If you are uncertain about a rule interpretation now you will need to make your own best guess as to how the judges might interpret the rules with regard to something you want to try.

Scoring Formula Constant Changed In order to prevent negative scores the Committee has decided to increase the constant in the scoring formula to 10,000.  The revised equation is therefore:

        SCORE = 10,000 - 10*T - 5*V + 10*R -P

All weighting factors and other scoring constants remain the same.  (1/4/00)

Penalty correction to answer no. 50.  The stated penalty for resetting a switch between runs has been corrected to be in accordance with the problem statement. (11/12/99)

1999 Contest results from IMECE are posted!   1999 IMECE Results

Setup time inconsistency in problem statement fixed.  The allowable setup time was given as both one and two minutes in the penalty calculation.  Two minutes is the allowable setup time.  (9/17/99)

2.    Q:  Is it permissable to locate the bottle on the target area with a fixture or stop or must it be "placed" on the target?  A:  There are no restrictions on how the bottle may be located, held or placed on the target. (4/23/99)

3.    Q:  Are there any restrictions on where equipment from the device can be placed beyond maintaining a 5cm distance from the bottle with the transport mechanism?
A: Only that the device must all fit on the table top.  Also, of course, the distance at the start from the mouth of the bottle to the target centerline must be correct. (4/23/99)

4.     Must the reservoir remain vented at all times? A:  Yes.   (4/23/99)

5.     It is stated that only Radio Shack DC motors may actuate the system.  It is also stated that any other energy storing devices must end each trial with same or more energy than at the start of the trial. Does this mean that a falling mass, for example, may be used to perform work?  More specifically, must all system motion come directly from the output shafts of the motors?  A:  If you use a falling mass to drive the system in some way, you must restore the energy you used by moving the mass back up to its initial elevation before your run would be valid or completed.  All energy to move the system ultimnately must come from the batteries driving the electrical motors.  (At the time this is being posted the committee is actively debating allowing solenoids to be used for some functions, but the ruling has not been issued yet.)  (4/23/99)

6.    Is it permissable to use solenoids to open and close valves or jaws, clamping mechanisms, etc?  They would not however be used to move the bottle, cap or liquid.  A:  Solenoids may be used to drive clamping devices, operate valves, and  move tubing or other piping over short distances (e.g., to move a tube  away from over a bottle opening).  As with electric motors, each  solenoid must receive its energy from one AA battery.  All other motions must be driven by the specified Radio Shack motors.  (4/26/99)

7.       Will remove the translucent blue sealing insert be removed from within the bottle cap? If so why?  A:  Yes, the blue sealing insert will be removed, and no other inserts are allowed.  The intent is to eliminate any variations, hidden or otherwise, inside the caps to aid in the sealing. (4/29/99)  NOTE--This ruling was later reversed.  The original sealing liner may be left in place.

8.    The rules state that the DC motors used must be unmodified.  Does this prohibit shaft modifications so that gears, pulleys, worm gears etc. which would be attached to the shaft would not slip?  A:  Minor shaft modifications necessary to fasten gears, pulleys, etc., to the shaft of the motor for non-slippping power transmission are permissible.  What you may not do is tamper with the motor bearings, the motor windings, or the motor magnetic circuits in an attempt to change motor characteristics.  (5/17/99)

9.    Is the cap the screw-on type (e.g., in a Coke bottle) or is it the push-on/pop-off type (e.g., like in a medicine bottle)?  A:  The cap is a screw-on type as commonly used on Coke and many Pepsi bottles.  It is a very widely used cap.  Note that any anti-tampering strip (which tears off of the bottom of the cap when you open it) will be removed before the contest and will not be a part of this problem. (5/21/99)

10.     Is the bottle required to be picked up by the mechanism or is it simply required to be oriented? i.e., after the  start, can we use the same chocks, rails etc. holding the bottle to orient it too, or must the restraining device be isolated from the rest of the system?  A:     Whether it is "picked up" or not, the bottle must be transported and set upright on the target.  Any parts of your system which will CAUSE the bottle to move must be at least the 5 cm distance away from the bottle in the starting position, as specified in the problem.  If rails are used to stabilize the bottle in the starting position it is permissible for these rails to be connected to the other parts of your system, and it is permissible for the bottle to remain in contact with and move along such rails propelled by a part of your system which was at least the 5 cm away to start with.  (5/21/99)

11.    The contest rules for the bottling design contest state that the bottle must be placed on the target and then filled.  Can the filling process begin before the bottle gets to the target, provided that the bottle ends up on the target and the system is returned to its starting position?   A:  No, you may not initiate liquid transfer before the bottle is placed on the target.  All filling must be accomplished after the bottle is placed.  (5/24/99)

12.     When the nominal bottle specification listed includes "Maximum diameter of bottle 80 to 90 mm," does that mean that the bottle will be at least 80 mm in diameter?  If so, how is it possible to get the full 10 pt. spot on the target considering the diameter of the 10 pt. target is only 70 mm across?  A:  Yes, the maximum diameter of the bottle must be at least 80 mm.  However, the bottoms of these bottles are somewhat hemi-spherical in general shape (with
some deep indentations to provide stability), and touch the surface they are sitting on at much less than the maximum bottle diameter.  The scoring is based on where the bottle actually touches the target.  (5/26/99)

13.    At no point in the rules does it say that the target is on the table.   The bottle must start on the table and end on the target, but can the target be raised off the table? A: No, the target will be affixed to the table for all contestants and may not be raised or moved from the table.  (5/27/99)

14.    In the starting position, must the horizontal edge of the bottle physically touch the top of the contest surface or are we allowed to support the bottle slightly above the table in a cradle type device?  A:  The rules say that the bottle must "be in contact with the contest surface".  A cradle may not hold the bottle so that it does not touch the surface.  (5/28/99)

15.    Must the target be physically touching the contest surface or can the target be held slightly above the contest surface?  A:  The target will be affixed to the contest surface and can not be moved.  (See Q&A number 13  as well.)  (5/28/99)

16.    Once the bottle is placed on the target, as long as it returns to it original location, can the target and bottle move while the bottle is being filled (e.g., like in a circular path?) A: Since the target will be affixed to the contest surface it can not move. (5/28/99)

17.    What should be done with the bottle once it has been filled?  Can it remain in place on the target or must it be removed by the machine to facilitate the system being reset for the next trial?  A:  The bottle must be left standing on the target position.  Timing stops when the system is back in its original configuration after the filling and capping have been completed.   The filled and capped bottle will be manually removed and taken to the leakage test area by the judges after all necessary placement measurements have been made and  prior to the start of the second run.  (5/28/99)

18.     Is it permisable to get a DC voltage source and adjust the system voltage so that the potential across the motor is exactly 1.5 Volts (the required value)?  A:  No, it is not permissible to power the motor from a DC voltage source other than the specified size AA battery.  Note, however, that there are no restrictions on the electronics allowed between the battery and the motor, and there are no restrictions on the voltage applied to the motor.  In the past some teams have used DC to DC voltage converters to control the voltage applied to the motors, and this is allowable.  (6/24/99)

19.    Please clarify the initial orientation of the bottle.  Is the open end of the bottle pointed toward the target, pointed away from the target, or normal to the target?  A:  The open end of the bottle is pointing towards the center of the target.  (6/25/99)

20.    Will the open end of the bottle, where the cap goes on, have a lip?  A:  This is not specified.  Check your local bottles.  The openings all fit a standard cap which is widely used. (6/25/99).

21.    Is the distance (5 cm) between the bottle and the transporter measured in any specific direction?  For example, does this apply to above the bottle?  A:  The closest the transporting device may be in any direction is 5 cm.  Another way to put this:  the judges should be able to pass a 5 cm diameter ball between the bottle and any part of your device except the cradle or other supports which keep the bottle initially placed.  (6/25/99)

22.     Can the bottle be grabbed by claws or a similar system to transport it from its original place to the target?  A:  Yes, once the "start" signal is given your system may handle the bottle in any way you see fit.  (6/30/99)

23. At the end of the process, can the bottle be in contact with some part of the mechanism. (i.e. claws for stability)?  A:Yes, the bottle may be in contact with your device at the end of the run.  (6/30/99)

24. Is there any special reference for the Radio Shack DC motor that can be used? A: There is only the Radio Shack part number (273-223) which is in the problem statement.  This is a small permanent magnet DC motor.  If you can not find the motor locally please contact your ASME Regional Office.  (6/30/99)

25.    Are there any size limitations to the mechanism  (ie. can it hang over any or all sides of the competition table or can it fill the entire area of the table)?  A:  When assembled the device must fit on the 3 ft by 7 ft table, and may not hang over the edges.  Also please see item 10 of the problem statement, which requires that the device be packed for travel in a 30 x 30 x 50 cm box (inside dimensions).  (6/30/99)

26.    Does the tip of the bottle have to be a certain specified distance from the center of the target?  Or does it just have to start out 5cm away from the system with open end facing target regardless of the total length of the system?  A:  Item 2 of the problem statement says that the bottle must start "... with its open mouth facing a destination target.  The edge of the open mouth must be placed at the start position one meter from the target center."  Thus both the orientation and the distance of the bottle are specified. (7/09/99)

27.     The rules specified that the bottle may placed in a cradling device as long as the bottle still remains in contact with the surface and the cradling device is not connected to any part of the system at the beginning of the run.  May we attach a device on top of the bottle so that the bottom is still in contact with the contest surface as long as this device does no harm to the bottle and is not connected to the system at the start of the run?  (ie.  a clamp that rests over the bottle).  A.  What you describe would only be legal IF the clamp is not subsequently used to move or position the bottle in any way, including locating it on the target.  You may not manually install the bottle into a clamp which would later be grabbed by your device and used to move the bottle.  Your device must move to the bottle and pick it up from a distance of at least 5 cm.  (7/09/99)

28.    Does the bottle have to be lying freely on the surface, or may it be constrained by rails AT THE START of the proceedure?  A:  the bottle may be constrained by the rails at the start of the procedure.  (8/23/99)

29.    The open mouth is facing a destination target. Is this target of our choosing, your choosing, or the target to which we are attempting to place the finished, filled, and capped bottle?  A:  It is the target on which you are attempting to place the bottle for filling and capping. (8/23/99)

30.    What is the definition of "actuator"?  It seems that such energy storage devices as springs and falling masses may be used so long as they regain their original energy by the finish of the run. By "acutator" do you mean that all energy must come from the motor, and could be actually utilized in another indirect manner, such as in storing energy in the form of pressure, generated by a pump and these small motors?  A:  Your understanding is correct;  the energy must originally come from the battery and through the motor.You may use the output of the motor in any way you see fit, just so long as you meet the energy storage constraint mentioned.  (8/23/99)

31.     Does the bottle need to be positioned in the direction of the system?  A: Yes, the open mouth of the bottle must be pointed towards the center of the target.  See Q&A number 19, and others in that series which address initial placement.  (8/29/99)

32. While filling the bottle, is it possible to restrain the bottle with some type of accessory (for example, holding it with pliers)?   A:  Yes, after the timing has started the system may hold the device in any manner desired.  (8/29/99)

33. Can a portion of the system be on the target?  A:  Yes, part of the system may sit on the target.  However, the target may not be completely covered so that the judges cannot easily see the bottle placement on the target.  (8/29/99)

34.  Can we transport the bottle with pliers?  A:  Yes, you may transport the bottle in any manner your choose.  Please review, however, the rules which say that your transporting mechanism may not be within 5 cm of the bottle prior to the start of the run.  (8/29/99)

35.    Does the bottle have to be completely resting on the target when it is being filled and capped, or can it be slightly off the target, as long as after capping it is resting on the target?  A:    It must be in contact with (completely resting on) the target during filling. (9/8/99)     See also Q&A #1.

36.    Once the bottle is brought to the target, placed on the target, and then filled, can it be moved during bottle capping, as long as it finishes on the target?  A: The bottle may be moved during capping, but must be sitting on the target when finished. The scoring will be based on the location of the bottle at the end of the run.  (9/8/99)

37.    Can we use a computer (i.e. laptop) to run the control for the system?  If so does this have to fit within the 30x50x30 cm. box?  A:  Yes, you can use a computer to control the system.  And yes, if you do so the computer and all cables, power supply, etc., must fit within the 30x50x30 cm box. (9/14/99)

38.     Do the different modules of the bottling system have to be connected, or can they be independent?  A:  Your system parts may be independent if you wish.  (9/15/99)

39.    Is the liquid itself part of the system, is it assumed to have potential energy?  Does the liquid have to start on the surface of the table?  A:  The liquid itself is not part of the system, and its potential energy is not considered.  It does not need to start on the surface of the table. (9/15/99)

40.    My understanding is that there will be two seperate occasions to place water in the reservoir, once before each run.  The first filling must be at least 1000 ml and the second will be whatever is left after the first filling (the remainder of the original 2 liters that will be given at the beginning of contest).  Is this correct?  A:  Yes, this is correct.  (9/15/99)

41.    Are the ten seconds that are given to place another cap in the device at the beginning of the second run a portion of the over-all two minutes to complete the second run?  A:  No, the ten seconds to place the cap will be measured separately from the run time. (9/15/99)

42.    Can the bottle cap be loaded in the system manually at the start of each run?  A:  Yes.  All bottle caps are to be loaded manually.  (9/16/99)

43.    Can the bottle be filled first and then placed on the target?  A:  No.  The bottle must be placed before filling.  (9/16/99)  (See also Q&A #36)

44.    Is the system allowed to reset after the bottle is removed?  (Ex. A mechanism falling back, or moving back into place after removal of the bottle.)  And if this is allowed, when will the timing stop? A:  The system is required to reset after the filling is complete.  Time stops when the resetting is complete and the system is ready to handle another empty bottle.  The filled bottle, however, will still be sitting on the target.  No system action should occur upon removal of the bottle. (9/17/99)

45.    Can liquid from the bottle be put in the system before liquid is put into the reservoir, i.e., can the device be primed? A:  You will be given exactly 2000 ml of liquid with which to fill the bottles during the two runs.  Any of this which does not show up in the capped bottles counts against you. You will have the opportunity to run a "wet" test before the contest starts (but not just ahead of your run), so inside surfaces should be wetted.  If, in addition to this "stored water" you need a small amount of liquid to "prime" the system or fill a void you would need to supply this as part of your system and it needs to be in your box.  However, you would then need to cycle the water-supplying part of your system to demonstrate to the judges that this water does not flow out of your system at the end of the cycle, and this water weight will not show up in your score.  Also, this demonstration will need to take place during the two minute setup time.  (9/17/99)

46.  Does "return to orginal configuration" mean all parts return to THEIR BEGINNING POSITIONS, or can it be taken to mean READY TO ACCEPT
ANOTHER BOTTLE AND CAP?  In other words, if we were referring to a merry-go-round does the second rider have to get on the same horse as the first rider or can he get on any horse?   A:  It means "Ready to accept another bottle and cap", and everything should have completed one full filling cycle.  In your (excellent) analogy, the second rider can get on any horse.  Bear in mind, however, that you will not be given the second bottle to place in your system until the first bottle has been removed and you are preparing for the second run.  From your analogy standpoint, I think this means that while the mechanisms may be in place, the horse will not be given you to place on the merry-go-round until preparing for the second run.  (9/17/99)

47.    Does the bottle have to remain in contact with the contest surface throughout the entire process?    A:  No, the bottle must start the run in contact with the surface, and must end sitting on the target, which sits on the contest surface.  In between you may move it however you wish.  (9/21/99)

48.  Could you supply the brand name of a bottle that has a diameter of 90 mm and a volume of 1 L?  This would be most helpful in testing our bottle restraining mechanism.    A:    The bottle size range was set to slightly more than cover all of the bottle diameters we found of the one liter size.  None were exactly at the upper limit of 90 mm.  (Interestingly enough, when setting this problem up we found that there were minor variations in bottle dimensions for the same product, so we could not specify the bottle by product.  One liter bottles, however, fell within the size ranges specified regardless of where in the world we looked and the product we chose.) (9/21/99)

49.    The rules specify that each motor is to be powered by a single AA battery.  If a design uses a single switch to activate 2 motors simultaneously, can leads from each of the 2 batteries run to the switch then out to the individual motors?   A:  One double-pole switch can be used in the manner you describe, but not a single-pole switch.  If you use a single pole switch you place both batteries in parallel, which is not allowed.  The use of a double-pole switch would keep the circuits electrically separate but would turn on both motors at the same time.  The judges could ask you to show them or demonstrate to them that any one battery powers only one motor.  (9/26/99)

50.    The rules state that no system adjustments, modifications, repairs, etc. are permitted between trials.  Does this rule include flipping a switch that will reverse current flow for the second trial?  If so, what would the penalty be?   A:  Yes, the rule would prohibit manually flipping a switch to reverse current flow between runs.  The machine should be designed to "cycle" indefinitely without intervention, just as it would in a bottling plant.  (Except for the original placement of bottles and caps and the charging with liquid.) Any switches must be reset in their original positions at the end of a run.  The penalty for resetting a switch manually would be disqualification. (9/26/99)  CORRECTION (11/12/99) - the penalty would be as specified in the problem statement, with a minimum switch resetting time of one second.

51.    Where will the target be on the table?  A:  You may specify where on the table you would like the target placed.  No part of the target may extend beyond the table edge.  (9/26/99)

52.    Can you give a more accurate description of the table surface?  Could it be a plastic tablecloth of some sort?  Could you please be more precise?  A:  The contest organizer is allowed some latitude here, and you need to be prepared for it.  A plastic tablecloth is certainly a possibility.  However, we suggest that we "standardize" on polyethylene sheeting such as is available at any hardware or building supply store to protect the table top.  (9/26/99)

53.    What is meant by "not allowed to adhere or attach the system in any way...that will leave residue behind."  What will be considered "residue" ?  A:    The intent here is to not allow any team to damage the test site on which a later team has to run.  Tape which does not come off cleanly can leave a "sticky spot:" behind.  Spilled oil could make for a slippery spot.  If, for example, pulling off duct tape stretches the plastic sheeting, leaving a lumpy and slighty sticky surface behind for another team to contend with the first team could be disqualified.

54.    Is the drawing of the target on the web page to scale?  A:  No.  Rely on the given dimensions, not the drawing.  (9/26/99)

55.    How will the target be marked?  Will it be drawn on the table?  Will it have any kind of topography (i.e. ridges or bumps)?  A: Again, the contest organizer is allowed some latitude, but it is anticipated that the target will be drawn either on (disposable) paper or a water-proof thin material.  It should not have any significant topography--it should be as nearly flat as the organizers can make it.  (9/26/99)

56. To further clarify the 5cm clearance distance of the system to the bottle at start-up, if the system uses a device attached to a cable or string to move the bottle from its start position to the target zone, does the cable or string need to be 5cm away from the bottle at start-up, or would the device that would come in contact with the bottle only need to be 5cm away?  A:  All parts of your system must be at least 5 cm away from the bottle at start-up.  This would include any wires, cables, strings, etc.  (9/26/99)

57.    Can one use an electronic device that controls various switches, and also powers the motors, as long as the power supply for this device is AA batteries and the voltage to the motors is rated at 1.5 volts?  This specific device requires 6 AA batteries for a total of 9 volts.  Can we just implement resistors that restrict the voltage to 1.5v?  A:  This needs to be answered in parts!  First, you can use electronics, and the rules specifically state that you can power the electronics with batteries of your choice.  The supply voltage for the electronics is not limited.  The power to any motor, however, must come from one AA battery, and you must be able to prove to the judges that a given motor only receives power from one AA battery.  Thus you may not power a motor by stepping voltage down from a larger battery pack which also supplies the electronics.  Of course, if you have 6 AA batteries in series in your electronics pack it seems possible to wire out separately from one (or more) of them to power a (or several) motor(s) while the battery remains in series for the electronics supply, but if you try this you will most likely run into grounding and voltage problems.  (9/27/99)

58.    Can any part of the apparatus be in contact with the target?  For example, is it permissible to have guide rails for the movement of the bottle placed on top of the target as long as the bottle location is able to be determined by the judges?  A:  Yes, your system may touch the target.  You are correct in stating that the judges must be able to detemine the location of the bottle for scoring purposes.  (9/27/99)

59.    Can the 30 by 30 by 50 centimeter box that stores the bottling device be used as part of the device, such as a base or back stop?"  A:  The given dimensions, 30x30x50 cm are the INSIDE dimensions of the sizing box.  Thus, if your box were exactly this size, the material of which the box is made would be outside the allowable dimensions.  On the other hand, if you made your box with OUTSIDE dimensions slightly smaller than 30x30x50 cm (so that it would fit inside one of the sizing boxes) you could then consider the box part of your system and could use it in any way you see fit.  (9/30/99)

60.    The 1.5V motors that we are to used are only supposed to be connected to one 1.5V battery. But can it be connected to two 1.5V batteries (one of which the polarity is reversed to make the motor run in reverse) if only one battery is activated at a time.    A:  The two battery approach is allowable only if you can easily show the judges that there is no possiblity of both batteries being connected at the same time.  But a better approach is to use a double pole double throw switch would accomplish the same ends and use only one battery.  (10/1/99)

61.     Can rails used as a cradling device to constrain the bottle before the start, then be used to guide the transport mechanism to the target?  Rails would remain stationary.
A;  Yes, rails may be used in this manner.  (10/3/99)

62    If the bottle after filling is surrounded by a device such as a wire cage, what kind of access must be provided for the judges to remove the bottle?  Can the cage have a manual latch or other device that must be released by the judges for the bottle to be removed and then reattached?  The cage would not move.     A:  In a word, easy access.  The judges must be able to see the target, and the bottle must be readily removed.  A manual latch  would be OK if it can be finger operated.  (10/3/99)

63.    Is it possible to use some sort of device or extension that would stick to the bottle (either to replace or enhance a gripping or pulling mechanism) in order to position the bottle on the target and/or for filling it?  Like the table surface, is it legal if it does not leave a residue?  A:  After the start signal is given and you are allowed to move into the 5 cm space around the bottle and begin moving it there are no restrictions on the methods used to transport the bottle.  However, the bottle may not be modified, and this would include attaching something to it either permanently or temporarily in such a way as to modifiy the surface of the bottle.  If you could bond to the bottle, then release it without any modifications or residue you would be OK. (10/4/99).

64.   In the rules for the competition, it states that only one minute is allowed for assembly of the mechanism, however 30 minutes is allowed for adjustments. In addition it states the mechanism must fit in the box beforeassembly.  Is the one minute part a typing error? A:  The thirty minute time limit is for setup, checkout, and final adjustment of your system prior to the actual start of the contest.  Should you need to adjust your system to handle whatever bottle shows up at your contest, this is the time you will be provided to do it.  The system must then be returned to the box.  When your team is called to the testing table you will have two minutes to set up and assemble your device.  (There was an error in an early posting of the problem which only allowed one minute for set-up.  This was since corrected.) (10/8/99)

65.     Once the bottle is filled and capped, must it be physically be touching the target? In other words can it be centered over the target, but be a certain vertical distance above it, say 1-2"?  A:  The bottle must be sitting on (in contact with) the target.  (10/8/99)

66.     Could the you give more details about this part of the rules:"The bottle may be restrained by ..............................All other parts of the transport mechanism must be at least 5 cm away from the bottle."   This seems a vague,  could you please elaborate.  A:    Review the answers to Questions 10 and 21.  Your device must move to the bottle starting from a position at least 5 cm away and pick the bottle up.  It can not touch or nearly touch the bottle before starting. (10/8/99)

67.  Can the bottle be filled using an electric pump? A:    You may use any means you like to fill the bottle.  A pump would have to be powered by the specified Radio Shack motor with its attendant battery.  (10/8/99)

68.    While examining different bottle caps for this design contest, I have found two distinct types of the same size. The first type contains continuous threading inside the cap. The second uses broken, non-continuous threading. Which of these two types of caps will be used?   A:  This is not specified.  You need to be prepared to handle either.   (10/11/99)

69. On Question number 7, you said the standard translucent blue sealing inside the cup will be removed before we are allowed to use it. Have you tested to verify how much torque will be needed to seal the bottle without the translucent blue sealant inside the cap?  I have found it barely will hold the water when closed tightly, and any pressure placed on the bottle will cause it to leak.  A:  The question of the insert is currently under review.   The original intent was to minimize the variation in torque required to seal the bottles, and our preliminary tests showed it worked that way.  We are now finding, however, that some caps have inserts molded into the cap, and others, as you note, do not seal well without any insert.  Keep watching the Q&A announcements for information on this.  (10/11/99)

70.    It is stated that the target is the location, "on which you are attempting to place the bottle."  However the target will be affixed for all and shall not be moved.  No location on the 3x7(ft) table area has been specified.  Where is this location? Or is it the responsibility of the judges or design team to select the target's table coordinates?  A:  The judges and the team currently competing must agree on the location of the target prior to the start of the test.  The target then will be fastened to the surface of the table and may not be moved during or after the test.  The next team to compete can specify a different target location if they desire.  There is no specified location for the target other than that it be on the table.  (10/14/99).

71.    What is the distance between the top of the table and the ceiling?  A:  This is not specified and is very difficult to predict, given the number of venues where the contest will be carried out.  The table top should be about 32 inches above the floor, and the ceiling height will undoubtedly be at least 8 ft (96 in.) above the floor.  This leaves a distance of 64 inches.  (Ceiling heights in most contest venues in past years have generally been higher than this.) (10/14/99)

72.    Thirty minutes are allowed for each team to adjust the system to fit all one liter bottles that might be used during the contest.  Will each team receive at least one bottle & cap set of all styles to be used for adjustments?   A:  At any given contest site there will only be one type of bottle and cap used, and both will be the same for all contestants.  During the thirty-minute set-up time prior to the contest start each team will be loaned one of the test bottles and one of the caps so they can adjust their system as necessary.  (10/15/99)

73.   When the bottle is lying on the table prior to the start of the test must the bottle axis be parallel to the surface of the table, or could the bottle be inclined and touching the table at only one point?  A:    The cylindrical axis of the bottle must be parallel to the top of the table.  (10/17/99)

74.    Will different groups be given different shape bottles on the conference day? And how about the bottle's shape? Is it just a popular coke bottle?    A:    All teams at a given contest will have the same bottles to work with.  The exact shape of the bottle is not specified, but there are some limits on the dimensions given in the problem statement.  In general, bottles used by the Coke and Pepsi bottlers around the world fall into these dimensional limits.  Teams should spend some time in a store looking at possible bottle shapes to make sure their system will handle all of the bottles. (See also Q and A no. 72.)  (10/20/99)

75.    Will the 2 litres of water be put in one bottle or two?  A:    The water will be in two  bottles.  (10/20/99)

76.    Is it legal to put some wood blocks around the target area?  A:    Yes, you may put anything on the table you wish, provided that it comes out of the specified storage box. (10/20/99)

77.   If we use an IC network to amplify our 1.5 volt battery, does it violate the rules that the IC itself requires more voltage (5V)? A:  You are allowed to use any battery you wish to power your electronics.  However, the power for each motor must come from its own personal 1.5 V battery.  What you describe is legal if you can satisfy the judges that none of the motor power comes from the electronics battery.  (10/23/99)

78.    Are we allowed to use a programmable logic controller to be the "brains" of our system?  If so, again, does its power requirement matter?  A:    You may use a logic controller, and it may be powered by the batteries of your choice.  Se item 10 in the problem statement.    (10/23/99)

79.    What are the restrictions on compressed gas cylinders (CO2 cartridges)?  A:  Item 10 in the problem statement says that "No additional energy sources are allowed for actuation."  Therefore CO2 cartridges are not allowed as energy sources. (10/23/99)

80.    Is it permissible to connect two motors in series with two 1.5 AA batteries in series?  A:  No.  Each motor must be powered by a single battery.  (10/23/99)

81.    Can our system be touching the cap at the end our trial? Does the capping system need to return to its original position? A:  Yes, the system may be touching the cap.  But the capping system does need to return to its original configuration and be ready to start the next run as well.  (10/28/99)

82.    May we use a plug-in power source for use on the control system as long as all actuation is powered by the AA batteries?  A:  Yes, but be warned that at the contest you might not be close to an electrical outlet since battery power has been assumed.  Be prepared.  (10/29/99)

83.    In question number six it states that solenoids may be used for clamping etc...  Is there anything that they could not be used for?    A:  Solenoids could not be used to move or position the bottles.  Motive power for that must come from the specified motors powered by specified individual batteries.  (11/03/99)

84.    Can a mechanism be been used which initially "clasps" the bottle lip to grab it so the bottle could be lifted with it falling, so at the end of the run the person who removes the bottle must press a lever which releases the clasps which enables the bottle to be removed?  A:    The rules say that the system must "return to its intitial configuration" in order to complete a run.  You describe a situation where the system at the end is clamped onto the bottle, whereas in the starting position it is not clamped to the bottle.  That is not the "same configuration", so your run would not be complete.  In short--no.   (11/08/99)

85.    Can the position where the mechanism finishes be the starting position for the next run, without it moving any more once the bottle is filled, provided it can still make another run?  A:  As in question 84, the starting configuration must be the same as the ending configuration.  You do not have to move after filling the bottle if you started in that position.  Otherwise you need to move your system back to the starting configuration.  (11/08/99)

86.    If a clasp can be used as in the first question, can the lever which the judge presses to release the bottle also give an electronical signal to reset the system?  In this manner the system would still be reset to accept the next bottle, without any interference from the project team members?  A:  If the system is not back into the starting configuration after the bottle is filled the run is not complete.   Nothing the judges can do should cause the system to change state or return to an original configuration.  (11/08/99)

87.    Expanding on question 86:   What if by moving the clasp on the door it did NOT change anything mechanically but did change polarity on motors and change things in the electrical point of view to ready the system for a merry go round like operation as in question 46. Would this be Legal?   A.:  No, this would not be legal.  (11/17/99)

88.    Is it possible to get a better score by deliberately leaving the task unfinished to get a lower time T in the scoring formula, then returning the system to its original configuration manually, and accepting the resulting penalty P?  A:  No.  Because the system did not return to its original configuration you would be given a time T of 120 seconds (the maximum allowable run time) and then the penalties would be assessed as well. (11/19/99)

89.    To get two motors to operate at the same time, is it possible to tie the "low" terminals of the motors together, then pass from this connection point through one single pole single throw switch to a line connecting both battery negatives?  Battery positives would be tied to the separate motors.   A:  This circuit would work as wished when the switch is closed.  However, when the switch is open there is a problem, since the batteries are now tied in parallel through the motor windings.  In general, power would flow from the battery with a higher charge to one with a lower charge under these conditions.  Thus this is not legal.  A double pole single throw switch should be used instead, with one pole for each motor.  (See also Q/A # 49)  (11/27/99)

90.   Can we use transistors to control the motors, even though the input pin (base) on the transistor has to be at five volts?   Ex: One of the motor pins would be connected to the ground or negative side of the battery and the other would be connected to the common pin on the transistor.  The base pin on the transistor would be connected to a control chip which outputs five volts to turn on the transistor.  The third pin on the transistor (Emitter) would be connected to the high side of the battery (1.5V).  A:  You are certainly allowed to use solid state switching in your controls.  All that you must do is demonstrate to the judges by circuit or test that the power source for a given motor is one battery.    (See also Q/A #57) (11/27/99)

91.   The rules say that you can have a physical restraint on the bottle when it is in its initial position so that, for example, it will not roll.  To what degree can the restraining system be used to transport the bottle?  Does everything that contacts the bottle to move/guide it to the filling station have to be 5 cm from the bottle initially, even though it remains stationary?  A:    Basically, the restraining system may not be used to transport or guide the bottle.  The restraints are confined to "rails, chocks, or a cradle" which do not take part in the transport of the bottle.  Q/A no.10 expands on this for rails, which may be connected to a continuous rail system but the rails may not move.  Everything that contacts the bottle to move or guide it to the filling station must start from 5 cm away.  (11/27/99)

92.    Are there any restrictions on the types of sensors that may be used for the bottling system?  The rules seem to suggest that only control electronics may have an unlimited supply voltage and sensors would fall under a separate category.  Are there any limits to the voltage supplied to sensors?   A:  There are no restrictions on the number or types of sensors you may use, or their supply voltages.  Sensors are generally included as part of the "control electronics" in the problem statement.  (12/06/99)

93.    Part 8 of the Design Problem states that we must complete a second trial.  Is it safe to assume that the second bottle will be identical to/the same size as the bottle in the first trial?  A:  Yes.  The same size bottle will be used for both trials, and a sample bottle will be available to you prior to the start of testing to adjust your device to handle it.  (12/12/99)

94.    In the Design Problem, Part 8 states that we have ten (10) seconds to place a second bottle and cap into the original positions.  Part 4 states that we are required to pour at least half (1000 mL) of the water into the reservoir.  If we need to refill the reservoir for the second trial, is the time required to do so included in the ten (10) seconds?  A:  No.  The ten seconds is strictly for placing the cap.  No specific time limits have been placed on putting the water into the system, but the committee assumes that all teams will do this quickly to avoid delaying the contest.  (12/12/99)

95.    The problem statement does no mention any time restrictions to fill the reservoir.  Is there a time limit for this task?  A:  No.  The committee hopes and expects you will do this quickly to avoid delaying the contest, but has not set a fixed time limit.  (12/12/99)

96.    What if a team has to provide a small nudge or correction to the run, however small it may be, does this constitute a failed run? If so, what is the penalty for this failed run?  A:  Once started, the device may have "no external communication, interaction, fluid addition, or influence of any kind".  If the team has to nudge the device that is a failed run.  Therefore, in the scoring formula the time to use would be T=120, the missing volume transferred V=1000 ml, the target positioning value R=0, and the "not well sealed" penalty of 100 points would apply.  Any other penalties for resetting the system, assembling the system, or placing of the cap would apply as well, so the score for such a run would have to be determined individually.  (1/4/00)

97.    What happens if a team has a leak in their system after the fluid has been loaded into the reservoir but before the run has begun? Does the team have the freedom to start the run immediately after the fluid has been loaded? Can the valve, or whatever is causing the leak be quickly fixed?   A:    If the leakage occurs during the set-up period the teams may fix it as necessary, possibly incurring some penalty time in the process.  Once they have indicated to the judges, however, that their set-up is complete and the setup timing stops they may not touch or adjust their system in any way, and that includes fixing any new leaks.  The timing of the start of their run depends on their readiness and the readiness of the judges, who have the final say concerning the exact start.  In this situation it is expected that judges would try to try to stay consistent with what other teams have done in terms of starting, and would neither rush nor delay unnecessarily the starting.  (1/4/00)

98.    What is the penalty if a team has to make a small correction to their system, i.e., relocate it a fraction of an inch, between runs?   A:    The purpose of the second run is to demonstrate reliability and repeatability of the systems.  Allowing adjustment of the systems between runs defeats this purpose, and is not allowed.  Given that bottles, caps and liquid must be replaced between runs it is difficult to write specific rules about what might or might not be allowed at that time, so it will be up to the judges to use their discretion.  If it appears that the team is "fixing" their system the judges should score the second run as a failed run.  (1/4/00)

99.   I t is stated in the rules that at the starting position "the bottle may be restrained by rails, chocks, or a cradle, but may not be attached to any other part of the bottle transport mechanism."  Is a rail that guides a truck or pusher that moves the bottle considered part of the transport system?  If rails such as these are used do they have to start 5 cm away or can they be used to restrain the bottle? A:    The rails are not considered part of the transport system, they do not need to be 5 cm away, and they may restrain the bottle.  Any truck or pusher mechanism, however, is part of the transport system and must start 5 cm away from the bottle.  (1/5/00)  (see also Q/A no. 61 above.)

100.    Some one-liter soft drink bottles measure 250 mm high with the cap installed but slightly less than 250 mm height without the cap.  Is such a bottle legal for this contest?
A:  No.  The bottle must be within the given specifications without the cap on.  One-liter Coke and Pepsi product bottles, among others, should fall within specification.  (1/6/00)

101.   Are we allowed only 1 battery in the whole design with as many motors as we want, or can we use  (1 battery + 1 motor)*n  where n is the biggest number where everything would fit into the storage box?  A:  The latter is correct.  You can use (1 battery + 1 motor) *n, where n is the number of motors you need or can fit in your box with your system.  (1/9/00)

102.    Can a solenoid coil  be used for actuation ?  In answer to an earlier question you replied that we can use it except for conveying the bottle.   If it is allowed ,  can we use 220 VAC  supply to the solenoid?  A:  A solenoid may only be used as described in the answer to question number 6.  That specifies a single AA battery as the power source for a solenoid.  220 VAC would definitely not be permitted.  (1/11/00)

103.    Do rails that guide the bottle, but not provide any motion, have to start 5 cm away from the bottle?  A:  If the rails are also used to prevent the bottle from rolling on the table they may touch the bottle prior to the start.  See also Q/A no. 61.  (1/14/00)

104.    Instead of using one mechanism to move the bottle into place can we use two, where at the end of the first run the second mechanism will be ready to receive the bottle and the first mechanism will be in touch with the bottle?  A: Yes, so long as at the end of the second fill cycle the machine is once again in position to accept yet another bottle and cap.  Basically, the machine must be designed to cycle indefinitely even though it is only being tested with two bottles.  See also Q/A number 46.  (1/14/00)

105.    Although the question has been asked a number of times, it is still not clear what role the system that supports the bottle initially can play in passively transporting the bottle.  Specifically, if the bottle is initially placed on rails that are stationary (and will remain so), can the rail(s) be used to guide a transport mechanism?  If the answer to the above is "yes" is the same true for any other initial "holder" of the bottle?  A:  Yes, the rails may be used to guide a transport mechanism.  This was a specific exemption to the "5 cm" distance rule.  The exemption does not extend to other initial holders of the bottle or to the parts which will do the transporting.   Only "rails, chocks, or a cradle" may touch the bottle, and only the rails may be used in the transport.  See also the answers to questions 103 and 61.  (1/14/00)

106.    Can you please clarify whether or not the bottle can be filled and capped while it is displaced some distance directly above the target if at the end of the process, it sits in place on the target?  In other words, can filling and capping of the bottle occur while the bottle is displaced some vertical distance above the target?  If the answer to the preceding is "no", must "full" contact between the bottle and target remain throughout both processes (i.e. can the bottle be tilted during either process)?  A:  The bottle must be sitting on (in contact with) the target while the filling and capping process is going on.  Tilting or turning the bottle would be permissible so long as the bottle  does not break contact with the target.  (1/14/99)

107.    Will the "coke", "pepsi" (or other) labels on the contest bottles be removed?  A:   This is left to the discretion of the individual contest organizers.  You should be prepared to handle either.  (1/14/00)

108.    Is the bottle plastic or glass?  A:  Plastic.  Standard soft drink bottle. (1/14/00)