Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles from September 2004

Hydraulics & Pneumatics archives from September 2004

Kidney loops: they aren't just for hydraulics any more.(Editor's Page)
September 1, 2004... When was the last time you changed the oil in your refrigerator's compressor? That was a question posed to me by Ken Stofen of Racine, Wis. The answer, of course, is never, and after changing the break-in oil, that's how many times he's changed...

Grazin' on the green.(Reader's Forum)
September 1, 2004... I remember Jim Morgan (former executive director of FPS) referring to FPS Certification as a cash cow, but he was dead wrong. The society set up the Accredited Instructors Program to conduct review training and job performance proctoring. The...

Engineering some laughs.(Reader's Forum)
September 1, 2004... This month's editorial is pure comedy. Thanks for all the laughs. Great stuff. John Juhasz Buckeye Hydraulics Inc. johnjuhasz@buckeyehyd.com I like to see people's expression when I use firkins per fortnight as a leakage...

You thought squirrel cages were bad ...(Reader's Forum)
September 1, 2004... A couple of jobs ago, I worked as a designer for a company that made shredders for plastic soda bottles. This plastic is called P.E.T. for polyethylene terephthalate. All our drawings had titles like "Side Plate, PET Shredder" or "Bracket, PET...

No butts about it.(Reader's Forum)
September 1, 2004... I work as a mechanical engineer at a small machinery manufacturer in California. We build machinery for the pre-hung door industry. The art of hanging a door has been around for thousands of years. Consequently, we still use some terms that...

MSOE ranks high in U.S. News and World Report.(Industry News)
September 1, 2004... U.S. News & World Report recently released its annual list of best colleges and universities in the country. In the 2005 report, the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) again ranks among the top colleges (whose highest degree is a bachelor's...

IFPE 2005 surpasses size of IFPE 2002.(Industry News)
September 1, 2004... IFPE 2005, the International Exposition for Power Transmission, has surpassed the size of the last show, held in 2002, with more than 95,000 net sq-ft of exhibit space reserved by over 250 exhibitors. IFPE is North America's largest exposition...

PIAB offers vacuum testing.(Industry News)
September 1, 2004... PIAB Vacuum Conveyors, located in Hingham, Mass., offers advanced testing at its vacuum conveyor laboratory. The state-of-the-art testing facility allows users to test the process in which they will move their powder, granule, or fluid samples....

Download NCFP tech papers for free.(Industry News)
September 1, 2004... The entire collection of technical papers from the National Conference on Fluid Power (NCFP) is available for download. Founded in 1953, the National Fluid Power Association just completed its 50th year and is honoring the history of NCFP by...

2005 Technical Conference.(Industry News)
September 1, 2004... Planning is underway for the 2005 NCFP Technical Conference, held in conjunction with the International Exposition for Power Transmission March 15-19, 2005, in Las Vegas. The conference will feature experts from around the world delivering...

NFPA sponsors pavilion at PTC Asia.(Industry News)
September 1, 2004... PTC Asia 2004 Oct. 12-15, 2004 New International Expo Centre Shanghai, China NFPA is sponsoring a pavilion at PTC Asia -- the International Exhibition for Electrical and Mechanical Power Transmission, Fluid Power...

Four new ISO standards published.(Industry News)
September 1, 2004... ISO 16656:2004, Hydraulic fluid power--Single rod, short-stroke cylinders with bores from 32 to 100 mm for use at 10 MPa (100 bar)--Mounting dimensions. Establishes mounting dimensions for single rod short-stroke cylinders with bores from 32 to...

Two-pump system provides synchronized motion.(50 Years Ago ...)
September 1, 2004... From the September 1954 issue of Applied Hydraulics (the original title of H & P). Three major design problems are solved in the construction of a hydraulic power system used to dump slag-loaded railroad cars. The design keeps two...

Hydraulics make crawler carrier more versatile.(Ideas & Applications)
September 1, 2004... Komatsu america, Vernon Hills, Ill., continues its onslaught of innovative machines by taking full advantage of versatile hydraulics. Among the latest in their innovations is the CD110R-2 crawler carrier. The CD110 offers 360[degrees]...

Single lever takes control.(Ideas & Applications)
September 1, 2004... A single lever joystick has taken command of boom and bucket functions in all three models of the 500E series wheel loaders from Dressta North America, Buffalo Grove, Ill. Designed to give the operator fingertip control of the bucket and boom,...

Quick clip connection allows easy measuring of hydraulic systems.(Ideas & Applications)
September 1, 2004... Cost-efficient products are always desirable in today's economy, but when such a product also claims to get the job done faster, it's certainly worth looking into. The Serv-Clip-1, from IC Fluid Power, Rossford, Ohio, promises both of these...

Ductile iron now available for large manifolds.(Ideas & Applications)
September 1, 2004... The benefits of ductile iron over other materials, such as steel, have been well documented for years. Ductile iron has found favor in a wide variety of applications due to its easy machinability, high sound and vibration damping abilities, and...

Size accumulators using the capacitance method.(Motion Control)
September 1, 2004... Fluid compressibility has long been identified as a limiting factor in the time response of hydraulic circuits. An inevitable time delay occurs in changing pressure because fluid particles (molecules) must move from one region of the circuit to...

HSTs take control: fluid power is a prime-time player in Komatsu's newest generation of mobile equipment.(Mobile Equipment)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2004... For years, some car enthusiasts have anticipated the coming of the continuously variable transmission, and its related fuel savings. But for those who operate mobile machinery, the future is already here--and then some. The newest generation of...

Software aids design, simulation: latest software not only serves as a drawing, design, and training aid, but allows simulation by prompting the user for system parameters.(Fluid Power Software)
September 1, 2004... In the field of schematic support software to design automated machines with fluid power systems and electrical controls, engineers have had to use either very high end mechanical CAD packages or low cost--but limited--two-dimensional sketching...

5 MYTHs of pneumatic motion control: proportional pneumatics is a viable technology for closed-loop motion control. But perhaps it has not been used more extensively because myths from antiquated technology have prevailed.(Pneumatic Systems)
September 1, 2004... Proportional pneumatic motion control systems are used extensively in Europe, but have seen only limited use in North America because of misinformation or incomplete knowledge of their capabilities or how to properly design systems. To give...

Mini gripper ideal for simultaneous placement of multiple parts.(Pneumatic Systems)
September 1, 2004... Small parts in pick-and-place applications can take just as long to move from one point to another as large parts do. But because small parts usually are lighter than the machines moving them, you can move multiple pieces without requiring...

Pneumatic cylinders pack it in.
September 1, 2004... Gyllensvaans Mobler in Sweden is one of the world's most modern furniture manufacturers and is now the oldest active supplier for Ikea Inc. What's more, Ikea is their one and only customer. A bookshelf destined for Ikea rolls off the conveyor...

Air cylinders get a brake.(Design Close-Up)
September 1, 2004... JSC3 Series double-acting cylinders are available with an integral spring-applied/pressure-released static and dynamic mechanical brake, mounted at the rod end. The brake system has a stopping accuracy of [+ or -]1 mm at 300 mm/sec piston speed...

Gages, pressure & flow, pneumatic.
September 1, 2004... Type Sensing element Pressure Flow Diaphragm Bellows Accuaire Instruments Inc. * * * AIRman, Inc. *...

Push-Quick fittings.(Pneumatic Products)
September 1, 2004... Push-Quick fittings combine the quick, easy functionality of the Push-Quick Series with the flexibility and security of the MGQC Quick Connect line with no circuit interruption. The fittings can be used as a connection point for a temporary...

Air motors.(Pneumatic Products)
September 1, 2004... Catalog describes line of explosion-proof air motors. Piston air motors rated 0.13 to 32 hp with speeds to 1950 rpm and torque to 155 N-m. Vane air motors rated 0.33 to 10 hp with speeds to 10,000 rpm, and torque to 42 N-m. Features include...

Magnetic rodless cylinders.(Pneumatic Products)
September 1, 2004... P1Z Series magnetically coupled rodless air cylinders feature a mobile piston fitted with annular magnets. The basic version features a hard anodized aluminum carriage free to rotate 360[degrees] around the cylinder axis. It comes in three bore...

Control valves.(Pneumatic Products)
September 1, 2004... The FCV 1-in. control valve incorporates an LVDT to detect position, an actuator, and a positioner to open and shut the valve. Operates with a command signal of 0 to 10 V or 4 to 20 mA. Valve position and [C.sub.v] changes linearly over the...

Push-on hose.(Pneumatic Products)
September 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...

Aluminum air cylinders.(Pneumatic Products)
September 1, 2004... Model LM cylinders come in 1 1/2- to 12-in. bore sizes and work in tough applications. Feature internal lubrication for life, floating self-aligning repairable rod cartridge, and long-lasting seals. Metric equivalent also available. ...

Linear actuators.(Pneumatic Products)
September 1, 2004... The LI30 Series of four short-stroke pneumatic linear actuators features a mounting surface suited for a robotic gripper or other end effector. The actuators feature an anti-rotation guide rod for precise positioning. Strokes for each unit are...

Company guide.(Pneumatic Products)
September 1, 2004... Brochure is guide to Japanese company. Highlights available products including pneumatic actuators and valves. Provides company profile, history, locations, and contacts. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CKD Corp., (847) 437-9727, www.ckd.co.jp...

Valves shipped same day.(Pneumatic Products)
September 1, 2004... A 32-page catalog outlines "Asco Today," a program that guarantees same-day shipment of select products. The program includes more than 2000 products, including a range of solenoid valves, valve-monitoring systems, pressure switches, pilot...

Fitting seals.(New Products/Focus on Hydraulic Fittings)
September 1, 2004... Flaretite Seal is a stainless-steel stamping, designed with multiple, concentric rings. Entire seal is impregnated with Loctite coating; when inserted into a flared fitting, the concentric rings form multiple seals down the face of the flare,...

Swing couplings.(New Products/Focus on Hydraulic Fittings)
September 1, 2004... Quick-disconnect coupler allows unrestricted full flow; is designed to connect and disconnect supply lines quickly and safely while the system is pressurized. Simultaneous venting upon disconnection eliminates whiplash effect. Swing couplings...

Ring for couplings.(New Products/Focus on Hydraulic Fittings)
September 1, 2004... DiNova ring for hydraulic couplings allows for leak-free connections, clean equipment, and safe working conditions. Offers long-lasting sealing, reliable and easy assembly, and a safe connection due to three bite design. Compatible with...

Flange adapters.(New Products/Focus on Hydraulic Fittings)
September 1, 2004... Adaflange unified 4-bolt U61 flange adapters have bolt patterns that will mount on SAE Code 61 flange ports. Available 2-bolt adapters have bolt patterns that will mount on either of the two diagonal tapped holes on SAE Code 61 flange ports....

Environmentally friendly.(New Products/Focus on Hydraulic Fittings)
September 1, 2004... TuffCoat hydraulic couplings feature an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that provides an estimated five times greater rust resistance than standard zinc and cadmium plating. The silver-colored coating reduces the effects of rust...

Strength and support.(New Products/Focus on Hydraulic Fittings)
September 1, 2004... Piper Power Port adapters have adjustable nut washer O-ring design, giving a robust seal at the port end. Wider nut and more thread length allow higher assembly torque, increased clamp load and holding strength. Design surpasses standard SAE...

O-ring face seal fittings.(New Products/Focus on Hydraulic Fittings)
September 1, 2004... Full line of O-ring face seal fittings meet or exceed SAE specifications. Company's quality department uses Coordinate Measuring Machine to verify compliance--the only way to verify the O-ring groove specifications. Process ensures leak-free...

Miniature components.(New Products/Focus on Hydraulic Fittings)
September 1, 2004... Family of miniature fluid control components, including check valves, flow controls, restrictors and screens, are already installed or built into standard flared, flareless, dynamic beam seal, and ring locked fittings. These line mount...

Test point fittings.(New Products/Focus on Hydraulic Fittings)
September 1, 2004... Line of test point fittings allow for quick connections to monitor and control pressure, vent a system, or draw samples. Suitable for use with hydraulic oils and other mineral-based fluids used in off-road mobile equipment. Connection is...

O-ring alternative.(New Products/Focus on Hydraulic Fittings)
September 1, 2004... Trap-Seal is a trapezoidal-shaped O-ring that reduces possibility of popping out of the O-ring face seal groove. Trapezoidal design provides consistently positive retention in the groove and creates a larger overlap between groove lip and seal...

Plugs.(New Products/Focus on Hydraulic Fittings)
September 1, 2004... Zero-Leak Gold port entry plugs for hydraulic applications feature a taper under the head, forming a metal-to-metal seal. In conjunction with an elastomeric backup seal, the plugs are said to outperform any old style straight thread O-ring only...

Fittings, tube & port, hydraulic.
September 1, 2004... Use Material Industrial Aerospace Brass Steel Stainless steel A & R Hydraulics * ...

Pipe caps.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... Pipe caps come in diameters from 1/4 to 64 in. and five designs. OE and CE Series caps protect pipe threads during transit and storage. OE caps are open-ended for airflow, and CE caps are closed-ended to keep out debris. VP closed-ended caps...

Counterbalance valves.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... Cartridge-style counterbalance valve CB10 controls and modulates the motion of a load in hydraulic systems. Threaded valves can be directly mounted on cylinders, low-speed, high-torque motors, or in any custom-designed HIC. Optional atmospheric...

Pressure transducers.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... Pressure transducers built for rugged applications. All-welded pressure sensor located directly in the stainless-steel pressure connection to prevent damage. Sputtered thin-film sensor has high overpressure capability, along with high shock and...

Cylinder position sensors.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The Micropulse ProSet4 cylinder position sensor has four built-in programmable setpoints for detecting end-of-stroke or any position in between. Non-contact, wear-free, and rated IP37. Repeatability of [+ or -]0.1 mm/[+ or -]0.004 in. Each of...

Case drain monitors.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... Monitor serves as alternative to standard flow meters in case drain applications. Available for 1/2- to 1-in. pipe sizes and designed for easy vertical, horizontal, or inverted installation. Features include measuring accuracy [+ or -]5% of...

Temperature sensors.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... TP200 Series temperature sensor comes in a high-pressure capsule with 0 to 5 Vdc or 4 to 20 mA linear analog output. Available with either #4 SAE, 1/4 in. NPT, or 1/4 in. BSP ports. Temperature range of 0 to 150[degrees]C. Measures 3.9 in. long...

Positive displacement flow meters.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... HPD Series positive displacement flow meters and batch controllers are designed for high-viscosity, non-abrasive fluid applications. Flow meters maintain consistent accuracy within [+ or -]0.5% at low flow rates. Feature stainless-steel gears...

Wet brakes.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The 81888 spring-applied, hydraulic-release, multi-disc wet brake features SAE B mounting. Single-piston design offers uniform lining pressure and eases bleeding. Provides long life, smooth engagement, and dependable service. Ausco...

Custom hose assemblies.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... Custom hose assemblies produced with hose specifically selected for the application. Hose ends may be custom bent tubes with a hose ferrule on one end. Hose ferrules and tubes ends designed for specific applications usually machined in-house....

Planetary drives.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... Excel Torque-Hub 11000 Series planetary drives come in ratios from 18:1 to more than 100:1 in triple-reduction versions. Rated for torque to 11,000 N-m, the drives have three input configurations that allow use of standard SAE bolt-on hydraulic...

Cast-iron bar stock.(Useful Literature)
September 1, 2004... Brochure describes features and benefits of machining with Dura-Bar Plus engineered iron, such as reduced cost and extended tool life. Includes charts and information on the company's Zero-Defect Guarantee. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Heaters and accessories.(Useful Literature)
September 1, 2004... Bulletin HS-202(C) details Thermofoil heaters. Also describes Kapton, silicone rubber, wire-wound rubber, mica, all-polyimide, and transparent heaters, as well as temperature controllers and sensors. Includes a design guide and reference...

Test fittings.(Useful Literature)
September 1, 2004... Literature describes test systems consisting of test connector with built-in spring-loaded check valve or soft seat piston type valve, as well as microbore high-pressure hose that connects to pressure gage or measuring device. Includes...

Accumulators.(Useful Literature)
September 1, 2004... Catalog covers piston and bladder accumulators. Highlights applications, manufacturing and design, and features. Also offers product data and company information. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tobul Accumulator Inc. Circle 103

Fittings and valves.(Useful Literature)
September 1, 2004... Catalog 1500 details available fittings and valves. Fittings include flare, inverted flare, compression, poly push, plastic poly push, brass pipe, and grip-on. Valves include needle, special duty, ground plug, and drain and truck valves....

Electronic controls.(Useful Literature)
September 1, 2004... Brochure unfolds to highlight electronic controls, machine position and automation systems, engine controls, interface modules, power products, and environmental technology. Provides company information on worldwide service and workmanship. ...

Easy to use.(Web Wire)
September 1, 2004... Check out www.clippard.com, a fast and easy-to-navigate site that focuses on the Cincinnati company's electronic control and pneumatic products. Users can enter their zip code to find the nearest distributor, browse the online catalog, and...

A resort with some space.(Web Wire)
September 1, 2004... We were recently turned onto this interesting site, www.moonbahamas.com, outlining plans to build a moon-themed resort and casino (along with five man-made islands) off the Bahamas. It's a pretty interesting concept, and a very well done site....

China is next.(Web Wire)
September 1, 2004... The Web site for the Sixth International Conference on Fluid Power Transmission and Control is located at sklofp.zju.edu.cn/icfp. This important fluid power conference has been held every four years since 1985. The 2005 program will be held...

Lift it!(Web Wire)
September 1, 2004... Columbus McKinnon Corp. recently re-launched their site, www.cminternational.com. The company specializes in cranes, lifting hooks, electric hoists, and other things you're likely to see in the shoot-'em-up scene of a mafia movie. ...

Have it both ways.(Web Wire)
September 1, 2004... A visit to Lake Monitors' Web site, www.lakemonitors.com, will provide you with a wealth of information on their true bidirectional flow meters. In addition to the standard product-type information, there are nice sections covering theories of...

Sporting fun.(Web Wire)
September 1, 2004... Not for the easily offended (nor kids), www.thebrushback.com is a very funny, often crude, and certainly irreverent "news site" that makes fun of all the things that we take too seriously about professional sports. Recent articles include "Fun...