Motion System Design articles from May 2004

Motion System Design archives from May 2004

Chalk one up for math.(In the Loop)(Charles Steinmetz)(Biography)
May 1, 2004... When Thomas Edison founded the General Electric Company in 1886, he wanted to staff up as quickly as possible with top engineering talent. Often, that meant buying smaller companies which is how, seven years later, GE acquired the services of...

Measuring fitness.(In Response)(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... Thank you for your editorial in the March issue. I was obese most of my life--lost over 140 pounds, keeping 120 pounds of it off for 14 years--and have experienced first hand the notion that overweight is synonymous with lazy. Although the...

Water on Mars.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... Several years ago, I responded to an editorial because of a reference you made about surface formations on Mars. I mentioned that a friend, Dr. Walter Brown (former Chief Scientist for the Air War College and a mechanical engineer), had just...

Suffering's silver lining.(In Response)(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... I just read your shout-out to the healthcare industry (April editorial), and I must applaud your sentiments. As a young child I was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. Prior to diagnosis, the cancer was so advanced and the tumor so large, that...

Here today, gone tomorrow.(In Response)(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... WOW! Good job with your April "In the Loop" column. In the days of forever, this life's just a minute or two. There are many who want to prolong these minutes by mortgaging the future of others. As important as this life is, there's...

Don't give up.(In Response)(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... I'm not usually one to respond to articles, but you have repeatedly written ones that cut through the social and political wasteland that seems to permeate society, especially the media. I consider myself a Christian and a realist and your...

Take care of yourself.(In Response)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... Your April editorial hits a lot of targets, some of which I'd like to elaborate on. The first has to do with an e-mail my wife received from a woman she connected with at her 50th class reunion last fall. Apparently, the woman wasn't feeling...

Smooth steering.(What's New)(Catrike Speed- new tricycle)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... A tricycle that reaches speeds of 40 mph, carries up to 300 lb, and costs about $2,000 is no child's toy. The latest recumbent trike, the Catrike Speed, from Big Cat Human-Powered Vehicles is a bicycle enthusiast's dream. Recumbent tricycling...

Learn how to quiet gears.(What's New)(University courses)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... This September, The Ohio State University Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Columbus, offers two courses on how to deal with gear noise: Basic Gear Noise Short Course Sept. 8-10 Cost: $1,300 This course, which has been offered...

School sessions.(What's New)(power transmission training)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... * Emerson Power Transmission, Ithaca, N.Y., introduces eP.T. University, interactive online training for power transmission and bearing products. The curriculum includes more than 35 lessons grouped into six courses covering the basics of power...

BSA joins effort to help American manufacturing.(What's New)(Bearings Specialists Association)(Coalition for the Future of Manufacturing)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Without a doubt, manufacturing plays a major role in the American economy: Every $1 in manufactured goods generates an additional $1.43 worth of economic activity--more than any other economic sector. Understanding the importance for a strong...

The answer to your problems.(What's New)(TK Solver 5.0 software)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Solve mathematical equations fast and easy with TK Solver 5.0 from Universal Technical Systems Inc., Rockford, Ill. The rule-based system of setting up and solving problems uses simple syntax and requires little or no training. The object-based...

Magnetek Industrial Controls Group.(Company News)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... * Magnetek Industrial Controls Group, Menomee Falls, Wis., has changed its name to Magnetek Power Control Systems. The group includes several divisions: Electromotive Systems, Telemotive Industrial Controls, Mondel Engineering, Magnetek...

Reell Precision Mfg.(Company News)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... * Reell Precision Mfg., St. Paul, a producer of wrap spring clutches and constant-torque hinges, announced the purchase of the Spring Technologies business unit from its sister company, Vadnais Technologies. Spring Technologies makes precision...

Dow Corning Corp.(Company News)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... * Dow Corning Corp., Midland, Mich., has introduced a new identity for its Molykote brand of automotive, food and beverage, and industrial lubricant products and services. The new identity unifies the brand name and packaging design.

Hansen Transmissions Inc.(Company News)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... * Hansen Transmissions Inc., Verona, Va., has moved into a new 25,000-sq ft assembly and repair center. The facility is the first to be built in Verona's Mill Place Commerce Park.

Losing the rotor vibes.(What's New)(Helicopter's flight)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... An Advanced Light Helicopter, or DHRUV, from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. is said to be the only helicopter in the world able to fly over the Himalayas and Mt. Everest. And thanks to Lord Corp., Cary, N.C., the ride is now a smoother one. ...

Introduction to closed-loop control.(Course audit: advanced learning at your desk, at your pace)
May 1, 2004... Topics of discussion: * Typical parameters * Feedback * Comparators * Microprocessors All motion control systems aim to maneuver loads down paths with a predefined motion. If this intended motion is achieved by comparing...

Flex time: selecting a flexible coupling is easier than you may think. By following a few simple procedures, the attachments provide years of service.
May 1, 2004... Couplings connect two shafts to transfer torque. The right coupling for the job depends on application needs. Rigid couplings solely act as an extension of one shaft to another. Although inexpensive and maintenance-free, they provide minimal...

Scalpel ... clamp ... actuator? Medical equipment designers look for a miniature linear solution.(Medical)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Problem: When engineers at a medical equipment manufacturer in Switzerland were designing a new robotic sampling station, they needed an accurate, miniature linear actuator that would comply with rigorous worldwide medical requirements. ...

On a roll: a disc coupling that can accommodate misalignment solves a paper plant's frequent equipment failures.(Pulp & Paper)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Background: Smooth white rolls of paper stream out of a U.S. paper plant at a rate of nearly 700,000 tons per year. Another 100,000 tons of bleached market pulp for fine white paper is also produced, destined for conversion into envelopes,...

Makes sense.(Better by Design)
May 1, 2004... A new type of feedback device employing an inductive scanning mechanism rivals low-end absolute encoders in terms of performance, and resolvers in terms of price. The stationary sensing element consists of an excitation coil and several smaller...

Super standard.(Better by Design)
May 1, 2004... It claims to be the highest rated standard roller chain in the world. According to its designers, it can carry 25% larger working loads and possesses 50% higher fatigue strength than any standard-grade chain. The Performance is attributed to...

Harmonic filters.(Spotlight: adjustable speed drives)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Harmonic distortion: FEATURES * Compact housings * Simple setup, installation * Require no balancing, routine maintenance Danfoss NAMC (800) 432-6367 www.namc.danfoss.com Circle 150 ...

Enclosed drives.(Spotlight: adjustable speed drives)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Horsepower: to 500 FEATURES * Good voltage sag immunity and communications * Built-in Ethernet connectivity * Type-1, -12 enclosures for wall/floor mounting * Circuit breaker disconnects for lock-outs; low-noise...

Washdown ac drive.(Spotlight: adjustable speed drives)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Horsepower: 0.5 to 10 (240 Vac); 0.5 to 20 (480 and 575 Vac) Speed range: 80:1 FEATURES * NEMA-4X/12, IEC IP66 enclosure * Withstands direct spray of water pressure to 1,000 psi * Protects against dust particles...

Motors, brakemotors.(Spotlight: adjustable speed drives)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: 60 to 12 Hz (5:1 speed range); 80 to 4 Hz (20:1 speed range) FEATURES * Standard NEMA C-face mounting * Sealed to IP55 rating; TEFC * Optional speed ranges of 10:1 and 1,000:1 Nord Gear Corp. (888)...

Flux vector ac motor.(Spotlight: adjustable speed drives)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Horsepower: 1 to 350 FEATURES * Open, closed-loop models * NEMA-4/12 enclosures to 40 hp * Full torque at zero speed * Standard line fuses to 100 hp Danaher Motion (440) 995-3200 ...

Disc brake.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Braking force: 1,600 to 7,200 lbf FEATURES * Designed for holding and emergency stopping * Direct acting with only one moving part * Electromagnetic coil uses a voltage dropping circuit to minimize current draw and...

Brushless dc servomotor.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Peak torque: 574 oz-in. Speed: to 7,200 rpm Frame size: NEMA 23 FEATURES * High accuracy and fast accel/decel with heavy loads * Multiple precision machined copper sheets replace magnet wire and iron core of...

Shaft locking bushings.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS New sizes: 5/8, 3/8, 1, 1 1/4, 1 1/2in.; 60 mm Concentricity: to 0.001 in. TIR FEATURES * Provide tight connection between shaft and mounted components * Double walled sleeve filled with FDA approved food grade...

Harmonic planetary gearhead.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Backlash: Length: 105 mm Torque: 321 lb-in (rated);1 920 lb-in (max) Gear ratios: 5 to 45:1 FEATURES * Size 20 * High efficiency, torsional stiffness HD Systems Inc. (800) 231-4374 ...

Self-lubricating bushings.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Temperature: to 1,000[degrees]F FEATURES * Efficient when submerged not affected by caustics * Retain dimensional stability low coefficient of friction * Available in over 100 grades, with or without grooves single...

Particle brakes, clutches.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: to 300 lb-in. FEATURES * Precise, smooth, silent slip torque * Torque proportional to dc input current and independent of slip rpm * Suitable for tensioning, torque limiting, load simulation, and soft...

Machined springs.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... FEATURES * Flexible helix beam used as torsion or compression-extension spring * Optional end attachments include clamps, tangs, flanges, or threaded ends Helical Products (877) 353-9873 www.heli-cal.com Circle 181...

Mini linear guideway.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Height: 16 mm Length: 1,142 mm Stroke: to 886 mm Speeds: to 5 m/sec FEATURES * Comprised of mini ball guideway and tooth belt drive * Options include integrated limit switch, cover strip, and...

Painted flange.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 3/8 to 5 in. FEATURES * Five models made from zinc die cast, or cast iron * Sleeves available in EPDM rubber, neoprene, or Hytrel * Protected against rust and corrosion * Easy to install; interchangeable...

Servo gear reducer.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... FEATURES * Designed for servo applications * Helical planetary gears (smooth, quiet operation) * Mounts to any servomotor * Available in three backlash ratings * Grease lubricated * IP64 enclosure Shimpo Drives...

Ac servo drives.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Output: 1 kW continuous (2 kW peak) Current: up to 5 A Size: 4 x 3 x 2 in. FEATURES * Operates dc brush as well as brushless (dc and ac) motors * 32 kbyte on-board programmable user memory * Sinusoidal and...

Hi-res linear encoder.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Resolution: 20 or 100 [micro]m Rating: IP67 Length: to 90 m FEATURES * Sensor head reads a scale with spaced magnetic poles adhered to a steel band * Quadrature pulses from head indicate speed, position, and...

Rotary stages.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Sizes: 100, 150, and 200 mm (diam.) FEATURES * Ultra-low profile * Direct-drive high-torque output * Cog-free slotless motor eliminates torque ripple * Two motor winding options optimize speed/torque *...

Screw-driven leadscrew.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Speeds: Standard length: to 8 ft (custom lengths available) FEATURES * Driven by precision-rolled, stainless-steel leadscrew * Moving surfaces include Kerkite polymers on Kerkote TFE coating * Comes with...

Helical gearboxes.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... FEATURES * Family includes parallel-shaft and right-angle helical-bevel designs right-angle gearmotors dual output-shaft gearboxes single-screw extruder drives planetary designs and co-rotating twin screw drives Brevini USA (888)...

Compact ac motor.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 2.88 x 2.88 x 5.22 in. Insulation: Class F FEATURES * Ball bearings all-aluminum frame cooling channels that eliminate dust buildup * High efficiency stator and rotor tolerances impregnated windings *...

Hubs with eccentric cams.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Depth hardened: 0.2 to 0.4 mm FEATURES * Steel powdered metal, chemically blackened * Designed for adjusting and clamping typically with gear lever handles * Constant clamping force in every position for...

Large ballscrews.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Diameter: 16 to 100 mm Pitch: 2 to 40 mm FEATURES * Choice of preloaded single nut with four-point contact or double nut with two-point contact * Nut dimensions conform to DIN69051 * 64-page catalog available...

World's smallest microcontroller.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Voltage: 2 to 5.5 V I/O current: 25 mA FEATURES * 6-pin package * Simple instruction set with 33 commands * Flash memory holds up to 512 instructions * 24 bytes of data RAM * Precision 4-MHz internal...

Planetary gearheads.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Noise: to 64 dB(A) Backlash: [less than or equal to] 1 arc-min avail. Gear ratio: 3:1 to 100:1 Life: 30,000 hr FEATURES * 20% higher torque capacity, 25% more rigidity than former series * IP65/66 shaft...

Wide miniature linear guides.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 7, 9, 12, 15 mm Dimensional tolerances: [+ or -] 0.01 mm FEATURES * Require little of no lubrication * Corrosion resistant * Smooth, quiet operation; high precision accuracy * Two-track, gothic arch...

Integrated PLC/HMI.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Control: to 14 PID loops I/O: to 1,000 points Response: 30 msec Display depth: 78 mm FEATURES * Twido nanocontroller paired with Magelis XBT-N for control of small and standalone machines * Display with...

Watertight induction motor.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Speed: to 3,450 rpm Output: 1/20 to 1/2 hp Voltage: 115 to 230 Frequency: to 60 Hz FEATURES * NEMA-4X (IP66) enclosure * Size-44 motor housing made of anodized aluminum and finished with 3-mil-thick...

Industrial drives.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Horsepower: 125 to 300 Operating efficiency: 98% FEATURES * Built-in RFI performance to EN 55011 * Integral disconnect with option of available fuses * Power termination design eases installation by accepting...

Thin ring brushless motors.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Stall torque: 2 to 1,490 lb-ft Diameter: 6.7 to 31.2 in. FEATURES * Designed for direct-drive applications in large inertia or high-torque load systems * Special mounting features ease integration *...

Filament-wound plain bearings.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Load capacity: to 43,500 psi (static); 20,000 psi (dynamic) Max. speed: 25 fpm Coefficient of friction: 0.05 to 0.3 Temperature: 145 to 320[degrees]F FEATURES * Good friction and wear properties under slow speed...

Preloaded rack & pinion drives.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... FEATURES * Two pinions eliminate backlash * Mechanically preloaded systems spring load or torsionally wind one pinion against the other; typically driven by one motor * Electrically preloaded systems "brake" one pinion against the...

Ball detent torque limiters.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Rating: ISO 9000 Size: 440 to 35,000 lb-in. FEATURES * BDR type includes auto random reset; BDS type includes rollers and auto single-position reset * Torque limiter can trip optional limit switch for drive shutoff...

Vibration monitor.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 40 x 40 mm DSP: 32,000 calculations per sec Price: $750 FEATURES * Detects bearing failures and shaft imbalances * MEMS accelerometer, A/D converter, DSP, diagnostic electronics * Configuration...

Distance sensor.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Sensing distance: 215 to 120 mm Resolution: 2 [micro]m Measuring cycle: 250 to 900 [micro]sec FEATURES * Onboard teach button * Industrial glass optics * Die-cast housing (IP67) * Measures 12 x 37 x 34...

Dancer position sensor.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Temp range: -65 to 125[degrees]C Lifetime: 20 million full cycles Ratios: from 0.06 to 25 turns full travel, over 700 ratios in all FEATURES * Stainless-steel input shaft handles up to 80 pound radial loads *...

Color touchscreen.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... FEATURES * 5.7-in. STN display * 256 colors * 4-wire analog resistive technology * 200-MHz processor * 1,990 user-definable pop-up windows Maple Systems Inc. www.maple-systems.com Circle 184 ...

Case-hardened shafting.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Length: to 15 ft Diameter: 1/4 to 3 in. FEATURES * Electromagnetic-hardened case is thinner, more consistent, more durable than standard case-hardened shafting * Straighter, less distorted shafts with less internal...

Oil-shear brakes.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Response time: 10 msec Sizes: 1/2 to 10 hp FEATURES * Oil-shear actuation minimizes heat, wear, and shock loads, extending service life * Multi-disc design enables higher cycle rates * Available in motor brake...

Long-life clutches.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Torque: 75 lb-in. FEATURES * Improved bearing system designed to increase reliability in machinery with high-hour or high-input revolution requirements * Wrap-spring technology produces consistent and repeatable...

Helical gear drives.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... FEATURES * 98% drive efficiency per gear set * High starting torque and precise speed reduction * Available in standard and hollow-shaft configurations * Multiple mounting options ABM Drives Inc. (513) 576-1300 ...

Ac drives.(Motion Marketplace)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Output range: 1 to 100 hp Resolution: 2 [micro]m Measuring cycle: 250 to 900 [micro]sec FEATURES * Sensorless vector closed-loop control * 175% starting torque, 150% rated current (1 min) * Dynamic braking...

High-performance linear motor.(Linear Corner)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Force: to 750 lb Velocity: >60 ips Acceleration: to 3 gs Size: 5 x 4 x 14 in. FEATURES * Provides the benefits of brushless technology at the low cost of stepper technology * Zero backlash; high...

Mini linear guides.(Linear Corner)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Speeds: to 3 m/sec Accelerations: to 250 m/[sec.sup.2] FEATURES * High load-carrying capacity * Recirculating ball tracks with 45[degrees] contact angles * Normal, high, or precision accuracy * Lubrication...

Captive linear actuator.(Linear Corner)
May 1, 2004... SPECS Resolutions: from 0.000125 to 0.002 in./step Thrust: to 25 lb FEATURES * Size 11 * Thermoplastics in rotor drive nut; stainless-steel Acme leadscrew * Quiet and maintenance-free operation Haydon Switch &...

Torque ripple.(msd 101)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... A close-up look at the output of any rotating device, such as a motor or gear drive, reveals a certain amount cyclic error of variation called torque ripple. Expressed as a percentage, torque ripple is usually defined as the ratio of the...