Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles from March 2005

Hydraulics & Pneumatics archives from March 2005

In any language, fluid power is essential to industry.(Editor's Page)
March 1, 2005... When attending past Hannover Fairs, I sometimes came across other fluid power magazines published around the world. I've even brought back sample issues for a small collection on my office bookshelf. (I can hear my kids now, "Dad, only you...

China fluid power conference just around the corner.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... The Sixth International Conference on Fluid Power Transmission and Control (ICFP 2005), organized by the Institute of Mechatronic Control Engineering, Zhejiang University, will be held from April 5-8, 2005, in Hangzhou, P. R. China. Topics will...

Engineering-oriented toys offered at IFPE.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... Visitors to the IFPE show, being held March 15-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, can enter to win one of several engineering-oriented toys being shown at the Hydraulics & Pneumatics booth, S-14643. Toys that will be at the booth include...

Pre-proposal for engineering research center accepted by NSF.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... A proposal aimed at creating a radical transformation of fluid power has made the first cut in a highly competitive reviewing process at the National Science Foundation (NSF). At stake is a multi-million dollar, multi-year grant, with...

NFPA training resources.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... Basic Hydraulics Interactive Training CD: This fully interactive tutorial and testing system is suitable for anyone needing to know basic hydraulic principles. From circuit diagrams to physics, each type of component is covered and its...

New pump and motor standard.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... The NFPA/T3.9 Pump and Motor Section has found that both technical documents NFPA/T3.9.20-1992 and SAE J745:1996-09 provide instruction for testing and presenting basic performance data for hydraulic positive displacement pumps. The T3.9...

Technical documents from NFPA.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... Two new technical documents have recently been published by the NFPA. NFPA/T3.8.11 R1-2004: Fluid power--Bibliography--Connectors and conductors and NFPA/T3.12.9 R2-2004: Pneumatic fluid power--Bibliography--Filter, regulator and...

Fluid power teaching and research lab.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... A new facility at Purdue University will offer students unique opportunities for education in fluid power. Currently ten graduate students and one postdoctoral student are involved in fluid power research. The aim of the laboratory is to...

Take out your textbooks.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... NFPA is supporting an effort to develop a new textbook, Hydraulic Control Systems, written by Professor Noah D. Manring. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The textbook will be geared toward teaching a...

Wooster purchases Fluid Power Solutions.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... Wooster Hydrostatics, Wooster, Ohio, has purchased Hilliard, Ohio-based Fluid Power Solutions, a full service distribution company and a leader in the design and building of hydraulic power systems. The purchase will expand Wooster's goal of...

Spanish Industry & Technology Summit.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... The 2005 Industry & Technology Summit will be held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre on September 27-30, featuring 10 inter-linked events and the latest improvements in manufacturing processes. The latest systems, equipment, machinery, and tools...

Vibration courses set.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... The Vibration Institute will hold its Basic Machine Vibrations course in Richmond, Va., from June 13-16. Cost is $975. For more information, visit www.vibinst.org or call 630-654-2254. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Engineer, volunteer dies.(Industry News)
March 1, 2005... Charles J. Sabec, P. E., died February 16, 2005 in his Beachwood, Ohio home; he was 83. Sabec was a U. S. Army Air Corps veteran and graduate of The Citadel military college, Charleston, S.C. He spent most of his career as an engineer at White...

Giant compressor station tests aircraft equipment.(50 years ago ...)
March 1, 2005... From the March 1955 issue of Applied Hydraulics (the original title of H & P). One of the largest air facilities has been installed at Wyle Laboratories. Located in El Segundo, Calif., the facilities are available to the entire aircraft...

Hydraulic rotary actuators meet rugged submarine requirements.(25 years ago ...)
March 1, 2005... From the March 1980 issue of Hydraulics & Pneumatics. The 560-ft, 18,750-ton, nuclear-powered submarine USS Ohio (SSBN726) dwarfs its World War II counterparts, but component size and weight are still primary design considerations....

World-record lift succeeds with pinpoint precision.(Ideas & Applications)
March 1, 2005... Draglines just might be the largest land-based equipment moving across the earth, typically weighing in at 2500 to 6500 tons. Throughout Australia, draglines "walk" across the surface of the land, progressing a few feet at a time as they stop...

Vegetable oil based biodegradable hydraulic fluid wins MSHA approval.(Ideas & Applications)
March 1, 2005... Cosmolubric B-230, manufactured by Houghton International, Valley Forge, Pa., recently was recognized by the Mine Safety and Health Administration as the first fire-resistant vegetable oil-based hydraulic fluid to meet Federal regulations. ...

Guys gone wild: when customers act dangerously with your equipment.(Letter of the Law)
March 1, 2005... Designers of hydraulic and pneumatic systems are frequently left scratching their heads after juries return large verdicts against them, where the customer foolishly exposed himself to an obvious danger and was injured or killed by that...

Pressure gain--an important valve characteristic.(Motion Control)
March 1, 2005... Port pressure gain is the slope of the dead head pressure curve vs control current at a specific operating point as applied to each of a valve's two work ports. Pressure metering curves are assessed with work ports dead headed. In servo-valves,...

Triple filter cleans multiple fluids: it's not hard to find agricultural equipment with shared filtration for hydraulic and gear oil--a shortcut that reduces cost but may sacrifice filtration effectiveness. Here's an alternative.(MOBILE HYDRAULICS)
March 1, 2005... Lubricant consolidation reduces cost and simplifies maintenance by using one or only a few different types of hydraulic fluid and lubricating oil in a given machine. But consolidation must be implemented carefully to avoid having overall costs...

It's all right here in Hannover: fluid power returns in full force to the Hannover Fair in 2005. Here's a preview of the whos, whats, wheres, and whens.(HANNOVER MESSE)
March 1, 2005... Germany is known for its festivals, especially Oktoberfest. And while the atmosphere at the Hannover Fair may not be quite as festive, it certainly is more than a very big trade show. Visitors and exhibitors will be treated to German...

Media showcase.(Special advertising section: HANNOVER MESSE)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... 11-15 APRIL 2005 Whether or not you plan on going to the Hannover Fair, you'll find useful information on a wide variety of fluid power products and services on this and the next several pages. Get all the details by circling the...

Low-pressure: water hydraulics makes its move; Low-pressure water hydraulics can offer an alternative to both pneumatics and traditional water hydraulics. Recent tests show that cheaper LPWH components may now be within reach.(INDUSTRIAL HYDRAULICS)
March 1, 2005... New is a relative term. In the computing world, 18 months seems to be a lifetime, or perhaps several lifetimes. In hydraulics, something first presented in 1997 can still freely use the term new, and not feel the slightest pangs of guilt. Such...

Ready, aim, fire! Can lead to a contamination-free hydraulic system.(CONTAMINATION)
March 1, 2005... Dirt, gunk, crud, particulate contamination. Whatever you want to call it, the stuff can wreak havoc on machinery--more than 90% of hydraulic system failures are caused by contamination. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A recent John Deere...

A fresh look at air compressors: proper management of lubricants, cooling fluids, and system temperatures can make a big difference in operating costs and component life.(AUTOMATE WITH AIR)
March 1, 2005... Buying a plant air compressor is a capital expenditure. Typically, the plant engineer determines his current compressed air requirement based on if all pneumatic devices in the shop were to run at once, adds a safety factor, guesses how much...

Miniature linear actuator.(New Products/Focus on Compact Air Cylinders)
March 1, 2005... AGMS compact air cylinder is suitable for use in tight spaces needing large payloads. Provides load-carrying capacity of 3 to 28 lb, total height of assembly is only 0.813-in. Straight-line design offers high moment load, accuracy; features...

Interchangeable metric cylinders.(New Products/Focus on Compact Air Cylinders)
March 1, 2005... Universal Series of compact, extruded aluminum body air cylinders offers ten bore sizes--12 mm through 100 mm--and multiple mounting configurations. Features include hard anodized extruded aluminum tubing, hard chrome plated stainless steel...

Compact cylinders.(New Products/Focus on Compact Air Cylinders)
March 1, 2005... Air Force One compact cylinders are available in double acting, spring return, spring extend, and double rod models. Hall Effect sensors and magnetic piston versions are also available. Features temperature range from 30[degrees] to...

Guided cylinders.(New Products/Focus on Compact Air Cylinders)
March 1, 2005... Guided pneumatic cylinder comes with two rigid guide rods supported by either slide bearings or ball bearings. Benefits include high force, precise movement, high side load capacity, and anti-rotation. Offered in eight diameters from 12 to 63...

Lift table.(New Products/Focus on Compact Air Cylinders)
March 1, 2005... Pneumatic lift table incorporates four guide shafts for maximum rigidity. Designed for lifting applications where non-rotating cylinders cannot handle an overhung load and space is at a premium. Available in three bore sizes: 50mm, 80mm, and...

Telescoping cylinder.(New Products/Focus on Compact Air Cylinders)
March 1, 2005... Eight-stage, single-port, double-acting, nested telescoping air cylinder completely uses all space inside the cylinder, giving maximum stroke at minimum compressed length. Bore sizes range from 3/4- to 4-in. Construction is hard-anodized...

Locking cylinders.(New Products/Focus on Compact Air Cylinders)
March 1, 2005... Series CCA advanced locking cylinders feature integral Amlok rod clamp, developed to control over travel, drifting, bouncing, and reverse traveling. High locking force will hold rod in any mid-stroke position. Since locking is accomplished...

Whose fault is it? Electronic module allows automovite manufacturer to better understand faults and greatly reduce troubleshooting times.(AUTOMATE WITH AIR)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2005... Swedish manufacturer MPE supplies machinery for the automotive industry. Last year, they supplied the first machine with the Drive & Diagnostic Link (DDL) from Bosch Rexroth to Finnveden Powertrain AB. This machine assembles valve lifters for...

Proportional control valves.(PNEUMATIC PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... CD highlights features and specifications of EVP proportional control valves, which provide control of air or gas flow, by varying the output flow based on current input to the solenoid. Consistent gain provides a high degree of control for...

Motion transfer system.(PNEUMATIC PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... Rapid Advance & Retract Pneumatic Soft Touch System controls rapid cylinder travel while moving objects weighing up to 3000 lb. distances up to 15 ft at speeds to 5 ft/sec. Cylinder speed can be adjusted while cylinder is in motion. Decell...

Air switches.(PNEUMATIC PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... MV Series three-way air switches eliminate the need for wire shielding, transformers, and solenoids. The 1/8-in. ported air pilot valves are identical in size, actuating style, and mounting qualities to most industrial electrical limit...

Silent solenoid valves.(PNEUMATIC PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... A range of options is available to quiet the operation of solenoid valves. Special plunger provides a metal-to-elastomer contact that muffles the distinct click sound of solenoid valves. The feature also extends the life of moving parts....

Vacuum generators.(PNEUMATIC PRODUCTS)
March 1, 2005... JB Series single-stage vacuum generators are versatile, air-powered vacuum pumps with no internal moving parts and can achieve vacuum levels to 27-in. Hg. Straight-through internal design won't easily clog and can be reverse blown to clear if...

Electronic pedal control.(Useful Products)
March 1, 2005... A new line of electronic pedal controls is designed for long life in off-highway and on-highway applications. It uses two non-contacting, hall-effect sensors instead of potentiometers, for durability and long life. Independent circuits ensure...

Miniature magnetostrictive sensor.(Useful Products)
March 1, 2005... Temposonics C-Series linear position sensor fits inside a 36 X 23 mm (1.4 X 0.91 in.) cylindrical package. Built on a base core sensor with optional features available, it offers 0 to 5 Vdc or PWM output, and can be powered with a standard 5-V...

Servovalves.(Useful Products)
March 1, 2005... Benchmark BM760 series valve utilizes a nozzle flapper pilot and force-feedback for control. Operating pressure flow rates of 500 to 3000 psi, 0.25-15g pm @ 1000 psid [+ or -] 10%. Rated for petroleum-based fluids with viscosity range of 60-450...

Pull-ring plugs.(Useful Products)
March 1, 2005... PR Series pull-ring plugs protect parts during shipping, storage, and other operations. Tapered style plugs have built-in lift rings and are constructed of low-density polyethylene. Offered in a flat design with 17 sizes, they have plug...

Hydraulic oil.(Useful Products)
March 1, 2005... Synthetic tractor hydraulic/transmission oil is formulated with synthetic base stocks and additives to provide multi-viscosity protection in all weather and helps avoid seasonal fluid change-outs. Suppresses wet brake chatter. Oxidation...

Explosion-proof gauges.(Useful Products)
March 1, 2005... Explosion-proof differential pressure gauges and switches are CSA and UL listed and come in [DELTA] ranges from 0-5 in H20 through 0-6000 psid. Rated NEMA 4X weather proof, and NEMA 7 explosion-proof, Division 1, Class 1 and 11. Available with...

Pull break couplings.(Useful Products)
March 1, 2005... ISO.B Series couplings provide positive, quick connection ensured by snap-together locking ball system and poppet valves to ensure leak tight operation. Standard sizes range from 1/8 to 1 in. Designed to withstand high pressure peaks and pulses...

Digital valve drivers.(Useful Products)
March 1, 2005... Atos digital valve drivers and controllers provide proportional flow, pressure, and directional control. Digital control reduces hysteresis and response time and improves linearity and stability. Software simplifies setup, produces highly...

High power motors.(Free Literature)
March 1, 2005... Pamphlet provides information on Hydrex HMS-D, HMS-S, and HMS-V Series motors, which have a high power-to-weight ratio. Detailed product specifications include dimensions and weights, as well as data for 12 motor ranges including displacement,...

Load cells.(Free Literature)
March 1, 2005... Mechanical force measurement catalog contains information on complete line of hydraulic load cells. Product range suitable for small welding and press setup to requirements in excess of 200,000 lb/force. Includes design and application...

Fluid power solutions.(Free Literature)
March 1, 2005... Brochure serves as a summary for filtration and fluid management systems, sensors and measurement systems, and fluid and motion control valves and equipment. Offers brief descriptions, with detailed product specifications. Products include...

Rotary actuators.(Free Literature)
March 1, 2005... Brochure features L30 Series helical, hydraulic rotary actuators, which offers a selection of durable, flexible, and versatile products. Details mounting options, such as specifications and dimensions for foot mounted models and flange mounted...

Hydraulic pumps, motors.(Free Literature)
March 1, 2005... Brochure provides background on company that offers new and remanufactured hydrostatic pumps and motors. Brief descriptions of services include exchange programs and remanufacturing. Describes quality assurance and customer service programs....

Proportional valve controllers.(Free Literature)
March 1, 2005... Double-sided one-sheet provides features and specifications, including configuration and wiring, for MVP Inline Proportional Valve Controllers. Used with proportional solenoid valves, the MVP comes pre-wired with standard or custom lengths of...

Photographic memories.(Web Wire)
March 1, 2005... If your post-holiday schedule is too hectic (or if you had to sell your car to pay off those Christmas bills), you can still take a quick visit to a museum... online. The American Photography Museum, www.photography-museum.com, contains some...

Stop waiting.(Web Wire)
March 1, 2005... Here's a site that really makes a lot of sense. The Transportation Security Administration provides a one month rolling history of wait times for airport security screening at waittime.tsa.dhs.gov. Simply fill in your deparing airport, day of...

Total control.(Web Wire)
March 1, 2005... Moog's online home, www.moog.com, features background information on the company's many products, including servo and proportional hydraulic valves, radial piston pumps, motion controllers, and cartridge valves. It features a nice listing of...

Go digital.(Web Wire)
March 1, 2005... Colorado-based Sturman Industries, online at www.sturmanindustries.com, is a manufacturer of high-performance digital valves. Often used in trucks, the valves are also applicable to fluid power systems. The site explains the technology, the...

Air it out.(Web Wire)
March 1, 2005... If you need to brush up on your pneumatic basics, the website www.pneumatica.be is a great place to visit. The Belgian site now has an English version, and you'll appreciate their easy-to-understand pneumatic training materials, which you can...

Something fishy online.(Web Wire)
March 1, 2005... If you're looking for a good online home for the latest fishing scoop, www.fishing.com, is a perfect place to start. The site features everything from charter boat information to data on tides. Users can select a worldwide region, and then get...