Cryogenic Techniques

Although touched upon briefly in the How to Catch Flies and Engine Maintenance Tips sections on FlyPower, we thought it would be judicious to expand upon this area of FlyPower in hopes of giving you a better understanding of both the principles and practical applications of this technique.

Cryogenics is at it's most basic form when applied to the preservation of food stuffs and the like. We have known for years that freezing or chilling foods will extend there usefulness and preserve them for latter use.

During the 1920, experiments were begun to see if living tissue could be frozen and then thawed without damage to the subject. These experiments often meet with less than satisfactory results, especially for the test subject. Unfortunately, water tends to expand when it freezes taking up more volume than in it's liquid form. As a result, cell damage result from freezing any tissue, usually destroying the cells.

On the brighter side, a by-product of this research was that living organisms tend to fall into a sleep similar to a form of suspended animation as a result of lowering the bodies temperature beyond a certain point, but well above the freezing level. Extended periods of lower than normal body temperature will result in a shutdown of the subjects metabolism, a short period of this application does in deed result in a temporary and safe suspension of bodily functions.

When applied to FlyPower and engine handling, this technique will facilitate the handling of your engine in the process of mounting and gluing, especially if you are unfamiliar with handling flies and other smaller life forms. Please note that this process, if applied properly, will not hurt or damage your engine in any way. Of course, damage may result if you do not follow the precautions as listed here.

Recommended time for a light "nap" is 30 seconds. To put your engine into a deeper sleep you may wish to place then in the freezer for up to 1 1/4 minutes. We do not recommend times any longer than 2 minutes. To avoid "freezer burn" place a small paper towel under the container holing the fly. Never place the container directly on Ice or metal. Avoid conditions that might allow another object to fall on your engine while in the freezer. Do not leave the engine unattended either while in the freezer or upon removal.

Once removed from the freezer, place the container on your work surface, remove the fly and place on its back with the abdomen exposed. Glue per the instructions and wait at least 30 seconds for the super glue to set up.

Resuscitation of your engine is critical. Do not place under a heat lamp or other heat source. Once mounted to the engine, you can breath gently onto the engine to awaken him/her. You will find you can achieve better results if this is done prior to brushing your teeth in the morning. They Love It !