The Design Technology Blog

Category: Invention

  • Beretta A391 xtremaA2

    NEW BERETTA A391 XTREMA2
    Designed for the use of Super Magnum 12 ga. 3 ½ in. (89 mm) cartridges, but capable of functioning with lighter cartridges, the new Beretta A391 Xtrema2 gas operated semiautomatic is the ideal shotgun for long distance shooting and the most difficult game.

    MODERN DESIGN, ULTIMATE TECHNOLOGY
    Streamlined Shapes. The skilfully rounded receiver blends perfectly with the stock grip and it permits instinctive, rapid target acquisition. Impeccable balance makes this shotgun easy- and fast to handle. The strongly outlined sides of the receiver confer a distintinctive character to the gun.
    The slim fore-end and the stock boast a new ergonomic design that facilitates the ount of the shotgun. The accurate design of the trigger guard elegantly merges with the receiver.
    The enlarged opening of the trigger guard allows the use of gloves. The top of the receiver is designed to accept (with an optional Weaver base) optics and other aiming systems.

    Stock And Fore-End In Technopolymer.

    The stock and fore-end are produced in durable, resistant, fiberglass reinforced technopolymer that ensures anti-scratch properties and an improved feel in cold weather.Special extended soft plastic inserts are overmolded on the gripping areas of the stock and fore-end to guarantee a secure grip also in adverse weather conditions and to absorb vibrations when shooting.

    EXCLUSIVE AQUA TEK PROTECTION
    Aqua Technology is the name given to the exclusive special surface and protective treatments that are applied to the metal parts of the new Beretta A391 Xtrema2 shotgun.
    The steel barrel is chrome-plated inside to withstand the rigors of steel shot. The external surface of the barrel is first blued and then covered that an exclusive protective coating which remarkably increases its resistance to corrosion. The receiver is made of black anodized aluminum alloy and also boasts the same protective coating. All the internal parts are either nickel or chrome plated, or they are protected by a special process based on a ionic deposition which impregnates the surfaces with ceramic compounds and metals (e.g. Titanium, Chrome) guaranteeing a great resistance to wear and corrosion.

    This unique treatment, grey pearl in color, extends to the breech bolt group, the trigger and the carrier.
    The main internal springs (recoil spring, magazine tube spring, valve spring), the self-compensating valve and the rear drop/cast plate are made of stainless steel. The homogeneous matte black finish, which characterizes all the metal parts in view, boasts anti-glare properties.

    MINIMUM RECOIL, MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
    Gas Operation System with Exhaust Valve. The unique gas operation system, patented by Beretta, with self-cleaning gas cylinder and piston, is provided with a self cleaning exhaust valve that automatically vents the excess gases of the most powerful cartridges.The result is that the shotgun, without any adjustment, fires everything from the weakest 28g (1 ounce, 3 ¾ dram equivalent) game load to the heaviest 64g (2 ¼ ounce) Super Magnum cartridge. The exhaust valve remains attached to the barrel, ensuring easy and quick assembly and disassembly of the shotgun.

    New Kick Off® Recoil Absorber
    The new Beretta patented Kick Off system  has been conceived to further reduce felt recoil when shooting. Thanks to the Kick Off device, the recoil energy is gradually dissipated by two hydraulic absorbers  inserted into the stock. The result is superior comfort for the shooter. At the same time, the vibrations and the muzzle jump when shooting are strongly reduced.

    Recoil Reduction System. A spring-mass recoil-reduction system, located inside the stock, counteracts the rearward forces generated by shooting and greatly reduces felt recoil.
    Bolt Travel Recoil Absorber. Manufactured from an advanced elastomer, it reduces the vibrations transmitted to the shooter and contributes to the shotgun’s reliability and durability.

    Adjustable Length of Pull. Thanks to the two stock spacers (one assembled) the length of pull of the Xtrema2 Standard model can be adjusted to all shooters.

    Gel•Tek Recoil Pad. It reduces felt recoil and vibrations transmitted to the shooter and is interchangeable with extreme ease.

    Rotating Bolt. The rotating bolt with two locking lugs guarantees maximum safety and reliability even with the heaviest cartridges. The operating rods are integral to the bolt body, ensuring that it is guided symmetrically and with minimal friction. The disassembly and reassembly of this unit is also simplified.

    Optima-Bore Barrel.
    The Optima-Bore internal barrel profile features an overbored diameter and lengthened forcing cone that considerably improve shot pattern distribution and felt recoil reduction.

    Optimachoke Plus Choke Tubes.
    The Beretta Optimachoke ,Plus tubes feature a long, gradual constriction, internal profile formed to minimize shot deformation and to enhance the concentration and distribution of shot patterns. Engineered to resist steel shot stress and corrosion.

    RICH ACCESSORIES

    The Beretta A391 Xtrema2 shotgun is supplied with a modern design case and a complement of accessories: additional set of stock drop/cast plates, 25 ml. Beretta Gun Oil, set of Optimachoke Plus choke tubes with spanner, stock spacer with assembly screws , front and rear sling swivels.

    Stock Drop and Cast Spacers. They allow the stock drop and cast to be adjusted by simply
    modifying their assembly position.

    Quick Detachable Sling Swivels. Thanks to an exclusive quick-release system it is possible to fasten
    and remove the rear swivel from the stock without any tools.

    BIBLIOGRAPHY:

    1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beretta_Xtrema_2
    2. http://www.berettausa.com/products/a391-xtrema2/default.aspx
    3. http://www.e-gun.net/more.asp?gid=20484&gun=shotgun


  • Reebok ZigTech (Analysis)

    Haven’t you ever wanted to run longer but was too exhausted to continue? Maybe you were suffering muscle pains after a hard workout and was forced to skip the following day’s practice? Whatever the reason or excuse you might have came up with the new ZigTech shoes made by Reebok will make sure you will never miss a day or practice ever again. The new advanced technology put into the creation of these new series of shoes is revolutionary and one of a kind.

    Design and Unique Structure

    The shoe already stands out from the crowd due to the rarely shaped foam base

    Solely the design of the ZigTech is very attractive. Compared to other models of running shoes, it catches your eye due to a much different look and shape, rather than regular trainers that we have seen over and over again in the past years. The shoes are very light; no more than 12 ounces (340 grams) each. The true secret of the shoe is actually the zig-zag base from which the name of the shoe derives. The squiggly foam, according to many shaped to resemble a heartbeat monitor, is light and flexible which allows for great amortization and support. The shoes also have a distinct springiness which becomes more and more noticeable as the runner increases his speed. This is because each part of the foam acts independently, allowing for smooth absorption of the impact. In addition, the shoe uses a common Pump Technology that has been known for the past 20 years however its efficiency has been debated by many.

    Other than the advanced base, the shoe has all the characteristics and typical traits of athletic shoes. The toe box, heel cup and the footbed, as experts like to call them, are all areas of the shoe that the ZigTech shares with regular trainers. ZigTech comes in a variety of colors and models but thanks to the Reebok website it is possible to customize your own shoe according to preference.

    Reebok allows complete customization of your shoes

    Benefits behind the Technology

    Reebok’s newest technology implemented in the ZigTech training shoe gives a wide range of benefits to the user:

    1. Upon impact with a surface, energy is sent from heel to toe and up to the body allowing the return of some energy lost during the contact with the ground. Many people have stated that the with each step the shoe feels like it’s accelerating and propelling the user forward.

    2. The ZigTech reduces the tearing and wearing of important leg muscles by up to 20%, at the same time minimizing chances of damage or injury

    3. The stable heel and the soft base provide a strong frame that firmly fits your foot. The shoe is set to rap itself around the foot of the user, fitting it with great precision.

    4. Upon exercising, the flexible foam smoothly reacts with the ground. Each part bends independently to fit the irregularities in the surface, providing an even run.

    5. The shoes have been said to be very breathable which is quite  useful; the feet do not get as sweaty and the ZigTechs are much more comfortable. This trait can also prevent a variety of blisters or burns from forming on your feet, something that can really effect the running form of regular runners.

    The View of the Public

    Like in most cases, different people have different opinions and impressions about a product however the ZigTechs have received a large quantity of positive responses. Many athletes, performing a variety of sports ranging from American football to Formula 1 racing, have been endorsing this new shoe model. Among them has been Martin Fagan, an Irish Olympic Marathoner who has been using and adapting the ZigTechs to his daily workout routine. He pointed out the fact that the shoes allowed him to run longer distances and recover faster after a practice. He enjoyed them so much that he began even wearing them to the gym. Fagan said they feel so comfortable that his other shoes do not feel as good anymore.

    “It took no time at all to realize how soft and comfortable they were-that happened as soon as I put them on”, said Martin during his interview with one of the Runner’s World journalists.

    In general I think that the shoes are a fantastic invention that will greatly enhance and improve the efficiency of the workouts of different athletes. The ZigTech are a tremendous model of training shoes, but nothing more than that. I think in races, whether on low or high competitive levels, they would benefit the user in an unfair and unjust way. Shoes such as these should be used solely for the purpose of training for tournaments were only the skill and ability of the participant matter. Nevertheless, the ZigTechs are shoes that should definitely be checked out during the next visit to one of the Reebok or any other athletic store.

    Sources and More Information:

    http://theshoegame.com/articles/bill-mcinnis-creator-of-zigtech-interview.html

    http://solecollector.com/Sneakers/News/Available-Now-Reebok-ZigTech/

    Runner’s World Magazine November 2010 (US Edition)

    https://defynewyork.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/get-ziggy-with-it-the-reebok-zig-tech-2010/

    http://www.examiner.com/outdoor-recreation-gear-in-national/reebok-zigtech-review

    http://www.reebok.com/US/more/zigtech

    By Adam Dyk

    Class: Design Technology HL 1

    Teacher: Mr. Mark Trumpold

  • Treehugger

    In Treehugger’s own words …  “TreeHugger is the leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream. Partial to a modern aesthetic, we strive to be a one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information. We publish an up to the minute blog, weekly and daily newsletters, weekly radio interviews, and regularly updated Twitter and Facebook pages.”

    Treehugger is divided into three areas of  ‘getting informed’, ‘interact’ and ‘take action’ which include extensive sub – categories.

    http://www.treehugger.com/best-of-green/