Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles from July 2004

Hydraulics & Pneumatics archives from July 2004

Find them directly!(Featuring)
July 1, 2004... You can access the "Yellow Pages of the Fluid Power Industry" directly from your desk: all you have to do is go to www.fluidpowerdirectory.com to look up hundreds of fluid power components, manufacturers, systems, controls, and related...

Designer's Guide.(Featuring)
July 1, 2004... Our interactive online Designer's Guide and the accompanying Manufacturers' Index allow you to search for design specifications for more than 50 types of components, as well as find information on more than 900 companies serving the fluid power...

What's the latest?(Featuring)
July 1, 2004... Be sure to visit FPWeb.com, the official online home of Hydraulics & Pneumatics magazine, to read our Article of the Month. Want to read articles from the H & P Archives? Once you've opened www.FPWeb.com, scroll down past the Article of the...

Get your eNewsletters here!(Featuring)
July 1, 2004... We've had loads of emails from our faithful readers asking how to sign up for Fluid Power Monthly, the official, free eNewsletter from Hydraulics & Pneumatics magazine that features articles, product news, and editorials. The good news is that...

A double bogey for FPS dues.(Editor's Page)
July 1, 2004... Recently, I ran into an old buddy whom I hadn't seen for nearly ten years. We used to see each other at monthly meetings of our local Fluid Power Society chapter. In fact, he might have even been at one of our annual golf outings to witness the...

Too hot ain't cool.(Reader's Forum)
July 1, 2004... In the March 2004 Hydraulics & Pneumatics was an article called "Turn Down the Heat." I have to take exception to the suggestion that engine coolant is available for oil cooling. Engine coolant running upwards of 180[degrees] F will not cool a...

Don't bring back the misery index.(Reader's Forum)
July 1, 2004... Inoticed a couple statements in your June 2004 editorial that deserved comment. Finding a silver lining in trying times is certainly a laudable characteristic, and I appreciate your observations. However, the notion that we have "gotten away"...

50 mpg in an SUV?(Reader's Forum)
July 1, 2004... The claims (in your June 2004 editorial) don't do you any good as far as credibility is concerned. Fifty mpg in an Expedition is not possible. Even with an engine more efficient than a diesel and the best full hydraulic hybrid, 40 mpg is the...

Grandson of the T47.(Reader's Forum)
July 1, 2004... The reprint of the recovery vehicle T47 ("50 years ago")was very interesting. I have been working with the recovery vehicle for the past 18 years. There have been many improvements since the T47. The T47 recovery vehicle of 1945 has...

The greatest generalization.(Reader's Forum)
July 1, 2004... Just a quick comment on your editor's letter in the June 2004 issue. The second half of the letter is pretty darn informative. The second paragraph, while mildly entertaining, is pointless. You probably could have done without the...

Call for papers: ICFP 2005.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... The Sixth International Conference on Fluid Power Transmission and Control has put out a call for papers. The conference will be held in Hangzhou, China, from April 5-8, 2005, and the official language will be English. Topics are to include:...

Akzo Noble sells chemical division.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... Akzo Noble announced the sale of its phosphorus chemicals division to a private investment firm, Ripplewood Holdings, based in New York City. The division supplies phosphorus-based fire-resistant hydraulic fluids under the brand name Fyrquel....

Parker sells Southern Mobile Hydraulics Unit.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... Parker Hannifin Corp., Newnan, Ga., announces the sale of its Southern Mobile Hydraulics Business Unit to Hydradyne Hydraulics, a div. of Lor Inc. Parker has owned SMH since it was formed in 1999 to address the needs of the mobile equipment...

In the winner's circle.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... Two-time Super Bowl MVP and former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw will honor RB Royal Industries of Fond du Lac, Wis., in his "Winners Circle" this August. The segment will air on MSNBC and features selected companies from...

Air-operated turnover.(50 Years Ago ...)
July 1, 2004... From the July 1954 issue of Applied Hydraulics (the original title of H & P). An air-operated carton-handling device is at work in the shipping department of the Olympic Radio & Television Inc., Long Island City, N.Y. plant. Dubbed a...

Two become one.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... NFPA's Educator/Industry Summit + Fall Conference Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2004 Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott Resort Scottsdale, AZ For the first time, NFPA's Educator/Industry Summit and Fall Conference will be combined into one...

Practical solutions at IFPE 2005.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... IFPE 2005 will feature a new Solutions Exchange--three days of presentations by leaders from industry and academia who will offer solutions to the common challenges fluid power users face. IFPE will be held Mar. 15-19, 2005, at the Las...

CAN Conference heads to Rome.(Industry News)
July 1, 2004... CAN (Controller Area Network) in Automation is organizing the 10th international CAN Conference in Rome Mar. 8-10, 2005. The event includes two days of conference, one day of workshops, and a tabletop exhibition. A call for papers for the...

Variable-volume pump-motor departs from convention.(Ideas & Applications)
July 1, 2004... One of the most significant breakthroughs in hydraulics technology came with the advent of the pressure-balanced vane pump, developed by Harry Vickers in 1925. A few years later came the variable-displacement vane pump. Since these...

System makes it easy to measure torque.(Ideas & Applications)
July 1, 2004... Any time sensors are placed on rotating machinery, there's a problem: How do you get signals off the rotors in a reliable and accurate way that doesn't interfere with machine operation? Rotor telemetry solves the problem by mounting...

Coming in august: hydraulics wins over Olympics organizers.(Ideas & Applications)
July 1, 2004... Next month, H & P will provide details on the role of hydraulics in creating the centerpiece of the upcoming Summer Games, the Athens Olympic Stadium. Two 940-ft arches needed to be moved into place over the resonstructed stadium--and only...

Investigating PWM for pressure control.(Motion Control)
July 1, 2004... The conventional method of maintaining a constant pressure in the face of load flow variations uses a variable-displacement, pressure-compensated pump with an isolating check valve and an augmenting accumulator. The accumulator accommodates the...

Hydraulics goes over the edge: ride simulators are fun, but nothing beats a thrill ride for striking fear into the hearts of participants.(Fluid Power on Vacation)(Cover Story)
July 1, 2004... Ride simulators have become the reality shows of entertainment attractions. They stimulate the senses, but any fear or other emotions they project are only experienced second-hand by the riders. So those who partake of simulator-type rides are...

Wherefore art thou, hydraulics? Hydraulics-powered set with sophisticated control updates production of Romeo and Juliet.(Fluid Power on Vacation)
July 1, 2004... Romeo and Juliet is Shakespeare's most-performed tragedy. It's not surprising, then, that directors continue to experiment with new, inventive productions of this perennial favorite. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, Oreg., launched its...

Different seasons, different fluids? Multigrade fluids can be the single answer for mobile machinery exposed to large seasonal variations.(Fluids)
July 1, 2004... Many mobile equipment operators in the construction, forestry, mining and transportation industries across the northern U.S. and Canada continue to change out hydraulic fluids for summer and winter use. However, recent evaluations have shown...

Biodegradable fluids can be a "steel": two manufacturers that integrated new fluid technology into their operations prove that high-performance specialty fluids are affordable at last.(Fluids)
July 1, 2004... If changing to biodegradable or fire-resistant fluids was easy, everyone would have done it by now. But numerous issues have come into play at one time or another: lower performance, poor lubrication, higher costs, greater wear, seal...

Fluids, hydraulic.
July 1, 2004... Fire-resistant fluids Water Water-oil Oil-synthetic Phosphate Polyolester glycol emulsion liquid ester Akzo Chemicals, Inc. ...

Don't let your air down: a plant's expense for compressed air is often thought of only in terms of the cost of the equipment. However, energy represents as much as 70% of the total cost in producing compressed air.(Pneumatic Systems)
July 1, 2004... To evaluate any compressed air system, it is necessary to begin at the end: What are the air requirements at the point of use? Once you determine exactly what type and how much air you need, it is possible to begin to factor in design...

Air presses.(Pneumatic Products)
July 1, 2004... Using shop air pressures, air presses can achieve 477 to 6,000 lb of output force. Presses automate crimping, heat sealing, bending, forming, pressing, swaging, riveting, and burnishing. Models available include single acting with 2 1/4- to...

Jumbo exhaust valves.(Pneumatic Products)
July 1, 2004... Jumbo exhaust valves are poppet and quick-exhaust type for fast cylinder returns with 1/8 and 1/4-in. NPT ports. The compact valves are made of brass and allow the use of small control valves and long supply lines. Can be used wherever an...

Miniature pressure regulators.(Pneumatic Products)
July 1, 2004... PRD2-1N1 ultra-miniature pressure regulators control outlet pressures down to 1/2 psig. Maximum height is 1 in.; maximum width is 1 1/32 in. Weighs about 50 gm (brass and stainless steel); 23 gm (aluminum). Maximum rated inlet supply pressure...

Piston pumps.(Pneumatic Products)
July 1, 2004... Series 668/688 WOB-L pumps feature oil-less pistons and cylinders for non-contaminated air flow. Stainless-steel valves, high-performance piston seals, hard-coated aluminum cylinders, and permanently lubricated bearings offer long life. Wetted...

Compressed air filters.(Pneumatic Products)
July 1, 2004... Precision filters are designed for filtering moisture, oil, and solid granules contained in compressed air. Made from aluminum alloy using a die-casting method. Features high product density, impact resistance, and tensile strength. Inner and...

Rod locks.(Pneumatic Products)
July 1, 2004... The Static Rod Lock is a spring-engaged, 60-psi air-released rod lock designed to clamp and hold cylinder rods and shafts up to 32 mm (1 3/8 in.) Function as holding mechanisms on pneumatic cylinders and guide rods. Features low backlash, 0 to...

Push-to-connect fittings.(Pneumatic Products)
July 1, 2004... A wall chart features LF3000 push-to-connect composite fittings. The poster serves as an easy-to-use reference tool. Lists all technical specifications and benefits of the products, as well as how to find them them on the company's Web site....

Modular automation tooling.(Pneumatic Products)
July 1, 2004... PMAT tooling system lets users construct vacuum-end effector tools in minimal design time. Made of hard-coated anodized aluminum. Easy to assemble on-site without welding or special tools, making it suitable for material-handling applications....

Air cylinders bring relief.(Tech News)
July 1, 2004... The X-Scream provides two elements of fear (see related article beginning on page 24). First, most riders would have an inherent fear of the car somehow falling off the track and plummeting to the ground far below. As if that thought isn't...

Nylon breathers.(New Products/Focus on Reservoir Accessories)
July 1, 2004... Push-fit filter filler breathers available with NPT threads 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, and 1 1/2 in. Compatible with petroleum-based fluids, gasoline, fuel, and a variety of solvents. Options include anti-splash baffle, dipstick for fluid-level...

Polypropylene reservoirs.(New Products/Focus on Reservoir Accessories)
July 1, 2004... Polypropylene reservoirs feature integral mountings and fittings. They are semi-transparent with a nominal wall thickness of 1/16 in., and are compatible with a wide range of fluids. Able to handle temperatures to 180[degrees]F. They also...

Adapters, valves.(New Products/Focus on Reservoir Accessories)
July 1, 2004... The SSW power unit layout system is a family of adapters and valves that eases the design and layout of suction lines on HPUs. At the reservoir inlet, an inline/45[degrees]/90[degrees] suction line simplifer fitting provides mounting for an...

Breathers.(New Products/Focus on Reservoir Accessories)
July 1, 2004... Vandalism-proof reservoir breathers cannot be opened without special wrench. Profiled flange and rubber seal prevent leakage. Choice of two filter elements to trap 99% of all particles larger than 2 or 7 [micro]m. Optional dipstick can be...

Indicators, accessories.(New Products/Focus on Reservoir Accessories)
July 1, 2004... Complete family of hydraulic reservoir accessories includes screw-in, pressure, and bayonet-style filler breathers; level gages and switches; dipsticks, plugs, and magnets; end covers; sight glasses; vents; and flow diffusers. Shown are...

Hydraulic accessories.(New Products/Focus on Reservoir Accessories)
July 1, 2004... Variety of reservoir accessories include metric, BSP, and NPT plugs and breather caps; oil fill plugs (with and without dipstick); oil level indicators, filler breathers; valve filler breathers; threaded and bayonet flanges; and oil circulation...

Reservoirs & accessories.
July 1, 2004... Reservoirs Capacity Minimum--gal Maximum--gal Pressurized Advanced Control Technology, Inc. Argo Hytos 3 18.5...

Solid-state pressure switches.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... PS98 pressure switches feature a polysilicon strain gage with a custom ASIC to provide accurate, thermal-compensated pressure sensing. Pressure-sensing electronics range from 0 to 6,000 psi. A range of pressure connections and several...

Directional control valves.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... Monitored directional control valves indicate when the spool is at rest with an inductive proximity switch. The pnp sensor, through electronic logic, provides feedback to indicate spool position. Available in sizes D03 to D08 with operating...

Sight level gages.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... LLG and T-LLC sight level gages feature a 3, 5, or 10-in. mounting center. Transparent oil level indicator with guard. Maximum operating temperature of 250[degrees] F. Maximum pressure of 47 psi. Options include 1/2-13 UNC or bolt threads....

Pressure gages.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... Series 760 liquid-filled pressure gages target applications with vibration, pulsation, mechanical shock, and pressure spikes. Stainless-steel tube and socket offer greater chemical compatibility. Feature glycerin fill and a micrometer...

Profibus-DP motion controllers.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... RMC70 Series motion controllers designed for one- and two-axis applications feature Profibus-DP communications. The RMC family targets hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric servo motion-control application with position, speed, and...

Versatile valves.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... The PVBZ valve module eliminates leakage from the work port into the valve's tank cavity. Design integrates pilot-operated check valves into the body of the control valve to ensure machine equipment stays in position. Minimized number of parts...

Clamp systems.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... Hi-Clean Clamp System available for sanitary and process pipe support. Feature smooth clamping surface, polypropylene and santoprene body, stainless-steel hardware, and multiple mounting options. Fits pipes and tubes with diameters from 0.25 to...

Hydraulic cylinders.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... Self-contained hydraulic cylinders have fixed or adjustable rates for a variety of opening, closing, and damping applications. The cylinders comply with fire-safety codes and are available with high-temperature seals and nonflammable fluids....

Circuit selector valves.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... The Oleodinamica LC circuit selector valve features a totally balanced spool that lets it switch under full pressure and flow without external drain. The valve eliminates the need for several three-way valves in parallel to control multiple...

PVC Nitrile seals.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... This supplier of trim and seal material offers a large line of extruded PVC Nitrile seals for finishing, protecting, and sealing. The material is available in a variety of shapes and colors. All products get manufactured in-house to ensure...

Test point fittings.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... A line of test point fittings tests hydraulic systems at working pressures. Connection is leak-proof before the ball check is open to minimize contamination. Self-locking metal cap also protects system. Line includes test couplings with...

Metric hydraulic cylinders.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... IHP metric, high-pressure hydraulic cylinders feature 40- to 500-mm bore sizes. Floating, self-aligning, and repairable rod cartridge. Sealing system at cylinder barrel and head intersection ensures leak-free operation. All metric mounting...

Plate-and-frame heat exchangers.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... Plateflow heat exchangers provide close temperature control of fluids for heat recovery applications where space is tight. Units can be specified in 20 models for heat transfer surface of as high as 9, 180 sq ft. Highly efficient countercurrent...

Engineered connectors.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... Engineered connectors made to specifications. One-piece bar-stock construction allows for full wrench pad, required for installation in tight spaces. Made of steel, brass, stainless, aluminum, or Monel. Sizes 1/8 to 2 in. [ILLUSTRATION...

Hydraulic couplings.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... The DiNova ring ensures long-lasting sealing for DIN 2353/ISO 8434-1 hydraulic couplings by preventing damage to the seal. To ensure proper assembly, the DiNova ring includes a mechanical stop that clearly indicates the crimp position, which...

Load-sensing control blocks.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... The M4-12 control block holds up to 10 valve elements in both closed and open-center versions. An integrated pressure compensator and load-sensing pressure control permits actuator positioning independent from the load pressure. Size 12 and 15...

High-response proportional valves.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... Said to be an affordable alternative to servovalves, High Response Proportional Valves are available in sizes D03 through D08. The valves control velocity, position, pressure, or force. They feature low hysteresis and good repeatability due to...

High-pressure hoses.(New Products)
July 1, 2004... Parker 781 hose is designed for high-pressure, high-impulse applications. Features neoprene synthetic rubber inner tube, four or six spirals of high-tensile steel wire reinforcement, and oil- and weather-resistant black synthetic MSHA-accepted...

Flow measurement.(Useful Literature)
July 1, 2004... Brochure covers a complete line of positive-displacement flowmeters and systems that meet a wide range of flow measurement needs. Details product features, specifications, and typical applications. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Max Machinery...

Fluid power components.(Useful Literature)
July 1, 2004... A 2004 catalog describes Fluid Power Connection products, including air preparation products; pneumatic cylinders and valves; fluid connectors; and hydraulic power units, pumps, valves, motors, brakes, gearboxes, filtration, and cylinders....

Spiral retaining rings.(Useful Literature)
July 1, 2004... Catalog highlights carbon and stainless-steel spiral retaining rings. Includes design information and applications. Also features engineered drawings, glossary, and a retaining ring selection guide. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Smalley Steel...

Sizing up O-rings.(Useful Literature)
July 1, 2004... Brochure offers an O-ring standard size chart to aid in selection process. Variety of cross sectional diameters, ODs, and IDs to choose from. Also provides information on boss seals. Parco Inc. Circle 153 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Sealing, bearing systems.(Useful Literature)
July 1, 2004... Brochure provides company division information, as well as products and services. Sealing and bearing systems include rotary seals, reciprocating seals, static seals, diaphragms, wear rings, polymer bearings and bushings, and composite bearings...

Transducers and transmitters.(Useful Literature)
July 1, 2004... Brochure offers information on transducers and transmitters for industrial and aerospace pressure measurement. Divides products by general purpose, flush diaphragm, petroleum and process, and melt pressure. Includes product features and...

New and improved.(Web Wire)
July 1, 2004... If cylinders are in your future, you should definitely stop for a look at www.peninsularcylinders.com, the updated Web site for Peninsular Cylinder Co. of Michigan. Users can obtain product literature, dimensional and sizing charts, and even...

Everything mechanical.(Web Wire)
July 1, 2004... While a very sparse looking site, Mechanical Design Engineering Resources on the World Wide Web, (obviously named by an engineer) at www.gearhob.com, has many great links to associations, publications, engineering sites, newsgroups, safety...

It's a snap.(Web Wire)
July 1, 2004... The online home of Erie, Pa.-based Snap-Tite, www.snap-tite.com, features details about their lines of quick-acting couplings, hose products, solenoid valves, and more. The high-tech site is easy to navigate, and also features trade show...

Seal of approval.(Web Wire)
July 1, 2004... Bal Seal Engineering's home page, at www.balseal.com, gives visitors a taste of the company's wide range of sealing options, including products in the offshore, medical, and semiconductor industries. Users can fill out an application data sheet...

Whoo did it.(Web Wire)
July 1, 2004... Here's a site that's not for the birds. Technology Owl, at www.technologyowl.com, is filled with reviews and news on technology--fun stuff, that is. Read about the latest in mobile phones, PDAs, home theaters, digital cameras, computers, and...

Those messy birds.(Web Wire)
July 1, 2004... You must really be having a bad day if Delphion's Gallery of Obscure Patents, located at www.delphion.com/gallery, doesn't bring a smile to your face. Read all about interesting inventions, from the bird diaper to the toe puppet--not to mention...

Let the kids take a turn.(Web Wire)
July 1, 2004... Okay, so maybe you don't have the money to jet out to Greece for the Summer Olympics, but you can see some great athletic competition this summer here in the States. The International Children's Games is set for July 26th to August 3rd in...