Designfax articles from September 1999

Designfax archives from September 1999

Making a Difference for the Disabled.
September 1, 1999... Volunteers for Medical Engineering, Inc. (VME) was founded in the late 1970s by John H. Staehlin, an engineer working for Westinghouse Defense Electronics outside of Baltimore, MD. Through a series of personal experiences, Staehlin realized...

I've Got A Secret...
September 1, 1999... This issue marks my one year anniversary with Designfax and Medical Equipment Designer magazines. Thank you, readers, for not only teaching me about the world of design engineering, but for teaching me about the world (period). By allowing me...

Twist and Route.
September 1, 1999... A series of five angled swivel units offers an alternative solution to a classic engineering dilemma: how to deliver air, electrical and/or fluid lines to devices such as grippers, tools, tool handlers or vacuum cups mounted at the ends of...

Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co.
September 1, 1999... Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co., St. Louis, MO, recently unveiled its new thin film instrumented wafer sensor. Ideal for semiconductor applications requiring accurate, rapid response temperature measurement (such as plasma etching and the...

Cellular Automata Machine (CAM).
September 1, 1999... Legos and robot dogs? Where do we get all those wonderful toys? Now under development is a robotic cat, which will be a platform for very advanced AI technology. Engineers at Genobyte, Boulder, CO, are working with a CC brain, an invention of...

Reader CONNECTION.
September 1, 1999... You get what you ask for [Editor's Note: We received many letters from readers asking "what was the solution" in the July `99 Up Front editorial. For those of you who wondered, but didn't call, the solution at the post office was provided...

Air seal.
September 1, 1999... The Setco air seal combines the benefits of air and rubbing seals but eliminates the drawbacks common to each type. Made of corrosion-resistant Viton material, the seal is really two seals in one, combining a unique geometric shape with a novel...

Filtration fabrics.
September 1, 1999... Wire cloth and specialty fabrics are available for high pressure or extreme chemical and temperature environments. For food contact applications, a Medifab product line is available. Pore sizes range from 1 to 5000 microns, with thicknesses of...

Stainless steel filter regulator.
September 1, 1999... The type 350 is designed to provide instrument quality air to pneumatic controllers, transmitters, transducers, valve positioners, air cylinders, and a wide range of pneumatic control systems. Applications include processing a variety of...

Reformulated fluorocarbon elastomers (FKM).
September 1, 1999... Reformulated fluorocarbon elastomers (FKM). Today's alternative powered vehicles and reformulated gasolines are causing increased occurrences of solenoid valve seal swelling and cracking in service with the use of existing FKMs. This...

Cartridge seal.
September 1, 1999... The ISC product line features an interchangeable pusher, and metal or elastomer bellows seal configurations. This interchangeable design yields an easy-to-use seal with a common gland and sleeve platform that can be applied to many different...

Medium pressure filter assemblies.
September 1, 1999... The 400 series is designed for applications in the industrial, automotive and mining markets. Designed to protect sensitive components such as servovalves, they are available in four different SAE-compliant, straight thread ports in 1/4-, 3/8-,...

Miniature O-ring seals.
September 1, 1999... This manufacturer offers seals for microminiature applications in more than 2,000 sizes, ranging from the largest, with an inside diameter or cross section of 0.039-in., down to 0.008-in. The MicrOring line is available in a range of materials...

CAD for non-CADs.
September 1, 1999... Visio 2000 Technical Edition carries more than 4,000 SmartShapes -- elements designed to behave in drawings like walls, pipes, valves, pumps, and other real-world objects. Data can even be stored in shapes, or they can be linked to databases or...

Application development.
September 1, 1999... ODYSEE Development Studio version 3.0 offers a component-based architecture in a drag-and-drop environment for application development. The software can be downloaded directly from the company's Store Front at their web site, with online...

Technical data management.
September 1, 1999... DesignGroup, a change management software for technical applications, has integrated with Plot Station, a network plotting software from eQuorum. Technical documents will be available for printing without need to launch CAD programs, and...

Electrostatic plotter.
September 1, 1999... The Ringdale 1235C electrostatic network plotter is designed for CAD, imaging and reprographics departments with A-, B- and C-size plot requirements. It prints over 10 C-size copies per minute at resolutions of up to 400 dpi on plain paper,...

Large flat-screen monitor.
September 1, 1999... The Brilliance 18lAS offers an 18.1 in. LCD screen on a small footprint. Joining the company's 15 in. unit, the 18IAS uses active matrix TFT LCD technology for clear, high-contrast, flicker-free images and excellent performance. Viewing angles...

Design "Toolbox.".
September 1, 1999... Toolbox/SE for general mechanical design and Toolbox/MB for mold base design have passed certification tests for use within SolidWorks. SE comes with advanced hole types, hardware, steel sections, plus a groove feature for adding snap rings and...

Large capacity floor boxes.
September 1, 1999... These metallic f1oor boxes utilize non-metallic wiring tunnels with internal breakaway walls to allow for various wire routing methods, while maintaining separation of power from low voltage cables. The new boxes are available in stamped steel...

Docking stations.
September 1, 1999... These docking solutions range from simple cradles with single connectors for battery charging and data exchange, to multi-purpose, multi-bay intelligent docking stations. Multiple data ports and I/Os for numerous peripheral devices are also...

Equipment cases.
September 1, 1999... The Propac series of electronic cases and accessories are ideal for a wide range of equipment in shielded. rack, desktop or portable system configurations. System designers can choose from over 100 different case designs. For applications...

Industrial control enclosures.
September 1, 1999... These custom enclosures offer a number of options for installation and maintenance convenience. Hinges can be installed to provide easy access to cards and trays housed within the unit. In addition, panel knobs and a variety of finishes ensure...

Telecommunication enclosures.
September 1, 1999... This line of standard and custom aluminum die cast and sheet metal enclosures has integral environmental EMI, RFI and ESD seals and gaskets for the telecommunications industry. These turnkey assemblies excel in areas where moisture and high...

Fibre channel desk-top enclosures.
September 1, 1999... These desktop enclosure are designed to increase the speed of integration with both 1.65- and 1- in fibre channel drives. The enclosure back-plane design allows for automatic configuration on a fibre channel arbitrated loop. Daisy chaining...

Plastic enclosures.
September 1, 1999... This line of liquid tight polycarbonate and polystrene NEMA 4x enclosures is available in various sizes from 3-1/2- x 3-1/2 in. up to 12- x 4-1/2 in. They are suitable for electronics junction and control boxes, pneumatics and more. Accessories...

Plastic mounting plate.
September 1, 1999... The MP series bracket boasts a new plastic design with a serrated interlocking system, ensuring a tight and secure, installation every time. No screws or tools are required to secure the bracket in the drywall opening. With no sharp metal...

Selecting the Electromechanical Linear Motion Device.
September 1, 1999... Thrust Actuators, Rodless Cylinders and Positioning Tables An array of mechanisms is available to the system designer for implementing linear motion. The breadth of products offering linear displacement often leads to confusion, due to the...

Flex-Circuit Connectors.
September 1, 1999... The FH17 series of Zero Insertion Force connectors protrudes only 1.3mm above circuit boards. Used for terminating flexible printed circuits, the connector is 20% smaller and 35% lighter than the previous FH12 line. Contacts are spaced on 0.5mm...

Self-Diagnosing Indicators.
September 1, 1999... Microstat status indicators are now offered with DeviceNet Circuitry, enabling device-level diagnostics to aid trouble shooting. Only 2.2-in. in diameter, the assemblies have a NEMA 4X rating and are dust and water tight. A vibration-resistant...

Broadband RF Couplers.
September 1, 1999... Used in cable TV applications, directional couplers separate an input signal into two unequal output signals. A series of eight surface-mount, 75[omega] devices have been introduced for high-volume applications such as set-top boxes, line...

Bi-Color Right Angle LEDs.
September 1, 1999... The bi-color capacity of the Model 1211F Series of LEDs creates exceptional brightness for edge-lighting, while reducing component count and conserving PCB space. The surface-mount devices also reduce total number of soldering contacts....

Detection Switch.
September 1, 1999... Designed for easy activation, the D3K switch requires just 3 grams of operating force to engage. Its long 45-degree stroke angle enables users to design a wide range of switching mechanisms, while quick-disconnect terminals ensure easy wiring....

Solid-state relay.
September 1, 1999... The G2 series of relays are comprised of art LED input and metal oxide semiconductor, field effect transistor (MOSFET) output. The input is optically isolated from the output. Operation of the relay is accomplished through the control circuitry...

Reconfigurable analog circuit.
September 1, 1999... The TRAC020LH analog and signal processing circuit uses eight electrically reconfigurable high-level building blocks, which enable the implementation of any mathematical or transfer function. Bach TRAC cell can be electrically configured to...

Digital signal processor.
September 1, 1999... The ADSP21 mod 870 internet gateway DSP processes voice-over-IP (VoIP) and fax-over-IP (FoIP). It has real-time FAX functions, enables high-channel density and provides the on-chip integratability needed to be an alternative to traditional...

Compact PCI backplanes.
September 1, 1999... This range of hot swap backplanes is designed specifically for Computer Telephony (CT) applications and is compliant to the PIC Industrial computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG) specifications. They are ideal for use in high end, fault tolerant...

In-line bridge as sembly.
September 1, 1999... The RBV series is compact in size, requires very little PCBA space and is useful in power supplies for a variety of electronic equipment. The RBV can handle 6-50A of current in the 50-1000V range. They are made of high thermal-conductive...

Dual analog front end.
September 1, 1999... The AFE2124 increases reliability, reduces component count, and lowers manufacturing costs in DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) applications by replacing standard two-chip designs with a single chip solution. In addition to the advantages gained...

ESD suppressor.
September 1, 1999... The SurgX line of products utilizes a polymer-based material, and is specifically designed to protect sensitive electronic circuits from the threat of ESD. SurgX products react almost instantly to the transient voltage and effectively clamp it...

Capacitor/resistor chip.
September 1, 1999... The CR73 series of impedance chips offers excellent reliability in severe application environments. They are available in 0805 and 1206 sizes with ranges from 1[omega] to 10K[omega]. These chips are ideal for use in termination of clock signals...

PCI digital I/O board.
September 1, 1999... The PD-DIO features ESD protected inputs and automatic short detection on power-up. These I/O boards are configured with 64 or 128 lines, and use 16-bit line drivers, which allow you to configure the start-up states in groups of 16-bit ports....

Polyester film capacitor.
September 1, 1999... This mil-quality film capacitor is designed for switching power supply applications that require voltages from 30 VDC to 400 VDC at temperatures to 85[degrees]C with DVDT as high as 507 V/[micro]s and peak current to 6000A. The 5ME metalized...

Solid state relay.
September 1, 1999... The SG series features a photo-triac coupler with an internal zero cross circuit and/or a varistor. The device has an input voltage of 3 to 24 VDC and a load voltage range of 75-265 Vrms. Isolation is 2500 Vrms between input and output. It is...

3U video frame grabber.
September 1, 1999... The CP336 board is able to digitize video images from PAL/CCIR, NTSC/RS170 color sources, or other CVBS or S-Video signal inputs. The CP36 may also be used with video sources utilizing RS170 or CCIR timing signals. The image data gathered by...

Light detector & amplifier.
September 1, 1999... This PC board module integrates into PLCs and data acquisition systems for gathering light measurements: It provides photodetector current amplification, 0 to 5 VDC output, and accepts inputs from any data acquisition device. Featuring...

Multi-layer capacitors.
September 1, 1999... This line of capacitors is able to be voltage conditioned up to 5000 VDC. Three dielectrics COG (NPO), BX and X7R in 15 standard sizes are offered. Standard working voltages for these capacitors range from 500 to 5000 VDC. The capacitance range...

TCP/IP protocol stack.
September 1, 1999... The iChip allows web browsing, e-mail and networking to be added to consumer or commercial devices that use the TCP/IP protocol. PDAs, organizers, cell phones, pagers as well as many other non-portable electronic devices can receive internet...

Keyboard encoder IC.
September 1, 1999... The KeyCoders line of encoder ICs can interface a system through a variety of ports typically found on an industrial system, including USB, serial, parallel, Sun and PS/2. Different products can be used to scan and debounce a variety of matrix...

Thermistors.
September 1, 1999... The RTH series, of thermistors suit most applications where temperature measurement, control and compensation are required. Extremely rugged and stable, they offer long-term reliability and fast thermal response. These thermistors are designed...

RGB frame grabber.
September 1, 1999... The PC-RGB frame grabber is a low-cost PCI bus image capture board that provides fast transfer of color or monochrome video data to host computers. It has 4 MB of oh-board memory to speed image transfers and on-board circuitry for precise...

Linearization circuit.
September 1, 1999... The YSI 4800LC converts the non-linear response of thermistors to a linear digital output. It is an off-the-shelf product, or it can be configured-to-order with special ranges and thermistor types. It does not require calibration and can be...

INJECTION MOLDING.
September 1, 1999... Overcoming the limits of all-electric injection molding The need for sophisticated plastic injection molding systems is an ever-growing one. Production of DVD, audio and data storage devices, electronic transaction cards, precision medical...

DIP switch seal.
September 1, 1999... A new standard tape seal for the Series 90 line of low-profile, surface mount DIP switches passes the 20-second fluorinert test per MIL-STD-202. It is easier to remove after processing and leaves no messy adhesive residue. Switch markings are...

MINIJAMMER blowers.
September 1, 1999... These new models offer integrated on-board electronics and higher speeds for greater air output. They combine a brushless DC motor with a high performance centrifugal fan. Pressure capabilities are up to 24 in [H.sub.2]O (36mBars) max and 22...

3-in-1 connector.
September 1, 1999... This connector unitizes data, control and power all in one unit. Ultra SCSI Combo connectors are available in surface- and straddle-mount. Power contacts are rated at 3 A each; data contacts are rated at 1 A. There are 4 power, 12 control and...

Battery connectors.
September 1, 1999... This company has developed several different battery and battery pack connectors with either SMT or DIP, contacts. They include spring probe battery connectors, lithium cell battery connectors, battery pack connectors and overcharge control...

Miniature interconnects.
September 1, 1999... Designed for board-to-board and interface connections, these interconnects feature molded high temperature insulation suitable for convection soldering. All socket contacts are heat treated, polished for smooth insertion and withdrawal, and...

DC-DC converter.
September 1, 1999... The PA Series consists of single-output DC-DC converters with 48V inputs that are particularly suited for central office applications. The 2.28- x 2.4- x 0.5-in. power supply offers remote sense and remote on/off features, and provides 16%...

Interlock switch.
September 1, 1999... A hinge-operated safety interlock switch is designed for long life, even with excessive use. The die-cast alloy housing and stainless steel actuator is designed to provide a minimum of 10 million actuations. It provides a tamper-resistant...

Tubular solenoid.
September 1, 1999... The STP726, 0.54-in. diameter push/pull solenoid has been designed for specific application in computer, business machine and electronic security devices. The design incorporates shock and noise abatement features, as well as high-energized...

Door interlock switch.
September 1, 1999... This switch is designed to automatically cut off electrical power whenever, a cabinet door, drawer or cover is opened. UL rated for up to 5A at 125/250 VAC, this switch uses a double-break mechanism that allows designers to "break" a...

Open-frame DC/DC converters.
September 1, 1999... Designed for the communications market, these converters achieve increased performance in a rugged, lightweight package. The SXA10 series offers compact modules compatible with high-volume surface-mount technology. The series has a 3:1 (25V to...

Wire-to-board connectors.
September 1, 1999... Miniature wore-to-board connectors are well-suited for computer peripherals, printers, security systems and cell phones. They have a small footprint of only 1.25mm and are made of high temperature thermoplastic to withstand IR or VPR solder...

Electromechanical relays.
September 1, 1999... These relays feature old overlaid on silver alloy bifurcated contacts in a 2 form-C package, and are sealed for cleaning and wave soldering. Providing 79 mW pick-up sensitivity, 140 mW power consumption and 2A switch-and-carry current, they are...

Broaching fasteners.
September 1, 1999... These fasteners can satisfy component-to-board, board-to-board and board-to-chassis fastening needs. They include broaching nuts with permanent threads, threaded or unthreaded standoffs, flare-mounted standoffs, threaded studs, snap-top...

LINUX & THE PROMISE OF OPEN SYSTEMS.
September 1, 1999... One of the hottest topics for designers and developers these days is the promise of open systems. For a generation, product advancements in control software, motion control cards and modules, VCRs, and mobile phones have all been hobbled by the...

Metal spinning.
September 1, 1999... This manufacturer offers custom contoured and formed metal fabricated parts from 1/4-up to 140-in., for a wide of applications. Designs include the use of aluminum, mild steel and stainless steel in thicknesses to 1/4 in., and often...

Metal casting.
September 1, 1999... This technology has been developed to provide product manufacturers with an effective method of obtaining complex metal parts without the cost and lead time that is typically associated with producing a die-casting mold. The Precicast process...

Investment casting.
September 1, 1999... Comprehensive facilities, competent technical and production staff, and in-depth quality control ensures quality casting at this facility. With the use of an optical emission spectrometer, chemical accuracy and repeatability are assured at...

Stamping services.
September 1, 1999... Among the services offered by this manufacturer is design assistance for engineers looking to specify the most cost-effective and highest quality components. In addition to providing design assistance to customers, the company can also design...

Motor customization.
September 1, 1999... To minimize the effects of EMI, differential line drivers can be installed on motor and encoder combinations to improve signal integrity and prevent errors induced by noise. All DC motors and gearmotors feature a modular design that enables...

Large precision die cutting.
September 1, 1999... This company can produce die cut parts requiring more than 150 tons of press capacity. The manufacturer supplies components to OEMs in the appliance, aerospace, medical, military, electronic and many other industries. The company also supplies...

Rotating union design group.
September 1, 1999... Due to the increasing demand for complex rotating unions and varied applications, this design group is offered specifically for custom services. This group can design a union to suit size, pressure, speed, or medium; whether it is on, in or...

Custom molding.
September 1, 1999... This company has the capability to apply attachment pins or other hardware to its custom-molded sponges and solid silicone materials. This helps manufacturers eliminate secondary operations in their assembly processes. The company can apply...

Plastics technical center.
September 1, 1999... This center assists manufacturers in pinpointing the correct grade of plastic for the product and process. Some of the processes covered include blow molding, extrusion, cast film production, injection molding and thermoforming. There are many...

Thin-film resistors development.
September 1, 1999... This process is an alternative to vacuum deposition prototyping. The MicroPen system alloys circuit designs to be written, in etch-resist, on coated substrates with lines as fine as 50 microns. The entire process from design start to prototype...

Cutting and forging processes.
September 1, 1999... This company has the ability to produce uniquely shaped, forged, torch-cut parts in virtually unlimited configurations. These parts are an improvement over torch-cut plate or castings, since they first undergo open-die forging, which provides...

Porcelain enamel capabilities.
September 1, 1999... This company can design a procelain process based on the type of product or component and its use. After submitting the design parameters, engineers will develop the process to meet any required specification They can accommodate both long and...

Gearhead express program.
September 1, 1999... This service provides OEMs with immediate delivery of replacement planetary gearheads. The Gearhead Express service ships units within 24 hours. The program covers two of the company's most widely used in-line gearhead precision class products....

Computerized solidification modeling.
September 1, 1999... This process helps determine the most effective process by simulating the pouring, cooling, and expected shrinkage of the cast metal. Contour and color mapping, determination of grain flow, and shrinkage patterns can be determined with...

Custom molded parts.
September 1, 1999... This company offers a broad range of custom-molded parts for noise, vibration and shock control applications in a wide variety of OEM products. Parts available include grommets, mounts, inertial dampers, washers, bushings, gaskets and seals.

Custom photoetching.
September 1, 1999... This company uses photoetching to manufacture board level shielding components such as custom fences with removable covers; Fences, covers and mounting pins can be designed in any configuration, as can through-holes and slots. Many materials,...

Chemical surface texturizing.
September 1, 1999... Chemtex surfacing providers for superior bond integrity between metallic and non-metallic surfaces. Chemtex nut an extra layer of material coating the surface -- it is composed of 100% original material that has been chemically or...