Designfax articles from August 2005

Designfax archives from August 2005

Driving in circles.(UP FRONT)
August 1, 2005... I had been sharpening a cynical edge in the months leading up to this issue, seeing our planned coverage of an automotive topic as a jump-off point to rant about recalls, questionable designs, and the constant marketing barrage of vehicles that...

Wireless sensor networking: indoor "solar" power eliminates cables and batteries.(FIVE STAR PRODUCT OF THE MONTH)
August 1, 2005... Sensor networks often find themselves limited by cabling issues. However, among the challenges to efficient wireless sensing are power-hungry radios and battery deficiencies (such as limited life, maintenance and disposal issues). EnOcean GmbH...

PC oscilloscope.(TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT)
August 1, 2005... PC oscilloscope. Elan Digital, a specialist design house in the UK, announced in May the first in its new range of modular instrumentation test and measurement products--the USBScope50. The full-function, single channel, isolated plugs in to...

Pediatric heart pump.(TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT)
August 1, 2005... Pediatric heart pump. Researchers have developed a tiny heart pump specifically for use in children, even newborns, who suffer from heart failure. The device, known as the PediPump, is smaller than similar devices used in adults, but still...

Automotive forgings and fatigue: a research paper.
August 1, 2005... The study excerpted below was concerned with fatigue performance evaluation of forged versus competing manufacturing process technologies using experimental, numerical and analytical tools. Most of the results have been presented at several...

Extreme feedback: heavy-duty feedback devices take on the most demanding industrial applications with ease.
August 1, 2005... Just what does it take to get good, accurate feedback in extreme environments? Environments with hefty mechanical shock, high g's, plenty of dust and dirt, high temperatures, or significant EMI/RFI noise? Today's feedback devices,...

New, ultra flat gearing components.(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... CSD Series harmonic drive gearing from HD Systems delivers zero backlash and 1 arc-min positional accuracy in a compact package. The axial length of the CSD Series has been reduced by 50% versus the CSF series, This design is made possible by...

New, hollow shaft actuators.(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... The FHA Series of actuators features a through-bore up to 45mm in diameter and provides high torque and exceptional positioning accuracy, This performance is achieved in a compact design using a patented "S" tooth harmonic drive gear coupled to...

New, CSF-GH "Quick Connect" gearhead.(Advertisement)
August 1, 2005... The new CSF-GH Series "Quick Connect" gearhead features high performance harmonic drive gearing, It is designed to easily mount to any serve motor with an adapter flange and clamp style shaft. All the benefits of harmonic drive gearing...

Hydraulic shock absorbers.(Innovations)
August 1, 2005... The tamper-proof, self-adjusting 6000 series Cushioneer obviates readjustments because of impact or temperature changes. Available in 1/2-, 1- and 2-in. stroke models, the shock absorbers provide smooth control of impact energy as low as 15...

Motion control software.(Motion Control Marketplace)
August 1, 2005... Designed to make programming motion control boards as easy as sending a file to a printer, the 32-bit LinkMotion machine driver software eliminates the need for a proprietary development process and controller hardware. Designs created in...

Optical linear scale.(Motion Control Marketplace)
August 1, 2005... The sealed LC 182 optical linear scale measured lengths up to 4240 mm absolutely instead of using incremental scales featuring distance-coded reference marks. In this encoder, a single-field scanning method (vs. conventional 4-field scanning...

Cushioned clutch.(Motion Control Marketplace)
August 1, 2005... In addition to overload protection, high machine speeds can be obtained by inserting a slip clutch into a machine system. The friction surfaces developed for this clutch result in static friction being lower than dynamic friction, thereby...

Linear actuators.(Motion Control Marketplace)
August 1, 2005... Engineered with motor and drive spindle connected in-line through a planetary gear assembly, the CALA 36 linear actuator offers a compact 12 or 24 VDC system for industrial applications. The actuators handle loads up to 600N, with operating...

AC drive.(Top Product)
August 1, 2005... * flexible * simple Designed to minimize panel space, the GV6000 multipurpose AC drive is zero-stacking so that multiple drives can be mounted adjacent to each other with no space between drives. Its removable operator interface...

Higher-power drives.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... The Aries family of digital servo drives has added higher powered models up to 3000W continuous motor shaft power, equating to 16A continuous and 48A peak rms current to accelerate large loads. Features include Smart Encoder feedback for...

Ethernet motion controllers.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... The AMP-20542 low inductance servo motor option for this company's DMC-21x3 series of Ethernet motion controllers directly attaches to the 96-pin connector of the controller, eliminating cabling concerns. The option contains 4 transconductance...

Miniature drive.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... The IBL2403 Intelligent Minidrive offers miniaturized control of intelligent axes and is based on MotionChip DSP control technology. The unit is software configurable to drive brushless, step, DC or linear motors up to 75 W (24V, 3A) and embeds...

Linear stepper.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... Offering linear motion in a rotary size package, the Linearstep stepper motor is available with outside dimensions of 25 and 35 mm. By employing a certain type of thread spec and an enhanced neodymium magnet rotor, the motor offers high thread...

Programmable servo.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... The DSV405 4-Quadrant programmable motion control servo drive does not require a secondary controller. It uses constant current bi-polar chopping with full on-board programming to drive and control BLDC motor applications. Rated at 12 to 40 VDC...

Gearmotor.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... Built-to-order "U-shaped" type HG gearmotors are offered with this company's 42R AC induction, 33A permanent magnet DC, or 34B brushless DC motors. Three stages of gearing provides a range of gear ratios from 6:1 to 110:1, with up to 1000...

Stepper drivers.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... Measuring 75 x 126 x 32 mm, this low cost driver is capable of microstepping for NEMA 14 through 34 steppers requiring up to 4A per phase and 40 VDC. Input voltage is 20 to 40 VDC (max 50 VDC). A potentiometer is used to adjust the running...

Servo drive.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... The Tuba series of SimplIQ family of servo drives offers 6 models ranging in output from 3.32 kW (12A/230V) to 10.0 kW (20A/ 460V). An integral power supply provides direct AC input ranging from 115 to 460VAC at 50/60 Hz. Network function...

High thermal drive.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... Offered in right-angle drives with ratios from 2.9:1 to 25:1, and parallel shaft drives with ratios from 1.25:1 to 5:6:1, the Drive One low-ratio/high-thermal drive series augments heat dissipation with generous sump capacities. Eight sizes...

Synchronous motors.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... The XCE series of hazardous-duty synchronous motors satisfy ATEX standards for explosive atmospheres per CE 94/9/EC. The flameproof enclosure and max surface temperature of 100[degrees]C suits them for hydrogen and acetylene applications. These...

Linear motor actuator.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... The GLM30 high force linear motor positioning actuator provides 674 lb-ft of continuously useable force when a cooling liquid supply is connected to its integrated motor coil coolant connections. Peak linear force is 1011 lb-ft. The...

Servo drive software.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... The AutoMotionPLUS Rev 1.1 Windows-compatible utility software program offers setup and tuning for the company's all-digital brushless servo drives. An onboard oscilloscope function graphs up to 6 (out of 17) unique drive system variables to...

Hollow pancake stepper.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... This custom hollow pancake stepper motor has a 2.5-in. ID hole in the center for a microwave tube. It is 1.25 in. thick and 5.7-in. OD, and features a 1.8-degree step angle and up to 400 oz-in, of torque. The standard configuration includes...

Stepper controller.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... To help PC users gain experience with CANopen motion control in stepper motor applications, the CAN-STEPCON starter kit contains a USB-CAN interface; a motor controller; I/O wiring; a 100 to 240 VAC, 47 to 62 Hz power supply; and the full CAN...

Switched reluctance power.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... Designed specifically for driving single-phase switched reluctance motors for vacuum cleaners, the 50A-rated FCAS50SN60 Smart Power Module integrates high- and low-voltage ICs, IGBTs, fast-recovery diodes and a thermistor in a compact 44 x 26.8...

Speed control module.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... Providing unidirectional DC motor speed control, the MMP25A-48V module PWM switching device delivers 25A continuous current and 1200 W continuous output at 48 VDC, all within. a 1- x 2- x 4.5-in. package. It can deliver up to 40A peak for 1.9...

Brushless DC controller.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... The 371-0028 brushless DC motor controller provides 1000W of power from a 3- x 4.65- x 1.75-in. footprint. The servo-amplifier is suited for dosed or open loop velocity and torque control of BLDC motors producing greater than 106 oz-in. at 7000...

Motor bearings.(Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... These hybrid ceramic ball bearings serve in large variable-speed electric motor applications with performance benefits over standard steel balls. Their material properties and design prevents electrical arcing, resists wear, runs at higher...

Mini DC drive.(Motion Spotlight: Motors & Drives)
August 1, 2005... The 200XLV miniature fast-response DC motor speed controller drives brushed DC motors, gear-motors, low-inductance printed motors and linear actuators rated up to 100W. Suited for low-power applications that rely on an unregulated DC or battery...

Linear motor adds zip to resealable food packaging.(Application Xtra)
August 1, 2005... * dual-forcer motor * software driven Supreme Plastics, a European manufacturer of resealable flexible packaging, supplies slider and zipper systems for high volume use on form-fill seal machinery. The company's latest zipper...

Rotary encoder IC.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... For high-precision motion sensing applications, the AS5045 magnetic rotary encoder IC offers 12-bit resolution at speeds below 1000 rpm. Serial digital and PWM outputs can be accessed continuously at the same time. Angular position information...

Incremental encoder.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... Designed for simple speed, direction and/or position monitoring, the H25 square flange incremental encoder is a rotary encoder that handles speeds as high as 10,000 rpm. It can deliver up to 6000 ppr output as a standard quadrature signal....

Linear solenoids.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... Designed to deliver a million actuations, the ZST1624N Long Life series of linear solenoids offers extended temperature ranges of -35[degrees] to 66[degrees]C and footprints as small as 0.95-in. long and 0.72-in dia. Continuous duty...

Actuator holding brake.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... The Servotube electrically activated mechanical brake enables linear actuators to hold vertical position with power off. The brake does not expand the actuator's profile, and it 1 is IP67 rated. The adjustment-free unit has a unidirectional...

Servo worm reducers.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... This company offers four styles of servo worm reducers: HP high-precision initial version; HT high torque with 150% torque capacity and backlash Atlanta Drive Systems Inc., Wall Township, NJ Circle 151, or www.rsleads.com/508df-151 ...

Compact IPC control.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... The C6340 and C6350 IPCs have 3 free PCI slots on the 5-slot passive backplane that can be used for extra PC fieldbus cards in systems with parallel fieldbus usage. The external dimensions of the C6340 are 134 x 196 x 226 mm without mounting...

Speed reducer/motor package.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... The Trio SK 300E compact package integrates a Unicase speed reducer, integral motor and SK 300E frequency inverter together. Each of the three components is available in various configurations for a modular design. Features and options include...

Slides.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... Dovetail slides are available for light- to medium-duty applications in 8 standard sizes from 2- to 16-in. saddle widths. For heavy-duty applications, 7 widths of Hardened Way slides feature box-way construction for heavy horsepower and load...

Shaft grounding brush.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... The AEGIS SGR shaft-grounding brush prevents electrical damage to AC motor bearings with conductive microfibers to channel and ground potentially harmful shaft currents. The maintenance-free component is unaffected by dirt, grease or other...

Drive enclosure.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... This company offers a compact standard enclosure for 125 through 350 hp VLT series drives. Standard panels are offered for 125 through 350 hp at 460V and 90 through 250 kW at 380V. Panel options include fused/disconnect and bypass...

Timing belt pulleys.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... The AdD16 series of 0.080 pitch aluminum MXL timing belt pulleys features a Fairloc integral hub fastening design that eliminates the need for conventional separate hub clamp devices. These hubs offer frequent position adjustment while adding...

Force-position actuator.(Motion Products)
August 1, 2005... Developed for a cyclic testing application where a displacement/force profile was desired at various velocity levels, this 4-in. bore electric linear actuator provides feedback from one position transducer and two pressure transducers. Capacity...

Error-proof data entry: embedding bar code readers to improve the automated process.
August 1, 2005... Since the 1970s, bar codes have provided a reliable, inexpensive form of machine-readable identification. In fact, automating repetitive processes and improving data accuracy are the two most significant reasons for integrating bar code readers...

Magnetic filter.(Top Product)
August 1, 2005... * no moving parts * submicron filtering To keep fluids and additives clean of contaminants, the SmartSkim Magnom magnetic separator removes submicron-sized particles in cast iron applications. Some of the major benefits of this...

Automotive gasket.(Fluid Power: Filters & Seals)
August 1, 2005... These film-spliced automotive style trim seal gaskets eliminate manual cutting and bonding at the installation point. Manual bonding can result in aligned joints or incomplete seals from non-flush mating surfaces, leading to rusting of metal...

Perfluoroelastomer seals.(Fluid Power: Filters & Seals)
August 1, 2005... Designed for thermal stability and chemical resistance, these perfluoroelastomers are suitable for environments involving tight sealing in organic amines and steams. Five cross-linked Simriz materials offer various properties, including...

Combined pump/cartridge filter.(Fluid Power: Filters & Seals)
August 1, 2005... This in-tank filtration system filters process fluid inside the pump tank with an integral cartridge filter featuring all-plastic corrosion resistant CPVC construction and FPM seals for chemical resistance. The seal-less pumps can be run dry....

EMI-shielded gaskets.(Fluid Power: Filters & Seals)
August 1, 2005... These electrically conductive gaskets and cushioning pads offer secure lamination of conductive pressure sensitive adhesives on oriented wire-filled and other silicone gasketing materials. The nickel-graphite filled silicone rubber is a...

Self-lubricating seals.(Fluid Power: Filters & Seals)
August 1, 2005... Offering improved performance where traditional carbon materials are used, the PolyGlide self-lubricating seal offers extremely low heat generation for severe service and high-stress environments. The low-porosity material's CoE is rated 0.03....

Miniature filters.(Fluid Power: Filters & Seals)
August 1, 2005... This range of miniature sintered filters offer leak-free service in constrained spaces. The filter is housed within 10-32 external to 10-32 internal threaded fittings (including barbed 10-32 or M3). Filter sizes are 5, 20 and 40 [micro]m. A...

Seal metrology.(Application Xtra)
August 1, 2005... * 3D surface analysis * quick measurement When designing an engineered sealing system, reliability and longevity are principle concerns, while failure analysis pinpoints where improvements can be made. According to Sam Ajram,...

Secure seal: liquid chemical transfer system redesigned for safety & environment.(TECH UPGRADE)
August 1, 2005... Based on challenges posed by OEM customers, over the course of five years engineers redesigned this disposable dispensing valve for 55-gallon drums, incorporating cost, environmental and safety concerns. "The idea began with a customer who...

Cooling tubes.(Top Product)
August 1, 2005... * no moving parts * maintenance-free This company introduces Cold Air Tubes, a compact source of refrigerated air. With no moving parts, the tubes convert compressed air into a low-pressure stream of cold air that reaches temperatures...

System platform.(Mechanical: Enclosures & Fixtures)
August 1, 2005... Designed to meet NEBS Level III and UL/EN 60950, EN 55024, the horizontal 5-slot Full Mesh for Advanced TCA low-profile system platform includes a replicated mesh backplane suited for 3.125+ GB/sec. The high-capacity push-pull cooling scheme...

Powder-coated handles.(Mechanical: Enclosures & Fixtures)
August 1, 2005... Powder-coated handles are available in different colors to meet design requirements. The powder coating process fuses a protective, uniform finish, free of pinholes or cracks, to aluminum, brass, steel and stainless steel handles. Powder...

Enclosure cooler.(Mechanical: Enclosures & Fixtures)
August 1, 2005... The 2800 Btu/hr Cabinet Cooler incorporates a vortex tube that cools ordinary compressed air to 20[degrees]F for cooling large electrical enclosures or where high heat loads are present. They mount to NEMA 12, 4 or 4X enclosures through a...

Manual controls catalog.(Mechanical: Enclosures & Fixtures)
August 1, 2005... This catalog offers over 6000 knobs, handles, hand wheels, cranks, levers and other hardware for machinery and other equipment. These items are available in plastic, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, malleable iron and many coated...

Hazardous enclosure.(Mechanical: Enclosures & Fixtures)
August 1, 2005... Customized ATEX-certified enclosures can be milled, drilled, painted and assembled to meet exact specifications. Any internal wire termination can be supported via screw connection, tension clamp or insulation displacement methods. Standard...

Twin-wheel caster.(Mechanical: Enclosures & Fixtures)
August 1, 2005... The 2SL Series twin-wheel caster has 35mm diameter wheels. With a caster height of 2 1/2-in., this caster has a load capacity of 264 lbs and is designed for moving equipment and loads over level surfaces. The casters feature black nylon wheels...

D-handle.(Mechanical: Enclosures & Fixtures)
August 1, 2005... Requiring no screws for installation, the Omicron D-Snap finger-pull handle holds securely in severe vibration environments. Panel preparation is a simple rectangular cutout. The housing holds a spring-loaded set of wings designed to snap into...

Analog navigation disk.(Top Product)
August 1, 2005... * thin form factor * variable speed Measuring 2 mm high by 21 mm dia., the economical Telepoint miniature navigation disk simplifies mechanical and electrical layout using standard processes for true analog 360-degree positioning. In...

Tilt-sensor switches.(Electrical/Electronics: Relays, Switches & Timers)
August 1, 2005... Designed to replace mercury and pendulum switches for environmental compatibility, the DS series tilt/sensor switch is a through-hole PCB mounted device that ensures reliability via the use of photo interrupter contacts rather than conventional...

PCB relays.(Electrical/Electronics: Relays, Switches & Timers)
August 1, 2005... The PCI through PC6 series of sealed electromechanical printed circuit board relays features 1 Form A (SPST normally-open) or 1 Form C (SPDT) contact sets. Current capabilities range from 1 to 30A. Packages include sub-miniature, miniature and...

Heavy-duty rockers.(Electrical/Electronics: Relays, Switches & Timers)
August 1, 2005... With a contactless sensing design that gives an accurate proportional output, the AR4 and AR5 series of analog rocker switches suits demanding environmental conditions. The AR4 is equipped with a thumbwheel-style actuator, while the AR5 has a...

High-density relay.(Electrical/Electronics: Relays, Switches & Timers)
August 1, 2005... The 6 mm wide CK series high-density relay module includes integrated fuse protection and LED indication. Suited for sensors and actuators, the series offers a range of electromechanical, solid-state and passive interfaces in a modular housing....

Relays.(Electrical/Electronics: Relays, Switches & Timers)
August 1, 2005... Both the RJ blade and RQ PCB series of general purpose relays offer long operational life and contact ratings of 12A 1 Form C (SPDT) and 8A 2 Form C (DPDT); the RQ series offers a high-capacity 16A 1 Form C model. The RJ blade relay offers a...

Pushbutton switches.(Electrical/Electronics: Relays, Switches & Timers)
August 1, 2005... The Series 48 pushbutton switches is sealed to IP67. Options include for electro-mechanical or Hall-effect switching, momentary or maintained action, square or round bezels, seven color choices, non-lighted or six LED color choices, PC or...

Pushbutton switch.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
August 1, 2005... Offering dual and quad lit displays in various SPST to 4PDT switch functions, the 644-2100 series pushbutton switch can replace up to 4 individual switches with multifunction capability. The unit installs in an industry-standard 0.698-in....

Toggle switches.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
August 1, 2005... These reversing polarity toggle switches change the direction of permanent magnet motors and, when used in conjunction with a relay, can control up/down, in/out and rotate/counter-rotate motions. Suited for vehicle applications, the switches...

Switch catalog.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
August 1, 2005... Single- and multi-pole toggle switches are available in metal or plastic. Euro- and traditional-style rocker switches are offered in single- or double-pole or paddle versions, either lighted or non-lighted and also in miniature sizes....

Stainless switch.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
August 1, 2005... Powering a voltage range of 5 VDC to 250 VAC and a current range of 0.1 to 10A, the MSM series of stainless steel switches carries a water-resistant rating of IP67 and a shock resistant rating of IK 07. Operating temperature is -25[degrees] to...

Oil cooler lines.(Product News)
August 1, 2005... Replacing traditional metal tubing/rubber jumper assemblies, Normaflex plastic tubing and Normaquick connectors save weight and cost without sacrificing heat resistance. In addition, product recycling is-more practical. The design reduces the...

Mesh vibration mounts.(Product News)
August 1, 2005... Designed for use in corrosive environments, these stainless steel knitted mesh vibration mounts are by oil, water, ozone, unaffected bacteria, corrosion or temperature extremes (no efficiency change occurs between -94[degrees] and...

Bellows brochure.(Product News)
August 1, 2005... This brochure describes different types of bellows for various machine and other applications, including folded; heat-sealed; stitched round, oval or rectangular; and fixed-steel, hinged and 3-sided lamellas. Advantages include durability,...

Pneumatic clamps.(Product News)
August 1, 2005... The Rota-Shaft line of pneumatic clamping products is available in 3/4- and 1 1/2-in. as well as 19 and 38 mm bore sizes, with threaded or block style mounting. The units are double-acting with or 90-degree rotation, right or left and linear...

Power motor fans.(Product News)
August 1, 2005... The PMD series of power motor fans are offered for 1 2, 3, 5, and 5.5U servers, power supplies, telecom equipment and other high-temperature operating systems. Based on the company's MagLev and Vapo-bearing technologies, the fans offer low...

Weight sensor.(Product News)
August 1, 2005... This force-based occupant weight sensor (OWS) is designed for occupant classification systems used in passenger airbag systems to adjust deployment based on weight category. The sensor is based on strain gauge micro-fused technology rather than...

LED status indicator.(Product News)
August 1, 2005... Designed for severe environments (salt-spray, humidity, altitude and vibration/shock), the ML2030E series LED status indicator provides a solid front housing that insures a watertight panel seal. It is packaged in a clear chromate finished body...

Low-voltage computer.(Product News)
August 1, 2005... Based on an ultra-low voltage Celeron core, the EPIC-sized SBC4685 multi-media controller is designed for GUI applications. The VGA interface supports resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 and directly connects to CRTs, TTL panels and single-/...