Control Engineering articles from October 2004

Control Engineering archives from October 2004

Fieldbus jump predicted.(EDITORIAL)
October 1, 2004... When it comes to industrial communication, one mostly hears about the various fieldbus flavors produced by automation vendors. But market reality is quite different. According to Edgar Kuester, chairman of Profibus International, the majority...

50, 25, 10 years ago.(HISTORY)
October 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. November 1954 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Bill, I wish you'ld be more specific...

ISA zeroes in on benefits for users.(NEWS)
October 1, 2004... Houston, TX -- ISA Expo 2004 was more sharply focused than ever on direct benefits for users during its three-day run, Oct. 5-7, at the Reliant Center. This fall's event included approximately 500 exhibitors and more than 100 conference...

Worldwide magnetic sensor components market.(NEWS)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
October 1, 2004... Worldwide Magnetic Sensor Components Market Previous and projected unit shipments/revenue, 2000-10 Millions of $ % change 2000 $563.4 2001 $620.7 2002 $686.8 2003 $764.6 2004 ...

Users, vendors endorse ISA's integration standards, WBF's XML schemas.(NEWS)(Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Longwood, FL -- A group of manufacturers and software vendors recently endorsed the Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society's (ISA) ISA-95 Enterprise Control System Integration standards and World Batch Forum's (WBF) Business to...

Appeals court upholds NI's patent infringement judgment.(NEWS)(The Math Works Inc)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Austin, TX -- National Instruments (NI) reports that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently reaffirmed the judgment of infringement of three NI patents by Massachusetts-based The Math Works Inc. The appeals court's decision...

Thermo Electron purchases InnaPhase.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Waltham, MA; Philadelphia, PA -- Thermo Electron Corp. recently completed its acquisition of InnaPhase Corp. for approximately $65 million in cash, subject to a post-closing adjustment. InnaPhase's more than 100 employees supply laboratory...

Laser shipments up 75% in 2Q04.(NEWS)(Laser Systems Product Group (LSPG) of the Association for Manufacturing Technology.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... McLean, VA -- Shipments of industrial laser equipment and systems to North America and U.S. exports were up roughly 75% to $173.6 million in the second quarter of 2004 (2Q04) from the same period a year earlier, according to the Laser Systems...

Schneider Electric reorganizes U.S. automation, control sales group.(NEWS)(Industrial Automation and Control )(United States)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Palatine, IL -- Schneider Electric's operating division in North America has created 65 new positions in its Industrial Automation and Control (IAC) business to improve accountability and performance to better pursue emerging market...

Solutions shine at Embedded Systems Conference 2004.(NEWS)(GE Fanuc Embedded Systems Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Boston, MA -- Numerous innovations highlighted Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) 2004 on Sept. 13-16. Some of the most significant included: * VMIVME-7807, from GE Fanuc Embedded Systems Inc., provides high performance and I/O flexibility....

Correction.(Correction Notice)
October 1, 2004... In the "Why record paperless?" Technology Update, Control Engineering, Sept. '04, p. 62, the contributing author's name was misspelled. The correct spelling is Douglas Broadway.

Newport plans closings, layoffs to integrate Spectra-Physics.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Irvine, CA -- To save $10-12 million per year, Newport Corp. plans to shutter two manufacturing facilities, consolidate product lines, operations and administrative functions, and layoff 75-100 employees, following its recent acquisition of...

International Manufacturing Technology Show 2004 highlights.(NEWS)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Chicago, IL -- The latest edition of the bi-annual International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2004 on Sept. 8-15 at McCormick Place included exhibits featuring thousands of useful products and services, such as: * Faro Technologies...

Use it or lose it.(Editorial)
October 1, 2004... Use advanced technology to make manufacturing processes more efficient, or lose the standard of living that a technology-infused society offers. I believe you understand that--that's why you're reading Control Engineering--to reduce cost of...

HMIs in robotics: advanced systems bring new dimensions in data display, portability, integration, and safety to robots in manufacturing.(Cover Story)
October 1, 2004... In complex, sophisticated manufacturing environments where robots are increasingly deployed, it is imperative to know at every moment what your robots are doing now as well as what they've done in the past. Whether the process involves...

Extreme Machine Awards program.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: EXTREME MACHINES)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Each year, engineers from all over the country and in a variety of industries design new equipment and machines that demonstrate creative application of leading-edge automation technologies. This year we are pleased to announce that Rockwell...

Automated sortation technology: redundant controls eliminate downtime.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: EXTREME MACHINES)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... MACHINE: TILT-TRAY SORTATION SYSTEM DESIGNED BY: AUTOMATED CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES Tempe, AZ [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KEY PERFORMANCE SPECS: * 1.3 million newspapers per day * 18 conveyor lines with redundant...

Automated coil winding technology: servo control handles fine wires.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: EXTREME MACHINES)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... MACHINE: AUTOMATED COIL WINDER DESIGNED BY: ENGINEERING BY DESIGN San Jose, CA [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KEY PERFORMANCE SPECS: * Winding coils on mandrels with diameters of only 0.001 to 0.188 inch * Winding...

Automated storage and retrieval: PLC controls build in flexibility.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: EXTREME MACHINES)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... MACHINE: 3000RF ROTATING FORK AS/RS DESIGNED BY: HK SYSTEMS Bountiful, UT [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KEY PERFORMANCE SPECS: * Reduced operating costs * Conforms to multiple industry standards * Lasers scan...

Flexible carton feeding: integration adds cartoning flexibility.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: EXTREME MACHINES)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... MACHINE: MERIDIAN CARTONER DESIGNED BY: R.A. JONES AND COMPANY Cincinnati, OH [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KEY PERFORMANCE SPECS: * 200 cartons per minute * Carton sizes from 4 to 8 inches long, 1/2 to 6 inches...

Automated packaging technology: automation enables quick changeovers.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: EXTREME MACHINES)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... MACHINE: FLEXCELL AUTOMATED CARTONING MACHINE DESIGNED BY: TRIANGLE PACKAGE MACHINERY CO. Chicago, IL [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KEY PERFORMANCE SPECS: * 90-100 bag-in-box cartons per minute * Changeover time...

Proof is in the 'proving': methodology for flow measurement promotes accuracy, controls costs.(FLOW MEASUREMENT)
October 1, 2004... Flow measurement is essential in a variety of businesses, including and especially in the liquid hydrocarbon (petroleum) industry. An ongoing challenge is to provide accurate flow measurement while anticipating and correcting problems in the...

10 design tips for machine control: upfront design saves time, effort, and grief later in the machine's lifecycle. Here's some indispensable advice.(MACHINE DESIGN ADVICE)
October 1, 2004... How many times have you used something and wondered if the engineers who designed the product ever used it? To make life a little easier for anyone working on a machine, here are 10 design tips in integrating the latest automation, controls,...

Weighing technology.(FOCUS SCALES AND LOAD CELLS)(industrial equipment)
October 1, 2004... Weight is an often measured and controlled variable. Checkout stations at supermarkets weigh produce to determine price. Roads and bridges set vehicle weight limits. Industrial feedstock and most raw materials are sold by weight. So are...

Micro PLC key to CNC overhaul: International Truck and Engine Corp. revamps its CNC machines for cab-panel assembly to alleviate deadband switching issues and poor system diagnostics causing repeated drilling and riveting errors.(INSIDE MACHINES)
October 1, 2004... Tractor-trailers are highway behemoths, so it's somewhat ironic that tiny rivets play a major role in the manufacturing of these vehicles. But that was the case at International Truck and Engine Corp.'s Grove City, OH, plant where the semi-cab...

Distributed intelligence puts processing power where it's needed.
October 1, 2004... The Perils of Processor Overload Machine design engineers are increasingly replacing mechanical motion systems with servo-based axis control to yield higher speeds, more productivity, and greater reliability. But as designers shift more of...

Protecting your PC resource.(opinion)
October 1, 2004... The personal computer (PC) has been a boon to the control of industrial systems. The PC provides many advantages over the traditional PLC, like the ability to do complex calculations, connect to the outside world, offer feature-rich operator...

Time to cluster.(IT & engineering INSIGHT)
October 1, 2004... Manufacturing systems used to be based on single computers, such as PDP-11, VAX, AS-400, and Data General. These were "small-iron" systems, the little brothers of the business "big-iron" systems from IBM, Burroughs, and Univac. Today most...

Single-axis servo controller.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... Soloist single-axis servo controller combines a power supply, amplifier, and position controller in one package. Device can control up to four tasks simultaneously and handle variables and manage I/O points for demanding production...

Rugged industrial mouse.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... IM1013 rugged industrial mouse is suitable for a range of uses, including machine control, process control, and factory floors. Device detects a finger optically for quick and accurate positioning of the cursor. It features separate left and...

Web-enabled software.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... PowerLogic System Manager software version 4.0 features an entirely redesigned and more intuitive user interface. It also includes standard Web-enabled capabilities for each member of the SMS product family. Because Web-enabled capabilities are...

Embedded Java controllers.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... EC200 second generation embedded Java controller product line implements a Java platform for network-enabled and stand-alone applications. Modules provide an Ethernet-based connection to the Internet and numerous interfacing possibilities,...

Embedded control platform.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... CompactRIO embedded control and acquisition platform is powered by reconfigurable I/O (RIO) technology for advanced applications where small size and reliability are crucial. Technology lets system developers define their own custom measurement...

Linear XY stepper.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... 20-mil pitch XY linear stepper improves accuracy and cycle time over existing technology used in wafer probers. With microstep resolutions of approximately 1 [micro]m, the air bearing stage is suited for high-accuracy semiconductor...

Controller has built-in GUI.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... Qscreen Controller C-programmable embedded computer has a built-in touch-screen operated, graphical user interface. Fully functional compact instrument device is suited for OEM applications such as robotics, embedded systems, scientific...

Tube compression valves.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... 82 Series line of 1/4-in. to 1-in. tube compression valves are suitable for a large majority of "on-off" applications and provide an alternative when operating pressure ratings below 1,000 psi are required. Valves are offered in both brass and...

Ethernet switches reach up to 40 km.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... "L" option line of industrial Ethernet switches allows a 40km long haul fiberoptic distance instead of the standard 15 km. Offered on all the company's switches with single mode fiber ports, these ruggedized devices are designed for plant-floor...

Small-size ac drives.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... Commander SK ac drives feature compact size per kW, small footprint, easy set-up, and application versatility. First phase of the launch covers sizes up to 4 kW, with sizes of up to 110 kW to follow. Devices can be programmed for most tasks in...

SBC suited for harsh conditions.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... F9 Pentium-based single board computer (SBC) is suitable for harsh industrial conditions. One-slot 32-bit CompactPCI system controller is based on the Pentium M (LV) with frequencies up to 1.8 GHz or Celeron M (ULV) processors with clock speeds...

Real-time reasoning engine.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... G2 real-time reasoning engine platform version 8.0 sets a new technology benchmark for real-time automation of critical operations, according to the developer. Next-generation product features new capabilities for reasoning, integration,...

Sensor with improved resolution.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... Laser nano sensor features high speed, high accuracy, and improved resolution. Miniature sensor head and an extremely small spot size make it suitable for use in small work envelopes in many high-tech industrial applications from micro...

Serial datalogger works with PLCs.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... LoggeR serial data logger interfaces directly to the serial port of a PLC. Designed to provide an inexpensive way to log information generated from a PLC, device can store 16 KB and uses RS-232 ASCII communications. It comes with a utility...

New microcontroller offers single-chip Fast Ethernet connectivity.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... Said to be industry's first complete, single-chip 10/100 Mbps Ethernet device for end-node connectivity, 16-bit MC9S12NE64 microcontroller replaces more complex multi-chip offerings. Just introduced NE64 is the first in a series of 16-bit MCUs...

Space-saving junction box.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... 4-pin picofast junction box is the newest addition to the company's multibox product line. "Picofast" offers dual I/O points per port and a space-saving footprint. Fully encapsulated 4 and 8-port boxes come with a snap lock or M8 threaded...

Scanner IDs long bar code labels.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... CLV 405 family of bar code scanners features a small footprint (1.75 X 1.17 X 0.85 in.) to fit most any application. Device has a scan rate of 300-1,000 Hz and a reading range of 2-10 in. It is suitable for a variety of applications, including...

Memory embedded database system.(Products & software)
October 1, 2004... eXtremeDB version 2.3 memory embedded database system now has an option to write database changes into a transaction log on persistent media, combining the performance of an in-memory database with the persistence of a conventional disk-based...

DASYLab V8--no programming required.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 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...

AutomationDirect[R].(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 1, 2004... AutomationDirect[R] offers 5,000 industrial automation products through a 1,600-page catalog and online store. The catalog features product descriptions, technical information and price lists for PLC and PC-based control products, operator...

The right Encoders!(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 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...

Baghouse Controller.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 1, 2004... B-PAC[TM] Series of Baghouse PLCs and Diagnostic Controllers seamlessly integrate intelligent filter cleaning, pressure sensing, particulate monitoring, auxiliary sensing (such as fan amps, temperature, airflow) and a wide range of control...

Precision Encoders ...(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 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...

Electrical design software demo CD.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 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...

Industrial Measurement and Control Brochure and Resource CD.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 1, 2004... National Instruments Industrial Measurement and Control Brochure and Resource CD provides information on how National Instruments hardware and software tools deliver advanced functionality and reliability for industrial applications such as...

A.C. Current Sensors loop-powered.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 1, 2004... The 420 Series A.C. Current Sensors combine CT and Transducer functions in one compact unit. These sensors are metal cased to resist RFI and generate a 4-20 mA signal proportional to the amperage input. Units rated to 5000 volts A.C. and never...

AC Power Distribution & Control System.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 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,...

Rotary solenoids.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 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...

WAGO-ProServe4.0.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 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...

Thermocouples, make your own.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 1, 2004... DCC's HotSpot welding unit allows thermocouple wire to be formed into freestanding beads or welded to metal surfaces. The HotSpot provides a quick, simple, accurate, low cost means of fabricating thermocouples on a "when needed and where...

2004 full-line signal conditioning catalog.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 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...

Double acting digital positioner.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 1, 2004... Masoneilan's SVI II digital positioner offers full double acting capability, excellent air capacity, a 150 psi rating, superior position accuracy, and a patented 'actuator stiffness adjustment'. The actuator stiffness adjustment provides the...

Operator interface terminals.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 1, 2004... 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,...

Current Transformers, Transducers & Accessories.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 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,...

SoloistTM single-axis servo controller.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 1, 2004... Aerotech's SoloistTM is a single-axis servo controller that combines a power supply, amplifier, and position controller in one package. It can control up to four tasks simultaneously, as well as handle variables and manage I/O. The Soloist has...

Skorpion Ethernet switch.(PRODUCT & LITERATURE SHOWCASE)
October 1, 2004... The "Skorpion" packs much functionality in this compact, five-port Plug and Play Ethernet switch. All 10/100 Mbps shielded RJ-45 ports of the EISK5-100T support auto-negotiation for flow control and cabling parameters. Designed for low-voltage...

Securing network security.(Back to BASICS)
October 1, 2004... Industrial network security is increasingly focusing on networks as they continue to evolve beyond their historical isolation. Networks are making themselves and their data accessible via Ethernet TCP/IP, IT-related systems, and/or the...