Instrumentation & Automation News articles from April 2002

Instrumentation & Automation News archives from April 2002

18" LCD flat panel display.
April 1, 2002... The SPIRE-D 1800 18" LCD flat panel display with touch screen uses the latest TFT technology to display graphics and text in up to 16 million colors. The large surface area and 165cd/[m.sup.2] brightness rating makes this LCD brighter than a...

TOC/TN online analyzers.
April 1, 2002... Three new online analyzers for total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) measurement can analyze up to seven different streams each. The TOC-4100 is dedicated for TOC, the TN-4100 is dedicated for TN and the TOCN can simultaneously...

1/32 DIN controller.
April 1, 2002... The PXR3 1/32 DIN controller offers a variety inputs and outputs and a 16-segment ramp-soak profile. Options include RS-485 Modbus[TM] communications with free Windows[R]-based software, digital input, dual outputs, and programmable alarms. The...

Will the spring of 2002 promise a comeback for U.S. manufacturers? (Pool's Reflections).
April 1, 2002... Now that Alan Greenspan has declared that we are coming out of this recession, I guess we should all feel better. While Cokie Roberts marvels at the resiliency of the American economy, I am still reeling from the many layoffs of industry...

Digital test gauge: portable. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Ashcroft[R] Digital Gauge combines precision and multifunction capability in a weatherproof case. This portable and easy-to-read digital test gauge can be easily transported for accurate measurements in all types of environments. Accuracy...

Current-monitoring modules: with screw or tension-clamp connections. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The WAVECONTROL Series of current-monitoring modules is available with either screw or tension-clamp connections. Through the constant monitoring of devices and plant components, these modules identify differences or interruptions which occur...

Ultrasonic level transmitter: insensitive to RFI & EMI. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Type 8175 ultrasonic level transmitter is immune to RFI and EMI. Combining an ultrasonic sensor and a transducer with a large 8-digit, multi-language display in a splash-proof plastic IP65 enclosure, it is suitable for continuous level...

Inductive sensors: with analog output. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This extended line of self-contained inductive analog sensors offer increased installation flexibility for precision gauging and measuring applications. These sensors offer highly precise measurements and linear output of distance measurements...

Optical micrometer: measures ultra-small targets. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The LS-7010 CCD Optical Micrometer measures targets as small as 0.04 mm (0.0016") with high accuracy. Half the size of other optical micrometers, the measuring range is 0.04 mm to 6 mm. This micrometer is designed for specialized precision...

Electronic tactile surface sensor: monitors disbursement force in real time. (Pressure Measurement & Control).
April 1, 2002... The Xsensor is an electronic tactile force and pressure indicating sensor that allows engineers to monitor precisely how force is disbursed between any two contacting or mating surfaces in real-time while the event occurs. Any application of...

Solid-state pressure switch: offers long life. (Pressure Measurement & Control).
April 1, 2002... The Model 33D solid-state pressure switch provides highly reliable switching and long life -up to 100 million cycles. It is available in ranges up to 10,000 psi and fully programmable for NO, NC or "window-mode" operation. Real-time LCD display...

Sanitary pressure sensors: feature scaleable analog output. (Pressure Measurement & Control).
April 1, 2002... This family of sanitary sensors is designed to monitor pressure in food, beverage, dairy and pharmaceutical applications. These sensors meet 3A, FDA and EHEDG requirements and carry an IP67 rating. The sensors' housings are 316 stainless steel...

Pressure transmitter: includes high-tech diagnostics. (Pressure Measurement & Control).
April 1, 2002... The newest version of the SITRANS[TM] P, DSIII Series pressure transmitter incorporates software that provides diagnostic capabilities and simulation functionality. Diagnostic capabilities include high- or low-signal limit alarms; peak value...

Digital pressure sensor is not traditional. (Pressure Measurement & Control).
April 1, 2002... Traditional pressure sensors range from mechanical gauges to capacitance and piezoresistive types. With these sensors, an analog to digital (A/D) conversion is required to convert this analog signal to a digital signal, smart pressure...

Programmable Logic Controller: with integrated "application-specific" functions. (Programmable Controllers).
April 1, 2002... The Millenium II range of Programmable Logic Controllers features integrated "application-specific" functions, i.e. pre-programmed applications or application subassemblies. This PLC combines the ease of intuitive programming using function...

Safety PLC: with Critical Analog module. (Programmable Controllers).
April 1, 2002... This company has announced the release of the Critical Analog Input module (CAD for the QUADLOG[R] safety PLC. The CAI is an intelligent, configurable module that interfaces analog I/O to a QUADLOG control module's IOBUS. The module has...

Programming package: compatible for ePLC family of products. (Programmable Controllers).
April 1, 2002... This company has announced the release of its latest relay ladder logic programming software package - Emware-32. This package is designed for use with the Smart-PAK series, SK1600-RIC and Elite-2000 products. Using the Windows 32 bit platform,...

PLC: with graphic HMI. (Programmable Controllers).
April 1, 2002... The Vision260 is a PLC with an embedded graphics-ready LCD screen, full-function keyboard, plus an on-board I/O configuration that users can extend to meet specific needs via a broad range of plug-in I/O Expansion Modules. Users can utilize...

PLC trends drive innovation. (Programmable Controllers).
April 1, 2002... Our customer's evolving tasks and application requirements have revealed opportunities for true innovation. Technological tasks such as simple motion control, high speed counting, closed-loop control and other high performance functions...

Soft starters: 24 Vdc-controlled. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Intelligent Technologies (IT) Soft Starters are 24 Vdc-controlled, fully integrated soft starters that can be used in place of electromechanical starters and contactors. They can also be used in place of some drives. These soft starters...

Level monitor: for liquids & solids. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Model 8000-KM is a level monitor for liquids and solids that houses both the sensor and the transmitter within the same enclosure. The monitor transmits an ultrasonic pulse which is directed toward the product to be monitored. The time it...

SCR power controller: single-phase. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Model 7100A is a rugged single-phase SCR power controller rated from 16 to 100 amps, 100 to 500 Vac with an 0-5 V, 0-10 V or 4-20 mA control input. It offers zero cross firing for fixed resistance loads or phase angle firing for inductive...

DC speed control: with digital closed loop feedback. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The MD Series is a compact, programmable dc speed control, with digital closed loop feedback and LED display for motors rated to 2 Hp. It features an enhanced design that offers customers several new feature benefits. The Universal Power Supply...

PXI controllers: speed real-time performance. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The NI 8176 RT and the NI 8175 RT are PXI embedded controllers that help engineers to create highspeed real-time systems capable of executing control loops up to 40 kHz. The 8176 features a 1.2 GHz processor and runs LabVIEW Real-Time control...

Digital pressure gauge: with [+ or -] 0.5% or [+ or -] 0.25% accuracy. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The 1000 Series digital pressure gauge uses the latest in proven ceramic thick film strain gage technology, combined with low power electronics, to provide stable, accurate performance at a competitive price. It is available with accuracies of...

Power bus system: insulated. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... Power Rail is a system of insulated power buses that snap to a standard DIN rail and distribute 24 Vdc at 4A. It eliminates the need to daisy chain the point-to-point power connections. This akernative to standard wiring works with all of the...

Power controllers: feature small footprint. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The MaxPac[TM] family of compact Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) power controllers has a footprint approximately 30% smaller than competing systems. The family includes controllers for single phase, three phase/two leg and three phase/three...

Ruggedized notebook: with integrated printer. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The NotePAC[TM] industrial notebook computer is now available with an integrated full-color printer. The rugged all-metal enclosure protects the inkjet printer from physical trauma, and maintains the portability of the entire system. Designed...

Machine Safety Sensor: with magnetic latch. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This Machine Safety Sensor features a magnetic latch between the sensor and coded actuating magnet, offering both the easy mounting and good misalignment tolerance of non-contact sensors with the positive latching capability provided by...

AC drive: for wash-down applications. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Allen-Bradley Bulletin 160Z ac drive is designed for motor control in wash-down or zero-cabinet environments. It features NEMA 4X/IP65-rated protection and network connectivity in a compact design. This drive offers four different packaging...

Vision sensors: high-performance. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This company has added three models to its In-Sight[TM] family of vision sensors. The 4000 Series vision sensors offer speed improvements of up to 5x over previous models and feature dual processors to enable simultaneous, dedicated vision...

Industrial PC platform: features rugged construction. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This company has introduced a new industrial PC platform that extends the range of servo drives, frequency converter drives and industry-specific controls available. Designed to work with the System200, the new HMI units feature an integral...

Marking system: with software. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The EZ-MARK marking system has the capability to mark terminal blocks and wire markers, both wraparound adhesive type and tube insert type, as well as panel and push button nameplates. The software that is included with the system features many...

Fiberoptic sensor: with dual digital display. (Fiber Optic Sensors).
April 1, 2002... The FS-V20 fiberoptic sensor amplifier features a dual, two-color LED digital display, a light source 4 times more powerful than conventional sensors and ultra-high speed, accuracy and stability, A dual display feature simultaneously displays...

Reflective optical sensor: features small design. (Fiber Optic Sensors).
April 1, 2002... The ERT-3280 Series is a sub-miniature (2.7 mm x 3.2 mm x 1.4 mm) reflective high-speed sensor combining a high-output GaAs IRED with a high sensitivity phototransistor. This sensor is designed for applications requiring a light-weight device...

Fiber optic amplifier: with backlit digital LCD display. (Fiber Optic Sensors).
April 1, 2002... The 7087 fiber optic amplifier is an advanced high accuracy fiber optic amplifier with a backlit digital LCD display. It provides a unique eight-step automatic gain control that gives the unit the ability for very fine adjustments. Other...

Focused beam sensing fibers: detect very small targets. (Fiber Optic Sensors).
April 1, 2002... This company has announced new focused beam sensing fibers that detect minute targets. They allow users to "pipe" light into otherwise inaccessible locations. Unlike most diffuse mode sensing fibers, these fibers utilize special convergent...

Portable data loggers: network-enabled. (Test & Measurement Calibration Equipment).
April 1, 2002... The MV100 and MV200 MobileCorders provide portable, high capacity data logging capability over a wide range of measurement applications. The compact MV100 series is available with up to 12 universal inputs and features a high-resolution 5.5"...

Digital infrared thermometer: offers non-contact technology. (Test & Measurement Calibration Equipment).
April 1, 2002... The IR610 Infrared Thermometer is designed for rotating, electrically charged and too-hot-to-touch objects or substances which must be contaminated by touch. thermometer provides a simple way to quickly measure a narrow field of view that...

Dewpoint Meter: hand-held. (Test & Measurement Calibration Equipment).
April 1, 2002... The DM70 hand-held Dewpoint Meter is designed for industrial spot-checking applications, such as compressed air lines and other dry gas applications. It can also be used as a tool for reading the output of the company's other dewpoint...

M-Module: with complete digital multimeter. (Test & Measurement Calibration Equipment).
April 1, 2002... The M7 single-wide M-Module features a complete digital multimeter to allow system designers to quickly and easily add precise voltage and current measurements to VMEbus, VXI, CompactPCI or PXI instrumentation applications. The compact size of...

Multifunction controller: offers high-speed data acquisition up to 200 KHz. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The BetaLINK multifunction controller can monitor multiple sensor inputs combined with various signal outputs and communications protocols. It has been designed for OEM applications such as temperature, humidity and pH measurements, but can be...

Vertical racks: offer flexible design possibilities. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The EVR vertical racks offer flexible design options, including standard enclosures, modified standards and completely custom enclosures. Standard enclosures can be ordered straight from the company catalog. Three standard panel widths, four...

Fieldbus coupler: for automation systems. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This company has expanded its line of WAGO I/O SYSTEM products to include the new ECO Fieldbus Coupler, bringing the same quality and reliability to a wider variety of applications. This device is designed for applications that have reduced I/O...

PC-compatible computer: with hardened enclosure. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This company has introduced the VISTA series[TM] rugged touchscreen PC-compatible computer, designed from the ground up to support supply chain and process control applications with robust functionality. The system is available in several form...

Canopen servo drives: for motion control networking. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The DigiFlex[R] CANopen digital servo drives are designed for use in distributed control applications utilizing the CANopen communication protocol. The built-in CANopen interface complies with DS301 and DSP402 standards. State-of-the-art DSP...

ASCII module: for control networks. (Intelligent Field Devices).
April 1, 2002... The MUCM is the flagship of a new line of products incorporating Schneider Automation's TSX Momentum technology. The MUCM is a Momentum base module enabling the user to connect ASCII serial devices to a host of communications networks,...

Single board computer: with two ethernet ports. (Intelligent Field Devices).
April 1, 2002... The Dual-E is a single board computer that features two independent Ethernet ports. Aimed at applications requiring connection to multiple networks, it can function as a bridge between separate 10Base-T networks, serve as a firewall/router or...

Integrated servo control: with two ethernet ports. (Intelligent Field Devices).
April 1, 2002... The SM2315 is a controller, amplifier and encoder built into a true brushless dc Servo Motor[TM] at an economical price. At the heart of the control is the company's Motion Control Chip -a single microcontroller that handles all processing...

Industrial transmitter: features smart design. (Intelligent Field Devices).
April 1, 2002... The PX2088S Series smart pressure transmitter maintains a specification conformance of at least 3 sigma. When coupled with the broad selection of options, it provides a suitable solution for tough process applications. Designed to operate...

Trends in intelligent field devices. (Intelligent Field Devices).
April 1, 2002... Business initiatives to improve plant responsiveness and efficiency by integrating manufacturing processes with business systems is a major trend shaping intelligent field devices. Intelligent field devices are becoming the basic building block...

Remote I/O terminal block: compatible with DeviceNet bus system. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This brick style remote I/O (RIO) is compatible with the DeviceNet bus system. The unit comprises a terminal block base module plus a plug-in DeviceNet electronic module. Terminal strips on the terminal block base module accommodate 2 or 3 wire...

Monitoring device: with internet accessibility. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This company has web-enabled their Falcon monitoring device, allowing users to check equipment and site status over the Internet with any standard web browser. The monitor accepts an image from any IP addressable web camera. This image,...

Digital camera: features high resolution. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The DT4000 high-resolution digital camera acquires images with a resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels at a frame rate of 10 frames per second. It is available in both color and monochrome configurations. The large format 1" CCD sensor with 7.4...

Optical displacement sensor: offers 15 nanometer resolution. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The NanoGage[TM] 100 is a non-contact ultra precision optical displacement sensor with a 100 micron measurement range and a resolution of 15 nanometers. It offers a 3 mm working distance and can be used with a wide range of target materials,...

I/O blocks: with devicenet[TM] interface. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Allen-Bradley POINTBlock I/O 120 Vac 1734D-IA16, 1734D-IA16S and the 24 Vdc 1734D-IB16S are designed for users who have less than 32 points in a given location and demand a broad mix of analog and digital I/O, particularly in tank farm...

CompactPCI solutions: for a wide range of applications. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This company provides 3U CompactPCI solutions for the embedded market with open bus systems that are suitable for a wide range of applications. These systems incorporate the company's single board computers, power supplies, I/O devices,...

Wireless transmitters: monitor alarms & switches. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The RF10 RF Event Transmitters simplify monitoring of switch and alarm activities without costly wiring. They are suitable for monitoring alarms for flow, level, pressure, temperature and other plant or laboratory setups. These portable,...

Modular enclosures: provide NEMA 4/IP66 protection. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The flexible CombiCard[R] system provides users with the capacity to adapt an enclosure to specific design. Modular front, center and rear sections can be linked together in various combinations to produce a multitude of custom enclosure...

Flow monitoring device: with no moving parts. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Model 4320 Inline flow-captor "metering flow switch" provides a versatile, solid-state flow monitoring device with no moving parts. The LED display shows flow rate as a percentage of range (adjustable from 20 cm/s to 3 m/s) and a flashing...

Programmable transmitter: with universal adaptability. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The TW-3M programmable transmitter provides 30 configurations within one unit. The unit's universal adaptability significantly reduces inventory and related downtime costs by eliminating the need to stock numerous transmitters with specific...

Motor drives: sensorless. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This company has introduced a new family of motor drives incorporating SensorlesServo[TM] Technology. The family consists of DriveBlok, IndexBlok and SpindleBlok, each having their own characteristics. All of these products deliver accurate...

Ultrasonic flowmeter: with automatic transmission. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Fuji Electric Time Delta S Version 3 clamp-on transit time ultrasonic flowmeter features a fully automatic transmission method and wave pattern selector based on fluid process properties for which flow rate is to be measured. It scans...

Insulation avoidance connector: for tool-less installation. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Insulation Avoidance Connector (IAC) provides a convenient alternative to other termination methods. The individual conductors are placed into an elastic insert and the assembly is then screwed together. It provides a tool-less...

Enterprise-level services: for remote management. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This company's emConnect Services are enterprise-level services that can send, collect, prioritize and transfer secure information to and from large populations of intelligent devices that are located anywhere in the world. The secure data...

Operator interfaces: feature Ethernet connectivity. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... This generation of QuickPanel[R] operator interface displays offer built-in Ethernet connectivity, 4 MB memory and backlight burnout detection. Available in 7.5", 10.5" and 12.1" sizes and designed to occupy minimal panel space, they are...

Automation controllers provide direct read/write access to industrial data from desktop browsers. (Automation Excellence Awards).
April 1, 2002... The Blue Fusion[TM] family of Web-Enabled automation controllers allow you to have dynamic, real-time plant floor data with secure read/write access from your desktop browser, whether your process is in the next building or ten time zones away....

Serial to Fieldbus conversion device enables instant connectivity to all major Fieldbus networks. (Automation Excellence Awards).
April 1, 2002... The AnyBus Communicator connects industrial devices via an RS-232/422/485 interface to all major industrial Fieldbus networks. No hardware or software modification--nor extensive engineering work--is needed. This new protocol converter enables...

Multi-channel process and profile controller offers an intuitive interface, modular design and communications capabilities. (Automation Excellence Awards).
April 1, 2002... The JUMO IMAGO 500 multi-channel process and profile controller is typically used in applications such as industrial furnaces, the plastics industry, climate-controlled chambers, environmental simulation, heating and test chambers, industrial...

Ultrasonic fork sensor: detects all label types. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The GSU 14/24 ultrasonic sensor can reliably detect all label types including foil on foil, foil on paper, paper on paper, metallized foil and thin metal foils as well as clear, metallic and conductive ink labels. Unlike competitive capacitive...

Servo actuator: with hollow shaft. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The hollow shaft PowerHub[TM] is a compact servo actuator with a center through hole and the precision and repeatability of a harmonic drive. The unit offers positional accuracy less than 1 arc minute and repeatability of [+ or -] 5 arc...

Sensor/transmitter: features smart design. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Model 4107 Series Smart Sensor/Transmitter (SST) is a complete stand-alone fixed-point hazardous gas sensor module that provides accurate measurement of the applicable, digital display of gas concentration, non-intrusive calibration, dual...

DH+ to Ethernet gateway: can act as client, server or both. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The FS-4010-01 Gateway is a protocol translator to convert Allen Bradley DH+ to an Ethernet protocol, making it easy to link DH+ devices to Ethernet. The Bridge driver library includes a wide range of various Ethernet protocols. With the...

Torque analyzer: interfaces with brushless transducers. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The TorqueMate Plus is a torque analyzer with 5 Vdc capability to seamlessly interface with brushless rotary transducers. Torque and angle readouts from pulse tools with strong vibrations can now be accurately recorded and analyzed. The...

Point level switch: alternative to mechanical devices. (Product News).
April 1, 2002... The Ztron[TM] level switch provides an affordable solution for effective level detection in a variety of applications. Using RF technology, it offers an alternative to electromechanical level. Unlike paddle wheels, vibrating tines or other...