Diesel Progress North American Edition articles from December 2007

Diesel Progress North American Edition archives from December 2007

Cool.(TOP DEAD CENTER)(Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency )
December 1, 2007... I know we have been down this road before, but it is, IMHO, worth talking about again. The robotic vehicle competition done under the aegis of the government's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency--DARPA--is by far and away the...

Some things never change: diesels still don't like cold.(STREET SMARTS)
December 1, 2007... This headline may sound a bit scary but it's intentional. Yes, basically diesels are balky at starting unassisted at any temperatures from 15[degrees]F on down. Certainly, newer engines with strong batteries and loaded with No. 1 diesel will...

Seeking the best of both worlds: RB Royal's hybrid hose and tube assemblies aim for versatility in dynamic fluid transfer applications.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Moving fluids of any kind in and around an engine system can be a challenge. In general, such challenges have been answered through the use of either tube assemblies or hoses--often custom designed to meet specific...

Dateline.(Calendar)
December 1, 2007... NEED MORE INFORMATION ON INDUSTRY SHOWS? TURN TO DIESEL PROGRESS ONLINE: WWW.DIESELPROGRESS.COM SEPTEMBER * Sept 24-Mar 24 Diesel Progress 0nline Show VI At www.dieselprogress.com and Diesel Progress Magazine, Diesel Progress...

The sky isn't falling, but housing sure is.(TRENDLINES)
December 1, 2007... One cannot open a newspaper or watch television these days without seeing some disastrous message about the housing industry. And, we are just getting started on that subject and the news is not going to get better for a while. In fact, if...

Tartan the boss of DARPA urban challenge: despite spectacular "detours," robots mostly played nicely with each other; the mysterious Jumbotron.
December 1, 2007... With a goal of being at least as capable as a 16-year-old California driver, 11 robotic vehicles gathered at dawn on Nov. 3 in the high desert northeast of Los Angeles. The 11--10 cars, light trucks, SUVs and one very large truck--were all that...

The journey ends early for TerraMax.(INSIDE TERRAMAX: FOURTH IN A SERIES)(Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency )
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sometimes all the preparation in the world can't ensure that everything goes as planned. That certainly can be said for Team Oshkosh's performance at the recent DARPA Urban Challenge. The team's mammoth TerraMax...

Going its own way: Cummins takes a different route to emissions compliance with Ram Turbodiesel, 2010 heavy-duty truck engines and Tier 4.(NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some years, figuring out the Diesel Progress Newsmaker of the Year is simply a matter of looking at numbers. The $6 billion this company spent to buy that one, the 30% growth of that market. Other years, it comes...

Powertrain for a pachyderm: diesel-hydraulic system helps 40 ft. mechanical elephant make its stately way around Isle of Nantes.(Innovative Uses of Horsepower)(Cover story)
December 1, 2007... Engineers, hydraulic distributors and systems integrators typically receive a lot of requests for quotes and design assistance. With the application of hydraulics covering everything from Deere tractors to Disneyland rides, it would seem like...

Parker appoints Kashkoush executive VP.(DIESEL HR)
December 1, 2007... Parker Hannifin Corp. has named Marwan M. Kashkoush, 53, as executive vice president--sales, marketing and operations support. Kashkoush will also be a member of Parker's Office of the chief executive, which includes Don Washkewicz, CEO,...

Williams controls.(DIESEL HR)(appointment)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... WILLIAMS CONTROLS: Scott Thiel has been named vice president of engineering and development. His responsibilities include directing the company's electronic throttle control engineering and development activities worldwide, as well as managing...

Vycone.(DIESEL HR)(appointment)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... VYCONE: Frank DeLattre has joined the designer and manufacturer of energy storage flywheel systems as the vice president of sales and marketing, UPS and power quality applications. Having spent over 20 years in power quality and related...

Generac.(DIESEL HR)
December 1, 2007... GENERAC: William Treffert has announced that he will retire as CEO of the company. As a result, Edward LeBlanc will become the new CEO, after having served as non-executive chairman of the company's board of directors. LeBlanc has more than 20...

New officers for Buhler Industries.(DIESEL HR)
December 1, 2007... Buhler Industries Inc. has announced the election of new officers from Combine Factory Rostselmash Ltd. The election follows Rostselmash's acquisition of 80% of the common shares of Buhler Industries. The newly elected officers from Combine...

Dances with waves: the first Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel adjusts to the surface of the water.(Innovative Uses of Horsepower)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Earlier this year, Palo Alto, Calif.-based Marine Advanced Research Inc., announced the maiden voyage of Proteus, the world's first "Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel" (WAM-V), during the Festival de Cannes in France. ...

Staying above it all: George Jetson would recognize Moller's M200G Volantor; multifuel vehicle's target applications include public safety, recreation.(Innovative Uses of Horsepower)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] For as long as there have been airplanes and automobiles, there has been a dream to combine the two in something that would let the driver escape the surly bonds of earth and motor freely through the air. And...

Into the depths on fuel cell power: renewed interest in systems designed to provide air independent propulsion; not as expensive as nuclear.(Innovative Uses of Horsepower)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The fuel cell was invented in the mid-1800s by Sir William Robert Grove. However, his "gas battery" didn't find practical application until the 1960s, when NASA needed a power source better than batteries for...

Basic hydraulic circuit design: considerations of circuit dynamics.(HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS TRENDS)
December 1, 2007... In our last several discussions, we have seen how cycle profiling offers a systematic approach to fluid power design (see September 2007, Diesel Progress) and how load analysis can be considered the key to cycle profiling and parametric...

Electrical Generating Systems Association.(POWERLINES)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) has presented Ken Niekamp, formerly of Chillicothe Metal Co., with the Gordon Johnson Lifetime Achievement at the most recent EGSA Fall Conference in Hawaii....

Puradyn Filter Technologies Inc.(POWERLINES)
December 1, 2007... Puradyn Filter Technologies Inc. announced that its puraDYN oil filtration system has been approved by the Cascades Sierra Solutions Technical Advisory Team (CSS) as a recommended product for inclusion in its outreach centers. CSS is a...

Manitou North America Inc.(POWERLINES)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... A new customer service center for Manitou North America Inc. has been opened in Waco, Texas. The new facility was expanded to quadruple the storage capacity in order to better serve the customers for Manitou's rough terrain material handling...

European Parliament.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... With diesel emissions standards about as low as they practically can go across Europe and the U.S., global regulators are now shifting their efforts to C[O.sub.2]. The European Parliament has adopted a report that calls for legislation to cap...

California.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... The C[O.sub.2] battle has also broken out in North America, as on the heels of the European Parliament's action, the state of California sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an attempt to force a decision about whether the...

Komatsu.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)
December 1, 2007... Komatsu said it plans to develop diesel particulate filters (DPFs) to install in its construction machinery using proprietary engines by 2010. The project is Komatsu's primary effort to remove particulate matter from exhaust and meet impending...

BASF Catalysts.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)
December 1, 2007... Beijing's buses are getting a boost from BASF Catalysts, which will be supplying the city with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology for more than 1000 buses by the end of 2008. Beijing transport authorities announced they will be...

Westport Innovations Inc.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... The U.S. Internal Revenue Service confirmed tax credit eligibility for buyers of Westport Innovations Inc.'s LNG system for heavy-duty Class 8 trucks. According to Westport, customers may qualify for up to $28,000 per LNG-equipped truck, based...

New Holland Agricultural Equipment.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)
December 1, 2007... All New Holland-manufactured engines, including electronic injection engines with common rail technology, support B100 biodiesel, said New Holland Agricultural Equipment. Nearly 80% of New Holland-branded products with diesel engines are...

John Deere Power Systems.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)
December 1, 2007... Similarly, John Deere Power Systems has officially clarified its position on the use of biodiesel in its diesel engines. While 5% blends (B5) are preferred, biodiesel concentrations up to a 20% blend (B20) in petroleum diesel fuel can be used...

Webasto Product North America.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Webasto Product North America, a transportation industry heating and cooling system manufacturer, received approval for products that meet or exceed California's Ultra Low Emission Vehicle idling emissions reduction requirements, said Webasto....

Ballard Power Systems.(EMISSIONS & ALTERNATIVES: Covering Fuel Cells and Other Emerging and Alternative Technologies)
December 1, 2007... Ballard Power Systems is shifting its focus from automotive fuel cells to more immediate fuel cell markets. CEO John Sheridan acknowledged the Vancouver-based company's public image was the fuel cell car, but said it had consumed resources...

Next stop, cleaner air: Connecticut transit fleet employs a fuel cell-powered bus in the Hartford shuttle route.(TECHNOLOGY OF CLEAN AIR)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Earlier this year, Connecticut's CTTransit launched a fuel cell on the Hartford Star Shuttle route as the first nondiesel-powered bus in the fleet. "It's one of the most technotogically advanced buses in the world,"...

Helping clear the air in China: Tenneco's Elim-N[O.sub.x] SCR system to be used by Chinese commercial vehicle engine manufacturer.(TECHNOLOGY OF CLEAN AIR)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In efforts to develop its infrastructure, raise the standard of living for its people and establish itself as a world-class country through its staging of the upcoming Olympic Games, China is basically cramming...

A triple-hybrid power system.(TECHNOLOGY OF CLEAN AIR)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Proton Power Inc. based in Puchheim, Germany, has developed a prototype triple-hybrid forklift that combines a fuel cell, battery and supercapacitor. The...

ETAS Inc.(POWERLINES)
December 1, 2007... ETAS Inc., a manufacturer of software development and vehicle service diagnostics tools for the automotive, heavy-duty and off-road industries has entered into a cooperation agreement with Gamma Technologies Inc. (GTI). The agreement covers the...

H&E Equipment Services Inc.(POWERLINES)
December 1, 2007... H&E Equipment Services Inc. has been named an authorized dealer for Link-Belt excavators, forestry and material handling equipment for western Tennessee, Memphis Trade Area and the entire state of Mississippi. H&E Equipment Services is already...

A quicker warmup from Corning's new substrate.(TECHNOLOGY OF CLEAN AIR)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Corning Inc. has launched the next generation of its Celcor substrates for exhaust system applications. The 600/2 ultra thin-walled ceramic substrate has a lightweight construction, which is designed to allow it to...

Quicksider--Purolator's Canadian electric delivery truck.(TECHNOLOGY OF CLEAN AIR)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Purolator, Canada's largest overnight courier company, operates many "green" vehicles in its large delivery fleet, including 19 hybrid-electric delivery vehicles supplied by Toronto-based Azure Dynamic Corp. that...

ESCO Corp.(DOTCOM)
December 1, 2007... ESCO Corp. has released an improved version of its website featuring its engineered metal wear parts and components used in mining, construction, power generation and aerospace applications. Built around its key markets, the website contains...

Making MRAPs a priority: military speeding development, deployment of mine resistant, ambush protected vehicles.(MILITARY EQUIPMENT)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As has become apparent to anyone paying attention to current events, the greatest danger to U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan have been roadside bombs, known more precisely as improvised explosive devices (IEDs)....

Hybrids headed for the battlefield: the U.S. Army adopts hybrid-electric technology for a series of manned ground combat vehicles.(MILITARY EQUIPMENT)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For many years, the U.S. Army has fostered the development of hybrid-electric propulsion systems not only for its logistics trucks but also its heavy-duty ground combat vehicles. Now, as part of the U.S. Army's...

Raising production of up-armored MRAPs.(MILITARY VEHICLES)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When the U.S. Military called for increased protection and maneuverability for its hauling vehicles, International Military and Government LLC, a subsidiary of International Truck and Engine Corp., had an answer with...

Synthetic gear lube.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The most recent addition to Amsoil's Severe Gear synthetic, extreme pressure gear lubes is 75W-110. This oil has a high-temperature film protection that is designed to protect fuel efficiency. The blend contains high...

Wide terminal resistor.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
December 1, 2007... KOA Speer Electronics has introduced the WK73 wide terminal flat chip resistor designed for high power applications. Based on enhanced heat dissipation, the flat chip resistor features a higher power rating of 1.5 W, which KOA Speer said makes...

Pressure sensor.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PCB Piezotronics has released the model 175A01 pressure sensor for measuring combustion pressure in gasoline or diesel engines. With the ability to reach a 600[degrees]F piezoelectric charge output, the sensor is...

Pure sine wave inverters.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Schaefer Inc. has expanded its family of pure sine wave inverters with the AEP-U3000R series. This line features a 2U, 19 in. rackmount design and 90 to 140 Vdc or 180 to 275 Vdc. It has a digital display and can be...

The Canadian Army's new armored logistic truck.(MILITARY EQUIPMENT)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Canadian Army has settled on a replacement for its aging Heavy Logistics Vehicle Wheeled (HLVW) trucks that were procured in the late 1980s. Mercedes-Benz won the competition between three truck manufacturers to...

Tire pressure monitoring system.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SmartWave TPMS, a tire pressure monitoring system from Dana Corp.'s Commercial Vehicle Systems Group is available for retrofit installation through International Truck dealerships. Measuring the air pressure and...

Power distribution modules.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The LMG "Big Block" heavy-duty power distribution module from Cooper Bussmann Transportation Products is used for main branch primary fusing, accepting between two and six industry standard AMG bolt-in fuses. The LMG...

Reaching LSI '07: Zenith receives emissions certification for its large spark-ignited industrial engine line.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With the increasing importance of becoming emissions complaint in the LSI engine world, Zenith Power Products LLC (ZPP), Bristol, Va., has announced that several models within its Hyundai industrial engine line have...

Instrument and control switches.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A line of detent-action instrument and control switches are available from Electroswitch. Two basic models, series 24 and series 31, both feature double-wiping, silver-plated contacts with instrument switch and...

Large diameter locknut.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
December 1, 2007... SPS Technologies now offers an eight-pitch, large diameter locknut that meets locking torque requirements of NASM-25027. The locknut is available in a range of diameter sizes between 1 in. and 2.5 in. and either carbon steel or...

Coiled 7-Way Sealed System.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Now available for the heavy-duty market, the TriMAXX Coiled 7-Way Sealed System from Sloan Transportation Products is designed to help minimize truck downtime with the integrated plug-face gasket that creates a...

Steel track system.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Loegering Manufacturing provides traction while increasing flotation with its F-series steel track system. The F-series tracks feature hammer-forged steel pads that are designed to provide a wear-resistant pad bottom...

Test cell control system.(PRODUCT PIPELINE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Automated test instrumentation system manufacturer, Sakor Technologies Inc., has introduced its version 4.4 of the DynoLab PT test cell control system. This system includes a database logging subsystem in which...

Emissions control.(PRODUCT INFORMATION CENTER)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Johnson Matthey has published a fact sheet detailing the proposed rule for air quality in Pennsylvania which would establish emissions limits for fleets of portable electric generators. This is one of several fact...

Engine and equipment management.(PRODUCT INFORMATION CENTER)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Literature from FW Murphy includes information for its services and products in engine and equipment management for the oil and gas industry. This includes its controls and instrumentation for engine applications,...

Hydraulic filtration.(PRODUCT INFORMATION CENTER)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Baldwin Filters has published a brochure on its PureForce hydraulic filtration product line, an alternative for medium-pressure hydraulic assemblies. The brochure provides details, including descriptions and diagrams...

Gen-set controller.(PRODUCT INFORMATION CENTER)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ComAp has released product literature on its InteliLite MRS19 gen-set controller. This controller is developed for operating in both manual and remote start modes. The literature includes features and benefits as...

Navistar International Corp.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
December 1, 2007... A wholly owned affiliate of Navistar International Corp. has signed a joint venture agreement with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. of India to produce diesel engines for medium and heavy commercial trucks and buses in India. The joint venture, to be...

Caterpillar Inc.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
December 1, 2007... Caterpillar Inc. has announced two deals intended to strengthen the Peoria, Ill., manufacturer's position in the forestry markets. Cat and Blount International Inc. said that Caterpillar is acquiring the assets of Blount's Forestry Division. In...

Terex Corp.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
December 1, 2007... Terex Corp. said it has acquired Superior Highwall Miners Inc. (SHM), Beckley, W. Va., a manufacturer of high-wall mining equipment for use in trench mining, open pit mining, contour mining and auger hole mining applications. The total...

Sun Hydraulics Corp.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
December 1, 2007... Sun Hydraulics Corp., Sarasota, Fla., said it intends to acquire up to 48% of the shares of High Country Tek Inc. (HCT), which would represent approximately 36% of its shares on a fully diluted basis. HCT manufactures digital valve controllers...

Atlas Copco.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
December 1, 2007... Atlas Copco said it has acquired the remaining 75% of shares in its joint venture company Shenyang Ruifeng Machinery Ltd. The move is expected to strengthen Atlas Copco's production in China of core components for construction tools, the...

Husco International Inc.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
December 1, 2007... Husco International Inc., Waukesha, Wis., said it plans to build a third manufacturing facility in North America. The company said it is evaluating potential locations in Wisconsin, Iowa, Georgia, North Carolina and Kansas for a new 80,000...

Mahle Group.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Germany's Mahle Group is breaking ground on a 47,000 sq.ft, addition to a parts facility it bought earlier this year that will allow it to consolidate operations from elsewhere in St. Johns, Mich. The facility is expected to be finished by May...

BorgWarner.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
December 1, 2007... BorgWarner's majority-owned subsidiary, SeohanWarner Turbo Systems, has opened a 52,000 sq.ft, facility on the BorgWarner Engine Group campus in Pyongtaek, Korea. The facility includes office, production and warehousing space and will house...

NGK Insulators Ltd.(GLOBAL BUSINESS NOTES)
December 1, 2007... Japan's NGK Insulators Ltd. said it will build a plant for diesel particulate filters in a suburb of Monterrey, Mexico. The company said it will invest more than $37 million ([yen] 4 billion) in the plant and plans to launch production in...