MTTC Introduces Regional Manufacturers to Remarkable New Lubricant Additive
(11/1/99) MTTC has arranged for Muscle Products Inc., Butler, PA, to demonstrate
their wear-resisting lubricant products, designed for use in a wide variety of
applications, to regional manufacturers. Suggested uses for these anti-friction
based products include gears, piston, cutting tools, and sporting equipment. Tests
by independent laboratories have shown amazing reductions in wear.
A brief demonstration of these lubricant additive products will be conducted at the
November 9, 1999 meeting of the Louisville Chapter of the Society of Manufacturing
Engineers (SME). Mr. Randy Hill, Marketing Director for CJ Distributing of Burton,
MI, the regional distributor for the Muscle Products line, will speak and demonstrate how
these products can be used and the monetary benefits. 
Dayton Small Business Seminar a Success, MTTC Planning Similar Event for Louisville
(11/1/99) Representatives of MTTC attended a very successful seminar in Dayton, OH on
October 4, 1999 entitled, "Acquiring Innovative Technologies to Grow Your
Business: A Conference for Small Businesses." The seminar presented
information on innovative new technologies available from the Air Force Research
Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, assistance to small businesses available
for the State of Ohio, electronic business guidelines, sources of funding, and the basics
of business plans. Presenters included representatives of the Air Force, the State
of Ohio, and local universities. MTTC assessed topics that might be of interest to
small businesses and plans to offer a similar seminar at its conference center in
Louisville. Watch this website for details.
Navy Looking for Answers
(11/6/99) Our readers may be able to help the Navy solve an ongoing problem. Shipboard
watertight doors (WTD) have handles that, when not being used, are stowed in the vertical
direction. The handles are held there in place by spring metal clamps. Some of these WTDs
are operated hundreds of times a day. Unfortunately, the clamps being used can corrode,
lose their spring (which causes the handles to fall down and block the doorway) or simply
break off. The MTTC is looking for a replacement for these clips. They do not have to be
made of metal, but, if they are metal, they must be able to withstand the salt-water
environment. If you have a product or an idea that we could propose to the Navy, please
call or email Dick Gilbert at the numbers at the bottom of this page.
MTTC Fleet Maintenance Projects
(11/1/99) The Project Status is as follows:
Portable Chlorinator. The suitcase unit and chemicals have been delivered to the USS CARR
along with operating training. An 8-12 month testing program is underway.
Lynx Motor. The Lynx Motor shock test will
probably be delayed until mid-2000 when a hardened motor becomes available.
Heat Exchanger Descaler. Qualification of the onboard use of Safe-T-Seale
will eliminate the costly and time consuming need to remove heat exchangers for
shore-based cleaning. This project commenced in September 1999.
Watertight Door Hinge Replacement. Testing
of the new hinge assembly is almost complete. A number of concepts have successfully
endured over 1 million cycles. A winner will be selected in the near future.
Bilge Paint Qualification. MTTC has teamed with NAVSEA and the Fleet Commands to
test and qualify two epoxy paints for use in ship bilges. This Secretary of the Navy high
interest item will commence in December 1999 most likely on the USS PRINCETON
(CG-59). A savings of $6 million per year has been projected.
Topside Connector Corrosion Protection. Approved on January 13, 1999. MTTC will
qualify several re-enterable connector covers for shipboard use. The use of these
materials will minimize connector corrosion and result in greater electronic system
reliability and reduced maintenance. A detailed test plan has been approved and testing
will soon commence.
Fast Track. K-Flex E Co. MTTC will
evaluate a test section of this new material on USS Rushmore. A baseline assessment
was conducted prior to ship deployment in June 1999. When the Rushmore returns, the
installation will be re-evaluated. If approved, large savings in production costs
will be realized.
Fast Track. DDG-5 Class Intake Louvers.
MTTC coordinated a test coating on several louvers using a fluidized bed ponder
coats process. Within a month of the fleet request, the lovers were
coated and returned to the fleet for at-sea testing. The test set was installed on
the USS Cook in July 1999. To date, the results have been outstanding. NAVSEA and
COMNAVSURFLANT has already ordered the coating, 5 full ship sets.
Tri-Tec Actuator. The Navy is looking for remote
valve actuators that are mechanically and electronically compatible with current models
and are considerably more reliable and user friendly. This project will procure and
test a new model actuator onboard an Aircraft Carrier for at least six months. A
constract has been awareded to M. Rosenblatt, Inc. who will coordinate this effort.
Ecotherm Insulation. Another MTTC project,
K-Flex ECO is proposed to replace the existing Calcium Silicate in low temperature
applications (<250 deg F). The Navy desires to test another CaSi replacement,
Ecotherm, for high temperatured applications (250-1000 deg F). This project will
install test sections of Ecotherm on a fleet ship and conduct extended at-sea trials on
the USS RUSHMORE in early 2000.
