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#1
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Parts found in companies scrap
I found some conveyor belt of a special nature, that was being scrapped at my company. They were going to throw it in the trash because it is so out of date. So they donated it. Very clearly it was made by the following company as it is so similar and the design is patented. But it is 15 years old and they obviously don't make it any more. We could buy the current model...
http://www.qcindustries.com/conveyor...fications.html It's 12 inches wide but has varying size units, some 2" wide. We want to use the 2" ones to make a tank tread system for our robot. Can we do it legally? If so, How do we price it? |
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#2
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
As to the legalities, I can't speak of but a nice find if I might say so.
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#3
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
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#4
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
it may be good for prototyping... but if there is no way to buy another unit new or used, then it isn't competition legal.
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#5
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
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[R24] allows for COTS components that are no longer commercially available, provided that they are functionally identical to the original condition. So, what you would want to do would be to compare it to the original condition. If it's just been sitting on a shelf for all these years, then I'd guess that it's close. As for pricing, what I would probably consider is that you'd need the fair market value of the current version (2" wide, or the narrowest that will work if cut down). This is in accord with the cost accounting rules. Fair market value: If you had the company make it commercially, what would they charge you? If they say they wouldn't charge you anything, show them the cost accounting rules--they have to offer that price to any FRC team that orders that type of belt. |
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#6
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
One thing to always keep in mind when considering tank treads is
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#7
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
Actually, I'd ask the GDC Q&A on this one.
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#8
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
Let's say that the company says that I can't get a 2 inch belt and a 4 inch belt (they have those) is too large for our purposes. Can I alter it if I can prove that it maintains all of it's structural characteristics?
I know! I'm stretching here... |
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#9
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
The key words in my opinion are "Functionally Equivalent". It doesn't have to have the same structure, just the same function. It can be worn a bit, or cut down from 4" to 2.5", but if it's a conveyer belt and still works (functions) as a conveyer belt, and perhaps is even being used AS a conveyer belt, then it should be OK. You'd use the 4" belt price.
To be certain, ask at Q&A. Just word your question as carefully as possible to address the {r24} issue. |
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#10
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
Ok, having major trouble posting to Q&A this year. Can someone point me to a page that details how to post? Also, which account are we allowed to post from? TIMS?
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#11
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
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Found on the FRC Q&A page, before the Q&A itself. |
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#12
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
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Any Help? |
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#13
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
If the tank tread system is for this years robot I would seriously suggest that you scrap that idea for this year. You have less than three weeks left and that is really not enough time to pull it off. Stick with the more traditional wheeled robot for this year and use this stuff for an off season project.
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#14
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Re: Parts found in companies scrap
If you want to look for the same, look for Flush Grid Conveyor Belts and Plastic Chain Conveyor Belts.
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