Mechanical Engineering-CIME articles from March 2007

Mechanical Engineering-CIME archives from March 2007

Only on M.E. Magazine Online: @ www.memagazine.org.(Survey)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... The February Question of the Month was: Could more participation by underrepresented groups, including women, have a beneficial effect on engineering? One reader who answered "yes" commented, "The more ideas, the better. In solving...

Enterprising advances.(editorial)(enterprise resource planning systems)(Editorial)
March 1, 2007... They say that enterprise resource planning systems integrate all data and processes of an organization into a unified whole. The system keeps all the important information about a business where planners and decision-makers can find it. ...

Job exports.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2007... To the Editor: From the year 2000 to 2005, manufacturing jobs declined by 18 percent in the United States. In the 1930s, people looked at labels before buying. Now they buy according to low price and seldom look at a label. We have given our...

Hip, hip.(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2007... To the Editor: Your article entitled "Hip New World" covering hip replacement (October 2006) was by far more informative than any I've found on the Web. Thanks. CRAIG LANGEUER Parker, Texas

Carbon in the world.(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2007... To the Editor: I found the Input Output article "Carbon, Sunk" (November 2006), which described a speculative approach to the question of carbon sequestration, interesting in that it pointed out that pressures beneath the ocean floor are...

Heat and power.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2007... To the Editor: The comments below were inspired by Lee Langston's article ("Campus Heat") that appeared in the December 2006 issue of Mechanical Engineering magazine. In the late 1960s, my employer, Garrett AiResearch, built a plant in...

Missing link.(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2007... To the Editor: During my 37 years of engineering practice, I valued Mechanical Engineering as informative. Without it, something always seemed to be missing, like having an automobile without a radio. It provided a function, but not quite as...

Unmanned mine spotter.(news & notes)(AN/BLQ-11 development)
March 1, 2007... The U.S. Navy has signed The Boeing Co. to begin another round of tests of a defensive reconnaissance system that involves an autonomous underwater craft. Boeing has a new $11 million contract with U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command to refurbish...

U.K. women in and out of engineering.(news & notes)(Report)
March 1, 2007... While the numbers of women studying engineering have increased in the U.K., many use it as a launch base for a variety of other careers, according to new research funded by England's Economic and Social Research Council. The council funds...

Industry research funding steps up.(news & notes)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... With federal funding for research and development slowing down this year, industry funding will continue to grow. That is the essence of the 39th annual Battelle-R&D Magazine 2007 R&D Funding Forecast. Industrial R&D investments are...

Sustainability on the Web.(news & notes)(American Institute of Chemical Engineers)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... ASME and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers will present five virtual seminars on sustainable engineering, beginning on March 15. Each virtual seminar will be an Internet-based, interactive forum with experts in the field of...

Refining trash.(news & notes)(waste fuelled portable power generators from Purdue University)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... It's said that an army marches on its stomach. But if a portable generator devised at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., gains acceptance, that old saying will have to be updated: An army generates power from its waste. Small...

Software engineers in demand for smart car.(news & notes)
March 1, 2007... When Continental Automotive Systems set up its exhibit at the Chicago Auto Show last month, it used the occasion to make a strong recruiting pitch for software engineers. The automotive supplier's German parent, Continental AG, launched a...

Microturbines for the Big Apple.(news & notes)(Elliott Energy Systems Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... A leading manufacturer of microturbine systems, Elliott Energy Systems Inc., said that it has received the approval it needs to begin delivering its microturbines to New York City. The approval is in the form of a materials equipment acceptance...

Batteries in Bulgaria.(news & notes)(Energia AD)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... A manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of industrial batteries, EnerSys in Reading, Pa., has reached an agreement to acquire a majority interest in Energia AD, a producer of industrial batteries located in Targovishte, Bulgaria. The total...

26th International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering.(Briefly Noted)
March 1, 2007... The 26th International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering in June will include a specialty forum, "Career Opportunities in the Offshore and Arctic Engineering Profession." The forum, sponsored by the ASME Ocean, Offshore...

Hamilton Sundstrand of Windsor Locks, Conn., has acquired Precision Engine Controls Corp., a manufacturer of industrial and marine engine controls and services.(Briefly Noted)
March 1, 2007... Hamilton Sundstrand of Windsor Locks, Conn., has acquired Precision Engine Controls Corp., a manufacturer of industrial and marine engine controls and services. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. PECC, based in San Diego, supplies valves,...

NYacad Inc.(Briefly Noted)
March 1, 2007... NYacad Inc. of New York has updated Solid-Structural, its three-dimensional steel modeling and auto detailing software for structural design, steel detailing, and fabrication.

The manager of the Nevada Rail Project, the railroad that will carry radioactive waste to the repository at Yucca Mountain, will speak on March 15 at the ASME/IEEE Joint Rail Conference.(Briefly Noted)(Eugene C. Allen speaks about radioactive waste management)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... The manager of the Nevada Rail Project, the railroad that will carry radioactive waste to the repository at Yucca Mountain, will speak on March 15 at the ASME/IEEE Joint Rail Conference. The speaker, Eugene C. Allen, is an engineer at...

View of a heart.(computing)(Georgia Institute of Technology)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED AT THE Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University could give pediatric cardiac surgeons a digital look at a child's heart. That way, the surgeon could map out a customized surgical plan before picking up a...

Over the wall.(computing)(Boeing Co., Computer Sciences Corp., Electronic Data Systems Corp.'s partnership to prepare software)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... TODAY'S PRODUCT LIFECYCLE management systems can share engineering information around a company. But they can fall short when asked to share information among companies and across security clearances. The Boeing Co. is leading work toward...

Permission to read.(computing)(survey about intellectual property rights)(Survey)
March 1, 2007... TOO MUCH SHARING CAN BE a bad thing, especially in the business of handling intellectual property--things like CAD files or even Excel spreadsheets. And yet that is what most engineering companies have to do when they outsource, either down the...

Rolling on waves.(computing)(Marine Advanced Research Inc. developed Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... MOST SHIPS SLICE THROUGH the waves rather than actually roll with them. But one company says that its vessel changes all that. Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Ugo and Isabella Conti, Marine Advanced Research near San Francisco...

Emissions interference?(computing)(cockpits)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... COCKPIT DESIGNERS HAVE TO TAKE electromagnetic compatibility, or EMC, into account--the correct operation, in the same environment, of different electromagnetic equipment, according to Julien Blanc, an EMC specialist. Engineers also must...

Under the kart.(computing)(James Engineering Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... IT'S IMPORTANT TO DESIGN what you love. James Engineering of Broomfield, Colo., primarily makes the deburring machines that smooth edges on metal parts, and it designs automotive systems and specialized racing karts on the side, according...

A major in robots?(computing)(Worcester Polytechnic Institute new robotics engineering program)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... LOVE ROBOTS SO MUCH you wish you could have majored in them? Now, you can. Worcester Polytechnic Institute of Worcester, Mass., will offer a bachelor's degree program in robotics engineering in the fall. The school's officials believe it...

First in a fire.(computing)(explorer robots for rescue works)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... SMALL EXPLORER ROBOTS now being worked on at Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England, could be the first to enter burning buildings in order to assess structural soundness and dangerous airborne chemicals, and to locate small...

MSC.Software Corp.(Briefly Noted)
March 1, 2007... MSC.Software Corp. of Santa Ana, Calif., has released SimOffice for engineers who design, analyze, and test mechanical parts used in end products.

Ledas Ltd.(Briefly Noted)(launch of LGS 3D)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Ledas Ltd. of Novosibirsk, Russia, which provides computational components for product lifecycle management and enterprise resource planning systems, has released an upgrade to its 3-D geometric solver, LGS 3D.

Lambda Research Corp.(Briefly Noted)
March 1, 2007... A maker of optical design software, Lambda Research Corp. of Littleton, Mass., has released TracePro 4.0 for optical modeling, design, and analysis.

Adobe Systems Inc.(Briefly Noted)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... A free download from Adobe Systems Inc. of San Jose, Calif., enables users to convert 3-D CAD models into portable document files regardless of whether or not they run CAD software.

AccuMetria.(Briefly Noted)
March 1, 2007... AccuMetria of Eugene, Ore., has released CMMWorks version 3.0, an off-line coordinate measuring machine programming and simulation software package integrated with SolidWorks 2007.

Icona Solutions Ltd.(Briefly Noted)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Icona Solutions Ltd. of Manchester, England, has released its aesthetica/Catia version 5 Interface Module. It transfers product model data from the CAD software into the developer's aesthetica, a product that visualizes the impact of...

Radan Computational.(Briefly Noted)
March 1, 2007... Radan 07 is the upgrade to Radan Computational's CAD and computer-aided manufacturing software for sheet metal applications. The developer is located in Bath, England.

Brand transition?(software exchange)
March 1, 2007... Capability: The Solid Edge 2D Drafting application includes tools designed to smooth the transition for 2-D AutoCAD users moving to Solid Edge. Tools include import wizards and files that match AutoCAD fonts and color schemes. Hardware: PC...

Capturing calculation.(software exchange)
March 1, 2007... Capability: Maple 11 combines a mathematical computation engine and user interface to capture a user's technical knowledge in an electronic form that integrates calculations, explanatory text and math, graphics, images, and sound. These...

Transmission line model.(software exchange)
March 1, 2007... Capability: RF Toolbox 2 allows engineers to design, model, analyze, and visualize the networks of radio frequency components commonly found in high-speed digital electronics. With it, engineers model the impedance differences and reflection...

Stylized design.(software exchange)
March 1, 2007... Capability: FreeDimension allows designers to stylize their 3-D models without the software tools often needed to create curved surfaces. It's based on the patent-pending technology that mimics the pencil-and-paper method of design, especially...

The best solution.(software exchange)
March 1, 2007... Capability: Optimization Lab--for use with the developer's Comsol Script for command-line modeling--offers optimization codes geared to finite element analysis and multiphysics problems. With this tool, engineers can run large-scale...

Small chips boost motor efficiency.(POWER TRANSMISSION AND MOTION CONTROL)(dsPIC digital signal controllers from Microchip Technology Inc.)
March 1, 2007... Motors for everything from pumps to fans consume nearly two-thirds of America's electricity, so any push for energy conservation would do well to begin here. Many home appliance makers have taken up the banner and have already switched to...

Shared bus drives.(POWER TRANSMISSION AND MOTION CONTROL)(Baldor Electric Co. introduces MotiFlex e100 three-phase ac motor drives )
March 1, 2007... The new family of MotiFlex e100 three-phase ac motor drives from Baldor Electric Co. in Fort Smith, Ark., combines Ethernet networking and Internet connectivity with an energy-saving shared bus that simplifies system builds. The first MotiFlex...

Robot plays pickup with four arms.(POWER TRANSMISSION AND MOTION CONTROL)(Adept Technology Inc. introduces Quattro s650 industrial robot)
March 1, 2007... Somebody will undoubtedly contest the title of "world's fastest robot" claimed by Adept Technology Inc. of Livermore, Calif., for its new Quattro s650. Yet there is no doubt that the s650 is very fast. It can accelerate a 2-kilogram load up to...

Bearing the weight.(POWER TRANSMISSION AND MOTION CONTROL)(Air Products & Chemicals Inc. uses Wheelift multiaxle transporters)
March 1, 2007... Options for carrying large assemblies--structures weighing 100 tons or more--through a plant often involve cranes and rail systems. If there is space enough, a factory can use one of the multiaxle hauling platforms designed for carrying very...

Linear actuator slides on plastic guides.(POWER TRANSMISSION AND MOTION CONTROL)(Igus Inc. introduces DryLin ZLW lightweight linear actuator )
March 1, 2007... Igus Inc., the East Providence, R.I., company best known for plastic bearings, has launched its first linear actuator. The DryLin ZLW is a lightweight unit designed to position small loads quickly. It combines a hard-anodized aluminum profile...

Acquisition in India.(POWER TRANSMISSION AND MOTION CONTROL)
March 1, 2007... Cleveland-based Parker Hannifin Corp. is beefing up its presence in India. The company has acquired SSD Drives India from the UniDEL India Group, a privately held automation and technology company, for an undisclosed amount. SSD Drives,...

Fine-tuning.(POWER TRANSMISSION AND MOTION CONTROL)(Minus K Technology Inc. and Kinetic Systems Inc. collaboration)
March 1, 2007... In our age of MEMS, microsurgery, nanotechnology, and general pursuit of minute mechanical marvels, even the smallest vibration can become a big nuisance. For instance, people in quality control actually have to examine the microchips and tiny...

MEMS from the nanoscale up: before microsystems can fulfill their promise, engineers have to understand that the macroscale rules don't necessarily apply.(FEATURE FOCUS: MICROSYSTEMS)(microelectromechanical)
March 1, 2007... Over the past decade, silicon microelectromechanical systems technology has gradually increased its foothold in mechanical engineering. Favored for their low cost, reliability, and small size--qualities inherited from the integrated circuit...

The little engine: can a gas turbine with tolerances smaller than a wavelength of light make power more portable than ever?(FEATURE FOCUS: MICROSYSTEMS)
March 1, 2007... batteries are too big. And they don't last long enough--just ask any soldier, laptop user, or TV cameraman. But Alan Epstein, a professor of aeronautics and astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, hopes to change all that...

Junking the joystick: medical researchers have discovered that the best way to operate microscale devices is through intuitive controls.(FEATURE FOCUS: MICROSYSTEMS)
March 1, 2007... When Russell Taylor first started working on surgical robots in the late 1980s, one or the most cumbersome tasks was, aligning the device to the patients body. The joystick controller used to move the business end of IBM's robotic...

Crystal ball for business: future ERP systems will look outside the company, and may be located outside it, too.(enterprise resource planning)
March 1, 2007... it's time to say goodbye to the golden age of enterprise resource planning systems, say some analysts who follow the industry closely. In the old systems' stead will be more outwardly focused applications that not only give decision-makers a...

Keeping the rainforest tropical: when one method posed problems, mechanical engineers turned to an alternate technology to make patrons and animals comfortable at the zoo.
March 1, 2007... A rainforest may not leap to mind when one thinks of Cleveland, but the fact that one can associate the two words is largely due to mechanical engineering and the flexibility the discipline often contains. Without state-of-the-art HVAC...

Linear position sensors.(new products)
March 1, 2007... MACRO SENSORS. PENNSAUKEN, N.J. A new family of hermetically sealed position sensors provides 4-20 mA input/output for field integration with programmable logic controllers, digital indicators, host computer-based data processing, and quality...

Epoxy adhesive.(new products)
March 1, 2007... MASTER BOND INC., HACKENSACK, N.J. The company's new two-component, room temperature curing epoxy adhesive is called EP21HT. This system is easy to use and has a 1:1 mix ratio by weight or volume. EP21HT is 100 percent reactive and contains no...

Load cells.(new products)
March 1, 2007... OMEGA ENGINEERING INC., STAMFORD, CONN. LCM701/ LCM711 Series tension link load cells feature all-stainless steel construction and high linearity, which make these load cells useful for measuring in-line tension forces. Their rugged design...

Filter-regulator-lubricators.(new products)
March 1, 2007... CLIPPARD INSTRUMENT LABORATORY INC., CINCINNATI. OHIO. The Maximatic line of filter-regulator-lubricators comes in a variety of sizes, from 10-32 to 1 in. NPT with interchangeability. Their modular design and interconnecting brackets provide...

Coordinate measuring.(new products)
March 1, 2007... ROMER INC., WIXOM, MICH. The Stinger IIi is a portable coordinate measuring system for powerful inspection and reverse-engineering coordinate measurement capabilities. It is an affordable, lightweight CMM with high-end features, such as Romer's...

Scroll air compressor.(new products)
March 1, 2007... HITACHI AMERICA LTD., TARRYTOWN, N.Y. The company has introduced SRL oil-free Scroll Air Compressor Technology. According to the company, it is the originator of Scroll Technology for air compression. The SRL's 100 percent oil-less design helps...

Dry ice blaster.(new products)
March 1, 2007... KARCHER INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, CAMAS, WASH. Using a dry ice blaster is an effective method for in-place cleaning, eliminating the need to disassemble or move machinery beforehand. The IB 15/80 dry ice blaster uses compressed air to propel tiny...

Stepper motor.(new products)
March 1, 2007... MICROMO ELECTRONICS INC., CLEARWATER, FLA. The Series ADM1220 miniature stepper motor has an external motor diameter of 12 mm and a length of 17.2 mm. It has a holding torque without current of 2.4 mNm and can achieve a high boost torque of 4.1...

More joining capacity.(new products)
March 1, 2007... FISHERTECH. PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO. The capacity of FisherTech's Injected Metal Assembly, or IMA, process has been increased 10-fold with the AM 51 system. A maximum shot volume of up to 500 grams allows for forming and joining of much larger...

Better alignment.(new products)
March 1, 2007... PINPOINT LASER SYSTEMS, NEWBURY-PORT, MASS. A laser-based Microgage two-dimensional system measures the flatness of machinery and production equipment. Machine tools, roll and web lines, press and printing equipment, and other production...

Sensor interface.(new products)
March 1, 2007... SENSOR PLATFORMS INC., SAN JOSE, CALIF. The company's SSP1493 sensor signal conditioning and interface integrated circuit is a low-cost standard solution. It is for use in high-performance, large-volume sensor applications where cost is a major...

Disconnect switches.(new products)
March 1, 2007... AUTOMATIONDIRECT, CUMMING, GA. Heavy-duty fusible and non-fusible disconnects from Ferraz Shawmut, in 600 V ac and 250 V dc meet UL98 standards. The Sirco and Fuserbloc Series are designed with the latest disconnect technology available. Sirco...

Versatile keypad.(new products)
March 1, 2007... EAO, MILFORD, CONN. The S.series keypad is a useful product for any application that requires a key-entry control, including access control systems, industrial machinery, banking terminals, public telephones, kiosks, and vending machines. It is...

Water system sealing.(new products)
March 1, 2007... PARKER HANNIFIN SEAL GROUP, CLEVELAND, OHIO. Two new chloramine-resistant materials are for use in water system sealing applications. EJ274-70 and EJ273-70 are 70-durometer EPDM based polymer formulations (with and without internal...

Temperature recorder.(new products)
March 1, 2007... DICKSON CO., ADDISON, ILL. TH800 temperature and humidity chart recorders are useful for engineers troubleshooting hot spots and other problem variations in temperature and humidity conditions. Battery-operated and cord-flee, the TH800 chart...

Safety interlock system.(new products)
March 1, 2007... OMRON SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC., FREMONT, CALIF. The MA-S Series of magnetically actuated safety interlock switches and actuators is for robust, corrosion-resistant operation in harsh environments. Both the switch and actuator feature...

Panel fasteners.(new products)
March 1, 2007... PENNENGINEERING, DANBORO, PA. Patented PEM-type PFC4 self-clinching stainless steel panel fasteners install permanently and flush (on one side) in thin stainless-steel sheets. They are made from 400 Series stainless steel for use in stainless...

Air cleaner selection.(new products)
March 1, 2007... DONALDSON CO. INC., MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. Donaldson's online air cleaner selection chart is meant to aid users in choosing the correct air cleaner for their vehicle. The chart helps customers determine the appropriate model for their engine based...

Portable gas analyzer.(new products)
March 1, 2007... E INSTRUMENTS GROUP, LANGHORNE, PA. The GreenLine 4000 portable gas analyzer is a portable and multifunctional tool that works for most environmental monitoring needs. The Low-NOx analyzer provides the latest technology in portable flue gas...

Load indicators.(new products)
March 1, 2007... LOADSTAR SENSORS INC., MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. New load indicators are designed to work with the company's patent-protected capacitive sensors. The products include the DS-2100 and the DS-2100 WiFi displays. These products have several key...

More torque capacity.(new products)
March 1, 2007... ANIMATICS CORP., SANTA CLARA, CALIF. The SM2315DT is the company's newest entry in its OEM Series of Smartmotors. It features an eight-pole compact rotor design with higher copper filling factor compared to conventional technology. The new...

Roller thrust bearings.(new products)
March 1, 2007... SKF USA INC., KULPSVILLE, PA. Spherical roller thrust bearings accommodate heavy axial and simultaneous radial loads in high-speed industrial equipment applications. Their self-aligning capability further allows these bearings to compensate for...

Multivariable flowmeter.(new products)
March 1, 2007... EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT, CHANHASSEN, MINN. The Rosemount MultiVariable 8800 vortex flowmeter is especially useful, according to the company. By incorporating multivariable technology, Emerson can deliver the benefits of Rosemount vortex...

Sonar ranging module.(new products)
March 1, 2007... SENSCOMP INC., LIVONIA, MICH. The 9000 sonar ranging module provides a solution to interfacing piezo ultrasonic transducers, such as SensComp's 9000 Series transducer, with external circuitry or embedded controller for ultrasonic sensing in a...

Three-valve manifold.(new products)
March 1, 2007... SETRA SYSTEMS INC., BOXBOROUGH, MASS. A low-cost three-valve manifold for the Model 230 differential pressure transducer is designed for differential pressure measurements of liquids and gases. The manifold is rugged, lightweight, and compact,...

Precision glass balls.(new products)
March 1, 2007... HARTFORD TECHNOLOGIES, ROCKY HILL, CONN. Precision glass balls with superior corrosion and chemical absorption resistance are suitable for applications in medical, optical, and food processing equipment. Precision balls made from glass are...

Fluid dispensing.(new products)
March 1, 2007... FLUID METERING INC., SYOSSET, N.Y. The IDS2000 dispenser provides a stand-alone solution for precision fluid dispensing in production and process environments. It consists of the company's patented valveless ceramic piston pump direct-coupled...

Leadscrew assemblies.(product information)
March 1, 2007... HAYDON SWITCH & INSTRUMENT INC., WATERBURY, CONN. A detailed catalog covers leadscrew assemblies, including acme leadscrews, advanced coatings, and technically advanced anti-backlash nuts. The designs eliminate backlash between the screw and...

Thread rolling screws.(product information)
March 1, 2007... LELAND POWELL FASTENERS INC., MARTIN, TENN. New literature covers Powell's Lo-Driv thread rolling screws and Grip-Lite screws. It offers a full description, features, safety points, and strip-out ratios for each screw. Grip-Lite screws are...

Connector categories.(product information)
March 1, 2007... BINDER-USA LP, CAMARILLO, CALIF. Binder's full-line product catalog simplifies product search by grouping like product families and related technical information, according to the company. For example, the M12 connector category now contains...

Fastener solutions.(product information)
March 1, 2007... PENNENGINEERING, DANBORO, PA. PEM Autospec details self-clinching fastener solutions for the automotive and transportation industries. This technology enables reliable attachment of vehicle components and can reduce the number of required...

Gearmotors.(product information)
March 1, 2007... BODINE ELECTRIC CO., CHICAGO, ILL. Bodine's standard products catalog features more than 1,000 ac, dc, and brushless dc fractional horsepower motors, gear-motors, and controls. There are more than 100 new products, including the new type 3RD...

Micro and Nanomanufacturing.(ME bookshelf)(Brief article)(Book review)
March 1, 2007... Micro and Nanomanufacturing. Mark J. Jackson. Springer-Verlag, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013. 2007. 702 pages. $99. ISBN 0-387-25874-4. Micro and Nanomanufacturing addresses the needs of practicing manufacturing engineers by applying...