Designfax articles from June 2005

Designfax archives from June 2005

A next big thing.(UP FRONT)
June 1, 2005... I came across the ad on page 30A of the August, 1937 Popular Mechanics, a short distance from the offer for the Buchstein's Fibre Limb catalog. "INVENTORS," it declared, "PATENT YOUR IDEAS." One was then encouraged to send for a free book...

Low-end digital signal controller.(FIVE STAR: PRODUCT OF THE MONTH)
June 1, 2005... As energy costs soar with the roar of air conditioners and other cooling devices this summer, designers of industrial and appliance applications are reminded to look for economical ways to offer greater functionality and energy efficiency in...

Plasma propulsion.(TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT)
June 1, 2005... NASA has been researching more efficient means of propulsion to extend its reach into deep-space. Along the lines of plasma propulsion systems, which require magnetic containment since plasma temperatures exceed the tolerances of solid...

Air wave inventions.(TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT)
June 1, 2005... Elwood "Woody" Norris is an unusual inventor. Without the benefit of a college degree, he has 47 US patents and has recently earned the Lemelson-MIT Prize. Among his brainchildren (he has 11 biological children) is a sound-focusing concept...

Foam additive.(News From The Green File)
June 1, 2005... With the government-mandated complete phase-out of all HCFC-141b rigid polyurethane foams by July 1, 2005, the building and construction industry, as well as a host of other industries, now looks for alternatives that deliver the processability...

RoHS-compliant fasteners.(News From The Green File)
June 1, 2005... PennEngineering Fastening Technologies offers an online tool to ascertain whether a selected fastener type and plating complies with the European Union's RoHS restrictions on lead and other hazardous materials. The RoHS (Restriction of...

Synthetic diesel fuel.(News From The Green File)
June 1, 2005... Pipes and columns snaking across the Qatar desert harbor a secret process that will use cobalt to turn natural gas into a powerful, clean-burning diesel fuel. Rulers of this tiny desert sheikdom hope by next year that these gas-to-liquids (GTL)...

Hollow glass micro-spheres.(Materials: Top Product)
June 1, 2005... * high strength-to-weight ratio * syntactic foam buoyancy Sphericel 34P30 hollow glass micro-spheres are used in the manufacture of syntactic foam buoyancy modules and thermal insulation materials for offshore oil and gas industry...

High impact surface.(Materials)
June 1, 2005... SkatePlate 3000 is a composite made by fusing a weather resistant resin system into a natural fiber reinforced core under heat and pressure, creating a tough, non-splintering surface that is wear resistant, abrasion resistant, and moisture...

Urethane foams.(Materials)
June 1, 2005... Foam urethane products are available from this company in a wide range of formulations. There are two basic product lines: Durethane M, a mechanically mixed, microcellular foam with a uniform, mostly open, cell structure; and Durethane K a...

Custom cosmetic finish.(Materials)
June 1, 2005... This company offers custom cosmetically finished metal parts for applications such as enclosures, faceplates, high-end consumer electronics, PCs, storage devices and telecommunication devices. High-quality finishes include polishing, anodizing...

Ceramic coating-sealant.(Materials)
June 1, 2005... Used to seal corrosion protective thermal spray coatings, Ceramacoat 503-VFG-C high-temperature ceramicbased sealant fills the microporosity of the coatings. The single-part, water-dispersible, alumina-filled material is inert, chemically...

Acoustic materials.(Materials)
June 1, 2005... This company's acoustic materials are available in a variety of thicknesses and airflow resistances. Featuring uniform fiber distribution, the material's fine fibers create many microscopic air spaces for effective sound absorption. Weighing...

Engineering plastic replaces metal in chain tensioner.(Materials: Application Xtra)
June 1, 2005... * high durability * reduces noise Looking to replace metal, consolidate parts, and reduce system costs in their chain tensioner, a division of the Schaeffler Group turned to Stanyl TW341 plastic from DSM Engineering Plastics. The...

Eyeing the needle: combining motion and machine vision expands inspection capabilities.
June 1, 2005... Motion control and machine vision are used throughout the semiconductor manufacturing process, from monitoring the diameter of ingots as they are being formed from a crystal seed to aligning a die lead frame prior to wire bonding. In nearly...

Flexible finishing: robotic tool satisfies automated work cell requirements.
June 1, 2005... The finish of a product--including surface improvements, luster and cleanliness--expresses immense volumes of information to a consumer, both in the perception of quality that is seen, and the quality that is tactually imparted. At minimum,...

Solid drive shaft.(Innovations)
June 1, 2005... Unlike multi-component drive shafts, the Sani-Drive solid drive shaft's smooth finish and single-piece construction eliminate hiding places for contaminants such as pathogens and germs. The drive shaft integrates multiple drive components to...

Servo driver.(Innovations)
June 1, 2005... Purported to be the smallest fully programmable DC servo driver/controller, the EZSV10 brush model measures just 0.95- x 1.4- x 0.6-in. Smaller than a standard quadrature encoder, the driver/controller requires little or no tuning when used...

Piezoelectric motor.(Innovations)
June 1, 2005... The tiny, high-resolution SQ-306s Squiggle piezoelectric motor is 50% shorter than previous models, with improved resolution and higher electrical efficiency for long battery life. Suitable for consumer electronics and medical applications, the...

AC gearmotors.(Innovations)
June 1, 2005... The 880 series of parallel-shaft AC gearmotors is available in 5 gear ratios, from 5.8:1 to 42.8:1, and provide up to 1060 in.-lbs of continuous-duty torque. Two 1.5 hp motor options offer a single-phase 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz motor or a 3-phase...

Step motor controller.(Innovations)
June 1, 2005... The IBC-400E intelligent step motor controller offers encoder feedback for closed-loop control in precision-critical applications. Other features include: NV Ram for stand-alone operations; multiple control from on COM port; speeds exceeding...

Small-size magnetostrictive sensor.(Motion Spotlight: Top Product)
June 1, 2005... * high-volume * modular architecture The Temposonics C-Series linear-position sensor is designed for use in high-volume OEM products such as medical devices and small cutting/fastening/ forming tools. The C-Series sensor electronics...

Explosion-proof actuator.(Motion Spotlight: Positioning Components)
June 1, 2005... Rated for Class I Div 1 Groups B, C and D hazardous environments, the EL series linear actuator offers an inverted roller screw design that offers 15x the travel life of comparable ball screws and higher load capacity. The compact design makes...

Omnipolar digital switch.(Motion Spotlight: Positioning Components)
June 1, 2005... Purported to be the first omnipolar Hall-effect device suited for 3.6 to 24V, the A3245 digital switch offers a replacement for reed switches, with increased reliability and manufacturing ease, while eliminating signal conditioning...

Dynamic rod lock.(Motion Spotlight: Positioning Components)
June 1, 2005... The Dynamic rod lock functions as a braking and holding mechanism for pneumatic cylinders and guide rods, providing users the ability to slow and stop loads in all axes without relying solely on the cylinder itself. Features include: use as a...

Guided actuator and controller.(Motion Spotlight: Positioning Components)
June 1, 2005... LinMot linear motors with LinMot H guides deliver over a billion cycles for packaging and material handling applications. Combined with the LinMot E1100 Series controllers, they comprise the MPC System, offering accurate force and pinpoint...

Servomotor feedback.(Motion Spotlight: Positioning Components)
June 1, 2005... The SKS 36 SinCos motor feedback system includes HIPERFACE interface and provides motor manufacturers with the ability to shorten the overall length of their motors. The MiDi miniature code disc has a track radius of just 2 mm, permitting...

Digital positioner.(Motion Spotlight: Positioning Components)
June 1, 2005... The Flowserve PMV D3 digital valve positioner has added Foundation fieldbus support and has gained ATEX EEX approval as an explosion-proof device. The D3 is designed for the control of linear and rotary control valves. It has applications in a...

GPS-enabled system controls excavation.(Motion Spotlight: Application Xtra)
June 1, 2005... * positions with pinpoint accuracy * operates in harsh environments Novariant Inc.'s Logic7D Excavate system was designed to boost the productivity of excavators in the mining, civil engineering and construction industries by providing...

Spool flange sensing.(Motion Spotlight: Positioning Components)
June 1, 2005... This company is offering two styles of an optical flange sensing system to enhance winding accuracy when used with Uhing traverse winding drives. One system relies on the reflective properties of the spool flanges while the other version uses a...

Modular pneumatic actuators.(Motion Spotlight: Positioning Components)
June 1, 2005... These short stroke pneumatic actuators are offered in modular configurations where multiple units are integrated into a single housing for applications with space limitations. Providing several independent axial forces in a single package,...

Position transducer.(Motion Spotlight: Positioning Components)
June 1, 2005... The SP1 String Pot transducer uses a flexible cable, spring-loaded spool and a potentiometer to detect and measure linear position. Measurement ranges include 4.75-, 12.5-, 25- and 50-in. Designed for restricted space installations, the unit's...

Displacement transducer.(Motion Spotlight: Positioning Components)
June 1, 2005... Designed for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder applications, the DI600 series displacement transducer provides contactless measurement of absolute piston position. Extended operating temperature range is from -40[degrees] to 200[degrees]C...

Wear pad materials, Booth 774.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... PolyLube wear pad materials incorporate a wear surface that has PTFE continuous filaments at all contact points, unlike thermoplastic wear pad materials that have the lubricant suspended within the resin matrix. Because the PTFE fibers are in a...

Long fiber compounds, Booth 967.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... The 2200 Series PEEK long fiber compounds provide exceptional impact strength making them suitable for metal replacement applications. The long fibers mechanically interlock, reducing warpage and shrinkage. They also absorb higher stress...

Mini steppers, Booth 843.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... Lead screw output shafts have been introduced to complement this company's miniature 2-phase stepper motors with dia. of 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 22 mm. Standard lead screws include the low friction torque M1 2 x 0.25 mm, extra fine M2 x 0.2 mm and...

Piston pumps, Booth 1049.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... The series 1207 WOB-L piston pump is designed with oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder for long life and clean air flow. Bearings are permanently lubricated. Other features include stainless steel valves, hardcoated aluminum cylinder and...

Soft touch polyurethane, Booth 1051.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... NeuSoft TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) compound is for applications where soft touch and/or overmolding are desired. This 50 to 65 Shore A TPU can be injection molded or extruded without becoming sticky or tacky. Additional features include...

Non-spill coupling, Booth 1364.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... The NSH Series non-spill couplings are available with high-flow terminations for up to 3/4-in. I.D. tubing. This series provides a lightweight, durable replacement for metal non-spill couplings, ball valves and spill-prone fittings. Featuring a...

C laser-marked tubing, Booth 1547.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... Sani-Tech STHT C laser-marked tubing is platinum-cured and ultra-pure making it suitable for biopharmaceutical applications. Featuring a permanent laser marking that will provide improved lot traceability without the risk of extractables or...

Large-bore adapter, Booth 1607.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... The large-bore Touhy Borst adapters with side port and threaded flare connector are available in 2 sizes: 0-13 and 7-17 French. The side port accepts 5 mm OD or 7.7 mm ID size tubing to allow an easy access to the fluid path. A custom-molded...

TPE alloy, Booth 1843.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... As an alternative to silicone and PVC, the Versaflex CL 2200 line of TPE alloys offers both water-clarity and enhanced heat resistance in a single TPE compound. The line is suited for applications that require boiling and/ or cleaning in hot...

Medical adhesives, Booth 1943.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... This company has updated its Solutions That Cure: Adhesives for Medical Device Assembly, brochure that provides information on the company's diverse line of dispensing, curing, and process monitoring equipment. It includes more than 40 products...

Acrylic polymers guide, Booth 2031.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... This company is offering a complete guide to its medical-grade compounds and alloys. Detailed charts and graphs illustrate lipid and isopropyl alcohol resistance, heat aging and sterilization of their acrylic polymers. This reference tool...

Co-extruded tubing, Booth 2181.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... Hytrel lined PVC tubing is designed to offer the flexibility and durability of PVC tubing with a liner of inert, DuPont Dow Elastomers' Hytrel for resistance to oils, high temperatures and gas permeability. A patented process molecularly bonds...

Medical foams, Booth 2227.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... This company will showcase Poron medical urethanes, Bisco medical silicone and Dalvan medical medical polyolefins. These medical foams are designed to meet internationally recognized external body contact surface device ratings. They are all...

Laser processing, Booth 2286.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... This company offers extensive laser processing and custom cable assembly services. Precision laser machining, cutting, drilling and welding is done on various materials, including stainless steel, Nitinol, titanium, platinum, borosilicate,...

Precision ball rail, Booth 2805.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... The XP class high-precision ball rail system reduces rolling, pitching and yawing deviations. It is available in preloaded sizes of 15 to 45, with or without ball chain technology. Single-piece rail lengths up to 6m are offered. The precision...

Servo drives, Booth 2937.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... Designed for applications with compact cabinets, the modular AX2500 series of multi-axis servo drives has been expanded to include an Ethernet-interface model. The fully software compatible units fit inside cabinets as small as 300 mm in depth....

Photoelectric sensors, Booth 2943.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... The BOS 2K family is available in a small 20 mmx 7.5 mmx 10 mm size. These sensors have a scan range up to 1.2 meters. In addition, they offer four different sensing modes, including diffuse for part identification; diffuse with background...

Small linear actuator, Booth 3045.(Medical Products)
June 1, 2005... This size 8 hybrid external linear actuator measures 21 mm square. The external linear actuator replaces four components: a motor, coupling, lead screw and nut. Shaft-to-lead screw couplers are not needed with this design, simplifying assembly....

Triple-redundant steering sensor.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... * high safety rating * independent sensor outputs This triple-redundant steering sensor pack is used in AGCO Corporation's Challenger agricultural tractor. The sensor offers safety in critical tractor steering applications with three...

Photodiode amplifier hybrid.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... The SiQu50-TIA small footprint quadrant photodiode amplifier hybrid combines a silicon quadrant photodiode with amplifiers for optimal positioning. The hybrid provides for amplification ([10.sup.4] kW) of each of the quadrant element's current...

Decoding system.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... The PIATI_XPL is an ECC200 data matrix decoding system that is capable of operating in either area or line scan mode. It is able to decipher codes in most practical situations, including when the codes are imaged using poor lighting. The system...

Angular rate sensor.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... Designed for embedded applications. the LCG50 single-axis, MEMS-based quartz angular rate sensor is completely integrated with a GyroChip sensor and all required electronics, requiring only a 5.0 VDC input for accurate angular rate...

Ultrasonic transducer set.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... The Series DTTN ultrasonic transducer set is configured for use in hazardous environments. Its intrinsically safe design includes a modified set of DTTN transducer heads, and an enclosure that contains two high-frequency barriers that permit...

Accelerometers.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... For low level acceleration requirements from 0 to 300 Hz, 8310A25 and 8310A50 K-Beam accelerometers measure 25 and 50g, respectively. They weigh 17g and use a micro-machined capacitive sensing element that is stable between 40[degrees] and...

Force transducers.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... The C9B series transducers measure pure compressive forces while the U9B series measures both tensile and compressive forces. All of the force transducers are hermetically sealed and fitted with a diaphragm body. They are supplied with either a...

High-speed sensor.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... The Class 3R and Class 3b Selcom SLS 5000 non-contact sensors feature a totally integrated sensor within the head, and a built-in processor for data averaging and filtering. A dynamic laser feedback loop allows accurate measurement without...

Pneumatic level sensors.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... The NLS series of pneumatic level sensors is designed for use in high-viscosity liquids and over 50,000 switch operations. They install quickly with a standard 1/2-in. pipe and G1 connection at the top of the tank. Suited for applications where...

Strain sensors.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... Using piezoelectric sensing elements, series M240 ICP strain sensors indirectly measure dynamic and quasi-static stress forces on machinery structures. They are suited for process control and quality assurance applications that require the...

Ultrasonic sensor.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... The 941-D line of ultrasonic sensors features teach-in programming and longer scanning distances than comparable inductive models. Unlike photoelectric technology, these sensors are not affected by dust, light or color. There are two switching...

Junction boxes.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... The 757 series of IP 67/68-rated sensor/actuator junction boxes safely extends control cabinet functions out into the field and locally on the machine or process. Available in 4-, 6- and 8-ports per box with either 4 or 5 poles per port, the...

Force balance accelerometer switch.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... The Model SS-108 switch contact allows users to control, safeguard or warn of undesirable variations in DC and low-frequency acceleration. The accelerometer switch contacts can be configured to trigger in one or both directions along the...

Photoelectric sensors.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... The V18 series of photoelectric sensors features an 18 mm dia. cylindrical metal housing with straight or right angle sensing configurations. They offer visible red and Class 1 laser light s o u r c e s with adjustable detection and weld seam...

Split core transducers.(Electrical/ Electronics: Sensors & Transducers)
June 1, 2005... These current transducers feature split core current sensors for easy installation into new and existing systems. They are avail model styles: the true RIMS CR4100S, the loop-powered CR4200S, the self-powered CR4210S, the average RMS CR4400S,...

Helmet tracker uses inertial sensor.(Electrical/Electronics: Application Xtra)
June 1, 2005... * no skipping * on-board digital filtering Ascension Technology's Hy-BIRD is a tactical helmet-mounted head tracking system that fuses both optical and inertial data streams together for full-time all-attitude tracking. Even if its...

Pluses & pitfalls of USB DAQ: an interface option for test and measurement applications.
June 1, 2005... The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is gaining favor as an alternative interface for data acquisition and measurement applications. USB is used already in computer peripherals such as printers, mice, and digital cameras as a quick and easy way to...

Magnetic clamp.(Mechanical: Top Product)
June 1, 2005... * no electrical requirements * holds more than its weight The Magswitch device allows a magnetic field to be turned on and off mechanically. It is designed to hold in excess of 250 times its own weight--one typical version weighs less...

High-strength adhesives.(Mechanical: Fasteners & Adhesives)
June 1, 2005... Multi-Cure 605 Series adhesives for glass and glass-to-metal assembly exhibits high-performance properties such as exceptional tensile shear, high clarity and good peel and impact strength. The glass bonders are suitable for automotive glass...

Retaining rings.(Mechanical: Fasteners & Adhesives)
June 1, 2005... These retaining rings are available in a variety of finishes for individual applications. They are sold with a phosphate coating for shelf life protection at no extra charge. Phosphate and Oil, a popular European coating, offers eight hours of...

Urethane adhesive.(Mechanical: Fasteners & Adhesives)
June 1, 2005... The Dev-Thane 5 urethane adhesive is designed for primerless bonding of rubber or metal-to-glass, concrete or wood. It is good for bonding EPS to foam, foam to ABS and aluminum to aluminum. It cures at room temperature to a tough yet flexible...

Superalloy fasteners.(Mechanical: Fasteners & Adhesives)
June 1, 2005... The MP98T fasteners are made from the MP98T superalloy, which is tough and corrosion-resistant. They offer a minimum tensile strength of 180ksi. Typical fracture toughness values tested per ASTM E1820 exceed 200 ksi-[in.sup.-1/2]. The alloy...

Fluid systems connector.(Fluid Power: Top Product)
June 1, 2005... * threadless design * no assembly tooling required The OysterTL threadless push-fit fluid systems connector eliminates all pathway leaks and connection problems traditionally associated with vehicle braking, power steering and air...

AFS-approved ball valve.(Fluid Power: Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
June 1, 2005... The AFS (alternative fuel service) ball valve has received ECE R110 approval for use in natural gas vehicles, including buses, trucks and cars. The valve, which features working pressures to 413 bar (6000 psig) at 121[degrees]C and flow...

Instrumentation tube fittings.(Fluid Power: Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
June 1, 2005... These double-ferrule instrumentation fittings provide leak-proof and torque-free seals at all tubing connections. They reduce the chance of hazardous and expensive leaks in instrumentation, process, pneumatic, hydraulic, gas and other tubing...

Tube cutter.(Fluid Power: Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
June 1, 2005... The Model 400-A Micro-OD tube cutter is capable of cutting plastic, silicone and rubber tubing with diameters as small as 0.005 in. and lengths from 2 1/2 in. This manual-feed cutter cuts tubing up to 3/8-in. OD; however, material, hardness,...

Pipe, tube and hose clamps.(Fluid Power: Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
June 1, 2005... This quick reference guide provides ordering information on a standard series of complete clamps; heavy series clamps; twin series clamps, individual clamp components; weld plate, mounting rail and multi-level installation information;...

Miniature tubing.(Fluid Power: Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
June 1, 2005... Designed for miniature fluid power components, high-performance and coiled polyurethane tubing, high-pressure tubing and tubing accessories (clamps and pliers) are offered for medical, dental and industrial fluid power systems where flexibility...

Manifolds.(Fluid Power: Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
June 1, 2005... This company now includes two 9-port versions with its selection of low-pressure manifolds. They are suited for splitting flow streams in 8 directions, such as infusion onto a 96-well plate. With 1/4-28 flat-bottom ports, they are offered in...

Leak-free tubing sets.(Fluid Power: Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
June 1, 2005... These pre-assembled tubing sets enable manufacturers to simplify product assemblies, eliminate assembly errors, and ensure leak-free connections. Tubing sets made with PTFE tubing in 1/16- and 1/8-in. OD sizes are cut into desired lengths and...

Food-grade pneumatic fittings.(Fluid Power: Tubing, Hoses & Connectors)
June 1, 2005... The Pneufit D series composite fitting features quick and easy connection without the need for tools. It is suitable for a range of compressed air applications and is approved for food processing. The integral stainless steel grab rings offer...

3D online catalogs power hydraulic part selection.(Fluid Power: Application Xtra)
June 1, 2005... * detailed 2D/3D CAD model downloads * 3D visualization Traditional product catalogs, the phone book-sized behemoths engineers have specified from for eons, are still in print, still causing eye strain and making the product...

Mopping up: test and measurement improves ergonomics.(TECH UPGRADE)
June 1, 2005... Ergonomics is an important part of design. When supplying cleaning products to the consumer, standard concerns include: hand grips for kitchen utensils, comfortable positions for appliance switches, and proper posture-protecting backs for...