Designfax articles from February 2000

Designfax archives from February 2000

Sustainability: The Sum of All Engineering in the New Century.
February 1, 2000... Engineering has played an integral part in the growth of our nation and the prosperity we enjoy. As ACEC is fond of saying, "What we do is all around you." But at what cost our prosperity? As responsible as we've become with our care of the...

Free Software.
February 1, 2000... Just released, free retaining ring and wave spring software that helps engineers speed through design. Thousands of catalog items can be searched and custom parts designed using interactive features including a spring design wizard and...

Spiral Retaining Ring Catalog.
February 1, 2000... Spiral Retaining Rings. New '99 edition, #RR-99. Select from over 4,000 stock Spiral Retaining Rings, available in both carbon or stainless steel, with diameters ranging from 3/8" to 84". Complete engineering data is contained in this 56-pg...

Get Connected.
February 1, 2000... "The motions and patterns and connections of things became apparent on a gut level." Robyn Davidson, author Desert Places What does this quote mean to you? What do you think about the word "connect"? Internet connections? Did a...

High-Barrier Plastics from Liquid Crystal Polymers.
February 1, 2000... A form of synthetic compounds are demonstrating outstanding stiffness, strength, conductivity and even gas and water vapor resistance. A lower-cost potential replacement for polyimide, fluoropolymer, nylon and other films, these liquid crystal...

Square subwoofer technology.
February 1, 2000... Square subwoofer technology increases output on KICKER SoloBaric L7 subwoofers from Stillwater Designs, Stillwater, OK -- enough to give users the equivalent performance of the next size larger speaker. This advance in performance is primarily...

DVD systems.
February 1, 2000... The auto electronics section showed many advanced audio, navigation and DVD systems, and two companies were promoting subscription-serviced, digital satellite-broadcast radio. XM Satellite Radio, Inc., Washington, DC, and Sirius Satellite...

Memory Stick Walkman.
February 1, 2000... A battle looms between Sony and Panasonic over ultra-compact, removable media designed to capture, save and share digital pictures, music and information. Sony, Park Ridge, NJ, was showing the Memory Stick Walkman, Digital Music Players,...

Proxistor proximity switches.
February 1, 2000... The adjustable sensitivity of these capacitivie proximity switches allows them to be tuned to differentiate between various materials or cope with different installations. Applications include non-invasive content detection through non-metallic...

Voltage selector.
February 1, 2000... The SE 1022 voltage selector switch eliminates unnecessary circuitry and components that are otherwise required for gear to be used in international service. Applications include computers and peripherals, power supply circuits, medical...

Motor starting switches.
February 1, 2000... These AC Motor Starting Switches are designed to provide positive on/off control for horsepower-rated motors and other general purpose loads. They include 30 and 40A AC manual starting switches and a 40A welder starting switch. The switches...

Ultra-low profile tactile switch.
February 1, 2000... B3B Tactile Switches measure just 0.47mm high. With an overall length/width of 4.7mm x 4.7mm, they save valuable PCB space through high density mounting. Specifications include: switching capacity of 1 to 20mA, 5 to 15 VDC (resistive load);...

Pushbutton switches.
February 1, 2000... Foot/Palm Pushbutton Switch products are designed to ensure interference-free communication between man and machine. Ideally suited for industries with high pressure wash down areas, such as food processing, bottling and beverage, petrochemical...

Tiny series.
February 1, 2000... Recognizing that surface mount devices are subject to more stringent constraints of temperature, sealing, solderability and space savings, the TP Series pushbutton switches, the TL Series toggle switches, the TR Series rocker switches, and the...

Miniature automotive relay switches.
February 1, 2000... The FTR-P3/P4 Series is an ultraminiature, high-contact capacity automotive relay series that is 35% smaller by volume, than the previous generation device. Each lForm C relay has a contact rating of 25A at 14 VDC locked motor load, and a...

Liquid level sensor.
February 1, 2000... The LDS liquid level sensor offers close differential switching between "on" and "off' with the repeatability and reliability of reed switch operation, making it ideal for applications requiring tight control. Featuring a 20 deg. maximum float...

Hermetically sealed switch.
February 1, 2000... The long-life 6600 Series switch is designed for harsh environments where extended hermetic seal integrity of the switch is critical. With the use of a nickel bellows actuator inside the switch, the switch's useful life increases from 25,000 to...

Level switch.
February 1, 2000... The KNQ level switch is a compact capacity proximity switch that detects the level of liquids or solids in a non-metal sight glass. Designed for levels sensing in bulk powder materials handling applications, the low-profile, rectangular switch...

Dual function pressure/vacuum switch.
February 1, 2000... The MPL-501-P-V dual function switch is capable of replacing two separate switches in applications requiring both pressure and vacuum sensing, such as sip-and-puff controls for mouth-activated devices. The switch can sense both pressure and...

3-terminal semiconductor switches.
February 1, 2000... These solid-state, normally-closed switches come in three packaging options: SOT-23; TO-92, and TO-220. They do not require separate power supply leads. Logic level controlled by 20 micro-amps, QBAR ICs are monolithic devices with a CMOS TTL...

Selecting tubing for critical laboratory equipment applications.
February 1, 2000... Deciding factors to consider when choosing metal tubing for mission-critical equipment Designers of chromatography and other analytical laboratory apparatus and medical instrumentation are often challenged when it comes to selecting the...

Low cost, high precision servovalve.
February 1, 2000... The Model 27N R-DDV Pneumatic Servovalve is designed for high-precision, closed-loop feedback motion control systems, such as control of load, pressure and flow. A rotary direct-drive design controls flow in a single stage, independent of...

Miniature valves and controls.
February 1, 2000... This line of miniature check valves and fixed flow controls is manufactured with 10-32 threaded connections, 1/8- and 1/4-in. NPT threads, and press-in inserts. The check valves are offered in brass or stainless steel, and are suited for use...

In-line gas filter.
February 1, 2000... The Model F195 disposable filter removes 99.99% of unwanted particles, as tiny as 0.1 micron, from gas flow lines. Ideal for portable flue gas analyzers, as well as other analysis systems, this filter will withstand maximum temperatures of...

Barometric pressure standard.
February 1, 2000... The Quartzonix 960 offers high accuracy at low cost, and is ideal for remote meteorological installations, data buoys, airports and ships. Designed to measure pressures from 11 to 16 psia, the unit uses a vibrating quartz beam technology and...

Desiccant and refrigerant dryer alternative.
February 1, 2000... The DuraDry Membrane Air Dryer will dry compressed air to dewpoints as low as -40[degrees]F, at flow rates from

Miniature pneumatic mufflers.
February 1, 2000... These mufflers reduce noise levels by as much as 20 dB or more, depending on insert material, air flow rate and mechanical noise. They are designed for equipment that uses up to 60 cfm of air. The housings are made with Nylon 6,6 and 33 percent...

Pneumatic fittings.
February 1, 2000... These components provide a simple way to regulate air flow and control the position of a cylinder piston rod, without the complexity of electro-pneumatic interface circuitry. Blocking, Slow Start and Flow Control fittings are offered with a...

Pneumatic grippers.
February 1, 2000... A line of fast cycling light-weight and corrosion-resistant pneumatic grippers were introduced last year. The two-fingered, angular-type grippers feature a Delrin housing and fingers with aluminum piston axles. Three sizes are available with...

Push-in cartridge fittings.
February 1, 2000... The Series AQ698-DOTS fittings are 90[degrees] elbows based on the company's straight cartridge fittings. They provide a quick and easy means to connect air brake tubing to such components as valves, pumps, tanks and manifolds. The series is...

BIRD-DOGGIN THE INTERNET.
February 1, 2000... Astronomy & Space Sciences With the ignominious ending of the last two Mars missions, the successful repair of the gyroless Hubble Space Telescope, and a plethora of celestial events occurring just before the new Millennium, it seems as...

Slip Ring Capsule.
February 1, 2000... Providing a pre-engineered slip ring capsule in a compact design, the Endura-Trac H-Series transfers electrical signals from rotating to stationary components. The self-contained unit, based on a proprietary contact system using highly...

Two-Axis Pneumatic Positioner.
February 1, 2000... The uni-block design of the Dual Slide Pick & Place allows greater speeds due to lower inertia. Standard cable carriers pre vents the sagging and pinching of wires and air hoses while protecting sensors, and the cylinders are incorporated as...

Brushless DC Driver.
February 1, 2000... The CMI-5015-12 motor control module is specifically designed for operating both fractional and integral horsepower 3-phase motors. The miniature, hermetically-sealed module delivers currents of 30A, with peaks up to 40A off a single 4 to 12V...

Extreme Torque Brakes.
February 1, 2000... While only 1/3 the size of standard power-off spring-set brakes, the XT Series offer triple the holding torque. Originally developed for aerospace applications, the XT's friction material has a coefficient of friction approaching 1.0, and has...

Multi-Interfacing Encoders.
February 1, 2000... The magnetic AHG926 Hollow Shaft Absolute Encoders offer SSI, DeviceNet, Profibus and Interbus compatible interfaces. The 26 bit multi-turn units are 93mm in diameter with up to a 16mm bore, and they are available with an IP65 protection class...

Microstepping driver.
February 1, 2000... Exceptionally small, easy to interface and powerful enough to handle the most demanding applications, the IM483H and IM805H measure just 2.6- x 2.1- x 3.6-in. These high-performance, low-cost microstepping drivers use advanced hybrid technology...

Brushless DC motor.
February 1, 2000... This size 23 motor utilizes low-cost slotted-design technology to deliver high power, fast acceleration, consistent performance, and long life for OEM applications ranging from imaging and medical diagnostic devices to computer peripherals and...

Servo amplifiers.
February 1, 2000... Providing current ratings up to 10A continuous and 20A peak, these amplifiers can run in either torque or velocity mode and are available for operation from either AC or DC power sources. Operational in either sine wave or six step mode, they...

Linear motors.
February 1, 2000... This LD Series of IP65 and CE-rated linear motors combines high performance with compact packaging; These motors have a patented tubular design that provides optimum flux usage, and high continuous forces in a small cross section. The geometry...

AC micro drive.
February 1, 2000... The ME2 Series is a compact, full-featured drive that offers an alternative in traditional. DC drive and mechanical reversing starter applications. It allows use of a standard AC motor instead 'of "maintenance, prone" brush-type motors. With...

Digital amplifier.
February 1, 2000... Two new models in the Servostar 600 digital amplifier series are suitable for 400 and 480V motor control applications. The addition of 14 and 20 amp models expands this drive amplifier line for higher power operation. Typical applications...

Adjustable frequency drives.
February 1, 2000... The VLT Micro, VLT 2800 each VLT 5000 Series provide specific features. Micro are low-cost drives with sophisticated control, reliability and a small footprint. 2800 Series drives are available from 1/2 to 5 HP and offer side by side,...

Stepper motors.
February 1, 2000... This new higher torque series of NEMA size 23 motors provides the ability to in crease load size and improve throughput without going to a larger frame size. The PF466 Series is available in four Amp rating combinations for easy integration...

Variable frequency drives.
February 1, 2000... The SCN Series eliminates serial communications and offers a simpler PC board design This contactor-style IP20 package with built-in thermal overload offers smooth acceleration and deceleration, reversing, multiple speed selection, full...

Linear servo amplifier.
February 1, 2000... The 4-Q-DC is a 4-quadrant amplifier designed to control motor speed while driving or braking in both directions, and it produces virtually no electrical interference. The amplifier is compatible with permanent magnet DC motors up to 50 watts,...

Inverter ready motors.
February 1, 2000... These premium efficient Super-E motors, rated 15 HP and above, now meet the requirements of NEMA MG1, Part 31, for peak voltage when used with inverters. These motors, with improved insulation materials, can successfully operate with inputs up...

Digital drive.
February 1, 2000... The MaxPlus Digital Drive FLX Series Amplifiers are twice the standard industry speed. With a 25 micro-second current loop update rate and low current noise capabilities, this flexible family of digital drives offers increased machine output...

Frameless spindle servomotors.
February 1, 2000... The water-cooled HW 9 series achieves 0 to 20,000 rpm within 1.1 s and develops up to 1,725 in.-lb. at low speed. These synchronous DC brushless motors are based on an original, patented technique whereby the machine is defluxed by means of...

Compact variable frequency drive.
February 1, 2000... The Model CFW-08 [micro]line can handle motors up to 2 HP, making it ideally suited for a variety of applications, including centrifugal pumps, fans and blowers, conveyors, cutters and welders, and agitators and mixers. The unit features four...

PRECISION SINGLE-PIECE FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS IN ROBOTS.
February 1, 2000... Robots have been used in U.S. industry since the early 1960s, and many process applications such as die casting, spot welding and spray painting have reached various plateaus of maturity. Today, the U.S. factory floor is seeking to use the...

Determining Speed Reducers for Robotic Applications.
February 1, 2000... Designers and specifiers of robotic systems commonly use speed reducers (or gearheads) to optimize speed, increase torque, and improve the performance and precision of the system's mechanical components. Recent innovations present engineers...

Compact lead screw positioners.
February 1, 2000... Adaptable to standard NEMA configurations, this member of the Posi-Drive line of positioning stages has a height of 1.650 in. and a width of 1 .750 in. Straight line accuracy is 0.0001 in. per inch of travel, with a 0.0001 in. repeatability....

Shaft locking, bushings.
February 1, 2000... ETP Classic Model R bushings answer a need for stainless steel hub-shaft connections where surface coatings and plating provide insufficient protection. They lock into position any type of gear, pulley, sprocket or other component in a system's...

Corrosion-resistant roller chain.
February 1, 2000... Designed for use in wet environments, ULTRA WP roller chain is made of carbon steel that is plated in a special process. The plating, applied before assembly, does not flake or peel, and it also eliminates hydrogen embrittlement of the steel....

Keyed shaft collars.
February 1, 2000... Providing better holding power and more precise alignment, these shaft collars can be special ordered with keyways. They can be used as components in handles and levers; as mechanical stops on keyed shafts; and to increase stiffness and improve...

Telescoping leadscrew actuator.
February 1, 2000... This NEMA size 34 linear actuator motor features a telescoping leadscrew for applications where space restrictions prohibit the use of a standard linear actuator. The internal motor design consists of two threaded concentric nuts configured to...

Linear rollerguide.
February 1, 2000... Distinguished by its low mass, quiet and smooth operation, and high load capacity, the PROLINE aluminum rollerguide uses rollers on needlebearings, arranged in a cross-wise configuration. The carriage can travel with speeds up to 10 m/s on...

Multi-axis processor.
February 1, 2000... The Navigator MC2800 Series combines the ability for users to control both brushed and brushless servo motors in one chipset. Users can select any axis to be brushed and any axis to be brushless (for 2 and 4 axes) using this processor. The...

Dual-shaft angled gearhead.
February 1, 2000... The Dura-TRUE 90 is a right angle planetary gearhead with a dual shaft output. It offers a backlash of 8 are-minutes, has a peak torque rating of 7,450 in-lb. and a peak radial load capacity of up to 1,798 lbs. It is available in 60, 90, 115...

Blood of the Future.
February 1, 2000... New research is based on chemically synthesized products and hemoglobin solutions For several decades, scientists have been searching for a blood substitute that would eliminate blood group compatibility problems and the serious risk of...

DESIGN 2001.
February 1, 2000... Shifting priorities in product development In the scant moment of time that this magazine has existed, the very act of designing a product has undergone a profound change. Up until 20 years ago, concept went to hardcopy when a hand lifted a...

Epoxy compound.
February 1, 2000... Designed for pre-application to threaded fasteners, ND Microspheres 294 has all of the desirable properties of similar micro-encapsulated adhesives, while providing an environmentally-friendly alternative to solvent-based materials. As a...

Cable ties.
February 1, 2000... These hook-and-loop cable ties come with a write-on area that is smudge-free and ideal for fast and easy identification using a ballpoint or felt-tip pen. The write-on area is positioned in the center of the strap, as well as spaced every 12...

Self-sealing bolts.
February 1, 2000... This full line of bolts is designed and manufactured with a groove under the head to accommodate a rubber "O" ring. When compressed, the O-ring forms a complete seal and permits full metal-to-metal contact. These self-sealing bolts provide an...

Universal grommet.
February 1, 2000... This self-adjusting grommet is designed to adjust to different wire, cable and tubing diameters from 0.125- to 0.312-in. It features a self-adjusting rubber membrane that forms a dust-resistant seal. The 0.650 in. OD grommet mounts in a 0.500...

Blind rivets.
February 1, 2000... Polytop Rivets are made with molded, self-masking polymer heads. They have been developed for joining pre-finished painted and plastic-coated sheet metals. They avoid the need for extra finishing, and offer a cost-effective alternative to...

Engineered fasteners.
February 1, 2000... "Specials" now being produced include hex heads, hex flange, six lobe, machine screws, cross-slotted screws and special weld studs. The company offers production of nonstandard sizes manufactured to a specific drawing, fasteners with diameters...

Fiber optic adhesive.
February 1, 2000... Tra-Bond F11O is a rigid, clear, low viscosity adhesive designed for optial applications, It is suggested for bonding lenses, prisms and other optical components, as it forms strong bonds to metals, plastics, ceramics, and exhibits superior...

Web adhesive.
February 1, 2000... The PE17O hot melt web adhesive with a high-performance polyester polymer is ideally suited for use in filter, textile, industrial fabric and automotive interior trim laminates. Solvent-free PE170 is a low-cost nonwoven web with good hydrolytic...

High expansion adhesive.
February 1, 2000... Thermeez 7030 bonds and protects steel, stainless steel and aluminum to 1800[degrees]F. It is asbestos-free and safe to use, with no harmful fibers. It cures at room temperature in 24 hours or in one hour at 250[degrees]F. It can be applied to...

Wire tie-down studs.
February 1, 2000... Designed specifically for quick and rugged wire security, these studs hold wire bundles up to 1 in.- diameter, and can be neatly welded into place within milliseconds providing a permanent, wony-free wire maintenance system. They are an...

Aerospace alloy.
February 1, 2000... Project 7000 l5Cr-5Ni stainless steel provides superior machinability and meets all requirements of Aerospace Material Specification AMS 5659 covering bars, wire, forgings, rings and extrusions. The alloy offers potential for increased capacity...

Rare earth tube magnet.
February 1, 2000... Forty percent stronger than standard magnets, the new RE5HP magnets, made from Erium 3000, provide an extremely high level of separation efficiency. State-of-the-art circuit geometry and increased holding power improve separation of fine and...

Pure aluminum heated parts.
February 1, 2000... This new ability to cast complex heated shapes in 99.7 percent pure aluminum limits process contamination and offers increased operating temperatures to 450[degrees]C. Pure aluminum cast-in heated parts provide higher maximum operating...

Super alloys.
February 1, 2000... Small quantities of stainless steel and other high-performance alloys are available for prototype development, including strip and foil, flat and shaped wire, sheet, plate and bar. Stainless steel and nickel alloy strip are available either...

2% lithium copper.
February 1, 2000... This material available in 3 to 4 oz. polished pieces, which are specially cleaned, and polished to remove surface oxides that often can cause, defects in fine-detailed castings. 2% lithium copper is a solid alloy form that readily dissolves in...

Tantalum machining and forming.
February 1, 2000... This company has developed advanced forming and machining techniques to produce custom parts and assemblies from tantalum and tantalum alloys. They have particular expertise in forming seamless vessels, tubing, cones and more from tantalum,...

Artificial Arm Takes Strength from Composites.
February 1, 2000... Developing a multifunctional, electronically-controlled artificial arm is extremely complex. Companies such as Motion Control, Salt Lake City, UT, which manufactures the Utah 2 Arm prosthetic, use the electrical signals produced when muscles...

Pneumatically-driven vacuum pumps.
February 1, 2000... The Low-Pressure Mini Chip vacuum pump series is designed to handle low or fluctuating compressed air pressures. These pumps, at an inlet pressure of only 55 psi, provide down to 24.1 in. Hg of vacuum. The multi-ejector pumps are quiet, easily...

Ultra-high molecular weight plastic.
February 1, 2000... GAR-DUR is abrasion resistant and offers a low coefficient of friction, reducing clean-up time as materials do not stick to its surface. It is self-lubricating and has high impact resistance, becoming work-hardened in the course of use. GAR-DUR...

Right Angle Servo Gearbox.
February 1, 2000... The Dyna Series servo gearbox uses hypoid gearings to deliver high torque throughput and positioning accuracy for high-dynamic servo applications. Precision-ground gears in the single-stage unit allow efficiencies up to 96% and provide for low...

Peristaltic pump.
February 1, 2000... The MicroPeri pump with 3mm ID silicone tube delivers up to 30 ml/mm, and can provide pressure up to 15 psi. The unit is available with AC or DC gearmotor drives -- the DC motors are for 6, 12 or 24V supplies. This is also for MicroPeri models...

Miniature valve.
February 1, 2000... The RB valve is a 2- or 3-way lightweight valve with built-in barb fittings, rotatable head, and test cycles exceeding 500 million. Multiple mounting configurations for both electrical and pneumatic applications include manifold, circuit board...