Designfax articles from December 2003

Designfax archives from December 2003

Axes, swords, guns, and nukes: looking for love in the wrong places.(Layer One)
December 1, 2003... If you've never been to West Point, it's definitely worth the trip. Despite the heightened security concerns of the last 20 months, the facility remains open to the public, although you MUST bring photo ID and he prepared to have your vehicle...

Luddite lullaby.(Up Front)
December 1, 2003... Is it possible to be a reform Luddite? Not reformed... I mean just a little anti-technology. Yesterday, my six-year-old and I were re-organizing the week's yard-full of yellow-gold-brown leaves from the maples and elms. As I stood knee-deep...

Sonar flow meter: non-invasive device listens to pressure fields.(Five Star Product Of The Month)
December 1, 2003... Many conventional flow meter technologies such as vortex meters, orifice plates and flow nozzles inherently create pressure drops by introducing obstructions in the flow path. Parasitic pressure loss associated with these meters increases...

Optical DSP.(Technology Spotlight)
December 1, 2003... Optical DSP. Lenslet Ltd., Herzelia Pituach, IS, a designer and developer of advanced optical digital signal processing engines (ODSPE), has been demonstrating EnLight, described as the first commercial optical digital signal processor. The...

Fire-proof ... coal?(Technology Spotlight)
December 1, 2003... Fire-proof... coal? Not a product for practical jokers to bring to the barbecue, CFOAM, developed by Touchstone Research Laboratory LTD, Tridelphia, WV, eventually may be used as a core material in a structural composite for making ships more...

Bottle colorants.(Top Product)
December 1, 2003... * reflect fashion trends * multidimensional effects This company has opened a NYC branch of its ColorWorks Design & Technology Centers, where three new color effects for bottles have been introduced, reflecting design trends. The...

Electroformable NiCo alloys.(Materials)
December 1, 2003... The NiColoy family of electro-deposited nickel-cobalt alloys feature a combination of high strength, elasticity and corrosion resistance with reduced wear and long cycle life. The material is available in two types--high hardness and high...

Elastomer/thermoplastic engineering guide.(Materials)
December 1, 2003... Organized into easy-to-reference sections, the Elastomer and Thermoplastic Engineering Design Guide in CD format includes tips on designing rubber components, design issues such as recommended tolerances and surface finishes, characteristics...

Sintered powdered metal products.(Materials)
December 1, 2003... Designed to increase production of custom, high-strength structural components, this company introduces a new Sintered Technologies business unit. Precision weight measurements are held within [+ or -] 0.1 to [+ or -] 0.04g, regardless of part...

Finishing color guide.(Materials)
December 1, 2003... Providing a quick reference guide for OEM finishers for selecting and matching colors, Helping You Get the Right Color and Get the Color Right highlights the assistance available from the company's color experts. Services include forecasting...

PC adhesive.(Materials)
December 1, 2003... Araldite 2026 polyurethane provides the transparency required to join polycarbonate components without visible adhesive residue. The 2-component transparent adhesive features a 5 min. work life, develops handling strength in one hour. Lap shear...

Bottle materials.(Materials)
December 1, 2003... This company addresses all aspects of bottle design and production to lower overall manufacturing costs. Bottle construction, molding process optimization and color innovation are addressed in economic terms. Consumer trends in colors are...

Heat-resistant silicone-PPA bonding.(Materials)
December 1, 2003... Combining Solvay AMODEL A-1133 HS PPA with Bryant SPAPS (select primerless adhesion polymer system) silicone, these companies have created a rigid, soil silicone-coated kitchen utensil prototype that withstands temperatures to 550[degrees]F (as...

TPV for dog training system.(Application Xtra)
December 1, 2003... * durable thermal bond * non-slip, soft surface * good sealing qualities The SportDog SD-1200 SportHunter canine remote training system from Radio Systems Corp features a collar (receiver) equipped to emit a...

Smooth sailing for composite materials: simulation software ensures strength and manufacturability of load-bearing parts for competition boats.
December 1, 2003... In the first America's Cup challenge in 1851, John Cox Stevens and his schooner America outraced sixteen English ships, winning by a huge lead. According to legend, near the end of the race Queen Victoria asked, "Who is second?" The reply came,...

PLC alternative.(Innovations)
December 1, 2003... The LINCS integrated network control system is based on an infinitely configurable and adaptable arrangement of up to 36 remote control modules reporting to and governed by a single master module. These modules contain 32-bit microprocessors...

Motion controller.(Innovations)
December 1, 2003... This 8-axis controller updates all signals, data points and PID every 122 [micro]s on all 8 axes, providing exceptional servo control and high quality application performance on multi-axis requirements. A 64k shared memory permits near...

Comparative motors.(Innovations)
December 1, 2003... Suitable as a teaching tool, a set of four 3-phase motors, all in 80 mm OD x 35 mm stack-length packages, facilitates comparison of performance. These include an AC induction motor, a brushless PM synchronous motor, a switched reluctance (SR)...

Actuator.(Innovations)
December 1, 2003... Designed to provide compliance with 'no cut in reverse' government regulations regarding lawn and garden equipment, the PAC pressurized air control actuator offers an alternative to the rough engagement of existing electric clutches. It also...

Dry-running bearings.(Innovations)
December 1, 2003... Free of organic, sulfur-containing and soft metal coating lubricants, DryRunner bearings can run dry for more than 100 million overruns (as compared to 10,000 rolling element overruns for standard linear bearings). The running surfaces are...

Engineered on the cutting edge: tunnel boring machines enjoy long lives with redesign and problem solving.
December 1, 2003... Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are too great an investment to sit idle after one job, which is why Dan Nowak, president of Construction & Tunneling Services, Inc. (CTS), Kent, WA, strives to keep machines active and in high-performance service...

Direct drive rotary table.(Top Product)
December 1, 2003... * excellent angular positioning * no backlash or wear The RotoRing Series of rotary tables combines axial brushless RotoLinear motoring modules and planar air bearings integrated in a compact, direct drive configuration. Large area air...

External actuator.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... This Size 14 hybrid linear actuator has a stainless steel acme lead screw incorporated into the motor's rotor, eliminating the need for shaft-to-lead-screw couplers. The actuator is offered in a range of resolutions from 0.000125- to 0.002-in....

Heavy-duty slide.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... The Model 9308 slide has sturdy lock-in and lock-out actions to keep the slide safely open for access, or securely closed for transit. It carries a 300 lb. load rating, and the latch mechanism resists disengaging when side-to-side racking....

R-to-D converter.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... The RDC-19229S-4XX Class K monolithic converter features programmable 10-, 12-, 14- and 16-bit resolution, along with programmable bandwidth and tracking rates, +5V-only input power, and internal synthesized reference. The resolver-to-digital...

Angle encoders.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... The system accuracy of [+ or -] 1 angular second in these absolute angle encoders was made possible through advanced bearings, and optimization of the scanning process with signal enhancement. Three versions of the RCN series are offered, with...

Slide assemblies.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... NYS23 linear slides are high duty cycle positioning systems. The electromechanical drive is an ACME screw linear actuator, and the slide mechanics are a robust 4-bearing cantilevered assembly. Offered in actuator-only versions or as turn-key...

DC actuator.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... Self-contained and sealed for outdoor use, the Thomson Electrak 1 Long Life actuator is equipped with fixed mechanical limit switches and an 80,000+ cycle capacity. Available in 2-, 4- and 6-in. stroke lengths, the actuator is equipped with an...

Transducer and display.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... The Model 0607 angular displacement transducer, in combination with the Model 1004 counter display, provides rotational feedback and readout over a full 360 degrees. Angular position is displayed in increments of 0.05 degrees, and accuracy is...

Position sensing brochure.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... This company's brochure demonstrates how electromagnetic sensors suit a wide range of motion and position sensing applications, in demanding conditions and industries. The case histories show magneto-resistive encoders and solid-rotor resolvers...

Linear automation products.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... Products catalog AP-803, includes a section for the new Extruded Thruster product line. The Extruded Thruster is available in three basic models--ET-Extended Shafts, Four Bushings; ETS-Shafts Flush, Two Bushings; and ETD-Double End, Saddle...

Positioning stage.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... Designed for semiconductor and photonic applications, the TLMB06-030 has a travel of 30 mm and a resolution of 0.5 nm. Tracking error is less than 70 nm at ETEL Inc, Schaumburg, IL. Circle 234, or www.rsleads.com/312df-234 [ILLUSTRATION...

Belt-driven slide.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... The Blueline 1 Series of slides features lengths up to 2m and speeds up to 2.4 mps. The unit comes with several types of motor configurations including servo, stepper and no motor. The HTD timing belt drive has a deep, curvilinear profile for...

Rodless rail slide.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... The Series SFP slide has a rail bearing technology that provides smooth, precise linear motion within confined spaces. Available in bore sizes of 27 or 40 mm, with travel lengths up to 3400 mm in 25 mm increments, the slide features a stainless...

Linear positioning transducers.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... The P-Style, profile-version Micropulse LDTs are now offered with an absolute quadrature output option, featuring a remotely triggered "burst mode" that rapidly delivers an accumulated pulse string, eliminating the need to re-home after a power...

Hollow shaft sensors.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... Developed for accurate measurement with standard electrical function angles up to 354 degrees, the GL series of rotary position sensors has standard bore sizes of 6, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mm. Mechanical function can be continuous, or limited...

Magnetic rotary encoders.(Positioning Components)
December 1, 2003... This line of frictionless 9-bit (512 count) miniature magnetic encoders is available in industry-standard absolute, incremental or linear output formats. Speeds greater than 30,000 rpm can be achieved with accuracy better than 0.7 degrees. The...

Multi-axis motion controller.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... The SpiiPlusCM multi-axis motion controller has 1, 2 or 3 internal digital drives with space vector modulation. It features PIV control with programmable notch and second order low pass filters. Sampling rate on position, velocity, current and...

Servo control.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... The MicroFlex single-axis brushless drive is software selectable for different feedback devices, encoder, SSI encoder or Hall sensors. The SSI provides 17-bit resolution for high-resolution packages. By controlling the power devices using SVM...

Small DC PM motors.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... With motor specifications ranging from 12 to 240V, 0.115 to 2.5 hp, 2.5 to 4.4-in. dia., 4- to 7.5-in. length and 900 to 4500 rpm, these small DC permanent magnet motors are suited for floor care, off-road winches, pumps, gearmotors, transaxles...

Process controller.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... The 5863A CoMo Net process controller is a 2-channel unit for DIN rail mounting that is operated by a standard web browser via the Ethernet on a PC or web terminal. The unit accepts sensor data, and can be adjusted to control and monitor...

Integrated servomotor.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... The SM3416 NEMA 34 size integrated servomotor carries 8 poles and 12 slots, producing more than 1 Nm of torque (0.85 Nm continuous). The economical motor operates at temperatures up to 70[degrees]C and no-load speeds up to 2600 rpm. Winding...

Digital encoder.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... The Mercury 1800 digital encoder has up to 50 nm resolution and [+ or -] 0.12 micron intra-fringe accuracy, with a high-resolution index pulse good to 1 LSB. For improved short-range accuracy, the Mercury 3500HA high accuracy encoder, with [+...

Single loop controllers.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... Model 3508 (1/8 DIN) and model 3504 (1/4 DIN) high-accuracy single-loop controllers feature an advanced control algorithm and high resolution input. An integrated text message display simplifies operation and configuration by showing the exact...

EMI filter.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... Originally designed for simple DC motors, the high-capacitance MLFT feed-thru EMI filter can be designed into mechanical packages for easy retro-fit into existing designs or custom one-piece assemblies to simplify installation. As a replacement...

Compact microstepping drives.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... With a modular design, the 6200 series microstepping drives supports a broad range of application requirements. They feature adjustable resolutions up to 51,200 steps/rev, and DIP-switch selectable microstep resolution and current ranges. Idle...

Integrated motor-controller.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... The Simple Step 17 integrated step motor and driver/controller can be operated via intuitive commands issued from a Windows HyperTerminal program, including nested loops and execution halt pending a switch closure. It can be set to execute a...

AC microdrive.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... The MD65 AC microdrive delivers a 60:1 constant torque speed range and output frequency range up to 400 Hz. Overload protection is provided at 150% for one min and 200% for 3 sec. Available from 0.25 to 10 hp, the drive delivers [+ or -] 1%...

Multi-axis controller.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... The MAC300 multi-axis programmable controller has been improved via an EPROM chip stored in the controller housing. The chip simplifies the controller and facilitates use in hostile or delicate/protective environments running at high speed, or...

Motion processors.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... Available in 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-axis configurations, the Magellan family of motion processors control DC brush, brushless DC, microstepping, pulse and direction motors. They provide profile generation, servo loop closure, PLC-style signal...

Multipole connectors.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... The revos angled, die-cast aluminum rectangular housing substitutes for the conventional motor junction plate with threaded holes and feeder clamps. Additionally, owing to the symmetrical mounting holes, the housing can be rotated freely in...

Direct drive rotary motors.(Motion Products)
December 1, 2003... The F series of frameless DDR motors is available in 4 frame sizes with continuous torque from 5 to 369 Nm, peak torque from 17 to 1340 Nm, and diameters from 160 to 333 mm. The motors feature a neodymium-iron magnet rotor structure and skewed...

Distributed vs. centralized motion control systems: a round-table discussion.
December 1, 2003... The original intent with this roundtable was to demonstrate that there were distinct choices to be made in system configuration. To address the differences, we assembled a panel of manufacturers and experts." Dr. Jacob Tal, Galil Motion...

Cryo pump.(Top Product)
December 1, 2003... * self-contained * reduces base pressure The MicroStar in-situ water vapor pump has successfully completed a 3-month trial for use by a hard-drive tool supplier. The company's Stirling cycle cooling technology simplifies the design of...

Metering pump.(Pumps)
December 1, 2003... The series VPA air-operated metering pump is offered with proximity switches to verify the position of the pump. The switches signal completion of the filling or discharge stroke (or both), enabling better process control, quality assurance and...

Mid-range pumps.(Pumps)
December 1, 2003... Ranging in size from l0 to 80 hp with a 4- to 12in. discharge, these pumps feature a maintenance-friendly closedloop motor cooling system and cartridge mechanical seal. Since the cooling system runs independently from debris-laden liquid being...

Plastic pump.(Pumps)
December 1, 2003... The E5 1/2-in. plastic pump has been redesigned with a new manifold and footprint design to facilitate installation in equipment containing pumps from other manufacturers. The design features stronger, more durable water chambers, 1-piece...

Ultrasonic level pump controller.(Pumps)
December 1, 2003... The Echopump LU60 ultrasonic controller provides non-contact level measurement up to 33 ft with advanced display, tank shape linearization, and control functions with 5 relays. Each relay can be configured as a single setpoint alarm, 2 latched...

Sealless pumps.(Pumps)
December 1, 2003... The Magdrive Magnum line of sealless pumps features a thrust-controlled design that permits short-term run-dry operation, virtually eliminating damage resulting from priming and accidental empty tank situations. These cast-iron,...

Diaphragm pump head.(Pumps)
December 1, 2003... Series M900 diaphragm pump heads feature a PTFE sandwich diaphragm that can handle pressures up to 5800 psig with 10 psi suction lift and a clean flow path. The DPS diaphragm protection system keeps the diaphragm in the rear position at rest...

Mini venturi vacuum pump.(Pumps)
December 1, 2003... This ultra-miniature air-powered venturi vacuum pump weighs less than 1 oz, measuring 1.25-in. in length and 0.56-in. OD. The quiet pumps can be located close to the work source for efficient spacing, rapid response and minimal air consumption....

Digital metering pump.(Pumps)
December 1, 2003... The EW series of metering, pumps features IP65 (NEMA 4X) construction for performing in wet and humid environments. The solenoid-driven digital pumps offer capacities up to 6.7 gph and maximum pressure of 150 psi. At 360 strokes per minute, the...

Mini vacuum pumps.(Pumps)
December 1, 2003... The compact JV series of mini vacuum pumps measures only 1- x 1.69-in. and is available in 4 models with or without a silencer. Weighing 16g, the pumps achieve 26-in Hg vacuum with either 0.50 or 0.74 scfm flow rates, depending on the...

Progressive cavity pumps.(Application Xtra)
December 1, 2003... * precise, accurate volumes * viscous, high-solid fluids According to Rich Naruo, president of Fluid Research Corp, "Most people are unfamiliar with progressive cavity design, and even technical personnel don't always understand how it...

Conveyor design.(Top Product)
December 1, 2003... * quick belt change * high strength, rigidity The "open side" stand design of this low-profile conveyor enables 2-minute belt changes. The high strength and rigidity of the steel conveyor flame and mount allows cantilever style...

Flywheel couplings.(Power Transmission)
December 1, 2003... The Arcusaflex flywheel coupling line is designed to provide a torsionally soft and backlash-flee connection between internal combustion engine flywheels and the driven components of generators, compressors and pumps. The unit is field-proven...

Flexible couplings.(Power Transmission)
December 1, 2003... A wide range of standard sizes, materials and flexure (coil) variations is available as single piece, flexible couplings. End connections for specific applications are customizable, combining 2 pieces into a single construction. Helical...

Pallet conveyor.(Power Transmission)
December 1, 2003... Pallet Option 3200 series conveyors are used for securing or separating items on a conveyor for additional assembly or processing. These pallets typically are attached directly to the conveyor through pre-engineered holes on the conveyor's...

Attachable belt cleats.(Power Transmission)
December 1, 2003... This catalog details the company's Tatch-A-Cleat line of attachable conveyor belt cleats, lugs, pegs and V-guide, along with special installation tools. The products are designed to increase the efficiency of inclined belts, steepen elevation...

Modular belt conveyors.(Power Transmission)
December 1, 2003... Offering a wide variety of plastic belts in combination with various standard system components, MBF-P modular belt conveyors feature a 40 x 80mm profile frame for high strength for continuous duty operation. A positive sprocket drive...

Drive selection analysis software.(Power Transmission)
December 1, 2003... The Maximizer drive selection analysis program provides the company's belt specifications and information. All available sprockets, pulleys and bushings are matched with requirements specified by the user, facilitating selection of the most...

Couplings.(Power Transmission)
December 1, 2003... Available in 9 sizes to handle torque ratings between 4.43 and 885 in.-lb, this line of Servo Class couplings in single flex disc SD and double flex disc SC models are designed to handle the precision positioning and high reverseload...

Hysteresis devices.(Power Transmission)
December 1, 2003... This company's Tension-Torque brochure describes hysteresis devices, including standard brakes and clutches, forced air-cooled brakes, large bore brakes, matched brakes, and permanent magnet brakes and clutches. The products provide reliable,...

Quick-connect gearhead.(Power Transmission)
December 1, 2003... Designed to mount easily to any motor, the CSF-GH series quick-connect gearhead maintains the benefits of harmonic drive gearing, including 1.5 arc-min, accuracy and zero backlash. An adaptor flange and clamp-style shaft coupling assembles...

Power transmission in Russian drink can plant.(Application Xtra)
December 1, 2003... * increased capacity * compact, smooth transmission Created to meet the growing demand for soft drink and beer cans in Russia, the Naro Fominsk plant, located 75 km south west of Moscow, is said to be one of the world's most modern...

Cluster lamps.(Top Product)
December 1, 2003... * incandescent/fluorescent intensity * easy mounting PolyLED lamps are solid-state light sources that provide the high reliability and light collimation associated with leaded discrete LEDs. with the intensity typical of incandescent...

Wide-angle LED.(Lights, Lamps & LEDS)
December 1, 2003... Offered in industry standard colors including white and tri-color RGB, the Super-Flux MakoWide LED has a lens geometry that provides a full 180-degree viewing angle. The lens geometry also enables a lower overall profile of 0.07 in., to a total...

Light guides.(Lights, Lamps & LEDs)
December 1, 2003... These miniature glass fiber optic light guides are suited for use in very small, tight spaces where high precision is required. They are offered in a wide variety of sizes, lengths and tip configurations customized to meet specific application...

Superbright indicators.(Lights, Lamps & LEDs)
December 1, 2003... This company's 556 series has been expanded to include panel-mount indicators that incorporate high-intensity InGaN and AlInGaP LEDs. The devices are up to 10 times brighter than their predecessors, and are offered in voltages of 12, 24 and 125...

Flexible EL display.(Lights, Lamps & LEDs)
December 1, 2003... This company's 0.5 mm flexible electro-luminescent EL Interface Display on plastic has been applied to the creation of a universal remote control in place of the traditional hard button rubber key mat. The thick film, electro-luminescent,...

Blue backlight LED.(Lights, Lamps & LEDs)
December 1, 2003... The QTLP603C-EB blue LED has a low profile (1.6 mm x 0.8 mm footprint x 0.35 mm height) that reduces package thickness by 42% over previous industry standard packaging. Power consumption is reduced through a 3.15V max at 5 mA performance. The...

Strip lighting.(Lights, Lamps & LEDs)
December 1, 2003... This company is offering linear LED assemblies in rigid or flexible strip configurations for use in edge lighting, signage and marking paths. PC board modules operate on either 10 or 24 VDC. The rigid version uses top-projecting LEDs with a...

Cabinet lighting.(Lights, Lamps & LEDs)
December 1, 2003... These universal lamps are specifically designed to provide energy efficient lighting in electrical and electronic enclosures with a minimum of installation effort. Multiple mounting provisions permit top, side or plate installation, the latter...

Light controllers.(Lights, Lamps & LEDs)
December 1, 2003... These low-voltage controllers convert unregulated line voltage to regulated 11.6V output. The ELV regulators, suited for indoor and outdoor low-voltage incandescent light fixtures, prevent voltage fluctuations and color-rendition shifts on any...