Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles from October 2003

Hydraulics & Pneumatics archives from October 2003

Great! An assistant secretary of commerce.(Publisher's Page)
October 1, 2003... It is tradition on Labor Day for the president of the United States to make a speech before members of a labor union to praise the nobility of the American working man. This year, President Bush chose to make his appearance at the training...

Someone noticed Airbus is subsidized.(Publisher's Page)
October 1, 2003... Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry feels the United States should subsidize aircraft producer Boeing like France subsidizes Airbus. "I'm tired of Airbus playing all kinds of subsidy games," Kerry said. "We have to fight back, and...

Would it kill Wal-Mart to buy American?(Publisher's Page)
October 1, 2003... The SARS epidemic apparently is over, but the reaction of Wal-Mart stores during the height of the scare is interesting. Up until SARS hit, Wal-Mart employees were averaging 500 trips per year to China for buying expeditions. The firm was...

Mexico: new opportunities for fluid power.(Guest Editorial)
October 1, 2003... Within the fluid power industry, Mexico can be described as "so close but so far away." Despite its geographical proximity to the U.S., Mexico is rarely taken into consideration in the marketing plans of large U.S. fluid power corporations....

Industry shipments & order statistics.
October 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...

FPDA scholarship honors Ralls.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... The FPDA Board of Directors has established a scholarship in memory of Tom Ralls, FPDA president and chairman of the board who died in June. The Tom Ralls Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to an FPDA member-distributor...

Guide to flow transmitters.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... "The Consumer Guide to..." series of books provides detailed and unbiased information to the most commonly used flow, level, and pressure sensors. The independent guides to the world's flow instruments include performance of specific size and...

Parker keeps on truckin'.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... Parker Hannifin Corp.'s Instrumentation Group has launched the Control Tech Tour mobile tradeshow program, which features a 45-ft semi trailer, filled with a 16 X 20 ft product display area, a conference room, and a training facility. The...

Anderson Fittings acquires Cerro.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... Anderson Fittings, a supplier of precision components, pneumatic and hydraulic brass and steel fittings, valves, and accessories, has acquired Cerro Metal Products, manufacturer of brass components used in commercial OEM applications. Anderson...

Motion Industries Inc.(People)
October 1, 2003... Motion Industries Inc., Birmingham, has named Ellen Holladay senior vice president of information technology and director of operational excellence. She will continue as chief information officer in the company's Information Technology Group.

Macro Sensors.(People)
October 1, 2003... Macro Sensors, Pennsauken, N.J., a manufacturer of linear and rotary position sensors, has promoted Lester P. Schaevitz to director of sales and marketing. Schaevitz previously served as special projects manager. Schaevitz will handle...

Construction machinery exports climb.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... The U.S. shipped more than $1.86 billion worth of construction equipment to global markets during the second quarter of 2003, a 13.2% increase over the first quarter, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. While exports...

Keller America relocates.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... Keller America Inc., the North American subsidiary of Swiss firm Keller AG fur druckmesstechnik, has relocated to new, expanded facilities in Newport News, Va. Keller AG develops and produces pressure sensors and transmitters. For more...

Apparatus simulates powertrain.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... Engineers at Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, have developed a test apparatus capable of simulating vehicle powertrain operations in the laboratory. The apparatus uses hardware-in-the-loop technology and a software-controlled...

Kaman acquires Industrial Supplies.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... Kaman Corp., Bloomfield, Conn., has agreed to purchase the assets and business of Industrial Supplies Inc., Birmingham. The business will become part of Kaman's industrial distribution subsidiary, Kaman Industrial Technologies, Windsor, Conn....

Hagglunds opens new headquarters.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... Hagglunds Drives (Canada) Inc., a unit of Hagglunds Drives Inc., North America, with headquarters in Columbus, has opened its new Canadian headquarters in Burlington, Ont. The facility will house sales offices, technical product support and...

FPNI calls for papers.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... Fluid Power Net International will hold the 3rd FPNI-PhD Symposium Terrassa June 30-July 2, 2004, at Technical University of Catalonia, Spain. The symposium provides a forum for young scientists, especially Ph.D. students, to exchange ideas and...

Hydraulic winch to the rescue.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... 50 years ago... From the October 1953 issue of Applied Hydraulics (the original title of H & P): Development of a hydraulically operated winch as standard equipment on service helicopters has added to the usefulness of the already...

AEM wants stronger manufacturing base.(Industry News)
October 1, 2003... The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has encouraged the U.S. government to take action to strengthen the manufacturing sector, including building strong equipment markets, by stimulating capital investment and creating jobs through...

State of the industry survey gives a snapshot of fluid power.(NFPA News)
October 1, 2003... In a time of economic uncertainty, having more information on what is going on in the fluid power industry--and where others think the industry is going--becomes even more important. The National Fluid Power Association helps its members answer...

Fluid Power Pavilion at IMTS 2004.(NFPA News)
October 1, 2003... All fluid power companies are invited to exhibit in a new Fluid Power Pavilion at the International Manufacturing Technology Show, IMTS 2004. The show is scheduled for September 8-15, 2004 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. There...

Skid-steer loader borrows innovation from big brothers.(Ideas & Applications)
October 1, 2003... Komatsu America recently introduced its SK1020-5 skid-steer loader (SSL). That's about as big a news flash as an auto maker coming out with a new SUV--seems like everyone is making them. But officials point out that the SK 1020-5 is the largest...

Variable-speed motor drives energy-efficient HPU.(Ideas & Applications)
October 1, 2003... Most hydraulic power units (HPUs) for stationary equipment are driven by a fixed-speed motor. And when the application calls for variable flow or pressure compensation, variable-displacement pumps generally are the energy-efficient choice. ...

Don't try this at home ... or anywhere else.(Ideas & Applications)
October 1, 2003... H & P reader Floyd Steams, of Unidex Inc., Warsaw, N. Y., submitted this image, which was sent to him by his son, who is serving in the military overseas. The workers in this plant apparently needed to lift some heavy equipment higher than the...

Sensible steering.(Sensor Tips)
October 1, 2003... A triple-redundant sensor pack is steering tractors in the right direction. The feedback device from Duncan Electronics, a div. of BEI Technologies Inc., Tustin, Calif., brings safety to critical steering applications with three independent...

Q & A corner.(Sensor Tips)
October 1, 2003... Q. What is the difference between linearity and accuracy? A. Linearity measures the closeness of a curve (such as a calibration curve) to a straight line. Accuracy measures the conformance of an indicated value to a standard or ideal value....

Small and slim.(Sensor Tips)
October 1, 2003... MSP-100 Series transducers measure up to 3,000 psi and come with a non-amplified output and an accuracy of [+ or -]1%, with an operating temperature range of -20[degrees] to 85[degrees]C. With a compact one-piece stainless-steel construction...

The final word on non-symmetrical valves.(Motion Control)
October 1, 2003... In conventional design, total valve coefficient, [K.sub.V,T], is the same whether the valve shifts in one direction or the other. This requires that the coefficient for the powered land (with flow from port P to A), [K.sub.VPL], equals that of...

Electrohydraulic motion control website.
October 1, 2003... Discover the wealth of information available on electrohydraulic motion control by visiting www.idaseng.com. This comprehensive website describes software, text books, and videos. Nowhere else will you find such an extensive collection of...

Today's cylinders deserve today's sensors: use the latest technology sensors in air cylinders to avoid selling your applications short.(Pneumatic Systems)
October 1, 2003... It's tempting for equipment suppliers to think of industry segments in terms of their products, rather than the success criteria of their end users. For example, cylinder manufacturers may tend to view their target applications through the...

Modular valves provide flexibility: today's modular valves not only make wiring even simpler than it was only a few years ago, but allow even greater system flexibility as well.(Pneumatic Systems)
October 1, 2003... Pneumatic valves used as inline or manifold-based systems have been a standard part of machine controls and automated devices for decades. Engineers continue to look for smaller, lighter, and more flexible valve structures that make it easy to...

Federal rules outline Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems.(Pneumatic Systems News)
October 1, 2003... New requirements from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) call for all vehicles to be equipped with on-board systems that automatically warn car and light truck drivers when a tire is significantly underinflated. The...

Automatic drain requires no power.
October 1, 2003... Well, at least no electrical power. The Robo Drain, from Air System Products Inc., Lancaster, N.Y., actually scavenges a small amount of compressed air to operate. Its low profile allows installing it in areas where the vessel to be drained is...

Valve islands.(Pneumatic Systems Products & Lit)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure: 7 bar Flow rate: to 266 l/min FEATURES * Modular base for DIN rail or surface mounting * Internal or external pilots * 5/2 or 5/3 variants * Multipole, electrical...

Suction cups.(Pneumatic Systems Products & Lit)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Diameter: 0.8 to 5.91 in. Oval size: 3.7 X 1.5 in. FEATURES * Elasticity of rubber; wear resistance of polyurethane * Available in different hardnesses * Excellent sealing capability * High friction grips...

Vacuum pumps.(Pneumatic Systems Products & Lit)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Vacuum: 26-in. Hg Flow rate: 0.5 or 0.74 scfm Operating temperature: -10[degrees] C to 80[degrees] C FEATURES * Micro-miniature, air-powered, in-line * 5 mm threads or 5/32-in. tube...

Modular Valve System.(Pneumatic Systems Products & Lit)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Size: 0.32 Cv, 0.80 Cv Stroke: 2.5 mm Piston diameter: 14 mm FEATURES * Can be assembled in dual 3/2, 4/2, 4/3 configurations * Push-in pneumatic connections * Adaptive manual overrides * DeviceNet,...

Electronic pressure switches.
October 1, 2003... Brochure provides technical data on the 0520 electronic pressure switch with ceramic gauge head and the 0570 electronic pressure switch with ceramic sensor. The switches are covered by Low-Voltage Directive 72/23 EWG (50 to 1,000 Vac; 75 to...

Miniature fluid power products.
October 1, 2003... New product catalog includes features, specifications, color photos, technical drawings for more than 5,000 standard miniature fluid power products. Main categories include cylinders, control valves, electronic valves, modular valves, fittings,...

Pressure control.
October 1, 2003... Pressure Control Solutions foldout brochure features control boxes, test benches, manifolds, regulators, valves, welded assemblies, shutoff valves, integrated electronics, more. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tescom Corp. 271

Pneumatics solutions.
October 1, 2003... New, 16-page brochure provides product descriptions/photos for pneumatic directional control valves, cylinders, automation/handling devices, actuators, chain drives, as well as accessories such as fittings, tubing, shock absorbers, filters,...

Vacuum components.
October 1, 2003... Vacuum Highlights 2003 features suction pads, pneumatically regulated ejectors, connection cables, vacuum grippers including the FX-SV, FX-SW, FM series 8 pg. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Schmalz Inc. 273

Stop, Position, Lift.
October 1, 2003... Twenty-page brochure features Series PDG disappearing gauge, Series PDK crowder, Series PLL Lite Lifter for automated part stopping, positioning, lifting applications. Includes engineering data, dimensions, benefits, ordering information, parts...

Robotic tool changer.
October 1, 2003... Brochure highlights QC-1200, TP-1200 tool changer. Drawings show adapter, optional modules, loading information. Accommodates up to four optional modular interfaces for easy extendibility, retooling. Robohand Inc. 275

Networking pays dividends for sawmill: a California plant undergoes a total makeover, becoming the first full-mill integration project based on the new Ethernet/IP standard.(Forestry)(Cover Story)
October 1, 2003... Improving factory productivity can sometimes be as simple as upgrading equipment. But some factories can't be easily updated. Occasionally, the old plant needs to be replaced with a new one designed from the ground up. In these cases, engineers...

Compact dozer acts like one of the big guys.(Feature)
October 1, 2003... Any jobsite can have an abundance of attention-grabbing distractions. A driver in the seat of a construction vehicle has to pay heed to a swirl of stimuli. Other vehicles cruise the site, not to mention terrain, time crunches, pedestrians, and...

Selecting quality fluids.(Hydraulic Fluids)
October 1, 2003... Selecting the right hydraulic fluid is critical to maximizing the service life of equipment. Almost every oil company--from major suppliers to small independents--sells hydraulic fluids. Coinciding with this nearly limitless range of supplier...

Push-in plugs.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... FEATURES [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Fit SAE threads * Pull tab on side for easy removal * Reusable * Made of low-density polyethylene * Impact, abrasion resistant * Impervious to most chemicals, solvents ...

Compression fittings.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Temp range: -65[degrees] to 250[degrees] F FEATURES * T and elbow connectors * Line includes sleeves, nuts, reducers * Use with copper, aluminum, thermoplastic tubing * Low- and...

Flare fittings.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Size: 1/4 to 2 in. FEATURES * Replaceable O-ring seal * Interchangeable with standard 37[degrees] flared fittings * Adaptable to metric tubing by changing sleeve * Soft-seal stainless...

Proportional valves.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure: to 5,000 psi Flow rate: 300 l/min FEATURES * Two-stage, pressure reducing * On-board ramp * Optional free reverse-flow check valve * Prevents excess buildup of outlet...

Plunger pumps.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rate: 3.0 gpm @3,000 psi (gas model); 3.5 gpm @ 2,500 psi (electric model) FEATURES * Direct-mount * V-packing seals * Solid ceramic plungers * Shaft key with set screw *...

Pressure switches.
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Range: vacuum to 435 psi (pneumatic); 70 to 6,100 psi (hydraulic) FEATURES * High cycle rates * Handle air, neutral gases, hydraulic, light oil * Gold-plated contacts * UL-,...

Flow meters.
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fitting: 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/2, 2 in. Flow range: 1 to 100 gpm (liquids); 35 to 1,000 scfm (gases) FEATURES * Operates in any position * Requires no flow straighteners or special piping ...

Hydraulic oil.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pour point: to -51[degrees]C Viscosity grades: 32 to 68 ISO FEATURES * Blend of synthetic polyalpha olefin and chemically engineered mineral oils * Reduces lubricant consumption *...

Hydraulic check valves.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Size: 02 to 48 Pressure: 3 to 90 psi FEATURES * Available in slip-in type, S.A.E. threaded * Seats provide positive fluid shutoff * Hardened, lapped discs * Made of Buna-N or...

Honed DOM tubing.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Size: 1.75- to 9- in. OD; walls 0.125 to 0.625 in. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Grade: 1026, ST52.3 FEATURES * ASTM A-513, type 5 * Available in grades 1026 and ST 52.3 * Precision honed Marmon/Keystone...

Hydraulic poppet valves.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure: to 210 bar Flow rate: 1 l/min Coils: 12, 24 Vdc; 110, 220 Vac FEATURES * Bidirectional * Minimal internal leakage in either direction * Manual overrides available ...

Coupling caps.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Size: 1/2 to 2 in. Flange thickness: 0.305 to 0.495 in. FEATURES * Accommodates high-pressure, "caterpillar-style" flanges * Made of low-density polyethylene * Push on easily, lock...

Seals.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stability: to 195[degrees] F water FEATURES * Low gas permeability * Low compression set * For high-pressure/high-loading applications * Includes U-cups, compact piston, V-packing,...

Positioning transducers.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS Resolution: 1, 2, 5, 10, 50 m Frequency: 10, 208, 416, 833 kHz Stroke: 51 mm to 3.6 m FEATURES * P-style profile version * Provides absolute position feedback * Works with captive, floating magnet styles...

Isolation valve.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure: to 35 psi Voltage: 12 Vdc, 24 Vdc FEATURES * Numerous port options * Seat, diaphragm design for exceptional sealing * Handles corrosive fluids * Life span to 15 million...

Industrial pressure transmitters.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure: 14.5 to 8,700 psi Output: 0-10 V, 4-20mA FEATURES * M12 electrical connection * Standard G 1/4 thread fluid connection * Compatible with eurofast cordsets, junction boxes...

Heat exchangers.(New Products)
October 1, 2003... FEATURES [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Offer high thermal efficiency * Withstand high pressures, temperatures * No pressure-retaining parts * Compact, economical * AISI 316 stainless steel plates ITT Standard ...

Hydraulic rebuilding equipment.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... A complete catalog of hydraulic repair equipment is available on CD. Included is a short movie reviewing the products, a complete products catalog (in downloadable PDF format), the "Operations Manuals" for several of the items, and pictures of...

Sensor catalog.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... The 2003-2004 catalog contains information about Balluff's entire offering of sensor products and accessories in an easy-to-use reference guide. It is organized by product category with specifications, dimensions, photos, and diagrams. The...

Cartridge valves, manifold systems.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... 28 pages feature drawings on variety of proportional valves with size, seal, port size, and specific designators; options; housings; plugs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Command Controls Corp. 222

Easy-to-use catalog, CD.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... Catalog 4300 Industrial Tube Fittings, Adapters and Equipment features a simplified format, new sections, and improved diagrams. A CD packaged with the catalog includes the full printed version as well as links to drawings with corresponding...

Hydraulic cartridge valves.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... A brochure with datasheets covers technical information on variety of valves, including relief, sequence, pressure-reducing, overcenter, check styles. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Integrated Hydraulics Inc. 224

Filtration Station.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... The Filtration Station brochure describes an automated flushing and filling unit with particle monitoring. The self-contained unit fills a measured volume of flushing fluid, circulates, filters, and drains a hydraulic system. The portable unit...

Integrated actuator.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... The MMP is a hydraulic linear actuator in which a dc motor, hydraulic pump, valve, and cylinder are unified. Brochure explains features, specifications, characteristics, mounting information. 4 pg. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kayaba...

Hose reels.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... Brochure spotlights the ReelTek light industrial hose reel for air, water, or oil. This spring-driven reel is easy to install and maintain, and retracts every time. Dimensions and capacities are provided. Applications include air-powered tools,...

Hydraulic overview.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... Four-page brochure pictures company's industrial fluid power components, systems. Valves include directional, modular, pressure, inline, ISO-mount types. Also features manifolds, vane pumps, gear pumps, piston pumps, pressure switches,...

Hydraulics, electronics, automation.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... Bilingual brochure (English and German) covers Pleiger radial-piston motors, rotary actuators, power packs and systems, and valves. Colorful photos include products and applications. Robeck Fluid Power 229

Swaging machines.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... A 16-page brochure provides company background as well as applications and specifications for portable, benchtop, and production swaging machines; hose-cutting and nut-crimping machines; quick-change tools; die sets, and controllers. ...

Hydraulic fittings.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... Flare-O brochure covers tube fittings; braze fittings for tubing, adjustable and O-ring fittings, adapter unions, pipe fittings, and gauge line connection ports. You may request engineering prototypes for examination. Air-Way Mfg. Co. ...

Fluid condition monitoring.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... Brochure, 16 pages. A number of products are available to monitor fluid cleanliness. Specifications are given for in-line laser particle counters, portable laser particle counters, samplers, inline sensors, and water-in-oil monitors. Charts...

Swing couplings.(Free Literature)
October 1, 2003... Brocure; 16 pages. Features the SC Series couplings, and provides a guide to determine the most suitable coupling. Compatible with most popular plug systems. Available in many types and models, and a wide choice of seals and lubricants....

Webster Instruments: division of Webtec Products.(Motion System Solution Provider)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2003... Webtec Products, an ISO9001 registered company, designs and manufactures a broad line of hydraulic test equipment, flow meters, OEM tool kits, data acquisition systems, manual & remote control priority flow dividers and flow control valves....

HD Systems.(Motion System Solution Provider: Advertorial)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2003... Harmonic drive gearing is used extensively in automation equipment due to the technology's high performance and high reliability. Zero backlash, smooth motion, high torque capacity, and gear reduction ratios ranging from 30:1 to 160:1 in a...

Bonfiglioli's new branch: offering a new level of service to customers in the U.S.A.(Motion System Solution Provider: Advertorial)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2003... The new Bonfiglioli USA branch in Hebron, Kentucky is strategically located close to Cincinnati airport within a one-hour flight of 50% of the U.S. market. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] From this new location. Bonfiglioli USA now provides...

Brand Hydraulics.(Motion System Solution Provider: Advertorial)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2003... Electronic Controls: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Brand's newest EC Series Electronic Control was designed to meet our customer's needs in one small weatherproof box. Supply voltage for this new control can be either 12 or 24 volts DC. Input...

Flow Ezy Filters, Inc.(Motion System Solution Provider: Advertorial)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2003... Flow Ezy Filters, Inc. manufactures hydraulic strainers, filters, and other hydraulic accessories. For over 30 years, Flow Ezy has earned its reputation for producing high quality hydraulic products that exceed their customers' needs. ...

Ruland Manufacturing Co., Inc.(Motion System Solution Provider: Advertorial)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2003... Selecting a coupling for a servo application can be a complex process with the multitude of motion control coupling designs available. Before selecting a coupling, it is best to know some performance factors such as torque, shaft misalignment,...