Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles from March 2003

Hydraulics & Pneumatics archives from March 2003

Is pneumatic leakage patriotic? (Editor's Page).
March 1, 2003... In my last "Editor's Page" column, I wrote about how eliminating leakage is probably the biggest challenge facing the hydraulics industry. Now it's time to address the other side of fluid power -- pneumatics. As has been well documented in...

Readers' forum.
March 1, 2003... A flip side to spiders? I find your articles very helpful and informative. As a technician, I also find some of them rather humorous. Referring to the article on flexible shaft coupling spiders, perhaps an engineer-maintenance interpreter...

MSOE collaborating with industry on center for advanced engineered systems. (Industry News).
March 1, 2003... Milwaukee School of Engineering's (MSOE) Fluid Power Institute is developing an Integrated Technologies Center that demonstrates the characteristics of mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems integrated with electronic or computer controls....

Anniversaries. (Industries News).
March 1, 2003... Trombetta, Menomonee Falls Wis., recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. Founded by Panfilo Trombetta during the Great Depression, the company developed electromagnetic disc brakes and a line of solenoids and became known for a willingness to...

50 years ago. (Industry News).
March 1, 2003... From the July 1953 issue of Applied Hydraulics (the original title of H&P): New packing developments with impregnated materials For hydraulic and pneumatic systems, several leather packing manufacturers have now developed a process of...

Purdue offers graduate-level engineering courses online. (Industry News).
March 1, 2003... Purdue University is offering working professionals an opportunity to work toward a master's degree or develop specific skills from their home computers. The Maha Fluid Power Center provides Purdue classes, homework and tests over the Internet....

Komatsu temporarily closing Peoria plant. (Industry News).
March 1, 2003... Komatsu America Corp., Vernon Hills, Ill., will temporarily close its Peoria, Ill. plant effective April 14, 2003. The shutdown affects 350 employees, and will last for a minimum of three months. The plant manufacturers Komatsu's large mining...

AEM praises 2003 funding bill. (Industry News).
March 1, 2003... The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is praising the Congressional agreement on 2003 spending bills that restored the Federal highway construction budget to $31.8 billion and provides drought relief for farmers. "This spending...

Forge Fair headed to Cincinnati next month. (Industry News).
March 1, 2003... Forge Fair 2003 will be held April 8-10 at the Cincinnati Convention Center. The show expects over 200 forging companies from 14 countries to send 1000 engineering and management personnel to the event. Approximately 100 companies will exhibit....

IEPE 2005 and CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2005. (NFPA News).
March 1, 2003... One Source, Infinite Opportunities "One Source, Infinite Opportunities" is the theme for the co-located IFPE 2005 and CONEXPO-CON/ AGG 2005 expositions, to be held March 15-19, 2005 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. IFPE is North...

NFPA's product reliability program progresses. (NFPA News).
March 1, 2003... NFPA's industry-wide program to promote product reliability continues to progress. The project evolved from a strategic planning session held in June 2002, at which NFPA's Board of Directors identified a reliability initiative as one way to...

NFPA celebrates its 50th anniversary. (NFPA News).
March 1, 2003... NFPA is celebrating its 50th anniversary (1953-2003) and has launched a year-long celebration to mark the event. As part of the celebration, NFPA and its member companies are using a new commemorative logo and tagline "Powerful Forces...

One of the first. (Reader Profile).
March 1, 2003... Before making history, Jerry LaCosse was a production line employee for American Motors Corp. in Kenosha, Wis., fresh out of high school. Working night shift, he sensed that he should do more during the day. LaCosse enrolled at Kenosha...

On-board electronics benefit mobile hydraulic systems. (Ideas & Applications).
March 1, 2003... Conventional solutions for an electrohydraulic system in mobile equipment comprise electronic and hydraulic components mounted separately to the vehicle. Although valves normally are mounted to the frame of the vehicle, the electronic control...

Systematic selection can extend hydraulic hose life. (Safe Hydraulics).
March 1, 2003... Hydraulic hoses have a finite life, but by following SAE selection practices, designers and users can expect hoses to fulfill the requirements of the application. Gates engineers recommend the following general guidelines for extending...

Compact LDT finds niche between others. (Ideas & Applications).
March 1, 2003... Designers facing short-stroke applications (3/4 in. or less) have several linear displacement transducers (LDTs) to choose from to produce electronic feedback for motion and position control. And the same goes for long strokes (2 in. and...

New hybrid actuator: pneumatic power, hydraulic control. (Ideas & Applications).
March 1, 2003... The concept of hydropneumatic hybrid actuation is novel and has generated four basic patents registered with the US Patent Office. Though the concept is broad and covers linear as well as rotary actuation devices, the general principle of...

Integral control for electrohydraulic servo systems. (Motion Control).
March 1, 2003... To understand the function of and the need for integral control, you must understand the shortcomings and limitations of the proportional electrohydraulic positioning servomechanism. A simplified, combined cut-away and block diagram is shown in...

Drying your compressed air system will save real money. (Pneumatic Systems).
March 1, 2003... The cost of replacement parts, labor, standby inventory, and downtime can have a devastating effect on a plant's bottom line. Eliminating even one of them by drying a system's compressed air will offset the cost of installing and operating the...

Air logic continuously reciprocates cylinder. (Penumatic Systems).
March 1, 2003... Hoerbiger-Origa Corp.'s pneumatic oscillating valve offers an economical, automatic control for a variety of applications that call for a cylinder to reciprocate continuously. This component packages a solenoid-operated 3-way valve, a...

Determine the cost of compressed air for your plant. (Pneumatic Systems).
March 1, 2003... Most industrial facilities need some form of compressed air, whether for running a simple air tool or for more complicated tasks such as operation of pneumatic controls. A recent survey by the U.S. Department of Energy showed that for a...

Hannover Fair to include entire hail devoted to pneumatics. (Pneumatic News).
March 1, 2003... Germany's huge Hannover Fair includes a focus on fluid power in odd-numbered years. The 2003 show, scheduled for April 7-12, will feature areas devoted to compressed air and vacuum technologies. These exhibitors have been assigned to Hall 27,...

Extractor/dryer. (Pneumatic Literature).
March 1, 2003... Product bulletin introduces line of refrigerated extractor/dryers, which continuously remove over 99% of condensed liquids, ensuring constant dew point. Explains operation; gives sizing information, examples. Includes specifications,...

Automation solutions. (Pneumatic Literature).
March 1, 2003... Folder contains details on corporate capabilities for automation solutions. Explores solutions, service, support, training, education, software. Lists products (actuators, grippers, vacuum components, valve manifolds, valves, sensors) with...

No compressed air leakage. (Pneumatic Products).
March 1, 2003... SPECS On display: 2600 Series WOB-L piston compressors Maximum pressure: 160 psi Maximum vacuum: 29.2 in. Hg Maximum flow: 5.60 CFM KEY FEATURES One-piece cast aluminum head design eliminates leakage and...

Less power. (Pneumatic Products).
March 1, 2003... SPECS On display: RedHat Next Generation solenoid valves Power consumption: 2W KEY FEATURES Valves integrate a power management circuit into the solenoid. Simplified wiring and an 80% reduction in power consumption make the...

Lightweight cylinder. (Pneumatic Products).
March 1, 2003... SPECS On display: HORV Series rodless cylinders Dimensions: 15 X 25 X 40 m KEY FEATURES Lightweight rodless cylinders use a flat piston design to create a profile of up to 40% thinner and a dead stroke 35% shorter than...

Automatic drain. (Pneumatic Products).
March 1, 2003... SPECS On display: Dura Drain DD1100 condensate removal system Inlet/vent: 1/2-in. NPT Outlet: 1/4-in. NPT Pressure: O to 200 psi Temperature: 32[degrees] to 180[degrees]F KEY FEATURES Pneumatically powered...

A counterbalance valve's biggest enemy: Hys-ter-e-sis -- an oscillator effect whereby a given value of an operating parameter may result in multiple values of output power and frequency. (Component Dynamics).
March 1, 2003... When an actuator is supporting a vertically mounted load and its directional valve shifts to lower the load the load may fall uncontrollably as its weight pushes fluid out of the actuator. To prevent this, a counterbalance valve. sometimes...

Hannover fair focuses on fluid power. (Show Preview).
March 1, 2003... The fluid power world -- not to mention almost a quarter-million additional attendees -- will come together at the world's largest trade fair in Hannover, Germany from April 7-12, 2003 Americans who have never traveled "across the pond" to...

Return filters mount on reservoir. (New Products: Focus on Filters).
March 1, 2003... Series OMTP return filters mount on top of hydraulic reservoir, handle flow rates to 40 gpm (150 1/mm.). All sizes contain a bypass valve and 10- to 40-micron breather element to eliminate solid contaminants from incoming air. Visual or...

Pressure spikes are no match for spin-on filters. (New Products: Focus on Filters).
March 1, 2003... Duramax HMK24 are designed to tolerate pressure spikes to 1000 psi, which are caused by rapid stops, starts or sudden changes of flow direction. They also accommodate high flows (to 60 gpm) in charge-pump, return-line, and other applications....

Filter promotes recycling. (New Products: Focus on Filters).
March 1, 2003... RLT filter, rated 70 gpm, 800 psi, is equipped with Esafe elements, which address disposal issues associated with spin-on filter canisters. Made of fully recyclable materials, Esafe elements can be incinerated, shredded or crushed. The elements...

Return-line filter comes in canister. (New Products: Focus on Filters).
March 1, 2003... Canister style filters, rated for flows of 7, 20, 60, and 100 gpm, have cellulose, synthetic, and wire mesh elements. Maximum working pressure is rated 200 psi. A zero-leak bypass valve, which operates at 2.5, 15, or 25 psid, prevents element...

Tight seal. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: UT, MT and BT Series sealing plugs Materials: Nylon 6 (MT, BT) and HDPE (UT) Thread sizes: 7/16-in.-20 to 5/8-in.-12 (UT); M10xi to M33x2 (MT); G 1/8 in. to G 2 in. KEY FEATURES Each plug has an integral Tight Fit...

Impulse buy. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: 472TC high-impulse hose SPECS Minimum bend radius: 1/2 SAE 100R12 Working pressures: 15 to 35% higher than SAE 100R2 hose KEY FEATURES The two-wire braid hose has an oil-resistant, synthetic, high-Nitrile...

Sensors for mobile equipment. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: MH magnetostrictive position sensor SPECS Housing diameters: 7 and 10 mm Static pressure rating: 4300 and 5000 psi Measuring range: 50 to 1000 mm Accuracy: 0.005 % KEY FEATURES MTS Sensors Group,...

Show the flow. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: Sight-Rite flow indicator SPECS Flow rate: 0.012 [in.sup.3] per cycle Fluid viscosities: SAE 10W through SAE 50W KEY FEATURES Enhances line of PurgeX injector pumps but may be used for any lubrication or...

Pump it up. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: Modular pumps KEY FEATURES Every section of the company's line of multiple SM series pumps can be connected to section of any other group regardless of whether it's a front, intermediate or rear module. Marzocchi Pumps...

Ride the incline. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: Grade control inclinometer SPECS Adjustment: 0.5% KEY FEATURES Digital inclinometers for grading and excavating monitor slope and regulate hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Providing constant angle feedback to...

In control. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: Hi-IQ control system SPECS Inputs: 6 analog, 8 digital Outputs: 2 analog, 4 digital KEY FEATURES In conjunction with the GoldCup Series of variable displacement, axial piston, closed-circuit, hydrostatic...

Hold on. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: StrongHold clamping system SPECS Holding capacity: 4500 lb. KEY FEATURES Line includes swing/pull clamps in a range of mounting, plumbing and body style options designed to secure hydraulic systems from a single...

Down for the count. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: IQ200 on-line particle counter SPECS Particle detection: 2 to 100 micron Operating pressure: 30 to 3000 psi Count intervals: From KEY FEATURES Counter continuously monitors fluid cleanliness levels on a...

Pressure points. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: Pressure gauges SPECS Maximum pressure: 15,000 psi Dial sizes: 40 to 160 mm KEY FEATURES Stainless steel gauges are available with a variety of end connections. When used in conjunction with company's tube...

Quick-change act. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: Quick change system for crimping machines KEY FEATURES Die change system eliminates possible mechanical damage associated with improper die placement. All dies are placed in sets into the dispenser for machine placement....

Loyal to coil. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: AMP Superseal 22-mm coil windings SPECS Insulation ratings: Classes F and H KEY FEATURES Company expands line of molded-in coil to include 22-mm size. Available with DIN 43650 connector, with or without polar...

Gauge sets the stage. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: CIL and GVL indicator gauges SPECS By-pass valve pressure: 25 psi (GIL) and 5 psi (GVL) KEY FEATURES Glycerin-filled units offer high resistance to vibration, condensation, and corrosion. CI-20L pressure gauge is...

Portable pinch. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: P16HP portable crimper SPECS Hose sizes: Up to 1 in. Maximum crimping range: 45 mm Crimping force: 95 tons KEY FEATURES Lightweight, portable crimper, powered by a hand pump or vehicle-type battery, is...

Undercover work. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: PVC flange covers KEY FEATURES Flexible flange covers protect flange faces and edges, tubes and valves from damage and contamination during shipping, assembly and painting. Reusable covers won't crack, split or warp when...

Double pump. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: A20VG pump SPECS Nominal pressure: 300 bar Maximum pressure: 350 bar KEY FEATURES Pump positions two rotary groups of the AV10VG series back-to-back and connects them with a common port plate. Control devices...

A sense of position. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: 42DC Series process LVDT linear position sensors SPECS Measurement ranges: From 1 to 20 in. (25.4 to 508 mm) Power source: 24 V DC Output: 4-20mA KEY FEATURES Three-wire connection eliminates need for loop...

Speed zone. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: Kinechek Mini-K series speed regulator SPECS Stroke: 1.5 in. Capacity: 400 lb. KEY FEATURES Company adds the 1.5-in. stroke Mini-K to its line of speed regulators. All models are hermetically sealed and can be...

On a tilt. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: Tilt sensors SPECS Housing rating: IP67 protection Cable operating temperature: As low as 40[degrees] F Title angle: [+ or -]15[degrees] Precision: 0.025[degrees] KEY FEATURES By detecting slight...

Mini shocks. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: MC 9 miniature industrial shock absorber KEY FEATURES Series of shock absorbers feature an internal accumulator, stainless steel piston rod, integral mechanical stop, and fully threaded metric outer tube. Two weight ranges...

Take your position. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: PR 750 Series LVDT position sensors SPECS Diameter: 3/4 in. (19 mm) Measurement range: From (0.050 in to 10 in. Core-to-bore clearance: 0.031 in. (0.75 mm) Repeatability: less than 0.01% of FSO ...

Fittings with a bite. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: BW spiral hose couplings SPECS Maximum working pressure: 6000 psi Hose sizes: 8 to 32 SAE KEY FEATURES Fittings have precision-machined ferrule, that when crimped, bites into hose wire. One-piece steel...

International appeal. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: Hydraulic fittings and adapters KEY FEATURES Hydraulic fittings and adapters are available in a variety of international thread styles including BSPP, BSPT (British), JIS, Komatsu (Japanese) and DIN (German). All fittings...

Simulation software. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: Automation Studio 4.0 software SPECS Interface system: USB and PCI cards KEY FEATURES Software package includes simulation module for realistic simulation and analog modeling of hydraulic and pneumatic...

Plug it in. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... On display: Cv expansion plugs SPECS Sizes: 0.125 to 0.875 in. and 3 to 22 mm Materials: 303, 316 and 416 stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, aluminum Proof pressures: 45,000 psig KEY FEATURES Made specifically for...

Pressure measurement. (Free Literature).
March 1, 2003... Brochure unfolds to provide details on capability, performance, reliability, engineering, solutions, service, quality of company that manufactures family of pressure measurement equipment. Large table includes product photos, model numbers,...

Abrasion-resistant hose. (Free Literature).
March 1, 2003... Bulletin 4480-B51-US highlights 471TC (tough cover) and 471ST (super tough cover) hose, designed to handle higher working pressures than SAE 100Rs specifications. Contains detailed specifications, list of compatible fittings, table of...

Hydraulic motors for skid-steers. (Free Literature).
March 1, 2003... Product bulletin introduces ML line of hydraulic motors, specifically designed for use on skid-steer loaders. Notes high torque and speed, heavy duty construction, good cold weather operation. Describes design, low noise, compact size, integral...

Compact power units on CD-ROM. (Free Literature).
March 1, 2003... CD-ROM spotlights line of compact hydraulic power units powered by AC or DC motors for variety of industrial and mobile applications. Includes specifications, pressure and flow ratings, dimensional drawings, sizing and selection data. Focuses...

Radial-piston motor. (Free Literature).
March 1, 2003... Data sheets highlight model XK radial-piston cam motor with optional drum or spring-applied, hydraulically released brake. Labeled drawing points out key design, construction features. Also contains dimensional drawings, specification tables,...

Get it in gear. (Web Wire).
March 1, 2003... Fluid power consultant Bud Trinkel recommends Dr. Gears, at www.drgears.com, a one-stop resource for gear manufacturers. It has terminology, training information, jobs, book reviews, and even a "mall." The warehouse area features used parts and...

More than just plain Google. (Web Wire).
March 1, 2003... Okay, okay, so everyone and their grandmother has heard about and uses Google by now (www.google.com). But have you noticed some of the site's new Beta (still in testing) features? Google Catalogs at catalogs.google.com and Froogle at...

What are you worth? (Web Wire).
March 1, 2003... You know you're worth more than you're being paid, so why not check out the data at www.salary.com. All you have to do is enter your field and zip code or metro region. Using "engineering" brought up 126 types of engineering titles, so the...

Sensing a new web site. (Web Wire).
March 1, 2003... Visitors to the new site www.mtssensors.com have one-click access to commercial sensor products from North Carolina-based MTS Systems Corp. The site includes Temposonics position sensors and Level Plus liquid level sensors. Engineers can access...

Tooling around. (Web Wire).
March 1, 2003... Florida-based Hilltech Custom Injection Molding, Inc.'s website www.hilltechmolding.com, has some descriptions of the various molding techniques, and explains the useage of prototype tools, hand-operated molds, and more.

Don't recycle that paper. (Web Wire).
March 1, 2003... You thought the Internet was the beginning of the end for paper, so here's an interesting twist...websites dedicated to building great paper airplanes! Some nice ones with detailed instructions include www.josephpalmer.com/planes/Airplane and...