Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles from October 2004

Hydraulics & Pneumatics archives from October 2004

The downward spiral of our presidential politics.(Editor's Page)
October 1, 2004... In what seems to be a chicken-and-egg sort of question, the U.S. presidential race, as well as our civility toward each other, have both hit new lows. Are the dirty tricks that both parties are playing "trickling down" to the population at...

Engineering more laughs.(Reader's Forum)
October 1, 2004... I used to work for a mechanical seal manufacturer. When I told someone at a party that I sold seals, I was asked if Sea World was a customer. Tom Miller tmiller@rammotors.com How about the conduit box on a motor where the wiring...

Musical fluid power.(Reader's Forum)
October 1, 2004... I've been in fluid power for over 18 years and have been active in the Barbershop Harmony Society at least as long. This is the largest men's singing organization in the world. I have sung in several barbershop quartets and currently am the...

Fluid Power Society troubles.(Reader's Forum)
October 1, 2004... I believe you are correct in your assessment of the FPS. I also believe it is dying of self-inflicted wounds. I haven't renewed my membership nor recertified. I can see no benefit to either. Owen Morell Nashville, Tenn.

Chicago gets ready for Pack Expo.(Industry News)
October 1, 2004... Pack Expo International 2004 will be held at Chicago's McCormick Place from November 7-11. Show organizers expect almost 2,000 exhibitors and 1.3 million sq-ft of space--the largest packaging show in the Western Hemisphere. For more details,...

IFPE 2005.(Industry News)
October 1, 2004... March 15-19, 2005 Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas IFPE 2005, the International Exposition for Power Transmission, is touted as North America's largest exposition and technical conference for power transmission and motion...

Kavlico acquired by French company.(Industry News)
October 1, 2004... Schneider Electric, Rueil-Malmaison, France, has acquired Moorpark, Calif.-based Kavlico Corp. Kavlico is active in the sensing technology market, with sales of $156 million for the fiscal year ending August 2003. Components for repetitive...

Fluidpack announces changes.(Industry News)
October 1, 2004... Dan Armstrong has been appointed general manager of Fluid-Pack Corp., London, Ont. Armstrong has been controller at the company for 15 years, and replaces Marrius Hoefman, who has moved to the company's Arctic Equipment subsidiary. Bill...

Fairchild reorganizes for growth.(Industry News)
October 1, 2004... Fairchild Industrial Products Co., Winston-Salem, N.C., announced that it has completed its business reorganization, which will allow the company to focus on the pneumatic controls and power transmission industries. As part of the...

Collaboration increases performance in mobile equipment.(Industry News)
October 1, 2004... Sauer-Danfoss, Ames, Iowa, and Texas Instruments, Dallas, have collaborated on a series of hardware modules that allow OEMs to reduce design time and increase system features and functionality on heavy equipment. The eight PLUS 1 hardware...

Two anniversaries in one.(Industry News)
October 1, 2004... Rubinetterie Utensilerie Bonomi S.R.L, an Italian brass valve manufacturer, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its U.S. subsidiary, Minneapolis-based RuB Inc. Established by owner Silvio Bonomi and his sons, RuB Inc. sells direct to its...

Behringer to handle Mahle filtration lines.(Industry News)
October 1, 2004... Behringer Corp., Branchville, N.J., has been appointed the U.S. master distributor for the entire industrial and hydraulic filtration product line of Mahle Filtersysteme of Ohringen, Germany. Mahle is a leading European filter manufacturer,...

Metko forms new division.(Industry News)
October 1, 2004... Metko Inc., New Holstein, Wis., has formed a new division dedicated to the production of seam welded and MIG welded custom ferrous, aluminum, and stainless steel reservoirs for mobile equipment. For details, visit www.metko.com.

New name for Ortman.(Industry News)
October 1, 2004... Ortman Fluid Power, Quincy, Ill., a manufacturer of hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, has changed its name to Quincy Ortman Cylinders. The company's new website is located at www.quincyortmancylinders.com.

Swedish manufacturer opens U.S. office.(Industry News)
October 1, 2004... Sunfab Hydraulics, Hudiksvall, Sweden, is opening a U.S. office, to be operated as Sunfab North America. The office is located in Somerville, N.J. This location will serve all of North America, stocking the company's hydraulic pumps and...

Growing horizons for fluid power.(50 Years Ago ...)
October 1, 2004... From the October 1954 issue of Applied Hydraulics (the original title of H & P). * Hydraulic power is finding its way into the nation's fairgrounds. In Springfield, Ill., the Weaver Mfg. Co. was called on to design a hydraulic stand for...

Special valves help downsize force amplifier.(Ideas & Applications)
October 1, 2004... Engineers at the LatchTool Group, Colorado Springs, set out to develop a hydraulically powered force amplifier small enough to fit into hand tools such as locking pliers. They wanted a product that would literally put fluid power in the palm of...

New fitting eases assembly, boost reliability.(Ideas & Applications)
October 1, 2004... A new adjustable port stud from Parker Hannifin's Tube Fittings Division, Columbus, provides easier field assembly while eliminating the potential for damage to the backup washer, which otherwise could allow leakage. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Back by popular demand--Hydraulic System Analysis.(Ideas & Applications)
October 1, 2004... What were you doing in 1969, assuming you were around then? If you were George Keller, of the Boeing Co., Seattle, or an editor on Hydraulics & Pneumatics, you were probably busy putting the final touches on a ground-breaking text, Hydraulic...

Newest generation of magnetostrictive transducers boast easy programmability.(Ideas & Applications)
October 1, 2004... It wasn't that long ago that maintenance technicians were expected to snap off the cover from a sensor and jam a screw-driver inside to try to make adjustments or troubleshoot. But with many of today's harsh environment sensors, it would be...

Size accumulators using the capacitance method.(Motion Control)
October 1, 2004... The circuit of Figure 1 shows a pump as being fixed displacement, even though we know full well that it is pressure compensated. Justification for this simplification was explained in last month's installment of "Motion Control." The...

Tooling around: hydraulics plays a very simple role in machine tooling--but one that is critical to achieving the proper results.(Machine Tools)(Cover Story)
October 1, 2004... In any industrial economy, machine tools are a vital component. The ability to cut and form metal in a precise and repeatable manner is one of the most basic parts of the manufacturing process. Today's machine tools are a far cry from the first...

Valves in control: pressure-control valves are found in almost every hydraulic system, and they help in a variety of functions.(Technology Update)
October 1, 2004... Pressure control valves assist hydraulic systems in a number of ways--from keeping system pressures below a desired limit to maintaining a set pressure in circuits. The most common valves for controlling pressure include relief, reducing,...

Valves, pressure control.
October 1, 2004... Service Hydraulic Type Pneumatic Petroleum Synthetic Water Relief base...

The low down on air flow; Before embarking on major changes to a problematic pneumatic system, check its vital signs: pressure, temperature, and, especially, flow.(Pneumatic Systems)
October 1, 2004... A pneumatic system's pressure and temperature are easy to measure. Simply find an unused port and install an appropriate transducer. But installing a flow meter is a little more involved, so flow rate often is left out of the diagnostic...

Hose fittings & assemblies, pneumatic.
October 1, 2004... Hose end fittings Male Male Permanent Re-usable flare Female pipe Accuflex...

Push-on hose.(New Products/Focus on Air Hose & Tubing)
October 1, 2004... Nylobrade push-on hose is a combination of nitrile rubber and PVC, reinforced with polyester braid. The special design lets the hose work with push-on style fittings without the need for clamps. The hose is available in six sizes from 1/4-to...

Hose clamps.(New Products/Focus on Air Hose & Tubing)
October 1, 2004... Clamps for hoses come in zinc plated steel or stainless steel. Design provides for quick installation, tamper resistance, low profile posture while maintaining constant seal. Holds against pressure, vacuum, vibration, and fluctuations in...

Flexible and strong.(New Products/Focus on Air Hose & Tubing)
October 1, 2004... Supercoil self-storing polyurethane air hose is suitable for applications where kink and abrasion resistance are important considerations. Polyurethane's flexibility and light weight minimize user fatigue; toughness and long lasting durability...

Jacketed tubing.(New Products/Focus on Air Hose & Tubing)
October 1, 2004... Jacketed tubing offers corrosion protection and mechanical protection in pneumatic and hydraulic applications. Features thermoplastic, UV-resistant jacket that provides increased protection against galvanic and atmospheric corrosion. Coating...

Tubing.(New Products/Focus on Air Hose & Tubing)
October 1, 2004... Variety of tubing for pneumatic systems is offered, with resistance to temperature, hydrolysis, pressure, chemicals, and flexibilty. Materials include polyurethane, polyamide, and polyethylene, with available polyvinyl chloride shields or...

Spiral tubing.(New Products/Focus on Air Hose & Tubing)
October 1, 2004... Line of spirally cut tubing is available in precut lengths, in payout boxes, or on spools. Offered in nine sizes from 1/8 to 1 1/4 in. OD, in clear, colored, UV-resistant, and fire resistant polyethylene; self-extinguishing nylon; and TFE. ...

Flexible tubing.(New Products/Focus on Air Hose & Tubing)
October 1, 2004... Line of flexible polyurethane, vinyl (PVC), and vyplas tubing for pneumatic applications is offered in bulk spools ranging from 200 to 2500 feet. Tubing may also be cut to length. Comes in many increments from 1/16- to 1/2-in. ID. Metric sized...

Fatigue-resistant.(New Products/Focus on Air Hose & Tubing)
October 1, 2004... Gates Terminator air hose features rated working pressure exceeding 500 psi and resists flex-fatigue. The braided reinforcement (resilient polyester) extends service life in applications requiring constant flexing and bending. Extra rugged...

Air hose.(New Products/Focus on Air Hose & Tubing)
October 1, 2004... Reinforced polyvinyl chloride air hose handles up to 300 psi working pressure. Air-Tak withstands cracking, peeling, and rotting. Users may select diameters, lengths, and packaging to fit their needs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kentak...

Heavy-duty air cylinders.(Pneumatic Products)
October 1, 2004... Model MH cylinders are designed for tough applications. Bore sizes range from 1 1/2- to 24 in. Internally lubricated for life and feature floating self-aligning repairable rod cartridge. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Peninsular Cylinder Co.,...

Elastomer cushions.(Pneumatic Products)
October 1, 2004... The NuCushion externally mounts to pneumatic cylinders, serving as an alternative to pneumatic cushions. It reduces reaction forces and is unaffected by oil, grease, chemicals, sunlight, salt spray, and hydraulic fluids. Offers quiet operation...

In-line exhaust valves.(Pneumatic Products)
October 1, 2004... J-Series in-line exhaust valves have 1/8- and 1/4-in. ports and offer fast response time and high flow rates. All-brass construction and 100% testing ensure high quality. Valves also allow use of small directional valves and long control lines....

High flow valves.(Pneumatic Products)
October 1, 2004... Dash 2 and Dash 3 pilot-operated solenoids require only 0.6 W of power and can shift as fast as 0.004 sec. Dash 2 valves have a [C.sub.V] of 0.12, Dash 3 valves have a [C.sub.V] of 0.4. Both valves are rated for pressure or vacuum on any port...

Swing clamp cylinders.(Pneumatic Products)
October 1, 2004... P1M Series swing clamp cylinders come in bore diameters of 32, 40, and 50 mm. The 32- and 40-mm bore units have a clamp stroke of 10 or 20 mm. The 50-m bore models have a 20- or 50-mm clamp stroke. Clamp forces depend on operating air pressure...

Push-to-connect fittings.(Pneumatic Products)
October 1, 2004... A line of push-to-connect pneumatic fittings offers easy connect and disconnect. Available in a range of body designs and configurations from 1/8 to 1/2 in. in diameter. Come in poly and nickel-plated brass. Also offered for metric tubes with...

Part sensing system.(Pneumatic Products)
October 1, 2004... The Rexroth MS01 pneumatic part sensing system offers precise measuring accuracy to 0.01 mm. The system controls the presence, position, shape, and dimensions of test objects, which are scanned using an air jet from a sensor nozzle. The system...

Reduced-wiring valves.(Pneumatic Products)
October 1, 2004... Catalog describes 4TB1 and 4TB2 four-port valves. Wide variety of wiring connectable to PC control. Includes types of wiring available, valve and block manifold specifications, and engineered drawings. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CKD USA...

Flow up, down, all around.(Design Close-Up)
October 1, 2004... Piston-type variable-area flow meters for petroleum-base fluids suit applications with high pressures, flows, and temperatures. In this design, a calibrated spring holds a piston assembly in a no flow position. When flow through the meter...

High-pressure brakes.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Parking brakes handle release pressures to 5000 psi. The 95C Series with SAE C mount and 90B Series with SAE B mount are available with the high-pressure option. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eskridge Inc., (913) 782-1238, www.eskridgeinc.com...

Bladder accumulators.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Bladder accumulators feature specially formulated bladder compounds that provide very low permeability for long intervals between recharging. Valve core withstands 7500-psi pressure. Two-piece valve stem eliminates costly replacement of bladder...

Low-speed, high-torque motors.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... D9 low-speed, high-torque motors use dual tapered roller bearings and double-lipped Teflon shaft seals. They come in nine displacements from 15.6 to 62.7 in.[.sup.3]/rev with continuous operating speeds from 197 to 550 rpm. Maximum continuous...

Motion controllers with analog feedback.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... RMC70 Series motion controllers are available with analog feedback. The AA(x) versions come as a single-axis module with one analog control output or a two-axis module with two outputs and two inputs. Each control output provides [+ or -]10 V,...

Pre-energized vee packing.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... A new vee packing design is said to deliver a tight seal at installation. No need to tighten a packing gland against the seal or use adhesives. Available in diameters from 1/4 to 96 in. and more than 20 material configurations. ...

Explosion-proof pressure transmitters.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The 621/622 Series explosion-proof transmitters are designed for Class 1, Div. 1, Groups A, B, C, and D hazardous locations. FM and CSA approved. Use sputtered thin film and diffused semiconductor sensing technologies. Standard accuracy of [+...

Distribution manifolds.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Stock and custom manifolds are made from 6061 grade aluminum. Offer pressure ratings to 1000 psi for air and 3000 psi for non-shock hydraulics. Pre-drilled mounting holes ease installation. There are 292 sizes in stock available immediately;...

Reverse flow indicators.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... RFIK Series hydraulic testers offer reverse flow capability to 50 gpm and working pressure to 6000 psi. Reverse flow feature allows the machine to be fully cycled during troubleshooting and prevents cylinder lockup and possible pressure...

Compact distribution manifolds.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... J6 Series distribution manifolds control multiple outputs from a single source inlet. Assemblies range from 4 to 18 needle valve/outlet connections. Valves can be individually isolated for precise control. One-piece body rated to 6000-psig...

Leak-free port/fitting systems.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The Uniport 10K port/fitting system protects against fluid leakage. Features metal-to-metal cone seal and radial O-ring. Cold deformation of cone bottom prevents O-ring from extruding at extremely high pressure. Sviwel nut allows for selected...

Digital pressure gages.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Ashcroft Digigauge Type 2089 precision pressure gage provides accuracy of [+ or -]0.05% full-scale total error band and compensated temperature from 0 to 150[degrees]F. Offers seven-language capability and FM approval. The Type 2274 industrial...

Leak test instruments.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The Sentinel C-20 pressure decay leak test instrument detects obvious accept or reject parts early in the test cycle. Features four-part programs including timer, pressure, leak rate, and part change. Measures pressure changes of 0.0001 psi....

Electronic joysticks.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Heavy-duty electronic joysticks work in temperatures from -40[degrees] to 85[degrees]C, are sealed to IP67, and withstand vibration to 9 g rms, 24 to 2000 Hz. Supply voltages from 9 to 31 Vdc. They produce a high-resolution 500-Hz PWM output...

Hydraulic caliper brakes.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Modular hydraulic caliper brakes are available in a fixed-mount, dual-opposed design or as a floating-mount, single-piston design. Both designs can be bolted directly to the vehicle frame or to mating components. Self-retracting seal ensures...

All-fluid pressure sensors.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Herion 18S all-fluid pressure sensors have a pressure range from 0 to 11,600 psi and are suitable for neutral and aggressive gases and fluids. Available in three-wire version with an output signal range of 0 to 10 V or a two-wire, 4-20-mA...

Hydraulic fittings, tubing.(Useful Literature)
October 1, 2004... A 288-page catalog highlights a range of metric and industrial fittings and tubing. Provides information on DIN 2353, SAE J514, and BSI 5200 fittings, adapters, and non-return valves, as well as metric steel and stainless hydraulic tubes...

Cast iron bar.(Useful Literature)
October 1, 2004... Brochure details wide selection of continuously cast iron sizes, shapes, and specifications. Round bar offered in diameters to 19 in., square in diameters to 16 in. Rectangle bar comes in thicknesses from 1 to 13 in. and widths to 29.5 in....

Hydraulic cylinders.(Useful Literature)
October 1, 2004... A series of catalogs covers standard to special-build cylinders, component parts, and details about the company's Advantage Dealer program. Provides information on how the company can help with new cylinder applications, cylinder redesigns, and...

Built-to-order cylinders.(Useful Literature)
October 1, 2004... Brochure provides information on Standard Rod Build Program. Cylinders are configured using standard components to deliver benefit of custom design and quick delivery. Medium- and heavy-duty series available. Provides details on features and...

Parker modular solenoid valve system: Moduflex series.(Fluid Power Solution Providers)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... With high performance technology, Moduflex opens a new era in the field of electro-pneumatic automation. Valves may be standalone or assembled into short long islands, depending on the application. With IP65-67 water and dust protection, the...

Pneumadyne, Inc.(Fluid Power Solution Providers)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Pneumadyne, Inc. is your source for pneumatic control valves, solenoid valves, fittings, manifolds, custom products, tubing and more. For over 20 years, Pneumadyne has been recognized for providing high quality products in a wide variety of...

The Lee Company.(Fluid Power Solution Providers)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Miniature Orifice Provides Consistent Flow The Lee Company's new IMH Orifice for liquids is an economical, highly accurate miniature restrictor that can be used in medical instrumentation and disposables, hydraulic controls and commercial...

Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc.: manufacturers of quality pneumatic & electronic control devices.(Fluid Power Solution Providers)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... NEW! Brass Barb to #10-32 Fittings with Captivated O-Ring A new series of fittings with a captivated O-ring seal has been added to the fittings line. This new fitting has an installed Buna-N O-ring which seals the fitting in a #10-32...

Increase filter and cartridge sales.(Fluid Power Solution Providers)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Filtration systems without differential pressure gauges can never assure the user of guaranteed performance levels so that filter elements will either be changed too soon or too late--either case resulting in excess expense or potential product...

MAHLE Behringer[R].(Fluid Power Solution Providers)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... MAHLE Filtersysteme, Ohringen, Germany, is pleased to announce that Behringer Corp., Branchville, N.J., has been appointed USA Master Distributor for their entire industrial, hydraulic and process filtration product line. MAHLE is a leading...

Sherex Industries Ltd.(Fluid Power Solution Providers)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Sherex Industries Ltd., an ISO 9001-2000 certified award-winning company, is celebrating its 25th year as a nationwide supplier of niche products for the Fluid Power, Automotive, Transportation, Off Road, & Sheet Metal Fabrication markets....

Peninsular Cylinder Company: longer lasting cylinders--NFPA & metric.(Fluid Power Solution Providers)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... For over 50 years Peninsular has been manufacturing pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders for OEM and MRO applications that require top performance and extended service in destructive manufacturing environments. Engineered and Built for...

Research this site.(Web Wire)
October 1, 2004... The Southwest Research Institute, online at www.swri.org, does not test new types of flotation devices or small peanut bags, as some might guess. Instead, this facility, located on 1200 acres in San Antonio, is a nonprofit applied research and...

In addition to their excellent wines ...(Web Wire)
October 1, 2004... A visit to www.behringersystems.com will reveal a website chock full of filter element information (via a handy interchange finder on the site), pipe clamps and hangers, valves, and filter assemblies. The home page of New Jersey-based Behringer...

I'll phone back.(Web Wire)
October 1, 2004... Have a laugh, or two, or three at www.ebaumsworld.com. Click on "Prank Calls" to hear amusing conversations between unsuspecting people and radio DJs using nothing but prerecorded sound bites from famous actors. You've always wanted to hear...

What does your world look like?(Web Wire)
October 1, 2004... Here's a site that will never win any usability awards... frustratingly, it is little more than a series of PDF links of various map projections (azimuthals, conics, cylindricals, etc.). That said, it's rather addictive looking through the...

Get fit.(Web Wire)
October 1, 2004... Columbus-based Pressure Connections Corp. carries an assortment of quick-acting couplings, hydraulic fittings, and swivel joints. Their website, www.pressureconnections.com, allows users to easily find product information, company background,...

A bird's eye view.(Web Wire)
October 1, 2004... The recently opened Udvar-Hazy Center, part of the National Air and Space Museum, sits next to Dulles Airport in suburban Virginia... where there is ample space to display extra Smithsonian artifacts, such as an SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde,...