Designfax articles from February 2005

Designfax archives from February 2005

Correction.(Correction Notice)
February 1, 2005... Correction: A few diagrams were swapped in the January 2005 White Paper, "Timing Redundancy in Telecommunication Systems"--figures 2 & 4, and figures 3 & 5. Figure 4 is the correct illustration for the section, "Parallel timing redundancy,"...

Invented locally, produced locally, benefits globally: home safety device enters the market.(Layer One)
February 1, 2005... During one of Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic's weekly press conferences this past year, Deborah Eisinger, president of HomeSaver Enterprises, introduced the HomeSaver1. Invented by her husband, Lee, after several years of development, and with the...

Change in the weather.(Up Front)
February 1, 2005... Mid January is usually a good time to venture out from this northerly Cleveland clime and visit Southern California for MD&M West. but this year I left my sanctum sanctorum in The Magnificent Designfax Tower during a warm thaw for a decidedly...

Wireless Ethernet module: thirty-two bits, 54 Mbps and 100 ft.(Five star: product of the month)
February 1, 2005... WinSystems introduces the PPM-Wireless, a PC/104-Plus module, enabling both 802.11b and rapid 802.11g wireless networking capabilities. The technology provides a high-speed, industrial data network based upon MiniPCI wireless modules and the...

Rocket science.(Technology Spotlight)
February 1, 2005... Sometimes a design problem can be resolved by enlisting outside help. XCOR Aerospace is a Mojave, CA company in the business of developing and producing safe, reliable and reusable rocket engines and rocket-powered vehicles. The company is...

Self-cleaning adhesives.(Technology Spotlight)
February 1, 2005... Duct tape that never loses its stick. Bandages that come off without sticky residue or an "ouch." Gecko feet may hold the key to the development of synthetic self-cleaning adhesives, according to a biologist whose research was published in the...

New, Harmonic Planetary[R] High Precision Planetary gearhead.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Exclusively from HD Systems, the Harmonic Planetary[R] HPG Series provides the motion control and design engineer with a planetary gearhead that reduces backlash to less than 1 arc-min. This level of backlash is maintained for the life of the...

New, ultra flat gearing components.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... CSD Series harmonic drive gearing from HD Systems delivers 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 HD Systems'...

New, harmonic drive gearhead, zero backlash.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The CSF-2UH series high torque gearheads use HD Systems' patented "S" tooth that delivers more than twice the torque, twice the life, and twice the torsional stiffness when compared to conventional Harmonic Drive Gearing. Positional Accuracy is...

Testing evacuated tube solar collectors: creating equipment for efficient, economical conversion of solar radiation.
February 1, 2005... Thermomax Ltd. is a manufacturer of equipment for converting solar radiation into thermal energy. Our evacuated tube solar collectors are used to produce clean energy for domestic and industrial hot water, space heating, and cooling and...

Supporting the arts: industrial scale technology in Cirque du Soleil's KA.
February 1, 2005... From its humble beginnings on the streets of Quebec City twenty years ago, Cirque du Soleil has gained international recognition through the creative impetus of its founder, Guy Laliberte, bringing the circus acrobatics of street performers...

Cam followers.(Innovations)
February 1, 2005... Offering mounting flexibility for high- and low-temperature and submerged applications, Graphalloy Yoke Style Cam followers work in temperatures to 750[degrees]F and require no grease/oil that can burn off, gum up in cold temperatures or wash...

Thermostat.(Innovations)
February 1, 2005... Designed to protect operating controls, small motors, solenoids and other devices against high temperatures, the J-2 single-action thermostat combines the function of a thermal fuse with the reliability of bimetallic thermal control. This...

Zero-backlash rack & pinion drives.(Innovations)
February 1, 2005... This range of rack & pinion drives eliminates system backlash by means of a split-pinion and dual-pinion arrangement. Precise positioning accuracy is maintained during acceleration and deceleration, as well as for direction of travel reversals....

Three-ton actuator.(Innovations)
February 1, 2005... In response to industry demand for a three-ton capacity actuator suited for applications requiring positive mechanical positioning, this machine screw actuator has a standard 24.2 efficiency rating, can be driven at 2 hp maximum, and is...

Compact, efficient actuator.(Innovations)
February 1, 2005... The 5-in. frame GSX series linear actuator offers a highly efficient T-LAM segmented motor stator design. The unit can be used in closed-loop servo systems where electronic control of positioning and velocity is required. An inverted roller...

Digital controller module.(Top Product)
February 1, 2005... * retrofits analog systems * simplified wiring Designed to retrofit existing analog systems quickly with digital control, the Nservo controller module supports 2 (standard) or 4 closed-loop servo axes. It is connected via the IEEE-1394...

Gearless motor.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2005... The e-TORQ direct drive brushless DC servomotor employs an electromagnetic design to improve efficiency, minimize and maximize torque. The ironless stator of these motors eliminates iron saturation, thereby maximizing torque linearity and...

Cageless torque motor.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2005... Available in 35 sizes, the economical TML simplified cageless ironcore torque motor offers peak torques ranging from 40 to 500 Nm. The smallest model is 30 mm wide with 140 mm dia., while the largest measures 150 mm wide by 530 mm dia. They...

Angle encoders.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2005... The Signum RESM angle encoder is suited for direct drive rotary motors, eliminating position error and backlash while delivering speeds over 360 rpm, accuracy to [+ or -] 0.5 arc-sec, plus resolution and repeatability to 0.02 arc-sec. The large...

Tiny hybrid stepper.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2005... The 208 1.8-degree bipolar NEMA 8 miniature 2-phase step motor measures 0.79-in. square and is available in 2 stack sizes: 1.30-and 1.69-in. long. Although it weighs 0.13 lbs, it delivers 4 oz-in, of holding torque, depending on stack size. The...

Micro servoamplifier.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2005... The Accelnet Micro ServoAmp is small enough to fit on the same PCB as automation interface, control and power supply circuits, allowing it to be located next to the motor it drives to simplify wiring and minimize RFI concerns. Output ranges are...

Motor cable.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2005... The Superflex-Plus PUR line of DESINA-compliant servo/ VDF motor cables offers maximum flexibility for continuous motion applications. The cables are UL/CSA and CE certified for deployment in North America and Europe. Available with or without...

5-phase stepper driver.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2005... The IMS51 simple 5-phase stepper driver offers an economical AC bipolar driver that is CE compliant to meet worldwide safety protocols when powering ultra high torque step motors. The smart integrated driver's computer-like functions support...

Amplifier upgrade card.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2005... The SAC option card transforms this company's $300 and S600 digital servo-amplifiers into fully programmable motion control drives, eliminating the need for simple PLCs with MC BASIC and full math capability. Wizards access all user levels. It...

Orbital motors.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2005... This company has added orbital motors to its T-series of drive train system accessories. These high-replace higher-torque motors are designed to priced radial piston motors in mobile equipment. Three model sizes offer small-, medium- and...

Brushless motors.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2005... Constructed with neodymium magnets, the EC-max 40 mm brushless motor is electronically commutated for long life. Built-in Hall-effect sensors provide feedback to the control electronics. With coils external to the rotor, the motor dissipates...

Linear actuator.(Motors & Drives)
February 1, 2005... The I-Force line of actuators is comprised of a no-cog direct drive linear motor with integrated position sensing and bearings. They feature high dynamic response, smooth motion with zero backlash, a linear guide system, force and position...

Controlled motion in desktop chemical processing.(Application Xtra)
February 1, 2005... * precise speed control * smooth acceleration Developing new chemical processes for products and pharmaceuticals requires careful and precise process control. With reduced product development cycles, tools have been developed to...

Electrical substrate.(Top Product)
February 1, 2005... * alternative to BeO * low thermal resistance This company has expanded its proprietary PCTF plated copper on thick film ceramic packaging process to include AIN aluminum nitride substrates. The commercially available thick copper...

Blast-resistant steel.(Materials)
February 1, 2005... Based on steel-belted tire design, the Hardwire family of high-tensile steel reinforcements is made from twisted steel wire cords 11 times stronger than standard steel plate, offering blast resistance for infrastructure components. Strength is...

Polymer/rubber CD.(Materials)
February 1, 2005... The Rubber Compound Selection Guide is available in CD format. Unlike metals or plastics, rubber does not have universal cut-and-dried design criteria, making rubber compound selection difficult. The most popular base polymers, with durometers,...

High barrier film.(Materials)
February 1, 2005... This company introduces high barrier, planarizing thin film vacuum barrier coating for PET, PC, PEN, PVC, polyimide, copper, stainless steel and aluminum foils. For 7-mil PET film, water vapor transmission at 38[degrees]C, 100% relative...

Grip material.(Materials)
February 1, 2005... Based on the company's NPVC grip material, UV-NPVC offers additional ozone and weather resistant properties to enhance outdoor performance. The material can be produced as a sleeve or grip, and can also have a smooth or buffed finish. Non-slip...

Metallic polycarbonate film.(Materials)
February 1, 2005... With a gloss first surface and a matte second surface, Makrofol DPF-5072 polycarbonate-based film offers bright metallic looks. Both surfaces are printable. Available at a 0.015-in. thickness and 48.5-in. width, the material is formable using...

Stainless steel spring wire.(Materials)
February 1, 2005... Santex stainless steel spring wire has been designed for applications with a high number of expansion and contraction cycles, and for where springs must retain their mechanical properties over long periods. This steel grade has been developed...

Contouring cheaper chairs.(Application Xtra)
February 1, 2005... * requires no priming before painting * custom colors in small runs Bernhardt Design, Lenoir, NC, wanted to find a more economical material that would simplify manufacturing and reduce costs to expand market opportunities for one of...

LED-lit pushbutton switch.(Top Product)
February 1, 2005... * sunlight readable * multifunction activation Offering high intensity brightness in a compact package, the SW44267 switch features dual and quad lamps or LEDs for use in outdoor applications, as well as installations where optimum...

Emergency stop.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
February 1, 2005... The Compact Emergency Stop Pushbutton switch comprises 30 or 40 mm mushroom operating heads with twist or pull release, as well as key release. The devices are available with one or two electrically separated contacts--1 normally open; 1...

Sealed miniature pushbuttons.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
February 1, 2005... The M2B series of process sealed switches features an interior O-ring surrounding the actuator within the bushing. Ultrasonic welding of the bushing and housing unit seals out contaminants, and the bushing and the top of the housing are of...

MIL-spec switches.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
February 1, 2005... The blade and terminal configuration of the Series 24G Instrument and Control Switches permits multiple contacts in the same deck, and a single switch can have up to 10 decks and 8 positions. Electrical ratings include 20A/500V continuous),...

Totalizing counters & timers.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
February 1, 2005... The CH & TH Series have 7-digit LCD displays, a pushbutton reset, and small panel footprints. The CH counters accept non-voltage contact closure/NPN open collector. PNP 6 to 24 VDC or 90 to 240V AC/DC inputs, with a one-count-per-pulse...

Relays.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
February 1, 2005... This company is offering solid state and cube relays featuring two indicators--an LED for the input coil and a mechanical flag for output contact status--as well as pluggable MOVs and diodes. Solid-state relays are available in 10 or 25A...

Float switches.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
February 1, 2005... Made of FDA-compliant polypropylene, this compact device can actuate at levels as low as 3/8 in. of water, is rated for 150 psig, and will withstand temperatures to 200[degrees]F. The L001 is top mounted with a standard 1/8 in. NPT or 3.8 in....

Relays and relay bases.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
February 1, 2005... The PR Series of relays and bases is classified in three categories. The PR1 Series employs 12.7 mm miniature power relays and optocouplers. The PR2 Series uses flat pin, "ice-cube-style" general-purpose relays in 10A DPDT and a 5A per pole,...

Slide switch.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
February 1, 2005... Occupying a board space of just 10 x 2.5 mm, the 1K2 changeover slide switch is available with 2.54 mm pitch pins, allowing end-to-end or side-by-side stacking on 2.54 mm pitch boards. The SPST device is offered in two actuator heights, with...

Coded safety switch.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
February 1, 2005... Coding on the non-contact PSENcode switch guarantees excellent protection against manipulation and meets Category 4 of EN 954-1. Five directions of actuation and a 17 mm switching distance increase flexibility of installation. A fully coded...

Rocker switches.(Relays, Switches & Timers)
February 1, 2005... The 2600 Series of switches satisfies power ratings up to 15A at 250 VAC, with a minimum electrical life of 10,000 cycles at full load. Single- and double-pole models are offered in ON-ON-, ON-OFF and ON-OFF-ON, in both maintained and momentary...

Clutch capo hits right chord: OEM technology transfer aids performance guitar accessory.(Revision X)
February 1, 2005... Guitar players are the latest to benefit from a technology most often applied in small OEM clutch applications> such as paper handling systems and power tools. The G7th Performance guitar capo, designed around a wrap spring clutch from Reell...

Robotic welding tubing & connectors.(Top Product)
February 1, 2005... * prevents spatter build-up * push-to-connect system Suited for air and water supplies on robotic welding equipment, the push-to-connect system of MicroWeld fittings and Parflex MicroWeld tubing offers silicon-free components with a...

Hydraulic couplings.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
February 1, 2005... The ISO.A series of pull-break hydraulic couplings offers 1/4- to 2-in. poppet valve types to minimize the pressure drop characteristics and provide positive sealing. A snap-together locking ball system provides a positive quick connection....

Cam-operated couplings.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
February 1, 2005... This company adds PVDF and food-grade PP to its offering of nylon and industrial-grade PP cam-operated couplings. The PVDF version withstands temperatures up to 300[degrres]F and is UV-stable. The food-grade PP resists oils, alkalis, salts and...

Pinch clamp.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
February 1, 2005... Available for 3, 3.2, 5 and 6.3 mm maximum OD tubing, the Easy-Open pinch clamp reduces accidental pulling on tubing lines. Standard materials are acetal, nylon, polypropylene and nylon with glass-reinforcement. Color coding is available...

Fluoroplastic tubing.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
February 1, 2005... Extruded from PTFE, FEP, PFA or MFA in straight lengths, coiled or convoluted styles, this line of precision fluoroplastic tubing features a low coefficient of friction and anti-stick properties. They are chemically inert, non-wetting and...

Mini 5-line connector.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
February 1, 2005... This 5-line quick disconnect features 2 active releasing sleeves located at each end of the assembly. The in-line arrangement permits rapid connection while preventing line misconnection, which may occur within a bolt-circle connection. The...

Female luers.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
February 1, 2005... The Full Thread series of female luer connectors includes stopcocks, with conical tapers molded to ANSI/HIMA and ISO standards. With locking or non-locking characteristics, these luers are stocked in nylon, polypropylene and clear...

Compression tube fittings.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
February 1, 2005... This family of rapid-assembly 15,000 psi compression tube fittings offers an alternative to time-consuming cone-and-thread preparation. With the release of 15 new component shapes, the series provides an efficient single-piece solution to most...

Traceable tubing.(Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
February 1, 2005... The PumpSil platinum-cured silicon tubing, line features LaserTraceability for traceable marking. A 100% indelible fine laser etch can be produced end-to-end on the part with lot numbers and use-by-dates, without affecting performance. The...

Factors in selecting a fluid line coupling.(Application Xtra)
February 1, 2005... Factors in selecting a fluid line coupling: * materials * shut-off valves * O-ring seals * mounting & tubing connections Each element comprising the fluid system contributes to the performance of the overall product and...

Custom enclosures.(Top Product)
February 1, 2005... * high accuracy, repeatability * CAD to CAM conversion This company has expanded its in-house capabilities in custom plastic and aluminum enclosures. CAM machining offers milling, engraving, cutting and embossing. Fast turnaround on...

Power clamping.(Enclosures & Fixtures)
February 1, 2005... The StrongHold Select series of hydraulic and pneumatic workholding products includes hydraulic swing clamps, work supports, threaded body cylinders, square body cylinders, pneumatic swing clamps and accessories. All modular components can be...

Cabinet handles.(Enclosures & Fixtures)
February 1, 2005... Both inch--and metric-sized aluminum cabinet U handles are available with tapped holes. Features a smooth surface rigid design. An epoxy powder resin coating is optional. Colors include black, red, anodized (natural) and bright tumbled finish....

Sheet metal hardware.(Enclosures & Fixtures)
February 1, 2005... Using a mechanical approach to installing hardware on sheet metal surfaces without screws or tools, the D-SNAP housing holds a spring-loaded set of wings designed to snap into position to hold a latch or hinge firmly in the panel. Panel...

Air conditioner.(Enclosures & Fixtures)
February 1, 2005... Designed to cool small cabinets, this 200 BTU thermoelectric air conditioner fits in an 8.25-in x 6-in. footprint. The cooling unit is built to NEMA 4X standardsand offers throughand flush-mount designs. Features include a built-in adjustable...

Enclosure gets antique trolley back on track.(Application Xtra)
February 1, 2005... * weather resistance * corrosion protection Number 322 was one of forty trolley cars ordered from the St. Louis Car Company in January of 1944 by Twin City Rapid Transit (TCRT). Equipped with General Electric motors and controls,...

Legacy vs upgrade: transforming mechanical engineering applications for the 21st century.
February 1, 2005... Many mechanical engineers rely on legacy software applications that were written in out-of-date programming languages, are difficult to use by modern standards, and furthermore will run only on obsolete or near-obsolete hardware and operating...

Machine art software.(Top Product)
February 1, 2005... * converts 2D art to CAM-ready data * create CNC engravings Mastercam Art CAD/CAM software, an add-on to Mastercam Mill or Mastercam Router Version 9 products, allows users to bring 2D sketches, clip art, photos, and CAD files to life...

Portable measurement systems.(Engineer's Toolbox)
February 1, 2005... The MicroScribe MX family of articulated arms offers flexibility, portability and metrology-level accuracy for reverse engineering, measurement and inspection. The devices seamlessly integrate with popular software applications for 3D design,...

Assistance for 3D CAD/CAM/CAE.(Engineer's Toolbox)
February 1, 2005... Version 3.0 of the website www.3DCADTips.com has been launched with 349 added tips and tutorials. The free, independent and objective information resource provides a range of materials for those considering making the transition from 2D to 3D,...

DFMA update.(Engineer's Toolbox)
February 1, 2005... DFMA 2005A contains upgraded versions of the company's DFMA Version 9.2 and DFM Concurrent Costing Version 2.1. The software identifies the major cost drivers associated with manufacturing and finishing arts, by taking a quantitative,...

PLM accelerates cathedral construction.(Application Xtra)
February 1, 2005... * links directly to tooling control * flexible design capabilities Designers working on the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, started in 1882 by Antoni Gaudi, are using product lifecycle management software to rapidly advance completion of...

Toying with prototypes: promotional manufacturer realizes 90-day ROI on 3D printing.(Tech Upgrade)
February 1, 2005... Succeeding in today's extremely competitive promotional toy industry requires much more than creative concept development. Short seasonal cycles, often with tie-ins to popular movies and TV shows, demand the ability to originate, communicate,...

Counter.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The E8B 8-digit electric counter is UL, CSA and CE recognized. The tamperproof durable counter offers up to 1500 counts/ rain, and a life count of 10 million. Its average power is 0.55W and current draw is 0.046A at 12 VDC. Voltage may be...

Control/display module.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... This company offers a design-build service for finished/semi-finished control/display modules. Company engineers assess time, temperature, humidity, speed, pressure, motion and other variables to be monitored, and then design units to meet...

Surge suppression.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Designed for electrical transient and surge suppression in electronic telecommunications equipment, the GTT ground transient terminator can be placed safely between case ground and equipment. The passive filter opposes changes in electron flow...

Linear transmission.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The HepcoMotion DLS5 is a compact, toothed-belt-driven unit with a maximum load capacity of 10,000N. The single aluminum beam can be ordered in lengths up to 6m, and can accommodate multiple carriages for larger loads. Driving force is 2450N,...

Air gripper.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The low profile design of the MHF2 gripper, approximately 1/3 that of conventional air grippers, saves space and ing moments. The gripper jaws are guided using precision ball bearing guides, and a dual air piston design maintains high gripping...

Air compressors.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... An alternative to rotary screw compressors, the cast iron MASTERLINE CR-25 Series compressors suit heavy duty industrial applications. The product line has ratings from 1 to 30 hp, in single- and two-stage configurations, with outputs up to 250...

Pressure sensors & transducers.(OEM Marketplace)
February 1, 2005... Kavlico's 4-color, quad-fold capability brochure has just been re-issued detailing the latest information about their standard and custom sensors & transducers. Included are typical performance specifications & features, a company profile,...

Digital motion controller.(OEM Marketplace)
February 1, 2005... The EPOS 24/1 is a digital motion controller capable of position, velocity, and current mode. Available in two versions for brush or brushless motors, the small package size and cost-efficient design makes the EPOS 24/1 an ideal choice for...

Spring/washer selector.(OEM Marketplace)
February 1, 2005... Research and specify springs and washers easier with Windows-based SPEC SELECT II. Available on CD and at www.asraymond.com/ spec/, it allows you to estimate cycle life for washers, compression and extension springs; search for products based...

Precision orifices & filters.(OEM Marketplace)
February 1, 2005... Bird Precision offers micron orifices from 0.00029-in. (7.5 pm) through O.081-in. Bird Precision offers laser-drilled, wire-lapped ruby and sapphire orifices with flows from Bird Precision Waltham, MA; 800-454-7369; Fax: 800-370-6308;...

Die Casting CD-ROM.(OEM Marketplace)
February 1, 2005... FREE TO QUALIFIED OEMs: Design for die casting. This all-new CD-ROM provides a complete understanding of die casting, with expanded information on alloys, process animations and extensive engineering guidance. Includes vital information on...

Hermetic connector catalog and design guide.(OEM Marketplace)
February 1, 2005... This important desktop reference showcases stock and custom feed-thru seals for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, vacuum systems, space simulation equipment, transducers and controls, fluid-filled and pressurized devices. Other typical...