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Research Projects

We are involved in the research projects listed below.

Cave Air Study Project

The purpose of this study is to accurately monitor the in-cave environment in order to study the affects of barometric and non-barometric driven air transport of heat and water. This information can be used to study cave phenomena and ecosystems, document changing conditions or aid in exploration.

There are several areas of research:

  • Develop a weather station with sufficient resolution and accuracy to monitor the subtle air characteristics found in a cave environment.  Environmental Monitoring Station Specification (PDF).
  • Assist Kartchner Caverns State Park in monitoring humidity levels to determine cave drying and remediation needed.  Further, monitor the microclimate at the bat maternity roost to determine any affects of tours on the bat colony environment.  Kartchner Caverns Proposal. (PDF)
  • Assist Carlsbad Caverns National Park in monitoring weather changes due to the elevator system, separating out normal seasonal changes from those introduced by modifications to the cave.  Assist is studying conditions that cause seasonal appearance and disappearance of some mineral deposits.  Assist in monitoring changes in the Bat Cave which might affect the bat colony.
  • Map the air flows in Lechuguilla.  Trace the major air flows to determine their origins and create a model to explain observed winds.  Lechuguilla Air Study Proposal. (PDF)

Rescue Haul and Lower System

Existing raise and lower systems used in rescue work involve a high level of complexity, training and man-power to operate successfully under field conditions.  In more recent times sail winches have replaced the block and tackle haul systems in situations where a vehicle can be driven to the haul point.  But the sail winch is far from ideal - having its own set of drawbacks.  Changing between either haul system and a lower system (or vise versa) requires an exceptionally high level of skill and coordination.

The proposed project is to develop a compound haul and lower system that can be operated by one person, easily switches between haul and lower, is compatible with standard rescue loads and meets the whistle test.  Two of these devices would be operated in parallel to form a fully redundant haul and lower system - both systems would share the load and act as a backup (belay) to the other.  Compound Haul and Lower System Proposal. (PDF)

Rescue Ricksha

Many time during a rescue the victim requires a ride out of the field.  However, the two common methods of taking the person out by horse and carrying the person out in a Stokes litter have practical limitations.  Unless the person is fully conscious and in good condition, a horse ride can (and has) resulted in further injury to the victim.  Carrying a person out in a litter is a difficult task, even with a central wheel attached.

The concept of the rescue ricksha provides two wheels for increase stability and allows the victim to ride in a more comfortable semi-sitting position.  In case of greater injuries, the unit could be reconfigured to place the victim in a fully reclining position in which case the unit would act much like an existing litter.
 
 

Copyright © 2002 by HDS Systems, Inc.  All rights reserved.
Updated July 2002
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