Design Engineering articles from July 2002

Design Engineering archives from July 2002

Metal hydride artificial muscles. (Patent Watch).
July 1, 2002... Artificial muscles belong to the rapidly growing field of biomimetics -- science imitating nature. This muscle or actuator (US2002026794) is operated by hydrogen as a working fluid stored in metal hydrides as a hydrogen sponge, which is housed...

Expiry calculator. (Patent Watch).(for food freshness testing)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... This food freshness determiner is a smart system which not only knows when food should be eaten by when unopened, but can work out a new expiry date for opened food. It uses an optical barcode reader (FR2809519) with a memory, internal clock,...

Mouse mat with pullout writing board. (Patent Watch).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The number of peripherals required by the average computer user often leaves very little space on the desk. This mouse mat (GB2366247) optimises space and also solves the problem of finding where you left your writing pad amongst the clutter....

Electric armour repels rocket attacks. (Design News).(Defense Science and Technology Laboratory develops light weight vehicle to carry rocket propelled grenade)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), the scourge of armoured fighting vehicles worldwide, may finally meet their match if a UK developed electric armour system gets the green light from military bosses. The ready availability of RPGs - they...

Motors without windings. (Design News).(G an G Technology develops electric motor)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... G&G Technology, a California-based motor manufacturer, has developed an electric motor in which the traditional armature and stator windings of copper wire are replaced with motor coils made from precision machined copper sheet metal. The...

R&D is healthy. (Design News).(research and design for patents)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Despite a turbulent past year for many of the UK's hi-tech companies, a study carried out by Derwent Information shows that the big players are still investing heavily in research and development. Derwent's annual study into the number of basic...

Come on you robots.(Japan wins Robocup competition)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... On June 23rd, beneath the bright lights of Japan's Fukuoka dome, American scientists went some way towards avenging June's world cup quarter final defeat to Germany with a deserved win in the finals of this year's Robocup competition. ...

Rethinking the cpu fan.(Yen Sun Technology redevelops the central processing unit fan)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2002... As you can imagine, we get tonnes of fan mail here at DE. And, amidst the glowing tributes to the fine work we do, we also get lots of mail about fans. The trouble with fans, and computer fans specifically, is that there's rarely anything...

Win a Dremel. (Brain Teaser).
July 1, 2002... Bosch-Rexroth is kindly giving away a Dremel power tool to the first person with the right answer to this month's brainteaser. Dremel is a successful brand of the Bosch Power Tools division.

Last month's winner. (Brain Teaser).
July 1, 2002... Last month we asked whether a digital logic circuit with two inverters can invert N independent inputs? Take it from us, the answer is yes! And the lucky winner is a Mr John Thompson

Now on to to this month's teaser. (Brain Teaser).
July 1, 2002... Q A control panel has three switches. Each switch operates one light bulb in another part of the house, which is up three flights of stairs. You cannot see the light from any of the bulbs from the control panels location. When you arrive, all...

'Boring and pointless'. (Editor's Comment).(science education not lively enough)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
July 1, 2002... At the heart of every engineer is a scientist, or at least an interest in science. Pity then that science lessons for teenagers are so boring they are putting pupils off science for life. That's the finding of the Commons science and technology...

Report highlights Bluetooth fears. (Design News).(Flomerics report)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... In a study that has huge implications for device manufacturers, simulation expert Flomerics claims that plastic enclosures could have seriously negative effects on the Radio Frequency (RF) signal performance of Bluetooth antennae. ...

Oil free librication. (Design News).(SKF releases new bearings)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... New Hybrid bearings from SKF could help the designers of refrigeration and air-conditioning compressors get around a perennial bearing problem. Typically, in order to keep the bearings lubricated in a compressor, oil is mixed with the...

www.sim-serv.com. (On-Line).
July 1, 2002... The recently launched Sim-serv (simulation services) initiative is the first of two multi-million Euro initiatives aimed at improving manufacturing processes using simulation techniques. Check out the site for more information on the project,...

www.42volt.dupont.com. (On-Line).(Dupont introduces information services)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... If you're an automotive designer or engineer this website is for you. Recently launched by Dupont, the site provides general and detailed information about the challenges and opportunities posed by the shift to higher-voltage electrical systems...

www.watchthatpage.com/. (On-Line).(online services information)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... It's all very well bookmarking your favourite websites, but if, like us, you've recorded the addresses of thousands of interesting sites, the chances of visiting them regularly are low, and who knows how many fascinating updates you could be...

http://www.asme.org/education/precollege/magic/. (On-Line).
July 1, 2002... What do Paul Daniels, David Blame and the Great Soprendo all have in common? That's right, they're all engineers. In an inspired effort to get engineering to appeal to schoolkids, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers uses this section...

http://members.lycos.nl.amazingart. (On-Line).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Finally this month, if you've got spare moment you might like to take a look at 'The Amazing Art Site'. Packed with optical illusions, impossible objects and hidden images this is a fine way to get those synapses firing after a relaxing...

E-mails to the editor.(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2002... Sir, Whilst your message is very clear, a host of factors conspire against your suggestion (National Engineering Exhibition Editors Comment May 2002). 1. We are a nation in which manufacturing as an activity each year accounts for less of...

10 views on vision. (Vision Systems).
July 1, 2002... With so many vision sensors available today, it can be a daunting task to figure out which one is right for your particular application. Will the product you're evaluating handle the variable conditions? What are the latest networking...

Single minded: Braintech of Canada has developed a unique technology in response to demands from a major automaker for a robust 3D robot guidance system for automotive part handling applications. (Braintech).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Based on the use of a single Conventional CCD video camera, Braintech's SC3D technology is ideal for robotic handling applications involving precisely manufactured parts like engine heads and manifolds. SC3D's algorithms use a single still...

Let the PC do the work. (Data Acquisition).
July 1, 2002... Whilst manufacturers of traditional (benchtop) test and measurement instruments strive to make their products behave increasingly like PCs, the sensible solution is to make PCs behave more like instruments - so say ALAN TONG and MIKE GREEN who...

A good couple. (Couplings, Clutches & Brakes).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... The design of complex machinery usually includes lay shafts, index boxes, clutches and brakes, all linked with flexible couplings, says GEOFF SPEAR of Lenze. Although con temporary machines achieve many of these motions through servo drives...

RESR launch. (Encoders, Sensors, Measurement).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2002... A new angular encodes from Renishaw is said to offer high accuracy high resolution easy installation and increased maximum speed to provide compatibility with various industry standard controllers, the RESR (rotary encoder system) is available...

Robust encoding. (Encoders, Sensors, Measurement).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Operating on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Newall Measurement's Spherosyn and Microsyn digital lined encoders comprise a tube manufactured from either stainless steel (Spherosyn) or a carbon fibre (Microsyn) loaded with high...

IVO encoder not fussed about bus. (Encoders, Sensors, Measurement).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... With a number of fieldbus networks to choose from, OEMs and control designers are frequently faced with the costly problem of adapting their automation system to the bus system preferred by each customer. A new multiturn encoder from German...

Small but secure encoder breakthrough. (Encoders, Sensors, Measurement).
July 1, 2002... Stegmann has claimed a first with the launch of a MiDiencoder with HIPERFACE interface. The SKS-36 is the first in a line of miniaturised optical encoders expected to allow motor manufacturers to reduce the length of their products. This...

Rotary torque transducers. (Encoders, Sensors, Measurement).
July 1, 2002... Sensor Technology has announced 'a radical new technology for measuring rotary torque.' Developed in conjunction with a UK government project, Torqsense transducers are low cost, non-contact rotary torque transducers said to be suitable...

Free cost-cutting. (Electric Motors).
July 1, 2002... Baldor has published a software program which analyses in cost terms exactly what benefits electric motor users can gain by installing new generations of highly energy-efficient products. Called BE$T, the software which is provided free -...

Tolerant attitude. (Electric Motors).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Tackling the effects of vibration and thermal expansion in electric motors can be difficult and expensive using traditional approaches. By contrast, tolerance rings provide a means of mounting bearings that allows motors both to run faster and...

Straight out of Crompton. (Electric Motors).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Brook Crompton has developed a range of motors called WP designated Eff1, the highest classification in the new motor efficiency labelling scheme. These improvements have been achieved by optimising the winding style and rotor slot geometry....

WEG's efficient motors live long and prosper too. (Electric Motors).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... WEG claims that its W21 line of high efficiency motors provide a cost effective and simple way to reduce energy costs to combat the effects of the Climate Change Levy. In field tests, replacing an existing standard 2 pole 18.5kw motor with a...

AEG eff1 motors. (Electric Motors).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... With the global drive to reduce CO2 emissions and the added incentive to improve competitiveness, energy efficiency is moving up the agenda for governments and industry alike. AEG's new AMHE motor range conforms to the highest class eff1 from...

Delcam claims world first. (Virtual Production).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Delcam plans to launch the world's first Total Modelling CAD solution, a patented development that will reportedly bring together elements of Decam's Power Solution software range in a fully integrated combination of solid modelling, surface...

MSC launches V5i. (Virtual Production).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... MSC has launched the visualNastran V5i family of products based upon the Dassault Systems V5 Component Application Architecture (CAA). According to MSC, these products will complement CATIA v5 Analysis solutions by providing generative...

Latest Autovue announced. (Virtual Production).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Cimmetry Systems has announced the availability of AutoVue 16.1, which includes EDA support for several PCB Design and Electronics Schematics formats. Other features and enhancements in the release include 3D Markup of parts and assemblies...

Morphing. (Virtual Production).
July 1, 2002... Dassault had released 3D PLM Version 5 Release 9 (V5R9). V5R9 is said to provide customers with automatic intelligent product morphing. This involves the combination of data generated from previous development program and/or predefined...

Is it safe? (Virtual Production).
July 1, 2002... Safe Technology plans to release fe-safe V4.13 in September. The suite of fatigue analysis software will incorporate improvements including fe-safe Wizard and ferotate said to be ideal for the quick analyis of components such as wheels bearings...

Fatal Concorde fire explained: researchers L. MA and M. Pourkashanian of leeds university CFD centre employed the VOF model in FLUENT to study the fire that brought down Concorde in July 2000. (Virtual Production--FEA/CFD).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... A fatal accident in July 2000 involving an Air France Concorde near the Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris led to the temporary grounding of the entire fleet of these supersonic passenger planes. An investigation revealed that a metal strip...

Seal costs cut. (Market Place).
July 1, 2002... A new advanced sealing technology called LaserFace has been introduced by John Crane. LaserFace incorporates unique seal face structures and enhances performance in difficult seal applications. It also reduces costs as it is being supplied to...

Smarter logic. (Market Place).
July 1, 2002... The new AS-i SmartLogic module from sensing and control expert, IFM Electronic, not only operates as an AS-i slave with four inputs and four outputs, but also incorporates a microprocessor which users can program like a programmable controller,...

Pointing ahead. (Market Place).
July 1, 2002... The Weidmuller K Series enclosures are constructed in aluminium and offer environmental protection to IP 66 and IP 67. As well as preventing moisture ingress to ensure full functionality under exposed conditions including precipitation, snow...

Fork sensors. (Market Place).
July 1, 2002... The STM range of optical fork sensors now available from OEM Automatic Ltd is suited to a multitude of applications. Available in a variety of sizes with 4 different 'leg' lengths and a selection of fork widths, from 5mm to 250mm these sensors...

Remote monitoring. (Market Place).
July 1, 2002... E-View is a new software based HMI system from Mitsubishi Electric that fills a unique gap in the automation marketplace, sitting between dedicated HMIs and PC based SCADA. The construction of user screens and interactive functions are built in...

On course. (Market Place).
July 1, 2002... After four rounds of the Michelin Porsche Cup the ultrafilter international sponsored Paragon Racing car of Mark Sumpter lies in a clear second place in the championship table after a highly competitive weekend at Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps...

Extreme lube. (Market Place).
July 1, 2002... Market leading lubricant manufacturer, Rocol Lubricants, has launched an improved version of one of its most successful lubricants. A popular product from Rocal's Sapphire range of bearing greases, the new Sapphire Extreme has been reformulated...

Bigger and stronger. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Designed for the rapid, blind sided assembly of load bearing structural joints that require high shear and tensile strength, the Textron Fastening Systems range of Monobolt structural breakstem fasteners has just been expanded to include a...

Extended range. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Industry safety specialist Castell has increased its range of high specification shotbolts for machine guarding and controlled-access applications. The Electrobolt 700 and 700LD shotbolts are electrically continuously rated and have mechanical...

Cool machine. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Dynacast Ltd is introducing the next-generation of its proprietary zinc diecasting machines in the new, more efficient A2 plus at its production facility in Alcester. The new machines combine state-of-the-art technology enhanced by years of...

Navy supplied. (Market Place).
July 1, 2002... Lemo (UK) Ltd, a leader in the field of a specialist fibre optic interconnection, is supplying a fibre optic interconnection system for a major contract with the Hellenic Navy. The 3K.03A series connector is being used in the contract to supply...

Money talks in steel. (Market Place).
July 1, 2002... Recent investment at Sandvik Espanola S.A, Sandvik Steel's stainless steel wire and profiles producing plant at Martorelles, near Barcelona has increased production capacity for profiles used in applications as varied as watch bracelets, blades...

Who are ya? (Market Place).
July 1, 2002... Whilst most Service Engineers endure delays at the airport, Andy Nixon of Huddersfield based Hansen Transmissions Ltd was more than happy to spend time chatting at Seoul airport. On his return from a routine service call to a power station in...

Brakes are off. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Entrelec MTE, a member of the ABB Group, has updated its Powerbrake range of DC injection brakes, designed to enable woodworking machines to stop safely and quickly, to incorporate a number of important new features such as thyristor integrity...

Aptec in pole position. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Poeton Aptec Ltd, the motorsport division of surface coating specialist Poeton Industries, has supplied its Apticote Ceramic 2000 cylinder bore coating to Perfect Bore Ltd, who work closely with the Mercedes engine builders that manufacture the...

Stay on track. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Pintsch Aben B.V. - a Dutch based company specialising in railway traffic technology - are using CKS Industrial Computers to control the main system components for their Gas-Infrared Switchpoint Heating System. CKS Holdings Ltd are a specialist...

Air tests sorted. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... A surrey-based company that heat treats and tests components for suppliers in the aircraft industry has chosen a Hounsfield test machine and software to replace its existing 10 year0old Hounsfield machine. The older machine is not being...

No more noisy cars. (Marketplace).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... A new metal wedge hemi-anechoic chamber, designed and manufactured by Eckel Noise Control Technologies, has been supplied to the Engineering and Training Centre, Belgium for Toyota. The chamber is used for NVH testing and for company service...

Heat adds up. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The latest version of Rittal's 'Therm' software will calculate thermal parameters and choose the appropriate options for enclosure temperature control. Within the same package Rittal include 'RiDiag' software, a diagnostic tool, which allows...

IFM control the Es. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Ideal for incorporation into modern distributed control systems, yet powerful and versatile enough for use as a standalone programmable controller, the new Controller E from sensing and control expert, IFM Electronic, incorporates up to two...

Coloured lables. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The Tyco Electronics' Identification business unit has introduced the TP Tape range of printable, self-laminating labels. They are designed to offer a superior identification system for aircraft pipes, hoses and electrical conduit. It provides...

New models. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The introduction of five totally new models has completed CompAir's L series range of oil injected rotary screw compressors, first introduced to the UK last year with four high-output models. The new lower output L07 to 122 models offer motor...

Easy range. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Following on from the success of its existing range of Easy control relays, Moeller has expanded the series with the addition of the Easy 800 relay. The Easy 800 relay provides even more capability including network functionality but retains...

Bio-Chek is inert. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Bio-Chem Valve has developed a nonmetallic, self-sealing inline check valve for handling low volume, low flow transfers. The inert Bio-Chek in-line check valve prevents unintended liquid backflow in high purity, low pressure fluid transfer...

Seals in ovens. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Following the success of earlier installations, a further three Heraeus infra-red ovens have been supplied to the Jaguar S-type production line. The new ovens are being used to facilitate the fitting of rubber door and boot seals at the Castle...

Plug in choice. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Compact interface relays with high current ratings, relays with gold flashed contacts and relays offering enhanced current ratings in an industry-standard format are among the many new products which Telemecanique, a brand of Schneider...

ABB's new analysers. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Two conductivity measurements providing before and after water treatment readings, inferred pH displays, on board diagnostics and a host of supporting smart features have all been integrated into a single monitoring unit to form part of ABB's...

VERO solution. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Andrew Wheals of Staffordshire based Rupzo Design Services has put his faith in the VISI-series CAD/CAM software solution from Vero to act as the cornerstone of his specialist press tool design service for predominantly 'body in white'...

Sarel helps out. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Customised sheet-steel enclosures from Sarel, a brand of Schneider Electric, have made it possible for Don Controls to manufacture 500 control panels in just eight weeks, for use as part of a major infrastructure project in Nigeria. Each...

Small but strong fan. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Offering increased flow rate at high pressures, Papst's 414JHH fan offers a cooling solution for low-profile cabinet applications. Measuring just 40 by 40 by 25mm, the diminutive but powerful fan is particularly suited to 1U rack mount, high...

Lottery winner. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... UK lottery operator Camelot has placed an order with Modular Automation for an automation system to speed the distribution of gaming cards. The system picks and compiles orders for a range of gaming cards. The system picks and compiles order...

TIA tools. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The range of de-flashing tool solutions from Tatem Industrial Automation Ltd has been extended to include Flexifile 2000. This is a high-spec compliant product which can be robot or even tool-stand mounted. It has been designed for use in...

SETNET set to stimulate. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Yvonne Baker has become the Manager of Science and Engineering Ambassadors for SETNET (The Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics Network). Yvonne's role within this government initiative is to use scientists, engineers,...

Plastic growth. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The take-over by Economos of Belgian company Technaplast NV, one of Europe's top manufacturers of machine engineered plastic components, has given a major boost to Economos' drive to maintain market dominance in the design and manufacture of...

Pinder buyout. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Peterborough's Pinder Versatool Ltd, one of the UK's highest quality precision sheet metal engineers, has relocated following a management takeover, headed by Malcolm Bayes, who takes the reins as Managing Director. Malcolm has over 40 years'...

RT310 epoxy encapsulant. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Resintech RT310 Epoxy Encapsulant is a low viscosity epoxy potting compound with low exotherm making it ideal for thicker sections and delicate components. Its insulation qualities also make it an attractive encapsulant for potting electrical...

Butt welding. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Multi-metals processor and distributor Cashmores has introduced a narrow coil spool winder with integral butt welding. Benefits for customers include less handling of material, less scrap and less downtime. The winder is capable of producing...

Cider drinkers. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... HP Bulmer, the UK's largest cider manufacturer, has improved safety at its Hereford site with the installation of twin-key electrical switches from Castell. Bulmer has purchased 18 KSE20 units for the filler, palletiser and depalletiser on its...

Invensys food deal. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The world's fifth largest food company General Mills has announced an expanded purchasing agreement with Invensys intended to standardise deployment of the company's manufacturing automation solutions. The agreement, which includes the...

Navy cranes. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Sheffield-based mechanical handling specialist Street Cranexpress has completed the second phase of a prestigious [pounds sterling] 2.5 million contract to develop bespoke crane systems for three Royal Navy aircraft carriers. HMS Ark Royal...

Raytek sensor. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Featuring the industry's smallest non-contact infra-red temperature sensing head, the Raytek MID (Miniature Digital) sensor is ideal for production and equipment monitoring applications where large sensors are impractical or multiple sensors...

Speciality materials. (Market Place).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Following a review of available high performance solvents and systems, Twickenham Plating has replaced its Trichloroethylene (Trike) systems with a semi-automatic co-solvent cleaning process, using HFE-based 3M Novec Engineered fluid, a new...

Curtis website. (Marketplace).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... Curtis Instruments has completed phase one of the company's e-commerce development programme, with the introduction of Curtis UK on-line at www.curtisinst.co.uk. Curtis UK online is an information and sales website that allows users to buy...

Angelic website. (Marketplace).(advertisement)
July 1, 2002... The Angel modular machine guarding system, launched last year by Procter Brothers, now has its own dedicated website at www.angelmachineguards.com. The new website reflects the way in which the Angel system is in a league of its own in...