Designfax articles from August 2003

Designfax archives from August 2003

Changing images: a husband and wife team take a camera name to another level.(Layer One)
August 1, 2003... The pantheon of professional photographic equipment includes such easily breathed manufacturer's names as Hasselblad and Leica, with Nikon and others riding the next pronouncement. These companies retain connection with the anachronistic roll...

Do you recall?(Up Front)
August 1, 2003... Ahh, August. The beginning of the end of summer, the smell of pool chlorine and the tang of SPF 45 mixed with eggs frying on sidewalks, since it's too hot to cook in the kitchen at 7 am. Already Target has set its Halloween display, and the...

42V difference amplifier: crucial component for the next generation.(Five Star Product of the Month)
August 1, 2003... Slowly, inexorably, the automobile industry approaches the target date for The Great Changeover, when the term "42 volts" enters the salesman's vocabulary, and the serviceman's nightmares, full time. As has been mentioned a few Januarys ago in...

Quieting brakes.(Technology Spotlight)
August 1, 2003... Squealing brakes cost auto manufacturers several hundred million dollars a year in warranty repairs and are among consumers' top 20 vehicle complaints--even in luxury cars. In disc brakes, squeal occurs when brake pads contact the rotor while...

Cooling PCs.(Technology Spotlight)
August 1, 2003... At the end of June of this year, Japanese computer giant NEC Corp. announced development of a slim-sized water cooling module for notebook PCs that employs a piezoelectric pump integrated with a coolant tank to an aluminum circulation plate...

Industrial fullerenes.(Top Product)
August 1, 2003... * reduced cost * performance enhancing A new line of commercial-grade, solvent-free fullerenes is available at approximately 50-90% reduction in typical cost. These exotic carbon molecules have distinct chemical, electrical and optical...

Resin transfer molding.(Materials)
August 1, 2003... This company's multi-staged resin transfer molding (RTM) process produces high-quality fiberglass (FRP) parts. RTM involves placing a fiber preform in a matched mold tool, then injecting a thermosetting resin matrix into the closed mold cavity...

Custom rubber gaskets, cushions.(Materials)
August 1, 2003... This company now has a broad range of onsite production and engineering services of gaskets and cushioning pads specifically suited to analytical instrumentation and laboratory apparatus. Capabilities include adhesive backing, die cutting,...

Antique finishes.(Materials)
August 1, 2003... Designed for ornamental finishing requirements, Antique Black and Presto Black antique finishes are simple, scalable and environmentally safe. The processes include surface cleaning, water rinsing, blackening/oxidizing, water rinsing and...

PP foam.(Materials)
August 1, 2003... Compliant with FDA regulations for all food applications under 250[degrees]F, white microfoam XFS closed-cell PP foam has a high coefficient of friction suited for immobilizing food items and preventing abrasion/bruising. Minimal absorption...

High-temp, corrosive resistant gasket.(Materials)
August 1, 2003... Designed for use in hazardous environments such as high temperatures, acids/alkalis and corrosives, Cogemica Hi-Temp 700 series mica gasket is non-asbestos and is said to be more durable than comparable non-asbestos materials. Features include...

Metal stripper.(Materials)
August 1, 2003... Containing no acids or cyanide, Nistrip fast-acting metal stripper strips electrolytic and electroless nickel from steel, steel alloys and most non-ferrous base metals. The stripper is self-limiting, stopping action when all nickel has been...

Honeycombed TPU.(Materials)
August 1, 2003... Stimulite honeycombed TPU sheet provides shock absorption and pressure relief for applications such as wheelchair cushions and horse saddle pads. The material is designed to address pressure, shearing, heat and moisture concerns. The honeycomb...

BeCu EMI gaskets.(Materials)
August 1, 2003... These BeCu EMI gaskets offer a consistent, low-reactance electrical pathway while yielding good mechanical spring contact properties in extreme temperatures and high cycle conditions. The line includes PCI-VME series for cPCI faceplates, slot-...

Acrylic edge effects.(Materials)
August 1, 2003... Plexiglas EdgeFX acrylic sheet has edges that change from separate red and blue layers to a single pinkish layer or separate yellow and blue to greenish colors. The final brilliant fluorescent edge color depends on the viewing angle. Frosted...

Metallic coating for non-metallic surfaces.(Application Xtra)
August 1, 2003... * low-temp application * ultra-smooth finish Under recent development has been a new process for coating composite substrates with all types of metal matrices, including carbides. In the past, powder materials have required...

Custom tester speeds design, production: PC-driven test equipment cuts PCV valve production in half.(Cover Story)
August 1, 2003... Automotive positive crankcase ventilation valves--small, simple devices, with only one moving poppet and a spring--must meet rigorous performance specifications. "Manufacturing PCV valves is not difficult," says manufacturing engineer Brent...

Pneumatic actuator.(Innovations)
August 1, 2003... Designed to combat moisture and corrosion issues in FDA washdown applications, the Series CG5 stainless steel pneumatically-driven actuator has a maximum operating pressure of 1.0 Mpa. It is available in 8 bore sizes ranging from 20 to 100 mm...

Precision rubber rollers.(Motion Control Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... This company has a library of tooling to produce close-tolerance, application specific rubber rollers in prototype to short-run quantities without the custom tooling charges. Technicians assist in compound and molding/bonding process selection,...

Chain plastics.(Motion Control Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... This company has expanded its use of engineered plastics for use in industrial plastic chains. Designed for accumulating, electronic, sanitary and corrosive applications, RS Plastic, Clip-Top, Poly-Steel and Roller Table chain lines reduce...

Modular conveyor control.(Motion Control Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... ZoneControl series zero-pressure accumulation (ZPA) integrated conveyor systems includes WLR over-the conveyor, WTR-1 under-the-conveyor and ZLM-1 side-frame-mounted sensors and controllers. Modular components include photoelectric sensors, ZPA...

Cross-roller linear bearings.(Motion Control Marketplace)
August 1, 2003... Two options have been added to this company's line of cross-roller precision linear bearings. The SQ option is designed for optical measuring equipment and has a runout of less than 5 [micro]m over a travel distance up to 1800 mm. Option SSQ is...

Selecting motors for medical pumps: advances increase portability, efficiency and reliability.
August 1, 2003... The creation of small, portable infusion pumps opened a new chapter in medical care. A patient could receive carefully metered and timed doses of medicine, without requiting a visit to the medical practitioner, and allowing life to be less...

Torque motor.(Top Product)
August 1, 2003... * high accuracy * fast dynamic response Direct drive technology produces peak power from the IndraDyn T series of torque motors. These synchronous, frameless motors consist of a stator with 3-phase winding and a rotor with permanent...

Customizable motion interface.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... SynqNet, an interface capability that can be designed to meet customer specs, has been added to this company's ServoSTAR CD product line. The all-digital interface is for connections between controllers and drives, replacing de facto standard...

Brushless pancakes.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... The EC 06 motors are electrically commutated and have a ruby bearing, which contribute to extremely long motor life. The 6 mm dia x 3.75 mm high (not including shaft) motor provides 30 mW of output power, with a maximum continuous torque of...

Fast-response brushless motor.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... Designed for critical applications such as X-Y positioning tables, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and other industrial process equipment, this compact brushless DC motor features a high torque rating of 22.4 oz.-in. Low rotor inertia of...

Brushless DC.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... This company's lines of DC brushless motors are designed for rugged vehicle applications, powering ride-on toy cars and bicycles to golf carts and forklifts. The associated drives have full self-protection facilities, and can output DC voltage...

Servos for harsh environments.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... These IP66 sealed servo motors feature a finless housing with an FDA- and USDA-approved aluminum oxide coating infused with a PTFE polymer. The aluminum oxide protects against the effects of chlorine and other caustics, while the PTFE creates a...

0.9-degree stepper.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... Offering improved performance at lower cost, compared to 1.8 degree stepping motors, this NEMA size 23 hybrid operates more quietly and achieves lower resonance by using a full or half step drive. Available in multiple lengths for easy...

High frequency velocity controller.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... The TG2601 vControl minimizes high current ripple and additional losses by operating at a PWM frequency of 120 kHz, significantly higher than most PWM drives for ironless-core, brushless motor systems. The vControl's sinusoidal current waveform...

Dual-axis controller.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... The FireBlox miniature dual-axis servo amplifier and controller is designed to power and control multiaxis devices. It can control auxiliary axes such as servo-grippers, Z-Theta heads, servo pumps and other motion control devices. The FireBlox...

Four axis controller.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... Featuring a maximum output frequency of 6.5 Mpps, the NPMC6045A4104 PC/104 control card incorporates a PCL6045A motion control chip and comes with a C language library. The controller can obtain trapezoidal and constant speed motion profiles,...

Flash microcontroller.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... Offering 25 MIPS at a low unit cost, the C8051F305 is targeted at a broad array of consumer applications, ranging from print toner cartridges to radio controlled toy cars. Features include an 8051 CPU; 2 KB Flash; 256 bytes RAM; UART, SMBus, an...

High power gearmotor.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... The BHF Series of 50/60 Hz AC motors offers shaft torques that range from 14.1 to 530 lb-in. depending on gearhead type and shaft speed. The 200W output motor is available with RA Series hollow shaft right-angle gearheads and RA Series solid...

Compact stepper driver.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... Made in conjunction with RMS Technologies, the compact R208 Driver provides high performance at an economical price. The device offers low power dissipation and automatic current reduction, outputting up to 2A of phase current to any bipolar...

Industrial drives.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... Decentral Individual and Integrated Drives are for conveyor applications in automotive, food, beverage and material handling industries. With a power range of 0.25 to 10 hp, in 3-phase 380-380 VAC, they support RS485, Profibus, DeviceNet or...

Higher output stepper driver.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2003... The redesign of the IB462H has produced a motor driver with an output current range of 0.1 to 2A, nearly doubling the driver's previous output range. Operating voltage of the IB462He has been increased to +48 VDC, which allows for increased...

AC drives step to the plate.(Application Xtra)
August 1, 2003... * fast speed changes * dynamic braking option Introduced in 1999, the ProBatter Professional baseball pitching machines combine computer controlled with innovative video technology, allowing a batter to practice under game-like...

Indexing drive.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... The Alpha series low profile indexing drive has I/O characteristics that meet or exceed common indexing requirements, with a wide range of standard index periods, number of stops and sizes. The oversized cam followers are custom made to fit the...

Vee slide guidance systems.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... Simple-Select Vee slide linear guidance systems offer 4 standard sizes of spacer slides along with carriages assembled ready for installation. The induction-hardened Vee slide offers low wear characteristics and is suited for high-speed,...

Custom electronic controls.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... Micro-processor based, multi-function control packages geared towards ease of operation include parameters such as time, temperature, humidity, speed and motion. Data logging, serial communication and multiplex PLC communication are...

Integrated operator interface controls.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... The DDC dedicated distributed controller is a pre-engineered flexible system for operator interface, with 22 mm operators, local or remote I/O, and main control customized to fit specific applications. The main display panel is rated NEMA 4X...

Embedded control, I/O system.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... The QVCA controller is a C-programmable embedded computer with a touchscreen controlled user interface on a quarter VGA display. Designed to provide a smart front panel for machine automation, scientific instruments and other control...

Torquemeter.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... The CF2700 series NEMA C-face reaction torquemeter responds to dynamic and static inputs. Features included 0.1% accuracy and the ability to handle 500% overloads. Because it has neither bearings nor rotating parts, maintenance is not required....

Stepper-servo brakes.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... Designed for braking applications on stepper and servo motors, the SSB series of front end brakes is available in compact NEMA 23, 34 and 42 sizes. The plug-in design incorporates a zero backlash permanent magnet brake and a torsionally rigid...

Precision slide assemblies.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... BiSlide assemblies provide dual 45-degree opposing V-ways to provide high rigidity in all directions. The carriage moves on fully-adjustable, low-friction PTFE bearings that customize preload. The slides can be motor driven with NEMA 23 and 34...

Synchronous serial interface controller.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... The SSI synchronous serial interface module for the company's RMC100 motion controller provides increased noise immunity and less data corruption, higher resolution and absolute positioning with Modular flexibility for 2 to 8 motion axes with...

Spring belts.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... Providing reliable tension and drive power in hostile and hot environments, these Jacketed Spring Belt elastic drive belts offer various jacket options, such as Cyclothane-A urethane for temperatures up to 250[degrees]F, silicone for...

Crowder.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... Series PDK Crowder is designed to absorb high impact forces such as for pushing sheet metal panels into location for precise positioning. Available in 6 stroke lengths from 50 to 200 mm, the crowder is powered by an ISO VDMA cylinder, designed...

Compact encoder.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... Available in 12- or 14-bit resolution versions (up to 16,384 words/turn), Model 7700 compact encoder provides absolute positioning and high performance, based on the company's Virtual Absolute design. It facilitates installation with its...

Tandem dynamometer setup.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... This company developed a tandem setup for their line of Eddy-Current (WB) and Powder Brake (PB) dynamometers to facilitate torque and speed range extension. They are available as WB/WB, PB/PB and WB/PB configurations, with the latter using a...

Sealed encoder.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... Designed to be protected from caustic, fine dust, saline and other harsh environments, Model XT20 Superseal Xtreme optical shaft encoder begins a series of durable units. The industrial grade all-metal size 25 housing has double O-rings, with...

Linear servo accelerometer.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... Model SA-100-MR Select-A-Range linear servo accelerometer allows ranges such as [+ or -] 5G or [+ or -] 30G to allow broad inventory use. Range may adjusted down to 10% of the full range by means of an external resistor. The unit always...

Intelligent servo controller.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2003... The EM70 servo controller features zero/span adjustment of opening at the touch of a button, high visibility of the control motor opening display (shown in a 20-dot bar graph and 7 segments), either current or voltage input, and an...

Silicone seal has better mettle in curtain wall; replacement in architectural application improves installation and protection.(Tech Upgrade)
August 1, 2003... "You put in the glass, drive in the silicone gasket, and you are pretty much done," says Brad Wells, the design engineer behind EFCO Corporation's new 5800 E-Wall curtain-wall system. Based in Monett, MO, EFCO is a manufacturer of commercial...

Cavity-style pump.(Top Product)
August 1, 2003... * pulseless fluid delivery * chemical resistance The low flow, magnetic drive cavity-style design of these pumps uses rotating gears within a precision cavity to carry fluid between inlet and outlet. The driving magnet couples with the...

Integrated fluidic module.(Pumps)
August 1, 2003... Available in 8 standard choices, the pre-plumbed LabKit integrated fluidic module incorporates the company's high-resolution LPV variable volume pumps (250 or 750 mi) and miniature precision valves (2- or 3-way), drive electronics, 2 reservoirs...

Single-phase pump.(Pumps)
August 1, 2003... Eliminating the need for power-modifying phase converters or external variable speed drives, Models K80W, K83W and K100W single-phase 220V pumps provide the reliability and performance of 3-phase pumps where only single-phase power is...

Centrifugal pump tutorial.(Pumps)
August 1, 2003... Available both online and as a CD-ROM, Centrifugal Pumps: Fundamentals, Design and Applications addresses centrifugal and vertical pump technology, as well as the basics of hydraulics that are required for understanding pump use and...

Pneumatic mini pumps.(Pumps)
August 1, 2003... The SM-3 pressure air-operated mini pump series is designed for low flow applications with pressures up to 22,500 psi. The air motor offers 4 modes of operation: standard, remote, single cycle and manual. The pump operates on the principle of...

Miniature manifold pumps.(Pumps)
August 1, 2003... The P901 range of miniature manifold pumps has seven models. Their square shape and compact efficiency has been dubbed "cubic power." The unit brings 2 hp with flows up to 9 gpm and pressures up to 10,000 psi. Circuits calling for higher...

Magnetic drive pump.(Pumps)
August 1, 2003... Model 3296 EZMAG ANSI magnetic drive process pump is designed to handle difficult fluids, such as corrosives, pollutants, ultra pure liquids and toxics, eliminating the risks of leakage associated with conventional sealed pumps. The seamless,...

Process metering pumps.(Pumps)
August 1, 2003... LEWAtriplex Monoblock metering pumps for C[O.sub.2] applications feature leak-free, sealless multi-layer PTFE or metal diaphragm designs, with positive displacement and low pump head volume. Capable of handling liquid C[O.sub.2] up to 10,000...

Floating scroll pump.(Application Xtra)
August 1, 2003... * oil-free * quiet operation In 1905, Leon Creux' scroll type fluid displacement device expanded the theory of air compression and power delivery. The scroll design was inherently quiet, had low vibration, required little or no...

Clamp disks & rings.(Top Product)
August 1, 2003... * withstand high pressures * eliminate wear Developed to lock connecting machine components to each other by hydraulic pressure, Amdisk clamp disks and clamp rings are made from high strength bronze in which a Viton seal is vulcanized,...

Painted flange coupling.(Couplings & Adapters)
August 1, 2003... The painted S-flex coupling protects the flange from salt spray and other chemicals, and is easier to handle than traditional black-oxide components. Five models are made from die cast zinc or cast iron, in sizes ranging from 3/8 to 572 in....

Spline-type couplings.(Couplings & Adapters)
August 1, 2003... Series A 5Z28M (metric) and A 5Z28(inch) spline-type flexible couplings are designed to fit 3 to 14 mm and %to 3/8-in. dia. shafts. Electrically insulated, they require no lubrication, and dampen shock and vibration. Misalignment compensation...

Clutch.(Couplings & Adapters)
August 1, 2003... The MDC-series permanent magnet synchronous clutch transmits torque from a motor to a flexible fixture. Several independent fixtures can index their way over to a single motor with a non-contact magnetic coupling. This style uses samarium...

Collet closers.(Couplings & Adapters)
August 1, 2003... Economical 5C pull-back style collet closers are offered with threaded nose. The closer accepts standard 5C collets up to 1-1/16-in. dia., 5C step chucks for parts up to 6-in. dia., and expanding nose 5C collets for ID holding. Operating at a...

Miniature disc couplings.(Couplings & Adapters)
August 1, 2003... Comprised of two anodized aluminum hubs, a center spacer (double disc style only) and multiple flat stainless steel disc springs to transmit torque, Discflex miniature disc couplings allow angular and parallel misalignment between shafts while...

Safety mount.(Couplings & Adapters)
August 1, 2003... The Micro AssemblySafe mechanical pivot point moves in the direction of a robot crash to minimize recovery time and robot end effector damage. The low-profile compressible safety mount is only 1.3-in. tall and weighs 0.36 lbs, handling a...

Positioning collars.(Couplings & Adapters)
August 1, 2003... The Solution series of micro-adjustable positioning collars consists of an assembly of two knurled collars that clamp directly to a shaft, and features a male-female connecting hub that provides a 1/2-in. adjustment range. Designed for accurate...

Coupling in auger-filling application.(Application Xtra)
August 1, 2003... * high speed, high torque *smooth, accurate operation When Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery Inc was redesigning their augering systems to direct drive servo-driven designs for blending and filling food pouches and packages, they discovered...

PC board interconnection.(Top Product)
August 1, 2003... * allows tight stacking * solderless The RC Series of stackable pin connectors is built around a reliable compliant section design that eliminates soldering. A round termination serves as the mating pin for the next connector in the...

Industrial connection.(Wires, Cables & Connectors)
August 1, 2003... The revos family of multi-pole connectors now has a complete range of connection types: contact inserts with spring clamp, screw-clamp and crimp contact connections. The devices offer a flexible and universal connection that allows use of...

Stacked RJ45 modules.(Wires, Cables & Connectors)
August 1, 2003... Two Pulse Jack 10/100BASE-TX multiport connectors have enhanced Power over Ethernet capability, compliant to IEEE 802.3af standards. The modules use the company's internal InterLockBase construction within each port, allowing adjacent port...

Surface mount contact.(Wires, Cables & Connectors)
August 1, 2003... This contact is manufactured as a single-piece stamped product, incorporating pre-load and anti-lift features. Created for telecommunications and industrial applications, the device has a maximum current rating of 2A nominal and 3A peak at 3...

Positive locking connectors.(Wires, Cables & Connectors)
August 1, 2003... Weather--and rain-tight, these positive latching connectors feature an intern. al gear tooth and latch arrangement to prevent accidental disconnection. Unlocking is accomplished by depressing an insulated, external button. Other features of the...

Harness sleeving.(Wires, Cables & Connectors)
August 1, 2003... Roundit 2000NX self-wrapping sleeving enables aerospace design engineers to identify critical wiring systems and fuel lines while protecting them from chafing and cut-through. Made from PPS and Nomex, the oversleeve may be applied or removed...

Flexible flat cables.(Wires, Cables & Connectors)
August 1, 2003... This company manufactures molded silicon cables for applications involving temperature and environmental extremes, vibration and shock, or repetitive motion. The latest version is the IDC-Ultraflex line, made in" standard widths for IDC, crimp...

Ouick disconnect connectors.(Wires, Cables & Connectors)
August 1, 2003... Within this series of push-pull locking connectors are two categories--one for Ingress Protection Rating Standards with a rating of IP50, the other conforming to IP68. Three sizes in each group have a pole count availability ranging from 2 to...

Cordsets.(Wires, Cables & Connectors)
August 1, 2003... NEMA 5-20P cordsets are for equipment rated up to 20A with service at 125 VAC, with UL listing and CSA certification. These products are available with 2.5m of 3 x 12 AWG, SJT cable. Terminations are a 520 plug on one end, and a choice of three...

Mini USBs.(Wires, Cables & Connectors)
August 1, 2003... With their low profile and minimal PCB real estate requirements, these connectors are suited for use with computer, peripheral and consumer electronics applications that require high-speed data transfer. Product variations include board-mount...