Control Engineering articles from December 2003

Control Engineering archives from December 2003

A taxing consideration.(Editorial)(Editorial)
December 1, 2003... Looking at U.S. manufacturing industries since 1975--with imports exceeding exports in many areas and a continuing account deficit--it's clear that the past few years' downturn is more than just a cyclical happenstance. A definite economic...

Rockwell marks 100th birthday at Automation Fair 2003.(News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Milwaukee, WI -- An estimated 14,000 visitors attended Rockwell Automation's 12th annual Allen-Bradley Automation Fair 2003, Nov. 18-20 at the Midwest Airlines Center. The fair was highlighted by numerous special events and displays celebrating...

CNC market's bright spots smooth machine tool market's dips.(News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Dedham, MA -- Following a sharp downturn in the machine tool market, the worldwide computer numerical control (CNC) market experienced a bruising 9% drop during the past two years, according to a new study, "CNC Worldwide Outlook," by ARC...

Opto 22 confirms settlement with Schneider Electric.(News)
December 1, 2003... Temecula, CA--Opto 22 confirmed Nov. 13 that it has settled the lawsuit brought against it more than two and a half years ago by Schneider Electric. Opto 22 stated that the U.S. patent process is broken, and that it chose not to continue...

Exclusive: Schneider Electric enters collaborative automation market.(News)
December 1, 2003... Andover, MA -- More proof of the inexorable combination of IT and control engineering can be found in Schneider Electric's recent release of Unity, a set of software products and associated hardware designed for distributed automation...

Tyco to cut 7,200 jobs; consolidate 219 facilities; quit 50+ businesses.(News)
December 1, 2003... Pembroke, Bermuda -- Tyco International Ltd. is undertaking a divestiture and restructuring program that will layoff 7,200 employees, divest more than 50 businesses, and consolidate 219 facilities. Tyco's present management say the cuts will...

Automation market for discrete industries to exceed $30 billion.(News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Dedham, MA -- Despite the recent global economic tailspin, the overall future of automation products serving the discrete industries looks bright over a five-year period, according to ARC Advisory Group. The total automation business to the...

Parker acquires T Squared; expands into life science market.(News)(Parker Hannifin Corp.; T Squared Manufacturing Corp. )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Cleveland, OH -- Parker Hannifin Corp. announced Nov. 4 that it has acquired T Squared Manufacturing Corp. (Lincoln Park, NJ) for an undisclosed amount. Parker reports that it expects the purchase to be accretive to its earnings as T Squared is...

General Cable will close one plant; study two others.(News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Highland Heights, KY -- General Cable Corp. announced Oct. 28 that it is closing its manufacturing facility in Taunton, MA. This 131,000 square-ft plant employs 77 people, and produces bare copper strand and PVC jacketing compounds. It supplies...

Europe's wireless technology market expected to quadruple.(News)
December 1, 2003... Palo Alto, CA -- Because they're still at the initial stage of development, wireless technologies for industrial applications continue to make up a highly fragmented market that displays only a vague structure in terms of products, suppliers,...

Communications integral to self-diagnosing control systems.(Technology Update)
December 1, 2003... Troubleshooting geographically large electrical control systems with a multimeter in hand can be very time consuming and, unless viewed as an exercise perk, very tiring as well. This is where systems with self-diagnostic capabilities can be...

NEMA's control indices for 3Q03 are flat despite economic growth.(Market Update)
December 1, 2003... News about the overall economy, and manufacturing in particular, has been largely positive recently. Preliminary figures indicate that the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) grew at a 7.2% annual rate in 2003's third quarter (3Q03). ...

Feeling flexible? Bend over backwards.(Think Again)
December 1, 2003... It seems everyone's feeling flexible these days, bending over backward to help each other. That's part of the season's spirit for many faiths and cultures. Also, everyone's excited about improving business. Whatever the motivation, I like what...

Tools for HMI applications: operator interfaces appear more complex and sophisticated than ever, but it's what's behind the screens that makes the difference.(Related Article: AT A GLANCE)(Related Article: What to look for in HMI software)
December 1, 2003... Building an effective human-machine interface (HMI) for your operation is an intensely personal undertaking. Every installation is different, with different requirements, goals and needs. Achieving just the right interface screens for your...

Ethernet hits real-time ... really; there's more than one way to skin the real-time Ethernet cat. In fact, there seem to be dozens of efforts to help Ethernet serve in real-time applications, most notably IEEE 1588, which synchronizes clocks in distributed networks.(Industrial Networks)(Related Article: AT A GLANCE)
December 1, 2003... Ethernet starts out fast, with micro-second-level response times, when it runs alone under good conditions. However, Ethernet-based networks usually begin to bog down, to multiple milliseconds and longer, for many of the same reasons that...

A changing landscape.(Control Valves Focus)
December 1, 2003... Control valves continue to be most often fitted with pneumatic actuators, but electric, hydraulic, and electro hydraulic actuators are the fastest growing actuator types, especially for ball and v-ball valves. Meanwhile, reliability, low...

Engineered security.(The voice of Experience)(Interview)
December 1, 2003... The security threat faced by the world's airlines since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, seems only to increase. Reports continue to surface about Al Qaeda's intent to again use commercial airplanes as terrorist weapons. Such...

Control networks and Ethernet.(IT & Engineering Insight)
December 1, 2003... Anyone reading Control Engineering realizes the growing impact of Ethernet networks in control systems, and much of its impact is based on sound economic considerations. The significantly lower cost of network cable, interface cards, network...

Papermaker cuts downtime with remote monitoring, diagnostics.(Application Update)
December 1, 2003... Continuous production requires continuous support because sudden machine failures can damage products, disrupt deliveries, increase labor, shrink revenues, and make customers very unhappy. Independent papermaker Finch, Pruyn & Co. Inc. (Glen...

Flywheel DC energy storage system.(Products & Software)
December 1, 2003... CleanSource DC line of battery-free energy storage systems now includes expanded power levels and incorporates several changes in the evolving product line. New models, based on flywheel technology, provide tightly regulated, adjustable dc...

Exclusive: cable combines power, data.(Products & Software)
December 1, 2003... Power-over-Ethernet technology, now available on QSI's QTerm-G7 graphics terminal, combines power and data on the same Cat5 Ethernet cable. Technology lets users replace older proprietary power sources and eliminates the need to run 115 V ac...

Particulate emissions monitor.(Products & Software)
December 1, 2003... Continuous particulate/dust emission monitors and bag-house leak detectors employ both field-proven induction sensing and protected-probe technologies to provide reliability in difficult applications. Devices detect emissions before they are...

Flow monitoring system.(Products & Software)
December 1, 2003... SONARtrac flow monitoring system uses non-invasive flow measurement technology to eliminate process disruptions associated with installing other types of flow meters. Installed on existing process lines, the clamp-on system uses patented array...

Flexible-distributed controllers.(Products & Software)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... DMC-31x3 series flexible-distributed controllers are designed for machines that require multi-axis controllers operating in a distributed network. Device frees the host computer from the complex task of motion coordination as well as lowering...

Visualization solution for large companies.(Products & Software)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Visualization Center sv7 is designed for companies such as large automotive and aerospace firms who need to visualize designs on auditorium-scale displays. System lets executive committees and engineering teams review full-scale design concepts...

Sensor-based DAQ.(Products & Software)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... mDAS-2233 sensor-based data acquisition system operates on the ruggedized Palm Powered Meazura handheld device. Device runs Datastick Connection software to provide a complete PDA-based instrument for ruggedized industrial, scientific, and...

Power-quality analyzer.(Products & Software)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... WM3-96 power quality analyzer features a 32-bit microprocessor in a 96 sq mm housing with a 128 x 64 pixel liquid crystal display that can measure and control on a full complement of power quality parameters. It uses Modbus-RTU protocol for...

Cost effective logging of process data to CSV, Access, & SQL databases.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... OPC Data Logger saves you time and money with an easy-to-use tool for reading data from any OPC Data Access server and logging to text files, Access databases, or SQL server databases. Flexible setup options for controlling logging...

New! DASYLab V6c is now shipping.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... With more power at every level, the easy-to-use data acquisition software for Windows-based PCs has added exciting new features, headlined by the Test Sequence Manager in the Full version. More documentation and display features enhance the...

Industrial automation network guide-2004.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... New, 184-page Network Products from Lumberg offers complete fieldbus systems connectivity solutions for DeviceNet[TM], Profibus-DP, AS-Interface and Interbus. Developed for design engineers and specifiers, this new catalog features full systems...

New industrial data communications products catalog.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... New 68-page catalog contains specifications, applications diagrams, and installation instructions for Dataforth's extensive line of DIN and modular heavy duty limited-distance modems, rack mounted modem systems, and PC compatible serial I/O...

Precision Encoders ...(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... EPC's new 104-page catalog features in depth descriptions of Accu-Coder[TM] Brand Encoders from Encoder Products Company. The catalog features a full line of incremental encoders, as well as EPC's new absolute encoder series, to meet a wide...

SVI II-smart valve interface.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The patented "Non-Contact Position Sensing" used on Masoneilan's SVI[R]II allows for quick, trouble-free mounting on any valve or actuator. The SVI-II digital valve positioner provides high performance solutions for any process control...

Complete automation solutions.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... POWER Engineers' Automation Group provides complete systems automation, integrating plant floor controls with enterprise business systems. POWER is a leading provider of engineering services, including instrumentation and controls, HMI/SCADA,...

Your express lane for enclosures!(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The most common NEMA Type 12, 4 and 4X enclosures can now be bought on-line, with ship-out in 24 hours! AD Products Co. (a subsidiary company of Berkshire Hathaway) offers UL and cUL listed Adalet 304 stainless steel, aluminum* and fiberglass...

AC Power Distribution & Control System.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ACPower Distribution & Control Systems domestic/int'l configuration systems; OEM's & system integrators. Product is rack mounted & provides: circuit breaker protection, EMI/RFI filtering, spike/surge protection, remote power on/off,...

New in 2003.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Current Transformers, Transducers & Accessories Catalog 2011-170 page catalog featuring split-core and solid-core current transformers, potential transformers, electrical transducers for AC and DC applications, signal conditioners,...

Industrial Ethernet product catalog.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... NEW Ctrlink[R] catalog from Contemporary Controls[R] is a comprehensive guide featuring the Industrial Ethernet line--hubs, switches and media converters. Designed and packaged for commercial and industrial applications. Literature includes...

Platinum series process oxygen analyzers.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Microprocessor controlled with as low as 3 ppb sensitivity. Exclusive Non-depleting Sensor with NIST Traceable Factory Calibration and 5-year warranty eliminates frequent recalibration and periodic sensor replacement. Enclosures for Class 1,...

Free 2004 NI measurement and automation catalog SVI II -smart valve interface.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The National Instruments catalog is the leading virtual instrumentation resource for engineers and scientists seeking the most productive customer-defined software and hardware tools. You will find everything you need from product...

Electrical design software demo CD.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Multi-media demo CD-ROM illustrates the functions of Promis-e electrical control system design software. Powerful AutoCAD add-on has schematic design functions including auto ID assignment, auto cross referencing and auto wire numbering....

General purpose relays.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Kuhnke's relay catalog summarizes general purpose relays and introduces some of the latest innovations in the relay field. Highlighted is Kuhnke's Modular Family of relays which include Universal 10A, tube type, Ice Cube and PCB Interface...

New Automation 3200 digital Automation platform catalog.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The upgraded Automation 3200 catalog includes new and expanded information on the intelligent, 32-axis motion, vision, PLC, robotics, and I/O platform. The Automation 3200 provides a "future-proof" architecture, dramatically lower integration...

AutomationDirect[R].(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... AutomationDirect[R] offers 3,500 brand name and private-labeled products through a new 1,300-page desk reference and Online Automation Superstore. The desk reference features product descriptions, technical information and price lists for PLC...

Flat panel display systems.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... New catalog features our newest and most popular line of flat panel computers, ThinClient and embedded systems, industrial and OEM monitors, industrial and rack-mount computer and monitors and custom designed systems utilizing latest...

New isolated analog signal conditioning catalog.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... New 230 page catalog of high quality isolated analog and digital I/O modules to protect and condition critical industrial data acquisition and control signal from RTDs, Thermocouples, and other sensor devices. Includes Instrument Class[TM] DIN...

Operator interface terminals.(Product & Literature Showcase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... QSI Corporation manufactures rugged handheld and panel-mount operator interface terminals for OEMs, for vehicle and industrial applications. Products include character and graphics terminals that are program-mable, customizable, CE certified,...

Embedded Linux test tools.(Product & Software)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Suite of development tools supports the entire embedded Linux development cycle, including easy to use, step-by-step testing and validation. Products are designed to take the guesswork out of building and testing a Linux platform for embedded...

Vision sensor system.(Product & Software)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... F210 high-speed vision sensor combines image acquisition as fast as 1.4 ms with advanced measurement algorithms for faster measurement and inspection operations. The system features Omron's Quest algorithm for OCR/OCV capability and Edge Code...

Process control software.(Product & Software)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Mantra advanced process control software is now compatible with Microsoft Windows XP and 2000. Version 3 also has improved OPC capabilities. Multi-loop process control works with the PLC and HMI of the user's choice. Added control functions...

Transformer anatomy.(Back to Basics)(Editorial)
December 1, 2003... Among the most common passive electromagnetic devices in use, transformers enable very efficient change of alternating current (ac) voltage from one value to another at constant frequency. Providing different input voltages to multiple power...

Integrators take projects from concept to completion; system integrators offer tips for ensuring successful automation projects.(Automation Integrator Guide)(Related Article: AT A GLANCE)(Related Article: Tips for starting an automation project on the right foot)(Related Article: Tips for managing the project)
December 1, 2003... Automation system integrators are experts at planning, designing, and implementing industrial automation and control systems. They're particularly adept at connecting disparate automation components to equipment in a client's factory. ...

What does CSIA stand for?(Automation Integrator Guide)(Control and Information System Integrators Association )
December 1, 2003... Control and information system integration is big business... and getting bigger every year, today representing close to $20 billion in engineering services and related hardware and software revenues worldwide. With the forecasted and hopeful...

State automates Liquor fulfillment; for the Washington State Liquor Control Board, the time had come to manage fluctuating, seasonal demand and move away from the manual order-filling and distribution processes used to supply more than 70 stores.(Automation Integrator Guide)(Related Article: AT A GLANCE)(Related Article: Systems overview)(Related Article: Create a baseline and improve the audit trail)(Related Article: System providers)
December 1, 2003... Facing mounting public pressure to either meet rapidly growing order complexity with an outdated order fulfillment system, or be forced to privatize liquor distribution, the Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) elected to transform its...

2004 Directory of Industrial Automation System Integrators.(Automation Integrator Guide)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... A A&E Engineering, Inc., Greer, SC 29652 -1367, Tel: (864) 801-0882 A.C.E., Inc., Green Bay, WI 54313, Tel: (920) 661-9370 Aarell Company, Troy, MI 48083 -1934, Tel: (248) 649-3810 ABB Inc., Wickliffe, OH 44092, Tel: (800)...

2004 Directory of Industrial Automation System Integrators.(Automation Integrator Guide)(Directory)
December 1, 2003... JVH Engineering, Inc. 202 Rodney L. Rotman, Vice President 3040 Ivanrest SW Grandville, MI 49418 -1443 Tel: (800) 556-2212 Ext: 13 Fax: (616) 531-7763 E-mail: rodney.rotman@jvh.com Web site: www.jvh.com K ...

Wonderware System Integrator chart: a comprehensive chart detailing the Purdue automation/information Reference Model and related Wonderware System Integrator expertise.
December 1, 2003... Whether you're defining a software enterprise architecture to take your company to new levels, or looking for an integration firm that can help you get there, you need a common reference structure--a working vocabulary--to communicate your...

Intelligent integration: simplifying the job of engineers and integrators extending the life & utility of legacy systems supporting multi-system interoperability for manufacturing collaboration.
December 1, 2003... Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Software Architectures... But Were Afraid to Ask The work manufacturing engineers and system integrators are required to accomplish increasingly calls for the common integration of plant floor...