Sensors Magazine articles from November 2001

Sensors Magazine archives from November 2001

Never Forget the Great Asymmetry.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... My heart broke when I read a quote in Time from Henry George, operator of the SimCenter School where two of the infamous September 11 terrorist-pilots had taken flight lessons. "To think that I helped in any way their terrible cause, that my...

ARC Advisory Group.(ultrasonic flow measurement)(Brief Article)(Abstract)
November 1, 2001... Ultrasonic is the flow measurement technology of choice, according to a recent report from the ARC Advisory Group (Dedham, MA). In ARC's "Ultrasonic Flowmeter Worldwide Outlook," trends, strategies, and forecasts discuss the recent...

Dept of Energy.(in contract with Society of Automotive Engineers)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The U.S. Dept of Energy (DOE) awarded $700,000 to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE Inter national, Warrendale, PA) for cost-shared programs over the next two years. The project will facilitate the development of codes and standards for...

Research Triangle Institute.(contracts with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Research Triangle Institute (RTI, Research Triangle Park, NC) has won two contracts with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop technologies for lightweight, high-energy electric power-generating devices. The first contract...

Fluke Corp.(laboratories get accredited)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Two Fluke Corp. (Everett, WA) calibration laboratories have achieved international standards accreditation, assuring customers of fully accredited calibration services to meet the QS 9000 standard, a variation of ISO 9000 and CQI. In San Diego,...

The Open DeviceNet Vendor Association.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA, Boca Raton, FL) has opened an independent conformance lab at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, which will analyze devices with an Ethernet/IP interface to ensure they comply with the network's...

Seiko Instruments USA Inc.(gets trademark for use of iChip)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Seiko Instruments USA Inc. (Torrance, CA) has been awarded a trademark for the use of iChip, found in the iChip S-7600A TCP/IP Protocol Stack, the first Internet-ready integrated circuit that is stand-alone. The iChip family of products...

ADE Corp.(contract with Scatter Works Inc. for distribution of AcuDep 300 advanced particle deposition systems)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... ADE Corp. (Westwood, MA), supplier of wafer measurement, inspection, and surface analysis systems to the silicon manufacturing industry, will distribute AcuDep advanced particle deposition systems manufactured by The Scatter Works, Inc. The...

Axonn LLC.(raised funds)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2001... The most recent investment round by Axonn LLC (New Orleans, LA) of $4.5 million is complete, with main participants being Chevron Technology Ventures LLC and Mirant Capital Inc. Axonn creates wireless data acquisition and monitoring products...

Integral Vision, Inc.(contract with Eastman Kodak Co. for SharpEye inspection station)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Integral Vision, Inc. (Farmington Hills, MI), has received an order from Eastman Kodak Co. for the SharpEye inspection station, which provides online inspection organic light-emitting diode displays. SharpEye analyzes functional and cosmetic...

Hartmann-Shack Sensor Aids Ophthalmologists.
November 1, 2001... The Hartmann test, originally designed to evaluate telescope mirrors, is the foundation of a new analytical device that can provide ophthalmologists with a scientific assessment of aberrations in their patients' eyes. The data collected by the...

Molecular-Scale Beacons Could Speed Pancreatic Cancer Diagnostics.
November 1, 2001... Gang Bao and his team of researchers at Georgia Tech are investigating molecular-scale beacons as a means of detecting genetic signs of pancreatic cancer. This form of cancer often reaches an advanced stage before being diagnosed, but if the...

Sensor Technology Information Exchange.
November 1, 2001... SenTIX, the Sensor Technology Information Exchange, is funded by the WPI, a not-for-profit corporation affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic, and the EPA. The purpose of the site is to improve communication among sensor developers, vendors, and...

ChemWeb.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... I may be a danger to myself and others while in an actual lab, but chemistry is still one of my first loves. A while back I heard about ChemWeb, visited the site, and it's been love at first look every since. It's got a wonderful e-newsletter,...

Collection of interactive Web sites.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... A slightly more utilitarian site is available at Measure 4 Measure. This is a collection of interactive Web sites that estimate, calculate, convert . . . you name it. The site is divided into Science/Math, Health, Finance, and A Measure of...

Linear Gap Displacement Transducer Sheds Light on Proximity Sensing.(optical proximity sensor)
November 1, 2001... A novel fiber-optic probe is the core of this new proximity sensor, whose ability to ignore variations in target lighting, reflectivity, diffusivity, and angular misalignment makes it a strong candidate for tough real-world applications. ...

The Color of Money: Using Magnetic Media Detection to Identify Currency.
November 1, 2001... Magnetic sensing systems are good at identifying counterfeit currency and other negotiable documents. System accuracy depends on using small, sensitive magnetic sensing devices-such as giant magnetoresistive sensors. Originally fortuitous,...

Real-Time Motor Testing and Development--Over the Internet.(Electro Standards Laboratories' VE-LAB)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... With this Web-based platform, you and your colleagues can collaborate on real-time experiments--wherever you are. Many companies choose technical specialists for their skills instead of their proximity, employing product development teams...

A Smart Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
November 1, 2001... Most motorists would pay more attention to proper tire inflation if the tires themselves could give regular status reports. Well, now they can. Recent reports of accidents involving sport utility vehicles have led to tire recalls and...

Wireless Sensor System.(MicroStrain, Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The StrainLink remote exciter from MicroStrain, Inc., Burlington, VT, works with very thin, flexible polyimide wireless patch transponders which send 16-bit serial data from 3 differential or 5 single-ended sensor inputs. You can program the...

Pressure Transmitter.(Burkert USA)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2001... The programmable Type 8326 from Burkert USA, Irvine, CA, measures pressure or tank level with a range of 0-580 psi, accuracy to [+ or -]0:15%, and [+ or -]0.005% repeatability, and includes scaleable measuring ranges with up to a 20:1 turndown...

Solid State Liquid Level Sensor.(ELS-1150 electro-optic liquid sensor from Gems Sensors)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2001... The ELS-1150 electro-optic liquid level sensor from Gems Sensors Inc., Plainville, CT, uses a strong glass prism fused to a carbon steel/SS housing to monitor level in vessels pressurized up to 2500 PSI and at temperatures from -40 [degrees]C...

Frequency-to-DC Transmitter.(Moore Industries-International, Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The FDY from Moore Industries-International, Inc., North Hills, CA, is a 2-wire, loop-powered PC programmable frequency-to-DC transmitter with user-configurable display that monitors frequency, period, high or low pulse width, and contact...

Miniature Accelerometer.(Columbia Research Laboratories, Inc.)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2001... Columbia Research Laboratories, Inc., Woodlyn, PA offers the Model SR-220RNP miniature force balance angular accelerometer with a suspension system that provides ruggedness and rejection of linear acceleration. The device is electrically damped...

Wireless Bridge and LAN Router.(Grayhill, Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Based on 2.4 GHz direct sequence spread-spectrum technology, the EZCom-IP from Grayhill, Inc., La Grange, IL, has an extended range of up to 10 mi. line of sight and up to 5 mi. in open environments. The EZCom-IP has 25 dBm power and data rates...

Single I/O DeviceNet Module.(Huron Net Works Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The DN-101 and DN-100 from Huron Net Works Inc., Ann Arbor, Ml, consist of a single DC input and single DC output for DeviceNet network attachment of sensor/actuator combinations. The modules link either npn or pnp input devices, dry contacts,...

Streaming DA Board.(Innovative Integration's cChicoPlus)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... For CompactPCI/PXI data acquisition, the cChicoPlus from Innovative Integration, Inc., Simi Valley, CA, uses the company's Real-Time Data Streaming Engine to autonomously stream data between PC system memory and the I/O at 64 MBps. Features...

Data Logging Software.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The latest version of the HyperWare Automation Program (HAP) from Logic Beach Inc La Mesa CA, allows for completely automated data retrieval from a Logic Beach data logger located in practically any location. This latest version of HAP can be...

Signal Conditioning Modules.(Action Instruments' WebView I/O family)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The WebView I/O family from Action Instruments, San Diego GA, offers 3 field configurable signal conditioning or isolation module types that let you view process data over Use users Intranet/Internet connection with the added WYC 1600 interface...

Angular Position Sensor.(introduced by BEI Duncan Electronics)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2001... BEI Duncan Electronics, Tustin GA, introduces the NCAPS for fully noncontacting angular position measurements over a 360 range with [+ or -]1.5% absolute linearity Features include shaft misalignment/endplay tolerance mechanical memory at...

Accelerometer Calibration System.(Endevco Corp.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Model 28990 from Endevco Corp ., San Juan Capistrano CA, consists of the company's Model 2270 primary standard accelerometer and charge converter a test channel charge converter, and a computer-controlled rack with 2 general purpose Model...

16 Bit Serial ADC.(advanced data controller from Linear Technology Corp.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The LTC 1609 serial ADC from Linear Technology Corp., Milpitas, CA, has a flexible input that can be configured for multiple unipolar inputs of 0-10 V, 0-5 V and 0-4 V or bipolar inputs of [+ or -]10 V [+ or -]5 V, and [+ or -5]33 V Each range...

Configurable Microcontrollers.(new 8-bit analog microcontroller from Microchip Technology Inc)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2001... Microchip Technology Inc., Chandler, AZ, introduces the Models PIC16C781 and PIC16C782 8-bit analog microcontrollers for measurement and control applications. Features include OTP program memory of 102+ by 14 bits (Model PIC16C781) or 2048 by...

Memory Card for PCI.(Nematron Corp. introduces memory card)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2001... Nematron Corp., Ann Arbor, MI, introduces the Battery-Backed Static RAM (BBSRAM) retentive memory PCI expansion card to protect a system s state variables from loss over power cycle An onboard lithium battery backs up the card's 256 KB...

SS Temperature Probes.(submersible temperature probe from Point Six Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2001... Point Six Inc., Lexington, KY, introduces the submersible WOW-PRO with in internal transmitter and sensing temperature range of -55[degrees]C to 125[degrees]C, the PRO-1, and the PRO-2 system which contains up to 12 probes. The battery-powered...

Digital Thermal Imaging Camera.(Raytheon Commercial Infrared)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
November 1, 2001... Raytheon Commercial Infrared (RCI), Dallas, TX, introduces the hand held PalmIR 250 with IR video and zoom capability that produces detailed 320 by 240 pixel uncooled ferroelectric thermal images for public safety, search and rescue, I...

Pressure Sensor.(Thermometrics New Jersey)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Type PR100 from Thermometrics New Jersey, Edison, NJ, an isolated diaphragm micromachined silicon pressure sensor mounted in a threaded metal housing with integral connector, is suitable for use in corrosive media. Operating temperature is...

pH/mV/ORP and Temperature Meter.(Omega Engineering Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The PE1H-830C with RS-232 communication from Omega Engineering, Inc., Stamford, CT, simultaneously displays pH/temperature or mV/temperature on its LCD. The device offers data auto hold as well as manual and automatic temperature compensation...

14 Bit SAR ADC.(Analog Devices)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The AD7484 from Analog Devices, Inc., Norwood, MA, offers a para1lel interface with throughput rates up to 3 Msps and power dissipation of 80 mW A 12-bit version-the AD7482-is also available Interfacing is via standard control lines, which...

Opto Input Module.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Communicating with PCs and other computers over Ethernet and Internet networks the Model JNT-36XX from J Works Inc., Sylmar, CA provides opto-isolated inputs that can be read in an open systems environment from any number of remote sited...

Power Analyzer.(Magtrol Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Model 6530 from Magtrol, Inc., Buffalo, NY, includes a DSP and 16-bit ADCs to handle single-and 3-phase power measurements of electric motors lighting equipment transformers power supplies and appliances Data transfer rates are up to 100/s...

Dynamic Sensing System.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... For networked microphones and accelerometers Larson Davis, Inc., Provo, UT, introduces the DSS-100 Digital Sensor System that integrates 24-bit ADCs and sensors in a multidrop broadband network; each receiver provides system power, signal...

Digital Compass Modules.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... For OEM compassing applications, Honeywell Intl., Solid State Electronics Center, Plymouth MN, introduces the HMR3300 3-axis tilt-compensated and HMR3200 2-axis compass modules that use magnetoresistive sensors to provide heading information...

Industrial Grade Accelerometer.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2001... The K-Shear Model 8752A50 from Kistler Instrument Corp., Amherst, NY, monitors vibration on rotating machinery with a 0.5 Hz to 12 kHz frequency response [+ or -]50 g measuring range, and 100 mV/g sensitivity. Features include a MIL-C-5015 top...

Flow Switch.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Model 4120 flow-captor from Weber Sensors, Inc., Woodstock, CA, is a solid-state flow-monitoring device that features no moving parts, LED display of flow rate as a percent range adjustable from 20 cm/s to 3 m/s, and flashing LED indication...

Palm Syncing Module.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... SpeedSync from R & D Assoc., Inc., Overland Park, KS, allows fast synchronization of a specific Palm-based application's data set with that of an enterprise data server rather than all Palm OS device databases, as in general hot syncing. The...

Fastening Torque Sensors.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2001... The Model 1254 Series rotary torque and torque/angle sensor line from Lebow Products Inc., Troy, MI, monitors systems for torque to turn, torque rate, tension control, yield control, and tool auditing and calibrations to [+ or -]0.25%;...

PC/104+ Ethernet Card.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2001... The 4161 front Mesa Electronics, Richmond CA, is a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet card in PC104+ format. The card uses the National Semiconductor DP83815 Ethernet Chip with integrated PHY; a ROM socket for network boot supports writing to Flash...

WISH LIST.
November 1, 2001... Oil in Water Sensor I work for an intermediate strip steel processor and we have an application that we need help with. We have a rolling mill that uses a water-soluble oil system for lubrication. And on the same machine, we have a lake...