Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles from December 2003

Hydraulics & Pneumatics archives from December 2003

Mature, but not stagnant.(Editor's Page)
December 1, 2003... Think fluid power is a mature technology where not much is happening? Think again. For example, in July, we wrote about the Sanderson mechanism, an assembly that converts rotational motion to linear, or vice versa. It is said to be dramatically...

Bad management.(Reader's Forum)
December 1, 2003... I read your editorial with respect to "X" managers, and in all the years I have worked under these type of people, I have seen business fail, dissolve, or be destroyed with their draconian approach. I do support the need for facts and figures...

Given up on Wal Mart.(Reader's Forum)
December 1, 2003... I read your comment about Wal-Mart with great interest. I have given up shopping there, unless there's absolutely no other alternative (I've yet to find that Target or Kmart didn't have what I wanted). I am concerned not only about the high...

The influential farmer.(Reader's Forum)
December 1, 2003... I am probably dating myself too much, but the strongest influences on me to become an engineer were my father the farmer, who seemingly invented something new every week out of the equipment and materials laying around a farm in the 50's, and...

To the Max.(Reader's Forum)
December 1, 2003... One of my favorites was the engineer on Get Smart who would give Maxwell a new device each week to help with his assignment. Pen guns, fly microphones (bugs and shoe telephones. If anything, the show illustrated the need for testing prototypes....

More favorites.(Reader's Forum)
December 1, 2003... A few more votes: * Gary Cooper in the movie The Fountainhead * Mr. Brady on The Brady Bunch * Tim Allen on Home Improvement--always making tools and appliances go faster and making them more powerful * Michael Keaton in Mr....

Engineering 101.(Reader's Forum)
December 1, 2003... I would have to agree my favorite movie depicting engineers in action would be Apollo 13. Favorite line (Gene Kranz): "Don't tell me what it was designed to do, tell what it can do!" After seeing that movie, I said it should be shown to every...

Industry shipments & order statistics.
December 1, 2003... [GRAPHIC OMITTED] [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Orders and shipments (Cumulative year-to-date percent changes) Pneumatic Industrial Hydraulic Mobile Hydraulic Month Shipments Orders Shipments Orders...

Here's an easy way to find fluid power products.(NFPA News)
December 1, 2003... Do you need a quick and easy way to find fluid power products and the companies that manufacture them? Do you want the added convenience of links to the manufacturers' Web sites? NFPA's online Fluid Power Product Locator is the answer. ...

Two recently published technical standards are now available from NFPA.(NFPA News)
December 1, 2003... * NFPA/T2.25.1 R2-2003, Pneumatic fluid power--Systems standard for industrial machinery--Supplement to ISO 4414:1998--Pneumatic fluid power--General rules for systems. This standard provides general rules relating to pneumatic systems used in...

National Engineers Week takes on the world.(Industry News)
December 1, 2003... National Engineers Week 2004, February 22-28, co-chaired by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE/IEEE-USA) and the Fluor Corp., celebrates the international engineering community with two key programs. New Faces of...

Moog completes facilities in Germany.(Industry News)
December 1, 2003... Moog Inc. has completed a new facility for manufacturing its RKP radial piston pumps in Nuremberg, Germany, and a facility for advanced product design and testing in Boblingen, Germany. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Boblingen facility...

Spring into EASA's seminars.(Industry News)
December 1, 2003... The Electrical Apparatus Service Association has announced its Spring 2004 seminar schedule, open to members and nonmembers. Available seminars include: * Principles of large ac motors--Jan. 30 to 31 in St. Louis--Examines a range of...

Anniversaries.
December 1, 2003... ADDCO Inc., St. Paul, held an open house Oct. 10 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. John A. Nicholson formed the Nicholson Co. in 1953. Nicholson Co. became the first air-cooled Deutz diesel engine distributor in the U.S. In the 1970s,...

Safety seminar set for February.(Industry News)
December 1, 2003... The Association of Equipment Manufacturers will hold its annual product safety seminar February 2-4, 2004, at the Westin O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Ill. The seminar provides an industrywide forum on proactive issues for product safety and risk...

New standards available from NFPA.(Industry News)
December 1, 2003... Six new ISO documents have been published and are available from the National Fluid Power Association: * ISO 8778:2003 Pneumatic fluid power--Standard reference atmosphere (2nd edition, superseding ISO 8778:1990). Price: $36; $31 (NFPA...

Freight car weight transferred to a fluid column.(50 Years Ago ...)
December 1, 2003... From the December 1953 issue of Applied Hydraulics (the original title of H & P): By means of a hydraulic lift, the 1-1/4-ton Hemco-Motive can switch and spot freight cars weighing more than 360 tons. It takes traction and leverage to do...

Four cylinders are controlled.(50 Years Ago ...)
December 1, 2003... The hydraulic system consists of a four-plunger, double-acting valve, which controls the four cylinders. This control valve has a built-in differential, adjustable relief valve. The control valve in neutral position blocks the return of the...

Bosch Rexroth Corp.(People)
December 1, 2003... Bosch Rexroth Corp. has announced the retirement of Michael Bickel, vice president and general manager of its Mobile Hydraulics manufacturing facility in Wooster, Ohio, effective Jan. 1, 2004. Bickel started at the Wooster facility in 1965 as a...

It's hip to be square--at least for seals.(Ideas & Applications)
December 1, 2003... Because of their versatility, O-rings are almost a universal type of seal. But under some circumstances, a square cross-section seal is more appropriate. Because O-rings are molded, anything other than a circular cross section calls for a...

Hydraulics keeps things rolling at the zoo.(Ideas & Applications)
December 1, 2003... Atrip to the Milwaukee County Zoo is not complete without a ride on their nostalgic train--an antique steam locomotive that is a must-see--especially any train enthusiasts. The zoo's two coal-burning locomotives rack up thousands of miles every...

Nuclear subs benefit from twin-seal fittings.(Ideas & Applications)
December 1, 2003... Treadwell Corp., Thomaston, Conn., designs and builds oxygen and hydrogen generation systems--many of them for military applications. Since the commissioning of the USS Nautilus, Treadwell's electrolytic oxygen generators (EOGs) have been...

Frequency response testing.(Motion Control)
December 1, 2003... The general procedure for frequency response testing subjects the test specimen to a sinusoidal input signal of very low frequency with an amplitude large enough to cause a substantial, but not excessive, output response. Our interest is in the...

Electrohydraulic Servo and Proportional Systems.(Motion Control)
December 1, 2003... Designer's Handbook for Electrohydraulic Servo and Proportional Systems covers electrohydraulic system design, control, and analysis by teaching principles and reviewing practical problems from the real world instead of endlessly discussing...

Dryer eliminates rework in finish operations: moisture in a compressed air system can damage not only pneumatic components, but finished products as well.(Pneumatic Systems)
December 1, 2003... Installation of a compressed air dryer has helped eliminate rejects and rework caused by water contamination in compressed air lines used to drive electrostatic coating sprayers at the GBC Office Products plant in Booneville, Miss. In the past,...

Semiconductor applications demand precision components.(Pneumatic Systems)
December 1, 2003... One of the main challenges in semiconductor manufacturing is to establish highly controlled facilities--from clean rooms to production lines. The environmental criteria required often allow pneumatics to gain a foothold in these applications....

Actuators.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Torque: 8 to 8,000 Nm (Copar) Bore: 80 to 320 mm (Copac) FEATURES * Copar is quarter-turn rotary actuator * Copac is linear pneumatic actuator * Single-, double-acting * Copac available with integrated...

Table slides.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Stroke length: 1 to 36 in. Bore diameter: 1 to 2 in. FEATURES * External-mounted rodless cylinder * 4 linear ball bearings with long-life bearing seals * Stop screws for accurate stroke adjustment * Sensing...

Alternative to pneumatic cushioning.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Introductory sizes: 2 1/2 to 8 in.bore Max velocities: 3.8 to 1.3 fps Max force: 330 to 3,400 lb FEATURES * Drastically reduces reaction force when piston hits head or cap * Deflection, compression of...

Disappearing gauge.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Length: 50, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200 mm FEATURES * Powered by ISO/VDMA cylinder * Self-lubricating bearing supports guide bar * Ideal for stopping, positioning parts PHD Inc. (800) 624-8511 ...

Solenoid valves.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: to 125 psig Port: 1/4-in. NPSF FEATURES * Five-ported, 4-way * NEMA 4 rating * Nonlocking manual override * Rotatable, interchangeable coils * Mount inline, on manifold, or with DIN rail...

Linear rail slides.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Bore: 6 to 25 mm Stroke: 10 to 120 mm FEATURES * High load capacity * Long seal life * Made of nickel-phosphorus-coated aluminum alloy * Mount, port from multiple sides Schunk Inc. (800) 772-4865...

Sensor valves.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: to 115 psi Port: NPT 1/4, G 1/4 FEATURES * Integrated amplifier, pressure transducer * Short response time * Low hysteresis * No customer adjustments Herion USA (724) 776-5577 ...

Miniature pump.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Flow: to 2.5 lpm Pressure: to 24 psig Vacuum: to 20-in Hg FEATURES * Single head * Micro diaphragm * Available with brush, coreless, brushless motor * 1/8-in ID barbed ports * Temp 5[degrees] to...

Electronic pressure controller.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: to 120 psig Temp: -20[degrees] to 170[degrees]F FEATURES * Watertight, NEMA 4X enclosure * Accuracy [+ or -]0.1% * Selectable setpoint signal source * 32 controllers can be networked via 2-wire...

Poppet valves.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Flow rate: 40 Cv Pressure: to 290 psi Operating temp: -84[degrees] to 174[degrees]F FEATURES * Solenoid, pilot-actuated styles * Inline 2/2, 3/2 * Made of die-cast aluminum * For filtered and...

Corrugated tubing.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Inside diameter: 1/4 to 2 in. Length: to 12 ft FEATURES * Withstands repetitious flexing, bending * Cuffed ends for fitting attachment * Vacuum to 29.9 in./Hg * Contains no plasticizers * Kevlar...

Vacuum cups.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * For end-of-arm tooling in robotic, automation systems * Flat and single-, multiple-bellow styles * Sizes from 2-mm diameter up * For push-in, flanged, barbed fittings * Non-marking silicone Anver Corp. ...

Fill-and-bleed valves.(Pneumatic Systems Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Two poppet valves connected to single outlet * Built-in needle valves provide speed control * Flexibility in adjusting flow controls * Compact, easy to install * Toggle position options Clippard Instrument...

Filter regulator.
December 1, 2003... SPECS Output: to 100 psig Supply pressure: to 250 psig Flow: to 20 scfm FEATURES * NACE-compliant materials * Stable output, repeatability * Tight shutoff * Low air consumption * Taped exhaust ...

Compressed air sensor.
December 1, 2003... SPECS Range: to 132 scfm Pipe diameter: 1/2, 1 in. NPT Output options: switching, analog, pulse FEATURES * Mount in supply pipe or plant zone * Four-digit numeric display * Based on calorimetric-flow sensing...

Pneumatic valve manifolds.
December 1, 2003... SPECS Flow: 0.7 [C.sub.v] FEATURES * Individual sub-bases with internal wiring * One system handles 32 different pressures * Meet IP67/NEMA 6 protection ratings * For washdown applications * Chemical-resistant...

All-in-one: position sensors.(Sensor Tips)
December 1, 2003... CPSI magnetostrictive position sensors from MTS Systems Corp., Sensors Div., Cary, N.C., incorporate all electronics within an IP67-rated metal housing. Pigtail cables are available in standard 1-m lengths, with longer lengths available....

Tough pressure transmitters.(Sensor Tips)
December 1, 2003... A line of industrial pressure transmitters from Turck Inc., Minneapolis, combines the reliability of a solid-state design with the durability of stainless steel. Ceramic component technology provides long-term stability and high tolerance to...

Q & A corner.
December 1, 2003... Reliable magnetostrictive position sensors have been a fixture in cylinders for over 20 years. These versatile sensors form continuous position feedback loops in closed-loop control for acceleration, velocity, and position or position...

Flow sharing: a step beyond load sensing.(Mobile Hydraulics)
December 1, 2003... Flow sharing technology, also known as load independent flow distribution (LIFD), is gaining popularity in mobile applications as it simplifies operator control of equipment when two or more hydraulic actuators operate simultaneously in a...

A little bit of support can be a good thing: properly fastening hydraulic pipe, tubing, and hose in place is critical to the long-term performance of fluid power systems.(Components)
December 1, 2003... Unrestrained hydraulic tubing can emit sound as though it were a tuning fork. Fluid velocity, pressure, and line size all contribute to the high-frequency vibration, line shock, pressure surge, and sound that are prevalent in many hydraulic...

All about bus control.(System Control)(Cover Story)
December 1, 2003... Probably the biggest advantage to serial bus machine control is versatility. Being familiar with the different protocols enables you to take full advantage of this valuable technology. ********** Bus systems have received a lot of...

Hydraulic power units: a hydraulic power unit driven by an electric motor must be sized differently from one driven by an internal combustion engine.(Design Focus)
December 1, 2003... When specifying components for a hydraulic power unit, the prime mover is sized based on torque, speed, and power requirements of the hydraulic pump. This is fairly straightforward for electric motors because they generally have a starting...

Multi-clamp system.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Available in steel, stainless steel, aluminum * Routes single, multiple runs of same-line diameters; multiple runs of various diameters * Stack runs to conserve space * Junction adapters, spacers available ...

Tube supports.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Up to 1-in. OD * For single-, multiple-line configurations * P clamp, support strip, cushioned clamp, bolted plastic clamp types * Available in variety of materials Swagelok Co. (440) 349-5934 ...

Industrial clamps.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Standard, heavy, heavy 4, twin, saddle series * Clamping halves, saddles available in PP or SP * Resists salt water, most chemicals, oils * Applications include offshore, off-highway equipment, marine hydraulics,...

Pipe clamps.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Size: 6 to 500 mm Material: polypropylene, polyamide, aluminum, Santoprene FEATURES * Standard, heavy, twin, lightweight, U-bolt types * Carbon steel hardware * Rubber inserts for vibration reduction, cushioning...

Pipe and tube clamps.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Size: 1/2-in. tube to 6-in. pipe Thick: min. 5/8 in. FEATURES * Solid steel * Precision machined to avoid having to maintain matched pairs * Design allows clamps to be added as afterthought * Available as...

Metric caps.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Protect threaded, nonthreaded fittings * Made of low-density polyethylene * Translucent color * Push-on for removal, reuse * Free samples Niagara Caps & Plugs (800) 458-0465 ...

Port adapters.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Adjustable nut washer O-ring design * More surface area for strength * Rolled threads * O-ring contained in pocket * Available for 37[degrees] JIC (SAE J-514) adapters, face seal Piper Industries Inc. ...

Relief valves.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: to 5,075 psi Flow rate: to 1.3 gpm FEATURES * Open-loop, single-stage * Direct or pilot control * Integral amplifier * Factory-set adjustments Eaton Corp. (952) 937-9800 ...

Electronic pressure control.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: 500 to 4,000 psi FEATURES * Controls company's PVX pumps * Displacement from 0.5 to 12 cir * Modular construction * Handles other system controls Hartmann Controls (262) 367-4299 ...

O-ring kit.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Standard kit contains 382 O-rings * Metric kit contains 404 O-rings * Reduces downtime, inventory * Available at all Pirtek service locations Pirtek USA (321) 504-6006 www.pirtekusa.com Circle 329...

Hydraulic piston pump.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: to 4,060 psi FEATURES * Medium-duty, open circuit * Hydrostatic cam bearings * O-ring seals * One-piece housing, mounting flange * Variety of port blocks Denison Hydraulics (937)...

Accumulators, reservoirs.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Maintenance-free * Zero leakage * For severe, hostile environments * For all hydraulic system applications * For normal, exotic, corrosive fluids Senior Aerospace Metal Bellows (781) 784-1400 ...

Pressure seals.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Operating temp: -10[degrees] to 80[degrees]C Fiber diameter: 5 to 400 [micro]m FEATURES * Permanently sealed * Standard, custom configurations * Brass or stainless steel * Custom fiber lengths Columbia...

Cylinder control.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Digital injection * Internal DeviceNet * External analog * Advanced control algorithms * Eliminates hydraulic shock Bosch Rexroth Corp. (610) 694-8298 www.boschrexroth-us.com Circle 333 ...

Pressure sensors.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: to 20,000 psi FEATURES * NPT, English, metric straight threads * Certified for hazardous environments * Built-in signal conditioning circuitry * Measures surges, pulsations, spikes PCB...

Shock absorbers.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Temp: -20[degrees] to 210[degrees]F FEATURES * 20 million cycle life * Specially engineered bearing, piston head * Long-life rod seal * For high-speed, high-repetition applications * Reduce downtime,...

Manifold valves.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Available in 2-, 3-, 5-valve variation * Hard or soft seat * Inline pipe threads or flanged * Stainless or carbon steel * Mounting hardware available NoShok Inc. (440) 243-0888 www.noshok.com ...

Adjustable snubber.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: to 20,000 psi Temp: -320[degrees] to 1,500[degrees]F Size: 1/4, 1/2 in. FEATURES * Lessens pulsation damage * Improves reading accuracy * Stainless-steel or brass * For heavy oil, water, air...

Pressure sensors.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: -14.7 to 8,820 psi Response: FEATURES * NPN/PNP, analog outputs * 7-segment LED output displays * Quick-connect or grommet connections * Up to IP67 rating * For air, noncorrosive gases, water,...

Transfer valves.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: to 1,600 psi Size: 1 1/2 to 10 in. FEATURES * Zero leak * Retractable, fully covered elastomer shoes * Fabricated steel construction * Positive mechanical lockdown device * Meets API...

Hose assembly.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Assembles high-pressure flexible hoses on site * Shell, crimp, grab-ring couplings * BSP, DIN, JIC, SAE, GAZ, JIS, other OEM terminations * Variety of sizes, styles Detroit Mediterranea S.r.l. 39 02...

Pressure sensor.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: to 10,000 psi FEATURES * Wide operating temperature * Low static, thermal errors * Withstands harsh environments * No silicone oil, welds, O-rings * Compatible with wide range of liquids, gases...

Port/fitting system.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Size: 1/4 to 1 1/2 in. FEATURES * Protects against fluid leakage * Double seal, metal-to-metal cone seal, radial O-ring seal * Swivel nut * No need for adapters Fluid Line Products Inc. (440) 946-9470...

Pumping system.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * Combines motor controller with proprietary control algorithms * Maintains full pressure at 0 rpm * Provides full torque from 0 to full speed * Ripple-free hydraulic power * Stops energy waste * Runs with...

Couplings and adapters.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: 10,000, 15,000 psi Connection: 1/8 to 1 in. FEATURES * NPT threaded connections * Stainless steel * NPT reducer couplings available High Pressure Equipment Co. (814) 838-2038 ...

Inflatable grippers.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Size: 0.67 to 1.85-in. resting insertion diameter Pressure need: 15 psi FEATURES * Inflatable rubber bladder grips from inside * Provides instant attach-and-release * Non-marring * Locks with screw collar...

Smart cylinders.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Stroke length: to 1 m Speed: to 1.5 m per sec FEATURES * Compliant to ISO 6431 and VDMA 24562 standards * Requires 1 electrical, 1 pneumatic connection * Integrated 5/2 or 5/3 valve * ASI Bus or Multipole...

Pressure regulators.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Flow: to 250 lpm Pressure: 0.5 MPa FEATURES * Dual pilot valve * Step-free control * Easy-to-read digital LED display * CE, IP65 rating SMC Corp. (714) 669-0941 www.smcusa.com Circle 347...

Vinyl flange covers.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... FEATURES * VF series provides snug fit for flanged or beaded tubes * VAS series fits American Standard Assn. Navy, military sizes * VSR series has snap ring to easily attach in place to protect flanges * All three series can...

Flow-control regulators.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Pressure: 15 to 145 psig Temp rating: 30[degrees] to 160[degrees]F FEATURES * Swivel outlets for vertical or angle tube exit * NPT or UNF threads * Fractional-inch push-to-connect ends * Glass-reinforced...

Air preparation unit.(New Products)
December 1, 2003... SPECS Flow rate: 35,000 l/min Pressure: to 17.5 bar FEATURES * Regulator features electronic pilot control or integrated pilot valve * Filter-water-separator equipped with automatic drain valve * Contamination...

Water regulating valve.(Special Advertising Section: Fluid Power Literature File Winter 2004)
December 1, 2003... Bulletin SS5-105A spotlights the Sterlco 56-T Series temperature-actuated water regulating valve. This thermostatic cooling control valve has everything you need for reliable temperature control. Self-modulating cooling control valves are self...

Plugs, breather caps, and level indicators.(Special Advertising Section: Fluid Power Literature File Winter 2004)
December 1, 2003... Lenz releases a "new" Fluid Power Products Catalog for 2004. Lenz's 80-page catalog FPA-04 contains 31 new innovative products detailing a complete range of hydraulic filters, strainers, tank accessories, and pressure gauges. Easy to read,...

Air silencers.(Special Advertising Section: Fluid Power Literature File Winter 2004)
December 1, 2003... Bi-lingual (English and Italian) brochure describes capacity and noise test purposes, procedures, and parameters, then provides details on sizes and specifications, along with performance curves, and dimensional drawings for stainless steel,...

Rod boots for cylinders.(Special Advertising Section: Fluid Power Literature File Winter 2004)
December 1, 2003... Bulletin SRB-100 features Gortite neoprene-coated nylon fabric rod boots for protection against scoring and nicking from chips and other abrasives. Includes specification table, styles, dimensions, pricing, and order form. 12 sizes--with IDs...