A generalized assignment problem approach to the optimal layout of facilities

changing of workers between workplaces; medical supervision; gradual adaptation of new workers to work in heat.

2.3.179(57299)

Bosman, J., Jansen, G.D. and Oudenaller, J.K.T. Examinations of the work burden of a signalman of the signalbox Zwolle Post III (In German) Verkehrsmedizin und Ihre Grenzgebiete, 1970, 17.8-9, 353-365 The signalman of a signalbox ZwoUe complained about the heavy load. The heart-beat of two signalmen was continuously registered during t h e whole work. At the same time an analysis of the work was made. The results of the measurements are mentioned in this paper.

Visual displays 2.3.180(57343)

Barnes, J.A. Tactical utility helicopter information transfer studyTRC Report No. P-168299; abstr, in R and D Abstracts The task requirements of the Tactical Utility Helicopter Mission have been enumerated and experienced pilots have indicated the instrumentation they feel is necessary to perform these tasks. Film of eye movement was taken for two of the pilots while they were flying missions that incorporated these tasks. The film and the pilot replies were analysed to provide the information transfer requirements for the Tactical Utility Helicopter flight instrumentation. 2.3.181(57351)

Bauer, H. New knowledge regarding the choice of colours for warnings signs (In German) Moderne Unfallverhutung, 1969, No 13, 75-80; abstr, in Occupational Safety and Health A bstracts The advantages of yellow over red as warning colour are explained in terms of the structure and light sensitivity of the human eye. In addition to discussing the appropriate use of colours for street warning signs, the author considers the marking and lighting of building sites, the colour of work jackets for street workers and colour for room decoration and work surfaces.

Controls 2.3.182(57020)

Mortimer. R.G., Segel, L., Dugoff, H.,. Campbell, J.D. and Jorgeson, C.M. Brake force requirement study: driver vehicle braking performance as a function of brake system design variables A bstr. in US Government Research and Development Reports [Report Nos. PV.192 258 and PB. 193 259) The objective of the study was to define those brake characteristics within the space bounded by the relationship between brake pedal force and vehicle deceleration, which lead to acceptable driver-vehicle performance. A driver-vehicle braking test was performed in which the deceleration• pedal force ratio, the pedal displacement, the surface-tyre friction, and driver characteristics (age, weight) were systematically varied in order to determine the influence of these variables upon minimum stopping distance and other performance variables. The tests that were performed on a low coefficient of friction surface showed that high values of deceleration/pedal force gain result in large number of wheel lockups and lower mean deceleration in bringing the vehicle to a stop, compared to intermediate or low deceleration• pedal force gain levels. Tests conducted on intermediate and high coefficient of friction surfaces showed that high and intermediate deceleration/pedal force gains produced greater mean decelerations and greater frequencies of wheel lockups than lower gain systems. The frequency of loss of lateral control was significantly greater with the high deceleration/pedal force gain brakes on all surfaces than with lower gains. There were minor benefits of 2-5 inch pedal displacement compared to zero inches. Potential brake failures and their effects upon pedal force requirements were analysed. The implications of the findings for a vehicle braking standard were shown in terms of deceleration/pedal force gain and pedal force.

Workspace layout and equipment design 2.3.183(57383))

Raschke, G. Workplace organisation and layout viewed by the Industrial Physician (In German) Gesundheits-lngenieur, 1969, 90.4, 101-104; abstr, in Occupational Safety and Health Abstracts

Referring to the annual sums paid out in the Federal Republic o f Germany by the Mutual Accident Insurance Associations as compensation for occupational accidents, the author examines from the Industrial physician's viewpoint all the environmental factors affecting the worker (microclimate, ventilation, atmospheric pollution, noise and lighting, and the hazards associated w i t h them) and puts forward suggestions for improving working conditions. He also discusses the equipment and use of rest rooms, medical rooms and plant infirmaries, and gymnasiums. 2.3.184(57384)

Mallette, A.J. A generalized assignment problem approach to the optimal layout of facilities Report, Ohio State University, Main Library, Columbus, Ohio, June 1968; abstr, in AIIE Transactions A generalized assignment problem formulation is proposed for a class of facility layout problem s in which item movement is considered between the facilities and k n o w n points. The transportation algorithm is used to find a m i n i m u m cost solution to the problem. 2.3.185(57385)

Hanna, J.L. and Ireland, F.H. Graphic aids for console design Information Display, 1969, 6.5, 27-31; abstr, in Computer and Control Abstracts To provide maximum operating ease and efficiency, system operating and control consoles must be carefully designed with the operator's requirements in mind. The application of anthropometric data to typical design problems is described; actual laboratory measurements are used to adjust existing Air Force data to provide a set of practical, easy-to-use design charts. 2.3.186(57020)

Sadoyama, I. and Kogi, K. On above-shoulder work area for manual operation Japanese Journal o f Ergonomics, 1970, 6.1, 45-50 Deltoid muscle activity in holding arm was studied in order to determine the allowable above-shoulder w o r k area for longer operation. The surface electromyogram of the deltoid muscle was integrated and printed out as digit counts per second. Mean maximum duration of the isometric contraction of the muscle was 322 sec for 30% and 131 sec for 50% of the

Applied Ergonomics September 1971

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