Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles from May 2002

Hydraulics & Pneumatics archives from May 2002

Lessons learned on the road. (Editor's Page).
May 1, 2002... Just a few weeks ago, I found myself in the back of a VW van with four editors from other magazines on a road trip across Germany. We had been invited to visit the Hannover Fair and tour several manufacturing plants scattered across Germany....

It looks like a piece of hose, but it's a pneumatic tensile actuator. (Ideas & Applications).
May 1, 2002... Almost everyone has observed that when flexible hoses are pressurized, they expand in the radial direction and contract in the axial direction. Festo Corp. exploits this phenomenon in a new type of actuator they call the Fluidic Muscle. ...

New desiccant dye replaces cobalt chloride. (Ideas & Applications).
May 1, 2002... Silica gel has long been the desiccant of choice for reservoir breathers because it does an excellent job of drying air with humidity between 40 and 100%. By adding a small amount -- about 0.5% by weight -- of cobalt chloride to the silica gel,...

Blowers switch from pressure to vacuum. (Ideas & Applications).
May 1, 2002... Regenerative blowers typically take in ambient air and accelerate it to produce a higher-pressure outlet flow. By reversing the air connections, the blower also can draw a vacuum. FPZ, Inc., Grafton, Wis., simplifies this reversal with a...

Sensor/position-control package can talk to PCs and PLCs. (Idea & Applications).
May 1, 2002... The ServoSensor packages an embedded closed-loop position controller (from Paw-Taw-John Services) and a magnetostrictive position sensor (from MTS Sensors Div.) inside the same MTS Temposonics sensor envelope. The combination provides control...

Magnetic latch slashes valve's power usage. (Ideas & Applications).
May 1, 2002... Peter Paul Electronics Co., Inc., now offers an economical magnetic-latching arrangement for their Series 20, 30, or 80 solenoid valves. This latch can hold the valve's shifted position in remote installations where continuous power may not be...

Simple transfer pump is fast, clean. (Ideas & Applications).
May 1, 2002... The health of almost any hydraulic system is measured by the cleanliness of the fluid that does the work. But even new oils contain some contamination. It is estimated that, on average, a gallon of new oil contains approximately twelve million...

Torque limiters deal with pollutants. (Ideas & Applications).
May 1, 2002... When a friction-type torque limiter is part of a power-transmission train, it often may sit and wait for months -- even years -- before the overload conditions occur that will make it disengage. And if the torque limiter is exposed to moisture,...

Miniature head tracks products. (Ideas & Applications).
May 1, 2002... Balluff, Inc.'s 60R non-contact ID system inductively reads information from encapsulated data carriers mounted on parts, tools, products, and pallets. Such information can be the key to many automation applications. The system integrates both...

Desiccant breathers still blue. (Ideas & Applications).
May 1, 2002... Like many industrial chemicals, cobalt compounds have been studied both by U.S. regulatory agencies and the European Competent (EC) authorities for potential health hazards. According to Des-Case Corp., White House, Tenn., Europe's...

Compact device eliminates static. (Ideas & Applications).
May 1, 2002... During cold, dry winter months, static electricity can become a problem on slitting, winding, rewinding, ink-jetting, and silk-screening production applications. One inexpensive way to prevent the jamming, tearing, or dust attraction caused by...

Air dryer can fit in shoebox. (Ideas & Applications).
May 1, 2002... The PMD Series of miniature compressed-air dryers -- from MTI-Puregas, Westminster, Colo. -- are sized to match the air flow of fractional-horsepower compressors. Well suited for point-of-use installation on applications that require less than...

Pneumatic gripper sneers at heat and dust. (Pneumatic Systems).
May 1, 2002... Ryobi Die Casting U.S.A., Inc., located in Shelbyville, Ind., is the largest die casting operation in North America. When robot-builder ABB won the assignment to develop a system to handle transmission-housing castings for Ryobi, they...

Single valve runs slide/clamp unit. (Pneumatic Systems).
May 1, 2002... Robot designers can simplify their lives with Series PS reach-and-pick clamps from PHD, Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind. These pneumatic units combine a slide and a clamp in a robotic end-effector accessory that is operated by a single external...

Vacuum package grips glass. (Pneumatic Systems).
May 1, 2002... If you've ever tried to lift and move a large storm window or mirror, or manipulate a refrigerator through a doorway, you can appreciate the Gripper, a battery-powered, vacuum-operated personal lifting device. Completely self-contained and...

Compressed-air dryers. (Pneumatic Information File: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... Twenty-four-page catalog focuses on line of self-regenerating, desiccant-type compressed-air dryers capable of flow rates from 1/2 to 20 scfm with atmospheric dewpoints as low as -100[degrees] F. Also covers other components -- such as...

Fluid power valves. (Pneumatic Information File: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... Twenty-page Catalog 201 C includes descriptions, technical specifications, operating capacities, and 3-dimensional cutaway CAD images for family of flow-control, check, slide, needle, relief, and pressure-compensated flow-control valves for...

Software for flow problems. (Pneumatic Information File: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... Design Flow Solutions brochure explains how efficient, verifiable software (Branch for single-line, multiple-component systems; DesigNet for flow networks) can solve fluid-flow problems in seconds using comprehensive reference information....

Precision orifices. (Pneumatic Information File: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... Catalog 11 contains 52 pages that focus on sapphire and metal orifice assemblies for accurate metering of liquids and gases. Provides photos, dimensions, and specifications. Also covers precision Micro-Orifices, screened orifices, breathers,...

Screens and fittings. (Pneumatic Information File: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... Eight-page catalog pictures and describes family of miniature stainless-steel fittings and screens. Includes barb connections, 10-32 threads, 1/8- and 1/4-in. NPT fittings, barb connections for 1/16- or 1/8-in. ID plastic tubing, and pipe...

Sintered-metal products. (Pneumatic Information File: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... Catalog describes sintered-metal pneumatic mufflers, filters, and bearings offered in brass, stainless steel, nickel-plated brass wire, or sintered powder, and available in pipe sizes from 10-32 to 1 in. Can be used to stop noise, control flow,...

Flow-control products. (Pneumatic Information File: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... Four-page catalog presents design and performance details on all-metal (brass or stainless steel) line of miniature check valves and fixed flow controls for gases or liquids at pressures from vacuum to 2000 psi. Valves are available in three...

Control devices. (Pneumatic Information File: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... Eight-page, color-illustrated catalog presents photographs and summary descriptions of array of precision measurement and control products. Covers electropneumatic servo pressure controls, I/P, E/P, and P/I transducers; rolling diaphragm...

Gauges. (Pneumatic Information File: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... Six-page, color-illustrated brochure unfolds to present Marsh Instrument line of accurate precise pressure gauges and temperature instruments. Quick index selector in convenient chart format includes photographs, construction details,...

Automation products. (Pneumatic Information File: Special Advertising Section).
May 1, 2002... Catalog presents complete line of innovative pneumatic automation products. Pictures and describes airline service units, valves, cylinders, miniature chucks, vacuum products, fittings, and accessories. Pipe sizes range from 10-32 to 1/2 in....

Integral and load-sensing pump controls. (Motion Control).
May 1, 2002... The expected pressure-flow characteristics of the Millennium pump, shown in Figure 1, are almost identical to those of a conventional pressure-compensated pump. The action of the control system appears in the simplified block diagram of Figure...

When it comes fluid to performance match characteristics to application needs: with all the different types and formulations of hydraulic fluids available, fluid selection should never be an afterthought. (Cover Story).
May 1, 2002... When designing or operating a hydraulic system, every component must be selected and maintained correctly-- with one of the most vital components being the hydraulic fluid itself. There are many different types of fluids available today, and...

Utility equipment tackles remote areas: insulated aerials use power of hydraulics to perform live-line barehanded work -- hundreds of feet above remote mountain areas. (Utility Equipment).
May 1, 2002... In May 2001, the National Energy Policy Development Group, chaired by Vice President Dick Cheney, issued a report on the state of the nation's energy supplies, efficiency and infrastructure. The group suggested pursuing undeveloped...

Applications focus on the future: the 3rd International Fluid Power Conference, held this past March in Aachen, Germany, presented details on advances in fluid power technology in several key areas. (International Focus).
May 1, 2002... Fluid power is a universal technology, and perhaps nowhere was that more apparent than at this winter's 3rd International Fluid Power Conference (IFK 2002), which was held in Aachen, Germany. Conference participants came from 19 countries, and...

Is air lubrication still practical? Deciding which, if any, type of lubricator to use in a compressed air system must address performance, maintenance, safety and the workplace environment. (Basic Pneumatics).
May 1, 2002... Air lubricators have been an important part of pneumatic systems for decades. Lubrication helps reduce friction between sliding surfaces to not only improve efficiency and increase cycling speed of a component, but reduces wear, which...

Cost-efficient manufacturing can be easier with the right partner: in today's economy, the pressure is on many manufacturers to produce more product for less. (Operations).
May 1, 2002... Increasing profitability in manufacturing has never been more challenging -- or more essential. From rising energy prices to the cost of raw materials, today's industrial operators face increasing cost pressure on almost all fronts. And, it is...

Motion controller. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... RMC Serial motion controller cost-effectively combines multiple communication protocols -- Allen-Bradley DF1, Modbus/RTU, and Mitsubishi A- and F-series PLCs -- with software-selectable transceivers -- RS-232, -422, and -485. Result is...

Air clutch. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Air Champ LSCC-44 straight-bore clutch has multiple plates to transmit high torque in small-diameter package. Interfaces engage under pressure to drive sprockets attached to flange; when exhausted, springs separate interfaces for complete...

Poppet valves. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Bronze Star line of direct solenoid-operated 2-way poppet valves incorporates PWM electronics to extend solenoid life and reduce power consumption. Solenoid holding current is low; input voltage range is wide. Handles operating pressures from...

Hydraulic valves. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Versatile, load-sensing, sectionaltype CV 2000 LS valves can be used with fixed- and variable-displacement pumps; are rated at 40 gpm and 5000-psi working pressure. User can select up to 33 gpm flow at each working port. Other section...

Press-in check valve. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... CCPI Series Press-In Chek is miniature cartridge-style check valve specifically developed for installation into cavities in plastics; incorporates robust barbed design that installs easily, provides retention, and prevents by-pass leakage....

Position transducer. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Model PT5600 cable-extension position transducer mates with Stegmann multi-turn absolute encoder to support Interbus, Profibus, and DeviceNet systems. Compact package provides measurements as long as 250 in. Accuracy is lesser of 0.02% of full...

Threadless connector. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Patented Aeroquip Snap-To-Connect threadless connector for flexible hose and tube assemblies is specifically designed to eliminate leakage, improve accessibility, and reduce installation time. Male and female halves are simply pushed together...

Slow-start pneumatic fittings. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Prestostart fittings -- with adjustable needle valves -- provide gradual increase in downstream pressure each time system restarts. Internal valve opens fully when backpressure rises to 2/3 of inlet pressure. Two models mount on FRL or power...

Short-stroke actuators. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Miniature hydraulic actuators generate output force ranging from 1 to 3 tons in five standard models (with diameters from 1.5 to 2.5 in.) rated at 3000 psi. Stroke is 4-in. or less in 1/10-in. increments. Threaded bodies install where space is...

Flow meters. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Direct-reading flow meters for petroleum fluids are available in 1 1/2-in. Code 61 and 3-in. Code 62 (shown) configurations. Monitor ranges from 0.02 to 300 gpm; performs in any position. Guard rotates 360[degrees], carries easy-to-read linear...

Moisture analyzer. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Rugged, compact and portable (15 lb) Aquapal III moisture analyzer incorporates coulometric titrator -- developed by Germany's Karl Fischer -- to detect exact water content in hydraulic fluids. Simple one-button operation automatically delivers...

Hose carrier. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Corrosion-resistant Gortrac SRC and LRC hose and cable carriers are designed to maintain proper bend radius of air and hydraulic hoses, as well as electric cables, to prevent wear and fatigue. LRC link heights can be up to 4 in., SRC to 3 in.;...

Compact air compressor. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... MicroBoost oil-free booster compressor can flow 20 scfh and generate 2200 psig. Quiet 180-rpm operation -- via 1800-rpm motor and 10:1 gear reducer -- adds to reliability and long service life; 1/2-hp motor is available in 110- and 230-V...

Loaded-lip seal. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Dual-durometer Eel-seal is premium cast-urethane, loaded-lip seal with energizer element cast in place and chemically bonded to inside of U-cup. Larger element cannot pop out or extrude; has virtually zero compression set to maintain radial...

Swivel fittings. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Line of 360[degrees] swivel fittings -- in brass, nickel-plated brass, or stainless steel -- is available on straight, elbow, and tee configurations. Connection sizes: 10-32 through 1/2-in. NPT male or female threads and 1/16-through 1/2-in. ID...

Solenoid valves. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Compact Series 58 solenoid valves with stainless-steel bodies are offered in 2- and 3-way versions and NO, NC, and multipurpose configurations. Orifice sizes range from 0.6 to 1.2 mm. Coils draw 3.5 W or less. Mounting options: 10/32 stud as...

Custom manifolds. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Custom hydraulic manifolds--such as 3500-lb single-piece unit with a large counter-bore pictured above--are manufactured to customer's exact design specifications. Produced from aluminum, cast iron, or regular/free-machining steel; accuracy is...

Pressure transducers. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Severe duty transducers are constructed from all-welded, hermetically sealed stainless steel, with encapsulated electronics. Handle pressure ranges from 0 to 15 through 0 to 15,000 psi.Accuracy is [+ or -]0.2% FSO. Three models offer 3- mV/V, 0...

Membrane dryers. (New Products).
May 1, 2002... Lightweight KMD dryers produce dewpoints from -40[degrees] to -50[degrees] F; perform at low and high temperatures, as well as in corrosive and explosive environments. Materials: ABS plastic and aluminum. Kaeser Compressors 169

NFPA offers new technical standards. (Industry News).
May 1, 2002... The National Fluid Power Assn. recently published several new standards, including: Hydraulic fluid power -- Filters -- Evaluation of differential pressure versus flow characteristics ($40; $34 for members), Pneumatic fluid power -- Connections...

IFPE 2005 call for papers. (Industry News).
May 1, 2002... The next IFPE show has been scheduled for March 15-19, 2005 in Las Vegas, and a call for papers has been announced for the associated Technical Conference. Deadline for abstracts is Spring 2004. For details, email: techconf@ifpe.com or call...

Tuthill Vacuum Systems completes move. (Industry News).
May 1, 2002... Tuthill Vacuum Systems recently completed its move to Springfield, Mo. The company will continue operations at its existing service center in Canton, Mass., however.

Pall Corp. completes acquisition of Filterite. (Industry News).
May 1, 2002... Pall Corp., East Hills, N.Y., has completed the acquisition of Filterite, headquartered in Timonium, Md., and other divisions of the Filtration and Separations Group from USFilter Corp. The additions bring approximately $270 million in sales to...

Integrated Technologies. (People).
May 1, 2002... Integrated Technologies, Mentor, Ohio, has appointed Len Bieder to the position of operations coordinator.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (People).
May 1, 2002... American Society of Mechanical Engineers, New York, has named Virgil R. Carter of Chadds Ford, Pa. as executive director, effective July 1, 2002. He succeeds David L. Belden, Ph.D. who is retiring after serving since 1987.

Superior Tube Co. (People).
May 1, 2002... Superior Tube Co., Collegeville, Pa., has announced a new management team, including Jeffrey Stain as president, John Denman as CFO, Nevin Scholl as vice president of production, and Jeffrey Warden as vice president of marketing.

www.greatachievements.org. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... Visit this website for information on the "20 greatest achievements of the 20th century." Each achievement's link includes a history and timeline section.

www.leakzone.com. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... Some fluid power component manufacturers may not be amused by this site's tagline -- Everything leaks. The site has areas devoted to compressed air, industrial systems, the environment, and quality control. Sections include articles, direct...

www.ascouncil.org. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... Here's the home page for the Adhesive and Sealant Council. It lists news and upcoming events, and has information on jobs, market reports, and training opportunities.

planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... This fun page is called Planet Quest -- the search for another A Earth. Part of NASA's site, it includes information on the latest visual and radio telescopic searches for other planets, along with descriptions of planned space missions...

www.familydoctor.org/handouts. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... If you don't have the good fortune to have a doctor in the family, this site from the American Academy of Family Physicians is the next best thing. Topics cover everything from "Antibiotics: when they can and can't help" to "Tension headaches."...

www.automationcenter.com. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... The Automation Center has a lot of good, technical links -- for sensors, control network equipment, and all sorts of fluid power componentry. But we're really drawn to the Motivational Page (click on the little fish near the bottom of the...

www.warnerelectric.com. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... Warner Electric's product selector allows for quick searches of their product lines: clutches and brakes, tensioning systems, sensors, switches, and controls.

www.pneusite.com. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... Pneusite is a website geared toward helping people find pneumatic distributors. We experienced problems using it in Netscape, but switching to Internet Explorer seemed do the trick... sort of. We tried a dozen different states, and never found...

www.htg.cc. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... The redesigned website for HI TecMetal Group has details on their Nitrotec process, along with brazing, heat treating, machinings, coatings, weldings, and just about anything you'd want to do to a piece of metal. As proof of their quest for...

www.ileneindustries.com. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... The website for Ilene Industries isn't terribly easy to get around, but those adventurous enough to try will find some information on their gaskets, as well as other rubber materials. An online quote request form is offered on the site.

www.sspfittings.com. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... The website for SSP Fittings Corp. features the product selector tool, which allows users to build a fitting based on the shapes and end types desired, select an appropriate interchange, or configure a fitting based on their application...

www.archive.org. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... This amazing site is called the Wayback Machine, and it consists of an entire Internet archive. Yes, you read that right. Over 10 billion pages -- totaling over 100 terabytes -- have been saved since the project began in 1996. How much is a...

www.steubymfg.com. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... Steuby Mfg. Co.'s site has a great deal of catalog-type information on their pneumatic controls, including relief, check, and pilot valves. There is also a capabilities section, which describes some of the products that can be ordered to...

www.ifmefector.com. (Web Wire).
May 1, 2002... IFM Efector's site provides details on their various sensors, suitable for use in industrial applications. Particularly interesting here is the "Product Zoom" tool, which allows users to locate products be selecting specific know features...