Motion System Design articles from January 2004

Motion System Design archives from January 2004

Illegal aliens dilute your vote.(In the Loop)
January 1, 2004... Do you sometimes get the feeling your vote doesn't count? Well, the fact of the matter is that it probably doesn't count as much as the votes of a lot of other people, and here is why. The main reason the federal government conducts a...

What China is importing.(In the Loop)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... All is not bleak when it comes to exporting goods to China. Ranches in both the U.S. and Canada say China is their No. 1 engine of growth. China has become so prosperous that much of its workforce in Beijing can now afford a substantial steak...

Good engineers love their work.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... Enjoyed your September article, but I think you missed something important. As an engineering manager, I've had the pleasure of working with a lot of engineers over the years, some good, some bad. What stands out about the good ones is that...

Response to "one thing at a time".(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... I thought I'd comment on a remark you wrote that appeared in the October issue of Motion System Design. You really can't directly compare the total number of fatalities from 1989 to present time. As I'm sure you are aware, there are more...

Wal-Mart and imported goods.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... I read your comment about Wal-Mart with great interest. I have given up shopping there, unless there's absolutely no other alternative (I've yet to find that Target or Kmart didn't have what I wanted). I am concerned not only about the high...

Hands-off approach.(What's New)(intelligent fasteners trigger tool action)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Intelligent fasteners from Textron Fastening Systems, Troy, Mich., could change the way parts and products are assembled, designed, serviced, and recycled. The fasteners, wired with embedded microchips with individual addresses, can process...

New player in powered metal.(What's New)(Lovejoy Sintered Technologies opens)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Lovejoy Inc., Downers Grove, Ill., has introduced Lovejoy Sintered Technologies, a new business unit offering expanded capabilities in sintered powdered metal products. A recently installed powdered metal press is said to provide more...

Saftronics, Ft. Myers, Fla., announces a strategic marketing alliance with ABB Inc. and the launch of a new line of advanced compact dc drives.(On the move)(DC400 a three-phase digital dc drive)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... * Saftronics, Ft. Myers, Fla., announces a strategic marketing alliance with ABB Inc. and the launch of a new line of advanced compact dc drives. A member of the new Saftronics dc drive family, the DC400 is a three-phase digital dc drive...

PennEngineering Motion Technologies, Danboro, Pa., has been created by PennEngineering as one organization unifying the company's Pittman and MAE brand motor products and resources.(On the move)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... * PennEngineering Motion Technologies, Danboro, Pa., has been created by PennEngineering as one organization unifying the company's Pittman and MAE brand motor products and resources. All the company's motor products and related brands will be...

Simrit.(On the move)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... * Plymouth. Mich.-based Simrit, a div. of Freudenberg-NOK, has appointed David R. Monaco president.

Helac Corp.(On the move)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... * Helac Corp., Enumclaw, Wash., has appointed John C. Gaska engineering manager. His core responsibilities will include lean engineering operations, new product design and development, process improvements, cost reductions, and quality control....

Oriental Motor USA Corp., Torrance, Calif., has introduced its new Web site at www.orientalmotor.com.(What's News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Oriental Motor USA Corp., Torrance, Calif., has introduced its new Web site at www.orientalmotor.com. The site offers more than 3,000 products for online purchasing, many of which are available for same-day shipping. Quicker navigation, a new...

Tune in to innovation.(Public Broadcasting Service planning a program about technological advances)(Brief article)
January 1, 2004... An eight-part series exploring the stories behind the latest technological advances impacting our lives premieres on PBS next month. Thirteen/WNET New York's Innovation tells the dramatic stories behind some of today's exciting breakthroughs,...

Fuel-less flight is taking off.(What's New)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... New technology could bring gravity-powered, fuel-less flight to the aviation industry. The technology, from Hunt Aviation Corp. and invented by Robert D. Hunt, creates a power cycle out of two forces of gravity--buoyancy and gravity...

National Engineers Week takes on the world.(What's New)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... National Engineers Week 2004, co-chaired by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Fluor Corp., celebrates the international engineering community Feb. 22 to 28 with two key programs. "New Faces of Engineering," developed...

New ideas take shape in Italy.(What's New)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... New ideas and innovations will be on display at Fluidtrans Compomac 2004, taking place Feb. 18 to 21 at the Portello Halls in Milan, Italy. Components etc. provides a comprehensive showcase for trends in mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic,...

Eye spy: locating and positioning work, tracking the flow of parts, and inspecting output for quality and consistency--easy enough, right?(charge-coupled device cameras)
January 1, 2004... When human eyes are too slow or costly to screen, machine vision keeps better track of flying production lines and tight tolerances. And since their first trials in the semiconductor industry twenty years ago, vision systems have evolved...

High speed: in today's world, faster equals better. With the need for speed increasing, the editors of Motion System Design asked industry experts for application tips and guidelines when designing a high-speed motion system.(Design by Objective)(Discussion)
January 1, 2004... Define "high speed." What is considered leading edge today? Anthony/Timken: High speed, referred to as dN, is calculated by multiplying the bearing bore diameter in millimeters by the shaft rpm. If the solution to this equation is greater...

Brushless: linear motors.(Course audit: advanced learning at your desk, at your pace/multi-part series)
January 1, 2004... Topics of discussion: * Forces * Force density * Magnetic attraction * Thernal considerations Linear servomotors are a drive technology for high-performance motion-control applications. From automation to semiconductor...

Even the worm will turn: think worm gearing is a moderately efficient way to get motion done? The humble worm gear is proving that its full potential has not been realized just yet.(Power Transmission)
January 1, 2004... Worm gears are a power transmission standard, driving millions of axes requiring more drastic speed reductions. In this type of gearing a longer, more cylindrical worm (which resembles a screw) engages a flatter, more discus worm gear, also...

Taking one for science: a linear slide on a microarray analyzer endures forces in excess of 20 gs.(Axon Instruments Inc.'s GenePix 4000 )
January 1, 2004... Using microarray analysis tools, researchers can detect the effects of chemicals on biological cells, gaining a better understanding of how our genes work in the process. A probe, or the known substance or DNA strand in a test, is pipetted into...

C-face clutch mounts.(Power Transmission products)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * Available on Posidyne oil shear clutch/brakes * Splits input quill at 90[degrees] intervals * Dropin/boltup installation * Four standard models sized for 1/2 to 10hp drives Force Control Industries Inc. ...

Customized springs.(Power Transmission products)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * Integrate multiple features into one piece * Customer specified end atlachments can be integrated into the single multduncttanal component * Combine more than one spring coil set to provide a broad range of spring rates...

Belt drive system.(Power Transmission products)
January 1, 2004... * Rigid aluminum base extrusion * T-slot mounting system * Hardened steel raceways * NEMA motor mount blocks * Three dual-row ball bearings mounted in carriage * Center roller is adjustable for preload via set-screws ...

Elastomer coupling.(Power Transmission products)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: 89 to 9,735 Ib-in. FEATURES * Compact design includes coupling and clamping hub * Ideal for CNC machining applications * High dampening precise motion power transmission * Elastomer element press fit...

Timing screw drive.(Power Transmission products)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * Mini unit for smaller containers * Sealed gearbox * Stainless-steel hardware * Seamless timing screws Morrison Timing Screw [telephone] (708) 756-6660 www.morrisontimingscrew.com Circle 185

Manual brake releases.(Power Transmission products)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * Exterior mechanism requires no tools * Flip of a lever or turn of knob releases brake * Available on 70 and 80 Series brakes * For NEMA motors 182TC through 286TC Dings Co. Dymanics Group [telephone] (414)...

A stitch to save time.(industrial sewing machines)
January 1, 2004... Improving on semiautomated processes--machines that require operators to guide framed quilts by hand--the new systems can stitch almost any pattern all by themselves. ********** Market focus | | Textile Background: The art of...

Ac motor "brakes" into unwinding.(Application // Web processing)
January 1, 2004... Application | | Web processing Background: Traditionally, mechanical brake and air-supply systems have provided brake control to processors unwinding or holding back a strand or web. But air brakes and their air-supply system don't age...

Time and frequency domains.(msd 101)
January 1, 2004... There rare two ways to analyze system response. The method you choose depends on what you're looking for. If you need to analyze system behavior at specific frequencies, you would look at a time domain response. If you are interested in the...

Brushing up // more on Mohr.
January 1, 2004... In 1882 Otto Mohr developed his now-famous circles of stress, the first strength theory to take shearing into account. Borrowing on previous work, he expanded the graphical representation of stress about a point to three dimensions. The...

Inches to go.(Better by Design)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... A new alternative for measuring linear displacements up to 6 in.--magnetoinductive analog position sensors--consist of two basic elements: a magnet and a pair of triangular pick-up coils. The magnet, fixed to the point of interest, changes the...

Back-of-motor encoders.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Shaft diameter: 3/8 in. Torque: 2.5 oz-in. at 25[degrees]C with shaft seal FEATURES * Meets NEMA 4, 13 requirements, with shaft seal * EMI shielding * 40-1b ABEC 7 bearings * High-efficiency optics *...

Go modular for high performance.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Temp: -10[degrees] to 100[degrees]C Frequency response: to 200 kHz FEATURES * Three channel output signals * 10 line count to 2,500 pulses per revolution * Positive lock-on cover * Self-aligning,...

For accuracy, speed.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Pulse rate: 2,048 per revolution Accuracy: 2.5 arc-min FEATURES * Real-time feedback * Operates to 120[degrees]C * Reliable, optically generated signals * Commutating, bearing mounted * Data rates to 300...

No angle on encoders.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Line count: 4,096 to 64,800 Size: for 1.18-in. to 15.43-in. shafts FEATURES * 129.6 million counts per revolution * 2,900 rpm with zero backlash * Accuracy to [+ or -] 0.5 arc-sec * Noncontact readbead...

Flexible, configurable, tough.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Speed: 6,000 rpm continuous duty FEATURES * Available as shaft, hollow-shaft * EZ-Turn programming software * SSI or RS485 output * Components mount on single PCB * 25-bit resolution Turck Inc. ...

Laser rotary encoder for robotics, automation.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Rotation rate: 10,000 rpm Operating temp: 0[degrees] to 70[degrees][C Max frequency response: 8.3 MHz FEATURES * Compact; 56 mm * Lightweight, 260 g * Balanced line driver output circuit *...

Miniature programmable encoders.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Resolution: linear: 5[micro]m to 5 nm; rotary: 6K cpr to 67 M cpr Index: bidirectional, high-speed, [+ or -] 1 LSB FEATURES * SmartSignal electronics * Variety of readouts * Output options: A-quad-B; high-speed...

Cool off with this encoder.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Resolution: 30,000 cycles per revolution FEATURES * Environments to -40[degrees]C * 1.5 in. * Flexible mounting system * Easy installation Encoder Products Co. (800) 366-5412 www.encoder.com ...

Encoder/motor combo.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: 0.044 oz-in. (continuous); 0.19 oz-in. (stall) Ratio: 1:1 to 4,096:1 Speed: to 44,400 rpm FEATURES * 64-pulse absolute encoder * Low power consumption * Weighs 10 gm MicroMo Electronics Inc....

This encoder multiplies.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * On-chip Hall sensor generates digital, index pulse signals * Packaged in 7 mm x 6 mm chip * Onboard sensor measures temperature * Vibration protected * True zero-speed operation * Uses polymer-bonded...

Sealed for protection.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * High-precision measurement * Sealed for harsh environments * Suitable for milling, drilling, boring, machining * Optimize positioning accuracy and machining speed Heidenhain Corp. (800) 233-0388 ...

Single-ended optical encoder.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Shaft speed: 10,000 rpm Shaft torque: 0.05 oz-in. FEATURES * Industry-standard size 15 mounting * 32 to 1,024 cpr * Positive finger-latching connector * -40[degrees] to 100[degrees]C operating temp *...

Compact absolute encoder.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * 14-bit * Die-cast aluminum housing * Integral bearing system * Stainless-steel shaft, hollow-shaft versions * 1 1/2-in, square, 1-in. deep * Output via serial four-wire link Computer Optical Products...

Reflective optical diffraction.(Product spotlight: encoders)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Resolution: to 0.00002 in. FEATURES * TTL-compatible line drive output with optional index * To 48-in. travel lengths * Noncontact between readhead, scale * Utilizes reflective optical diffraction GSI...

Weathering the tough times.(ASP Profile)
January 1, 2004... Gene Kalhorn fondly remembers the day four years ago that he and his wife purchased TAPCO, a Cincinnati-based Automation Solution Provider. "It fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning my own company," he said. His company, which now has 28...

Sealed linear actuators.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Step increments: 0.00006 to 0.005 in. FEATURES * Available with various sizes of hybrid linear actuators * Size 23 has 200-lb maximum force * Full range of actuators offers forces to 500 lb * Customization...

Electromechanical actuators.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Stroke: 28 in. Force: 900 to 6,750 lb Speed: 4 in./sec FEATURES * Adjust machinery height, assembly tables, conveyor equipment * Integrated microprocessor electronics * Ac and dc versions * Specialized...

Chain and belt tensioner.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * Heavy-duty for multiple drives * Torsional wrapped spring damps vibration * Bidirectional for optimal positioning * Removable arms * Single-bolt mounting * Offset arm reduces effect of overhung load ...

Thrust washers.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 1/2 x 1 1/8 in. to 2 x 3 in. Thickness: 1/16 in. Temp range: -450 to 500[degrees]F FEATURES * Precise match with shaft collar ID and OD * Provides bearing surface with low coefficient of friction *...

Stepmotor controller.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * Direction output at 1.0 Mpulses/sec * Available with 1,2, or 4 axes * Consists of 132-pin processor and 100-pin logic device * Surface mount; powered by 5 V * Driven by 8 or 16-bit bus interface Performance...

Motion control chips.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Output speed: 6.5 Mpps FEATURES * For step motors or pulse/direction digital servomotors * Supports 2-axis motion controls with linear or circular interpolation * Linear or S curve acceleration/deceleration *...

Cable and hose carriers.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Width: 1 to 7 in. FEATURES * Maintain proper bend radius of air, hydraulic, and electric lines * Double-lockout link design * Hinge-open bars facilitate cable replacement or repair * Carriers do not generate...

Conductor bars.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * Finger-safe system has UL listing * Minimize potential for electrical contact * Maximize safety and performance * For cranes monorails and AS/RS Electromotive systems (800) 288-8178 ...

Ac servos.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * High-performance ac flux vector drive * High HP servo drive * Programmable motion and logic controller * NEMA 4/12 packaging Danaher Motion (704) 588-5693 www.thomsonindustries.com/fx400 Circle...

Shaft-locking bushings.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: 40 to 1,500 lb-ft Shaft size: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 mm FEATURES * Lock gears pulleys and sprockets into position * Suitable for systems requiring frequent washdowns * Provides large area of...

Ultrasonic proximity sensor.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Range: to 79 in FEATURES * Easy pushbutton setup * Epoxy sealed in ULTEM housing * Noncontact sensing range * No delay * CE certified * Onboard microprocessor Hyde Park Electronics Inc. ...

Pattern-matching software.(Motion Marketplace)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * Improves wafer alignment yield in semiconductor manufacturing * Automates vision system teaching to recognize patterns * Auto Select of training pattern features * Model Advisor lets operator select training pattern...

Linear guide system.(Linear Corner)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Height: 14 mm Spacing: preselected at 100, 150, 200 mm FEATURES * Plastic glide elements * Available as single profile or split rail * Lightweight, self-lubricating * Low coefficient of friction *...

Miniature actuator.(Linear Corner)
January 1, 2004... SPECS Rail length: 75 to 200 mm Load rating: 1,930 C (dynamic); 3,450 CO (static) FEATURES * Combines miniature LM guide and ballscrew in one block * Four-row circular contact offers high rigidity, low fluctuation *...

Advanced mini stages.(Linear Corner)
January 1, 2004... FEATURES * Ready-to-mount * Tight ballscrew tolerances, zero backlash * Flying lead cable * Integrated brushless servomotor, rotary encoder * Preloaded double bearing * Limit switch and cable duct Bayside Motion...

Linear motion and assembly technologies.(Bosch Rexroth Corporation)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Bosch Rexroth offers a wide range of linear motion products that deliver smooth performance and long life for machines, whether in miniature or heavy-duty applications. The broad range of linear products includes profiled rail systems,...

Seeing colors.(Sensor Tips)(mini sensor detection)
January 1, 2004... A mini sensor detects color marks printed on any color background on continuous webs. Its high-speed color detection makes it especially suitable for form-fill-seal machines. Low contrast registration marks are detectable thanks to a...

Complete System on a chip.(Sensor Tips)(A multiplying encoder ASIC)
January 1, 2004... A multiplying encoder ASIC combines a direction-sensing Hall-effect encoder with an integrated index pulse and high-accuracy resolution-multiplying ASIC. The result is a high-resolution speed and position sensor system in one package. The...

Stereo vision.(Sensor Tips)(Bumblebee camera)
January 1, 2004... A 3D stereo visualization kit, an add-on to the Bumblebee camera, delivers high-quality stereo visualization. The 3DSVK uses stereo images produced. by the camera to create video that is easy to visualize in 3D when dispalyed. The Bumblebbee...