Designfax articles from February 2004

Designfax archives from February 2004

Less is more ... more or less.(Up Front)
February 1, 2004... 'Twas two months after Christmas As I sprang from the house. My bags were all packed, Farewells made to the spouse. I leapt to my car, That was parked out in back. And raced to the street, Like Fittipaldi on...

FHSS transceiver: short-range wireless in a miniature package.(Five Star Product Of The Month)
February 1, 2004... One of the surging technologies of the last two years has been in wireless products. Cities are scrambling to set up wireless zones in business areas and airports, and more simple children's toys have the added feature of radio control. Driving...

Nanotubes as semiconductors.(Technology Spotlight)
February 1, 2004... A team of researchers led by Michael Fuhrer, assistant professor of physics at University of Maryland's Center for Superconductivity Research, has fabricated a semiconducting nanotube transistor with a mobility almost 25% higher than any...

Compact cooling.(Technology Spotlight)
February 1, 2004... Two technologies for removing heat from electronic devices--synthetic jets that rely on trains of turbulent air puffs, and a system that uses vibration to atomize cooling liquids such as water--were developed by Professor Ari Glezer and...

Wireless synchronizer.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 530 The GPS Wireless Clock System uses a combination of global positioning and FM radio signals based in a master transmitter to synchronize an unlimited number of free-standing clocks. An optional computer time sync can be connected...

Wire connector.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 705 The Twister Al/Cu twist-on wire connector has an entry cap that seals corrosion-fighting compound inside the termination. Designed for aluminum to copper connections, the device has a deep skirt that prevents flashover events....

Flying light.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 829 Approved by the FAA as a replacement for the GE387 incandescent bulb, the BSD-1884-0CW LED lamp can be used in lit signs on board commercial aircraft. The LED requires one-fourth the power and operates at a lower temperature than...

Self-supporting cables.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booths 1349, 3322 & 5705 These trackless cable assemblies function in a controlled motion without a cable track or energy chain, for stroke lengths up to 60 in. and acceleration up to 4G. They can operate at the same small bend radii as...

Level measurement.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1437 IntelliScan and UniScan non-contact ultrasonic level measurement instruments provide radar-like performance at an ultrasonic price. The 2-wire, intrinsically safe UniScan design allows simple installation without calibration or...

Medical sensors website.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1727 Specifically dedicated to the medical equipment market, this website serves as a quick resource on magnetostrictive technology applications. The site provides downloadable applications notes, ideas and new product information....

Distance measuring.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2441 Unaffected by dirt and debris, the MLA magnetic distance measuring system provides absolute position feedback for a variety of industrial applications. Features include: exact position indication to three decimal places;...

Dual coil solenoids.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2743 These dual coil solenoids feature a permanent magnet for latching of the solenoid plunger in a fixed position with no current applied to the coil assembly. By energizing each coil independently, the plunger is shuttled back and...

Foot switches.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2830 Developed for the medical industry, the Aquiline series of foot switches is offered in versions that meet the stringent requirements of IP68 (IEC 601.2.2) and IP20. It is available with either a metal or engineered polymeric...

Component supplier.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2833 The catalogue from this supplier provides complete information for more than 200,000 components from manufacturers like ST Micro, Kemet, Bourns, Condor, Fluke, Molex and more. Products include semiconductors, passives,...

Electronic packaging products.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2935 An expanding line of packaging for electronics offers 8- and 10-pin plug-in models and encapsulation shells, providing a means of packaging and potting components. The 2- x 2-in. encapsulation shell has covers with standard...

Pressure indicating sensor.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 3049 Tactilus is an electronic tactile force and pressure indicating sensor that monitors precisely how force is disbursed between any two contacting or mating surfaces in real time. The sensor can handle any application of test...

Tactile pressure measurement.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 3228 This company manufactures ultra-thin tactile pressure and force measurement sensors and systems. The ELFTM is a simple, complete economical load & force system that provides immediate access to load measurement data. The I-Scan...

Circuit breakers.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 3243 Designed to plug into industry-standard terminal blocks, the 1180 series thermal circuit breaker can reduce downtime by replacing fuses commonly used in DIN-rail applications. For voltages up to 250 VAC or 65 VDC, the breaker is...

Heating elements.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 3335 This company specializes in flexible silicon rubber, Kapton, mica, etched polyester, wire wound polyester, ITO, scrim, and cartridge heaters including non-stick cartridge, mica band and strip, ceramic, tubular channel band and...

Hi-temp thermocouples.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 3342 These high-temperature platinum thermocouples are for applications where temperatures exceed 3000[degrees]F Various protection tube designs include the use of ceramic, metal, ceramic metal and refractory materials. Multiple...

Rotational transducer.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 3731 The RT9420 transducer combines reliable rotational position feedback of the company's 2-wire 4-20A current loop signal with excellent linearity and resolution of a plastic hybrid potentiometer, all encased in stainless steel...

Serial-Ethernet bridge.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 3735 Connecting to and network enabling as many as 4 RS-232 serial devices simultaneously while acting as a master on a multi-drop RS-485 network, the EM1500 Serial-Ethernet Bridge converts multi-point serial communications to a...

Cordsets.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 4043 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 3x12 AWG, SJT cable. Terminations are a 5-20 plug on one end, and a...

Terminal blocks.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 4611 The Topjob S series of DIN-rail-mounted terminal blocks uses the company's Cage Clamp S spring pressure connection technology, which allows solid wire, tin-bonded wire or ferruled stranded wire to be inserted into the connecting...

Miniature PB switches.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 4641 The 9000AX miniature momentary pushbutton switches mount in a 0.637-in. diameter panel cutout with hardware supplied. They feature a cosmetic 0.708-in. dia. bright nickel-plated bezel and a 0.427-in. flat bright nickel-plated...

Lithium ion batteries.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 4739 Two 95Wh Li batteries were introduced, using industry-standard SMBus smart battery systems and employing regular 5-pin battery connectors. The NL2020 is rated at 10.8V @ 8.8 Ah, while the NL2024 has a rating of 14.4V @ 6.6Ah....

Pushbuttons & switches.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 4743 This manufacturer of heavy-duty industrial controls will be exhibiting a line of time switches that includes analog, digital and hour counters, and a time switch that compensates for sun- and moon-rise. The company also produces...

IR sensor.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 4808 The HOA1180 IR sensor with reflective metal components has a choice of phototransistor or photodarlington output, providing amplified output for easy differentiation between actual signals and noise. The phototransistor provides...

Beacons.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 5048 The 114 series Compaxx beacon combines reliability, performance and economy in a light-duty, PC-compatible signal. Less than 4-in. tall, for wither surface or conduit mounting, the beacon is particularly suited for high-noise...

Ethernet surge protector.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 5204 Model IASP1P single-port industrial Ethernet surge protector protects eight lines of Ethernet Cat 5 cabling for 10BaseT or 100BaseTX LAN connections. The unit installs quickly with a pair of RJ-45 jacks, and its low capacitance...

Connector system.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 5443 The Pulse-Lok connector system offers smooth mating with low insertion force. The environmentally sealed interconnect system is available in kit form with pin counts from 1 to 27. Special keying and color options are also...

Wire duct.(Electrical/Electronics)
February 1, 2004... Booth 5147 The Dinosaur Series of flexible duct offers flexibility, and the ability to be cut with a scissors or knife. The ducting has no separate cover, so it accommodates cables in restricted space applications. An epoxy adhesive...

Testing & measurement speeds design: lab instruments are used for precise design verification, more accurate, reliable manufacturing outcomes.
February 1, 2004... Traditional design engineers originally started with functional model on paper or in prototype to turn a design specification into the beginning of a real product. Analyzing this model involved using conventional techniques to confirm that the...

Integrated stepper & driver.(Innovations)
February 1, 2004... Designed for the rapid implementation of stepper motors requiring automation, the SilverPak D is a NEMA size 17, 2-phase, 1.8-degree bipolar step motor with built-in microstepping driver. Commands can be issued from the Windows HyperTerminal...

Electro-pneumatic pressure regulator.(Innovations)
February 1, 2004... The ITV1000 regulator offers step-free control of air pressure proportional to an electrical signal. Internal circuitry pulses supply and release valves to maintain the desired output air pressure. A dual pilot valve design reduces cost and air...

High torque gearmotor.(Innovations)
February 1, 2004... The PS2300 parallel shaft gearmotor has continuous duty torque ratings up to 320 in.-lbs. Compatible with the company's AC, PM, and DC brushless motors, in 13 ratios from 5:1 to 300:1, the unit is suited to industrial conveyor or commercial...

Magnetic encoders.(Innovations)
February 1, 2004... The K Series of encoders produces high resolutions up to 7200 cpr, and can operate in harsh environments where shock, sawdust, grease, salt spray, excessive moisture or condensing humidity may be present. The devices incorporate a high accuracy...

Laser rotary encoder.(Innovations)
February 1, 2004... Designed for factory automation, manufacturing and robotics applications, the M1-H is a compact and lightweight, heavy-duty, 10,000 rpm system encoder measuring 56 mm in length and weighing only 260g. A balanced line driver output allows for...

Squiggle motor.(Top Product)
February 1, 2004... * only four parts * smooth nano-motion This miniature linear actuator uses ultrasonic vibrations to rotate a threaded shaft directly. A piezoelectric ceramic tube supports two threaded nuts--when power is applied to the tube, it...

BLDC.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2004... These microprocessor-controlled brushless motor packages offer long life and full speed control. High efficiency combined with integrated drive electronics allow for a much smaller and lighter unit. The motor is designed for OEM use in the HVAC...

Medium-size DC motors.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2004... Improvements to DMI motors include reduced commutation stresses for outstanding characteristics in the shunt range to provide full output up to very high speeds. The size of the winding slots has been reduced fur more space for magnetic...

Motor control products.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2004... This agency now offers the Fuji DUO series line of motor contactors, overload relays and manual motor starters, as well as the Odyssey line of large contactors and overloads. Both lines are available in 24 VAC, 24 VDC, 120 VAC and 240 VAC coil...

Drive solves overvoltage issue.(Application Xtra)
February 1, 2004... * control in small package * dust-tight IP-66 enclosure Crippen Manufacturing produces a wide variety of grain processing equipment, including grain shaker tables used to separate freshly harvested grains from husks, leaves, soil and...

Integrated servo motor.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2004... The SM3416 SmartMotor produces more than 1 N-m of continuous torque in a low cost NEMA 34 package. The 5 lb motor has a no-load speed of 2600 rpm. As with other members of the SmartMotor family, the device features multi-axis coordinated...

High torque stepper.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2004... Designed for maximum torque-to-package size, this size 34 motor delivers up to 1200 oz-in. of holding torque. Standard motor lengths are 2.60-, 3.78- or 4.96-in. High-grade steel lamination construction provides low core loss, resulting in...

Rotating shaft guards.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1002 This company provides close-coupled spacer and line shaft guards to complement its flexible shaft couplings as a standard shaft connection product. A type MCG motor coupling guard is offered as an economical addition for NEMA...

Microstepping drive.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1411 The Pacific Scientific P7000 Series microstepping drive provides servo-like performance with its Encoderless Stall Detection, which prevents stalling down to and including rest without the need for a separate feedback device....

Planetary gearheads.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1416 Available in gear ratios from 3:1 to 100:1, the SP+ series of gearheads features noise levels to 64 dB(A), which the manufacturer says is four times quieter than standard gearheads. Torque capacity is 20% higher than previous...

High torque servomotor.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1424 Used to propel North Dakota State University's solar racecar to victory in July 2003's American Solar Challenge was the industrial e-TORQ motor. The 10 hp unit, typically used in packaging machinery and medical equipment,...

Motion components.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1427 This company offers a wide variety of Pacific Rim-manufactured components. Their Electric Motor division's catalog includes motors, armature assemblies, commutators, shafts, magnet housings, magnets and castings. The Hydraulic...

One- and two-axis controllers.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1539 Targeting hydraulic, pneumatic and electric servo motion control applications is the RMC70 Series of motion controllers, with position, velocity and position/pressure control capabilities. The initial version, the RMC75S-MA1, is...

Helicoidal gearmotors.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1622 Designed to offer high torque per dollar in a small package, Series B Conex helicoidal gearmotors deliver up to 20 hp and maximum output torque to 5000 lb-in, with 10 standard ratios from 5:1 to 60:1. Universal gearcase sizes...

Motors, bearings and cooling fans.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1640 This company will be presenting samples from its lines of hybrid and permanent magnet step motors, as well as their new line of brushless DC motors. There will also be representations of their miniature ball bearings that range...

Rugged brush motor.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1642 The TG3300-63 series brush DC motor features 495W continuous shaft power, peak torque of 425 oz-in., max speed of 13,000 rpm and efficiency up to 90%. The high power density suits it for in-the-field battery-powered operations...

Cartesian motion system, controllers and chain conveyors.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1811 Visitors to this booth will see this company's pre-configured Cartesian robots, offered in 1, 2 or 3 axes. Designed for payloads up to 25 kg, the system uses manufacturer's standard compact modules and servo drives. Also being...

Miniature actuator.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2011 The Type KR15 LM Guide Actuator compactly combines a miniature LM Guide and ballscrew in one block. The device's use of 4-row circular contact results in high rigidity and low fluctuation of rolling resistance under a load....

Custom control systems.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2021 The InteMod Platform will be demonstrated to illustrate this company's ability to modify and scale hardened control modules to fit any operation, graphical display, keypad or custom application. The company is equipped to...

Inverter duty gearmotors.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1819 This series of motors, specifically designed for use with adjustable speed controls, is rated at 3/8 hp, 230V 3 phase, and 60 Hz. Available gear ratios range from 5:1 to 75:1 for right angle units, and 5:1 to 30:1 for standard...

Motors with drives.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2043 Currently available in NEMA motor sizes 14, 17, 23 and 24, and in a choice of stack lengths, the MDrive stepping motors feature high torque and on-board electronics. Current versions include Microstepping, Speed Control with...

Compact encoder.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2439 Available in 12- or 14-bit resolution versions (up to 16,384 words/turn), the Model 7700 compact modular encoder provides absolute positioning and high performance, based on the company's Virtual Absolute design. It facilitates...

ROSE.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2543 A 335 mm Reflective Optical Sensing Encoder achieves multiple line counts with just one module. Designed for use with this company's brushed and brushless motors, the encoder has multi-tracked code discs to enable resolutions of...

Position & fluid transfer.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2620 The Rotary Union line from this company includes 26 series designed for diverse applications from roll chilling operations to hydraulic/ pneumatic clutch activation and fluid power transfer. A line of linear actuators covers...

Non-captive linear actuator.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2633 Size 11 joins larger sizes 14, 17, 23 and 34 in this company's non-captive linear actuator line. Built for a life of several million cycles, the actuator features engineering thermoplastics in the rotor drive nut and a stainless...

Step motors.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2635 This company specializes in designing hybrid step motors to 'maximize torque at desired speed.' Their product line includes drivers, optical encoders, spur and planetary gearboxes, integrated step motors and controllers, and...

Compact AC controller.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 3022 The ES01/ES02 series of compact AC motor speed controllers accept input voltages of 110/115V and 200/ 230V, respectively. They can be used to control AC motors and gearmotors over a wide speed range of 90 to 1400 rpm (50 Hz) and...

Hazardous environment controllers.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 3441 This company's family of industrial and automation products, designed for hazardous environments, has received CSA Class 1 Div. 2 Groups ABCD certification. The Boss 32 and the Universal Machine Controller can be fitted into...

Self-lubricating bearings & slides.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2928 The Simplicity line of bearings and slides use FrelonGOLD self-lubricating bearing material. The company also carries Feather Shaft and Feather Rail ceramic-coated shafts, Mini-Rail monorails with FrelonGOLD rolling elements,...

Custom motion control.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 3535 This custom motion control manufacturer specializes in gear-related products and assemblies. Products include speed reducers, gearboxes, precision gears, pinions, worm/worm wheels, etc. Electromechanical devices and systems as...

Modular safety systems.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 4842 The PNOZmulti modular safety system optimizes applications of medium complexity with 4 and 14 safety function, allowing flexible but simple configuration of E-STOP switches, safety doors, light curtains, switch mats or...

Portable controller.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 5021 Suited for various metering and machine control applications, the JETT*ce features a Windows CE.NET operating system, Xscale processor, sunlight-readable display with optional touch screen and various interfaces. One RS-232...

Automation products.(Motion Products)
February 1, 2004... Booth 5611 This company's 1300+ page catalog and online store contains PLCs, operator interfaces, drives, motor controls, sensors, pushbuttons, enclosures and more. A recent partnership adds motor contactors, overload relays and manual...

Biopharmaceutical tubing.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 915 SaniPure-60 is a clear, flexible tubing that is heat-sealable, bondable, weldable and moldable for custom assembly fabrications. It has an ultra-smooth inner bore that reduces potential particle entrapment and microscopic...

Flow meter.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1100 The EZ-View line of variable area flow meters has been expanded to include [+ or -] 1%, while accuracy is [+ or -] 5% full scale. These meters fit pipes of 1/2-, 3/4-, 1-, 1 1/2- and 2-in. dia. The larger units offer flow ranges...

Connector.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1143 The Slip Lok connector features a patented 2-piece design that provides for optimal positioning of components and then locks them securely in position. Its 303 stainless steel construction has standard male NPT connection with...

Filter regulators.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1302 The Balston 12E series filter regulator captures rust and pipescale particles while continually removing oil and water contaminants at 99.99%+ efficiency at 0.01 micron from compressed air supplies. The rolling diaphragm design...

Filter screens.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1436 This company has added a PEEK filter screen line. The polymer is highly resistant to elevated temperatures and harsh environments, bridging the performance gap between traditional polyamide and polyester polymers and exotic...

Gas springs.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1439 The Lift-O-Mat INOX stainless steel gas spring provides effortless opening and closing of doors and lids, and can securely hold a door in an open or closed position. Constructed from 316 stainless steel, the spring resists...

Pneumatic valve systems.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1811 Small in size but with high flow, the HF 04 and LP 04 compact pneumatic valve manifold systems feature low power consumption. They are actuated by double pilots and available in versions 2x3/2, 5/2 and 5/3. The HF 04 is...

Restrictors.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 1839 This company's expanded line of Cv Restrictors includes both threaded and press-in style restrictors. The press-in style requires no tapping or other special hole preparation; an expander pin presses into the body after...

Polyurethane O-rings.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2450 With respect to comparable polyurethane materials, Disogrin 9250 polyurethane O-rings feature improved compression set, greater heat resistance, improved fluid compatibility, resistance to high-pressure extrusion and abrasion...

Micron orifices.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2450 These micron orifices are available in miniature fittings. One example of these orifices is a 0.001 ruby orifice (25.4 micron), with 5-micron filters on either side of the orifice. They are supplied complete in color-coded...

Rotary vane pumps.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2744 These rotary vane pumps offer intermittent pump capacity in a low profile, modular design. Reversible models are available. Pressure and vacuum sides are switched by reversing motor polarity--no additional valves are needed....

Online nozzle selection.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 2824 iSpray interactive web tool enables users to evaluate and select spraying nozzles, based on flow rate and pressure requirements. Proprietary tools aid in determining capacity and configuring tooling, coating and humidification...

Rotary actuators.(Fluid Power)
February 1, 2004... Booth 3053 Intended for small parts handling, these rotary actuators have an air-over-oil feature that offers the advantages of hydraulics without the traditional hydraulic plumbing. The units run on standard shop air, but have a...