power take-off (PTO) shaft that can be used to provide power to an attachment or separate machine. The PTO mechanism is designed to be easily connected and disconnected, and allows implements to draw energy from the tractor's engine.
The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) recently published ANSI/ASAE S370.5 FEB2011, 2000-RPM Power Take-Off for Lawn and Garden Ride-On Tractors. The standard establishes specifications for 2,000-rpm PTO-driven machines to be operated with lawn and garden ride-on tractors equipped with an equivalent size 2,000-rpm power take-off drive. This ANS was revised following the regular five-year periodic review of the document, during which an outdated reference was identified and removed.
An ANSI accredited standards developer and organizational member, ASABE is an educational and scientific membership organization of agricultural, food, and biological engineers seeking to develop efficient and environmentally sensitive methods of producing food, fiber, timber, and renewable energy sources.