Resource: Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World articles from February 2002

Resource: Engineering & Technology for a Sustainable World archives from February 2002

Brookhaven, DuPont develop catalysts. (Update).(ruthenium-based processes)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... A new class of catalysts could someday convert plant-derived feedstocks or raw materials into industrially useful materials such as chemicals and synthetic fibers. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and...

U of M study: Aeration reduces phosphorus in swine manure. (Update).(University of Minnesota)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Aerating liquid swine manure can reduce soluble phosphorus in manure, a University of Minnesota (U of M) study shows. High phosphorus levels in manure can be a threat to water quality when the manure is applied to farm fields. ASAE member...

Customers prefer clean energy sources. (Update).(choice in sources of electricity options explored)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Giving consumers more say in how their electricity is generated could boost solar, wind and other "green power" sources 40 percent by the end of the decade, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories' study shows. Energy...

Penn State develops "smart" fence. (Update).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Pennsylvania State University researchers have created what they call an inexpensive way to allow new or existing fences to detect, locate and classify intruders. David Swanson, associate professor of acoustics and senior research...

Soy bread makes debut. (Update).(Ohio State University food science research)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Scientists at The Ohio State University say they have developed the first soy bread that is healthy -- and tastes good. "This is the first soy baked good that can legitimately carry the FDA claim that consuming it is associated with a lower...

Cottonseed could feed trout industry. (Update).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Ohio's aquaculture industry can now offer consumers organically grown fish thanks to cottonseed meal, an alternative food source for farm-raised trout. The Ohio State University natural resource researchers recently replaced fish meal...

Ground water age affects contamination. (Update).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Recent work by two University of Illinois geologists shows that ground water in aquifers is older than previously thought based on flow velocity. The findings, by Craig Bethke and Thomas Johnson, have implications in using radiometric...

Consider leap year in climate predictions. (Update).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... A word of warning to scientists studying climate change: Factor leap year into calculations. So says Stanford University researcher Raphael Sagarin. His research focuses on recent climate studies that document spring's early arrival, which...

Forests could reduce global warming. (Update).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison and Harvard University reports that forest management may prevent an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Although many groups have proposed forest management as an easy way...

Automatic Pilot: Computer guidance steers high-speed agricultural vehicles.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... ********** Recent renewed interest in automated guidance technologies could benefit the agriculture industry. One area that could profit from this concept is chemical application. Trends in equipment development have been toward wider,...

Showcasing skills: A professional portfolio goes beyond the curriculum vitae.
February 1, 2002... ********** Engineers and science professionals contribute to society by improving technology to help produce people's basic needs -- food, clothing and shelter. However, the U.S. public often questions these contributions and...

Precision and profits: Producers heed bottom line when considering high-tech farming methods.
February 1, 2002... ********** Proving that precision farming can be profitable is an interdisciplinary problem shared by the engineers who develop technology and the agronomists who use it to gather data on crop growth and yield. Often, neither group...

Learning communities: Environments created to help new students succeed.
February 1, 2002... ********** The first year of college can be overwhelming for many students adjusting to their new life and higher-education responsibilities. But a new trend, "learning communities," has been sweeping across campuses throughout the...

EPA funds technology development projects. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Small Business Innovation Research program has awarded contracts to four firms to develop new environmental technologies. These technologies aim to improve recycling efforts, detect...

A&T, UK e-tailing focuses on agriculture. (Business Briefs).(North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and University of Kentucky)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 1, 2002... A new project at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T) will teach students how to use the Internet to sell agricultural and other products. A&T is teaming with the University of Kentucky to develop a global...

Soybean plant slates 2002 opening. (Business Briefs).(Harvest States Co-Op to open in Fairmont, Minnesota)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Harvest States company is scheduling its new soybean crushing plant in Fairmont, Minn., to begin operation before 2003. The facility, which will produce an estimated 110,000 bushels daily, will be Harvest States' second soybean processing...

Midwest efforts prove recycling pays. (Business Briefs).(recycling facilities economics)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 1, 2002... U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 states lead the nation in economic impacts of recycling, the U.S. Recycling Economic Information Study shows. The EPA commissioned the research along with state governments and the...

Grant approved to fund fluid power lab. (Business Briefs).(Otto Maha's endowment to fund laboratory at Purdue University)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... A laboratory featuring innovations in fluid power technology will be established at Purdue University as the first project funded from a $4 million endowment provided by Otto Maha, who died in 1999. Maha helped develop standards for the...

GIPSA verifies Neogen's Starlink[TM] test. (Business Briefs).(Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) has verified that Neogen Corp.'s Agri-Screen Cry9C Strip Test detects one kernel of StarLink corn in 800 kernels within 10 minutes. GIPSA's test verification is for...

Deere approves eco-friendly biodiesel. (Business Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... John Deere has approved soy-based biodiesel use for all of its diesel-powered products. Deere officials say the announcement is the latest step in the company's 35-year commitment to bio-based alternative fuel development. "The...

Smart Growth - www.epa.gov/smartgrowth. (New on the Net).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency site provides information about "smart growth," a concept that aims to prevent over development and create communities that balance growth with environmental protection and economic development.

Nutritional Guide -- Nutraingredients.com. (New on the Net).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... This European portal focuses on health ingredients for formulating and marketing dietary supplements, nutraceuticals and functional foods. It targets scientists, buyers and marketing managers in the nutrition and natural food industry.

Technology and issues -- www.scidev.net. (New on the Net).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... This site includes information and debate on issues such as climate change, genetically modified crops, human cloning and intellectual property. Financial support is provided by the United Kingdom Department for International Development, the...

Inside ASAE.(American Society of Agricultural Engineers)
February 1, 2002... PBS Television Show to Profile ASAE. ASAE will be featured in a new public television documentary series set to debut in early 2002. The "Voices of Vision" series will profile organizations and institutions that help shape the world....

New CD-Rom. (From the Manufacturers).(from Schlumberger Industries Inc. Measurement Div.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... New CD-Rom describes flow measurement information for products from Schlumberger Measurement Division. Included are photographs, specifications, performance data, applications flow charts and ideas. Technical specification sheets are provided...

PWM converters. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... PWM converters convert pulse width modulated signals into analogue signals for mobile equipment, industrial automation and power generation applications. The PWM can convert PWM signals from a speed control system to the specific current input...

Series DMF Digital Mass Flow Controllers. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Series DMF Digital Mass Flow Controllers can be programmed for various control functions including flow set point, totalizer, stop totalizer, totalize from preset flow, stop and preset auto, and auto zero. The auto zero feature uses an...

PowerDAS. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... PowerDAS analog output boards offer three operation modes: waveform update, waveform generation and conventional software update. Each channel on a board runs independently. All boards provide three counter timers with eight to 96 analog output...

Multi-port check valves. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Multi-port check valves control flows in vacuum or pressure lines by permitting flow in one direction and preventing flow in the opposite direction. They operate in any orientation and can be used for liquid service. Check valves are...

360-degree metal swivel fittings. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... 360-degree metal swivel fittings are available in brass, nickel-plated brass or stainless steel. These fittings offer design engineers easy access in tight spots. They are produced in straight connectors, elbows and tees. The fittings can be...

Model IL In-Line Infrared Sensors. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Model IL In-Line Infrared Sensors provide the advantages of infrared temperature measurement in a compact, integrated sensor. The IL can replace contact probes with a J-type thermocouple or a 0- to 5-volt output.

Absolute multi-turn encoder. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Absolute multi-turn encoder uses integrated technology smaller than most common incremental encoders. Small, hollow shafts make encoder installation easier. Features include high shock and vibration resistance.

ESH 1000. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... ESH 1000 series PCI boards control stepping motors and servomotors. The 12 general purpose control bits are optically isolated. The controllers also provide dual-port RAM for special functions such as capturing motion profiles. Feedback from...

Series GFM Gas Mass Flow Meter. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Series GFM Gas Mass Flow Meter measures mass flow rather than volumetric flow. The device is undaunted by fluctuations in line pressures and temperatures. The units operate with clean gases, which are compatible with the 316 stainless steel...

Software libraries. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Software libraries for the AR4000 and AR600 laser displacement sensors are for use with Acuity Research Inc. products. This suite includes routines for configuring and obtaining data, which may be used in application programs written in C, C++...

Evaluation Position Transducer Program. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Evaluation Position Transducer Program allows prospective Space-Age Control Inc. miniature position transducer users to evaluate product performance in their work environment for a mutually agreed upon time. The program allows users to get real...

Panel meters. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Panel meters meet the price-sensitive requirements of the high-volume, OEM market. Available in packs of 0, the series includes three 3.5-digit LCD voltmeters with digit heights ranging from 0.25 inch and 0.5 inch to 0.63 inch. Each has a 200...

Hydraulic Maintenance and Safety program. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Hydraulic Maintenance and Safety program contains new information to minimize repairs, production downtime and worker injury. It consists of an on-site seminars and a 72-page manual to help maintenance managers, repair technicians and machine...

Model CAL20 RTD Calibrator. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Model CAL20 RTD Calibrator independently measures and simulates common RTD signals. It calibrates electronic process equipment such as controllers, transmitters and recorders. Each is accompanied by a NIST certificate of traceability. The Model...

Masterlign[R]. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Masterlign[R] is a fully upgradeable entry level laser shaft alignment tool for horizontal machines. It offers continuous sweep measure mode with results obtained in a quarter turn of the shafts. The battery-powered unit is water proof and...

Vibscanner[R]. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Vibscanner[R] lightweight data collector features built-in sensors for 10 machine parameters: vibration acceleration, displacement and velocity according to ISO standards and shock pulse for bearing damage and lubrication condition, pump...

Series 645 Wet/Wet Differential Pressure Transmitter. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Series 645 Wet/Wet Differential Pressure Transmitter with three-valve manifold assembly eliminates fluctuations in readings by allowing the user to purge the system. The unit features two bleed ports to permit total removal of air in the line...

Machined spring. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Machined spring incorporates multiple features in a one component. It accepts attachments that best fit the applications. The ends of a compression spring may be flat and square. the slot is of constant width from end to end so there is no...

Model MTL10 Mini Temperature Data Logger. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Model MTL10 Mini Temperature Data Logger stores up to 2,048 temperature readings and can be set for continuous measurement or stop recording when memory is full. Recordings can be programmed to begin immediately, delayed up to six weeks or...

AccuStudy[TM]. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... AccuStudy[TM] is a software program for time and motion study. It uses handheld touch screen technology to capture data and automatically creates detail reports and summaries that identify opportunities for increasing productivity. AccuStudy...

Toppa Series. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... Toppa Series pneumatically powered diaphragm pump is a lightweight injection-molded drum/transfer pump for detergents, water treatment chemicals, plating solutions or mildly aggressive chemicals. Wetted material feature a polypropylene pump...

NBH and NBV. (From the Manufacturers).
February 1, 2002... NBH and NBV full-featured portable workstations offer GigaHertz power in compact, portable carrying cases. NBH Series PCs come with four horizontal drive bays. Vertical bays in NBV Series provide room for larger mother boards and more powerful...

Enough is enough: Rural leaders must take a stand to end childhood fatalities on farms. (Last Word).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... During the past 18 months, numerous children have died of traumatic agricultural injuries in Minnesota and other areas of the United States. Each year we lose about 100 children in the U.S. farm workplace to machinery entanglements,...

NIST seeks "designer soot" recipe. (Update).(National Institute of Standards and Technology)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory is developing "designer soot." Produced under controlled conditions in NIST's spray combustion facility, the soot research is part of an...