WarmGlass.com

Hello, fellow slumpers; I've been away for a long time, just doing my work. But now I need your help and advice.

A few months ago a cardiac pacemaker was implanted in me and while I'd love to get back to using my big kiln for slumping glass, I'm afraid! I am afraid of somehow messing up my little computerized pacemaker and then slumping, myself.

I read the one thread here about pacemakers but the advice varied. Does anyone know any more, in the 2-3 years since that thread? My cardiologist, a nice (but condescending) lady says it'll all be fine. The website for the pacemaker co. (Medtronic) generalizes like crazy. I need to know:
1) Can I go right up to the kiln and look through the peepholes while it's on?
2) Would it be safer if I turn the kiln off temporarily, peep in, then close it and turn it on again?
3) Kiln controller is a Digitry GB-1; can I get close to that?
4) Is there a protective vest or garment that keeps electromagnetic rad. from going through my chest?

I'd be grateful for whatever you all can tell me.

Carol Cohen

Carol, I would call Digitry and ask. They are engineers and should have a clue.

I did call Ron (Shapiro) at Digitry up in Maine, got sent to an answering machine, and haven't heard back. He's probably on Xmas vacation. Hmmm.... maybe I should try to call his bro-in-law Andy Magdanz, here in Cambridge.
Whatever I find out, I'll post on warmglass.com - we're all getting older (what!? not you??) and pacemakers may be in the future of other warmglass people.

Carol

Me again -- I phoned the Medtronic Co. which makes the pacemaker. They looked it up and said they recommended staying at least 24 inches away from the kiln. But if I get nearer (which I have to do, to look into peepholes to judge slumpingness), the pacemaker will be affected but will re-set itself when I move away. And that I should make it short peeps in, just a few seconds. And turning off the kiln for a short peek will not stop the energy. And that there's no insulating clothing or device that keeps electromagnetic energy from just COURSING through your body.

Next I hope to hear from Digitry. They might be able to be more specific about distance, timing and what energy the controller is radiating.

After that I may have to consider hiring a studio assistant, to operate the kiln. Or sell the kiln (sob).

If you are not sure about the safety of your pacemaker around your kiln, then turn off the kiln when you visually check the glass. Turn the kiln back on a few seconds later after you've checked the glass.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com

Arnold, I'm confused! If I turn off the kiln for a few seconds, does that stop the radiation of electromagnetic energy? I read somewhere that the energy still is being produced by the hot coils. Not?

Carol

The elements do not produce electromagnetic interference when they are turned off. This is true of even hot elements. The relays can produce a signal when they are clicking, or turned on.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com