Control Engineering articles from December 2004

Control Engineering archives from December 2004

What a year!(U.S. Bureau of the Census)(growth of manufacturing industries in 2004)(Editorial)
December 1, 2004... Assessing all I've seen and heard over the past year leads me to one conclusion--2004 is the year we've all been waiting for, economically, since the manufacturing industry began to decline in 2001. Looking at the numbers broadly, U.S....

50 * 25 * 10 years ago.(conferences on electronics components)
December 1, 2004... This page offers a look back on a variety of interesting items from Control Engineering's past issues, highlighting content from 50, 25, and 10 years ago. December 1954 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] August 1955 Transistors vs. tubes...

ODVA holds networks conference at 10th annual meeting.(Open DeviceNet Vendor Association)
December 1, 2004... San Antonio, TX -- The Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA) hosted more than 150 visitors from nearly 70 companies at its CIP Networks Conference and 10th annual meeting, Nov. 15-19, at the Hilton Palacio del Rio. The event featured updates...

NEMA's industrial control business index up 14% from 2003.(NEWS)
December 1, 2004... Rosslyn, VA -- The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) reports that its Primary Industrial Control Index improved by nearly 14% in the third quarter of 2004 (3Q04) from the same period a year earlier. The 3Q04 index level of...

Standard enables data flow between CNC, CAD/CAM.(computerized numerical control)(computer aided design)(computer aided manufacturing)(inernational organization for standardization)(AP-238)
December 1, 2004... Troy, NY -- Developed 40 years ago, the ISO 6983/RS274D language for computerized numerical control (CNC) programs was designed when paper tape was used to move data between computers. Previously, the logic necessary to process a simple command...

ABB hosts technology day in Sweden.(ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.)(Editorial)
December 1, 2004... Vasteras, Sweden -- ABB suggests that Western companies will only remain competitive in the world through research and inventive use of automation. Some of its own examples include the world's most-powerful dc transmission line; selling ABB...

Harman International purchases QNX Software Systems.(NEWS)(Harman International Industries Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Washington, DC -- QNX Software Systems recently accepted an offer to be bought by Harman International Industries Inc., which makes Harman Kardon, JBL, and Becker audio speakers and other products. QNX reports that the...

Exclusive: Siemens, Goss celebrate 500,000th ac control drive installation.(NEWS)(Siemens Energy and Automation Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Atlanta, GA -- Siemens Energy & Automation and Goss International recently celebrated the installation of the 500,000th Master-drives ac motion control and vector control drive that Siemens has distributed worldwide. Goss designs and...

Foundry gives vision to robotics.(R. Nussbaum AG's usage of computer vision )
December 1, 2004... Machine vision and robot handling system investments at its Swiss foundry have allowed R. Nussbaum AG, a manufacturer of drinking water distribution systems, to achieve a range of benefits in a short time. The company's metal "core"...

Alltrista inspects home canning lids.(Vision applications)(usage of Omron F160 vision systems by Consumer Products Co.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Alltrista Consumer Products Co. of Muncie, IN, uses Omron F160 vision systems to achieve real-time lid defect detection to increase production rates and reduce waste. The vision-based quality inpection tool was applied to 18 production lines at...

Volkswagen properly seals 35 product types.(application of machine vision)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Volkswagen, in Cordoba, Argentina, worked with system integrator AF Neotec Industrial Solutions and DVT Automation Solution Provider Murten Systems to apply a continuous bead of sealant at proper width to upper and lower transmission case...

Integration simplification.(automatic machinery)(Editorial)
December 1, 2004... Admit it. You're a technology fan, and you have at least a half-dozen gadgets at home that you'd like to optimize. It's not that you can't figure out how to use the advanced features. You're fully capable, but haven't taken the time. After all,...

Intelligent motion unites diverse worlds; logic control, power control, advanced diagnostics, machine safety, and a common set of software tools for all functions add a new level of intelligence to motion-control systems.
December 1, 2004... Intelligence means different things to different people. Intelligent motion control generally has incorporated motion and machine logic, plus power switching, in the same control package. Lately, other functions such as predictive maintenance,...

Understanding process order: improve feedback controller design by reviewing the mathematics of first and second order processes.
December 1, 2004... Mathematically speaking, the order of a continuous process equals the number of differentiation operators required to construct its governing equation. In layman's terms, that describes how dramatically the process variable can change when...

Safety networks up and running: recent regulatory changes allowing safety fieldbuses in the U.S. are helping developers and users catch up to counterparts in Europe. Though prejudices still hinder adoption, developers are showing that safety fieldbuses can provide all safety functions of hardwiring, as well as savings and new levels of flexibility.(FIELDBUS FLEXIBILITY)
December 1, 2004... If you can't actually see your safety network, then you'd better be absolutely sure you have some way of making certain it exists and is operating properly. Luckily, regulatory changes in the past couple of years are making it possible for...

Lean initiative highlights validation gap.(UPDATE)(Delphi-Delco and Janome America Inc)
December 1, 2004... Torque measuring and handling of related information are key to a robot process at one the world's largest and most diversified suppliers of automotive parts, Delphi-Delco (Troy, MI). The company designs, engineers, and manufactures a variety...

I/O modules on continuous improvement path.(FOCUS I/O MODULES)
December 1, 2004... Input and output (I/O) module manufacturers are not resting on their laurels. The unsung devices that are tucked away in enclosures and scattered about the plant floor are seeing steady improvement in communications, integration ease, and...

Exclusive: air/gas flowmeter for small-line measurement.(Products & software)
December 1, 2004... ST75 Series flowmeter from Fluid Components International (FCI) measures and monitors air or gas flows in line sizes from 0.25 in. to 2.0 in. (6-51 mm) with a single instrument and provides three outputs of mass flow rate, totalized flow, and...

PCI-104 form factor SBC.(Products & software)
December 1, 2004... SpacePC 8500 PCI-104 form factor single-board computer (SBC) features an ultra-low-voltage 400 MHz Intel Celeron processor and Intel 815E chipset. CPU requires no fan cooling and is suited for embedded aerospace, defense, and transportation...

Brushless dc motor.(Products & software)
December 1, 2004... Compact brushless dc motor features high torque-to-size ratio. It can deliver a peak of 10 oz-in. with 3.6 A at 7,000 rpm in a 0.75-in. OD x 3.4-in. long stainless-steel housing. Mechanical time constant of 1.43 ms and electrical time...

Software tool enhanced.(Products & software)
December 1, 2004... Automation Studio adds many new functions and improvements in its latest version. Package allows for seamless integration of controllers, drives, visualization (HMI), communication, and software using a single development tool, from controllers...

Servo motion-control solution.(Products & software)
December 1, 2004... PACSystems DSM324i motion controller is said to improve machine uptime, increase application flexibility, decrease wiring costs and labor, and boost engineering productivity. Device combines motion features with a fiber-optic command interface...

Process optimizer software.(Products & software)
December 1, 2004... Business Flex R140 is designed to increase the flexibility and reliability of process operations while optimizing resources for oil and gas, refining, petrochemical, mining and minerals, pulp and paper, and chemical applications. A number of...

Wireless LCD panel computer.(Products & software)
December 1, 2004... ARP-2015 ruggedized, wireless LCD panel computer is suited for a wide array of applications, including material handling, warehousing, and manufacturing automation. Front bezel is NEMA 4/12 rated and IP65 compliant. Strengthened glass or...

Vibration spectrum analysis on PDAs.(Products & software)
December 1, 2004... DAS-1258 vibration spectrum analyzer and data acquisition module for ICP accelerometers with FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) displays attaches to a Palm PDA. Four analog inputs can be configured for ICP accelerometers and other ICP sensors using a...

Communication interface cards.(Products & software)
December 1, 2004... AD-CIF Series of dedicated Fieldbus communication interface cards works with three popular communication protocols: Profibus, DeviceNet, and CANopen and three fast PC interfaces: PCI-bus, PC/104, and PC/104-Plus. Series supports remote...

Torque flange sensor.(Products & software)
December 1, 2004... TF Series torque flange sensor is designed for harsh environments, including measurement of transmissions, powertrains, wind generators, gas turbines, general combustion engines, and electric motor and gearbox test benches. Torque measurement...

Terminal safety relays.(Products & software)
December 1, 2004... SR Series includes 28 new fixed and removable relays for safety monitoring applications. SR 1000 Series (fixed) and SR 2000 Series (removable) models provide control reliability and configuration flexibility for nearly every safety-monitoring...

Industrial auction: how to buy online.(SOAPBOX)
December 1, 2004... Ever have a project with a tight budget? Recently, I found myself in this situation and decided to purchase the entire project's non-critical instruments and automation controls from an Internet auction site. That's right. The same Internet...

Security: are you spending enough?(INSIGHT)(network and computer security )
December 1, 2004... One problem with writing about network and computer security is the speed at which the threat changes. In the few weeks that separate my writing of this article and its appearance in print, there will probably be another large cyber attack and...

FREE 2005 NI Measurement and Automation Catalog.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... The 2005 Measurement and Automation Catalog from National Instruments features new product information, comparison charts, key specifications, and related Web links to ni.com, including: NI LabVIEW 7.1 graphical development environment....

DASYLab V8--no programming required.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... The latest release of this easy-to-use software package for Windows-based data acquisition continues to provide powerful data acquisition, analysis and control features without programming. DASYLab Lite, Basic, Full and Pro editions include...

Current Transformers, Transducers & Accessories.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... 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,...

WAGO-ProServe4.0.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... WAGO-ProServe4.0 combines the unique features of being a completely interactive electronic product catalog providing instant access to over 11, 000 WAGO products, including technical data, specifications, 3D data and accessories. From concept...

IndraMotion MTX.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... Rexroth's new CNC controller offers high performance and reduces cycle time for cutting and forming machine tools. The open architecture and .NET platform offer flexibility and quick integration from sensors and actuators to the company level....

AC Power Distribution & Control System.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... 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,...

Precision Encoders ...(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... 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...

Rotary solenoids.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... Brochure provides an overview of standard heavy duty rotary solenoids for use in production machinery, sensing devices, laser equipment, medical and security fields. Solenoid sizes range from 1 to 4 inches in diameter with torque from 1 oz. to...

Automation Solutions brochure.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Aerotech announces the Automation Solutions for Electronic Manufacturing, Test and Inspection, and Data Storage brochure that presents Aerotech's motion control and positioning system solutions for electronic assembly, pick and place, PCB laser...

2004 full-line signal conditioning catalog.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... New 240 page catalog of Instrument Class[R] industrial signal conditioning, data acquisition and data communication products that protect and condition critical signals from RTDs Thermocouples, Load Cells and other sensor devices. Includes DIN...

The right encoders!(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... Koyo offers incredible features and super-low prices! New 44 pages catalog indicates Reliable, Durable and Cost Effective Encoders. Incremental and Absolute encoders for Servo Motors, Motion Control Feed Back or Machine Tools or any Industrial...

Platinum series process oxygen analyzers.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... 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,...

Electrical design software demo CD.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
December 1, 2004... Multi-media demo CD-ROM illustrates the functions of Promis-e electrical control system design software. Trial version also included. Powerful AutoCAD add-on has schematic design functions including auto ID assignment, auto cross referencing...

Defining (and re-defining) HMIs.(BASICS)(human-machine interface)
December 1, 2004... From a simple device for viewing an activity to a complex, sophisticated tool for monitoring, controlling, and analyzing processes and systems, the human-machine interface (HMI) has grown--and grown up. Even its name has changed. From...

Optimize expertise: here's how to use Control Engineering's 2005 Automation Integrator Guide in print and at www.controleng.com/integrators.(AUTOMATION INTEGRATOR GUIDE)
December 1, 2004... Get the most for your investments in automation, instrumentation, and controls by connecting with the best automation system integrators. Control Engineering provides this annual print-based reference tool as a supplement to the December 2004...

'Coopetition' spreads in the system integration industry: cooperation and competition grows between suppliers and system integrators, often to the benefit of customers in the end.(AUTOMATION INTEGRATOR GUIDE)
December 1, 2004... Coopetition is a "judicious mixture of competition and cooperation with suppliers, customers, and firms producing complementary or related products," according to World Wide Words. Coopetition was first recognized in the computer industry where...

Success depends on an involved client: control system integrators should help early in the project on objectives, scope, requirements, and budget.(AUTOMATION INTEGRATOR GUIDE)
December 1, 2004... Previous contributions to Control Engineering's "Automation Integrator Guide" emphasized what the end-user should look for in selecting a control system integrator (CSI) or stressed the benefits of working with a good CSI. Three critical...

5 ways to better manage small projects: by dividing projects into stages, progress can be tracked to ensure your next control engineering project delivers on its promises.(AUTOMATION INTEGRATOR GUIDE)
December 1, 2004... Once a control engineering project has been identified, it's time to start planning and executing. Managing small projects involves five basic steps, based on experiences and information from the Project Management Institute, a...

A new business model for system integrators.
December 1, 2004... On the cover Wonderware has adopted the Purdue Research Foundation's hierarchical model structure for manufacturing operations as an illustrative reference for its system integrator program. The Purdue Reference Model defines five basic...

ArchestrA architecture ... applied: the following profiles of FactorySuite [A.sup.2] certified system integrators detail the various ways in which ArchestrA's open architecture object development environment is fundamentally and positively changing the way they do business.
December 1, 2004... ASECO Established in 1988 with offices in Oakville, Ontario, and Mountainside, NJ, ASECO Integrated Systems designs, develops, and implements advanced production management systems. Its control systems and manufacturing execution systems...

Wonderware certified system integrators.(Illustration)
December 1, 2004... These firms have invested in training on key technologies to solve the problems you'll face at the different levels in your enterprise and have taken steps to demonstrate an ability to deliver successful projects at those levels. ...

PC-based controller corrugates sheet metal: Behlen industries upgrades to real-time software for high-speed servomotor control and four hydraulic punches.(AUTOMATION INTEGRATOR GUIDE)
December 1, 2004... Behlen Industries, a manufacturer of pre-engineered, self-supporting sheet-metal buildings, needed to replace a 25-year-old proprietary control system on a production line because the old system had lost functionality and could not produce...

2005 directory of industrial automation system integrators.(AUTOMATION INTEGRATOR GUIDE)
December 1, 2004... 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)...

2005 directory of industrial automation system integrators.(AUTOMATION INTEGRATOR GUIDE)(Directory)
December 1, 2004... Kuntz Automation Engineering, Santa Ana, CA 92707, Tel: (714) 540-7370 Robert Kurz Associates, Social Circle, GA 30025-5173, Tel: (678) 342-3554 L L&S Electric, Inc., Mosinee, WI 54455, Tel: (715) 359-3155 L&T Automation,...