#Nitrous Outlet

[dancefloorpolitics]

TikTok ruined snowstrippers & brat

All of our posts are on a mood board in some corporate art directors office as we speak

Every photographer on ig thinks they’re Indiana420 or lengua

Kanye is on the nitrous

And so I’m back on tumblr because this is the only outlet I have other than screaming on the sidewalk that doesn’t make me want to light myself on fire!

[pattonsmedical-blog]

OVERVIEW OF MEDICAL GAS ALARMS AND ZONE VALVE BOX PLACEMENT

Medical gas alarms and zone valve boxes are essential components in any healthcare facility that uses medical gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and nitrous oxide. These gases are critical to patient care, but they can also pose serious safety risks if not properly monitored and controlled.

Medical gas alarms are designed to alert healthcare staff to potential leaks or other issues with the gas delivery system. These alarms can detect low oxygen levels, high levels of other gases, and pressure drops in the system. They provide an audible and visual warning to staff, allowing them to take action quickly to address the problem.

Zone valve boxes are another important component in medical gas systems. They are used to control the flow of gases to specific areas of the facility, such as operating rooms, patient rooms, and laboratories. Each zone valve box is connected to a specific area and can be closed off in the event of a leak or other issue. This helps to contain any potential hazards and prevent them from spreading throughout the facility.

Pattons Medical is committed to providing the best medical and laboratory gas solutions in the market. Our products meet and exceed NFPA 99 and CSA Standards and are UL approved.

Arrangement of Pipeline Components

VALVES Source valves are required at the source equipment to isolate the system from the rest of the hospital. Mainline valves are required on the top line if the source equipment is located outside the facility. This would be placed on the line as it immediately enters the building. Riser valves are required on the riser adjacent to the main line in service, or floor valves are required off the branch of the riser.

ZONE VALVE BOXES A zone valve is a shutoff valve for the zone or area it serves, with its fundamental purpose being fire control. All medical gas outlets must be covered by a zone valve box on the same floor they serve. A zone valve box should not be located in a room with the outlet it controls, and a wall should intervene between the zone valve box and the outlets it controls. If you’re standing at a zone valve box, you should not have an outlet it controls in your line of sight. It needs to be available to the floor staff. A removable cover must be visible and accessible at all times and readily operable in a standing position. For that reason, the code states that it should not be hidden behind an open door or in a closed locked room area.

A zone valve box should be placed in a logical exit corridor. If there is a fire, the staff should be able to turn the valve off on their way out of the building. The placement will need proper wall space because it will include the zone valve box and the piping associated with pipe in and out from it. Pattons Medical can help your properly calculate the wall space needed and where it would be a good place to put a zone valve box.

A zone valve box needs to be labeled to include which area it serves. They should be piped left to right, and they cannot be placed in series. You should never have a zone valve box downstream of another zone valve box. Any critical car or live support anesthetizing location needs its own zone valve. That being said, an ICU may have one shared zone valve box that has to do with classifying the ICU area has a single occupancy. They have a dedicated nursing staff and nurse’s station, all of the patients are receiving a similar level of care. Patient room areas should be broken up with what makes the most sense to your facility’s layout. The code does not dictate how many rooms can fall under one zone valve box.

Pattons Medical zone valve boxes can be figured to hold up anywhere from one to seven zone valve boxes, which includes the tube extensions. They consist of a pullout, removable, opaque window and have larger color-coded ID labels. Adjustable steel brackets are provided for mounting and two-inch single-zone valves are available in a four-inch depth box.

ALARMS There are three types of medical gas alarms: a local alarm, a master alarm panel (MAP), and an area alarm panel (AAP).

LOCAL ALARMS

Local alarms are local to the source equipment. On the left of the control panel, there is a typical HMI System Health panel that’s on the control panel for all our air and vac systems. On the right of the typical panel for our manifolds, provide an audible and visual alarm.

MASTER ALARMS

Master alarms only monitor the source equipment. The wires run parallel from each of the source equipment, control panels, and mainline switches back to two primary MAPs for a category one facility. If a facility would like a third master alarm panel, it is doable and can be slaved off of one of the primary master alarm panels, but the two primaries need to run in parallel. One needs to sit in the office of the person who is responsible for the medical gas equipment. In a full-service hospital, that would be a maintenance or engineering department. The other needs to sit in a 24-hour location, which is wherever staff will be present when the facility is open.

Discussing wiring from the source equipment and the mainline switches, the mainline high-low pressure switches should be installed immediately downstream, or on the patient side of the source valve. Note that if a mainline valve is required, the pressure switch engages should be installed downstream or on the patient side of the mainline valve as it comes into the building. Gauges are required to be adjacent to pressure switches. Pattons Medical does a mainline pressure switch engage which only requires one paper off the mainline. All alarm wiring should be a minimum of 22 gauge, and power should be from the life safety branch of the emergency electrical system.

All Pattons Medical alarms are ethernet capable. Not only does that provide the best end-user texts and emails when an alarm goes off, but it also provides a conduit to talk to the BMS, and you would just need to specify that you want ethernet capability. For the master alarm panel points for a typical scroll air compressor system, you’d have five points. In a typical claw vacuum system, you’d have two points and for a high-pressure manifold, you’d have three points. That is a total of ten points, which is the minimum required at the master alarm.

AREA ALARMS

An area alarm monitors the pressure or vacuum in the area of the zone it serves. For pressure, it will alarm 20% high or low from the main pressure. For vacuum, it will alarm at low vacuum level of 12 inches of mercury. These should be located in the area of the person responsible. For example, a narcs station, they will need to be labeled for the area served and sensors should be located to permit access for testing.

An area alarm panel does not communicate or talk to a master alarm panel. Master alarms monitor the source equipment; area alarms monitor the area they serve. All of Pattons Medical alarms are ethernet capable, but we don’t need to have that capability of area alarms so much. It tends to add-up price-wise if you’re making your area alarms ethernet capable – but it is doable and available.

An area alarm panel is required in any anesthetizing location where moderate or deep sedation or general anesthesia is being performed and within any critical care areas. Any zone or area can have an alarm panel. For example, when you’re designing a tower, with the top four floors as patient wings, it is good practice to have an area alarm panel per floor.

Typically, the sensor is placed on the patient side of the zone valve box to monitor any pressure differentials for that area. Code does not allow for one area alarm panel for an operation room (OR) or anesthetizing suite, that sensor would be placed of the source side of its own valve box. You can put one area alarm per one valve box, but when you are designing a full-service facility, that can add up in price quickly. If you have any questions about where the sensor should be placed, do not hesitate to reach out to Pattons Medical.

SENSORS

Regardless of where the sensor is placed to monitor the pressure or vacuum, where are they physically located? They can be located in the alarm panel itself, which would be considered local. Or, they can be placed on the ceiling and the pipe, which would be considered remote. We can place them in the zone valve box and wire them back to the panel, which also can be called sensor provision.

Sensor provision is good because it allows access to these sensors for testing and annual verifications. Pattons Medical can help with this to show you where they should be an where it is, and is not necessary to have one.

COMBO ALARMS

Something that has come out recently is called a zone valve box and area alarm panel combo (ZVB/AAP combo). Not only are the sensors in the zone valve box, but there are also alarm panels outside on the zone valve box as well. This has a very unique fit for an extremely small facility that might not have a nurses’ station.

ZVB/AAP Combo Alarm

Combo MAP/AAP Alarm

AAP Alarm

MAP Alarm

[hospitality-product-directory]

Revolutionizing Patient Care: The Essential Role of Bed Head Panels in Modern Healthcare

Understanding Bed Head Panels: Essential Components of Modern Healthcare

Bed head panels are integral to hospital design, providing essential services and enhancing patient care. These panels, typically mounted above hospital beds, serve multiple functions, including the provision of medical gas outlets, electrical connections, and communication systems. As healthcare facilities evolve, so too do the designs and functionalities of bed head panels, reflecting advancements in medical technology and patient care standards.

Key Features and Functions

Bed head panels are designed to be both functional and adaptable. They can be configured in various ways—horizontally or vertically—to meet the specific needs of different healthcare environments. Here are some of the primary features:

- Medical Gas Outlets: These panels often include outlets for oxygen, nitrous oxide, and other medical gases essential for patient treatment. This feature is particularly crucial in emergency rooms and intensive care units where immediate access to these resources can be life-saving.

- Electrical Connections: Bed head panels provide easy access to power sources for medical equipment and devices. This includes sockets for monitoring equipment, infusion pumps, and other electronic devices that are vital for patient care.

- Communication Systems: Many modern bed head panels incorporate nurse call systems, allowing patients to alert healthcare staff when assistance is needed. This feature enhances patient safety and improves response times in critical situations.

- Lighting: Integrated lighting options are common in bed head panels, providing both general illumination for the room and focused lighting for medical procedures or reading. These lights are designed to minimize glare while ensuring adequate visibility for healthcare professionals during night shifts.

Design Considerations

The design of bed head panels has evolved significantly. Modern panels prioritize aesthetics as well as functionality. They are often constructed from durable materials such as aluminum or polycarbonate, which not only enhance their longevity but also make them easier to clean—an essential factor in maintaining hygiene in healthcare settings.

Customization is another critical aspect; bed head panels can be tailored to fit the specific architectural needs of a facility while accommodating various patient demographics—from pediatrics to geriatrics. This adaptability ensures that hospitals can provide a comfortable and efficient environment for all patients.

Market Trends and Growth

The global market for bed head panels has seen significant growth, driven by several factors:

- Increasing Hospitalization Rates: With a rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions, more patients require hospitalization. This trend has led to an increased demand for advanced healthcare infrastructure, including bed head panels.

- Aging Population: The growing elderly population is more susceptible to chronic illnesses, necessitating enhanced medical facilities equipped with modern bed head units that cater specifically to their needs.

- Technological Advancements: Innovations in medical technology have led to more sophisticated bed head panel designs that integrate advanced features such as voice activation and improved nurse-patient communication systems. These advancements not only enhance patient care but also streamline hospital operations.

Challenges and Safety Concerns

Despite their many benefits, bed head panels are not without challenges. Issues such as improper installation or maintenance can pose safety risks, including potential fire hazards due to electrical components or gas outlets malfunctioning. It is crucial that healthcare facilities adhere to strict installation guidelines and conduct regular maintenance checks to mitigate these risks.

Furthermore, as the complexity of these systems increases, so too does the need for staff training on their proper use and emergency protocols related to their operation. Ensuring that all personnel are adequately trained can significantly enhance both patient safety and operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Bed head panels play a crucial role in modern healthcare settings by integrating essential services into a single unit that enhances patient comfort and safety. As hospitals continue to evolve with technological advancements and changing patient demographics, the design and functionality of these panels will likely continue to improve. Investing in high-quality bed head units is not just about meeting current standards; it’s about preparing for the future of healthcare delivery where efficiency, safety, and patient-centered care are paramount.

[imkabirmalhotra]

Behind the Scenes of the Medical Gas Pipeline System

Introduction:

Have you ever wondered how hospitals deliver life-saving gases directly to patients? The answer lies in a complex, yet often unseen system: the Medical Gas Pipeline System (MGPS). This intricate network plays a critical role in patient care, ensuring a constant supply of vital gases for respiration, anesthesia, and various medical procedures. In this blog, we'll unveil the inner workings of the MGPS, exploring its components, functionality, and its significance in modern healthcare.

The Invisible Lifeline:

Imagine a network of veins and arteries coursing through a hospital, but instead of blood, they carry essential gases like oxygen, nitrous oxide, and compressed air. That's essentially what the MGPS is - a network of pipes, valves, and regulators that distribute these gases directly to patient beds, operating rooms, and intensive care units (ICUs). These gases are the silent heroes in:

Keeping patients alive: Oxygen is vital for respiration, especially for critically ill patients.

Pain management: Nitrous oxide is a key component of anesthesia, allowing patients to undergo surgeries comfortably.

Surgical procedures: Compressed air powers essential medical equipment during surgeries.

Unveiling the MGPS:

The MGPS is a marvel of engineering, comprised of several key components:

Source: Bulk gas tanks or on-site generators provide a constant supply of medical gases.

Pipeline Network: A network of copper pipes with specific diameters and materials transport the gases throughout the facility.

Alarm Systems: These constantly monitor for leaks, pressure fluctuations, and system failures, ensuring safety.

Pressure Regulators: High-pressure gas from the source is reduced to safe and usable levels for patient care by these regulators.

Outlet Points: These are strategically placed wall-mounted valves and connections where medical staff can access the gases for patient use.

Maintaining the Lifeline:

Regular maintenance of the MGPS is crucial to ensure its smooth operation and patient safety. This includes:

Leak detection and repair: Even small leaks can disrupt gas delivery and pose safety risks.

Pressure monitoring: Maintaining consistent pressure levels is essential for effective gas delivery.

System checks and inspections: Regularly testing and inspecting all components ensures the MGPS remains reliable.

By functioning flawlessly behind the scenes, the MGPS plays a vital role in modern healthcare. It's a testament to the intricate network of systems that work together to ensure patient well-being.

[rpmtrish]

Get Unmatched Flow and Power Output with Air Flow Research (AFR) Intake Manifolds

Air Flow Research (AFR) Intake Manifolds benefit from modern manufacturing methods, proprietary flow analysis, and comprehensive dyno testing for superior airflow and improved horsepower output. Eliminator Intake Manifolds for Small Block Chevy AFR Eliminator Intake Manifolds are available in two designs. The dual plane configuration is intended for street performance engines that operate in the 1,500-7,000 RPM range. Single plane versions are available as-cast or CNC-port matched to AFR 195cc SBC Eliminator Street Heads. The manifolds are recommended for street/strip and racing engines with 3,000-7,500 RPM powerbands.  The cast aluminum Eliminator Intake Manifolds for Gen 1 small block Chevy engines can be installed right out of the box, or you can port-match the runners to your cylinder heads for more power. Other features include additional outlets in the rear of the manifold for custom coolant plumbing, bosses cast into the runners for optional fuel injectors or nitrous nozzles, and squarebore carburetor mounting pads. Magnum 18-Degree Intake Manifolds for Big Block Chevy AFR Magnum 18-Degree Intake Manifolds are precision CNC-machined so they can be run as cast if you wish, but there’s also plenty of material around the port openings if you want to port-match them to your cylinder heads. Bosses cast into the runners allow users to add fuel injectors or nitrous nozzles. Dominator carburetor flanges are used for maximum power-making potential. Pair these manifolds with AFR Magnum BBC Cylinder Heads for even more performance improvements.  AFR Magnum 18-Degree Intake Manifolds are available for standard and tall deck engines. They are recommended for engines with an operating range of 4,000-8,500 RPM. Renegade Intake Manifold for Small Block Ford Designed for use on serious street/strip and competition engines operating from 3,500-8,000 RPM, the Renegade Intake Manifold fits all 8.2-inch deck height blocks. Cast-in bosses allow the addition of fuel injectors or nitrous nozzles, and the squarebore mounting pad means you can run any 4150-style carb you want. Another cool feature is that the intake is delivered completely port-matched to AFR 185cc Renegade Street Cylinder Heads. Bullitt Intake Manifolds for Ford 429/460 Designed specifically to fit AFR Bullitt Cylinder Heads, Bullitt Intake Manifolds feature an improved port design borrowed from AFR’s big block Chevy cylinder heads for improved airflow characteristics. Adding fuel injectors or nitrous nozzles is as easy as drilling and tapping the cast-in port bosses. Bullitt Intake Manifolds are available with a squarebore carb pad for street applications or with a Dominator carb pad for race cars or other high-horsepower vehicles that see light street use. Manifolds have an operating range of 3,000-7,500 RPM. Summit Racing carries a large selection of AFR brand cylinder heads, intake manifolds, and other parts and accessories for small/big Chevy and Ford, GM LS, and Gen III Mopar Hemi.   Read the full article

[davidmullis]

Full feature in January 2017 Issue of Super Street

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2006 Holden VZ R8 Clubsport with Vortech supercharged LS2 and ZEX/Nitrous Outlet system. 635hp. [ https://i.imgur.com/zo2GuyC.jpg ]

[luxuryophthal]

WARNING: WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT AUTOREFRACTOR RIGHT NOW

When

autorefractors

first appeared in the early 1970s, they struggled to achieve true refraction due to test adaptability, accuracy, and overall speed issues. Today, manufacturers are addressing each of these issues as the rate of self-refraction increases and the results achieved with automatic crushing are closer than ever. Manufacturers share the goal of autorefractive factors to be a good alternative to autonomous methods, but that is very unlikely. "Of course, manufacturers strive to bring their self-breakers as close to the final Rx as possible. There is probably no time for autonomic refraction to replace the actual refraction performed by doctors. Everyone is trying to make it faster, get faster, or make the printer faster. They are all so good right now those manufacturers are working on more modest benefits such as speed and ease of use. WHAT IS AUTO REFRACTOR? An automatic refractor or automatic refraction is a numerically controlled device used to provide objective measurements of refractive error, visual impairment, and eyeglasses or contact lenses during an eye examination. This method is performed by analyzing changes in the path of the ray as it enters the eye. Antonio Medina Puerta has patented the idea of ​​a modern robotic refracting telescope. HOW DOES AUTOMATIC REFRACTION WORK? Auto-refraction displays the image in the eye. Next, the infrared rays from the image pass through the autorefractive lens and hit the retina. A small amount of light is reflected by the retina and eyes and passes through the lens. Defects in the eyepiece distort the reflected image and blur it. The automatic index of refraction detects these defects/deficiencies. The tool then uses the target and software to correct the returned image so that no defects remain. This operation is performed three times, and the automatic refraction program provides a prescription for vision correction lenses. Autorefracting telescopes are used to measure coaxial, spherical, and cylindrical lens components. TYPES OF AUTO-REFRACTORS Portable automatic refracting telescope: The portable robot refracting telescope is specially designed to facilitate eye treatment for those who cannot go to the ophthalmologist's office. This tool allowed optometrists to screen at-risk people, screen children, and provide medical care in remote areas and disaster areas. This makes lens correction more efficient and easier to access. A portable robot refracting telescope is a type of portable robot refracting telescope that includes a single handheld device used to determine the correct size of the lens. The device is held at eye level at a distance of 5 cm from the patient, and the patient is asked to focus on the image displayed by the device. These automatic breakers are easy to use and easy to move. Desktop automatic refractors: The robot table breaker can be seen in the ophthalmologist's office. The patient places his forehead close to the device, and the infrared rays from the device are directed into the patient's eyes. The machine then picks up the bouncing rays. These devices are generally more accurate in measuring spherical, cylindrical, and axial components. WHAT IS THE USE OF AUTOMATIC REFRACTION? An ophthalmologist or optometrist uses a robotic refracting telescope to perform a self-refraction test. This tool calculates the parameters of vision correction for a patient's lens. The device operates on the principle of refraction and reflection and calculates the shape and size of the retinal ring. HOW TO USE AUTOMATIC REFRACTION? Procedures for using a desktop refractometer:

The patient must adjust each chin and forehead to the chin and forehead.

The remaining height should be adjusted according to the needs of the patient.

Next, the patient needs to focus on the image projected on the robot refracting telescope.

Focus metering should be done individually for each eye, adjusting the sensor level so that the eyes are clearly visible on the screen.

The results of automatic eye refraction can be printed after repeating the same process three times.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN A AUTO REFRACTOR DETECT? Self-refraction detects a so-called refractive error (the cause of blurred vision). These are very common conditions and include: Myopia (myopia) It's hard to see things from a distance, but you can see things up close. This happens when the shape of the eye is too long, and the light is in focus before it reaches the retina, blurring the field of vision. Hyperopia (hyperopia) People with long eyesight find it difficult to see things up close, but their eyesight in the distance is clear. This may be due to short eyes, too flat cornea, or problems with the ability of the eye lenses to focus. astigmatism People with astigmatism have an irregular shape of the cornea. This means that the light that enters the eye is concentrated in multiple parts of the retina, causing visual impairment. CAN THE AUTOMATIC REFRACTING TELESCOPE DETECT ASTIGMATISM? Optometrists use three tools to detect and measure astigmatism. (1)

Keratometer

: A keratometer or topography machine is used to measure the reflection of a ring of light on the outer dome of the eye, which consists of the iris, cornea, pupil, and lens. This tells us about the level of curvature of the cornea in different directions. (2) Automatic refracting telescope: The automatic refractor calculates the level of contrast in the path of light after it is reflected by the retina. (3) Poroptera: The phoropter is an instrument with a variety of lenses. Patients are asked to try different lenses to determine exactly which corrective lens is best for them. IS RETINOSCOPY BETTER THAN SELF-SEPARATION FOR EYE EXAMINATION? Retinoscopy is an objective method of measuring refractive error in a lens. This technique is usually performed by an experienced optometrist. It provides more accurate results than an automatic breaker. From time to time, robotic refracting telescopes mistakenly estimate impaired eye function. Therefore, the result of automatic refraction is re-evaluated three times. Retinoscopy techniques require a lot of practice and cannot be practiced anywhere. HOW DOES THE AUTOREFRACTOR HELP THE DOCTOR Information from autorefractive factors gives ophthalmologists and optometrists a good idea of ​​your visual needs. Graphed through various lenses when they ask you to look, they sharpen their understanding of the quality of your eyesight. But auto-refraction gave them a good idea of ​​how strong the lens should be. WHO NEEDS TO INSPECT REFRACTION? Refraction testing is an integral part of eye testing, and each person should be tested regularly to ensure that they are clearly visible and that eyeglasses and contact lenses work. If you notice any changes in your eyesight, we recommend that you take a vision test every two years or earlier. Autorefractors are used by people who may have difficulty concentrating on long tests or who have difficulty clearly explaining vision problems (such as infants, people with dementia, or people with intellectual disabilities). It makes very fast and accurate measurements and requires vision correction with minimal input. PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN WHILE USING AUTOREFRACTORS

Be sure to unlock the lock before connecting the device to a power outlet.

Check the device's voltage panel before connecting the device to a power outlet.

The device must be plugged into an electrical outlet with a protective ground terminal. Do not disable or remove the ground pin.

The device is best placed in a cool, dry, dust-free environment.

Do not place the device in a location where direct sunlight or bright light may enter the patient's window. This can affect the tool alignment system.

Place the device on a flat, vibration-free surface to ensure optimum operation.

Make sure the patient's window is clean-use a cleaning cloth or lens cloth to clean the window.

Do not use alcohol or other cleaning agents to clean covers, patient windows, or screens. The coating can be damaged.

Do not remove or insert the memory card while the device is operating.

Electromagnetic interference can occur between this device and other electronic devices. If there was any interference before, turn off or remove nearby electronic devices before using this unit.

The parts and accessories used must meet the applicable IEC601 series requirements. Safety standards and/or system configurations must meet the requirements of the IEC 601-1-1 standard for electrical systems.

This product is not suitable for use in the presence of a flammable anesthetic mixture with air or oxygen, or nitrous oxide.

Caution:

Do not remove the cap to prevent electric shock.

There are no user-repairable parts inside.

Please leave the maintenance to a qualified person.

THE FUTURE OF AUTO-REFRACTION In the future, autorefractor devices can use the information provided by the brain to provide advanced technology for providing refraction to patients. Because we know that the image is in focus, there have been attempts in the past to use the visual evoked potentials, the EEG signals behind the brain and in the occipital cortex. It will objectively automate automatic refraction. These attempts were merely experimental studies and were never developed. After all, perhaps 20 or 30 years from now, it will probably be possible. Autorefraction has a long way to go, but it's more important than ever as managed care companies are putting pressure on optometrists to speed up their schedules. Don't be afraid to take these measurements and make them part of your daily work. Obviously, managed care is encouraging us to be more efficient. This is a tool. All offices are required. Multi-function tool Some automatic refractometers perform other tasks in addition to prescribing. An additional feature allows the autorefractor to double as a corneal meter to evaluate the shape of the cornea. Doctors need this information to determine if a patient has corneal problems or astigmatism. Keratometer data also helps doctors find out what works for patients in need of contact lenses. With the development of technology, automatic refracting telescopes are becoming more and more portable. One of the latest innovations is auto-refraction connected to smartphones. With this device, you don't need to have a chin strap or other support infrastructure to complete the evaluation. Improved portability means that patients in more parts of the world have the option to test their vision. new automatic refraction enhancements In recent years, there have been some additional variations in the manufacture of TR breakers. One of these differences is the promoter. This is an improved form of self-refraction that allows you to examine the refraction of light from multiple locations in the eye. Another improvement for automatic refractors is the incorporation of other eye examination features. Some tools combine autorefraction, wave level analyzers, and corneal topography measurements to provide a compact device and space savings in the optometrist's office. These tools also help you create fast and efficient scans. BENEFITS OF AUTOMATIC REFRACTION An automatic refractometer helps measure the refraction of the eye during an eye examination. It is controlled by a computer, and visual activity can be closely monitored using this process. This device has always been favored by ophthalmologists and has been in use since the early 1970s. You can easily record the difference in eye activity when the light is in focus on the eye. When a refractive error is identified, the doctor will prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to the patient. The overall process of spontaneous refraction is quick, painless, and simple. The patient's chin should be rested so that the refraction can be easily measured. The patient needs to focus on a specific image in the device. The image is constantly moving, helping the robotic refracting telescope record changes in the retina. The device records a variety of measurements and provides an average so that doctors can make prescriptions. It's not a long process at all; it can record accurate measurements in seconds. You can print your prescription by reading it or sharing it on your system. When the scan is done, the patient is given a variety of pictures, and tests are done to see if they are clearly blurred. Patients can try different lenses to determine the prescription strength in more detail. This turned out to be a difficult process for people with intellectual disabilities and toddlers. However, all automatic refraction depends on the refraction of light, which greatly simplifies this process. One of the main advantages of using such a device is that it does not require mydriasis. For young children, the process is not easy because they can no longer bear it. That's why scientists are releasing new inventions to make it easier. The mobile device developed has greatly simplified the entire process. With the advent of autorefractors, eye examinations have become much easier. Those who cannot go to the doctor's room can have their first examination with this device. Apart from this device, an airflow meter is another device that can measure refraction from various perspectives. These devices can significantly speed up the eye examination procedure and help provide accurate results. Ophthalmologists and patients make great use of this advanced device.

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[pattonsmedical-blog]

The Role of Medical Gas Outlets in Modern Healthcare Facilities

Medical Gas Outlets and Medical Gas Distribution Outlets are essential components of a hospital’s gas supply system, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of life-saving gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, and vacuum.

[hospitality-product-directory]

Medical gas pipeline systems (MGPS) are critical components in modern healthcare facilities, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of medical gases such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, and medical air. These systems are designed to provide a continuous supply of gases directly to various points of use throughout hospitals, significantly enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. This article explores the landscape of MGPS suppliers, their offerings, and the importance of safety and compliance in their operations.

Overview of Medical Gas Pipeline Systems

MGPS are complex networks that transport medical gases from a central supply source to various outlets in a healthcare facility. These systems typically include components such as gas storage tanks, pressure regulators, valves, alarms, and distribution piping. The design and installation of MGPS must adhere to stringent safety standards to prevent contamination, ensure reliability, and maintain patient safety.

Key Components of MGPS

1. Main Gas Stations: These stations manage the high-pressure distribution of medical gases and often include automatic switch-over systems to ensure continuous supply.

2. Medical Compressed Air Stations: These facilities produce and supply medical air on-site, which is essential for various clinical applications.

3. Medical Vacuum Stations: Designed for suctioning secretions, these stations are crucial in surgical and intensive care settings.

4. Anaesthetic Gas Scavenging Systems: These systems safely vent unused anesthetic gases from operating rooms to prevent environmental contamination.

5. Cryogenic Tanks: Used for storing liquefied gases, cryogenic tanks are vital for hospitals with high gas consumption needs.

6. Distribution Piping: Typically made from copper due to its antibacterial properties, the piping must comply with international standards to ensure safety and reliability.

7. Monitoring Alarms: These alarms alert staff to any issues with gas supply or pressure levels, enhancing safety protocols within the facility.

Importance of Safety and Compliance

The safety of MGPS is paramount; failures can lead to dire consequences for patients. Historical data indicates that improper installation or maintenance has resulted in fatalities due to crossed pipelines or defective connectors. Therefore, suppliers must ensure that their systems meet established standards such as ISO 7396-1 and NFPA 99.

Regulatory Standards

Compliance with regulatory standards is critical for MGPS suppliers. In many regions, including Europe and North America, regulations dictate the design, installation, and maintenance of these systems. For instance:

- ISO 7396-1: This standard outline the requirements for piped medical gas systems.

- NFPA 99: This code provides guidelines for health care facilities regarding the safe use of medical gas systems.

- HTM 02-01: In the UK, this document details operational management for medical gas pipeline systems.

These standards help mitigate risks associated with gas supply interruptions and contamination.

Major Suppliers in the Market

Several companies dominate the MGPS supplier landscape:

1. Air Liquide Healthcare: Known for its comprehensive range of products and services related to medical gases, Air Liquide ensures compliance with international standards while providing robust support services including installation and maintenance.

2. Helix India: With over two decades of experience, Helix specializes in providing cost-effective solutions for medical gas distribution. Their focus on quality materials and after-sales service sets them apart in the industry.

3. Johnson Medical: This company emphasizes operational management through detailed guidelines that ensure safe and reliable MGPS installations.

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In summary, a well-designed MGPS not only supports clinical operations but also plays a vital role in safeguarding patient health—a responsibility that suppliers must take seriously as they navigate an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

[stone-man-warrior]

October 21, 2020: 8:06 pm:

Today was a bad day for the local terror cells on Jackpine.

There was more that happened at the Walmart than I reported yesterday.

The local terror cells brought the guillotine that I report about sometimes, it gets set up in the store entry at Walmart, Fred Meyer, Bi-Mart and other places, looks like those theft deterant frames that you have to walk through and will sound an alarm if it detects stolen merchandise. The guillotine, as I have explained many times, is electric powered, plugs into the wall outlet, seems to be a hydrolic or pnuematic RAM that drives the blade, cuts vertically as people walk through, and is motion sensor activated. Last night it was arranged in the exit as I was leaving the Walmart.

There was a woman in front of me who stopped there, she was a terror soldier, and was releasing nitrous gas as I approached behind her, her nitrous tank ignited and she burst, her intestines came out of her belly and into the shopping cart she was pushing, then she went through the guillotine, and was cut.

I think that woman was the replacement terror soldier who took over at the Steve and Lindsey Bell terror cell at 445 Jackpine. There has been some new people there driving the Bell’s cars, but they don’t show themselves.

Two men approached me as I stepped toward the guillotine, then turned around. They were ready to catch me and put me into a shopping cart. I fought both of them, but my memory is clouded with all of that nitrous gas.

I think the two men were Rick Manning and Burton Mitchell Deitrick, but I am usually wrong about the identity of the assassins I fight.

Both men are presumed to be dead.

Today, the Chartrand terror cell was especially aggressive, and that suggests that it was Dietrick and Manning last night.

There was a lot of aircraft activity today too, not small aircraft, but bigger, Erickson Air Crane hovering over my house in the morning, and there were two SAG Club Med Junket Jets that flew over the house low also.

Today, there were no “Sharks” when I went out for a walk, with exception of Chartrand one time. Everyday, for many years, when I take a walk to the road, one or more terror soldiers drives past my driveway just at the time I reach my gate, or, as I reach the road. Usually there are three in succession. They watch and wait for me to come outside from the Strong terror cell at 3747 Russell Road. They do that for a number of reasons, one is to frighten me, another is to make sure I know they are watching everything I do all of the time, and another is for an opportunity to run me over as I check my mail.

It’s been like that for more than ten years, almost every time I go outside for a walk, and certainly every day at least once the “Sharks” role by, circling.

Dietrick uses a big dump truck, and a big pick-up truck, and a Kenworth Big Rig for the oportunity to run me over. Manning drives about fifty miles an hour on the ten MPH gravel road when he does Shark Maneuver. All of the terror cells on Jackpine participate, and all of the residences are terror cells.

No Sharks today!

I thing Manning and Dietrick are dead, that leaves their wives, Susana, and Cynthia to do the Shark, everyone participates in Shark Maneuver Driveby.

I don’t know who is at Chartrand’s. I have not seen any of the Chartrands in months, but someone is there, at 376.  Presumably the Chartrands were killed while attacking me in my home, Sterling Chartrand may still be there. Someone intrudes into my home at least once per week, last few days have been no exception, there were more than I can count.

I walked through that guillotine last night, it always freaks out the terrorists at the Walmart when I do that.

End terror report: 8:39 pm.

[airtechmedical-blog]

Stainless steel oxygen pipeline pressure reducing valve

The stainless steel oxygen pipeline pressure reducing valve is a device that protects the pressure reducing valve and makes it safe to use, and is also a signal device that the pressure reducing valve fails. If the outlet pressure rises and exceeds a certain allowable value due to the damage of the valve pad, the valve or other reasons, the safety valve will automatically open the exhaust. This type of valve should generally be installed horizontally in the pipeline.

Design Features

The body and upper cover are made of high-quality brass

2 "pressure gauge

2 "diaphragm

With external safety valve

Intake pipe with sintered bronze filter

The inner bush of the upper cover is made of special plastic material, and the pressure regulation is more stable and smooth

Dimensions: 160mm * 140mm * 100mm

Weight: 1.20kg

Suitable for gases other than corrosive gases, such as: oxygen, acetylene, propane, inert gas, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, air, hydrogen

gas

Can be customized if there is special demand for output pressure

[turbobuckeye]

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[rpmtrish]

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[beardyallen]

Day 3 - An extensive recap

First, I want to extend my apologies to those who have been patiently awaiting this post. I had every intention of writing this yesterday, which got away from me (as you’ll see if you keep reading), and then I had every intention of writing this in the morning, which disappeared (again, as you’ll see if you keep reading). It’s now 5:38pm on Wednesday, February 20th as I’m typing this sentence, and I’m once again exhausted from a long day.

[Edit 2: TL;DR for the following TL;DR -- A bunch of cool stuff happened, including books, dragons, lions, motorcycles, KFC, banks, SIM cards, a Starbucks, public transit, and traveling to two opposite ends of Beijing in a single day. Also my trip went from horribly lonely and daunting to pretty freaking cool and slightly less daunting in less than 24 hours. Done typing this at 8:55pm]

Edit: It’s legit 8:37pm when I’m making this edit, only a bit after posting the original. I wanted to add a tl;dr for those not interesting in reading all of this shit. Basically, I made 4 friends in Beijing, none of them from the same country, only one of them is white, only one is male, and only one is from the US. All three of these descriptions describe CB, my supervisor. His wife, RB, is Indian and works with children orphaned due to birth defects. There’s ML, a half-Brazilian, half-Japanese Communications instructor at ICB, and her friend R, who is herself a former Chinese physician turned public health professional/liaison/something-or-other that seems far more impressive and is exactly what she wants to be. All of them are really cool, interesting people that I’m very glad I had the opportunity to meet. In no particular order, I went to several bookstores, a Starbucks, a KFC early in the morning, the supermarket (twice) and got beer (both times) for ridiculously low prices, experienced the Lantern Festival (still not entirely sure what this is, but there were dragons and lions and motorcycles doing crazy synchronized stunts in a metal globe) at an amusement park, rode 5-6 different subway trains and a city bus, ate 10+ new foods, bought a book (because of course I did) which has both the original English and the translate Chinese characters on each page, tried to open a bank account, then got a SIM card, then actually opened a bank account, finally unpacked my luggage, and spent 3 hours typing this blog post. Also the long flight and trip from the airport to my new apartment were mostly uneventful. See? Even this was super long!]

The last you all heard from me here was as I was sitting in a bar in the Vancouver Airport, Sunday morning. Which was sort of 2 days ago, but sort of 3. Time zones are funky, especially when you cross the International Date Line. *shrug*

After I finished writing that post, I lumbered over to my gate and waited to board with the other couple hundred passengers. At one point, I noticed an older woman (probably in her 60′s or 70′s?) trucking along on one of those things that I can only manage to call a human-conveyor-belt that you see in airports. I mention this as she, had she been on carpeted flooring, she would have been making good time; as it so happens, she was on the conveyor belt that was going opposite of her destination. She was still making progress, but every so slowly, and seemed maddeningly oblivious to the fact that the floor was fighting her at every step. Fortunately, she made it to the other end without incident, although the same cannot be said for when she attempted to enter the next belt; a concerned employee using that particular belt in the intended fashion beckoned that she stop and try the other. So she stopped walking. And didn’t do anything, even when her feet made it back to where she had started. Naturally, she took a pretty solid tumble, lessened only by the shocked, and rightfully flustered, employee, who managed to help her to her feet as half of the onlookers gawked.

The actual flight, all 9 hours of it, went off rather uneventfully. Especially compared to the above story. It was nice having the longer flight second, as completing the first gave me an unearned sense of accomplishment; I’m nervous for my return as I’ll have actually achieved something when I get back to Vancouver, only to have to sit back down for three more hours. Seems less enticing, especially as I won’t be going back to an apartment that I’m renting. Oh well: that’s a problem for Future-Me, as are most things. I will say that the food on the flight was quite satisfying, and the complementary wine was much tastier than expected! And I managed to read a good chunk of Dan Brown’s Origin.

After landing in the Beijing airport, I managed to get through customs without too much trouble and had my first several experiences of what I’ll just refer to here as stranger-staring. #sarcasticwoo

I was met near baggage claim by an undergraduate at the University who chose to call himself Paul. I would later find out that, although it is common practice for Chinese residents to give themselves “American” or “Western” names, they don’t seem to share those names with their fellow residents.

Needless to say, I was exhausted and just wanted to eat something and lie down without dealing with anymore people. To his credit, Paul was an excellent host, his English was quite good, and he helped me to my apartment without incident. I think he was expecting to escort me to dinner at one of the nearby dining halls on campus (Princess Building), but I (hopefully graciously) conveyed that I would really rather just go to bed. After he left, I took a stroll on campus to the Princess Building to check it out for myself, and then stopped at a nearby convenience store to grab some snacks. GUYS! THEY HAVE CUCUMBER-FLAVORED LAYS POTATO CHIPS!!! And so many other flavors that are mind-boggling, and somehow simultaneously vague and specific.

Once I was back in my apartment, I chowed down on some fruit bread, drank some water, had a moment of near paralyzing fear/anxiety/regret/shame/etc., scolded myself for being (I think understandably) pathetic, and then went to sleep. By that point, I had been up for nearly 23 hours, and it was somehow already 7pm on Monday, Feb. 18. I slept until 6am the next morning.

That morning, I got in touch with CB, my supervisor, who was more than happy to meet with me around 11am. So I spent the morning figuring out how to be an adult person in Beijing. Several standard things took place that were daunting only because I’m in Beijing: showering, brushing my teeth, grabbing some toilet paper to carry with me, deciding how much cash to keep in my wallet, etc. I also came to the disturbing realization that there are precisely three outlets, each with one port. One of them was occupied by the television, one by the mini-fridge, and one was free to charge my tablet; it was then that I decided to try to go shopping and track down a power strip.

Day 2: Merry Mart

First, I want to say one quick thing: the exchange rate from RMB (also called yuan) to USD is approximately 0.15:1. So, as an example, I spotted a can of beer for 5.90 yuan, or roughly $0.90. For those of you who know me, you may understand why this was my first example.

Now, the supermarket that I was heading towards is located on the other side of the north gate of the CAU (China Agricultural University, which houses ICB, or the International College of Beijing, where I’m living and instructing), and my apartment is in the very southeast corner of campus, about a 10 minute walk away. And it’s not even 8am yet. I mention this as, when I approached the supermarket, or rather the building housing the supermarket and a dozen or so other shops, I noticed a KFC right next door. Now, I shouldn’t have been shocked to see the advertisements were for food that you would never find at a KFC in the States, but I was. What I feel completely justified in being shocked at was that the KFC was already quite busy. Naturally, I stepped inside and saw that a “Chicken Burger” with a glass of milk (and maybe a side?) was going for 12 yuan, or $1.80. So cheap!!

I stepped out without buying anything and continued into the supermarket. Oh, the wonders I beheld. I’ll try to keep it short, but I’ll point out that I’ve never paid so much attention in the produce and meat sections of a supermarket as I did yesterday. Once I made it past these sections, I experienced an onslaught of packing that looked both familiar and foreign (yes, I realized how stupid that sounds as I typed it). As I was on a bit of a mission (for hand soap and a couple power strips), I contained my curiosity as best I could. But I did take a peak at all of the flavors of Lays Chips in the snack section...

Fortunately, I managed to find a power strip! They had Philips power strips going for 70 yuan (~$10.50) and some from a company I’ve never heard of for 30/40 yuan. Naturally, I grabbed on of the cheaper variety. It seems I didn’t bring enough cash the first time. I moved on, failing to find anything that I could guarantee was hand soap, but let me tell you: after being around people who I could not understand, guessing at products based on the images along, and recognizing that I’m waaaaay in over my head, I have never been so happy to see a can of Budweiser in my life!

Now, I can’t be certain, but I’m pretty sure a 3-pack 16-oz or 500 mL or whatever-their-volume cans came out to 9 yuan, or $1.35. What a deal! (Fast forward to this morning, and I stumbled an even better find: 500 mL cans of Guiness with nitrous rockets for 15 yuan ($2.25) a pop! In the States, those usually run $16 for four!)

After spotting way more milk (a recent trend, apparently) than I’ve ever seen, ultra-pasteurized so it can sit on an uncooled shelf for months at a time, heaps and heaps of “sanitary tissue” and slew of snacks that boggled my poor, unworldly mind, I made my way to the checkout. Fortunately, I stick out so damn much that people just expect that I don’t speak Chinese; the look of mild irritation isn’t grating at all, it just lets me know that I’m not the only one who feels moderately uncomfortable at my residing in Beijing for these next 4 months. The interaction at the stand was pleasant enough, and we mimed our way through the bits that weren’t communicable. Then I headed back home to meet with CB.

Day 2: The Book

So, I’m already feeling wildly unprepared to teaching a senior-level mathematics course, but one of the few things that was keeping me grounded was that the book was to be selected by administrators at ICB/CAU, so that would save me having to make most of the decisions regarding content for my Probability class. Moreover, the university would provide the textbooks to the students. Little did I know, and little did CB know, and little did the person supposedly in charge of retrieving said textbooks from the library, no textbook was on file for this class. #sarcasticwoo

FORTUNATELY (can’t believe how many lucky breaks I’m catching!), there happened to be a textbook titled Probability and Statistics for Engineers and something-or-other. To be honest, my eyes glazed over at “Engineers,” not because they are lesser scientists, because they are most assuredly not, but because they just don’t appreciate the fine nuances of theoretical mathematics. That is to say, they’re lesser scientists. ;) #allinjest #imsuretheyvegotsickerburnsforme So, I guess I’m teaching from an Engineering textbook.

During this brief window of time with CB, I learned how various countries measure the breathability of the air, acquired a facemask, and snagged an air purifier. Things necessary to life in Beijing! I was then invited out to lunch with CB and his wife RB; I was unaware that their would be fourth, ML. Having never met RB, and being unaware that ML existed, I waited for the 20 minutes that CB needed to get a couple things ready before lunch in my room, then headed down to the entrance of the Guest House (where my apartment and office are located, in case I haven’t mentioned it by name yet). Waiting there was a 30-something Asian-descent woman who somehow didn’t look like she was a native Chinese resident. Best guess: RB. She smiles at me and asks if I’m here to have lunch with R, to which I say confirm and ask if that’s her. Turns out it’s ML, and a reference to a particular Disney movie popped into my head. (I bet you’re not thinking of the same one I was, though!) Anyway, it’s 12:30pm at that point, and I wouldn’t spend the next 11 hours with ML, a Communications instructor for ICB who has only been in Beijing since September, barely speaks any Chinese and gets by reading it as she knows Japanese. Turns out she was born in Brazil, though! That certainly explained why her features were not quite Chinese.

CB and RB showed up a few awkward, mostly silent, minutes later as, not anticipating a fourth left me just socially awkward enough to just keep my mouth shut and let my mind wander. RB led the way to a Chinese restaurant around the corner, and we had a ridiculously cheap meal. Everything was delicious, even the rice noodles and cabbage dish! CB asked how open I was to trying things I’ve never had before, and I responded that I’m hear to make the make the most of this opportunity. He followed up with, “So, you’ll try chicken feet?” I’ve never so quickly doubted my convictions before! Fortunately, the food we order was basic enough fare for a Chinese restaurant, so I didn’t have to prove my grit just yet.

Day 2: The Big Adventure

During the meal, ML mentioned that the “lantern festival” was that night, and that she’d be joining a friend of her’s somewhere in Beijing, TBD. CB mentioned off-handedly that there was a 4-story bookstore several kilometers away. My interest was piqued, but having no means of transportation, I kept my mouth shut. ML did not. She expressed serious interest in venturing out to the store, and I asked if it would be in imposition if I joined. After lunch, CB and RB gave us a rough pin location for the building, walked us over to a bus stop, explained to me how to use my transit card (Thanks, CG!!!), and saw us off on our adventure. At this point, it seems relevant to mention that, although I have two cell phones (my usual American one, and a Chinese phone bought secondhand from ES) (THANKS ES!!!), I don’t have internet access or any real means to contact CB or RB. I also don’t access to a map app (see: I don’t have internet access). As it turns out, ML’s access is hindered by the fact that her iPhone is apparently dated enough to not operate at full capacity with a Chinese SIM card. So she has spotty internet. SPOILERS: Her cell phone would die later that evening. #dundundun

The bus ride was uneventful, and we got off where we thought was should. Without the name of the bookstore or any solid evidence to suggest precisely where the bookstore was, ML then confides in me that she has frequently found herself incapable of finding her destination, wandered around for several hours, then given up and went home. My confidence was soaring. But, as they say, “When in Beijing...”

After finding a map of the surrounding area and comparing it to a screenshot of the rough-pin-location of the bookstore in question, I managed to match shapes cut out by walkways and roads and spot where we should be heading. The pin led us to a bookstore. But this bookstore had only one floor, although the building housing it had 20 floors and an elevator that looked out over the surrounding area. Needless to say, we rode the elevator for a moment before deciding to continue exploring. Stepping outside, we tried to reach CB...and we did! He gave us a more accurate pin and the name of the bookstore. Only one of those two things wound up being helpful.

On our way over to the new location (2 more blocks West), we stumbled on a developed “alley” that housed a wide plethora of shops, including....A BOOKSTORE!!! Dudes and Dudettes: let me tell you, this bookstore was amazing!! Check out the pictures below:

So cool! But this wasn’t where the pin was located, only had two floors, and when we scaled the spiral staircase, some 20-something employees started walking towards us and speaking in Mandarin. ML goes, “I’m sorry, we don’t speak any Mandarin, but we think we know what you’re trying to say. Have a nice day!” And we walked out of the store with our tails tucked loosely between our legs.

I was I could accurately convey all of the things I saw that struck me as fascinating while we explored this area of Beijing, but honestly there was just too much, and I can’t imagine you all are still reading this carefully, given that I’m not exactly giving the “Reader’s Digest” version of events. Or so you may think. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m doing my best to keep this short while still conveying how crazy this day was. And we’re only a couple hours into my afternoon/evening with ML. I applaud any and all who keep reading attentively. I’ll try to make it entertaining.

I will say that in this alley, I got stared down by a police officer. Mildly intimidating and recalled to mind the other intimidating visual to grace me. Just after checking out at the supermarket that morning, while I was packing the couple of items I had purchased into my backpack, I looked up and saw, for the first time in my life, 4 full sets of riot gear. Helmet, vest, nightstick (or whatever it’s called), and some sort of gun in a padded case. Sure, I know that I’ve been around those things before in my life, but never were they in plain view, seemingly on display.

After a few more minutes, a few more crossed streets, and pulling ML out of the way of a car that didn’t seem to care that she was there, we made our way to the pin’s location. And none of the stores around us bore the name of the 4-story bookstore. But we did find another bookstore.........and it turned out to be the right one! Crazy!! Of course, this was after trying out what we guessed was a calligraphy shop that seemed to primarily sell books? The words on the door were somewhat misleading. Anyway, let me tell you: in spite of being in a bookstore filled with words that I can’t understand, I still felt so calm and secure being surrounded by all of those books!

At this point, ML and I seemed to have figured out each other’s senses of humor and made frequent jokes and shared stores as we roamed the shelves, looking desperately for books written in English. After searching all four floors, some twice, we find a section with no markings nearby that happened to have some books in English. After looking over all of the classics (pretty much all they had), discussing the ones we’ve read, conversing about those we haven’t, we each picked one out to buy. I’ve seen Aldous Huxley’s A Brave New World referenced too many times in crossword puzzles and trivia questions to not have developed an absurd curiousity for this book I’ve never read. So naturally I bought it. It seems like a rather nice-looking copy, no artwork to speak of, but elegant in a somewhat formal-Chinese kind of way. It came to 26 yuan, or about $3.90. HOW AM I BUYING A BOOK FOR THAT CHEAP?! WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING WITH MY LIFE?! *sigh* Well, I seem to be getting by without my Kindle fine enough for now...(THANKS AGAIN RS FOR SHIPPING IT TO ME!!! I’ll let you know as soon as it arrives!)

Day 2: The Lantern Festival

At this point, ML had heard from her friend who I will just call R (have yet to become privy to her family name), and we were given the name of the place we were headed towards: Happy Park. By now, it was around 4:15pm, and we needed to somehow figure out where Happy Park was, how to get there, and manage to not get lost in the process by 6:30pm. So we went for tea. The place we stopped in was what seemed to be a solid attempt at a German tea/coffee shop-slash-bakery. And I got a cup of English Breakfast Tea for 22 yuan ($3.30). Not the best deal, but I learned an invaluable lesson: just take a picture of what you want to order! So simple, so elegant, so effective!!! I was also by this time learning that most people make purchases using the main “social media” app, WeChat. In fact, many shops and restaurants don’t carry any cash as WeChat is just a more effective means of payment. You can link a debit card to your account and you’re good to go! (More on this in Day 3).

<I’ve been writing for almost 2 hours! Yikes!!!> <I wonder if I can get a book deal out of this...>

Without really knowing where to find a subway station, ML and I headed back to where the bus dropped us off, thinking at the very least we could head back to campus and the subway station there. (Also, for those of you who don’t know: I’ve never ridden a subway. Sure, I use RTD rails almost daily in Denver, but somehow this just seemed different. Especially given how many lines there are and that we didn’t actually know where we were going...) We found a bus heading back towards campus, hopped on, and almost immediately spotted a subway station. The bus didn’t drop us off for 2-3 more blocks...

After meandering back to the subway station, we found a map and lo-and-behold there was a stop dedicated to whatever Happy Park is. And it’s on the complete opposite side of town. #unethusedyay #adventuretime We plotted our course and hopped on the train without incident if you don’t count the pile of vomit that I would almost certainly have stepped in had ML not avoided it just before me! *phew* The subway itself was on par, if not nicer, than the trains in Denver, if only a bit louder. Confined spaces and all that. By the time we made our three transfers and got to the other side of Beijing, the sun had set, it was 6:20pm, and we had made it just in time! R met us at the station minutes after.

When we turned to see where we were headed, I was floored. Right in front of us with giant glowing words spelling out (in two languages) “Happy Park” was an amusement park that rivals some Disney parks in it’s show-y-ness. As it was dark, I can’t say precisely how big it was, but I was impressed. Tickets for entry were 145 yuan (roughly $20), which I fortunately had brought along that morning, not realizing precisely how crazy the day would get.

Once inside, R informed us that there’d be a show starting in a few minutes. We tried to find a spot, but the girls had trouble seeing over the heads of the people ahead of us. In fact, I had to stand on my tiptoes as most of the people in front of me were holding up their children, phones, and self-sticks. There was a small mound that almost certainly was not intended for foot-traffic, but nonetheless had a solid 75 people standing on 6-foot-tall trees. When we joined the crowd up there, hoping for a better vantage point, we were disappoint. That is, until ML decided to climb a tree. And I joined her. Naturally. I don’t have pictures of the entire show, sadly. I was too busy being floored and hoping that my one leg that was supporting my weight would hold up! I’m also not including them here as I have to format the videos. But stay tuned in the near future for videos!!

After the show, we wandered around the park for several more hours. I was quite impressed. And the food we got was quite delicious!! Small, fried potatos balls, and donut-hole sized balls loosely-based on a Japanese dish that I couldn’t possibly spell correctly, topped with dried fish. YUM! Check out the pictures of some of the attractions we saw:

This was the interior of an Aquariam-themed section of the park. It was a welcome respite near the end of the night, given that it felt like it was nearing 10F outside.

A Mayan temple, with a restaurant inside and, probably, a water-slide ride built into it? Hard to say. If only our phones hadn’t died and we weren’t so cold by the time we made it to the Athenian/Spartan-inspired section of the park! So many cool statues and buildings!

A still shot as 5 motorcyclists entered the arena after some drum-dancers! Stay tuned for videos of them riding inside the wire ball on the right! [Edit 3: the videos will likely get posted as gifs. Quality will probs be not great. One of them will involve the motorcyclists doing loop-stunts, and the other will involve a dragon-dance with dope fireworks. I didn’t get any video of the lion-dancers from earlier in the show, but take my word for it: it was dope as fuck. So much so that I don’t feel bad about dropping an f-bomb in this edit. I can’t possibly find the words after 3.5 hours of writing to convey just how cool this show was!]

Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what this is, but it looked cool!

This was a small bridge, reminiscent of the bridges in Europe where people write their initials on padlocks and toss the keys into the river below. From what we could tell (thanks to R’s understanding of her native tongue), the pieces all talk about the love between family, friends or significant others.

After the Aquarium-themed building got us toasty warm, and it was ticking closer and closer to 10pm, we bee-lined it out of the park and back to to the subway station. Another three transfers, some more conversation, and we were back on campus. While on the trains, either to or from Happy Park, I don’t remember which, ML commented on how quiet I had been earlier that day while waiting for CB and RB before lunch. Given how quiet I was at lunch, she was understandably worried that the pattern would continue. If you know me, you know it just takes a bit for me to get comfortable and figure out how to talk to you. Needless to say, I told too many stories with a surplus of details in each of the bookstores, on each of the trains, and all of the time in between. I’m thinking ML is going to be a pretty solid friend these next couple of months, if I she doesn’t get sick of my stories first!

As I alluded to above, it was around 11pm before we were back in the Guest House. I was ridiculously pooped but not entirely unimpressed at how not-jet-lagged I was! I passed out soon thereafter and woke up for the third and final time around 7am.

Day 3: Merry Mart II, the Second Part

Alas, morning came; and with it came a surplus of energy to spent getting my life together in Beijing. I still hadn’t unpacked my luggage, there were too many things my apartment was still missing, and I didn’t have a reliable means of feeding myself as I had been warned (and witnessed) that many places just simply don’t carry cash. And naturally don’t accept American credit cards.

So I packed a small bag and headed out again. I stopped by Starbucks, attempted to order a Black Tea Latte from the girl who said “Morning” to me, and made the false assumption that this particular colloquialism implied English-fluency. I wound up with a regular Latte. Still good, though! After that, I made my way to the KFC near the Merry Mart only to find that this establishment is one described above. My cash wouldn’t do me much good there. *shrug*

In the Merry Mart, I grabbed several more bread-based food items, a microwavable meal in a bowl, another power strip, some gum, and more chips. Pringles. American flavors. Two cans of Guiness, and two bottles of hand soap. This time, I kept track of the price of each individual item so I knew how much cash to have ready at the register. This time went far more smoothly, and I filled my entire backpack with items that ran up to 134 yuan (~$20). HOW?! HOW AM I GETTING SO MUCH FOR SO LITTLE I LOVE THIS!!!

Day 3: Getting my shit together

After that, my mind was set on opening a bank account to connect to my WeChat account. I reached out to CB, who graciously offered his assistance for a small amount of time. Ideally, this wouldn’t take too long. After all, he has plenty of work to be getting on with!

Well, the first bank we tried didn’t work because I’m not staying in town for more than 2 years. The second bank was more accepting. He translated exceptionally while I filled out documents written completely in Chinese. I was having an internal panic attack as I did something that felt incredibly wrong or anything. No, not at all. It’s totally okay to sign your name on documents that you can’t read. Yup, totally okay...

As it turns out, the bank would need to send me verification texts, so I gave them my phone number. But my American phone number wouldn’t work for them (they didn’t even try!), so after 30 minutes of waiting and 10 minutes of paperwork, CB and I headed down the street to get a SIM card and a cellular plan. Oh boy. All told, I think I waited for another hour there while CB got some work done; the paperwork and discussions took another 20-30 minutes. Once I had my phone situated, CB assured me that I could handle the rest of the bank stuff on my own as the staff would certainly recognize me and remember what I wanted. Plus, most of the paperwork was already filled out, right? Right? *sigh

The staff at the bank were less than enthused to find that CB hadn’t joined me. This was gonna be a blast, let me tell ya...

All told, I filled out twice as much paperwork as the staff scrambled to find a way to communicate with the moronic American who didn’t have the slightest idea what was going on around him. Of course, filling out this paperwork and determining exactly what they wanted and whether or not I wrote down the right things (i.e. understood exactly what information they were after) included 5-8 different sessions with several different employees, each with somewhere between 10-70 min wait-times. On the plus side, I’m almost done with Dan Brown’s Origin. Not his best work, but certainly entertaining enough to pass the time in a bank surrounded by people who probably would rather I not exist. To be clear, I don’t begrudge them at all; their service was impeccable, and their patience was never-ending, and the entire thing was significantly less annoying than it had any right to be, given the language barrier.

I left their establishment many hours later with a debit card, Chinese bank account, and the means to buy stuff wherever I wanted to go. And a significant amount of confidence that I can get through the next four months quite contentedly. Granted, I didn’t do nearly as much to earn this confidence as the staff at my new bank did!

After the fiasco at the bank, I went back to the Guest House, unpacked my suitcases, and laid down in bed to type this novella. That was several hours ago.

Convinced that I’ve had a crazy few days?

A coworker from Denver asked me how China has been so far, and I told him that it “[w]ent from shit to fantastic so damn fast.” Hopefully my long, rambling story has here has justified that claim for those of you reading this.

There was only one other day in my life that I can recall feeling as justifiably petrified as I did Monday night. I described the feeling as trying to wake up from a dream only to find that you’re wide awake. I was encouraged earlier today to remember that I don’t have to get through all 4 months of this experience at once; I just need to take it one day at a time. I usually don’t find these adages and idioms to be particularly helpful, but this one seems to be true.

In the future, blog posts probably won’t be nearly as long. Thanks for reading!

Now to finish this beer and book!

Sláinte,

BeardyAllen