Designfax articles from March 2002

Designfax archives from March 2002

Fiat lux resonans. (Layer One).
March 1, 2002... Last month's Technology Spotlight highlighted optical pickups for electric guitars. But the story of the man behind the curtain is equally interesting. Christopher Willcox, founder, CEO and president of LightWave Systems, Carpinteria, CA,...

Showtime. (Up Front).
March 1, 2002... As a kid growing up in a middle-class 'burb in Los Angeles, the major treat, albeit infrequent, was a trip to Disneyland. Second to the excitement of going there and riding the rides was the advent of exploring the new exhibits. The park was...

Field control servoamplifier: DSP-driven unit produces higher torque, speed and efficiency. (Five Star Product of the Month).
March 1, 2002... Installing a motor into a system is only half of the equation when it comes to applications that require a well-tuned operation envelope. Otherwise, designers could merely pirate motors from old washing machines to drive everything and save...

Rheologics, a company in Exton. (Technology Spotlight).
March 1, 2002... Nearly 400 years have passed since William Harvey describe how blood flows around the body, yet the vascular system still being closely researched. The current focus is on blood viscosity -- scientists have linked the likelihood of developing...

Intel Northwoods 2.2 GHz Pentium 4 CPU. (Technology Spotlight).
March 1, 2002... Some of our favorite stories teach us that some engineers shouldn't be left on their own for long periods of time -- such was the story from two years ago of the Purdue professor who went to the local park with a group of students to light a...

Shrinking signal splitters: New grade of ferrite facilitates smaller telephone splitters. (Revisionx).
March 1, 2002... On ADSL lines, POTS splitters separate RF computer data signals from low-frequency voice signals. Voice signals are linked to the telephone via a low-pass filter, which must be designed for the 100 mA DC current of the telephone. The filter...

Converter box. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Converter box, Booth 7852. This converter box allows electrical equipment or machinery to be controlled by a shockproof, waterproof, explosion-proof air button or foot pedal via a receptacle box. Pres:Air:Trol Corp, Mamaroneck, NY. Free...

Valves and pumps. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Valves and pumps, Booth 750. This company is introducing a fail-safe, air cylinder-actuated 2-in, pinch valve and a miniature diaphragm air pump. Their Airpinch valves are non-clogging, lightweight and compact. Richway Industries Ltd,...

Overbraided hose. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Overbraided hose, Booth 8639. This stainless steel overbraided PEP bose withstands the rigors of chemical and high-temperature applications: The industrial-grade SAE-size hose also handles high pressures. Bulk lengths or finished hose...

Single-wire hoses. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Single-wire hoses, Booth 6542. Parker Bulletin 4400-B-42-US describes 482TC and 482ST hoses for abrasive applications requiring SAE 100R1 Type AT or EN853 Type lSN hose lines. The four-color publication leads users in determining the level of...

Diaphragm pump. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Diaphragm pump, Booth 8506. The 117/2117 series oil-less diaphragm piston pumps are available in either AC or DC versions with a variety of stroke options and motor combinations. They feature plastic housings and stainless valves. Thomas...

Tubing connectors. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Tubing connectors, Booth 7939. These injection-molded, medical-grade plastic tubing connectors are designed for tubing with IDs between 1/16- and 5/16-in. All of the barbed components have uninterrupted critical sealing surfaces and no parting...

Solenoid valves. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Solenoid valves, Booth 617. These 22mm flipper solenoid valves with isolating diaphragms perform in liquid handling systems used for low internal volume and high-pressure applications. They are available with 2- or 3-way functionality. Burkert...

Polyurethane hose. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Polyurethane hose, Booth 8639. Urebrade reinforced polyurethane hose is described in an updated information sheet. Descriptions and part specifications for the Opaque Black Industrial and transparent grades are provided. NewAge Industries Inc,...

Custom hose assemblies. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Custom hose assemblies, Booth 442. This company manufactures hose assemblies, standard and custom hose fittings, and precision turned parts for fluid handling jobs. Custom tube assemblies, including tube end forming, bending and swaging...

Micron orifice. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Micron orifice, Booth 6940. This micron orifice series includes 7.5, 10, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 micron ruby orifices. The full range extends up through 0.081-in. They are suitable for controlling precise amounts of gas and fluids. Bird...

Compressor/vacuum pump. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Compressor/vacuum pump, Booth 8049. The 1/2-hp scroll compressor/vacuum pump is a double-duty, oil-free unit that can provide less than 1 Torr of vacuum or 20 psig of compressed air for use on ventilators, aspirators, etc. Air Squared Inc,...

Plastic body valve. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Plastic body valve, Booth 8748. This lightweight plastic body valve is capable of handling various media, including compressed air and water. Quick push-to-connect tube fittings in 1/4- and 3/8-in, sizes ease installation in such applications...

Fluid dispensing head. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Fluid dispensing head, Booth 747S. The Electromatic XVI is 70 percent smaller than a standard size fluid dispensing head. It is designed for use with cold adhesives, coatings, silicones, marking inks, water, lubricants, etc. Spraymation Inc,...

Tie-rod cylinders. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Tie-rod cylinders, Booth 8521. This NFPA tie-rod cylinder with calibrated stop collar allows for precise adjustment of extend stroke. Once adjusted, the stop collar can be locked in place. The Micro-Adjust has a no "pinch point" design. The...

Dimensioning software. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Dimensioning software, Booth 8309. ProPneu dimensioning software offers component size, performance, and system optimization data for the company's pneumatic system components. Festo Corp, Hauppauge, NY Free info-Circle 207....

Water circulation pumps. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Water circulation pumps, Booth 7314. These 47 frame Seal-Less magnetically coupled pumps are available with a re-engineered bearing system that increases the rated service life to 60,000 hours of continuous duty. Ametek Rotron, Kent, OH. Free...

Pressure transducer. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Pressure transducer, Booth 113. The Model 6-10 general purpose pressure transducer offers more than 10 pressure range capabilities from 0 to 3 psi through 0 to 10,000 psi. It is rated as explosion-proof. BE1 Edcliff Instruments Div, Sylmar, CA....

Oscillating piston pump. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Oscillating piston pump, Booth 6575. The Model EBV 18 solenoid-operated oscillating piston pumps are rated for 110 VAC, 50/60 Hz. A choice of wetted materials includes brass or stainless steel pump body, and perbunan, EPDM, Viton or silicone...

Gear pumps. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Gear pumps, Booth 7454. The 2000 Series gear pumps offers maximum flow rates of 1.01 gpm, maximum pressures of 240 psi and maximum fluid temperature capabilities of 180[degrees]F. Three sizes of PPS polymer gears are available. Gorman-Rupp...

Low-pressure transmitter. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Low-pressure transmitter, Booth 7461. The Ashcroft DXLdp low-pressure transmitter is available with the SpoolCal process valve actuator. They can be validated and calibrated in-place without disturbing process tubes or wiring. With a twist of...

Valve terminals. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Valve terminals, Booth 8309. The Smart Cubic series valve terminals consist of two models. The CPV-SC is a 40 mm x 40 mm fixed-grid valve terminal. The CPA-SC has a 10 mm grid. Festo Corp, Hauppauge, NY. Free info--Circle 205....

Process control system. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Process control system, Booth 617. The AirLINE Type 3644 remote process actuation and control system offers a combination of ON/OFF or continuous valve functionality, electrical input and output and fieldbus connectivity. Burkert, Irvine, CA....

Solenoid valve. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Solenoid valve, Booth 9359. The 2-way Extended Performance Solenoid Valve (EPSV) handles higher temperatures and pressures while minimizing outgassing. Wetted materials, flow, pressure and temperature ranges can be custom engineered. The Lee...

Valve manifold. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Valve manifold, Booth 8309. The Direct Link Compact Performance Valve Manifold series features double-sided, surface mount technology for space savings and reliability. There is no internal wiring and the operating power is derived from the...

Rubber components. (Fluid Power).
March 1, 2002... Rubber components, Booth 8716. This company manufactures custom molded elastomer parts such as seals, grommets, diaphragms and bellows. Prototype and production molding is offered for small- to large-volume run projects. The complete rubber...

Linear slide. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Linear slide, Booth 8311. The STAR Linear Motion Slide's toothed belt drive system delivers speeds up to 200 in./sec, with a repeatability of [+ or -]0.004 in. Super Bushings on hardened steel shafts provide significant carrying ability. Bosch...

Rotary encoders. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Rotary encoders, Booth 704. Single-turn and multi-turn encoders provide a low-cost alternative to resolvers in applications where accuracy requirements are lower. They are mechanically compatible with the company's optical model. Heidenhain...

Brushed 22mm DC motor. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Brushed 22mm DC motor, Booth 7757. Being introduced at NDES is a 22mm LO-COG motor with a length of 1.9 in. The longer version delivers up to 40% more continuous torque -- up to 2 ozin. -- compared to the shorter 22mm models in this line. They...

Gearheads. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Gearheads, Booths 239 and 9311. One product line offered by this company is illustrated in their Gearheads catalog. The volume highlights single- and double-stage in-line, and single-, double- and triple-stage right-angle planetary gearheads,...

Flex shafts and specialty products. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Flex shafts and specialty products. This company primarily produces flexible shafts, which transmit rotary motion over, under, and around obstacles with higher efficiencies and greater economy than gears, universal joints, belts, and pulleys....

Integrated motordriver. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Integrated motordriver, Booth 7326. A NEMA size 34 Mdrive offers a high-torque motor combined with a microstepping drive, with up to 14 resolution settings (1/2 to 256 microsteps per step). Intelligent Motion Systems Inc, Marlborough, CT. Free...

Ultra-flat harmonic drive. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Ultra-flat harmonic drive, Booth 417. The CSD Size 20 has an axial length 50% that of the CSF series. Rated torque is 248 in.-lbs with a maximum torque of 673 in.-lbs. Gear ratios offered are 50:1, 100:1 and 160:1. HD Systems, Hauppauge, NY....

Linear actuators. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Linear actuators, Booth 7345. Size 23 hybrid linear actuators are available with 0.002 in./ step resolution and a 7 in./second speed. Four designs are offered: captive, non-captive, external linear, and linear rotary. Haydon Switch & Instrument...

Tubular linear motors. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Tubular linear motors, Booth 522. This company's brushless, direct-drive servo motor products are simple "tubular" linear devices with one moving part and an integral bearing system. There are no backlash or compressibility effects to...

PerMag stepper motors. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... PerMag stepper motors, Booth 4719. The 20M020D Series are 20mm size permanent magnet stepper motors in unipolar or bipolar winding configurations. Pullout torque is 1.0 oz-in. @ 200 pps with a 36 VDC chopper drive. Thomson Airpax Mechatronics,...

Rolling ring actuators. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Rolling ring actuators, Booth 233. This company will be featuring their Model RS linear actuator assembly designed for high-accuracy, PLC-controlled indexing, measuring and positioning processes. Available resolutions are 0.0004- and 0.004-in....

Low-cost linear guide. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Low-cost linear guide, Booth 7118. Featuring the company's DualVee Motion Technology, the UtiliTrak PW series linear guide is designed for light-duty, antifriction linear motion guidance in applications where load capacity, stiffness, and...

Digital servo amplifier. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Digital servo amplifier, Booth 400. A displayed family of linear and rotary positioning devices is joined by the i-Drive, a digital servo amplifier with integral positioning control. Seven models fit power ratings from 0.5 to 3 kW. Bayside...

Brushless pancakes. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Brushless pancakes, Booth 9067. The EC series of brushless pancake motors are electrically commutated for minimum electrical noise. Four sizes are available -- 2, 3, 12 and 30W -- in motor body lengths of 0.4 to 0.6-in. Maxon Precision Motors...

Linear guides. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Linear guides, Booth 7537. The LH series of miniature linear guides have self-aligning properties, allowing the guides to absorb a wide range of mounting errors. Designed with a 50-degree contact angle, the guides provide large vertical load...

Linear slides. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Linear slides, Booth 6674. The Anti-Creep retainer design in the AC Series 01 slides keeps the rolling elements aligned and centered. This results in improved performance over an increased life of the device. Straight-line accuracy is 0.0005...

High-load slide. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... High-load slide, Booth 8521. The Ultran slide, which provides high load carrying capabilities within an Ultran rodless cylinder, is now available in a 1 1/16 16-in. bore. A ball bearing system adds greater carriage precision. Two other bore...

Self-lubricating slides. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Self-lubricating slides, Booth 7307. At the heart of Dolphin Guides is a bearing material made of FrelonGOLD, moving in a one-piece, ceramic-coated aluminum extrusion. They can handle loads up to 1500 lb at speeds up to 300 ft-per-minute....

Power transmission products. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Power transmission products, Booth 8518. This company offers a broad selection of clutches, brakes, gearing, controllers, gear drives and related products suited for industrial, vehicular, and turf and garden applications. Colfax Power...

Harmonic gearheads for aStep. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Harmonic gearheads for aStep, Booth 7342. Zero-backlash harmonic gearheads offer precision performance with high torques for the AlphaStep stepper motor/driver packages in 1.65 in. sq. and 1.10 in. sq. models. Oriental Motor USA Corp, Torrance,...

Lead screws. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Lead screws, Booth 408. An expanded line of acme and ball lead screws features more than 950 components. A catalog also lists matching nuts available, including anti-backlash. The volume has a 15-page technical data section covering the sizing...

Linear guides. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Linear guides, Booth 120. Drylin N is a family of low-profile polymer linear guides, providing oil-free and maintenance-free operation. Applications include medical devices, test instruments, and packaging and assembly machinery. igus inc, East...

Servo gearheads. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Servo gearheads, Booth 8068. ServoFoxx gearheads feature in-line and right-angle designs. User benefits include low backlash, a new mounting system, corrosion resistance, and a wide range of sizes, ratios and output configurations. Die Qua...

Automation components and controls. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Automation components and controls, Booth 8309. This company will be displaying samples from their pneumatic and electronic industrial automation lines. Products include control systems, PLCs, Fieldbus manifolds, sensors, pneumatic cylinders,...

Optical encoder. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Optical encoder, Booth 322. The R119 high-resolution encoder is offered as a conventional shaft device, or as a blind hollow-shaft encoder with flexible tether mount. Generated quadrature square waves are up to 10,240 cycles-per-rev. Gurley...

Selection software. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Selection software, Booth 404. The cymex software package contains a database of nearly 2700 servomotors to simplify system design. Complete motion profiles can be calculated all the way through to the gearbox's output. alpha gear drives inc,...

Servo-grade gearheads. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Servo-grade gearheads, Booth 127. The MRP line of all-planetary, low-backlash gearheads is intended for motion applications that don't involve rapid reversing or acceleration. The MRP is available in one or two stages, in ratios up to 100:1,...

Ironless rotor motors. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Ironless rotor motors, Booth 6536. The 16G88 16mm dia. DC motors have a Continuous power rating of 4.5W. A choice of six windings suit supply voltages from 3 to 24V. Typical maximum output torque is 5mNm. Portescap/Danaher, Amherst, NY Free...

Optical encoders. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Optical encoders, Booth 4719. Incremental and Absolute types of optical encoders in this family offer high resolution and low inertia. They are suited for pick-and-place robots, inspection equipment and other applications. Thomson Industries...

Planetary roller screws. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Planetary roller screws, Booth 7347. These threaded rollers have a planetary timing mechanism for reliable performance in high-speed, high-acceleration applications. They can be used in hydraulic to electro-mechanical conversions. SKF Motion...

Surface-mount optical encoder. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Surface-mount optical encoder, Booth 113. The MOD 700 Series of incremental rotary encoders readily integrate into motors or other tight package constraint applications. Resolutions are as high as 2540 pulses-per-revolution. BEI Duncan...

Servo electric actuators. (Motion Products).
March 1, 2002... Servo electric actuators, Booth 108. Based on moving coil technology, these electric actuators offer programmable positions, velocities and forces. The devices have no backlash and can position in micron-scale accuracy. SMAC, Carlsbad, CA. Free...

Accordion-style lift covers. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Accordion-style lift covers, Booth 7734. Gortite lift covers are designed to protect lift mechanisms and personnel from dust, dirt and pinch points. The folded design provides a more rigid cover than sewn methods and can prevent damage or...

Threaded inserts. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Threaded inserts, Booth 7628. MaxTite full-hex blind threaded steel inserts feature a thick head and a heavy wall to resist torque-out in demanding applications. Once installed permanently in sheets, panels or closed-end structures, these...

Hand-retractable plungers. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Hand-retractable plungers, Booth 9321. These plungers are available in thread sizes ranging from 1/4, 5/16-, 1/2- and 5/8-in. They can be used in applications involving aluminum, brass or any other soft material. Northwestern Tools Inc, Dayton,...

Silicon nitride rolling elements. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Silicon nitride rolling elements, Booth 9255. Strong, lightweight silicon nitride ceramic allows the valve trains of heavy-duty, high-pressure rail fuel pumps to operate under severe conditions. Cam rollers made of this material operate at...

Bonding tapes. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Bonding tapes, Booth 7742. This company manufactures a wide range of polyurethane and acrylic bonding tapes. Offered in a variety of thicknesses in widths up to 56-in., these tapes also feature pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesives that provide...

Cable tie hooks. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Cable tie hooks, Booth 7526. PEM self-clinching cable tie hooks are designed to hang bundled wires inside an enclosure. Their hook feature allows users to temporarily remove and return tie-bundled wires from their mounting points. PEM Fastening...

Polymer bearings. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Polymer bearings, Booth 6945. Drylin RJI (inch) and RJM (metric) polymer bearings are directly interchangeable with standard recirculating ball bearings, offering cost and weight reduction. Both bearing types are made from the iglide material....

Rollers and bumpers. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Rollers and bumpers, Booth 8659. This company's line of rollers includes solid, DuraSoft, and finned models in various sizes. Bumpers are available in round, square and rectangular shapes in many durometers and materials. Fairlane Products Inc,...

Colored grips. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Colored grips, Booth 8272. Neon and pastel colors are available for this company's dip-molded ergonomic grips for lawn and garden tools, hand tools, and the levers of lawn and garden power equipment. Earth tones are also available. The grips'...

Safety couplings. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Safety couplings, Booth 642. These torque-limiting, prestressed safety couplings are designed with a Belleville spring, allowing them to disengage in 2 to 4 ms in a jam situation before damage occurs to the drive or automation equipment. The...

Oldham couplings. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Oldham couplings, Booth 8315. Paradrive oldham couplings are composed of two aluminum hubs with drive tenons that mate with a floating center member. This design allows for easy sliding to accommodate misalignment. Ruland Mfg Co Inc, Watertown,...

Pillow block and ball bearings. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Pillow block and ball bearings, Booth 8808. Made from PBT, an engineering polymer that will not corrode or rust, these blocks and AISI 316 stainless insert ball bearings can run in wet or dry applications at slow speeds. KMS Bearings Inc,...

Retaining rings. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Retaining rings, Booth 8815. These retaining rings are manufactured to inch, metric, DIN and Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) standards. They can be used in place of traditional fasteners such as screws, nuts, bolts, cotter pins and washers....

Rollers. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Rollers, Booth 6861. Power-Core rollers provide quiet performance and ease of operation in precision sliding door and indoor/outdoor architectural partition applications, as well as in high-speed linear motion devices. The rollers will not...

Timing belts. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Timing belts, Booth 8537. Brecoflex steel- or Kevlar-reinforced timing belts offer good strength/flex characteristics and a compact design. Applications include conveying, driving, indexing, linear drive and power transmission. Brecoflex Co...

Conveyor system. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Conveyor system, Booth 633. Featuring stainless steel belts, these conveyor systems offer unlimited travel lengths, no stretch and precise positioning. A patented ball bearing drive pulley and tensioning device is available. Belt Technologies...

Wave spring. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Wave spring, Booth 7842. This single-turn wave spring preloads the bearing through its outer race, taking up play in the bearing. Preloading a bearing reduces damage and wear. The wave spring helps prevent sliding between the rolling elements...

Cable and hose carriers. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Cable and hose carriers, Booth 8060. The Gortrac SRC and LRC Series carriers maintain the proper bend radius of air, hydraulic and electric lines to prevent fatigue and excessive wear during operation. A&A Mfg Co Inc, New Berlin, WI. Free...

Bearing assemblies. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Bearing assemblies, Booth 8529. These thermoplastic rolling-element bearing assemblies are lightweight and chemical and corrosion resistant. They are injection molded, creating one assembly that combines the races of a rolling element bearing...

Quick frame. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Quick frame, Booth 8060. Quick Frame is a tubular aluminum framing system available in different mounting options. The boltless structural system is lightweight and easy to use. Applications include acoustic enclosures and safety guards. 80/20...

Catalogs on CD-ROM. (Mechanical).
March 1, 2002... Catalogs on CD-ROM, Booth 7351. CD-ROM with CAD includes the company's Standard Components Engineering manual and Supplement Service Parts catalog in their entirety, as well as more than 11,000 CAD drawings. Pages are in HTML format so they can...