Designfax articles from June 2000

Designfax archives from June 2000

The American Dream -- Motion Control Style.
June 1, 2000... Colombian-Born Alvaro Villa Brings Imagination to Life "This business is like working on your favorite hobby all the time." -- Alvaro Villa, president, AVG, Inc. Alvaro Villa is a classic American success story. A natural-born...

All in a Day's Work.
June 1, 2000... This may be my last column for a little while. In a few short weeks I expect to deliver my third child into the world. While blessed with the ability to live life in the moment and truly appreciate the gift that it is, as a protective mother my...

Programmable Hall-effect sensor.
June 1, 2000... The linear potentiometer is elegant in its simplicity, yet is versatile for a broad range of automotive, aerospace, industrial and medical applications. The shortcomings are in the device's longevity -- they are prone to dirt infiltration and,...

Cybersonics, Inc.
June 1, 2000... Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, together with engineers from Cybersonics, Inc., Erie, PA, have developed a small, lightweight ultrasonic device that can drill and core into very hard rocks. The drill is driven by...

Material Handling Show.
June 1, 2000... An automatic singulator prototype caught a lot of attention at the NA 2000 Material Handling Show this past April. Developed by Siemens, Arlington, TX, the VisiCon takes an incoming flow of parcels, sacks and bundles, and converts it into a...

Kid Power.
June 1, 2000... I just read your "X-rated Engineering Show" editorial in the May issue of Designfax. Bless you for thinking of the children. They are the future and our hope for a better world. I enjoy your magazine very much. --Dewey Kilgore, Ret....

Voltage regulators.
June 1, 2000... Reported by the company to be the world's smallest voltage regulators for use with ceramic capacitors, the S-814 and S-817 series are also capable of operating tantalum or electrolytic capacitors. Both series feature low Equivalent Series...

Transformer.
June 1, 2000... This linear-lamination power transformer rated at 2 to 12VA provides low clearances, ranging from 0.0625- to 1.0625-in. Designed especially for low-profile applications. the TSB Series' semi-toroidal, split bobbin construction also reduces...

Miniature resettable fuse.
June 1, 2000... The surface mount PFMD series expands this company's wide range of resettable fuses, offering a more cost-efficient, polymer-based PTC fuse. It offers improved solderability over previous versions and slightly wider end-caps, which increase the...

Current level indicator.
June 1, 2000... The CR2530 features a factory-adjusted "turn-on" point for the attached snap-in panelmount LED. The noncontact, self-powered indicator monitors current flow by routing a current carrying wire through the indicator window opening.

Spill-proof battery.
June 1, 2000... The YIX50L-BS sealed lead-acid replacement battery uses gas recombinant technology. Acid is absorbed inside the battery to prevent leaks. The lead-calcium plate design holds its charge longer.

Power inductor.
June 1, 2000... This family of high current surface mount power inductors delivers high efficiency in a minimum amount of board space. The Power Pod delivers up to six watts of power per cubic inch. The line is well suited for use in microprocessor and...

Lithium batteries.
June 1, 2000... This company offers rechargeable lithium ion polymer batteries featuring a building-block design that can be custom configured into various voltages and capacities for military, aerospace, underwater research and other applications. The...

Mountable power converter.
June 1, 2000... The LF300RW Series is designed to provide miniature size, a high performance envelope and the ease of automated assembly at a low cost. Features include miniature SMT packaging, 3W of output power, 1500 VDC input/output isolation and tight...

Compact PCI power supplies.
June 1, 2000... These four new models are all compliant with the recently released PICMG Power Interface Specification. They include 200 W models in 3U x 8HP size and 350 mW models in 6U x 8HP size, and are available in both Universal AC and 48 VDC versions....

Programmable AC power source.
June 1, 2000... The Continuous Wave (CW) programmable AC power source is available in power ratings of 800, 1250 and 2500 VA. Single-phase output frequency ranges from 45 to 500 Hz while the switchable output voltage ranges are 0 to 135 VRMS with a maximum...

Power supply selection kit.
June 1, 2000... This briefcase-type power supply rates 11 types of film capacitors in many sizes and styles. It gives circuit design engineers a choice of the full spectrum of capacitor configurations, film dielectrics, encapsulants and mounting methods. All...

AC-DC power supplies.
June 1, 2000... This company's low profile SC Series of AC-DC power supplies expands with the SCT401 and SCT60l. The triple-output models provide outputs of +5V, +3.3V and a floating 12V output. They utilize magamp control for tighter regulation on the 5V and...

Delivering the Message at 30,000 Feet.
June 1, 2000... Data Presentation on military aircraft There are several issues important to flying a military mission today, two of which are: * Is the aircraft in proper operating order? * Are the data displays presenting information necessary...

Steel swivel levelers.
June 1, 2000... This company offers a complete line of steel and stainless steel swivel levelers with non-skid elastomer pads. The superior bonding strength of these levelers ensures that the pads will remain bonded to the levelers for years. Pads are offered...

Plastic windows.
June 1, 2000... These window kits are designed for protecting operator controls indicators and read outs without restricting access. Windows are molded in polycarbonate plastic and 12 styles offer viewing areas from 2.3 by l.7-in to 11.6- by 13.5-in Users may...

PC card enclosures.
June 1, 2000... These printed circuit card enclosures can be fully customized without sacrificing quality or turnaround time. They are designed to combine structural rigidity and close tolerances with simplicity of construction and are built to customer...

Subrack system.
June 1, 2000... The europac system is designed to meet international standards such as IEC 297, ANSI/EIA RS-310 and IEEE 1101.10, and is available in 3U-9U and metric height sizes. The Rational model is easy to modify and comes with integral 19-in. mounting...

Battery casings.
June 1, 2000... As specialists in deep drawn enclosures, this company is now manufacturing specific cells (plain or vented), producing exact components with precise dimensions and tolerances. Standard round enclosures range from 0.125- through 8.500-in. using...

Field-mount enclosure.
June 1, 2000... The R-BOX enclosure for DIN rail-mount instruments provides an affordable outdoor housing suitable for Intrinsically Safe, Non-Incendive, and General Location applications. It is watertight and resistant to heat, ultraviolet rays and certain...

Aluminum electronic enclosures.
June 1, 2000... The JR Series combines contemporary design with sturdy aluminum construction. Standard features include a flush-mounted front panel, durable gray or black finish, EIA heights and widths, and easy access to inside equipment. Options include rack...

Air filter.
June 1, 2000... Quadrafoam is designed for telecom/datacom enclosures with limited space. The challenge for this thinner filter line was to meet the stringent filtration performance and flammability requirements of Telcordia NEBS, CE, and UL, with a unit less...

Computer brackets.
June 1, 2000... Designed to fit all PC-type computers, these brackets are offered with a variety of holes and cutouts to fit any peripheral. The brackets are manufactured using 0.032 in. steel, with a high luster nickel finish. Standard brackets conform to...

Server cabinet.
June 1, 2000... The SYR series of floor-standing data-corn cabinets houses active network equipment. Cabinets arrive fully assembled and include a caster base and ramp. Unique frame construction allows one installer to roll the cabinet through a standard 7 ft....

Industrial enclosures.
June 1, 2000... The Q Range line of standard industrial enclosures for terminal blocks is available in either painted sheet steel or brushed 304 stainless steel. Basic enclosures come in two standard depths. They are designed for a broad range of applications...

Server cabinet.
June 1, 2000... These cabinets feature lift-off side panels for easy equipment installation and cable management, as well as simplification of required maintenance tasks. An extruded aluminum frame design offers superior strength to-weight ratio. The basic...

Coupling Eliminates Backlash Potential in IC Seam Sealing Systems.
June 1, 2000... Production of integrated circuit packages at high speeds requires a backlash-free motion system to produce the highest quality seal. These sealing systems have digital sealing power that allows pulse-by-pulse control of power, giving maximum...

Should you invest in rapid prototyping?
June 1, 2000... An alternative to traditional justification of RP technology Justifying the purchase of rapid prototyping (RP) can be a difficult process. For some, it has proven to be virtually impossible. The difficulties arise because RP does not...

Compact flat cylinder.
June 1, 2000... The square end cap design on the B Square Series of pneumatic cylinders reduces the centerline distance between adjoining cylinders, and permits either flush face or horizontal mounting. Split design, oil-impregnated rod bushings provide longer...

Unitized stepping motor system.
June 1, 2000... The Stepping Motor Cube integrates a NEMA 23 stepping motor, drive, control and communications capabilities into a single compact unit. Fitting easily, into systems where panel space is limited, the Cube offers a choice of three motor frame...

Low cost, hi-resolution encoder.
June 1, 2000... Two inexpensive units in the Microlinear (ML) Encoder series are available for tight-space applications such as XY measuring stages and semiconductor manufacturing. The ML-08 (0.8 [micro]m/period) and the ML-16 (1.6 [micro]m/period) both have...

Radial piston motors.
June 1, 2000... A hydraulic release safety brake has been added to the MHA line of radial piston motors, along with a rear drive shaft for tacho or high-resolution encoders. The heavy-duty motors have pistons supported on columns of oil, resulting in few...

Cylinder-indication sensors.
June 1, 2000... Providing precision end-of-stroke sensing for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, Stroke-master inductive proximity sensors also eliminate post-installation cable management problems through connectors with 305 degrees of rotational freedom....

Industrial PC.
June 1, 2000... Firestorm IPCs meet the specific challenges of PLC, CNC, robot, process control and general industrial machine control applications. The 100W IPC is a compact, wall-mounted model ideal for small cabinet applications. Enclosure size is 12- x...

Speed control.
June 1, 2000... This company expands its 15 Series line of DC motor controls with the 15 NEMA 4/12 Speed Control. This economical variable speed control is rugged enough for any harsh industrial environment. Like the rest of the line, this compact control is...

Intelligent terminal.
June 1, 2000... The Model 2300 Smart PLC and Motion Control Operator Interface is ideal for connecting to multiple devices across vendors. It offers a programmable touchscreen HMI, as well as two serial communication ports (RS232/422/485), a programming port...

Network interface module.
June 1, 2000... The DigiDrive II family of modular motor controllers, which continuously control the speed of 1/10- to 1-HP single-phase induction motors, now have 115V and 230V Network Interface Module enhanced systems. The Module provides tools to configure...

Servo motion control system.
June 1, 2000... The SmartMotor is a single component that combines the technologies of servo motor, controtler, amplifier, encoder and PLC. This integrated system delivers high reliability, a smaller foot print and simplified field service. With its new...

Motion controller.
June 1, 2000... The SB 1291 is a cost-effective combination of an advanced programmable controller, all-digital drive and power supply. The unit is controlled by a distributed control design that devotes a servo processor to execute real-time control...

Linear positioning module.
June 1, 2000... The RMC 100-S 1-Profi motion controller incorporates both the synchronous serial interface (SSI) standard and the PROFIBUS DP l2Mbaud ASIC openarchitecture fieldbus technology. SSI provides increased noise immunity, higher resolutions, and...

Linking device.
June 1, 2000... The ControlNet-to-DeviceNet linking device (1788-CN2DN) provides an economical, efficient, and seamless means of sharing data between controllers and discrete manufacturing devices. The device supports ControlNet as the backbone of the control...

Control system.
June 1, 2000... The Turbo PMAC can control up to 32 axes in up to 16 independent coordinate systems, with either analog, digital or MACRO ring interface. It is now available as a CPU piggyback board compatible with a variety of existing PMAC controller boards....

Sensorless servo.
June 1, 2000... The ISS series of high performance, brushless DC servo controllers is designed for closed loop velocity control of a three-phase brushless DC motor. By incorporating recent advances in DSP processing capability this intelligent controller...

Multi-axis controller.
June 1, 2000... The Emerald EMC-2000 SERCOS controller is designed for close coordination of multiple servo axes. The high performance 64-bit MIPS processor, with real time operating system, controls multiple motion axes, I/O, communications networks, master...

All The World's A Stage...
June 1, 2000... ... and accurate motion control is key player in top Broadway productions For centuries, the precise movement of stage props and scenery has presented challenges to the theatrical industry. Today, far removed from the antiquated days of...

Planetary gearbox.
June 1, 2000... The NEMA Series gearbox provides a low-cost precision gearing solution. Single-stage models deliver 90% efficiency and 10 arcmin backlash. This series offers a robust design because its ring gear is cut directly into the housing, rather than...

Cycloidal speed reducers.
June 1, 2000... Transcyko speed reducers are smooth, silent, operate without vibration and can absorb extremely high shock loads in excess of 500%. They are available in a wide range and combination of sizes, ratios, input power, mountings and configurations....

Miniature guideways.
June 1, 2000... The MINIRAIL series is a family of robust, two-row miniature guideways made from stainless steel. An advanced ball-retainer design simplifies assembly and maintenance. Four available sizes include 7, 9, 12, and 15mm. Applications include...

Bearing supports.
June 1, 2000... As an alternative to standard block-style bearing supports, this company offers pre-loaded supports for ball bearing screws, available in either flange- or base-mount. The flange style mounts a ball screw perpendicular to a surface. Mounting...

Positioning table.
June 1, 2000... CE6 continuous-duty linear positioners are ideal for applications including parts transfer equipment, component insertion, dispensing, lightweight pick and place, packing and stacking, and more. CE6 tables feature recirculating ball/cylindrical...

Track system.
June 1, 2000... The DTS Driven Track System is available in oval or rectangular circuits, has a wide choice of drive components and includes a safety overload feature. The track is supplied as a complete ready-assembled unit for incorporation into a machine or...

Pulse generator.
June 1, 2000... The PCL-5023 programmable pulse generator LSI is a 100-pin QFP package that can support two-axis motion controls on both stepper motors and pulse input-type servomotors. Applications include semiconductor manufacturing, inspecting systems,...

Shaft collars.
June 1, 2000... This full line of imported shaft collars is functionally similar to those manufactured in the U.S., but costs from 20 to 40 percent less. Collars are offered in one and two-piece clamp-type designs and set-screw styles, manufactured from steel...

Incremental encoder.
June 1, 2000... The HS35 industrial hollow shaft encoder is a money- and space-saving option. It requires no flexible couplings or mounting adapters, and saves users up to 3 in. Of mounting space due to its 1.86-in. maximum depth. A floating shaft mount...

Ball screw technology.
June 1, 2000... The S1 Series technology for ball screws and linear guides includes retaining pieces made of engineering plastic that are placed between traveling balls eliminating direct ball-to-ball contact. Retaining pieces position, secure and cushion...

Harmonic drive gear.
June 1, 2000... This drive gear with a 30:1 gear ratio is now being offered in a size 14. This is the lowest gear ratio available for harmonic drive gearing, according to the company. This compact gear component measures just 50mm in diameter and 29mm in...

Stepper/servo brakes.
June 1, 2000... Model RFEB is a failsafe, or power-off, brake, engineered to be mounted on the front end of stepper or servo motors as an added safety feature or for holding a load in place. The design is modular and easily mounts to the motor. Made of...

Ring encoders.
June 1, 2000... RGR rotary ring encoders conquer time, space and wear with speeds of more than 2000 rpm, resolutions down to 0.2mm arc seconds, compact easy-mount configuration and proven reliability. The design saves space and cost by adapting key...

What Engineers Do.
June 1, 2000... During the twenty-odd years I worked in the engineering and process chemicals industries, I always was struck by the fact that even close friends, spouses, and relatives never really had a good idea of what engineering companies (and engineers)...

Surface enhancement.
June 1, 2000... The Goldenedge surface treatment is for blades and other sharp-edged cutting tools. This coating provides precise thickness control giving razor-sharp edges a dramatically increased service life by as much as 20 times. The coating creates a...

Structural spray coating.
June 1, 2000... Ultrathane is a 100% solids, solventless, 1:1 mix ratio structural polyurethane/polyurea coating. It can be used as a spray-in-mold product or as a coating over wood, fiberglass or epoxy. It is designed to replace vinyl "wrapped" wooden...

Encapsulant.
June 1, 2000... STYCAST G 508-1 offers protection from temperature extremes found under the hood of an automobile. Additionally, this encapsulant can be used in applications requiring self extinguishing, low-smoke-generating plastics. This single-component...

Novolac-epoxy coating.
June 1, 2000... Corr-Paint CP2060 is a high-build, 100% solids, two-part novolac-epoxy system, which provides temperature resistance to 500[degrees]F. It demonstrates exceptional mechanical- and corrosion-resistant properties. The highly-filled system uses...

Conformal coating.
June 1, 2000... Shadowcure 397 solves VOC emission and flammability concerns associated with solvent-borne conformal coatings. It is designed to protect printed circuit boards from environmental solvents and abrasives. It is a two-component, solvent-free...

Ceramic paints.
June 1, 2000... These high temperature ([greater than]2500[degrees]F) paints are designed for the protection of metals, ceramics and graphite from oxidation, chemical attack, and gas corrosion, as welt as contact reactions with molten metals, slags, salts,...

Black conformal coating.
June 1, 2000... This solvent- free, light-curing coating cures faster than most clear UV coatings. The black color hides the board, components and circuitry. Hard dry surfaces are available even under moderate intensity lights. Called 9-984-B, this coating has...

Black PVD coating.
June 1, 2000... This company now offers Black Platinum, a new color applied using the physical vapor deposition (PVD) process. PVD coatings are applied on top of chrome-plated metal or ABS plastic substrates in specially designed vacuum chambers. PVD surfaces...

Epoxy-sealed thermoelectric coolers.
June 1, 2000... Using this low density, syntaxic foam epoxy resin, superior electronic encapsulation and moisture protection is achieved. When cured, the material is completely uni-cellular, resulting in negligible moisture absorption, and exhibits a low...

Thermoplastic hot melts.
June 1, 2000... Products 4278 and S1294-94 are low-cost polyamides recommended for seam sealing and pleat separating during filter assembly. Produced as uniform, amber-colored pellets, 4278 is a high-melt, medium-viscosity system. S1294-94 is a low-viscosity,...

Anti-reflective coating.
June 1, 2000... DURALAN II A/R was developed for flat panel displays that are used in high ambient light environments. Ideal for use with laptops and portable hand-held displays that are used outdoors, this coating helps improve light transmission and enhances...

Adhesive and sealant.
June 1, 2000... Resbond 907GF 2300[degrees]F seals exhaust ducts against corrosive chemicals and high heat. It cures in 4-12 hours to form a hard ceramic with excellent resistance to chemicals, solvents, electricity, and oxidizing and reducing atmospheres....

Multi-tube connector.
June 1, 2000... The 2BC series multi-tube connector with integral push-to-connect fittings offers significant advantages over other methods of multi-tube connections. No other fittings are required, eliminating the cost of purchasing additional fittings and...

Hose and tubing products.
June 1, 2000... Hose and tubing products, Booth 2286. With products to suit a variety of medical applications, this company offers its services to custom-engineer tubing and hose or OEMs. Specialty products include FRESTAT static dissipative tubing, SPARK-LIN...

Hydraulic clamp disks and rings.
June 1, 2000... AMDISK clamp rings are supplied with an alloy steel housing with its own pressure port. The center hole allows for easy application with a draw-bolt or rod to provide direct axial pull or clamping force without twisting the rod. AMDISK clamp...

O-Seal fittings.
June 1, 2000... Mark VIII O-Seal union connections are flat-faced, making it easier and faster to change out gauges or other components that require regular replacement. A leakproof connection rated up to 6,000 psi can be established by low torquing of the...

Seal tank adapters.
June 1, 2000... Safe-T-Loc bulkhead fittings (tank adapters) with Viton seals offer protection from aggressive chemicals. Piping systems conveying highly corrosive fluids can be safely connected to tanks or other containers with this new fitting without fear...

Nylon "sweep" connectors.
June 1, 2000... These precision-molded fittings resist penetration of water, oil, grease, gasoline, acidic solutions and solvents into electrical machinery. Heyco-Flex Nylon Sweep Connectors are designed for use with flexible, nonmetallic liquid-tight...

Abrasion-resistant hoses.
June 1, 2000... This company offers numerous styles of abrasion-resistant hydraulic hoses under various product lines, including: Ironclad, which features an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene cover; Abrasion King, which is designed for use with medium-...

Compression fittings.
June 1, 2000... Compress-Align compression fittings combine the economy of a standard compression fitting with the reliability of a far more expensive fitting. The fittings are pre-assembled and require no flaring, soldering or other tubing. preparation, even...