Control Engineering articles from March 2002

Control Engineering archives from March 2002

Parker Hannifin allies with animatics for integrated motor control. (Up Front).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Cleveland, O.--Parker Hannifin Corp. announced Feb. 21 that is has formed a long-term business alliance with Animatics Corp. (Santa Clara, Calif.), which manufactures integrated motor control systems, known as SmartMotors. Their alliance will...

Honeywell picks new President and CEO. (Up Front).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Morris Township, N.J.--Honeywell announced Feb. 19 its Board of Directors has elected David M. Cote as the company's president, ceo and board member effective immediately. Mr. Cote replaces former president and ceo, Lawrence A Bossidy, who will...

Control engineering's parent company changes name. (Up Front).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... New York, N.Y.--Control Engineering's (Oak Brook, Ill.) parent company, Cahners Business Information (New York, N.Y.),changed its name Feb.19 to Reed Business Information (RBI). The new name and logo strengthens the company's commitment to...

Seamless DC to AC drives retrofit. (Integrator Update).(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
March 1, 2002... Pliant Corp is a producer of value-added films and flexible packaging products. Engineers at its Macedon N.Y. plant asked Omron IDM Controls (Houston, Tex.) to retrofit the drives on one of the plant's older six color flexographic printing...

Laser sensing continues to improve wallboard process. (Online).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... More than 15 years ago, LMI Selcom (Southfield, Mich.) helped Qualimatrix (Emeryville, Calif.) develop its Wallboard Caliper Profiling System (WTG 2000) for Georgia Pacific Corp. The systems were subsequently installed nationwide, and LMI and...

RFID assists Toyota-South Africa. (Online).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... To install an automatic tracking system (ATS) in its manufacturing facility; Toyota-South Africa S.A. recently replaced its old job card system with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solution from Escort Memory Systems (EMS, Scotts...

FF's HIST ensures interoperability. (Online).(Fieldbus Foundation's Host Interoperability Support Test)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... To help users tightly integrate disparate digital devices, the Fieldbus Foundation (FF, Austin, Tex.) developed its Host Interoperability Support Test (H 1ST) to check if certain features are available in a host, though not how developers...

Soy oil extraction plant needs single, open control system. (Online).(National Vegetable Oil Co facility details)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The National Vegetable Oil Co. (NVO, Borg El Arab, Egypt) recently finished building what it reports is the largest soy oil extraction plant in both Africa and Europe, and sought a single control system that could manage both the grain terminal...

Data suggest U.S. economy, controls began recovery in 4Q01. (Market Update).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... Despite financial fluctuations following the World Trade Center tragedy and recent economic downturn, data indicate that U.S. financial and controls markets started rebounding at the end of 2001. Outperforming the overall markets,...

Transmitter platform adds functionality, convenience. (New in Control).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Chanhassen, Minn. -- Rosemount, a division of Emerson Process Management (Austin, Tex.), recently introduced its 3051 S Series of pressure measurement instruments, which is a redesigned platform that places new microelectronics in the same...

Seven shows in one at hannover fair 2002. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Hannover, Germany--The 2002 edition of the "world's largest industrial fair" will consist of seven individual trade shows, including its Factory Automation centerpiece. The other six shows are: MicroTechnology, CeMAT, SurfaceTechnology, Energy,...

Global outlook for wireless LAN hardware. (News).(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... Global Outlook for Wireless LAN Hardware (in millions of $) 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 CAGR (*) Network interface cards (NICs) 437.2 477.2 621.3 927.1 1,284.8 30.9% Access points...

Feedback. (News).
March 1, 2002... GE fanuc says quickpanel not directly replaceable [Editor's note: In a recent Technology Update article, "Uticor's Ol terminal offers free software, 'hot' downloads," CE, Feb. '02, P. 8, it was reported that Uticor's Q Square terminal can...

Invensys retools two divisions; plans to sell other businesses. (In Business).(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
March 1, 2002... London, U.K.--lnvensys plc announced Feb. 19 that it will try to speed up its recovery by reorganizing two core divisions, maintaining its development division, and by selling many of its other businesses. The two core divisions will be...

Corrections & Clarifications.
March 1, 2002... * The in-print synopsis ["Modular VFD with cell bypass eliminates interruptions,' Online, CE, Jan.'02, p. 12] of the full-text online version incorrectly listed the location of Marathon Ashland Petroleum's refinery. The correct location is...

Motherhood, apple pie. (Editorial).(strategies for managing automation companies)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... View automation, controls, and instrumentation as assets; get the most from your supplier; measure the right things; move info where it's needed; ensure new investments work with the installed base--these are today's "mom and apple pie" for us....

Progressive innovations: 15th Annual editor's choice awards.(Control Engineering awards for creators of controls, automation)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The 35 winners of Control Engineering's 15th annual Editors' Choice Awards showed once again in 2001 that control and automation's creators will likely never run out of useful ideas and solutions. Everything that can be invented has been...

Collaborative test, measurement platform. (Motors, Drives & Motion Control).(Electro Standards Laboratories)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Cranston, R.I.--Electro Standards Laboratories' collaborative test and experiment platform for motors and power systems, Virtual Engineering Laboratory (VE-Lab), operates via the Internet with a web browser, which allows interactive control of...

Linear motion module actuated by servo motor. (Motors, Drives & Motion Control).(Adept Technology Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... San Jose, Calif.--Adept Technology's SmartAxis integrates a power amplifier and motion controller, and is packaged as a self-contained, singleaxis linear motion module actuated by a servo motor. This motion controller, located in the amplifier...

Tubular linear servo motor packs punch. (Motors, Drives & Motion Control).(California Linear Devices Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Carlsbad, Calif.--Series 4000 and 5000 Tubular Linear Servo Motors offer high force per volume in a direct-drive configuration. Ring-shaped neodymium magnets of alternating polarity line the length of the output shaft, which is the motor's only...

Magnetic 'coupling' allows variable-speed control. (Motors, Drives & Motion Control).(Magna Drive Corp.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Seattle, Wa.--MagnaDrive Adjustable Speed Drive allows control of ac motors up to 600 hp at 460 V, as well as control of medium-voltage (4,300-V) motors. MagnaDrive consists of a copper conductor assembly connected to the motor shaft and a...

Low-cost, accurate capacitive encoders. (Motors, Drives & Motion Control).(Netzer Precision Motion Sensors Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Misgav, Israel--Rotary Sine/Cosine Electric Encoder, by Netzer Precision Motion Sensors, is a non-contact encoder based on variable capacitance sensing that promises to bring up to 18-bit angular resolution or 10 pm or better linear accuracy to...

Platform links operations, supply chain. (Human-Machine Interface).(GE Fanuc Automation Corp.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Charlottesville, Va.--GE Fanuc Automation's Cimplicity Plant Edition provides an enabling platform that links manufacturing operation systems with supply-chain execution systems. Equipped with a client-server architecture and an open-system...

Module tracks downtime, efficiency. (Human-Machine Interface).(Wonderware Corp.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Irvine, Calif.--Wonderware Corp.'s DT Analyst module enables plant managers to easily determine if equipment is functioning at optimum levels, and then take corrective action as needed. DT Analyst consists of seven component modules that...

Report generator uses excel. (Human-Machine Interface).(SyTech Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Walpole, Mass.--SyTech's XLReporter, Version 2.0, is an automated report generator that uses Microsoft Excel for automation applications. New features include direct access to history data from Intellution FIX and iFIX, as well as from the OSI...

Loop calibrator has easy to-use interface. (Control Components).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Everett, Wa.--Fluke 707 Loop Calibrator features an ergonomic design that combines the best of knob-based and button-based loop calibrators in one device. Compact and easy-to-hold, technicians can operate the tool with one hand. The device,...

Safety relay cuts need for switches. (Control Components).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Farmington Hills, Mich.-- Pilz PNOZ elp electronic safety relays eliminate the need for mechanical switches within safety relays, which increases lifespan and reduces maintenance. These relays can be used for many safety applications from...

Process control station enhanced. (Process & Advanced Control).(ABB Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Warminster, Pa.--ABB Inc.'s Control IT 53MC5000B Process Control Station includes a networkable controller, a hot-swappable operator interface display, ABB's Easy-Tune self-tuning algorithm, and up to four control loops. It comes standard with...

Controllers usable in harsh places. (Process & Advanced Control).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Stamford, Conn.--CN3440 Controller is a versatile, wall/pipe mount universal single-loop process controller packaged in a field-mounted housing. With a NEMA-4X rating, it mounts next to a process, even in harsh environments. The instrument has...

Fault-tolerant system reacts in milliseconds. (Process & Advanced Control).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Alpharetta, Ga.--S7-400F/FH is designed as a failsafe version of Siemens' S7-400 programmable logic controller for applications where protection is essential. In a critical situation, the controller goes into a user-defined safe state for an...

Neural network tools aid development, deployment. (Process & Advanced Control).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Austin, Tex.--Emerson Process Management's (Austin, Tex.) DeltaV Neural makes developing and deploying artificial neural network solutions easier. DeltaV Neural data collection is automatic, and begins when a user defines a neural network...

Control, optimization based on algorithms. (Process & Advanced Control).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Salt Lake City, Utah.--KnowledgeScape Systems, a division of EIMCO Process Equipment, offers knowledgeScape Adaptive Optimization and Expert Control system based on genetic algorithms, a form of artificial intelligence, to emulate the functions...

Aiding batch review and approvals. (Process & Advanced Control).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Foxborough, Mass.--Intellution's iWorkInstruction 1.0 allows one S88 recipe to control both automated and manual processes of batch manufacturing. Using a client-server architecture, iWorkInstruction provides a common batch record for...

Infrared test, inspection. (Machine Control & Discrete Sensors).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Montreal, Quebec, Canada--ISIS Infrared Screening and Inspection Solution for printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) provides fast, noninvasive, and reliable detection of PCB defects beyond the capabilities of traditional systems. After a PCB is...

Faster machine vision sensor. (Machine Control & Discrete Sensors).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Norcross, Ga.--DVT Corp.'s new version of its machine vision sensor, Legend 540, is eight times faster than its existing SmartImage sensors. Legend 540 features built-in Ethernet connectivity and a Hitachi SH4 processor, which achieves an...

Vision sensors sorts based on color. (Machine Control & Discrete Sensors).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Natick, Mass.--Cognex's expanded, low-cost offerings includes its In-Sight 1000C Color Vision Sensor. This self-contained system verifies and sorts parts based on color. Each sensor has a library of Cognex vision tools and a vision spreadsheet...

Pixel-counting sensor triggers inspections. (Machine Control & Discrete Sensors).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Minneapolis, Minn.--PresencePlus pixel-counting sensor scans a 1.3 x 1.0 in. area, which means line changes can be enabled without mechanical repositioning of the sensor. PresencePlus captures a 512 x 384 pixel grayscale image, and then...

Control processor has smaller platform. (Embedded Control).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Milwaukee, Wis.--Allen-Bradley CompactLogix 5320, a small, modular control processor, is designed for OEMs seeking standalone, machine-level solutions, such as packaging and conveyor applications with limited I/O count and communications...

I/O modules have die-cast housings. (Embedded Control).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Harrisburg, Pa.--The Rugged Line I/O product family from Phoenix Contact consists of I/O modules that combine a rugged, die-cast zinc housing and single-channel diagnostics. It has an IP67-protected connection for either fiber-optic or copper...

Control, networking and connectivity combined. (Embedded Control).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Temecula, Calif.--Snap Ultimate I/O, the latest entry in Opto 22's line of industrial automation products, combines I/O, control, networking and enterprise connectivity into one cohesive system. Snap Ultimate I/O communicates directly with...

DIN-rail mountable modular PC. (Embedded Control).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Milpitas, Calif.--Contec Microelectronics USA Inc.'s CPU-SB10(FIT) industrial PC is so small that it looks like a microPLC, and is, in fact, designed to compete with robust microPLCs. This DIN rail-mountable modular PC runs any Microsoft...

Wireless network saves cable, adds flexibility. (Networks & Communications).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Schaumburg, Ill.--Omron Electronics' Wireless DeviceNet saves on cabling and allows more flexible layout of production lines because it's easier to deploy than wire bundles that usually run back to a central processor. Its 34 channels can...

Single chip, multiple protocols. (Networks & Communications).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Irvine, Calif -- Hardware design of EC-1 (Embedded-Comm) Communications System on a Chip from Synergetic Micro Systems (Naperville, Ill.), was made part of the DSTni-LX (Device Server Technology Network Interface) product line, after Synergetic...

Wireless sensor network. (Networks & Communications).(highly deployable remote access wireless sensor network)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Thousand Oaks, Calif.--HiDRA (highly deployable remote access) Wireless Sensor Network simplifies installation and enhances sensor use. The network of communicating nodes can be placed on individual pieces of factory-floor machinery. Each node...

Clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter for gases. (Instrumentation & Process Sensors).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Waltham, Mass.-DigitalFlow GC868 Flowmeter overcomes barriers associated with clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters for gases. Designed for unlined metal and plastic pipe from 3- to 36-in, diameter, GC868 uses Correlation Transit-Time detection...

Non-stop screen replacement. (Instrumentation & Process Sensors).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Monroe, N.C.--Big Screen allows engineers to replace screens in process piping without stopping production. It uses two screens mounted on a sliding, stainless steel blade. At the touch of a button, the system's actuator moves the screen to be...

Flexible temperature sensors respond more quickly. (Instrumentation & Process Sensors).(Moore Industries-International Inc)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... North Hills, Calif. -- "the Worm Flexible Temperature Sensor" is available in RTD and thermocouple configurations. Worm provides 13% faster step response times than standard, straight sensors; bends and slides through tight installation...

Multi-speed filler/dispenser controller. (Instrumentation & Process Sensors).(Hardy Instruments product data)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... San Diego, Calif.--A multi-speed Filler/Dispenser Controller is the first of Hardy Instruments' new line of instruments for such applications. Features include a selectable 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port with embedded web server; an IR port for...

Software aids report generation. (Software & Information Integration).(National Instruments Corp product details)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Austin, Tex.--DIAdem, 8.0, software from National Instruments (NI) improves connectivity to industry-standard file formats, including new report generation features, and a way to automate the creation of standard reports and charts. DIAdem...

Fluid flow anaysis/pump selection. (Software & Information Integration).(Engineered Software Inc product data)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Lacey, Va.--Pipe-Flo Professional v.7 is an integrated software suite that features fluid flow analysis, piping design and pump selection practices. Enhanced features and functionality allow easier analysis, design, and troubleshooting of...

Tool assists system design, validation. (Software & Information Integration).(Schneider Electric software details)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... North Andover, Mass.--Onestep Generator translates project functional specifications into a process control system design, making it easier, faster, and less expensive to design and specify automation systems for complex process manufacturing...

Low-cost process flow diagrams. (Software & Information Integration).(from Applied e-Simulators)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... West Richland, Wa.--Ae-S2001 by Applied e-Simulators is a software package that allows users to create process flow diagrams (PFDs) and calculate material balances at less cost than with full process simulation packages. Users can create a PFD...

Motion Trends 2002.(motion system developers product review)
March 1, 2002... How readers use motion technologies is a moving target. Additional findings of an extensive survey of readers of Control Engineering and Design News who use and specify motion control technology are highlighted in a Special Supplement in this...

Terminal blocks expand functionality, termination ranges. (Product Focus: Terminal Blocks).(control system wiring product development)
March 1, 2002... Contestants will be judged on originality and aptness of thought. Neatness counts! These may sound like rules for an essay contest but they also apply to control system wiring. In no other area of industrial endeavor does having the right...

Programmable proximity switch. (Products & Software).(Cutler-Hammer/Eaton product information)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Milwaukee, Wis.--It was only a matter of time until someone was able to marry microprocessors to proximity switches. Cutler-Hammer, an Eaton company, has released just such a product. "iProx" series proximity switches offer application...

Ultrasonic level transmitter. (Products & Software).(Kistler-Morse product details)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Bothell, Wa.--The hydra-wave long-range transmitter combines microprocessor-based electronics with noncontact ultrasonic technology to provide accurate continuous liquid-level measurement in large bulk storage tanks. The device provides...

Linear, rotary valve actuators incorporate DeviceNet. (Products & Software).(M-System Technology product details)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Addison, Tex.--Mini-Top Series valve actuators improve valve control via high-resolution positioning that employs a built-in feedback positioner and electronic limiter. Mini-Top needs less wiring than comparable actuators, thereby reducing I/O...

Low-cost operator panel has many uses. (Products & Software).(Ann Arbor Technologies product details)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Ann Arbor, Mich.-paneLink l2 family of industrial computer systems is designed with flexibility in mind. All paneLink 12 systems share a set of features including a 12.1-in. SVGA TFT display with 800 x 600 pixel resolution, analog resistive...

Rotary UPS offers 12 sec batteryless ride through. (Products & Software).(SatCon Power Systems)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Anaheim, Calif.--Starsine rotary uninterruptible power supply (Rotary UPS) provides up to 12 sec flywheel ride through for power line disturbances and short-term outages. It consists of an induction motor/generator (IMG) that works with a...

VFDs for 1 - and 3-phase motors. (Products & Software).(Anacon Systems Inc)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Mountain View, Calif.-Two newly introduced EagleD rive Series variable frequency drives (VFDs) are designed for the control of land 3-phase ac induction motors under various input voltages. Said to be an "industry-first" one-phase standard VFD,...

Megatrends in motion control: Industry survey shows trends toward efficiency, component integration, distributed control, software enhancements, and more. (Megatrends).(Industry Overview)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... Motion control has emerged as one of the most dynamic technologies in manufacturing in the last decade. For one thing, the ongoing shift from mechanical control systems, such as cams and line shafts, toward electronic servo control systems is...

Bodine's willingness to change produces results: Trends in technology and in philosophy have allowed one company to optimize the value of its customer solutions by intimately knowing the details of the customer's application. (Bodine Electric Co.).(Company Profile)
March 1, 2002... Bodine Electric's engineering and applications expertise comes from an attitude that makes engineering a top priority. With a continued focus on producing the highest quality motors, gearmotors, and control systems at the most affordable price,...

Motion control enhances a broad spectrum of products: IIS brings state-of-the-art motion control to OEM partners. (Industrial Indexing Systems Inc.).(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
March 1, 2002... What do comforters, newspapers, and aluminum cans have in common? Like wood veneer, plastic zip lock bags, golf balls, and dozens of other products, all are being made more cost-effectively and of higher quality through the use of motion...

Digital and brushless technology in the motion control industry: CGI provides gearhead solutions that work with advanced technologies. (CGI).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... One of today's most relevant trends in the motion control industry is the inclusion of digital controls and brushless dc motors in servomotor applications. However, many system incorporating these advanced components will still require...

Motion control solutions: cover engineers' needs; National instruments products let engineers develop simple to complex applications. (Megatrends in Motion Control / National Instruments).(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
March 1, 2002... Since its inception in 1976, National Instruments (NI) has revolutionized the way engineers and scientists work by empowering them with standard computer technologies. NI develops and manufactures hundreds of integrated software and hardware...

Motion control programming as easy as 1-2-3: Wizards help you develop code in one-third the time.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... It has always been a daunting task for motion control users--having to learn a proprietary language before programming a controller. Now, thanks to wizards, those days are behind us. And with Compumotor's wizards-based Motion Planner[TM]...

Blue Fusion controllers integrate factory with multiple web standards: Control Technology Corps new Blue Fusion controller combines motion control, I/O control, and enterprise connectivity into one compact package. (Control Technology Corp.).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... One of the many challenges facing engineers today is getting various automation technologies to work together on the factory floor in a way that optimizes the uptime and yield of their process or factory. To be successful, two fundamental...

Low-flow sanitary valves. (Products & Software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Cincinnati, O.-Low-flow seats are now offered on Mark 96 pressure regulator and Mark 95 back-pressure regulator. Both devices feature a 0.5 [C.sub.v] in a 3/4-in, line size. Mark 98 diaphragm style control valve is now available in 1/2-in, line...

Reference junction automatically compensates. (Products & Software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Farmingdale, N.Y.--Model NC143 thermocouple reference junction can be supplied with any reference temperature setting required, and is available for all thermocouple materials and power sources. With power consumption as low as 100 [micro]W and...

Humidity/temperature transmitters. (Products & Software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Thompson Ridge, N.Y.--Model IN-HWD is a microprocessor based humidity converter intended for use in difficult humidity locations. The device uses its proprietary electronics to calculate humidity and output an accurate 4-20 mA dc signal for...

Blazing fast PLC. (Products & Software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Vernon Hills, Ill.--Not just another PLC, Q-series is billed as an "automation platform for the future." Designers can place up to four CPUs on a rack along with local I/O modules. The platform can compete with VME computers in semiconductor...

'Smart' positioning controller. (Products & Software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Hauppauge, N.Y.--SPC 200, a servopneumatic positioning system, is a 2-axis unit designed to simplify system configuration and programming. According to its developer, it was developed to provide extended flexibility with a minimum amount of...

Simplified interconnect system. (Products & software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Santa Ana, Calif.--MPIS, Multi-Port Interconnect System, is a bus system intended for applications including control systems for production equipment, automated assembly, and conveyor sensors. MPIS has a simplified wiring system that eliminates...

Affordable digital IR thermometer. (Products & Software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Everett, Wa. -- IR610 digital infrared thermometer is designed for noncontact temperature sensing up to 500 [degrees]F with pinpoint accuracy. The ergonomically designed device features a data-hold button, handy backlight, low-battery...

Six-loop controller. (Products & Software).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... Stamford, Conn.--CN616 Series, six-loop microprocessor-based controller is designed for easy front-panel or remote setup and operation. Each device can be programmed to meet the need for thermocouple type; temperature units; high, low, or...

Pluggable transducers. (Products & Software).(Wago offers 786 series)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Germantown, Wis.--786 series pluggable transducers convert 0-10 V or 4-20 mA signals into an isolated 0-10 V, 0-20 mA, or 4-20 mA signal with an isolation rating of 4kV. The transducers are plugged directly onto a terminal block assembly....

Remote I/O rated class I, div. 2. (Products & Software).(Entrelec)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Irving, Tex.--systron PM remote I/O modules are now rated Class I, Div. 2, Group A, B, C, and D hazardous locations. All I/O modules feature this rating except for certain relay contact output modules. Included models are bus modules, digital...

Laser measures distances. (Products & Software).(Baumer Electric offers series of analog laser sensors)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Southington, Conn.--Product family of analog laser sensors acquires additional members. One features high intensity class 3 laser for less than favorable targets, such as highly textured surfaces or outdoor use. The other offers accuracy to...

3D Machine vision. (Products & Software).(Integrated Vision Products offers IVP Ranger)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Linkoping, Sweden--IVP Ranger, high-speed 3D machine vision camera, can acquire up to 10,000 3D profiles per second, opening inline inspection applications for solder paste, component, and connector insertion. Images are sent to a PC via...

Level monitor for liquids and solids. (Products & Software).(Bernhard Inc. offers model 8000-KM level monitor)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Kennett Square, Pa.--Model 8000-KM level monitor houses both the sensor and transmitter in the same enclosure. The device transmits an ultrasonic pulse, which is directed toward a product to be monitored. The time it takes for the pulse to...

Micro proportional driver. (Products & Software).(Canfield Connector offers device that controls air or liquid flow)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Youngstown, 0.-The Block Micro Proportional Driver (MPD) is designed as a full-featured, all-in-one driver. The device is used to control the flow of air or liquids through proportional solenoid valves. While this driver offers an array of...

Sensors rule in error proofing. (Back to Basics).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Error proofing creates significant benefits for both automated and manual assembly procedures, including increased quality and productivity. With new sensor technologies, assemblies can be validated and error-proofed automatically in-process...

It's a motion revolution: for small machines; Merger of intelligent components redefines control systems. (Megatrends in Motion Control / Schneider Electric).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The figurative wall between motion controller and small PLC has finally fallen, and nobody benefits more than the small machine manufacturer. Now a manufacturer can offer a standard control design, increasing his profitability. It's not...

Hot rod motors accelerate growth: Keep customers coming back for more and make competitors irrelevant.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Grow or No-Grow? If you're not growing your business today, count on seeing competition blow by you. But winning the race is simple. Sell more of your products to customers and sell new products. Your motor partner should be a key...