Product Design & Development articles from December 2004

Product Design & Development archives from December 2004

Circuit breaker system.
December 1, 2004... A remotely resettable version of the ESS20 is designed to protect individual circuits connected to a power supply. The electronic system provides selective circuit protection of DIN-rail factory automation equipment connected to switch-mode...

Compact inverters.
December 1, 2004... LS530 dc-to-ac inverters are designed for driving cold-cathode fluorescent lamps in LCD backlighting applications. The units are made specifically for use with the Sharp 10.4-in. LQ104V1G21 LCD. Their 10 watts of total output power represents a...

Rocker switch.
December 1, 2004... The SRJ panel-mount rocker switch is suitable for applications with current ratings up to 20 A at 125 Vac. The compact device uses heavy-duty silver alloy contacts to perform high-current switching in a 0.855 x 0.906-in. diameter package. The...

Flexible machine mount.
December 1, 2004... Fieldline I/O is an IP65/67 machine mount I/O family that has been expanded to include Fieldline Modular I/O. Fieldline Modular I/O connects to the most popular Fieldbus protocols and provides a cost-effective solution where high concentrations...

Quick-connect fittings.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... MJQC quick-connect fittings are designed to combine the quick and easy functionality of the Push-Quick Series with the flexibility and security of the MJQC quick--connect line, with no circuit interruption. These fittings provide for an easy...

Closed-end cartridge system.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... This system is designed to provide a low cost, based on the reduced number of components to buy, and the elimination of labor to assemble them. The robust uni-body design has a rugged connection between the cylinders, preventing breakage, which...

Multi-phase synchronous buck controller.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The TPS40130 has integrated adaptive gate drivers. The flexible power management device is designed to save board space and to simplify power design for dual-channel, multi-phase systems supporting up to 60 A, such as double-data rate (DDR)...

Plastics design analysis software.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... Moldflow Plastics Insight 5.0 has a strong focus on 3D technology, pre- and post-processing productivity improvements, and a wide range of customer driven enhancements. MPI 5.0 is designed to deliver comprehensive solutions to address today's...

Explosion-proof sensors.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The Model 4600 is offered with material compatibility and resistance against hydrogen permeation and embrittlement. Employing one-piece thick 316L stainless steel diaphragms, free of internal O-rings, welds, or fill fluids, the Model 4600 is...

Linux OS-based visual computer.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The Prism takes advanced computer graphics capability and makes it available on a truly open and accessible platform. By combining standards-based Intel Itanium 2 processors, the Linux operating environment, and advanced graphics technology,...

Safeguarding control system.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The Perimeter Access Guarding Device PA4600-EP is a long-range, multiple-beam system designed to provide a long operating range (30 m) and wide beam spacing. This system is suitable for torso detection and safeguarding the perimeter of areas...

Evaluation torque sensor.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The MagneTorque-compliant torque sensors is designed for evaluation and testing. The sensor is designed to complement potentiometric-based torque sensor technology and can be used for automotive electric power steering systems. Based on Hall...

Ethernet data cables.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The DataTuff line includes one two-pair and three four-pair Category 5e cables. The cables are designed to provide superior per-formance and reliability, even in the presence of electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency,...

PMC modules for serial communication boards.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The PMC520 and PMC521 provide eight asynchronous serial communication ports from a single PMC carrier slot. They are designed to reduce the cost per serial port and keep card slot usage to a minimum. Both models are available with front or rear...

Hot-swappable front-end.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... As an addition to the PowerCassette family of 1U front ends, the TPCG is a 450-wtt version available in three output voltages of 12,24, and 48 Vdc. These units are housed in ultra-compact cases. They are available as either chassis mount of hot...

Fluoroplastic tubing.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... This tubing is extruded PTFE, FEE PFA, or MFA in a variety of configurations and can be supplied complete with fittings. It is available in straight lengths, coiled, or convoluted styles. Featuring a low coefficient of friction and anti-stick...

PTFE spiral cable wrap.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... Hell-Tube protects wiring on lasers and other cutting equipment that is exposed to sparks. It applies like tape and is highly flexible and abrasion resistant. The wrap is chemically inert, non-flammable, and operates over a -450[degrees] to...

Graphical system monitor for off-highway machinery.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The CANLink monitor makes possible up-to-the-minute information on system performance and total operator off-highway vehicle control. Combined electronic technology, this "real_time" display serves as a master controller on off-highway...

Interconnect system.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The TelEnable is designed to provide communications interoperability between legacy, current, and future technologies for a variety of applications. These include wireless communication, transportation, emergency medical system, and remote...

Digital cellular interface.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The CP-2 provides wireless access to data logging and remote monitoring systems. It uses tire CDMA digital cellular network for modern communication. The CP-2 provides complete communication and control over data loggers, including real-time...

Force weighing system.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... ID7sx is an intelligent, high-precision FM and ATEX approved system. It comes complete with a suite of software to monitor, record, and control process data achieved during the weighing process. It is specifically designed to be used in Class...

Pneumatic function fittings for rapid assembly.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... A new line of pneumatic function fittings is designed for users who are seeking to achieve cost savings in the rapid assembly of pneumatic circuits. These compact devices are engineered to provide easy tube insertion and can be deployed in a...

Workstation with LCD rack-mounts.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The 16-port GFC 1716A Foldaway eliminates the cost of 16 separate displays and keyboards. Setup time cut is and cable clutter is cut with specialized HD15 connectors and KVM cables. Only 1U high and 25.5-in. deep, the unit installs in any...

Digitizers for PXI and compactPXI chassis applications.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... A line of 3U single-slot PXI digitizers is designed to provide high-speed waveform recording solutions. The DC140 and DC135 deliver high bandwidths, 1 GHz and 500 MHz respectively, and offer a convenient channel multiplexing capability. This...

Computer-controlled spring forming tool.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... This new tool not only adjusts for wear in real-time but also compensates for material inconsistencies. The result is a process that forms precision springs with an accuracy that is said to be up to an order of magnitude better than...

Large-size aluminum electrolytic capacitors.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... These units are distinguished by high vibrational strength and maximum ripple current capability at high, temperatures and high frequencies. Their vibrational strength is the result of a special corrugated design, which has passed all vibration...

Rugged aluminum cabinets.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The new Form 4 range is designed to provide reliable protection to UL 508 Type 12 specifications, as well as offering options for up to 100 dB of EMI attenuation. The cabinets are easily customizable to suit the required height, depth, and...

Valves with bypassing design.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... C46 Series valves are designed to prevent excess system pressure by bypassing total system fluid flow. They contain no external springs or moving parts, are adjustable, and can be serviced in place without removing fittings or plumbing. They...

Miniature diaphragm pumps.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... SMF 2 Series miniature diaphragm pumps offer a cost-effective alternative for medical, laboratory, industrial, or food and beverage applications requiring high accuracy dosing of low-viscosity liquids. These compact pumps have a rated fluid...

Portable gas dryers without pumps.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... DM Series gas dryers combine the selectivity of Nafion gas dryers with the simplicity of desiccant canister dryers. These units remove only water vapour from a gas stream, leaving other components unaffected. They can remove water vapour from a...

PLM system with actionable metrics.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... Version 6 of Aras PLM, the business ready solution and Aras Innovator, includes actionable metrics based on a standardized set of key performance indicators for product development. The software is built on Microsoft .NET technology. Actionable...

Compact switching power supplies.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The Cincon CFM100 Series of compact, open-frame, 100 w ac/dc switching power supplies measuring 3 x 5 x 1.2 in. The single Output units have a universal 90-264 Vac input, and output voltages of 5, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, or 48 Vdc. Units feature...

Flowmeters for specific gravity applications.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... Series 2000 inline flowmeters measure liquid flow rates with [+ or -]2 percent accuracy, full scale. The new flowmeters are calibrated for water or for user-specified specific gravity and viscosity and make more accurate measurement of flow...

Gas cylinder scale with wireless capability.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The Model 2000 gas cylinder scale has a built-in programmable signal conditioner and analog outputs that are compatible with standard PLCs. Calibration can be done over a wired RS232 communication connection or wirelessly with optional...

Automation and control software.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The latest Version of Automation Studio has been refined to provide users with a multitude of new functions and improvements. It allows for seamless integration of controllers, drives, visualization, communication and software using a single...

Level/interface sensors.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... Developed as a design-in OEM component sensor for equipment or machinery destined for installation in hazardous or potentially explosive atmospheres, compact M180 OEM level/interface sensors provide low-cost, high-reliability measurement in an...

Solder paste with no-clean formulation.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... A new solder paste, Multicore MP218, is a halide-free, no-clean formulation. MP218 is pin-testable and offers broad process windows for both printing and reflow. It also exhibits high resistance to humidity, even after 24 hrs at 75 percent...

Threadlocker with temperature and chemical resistance.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... A high temperature-resistant threadlocker, Permabond HH131, is formulated to resist temperature ranges up to 230[degrees]C; standard products typically resist temperature of 150[degrees] to 175[degrees]C. An anaerobic adhesive, Permabond HH131...

Low-cost, stand-alone motor controller.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The IBC-400 intelligent motor controller is a complete indexing "subsystem" packaged in a compact (1.7 x 0.8 x 3.9 in.) protective enclosure. With a powerful command set of more than 40 instructions, it is designed as a low-cost,...

Helical geared motors for all types of equipment.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The three-phase BG Series of helical geared motors is engineered to drive machines and equipment of all types. These motors are available with power from 0.075 to 50 hp, with output speeds of 0.3 to 540 rpm, and torque range of 177 to 163,700...

Lightening up: the bottle making industry has struggled for years to make bottles tighter in weight. Using a new method involving 3D color printing helped one company finally trim the fat.(Special Report)
December 1, 2004... Light-weighting--the process of trimming as much material as possible from a final product design without adversely affecting product performance--is a common goal for many product development organizations. The less material used to...

A decade of design: now in its 10th year, the annual awards program honors engineers and the products they design. The following pages present this year's finalists. Tell us who should win the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards.(Product Design and Development's 10th Annual Engineering Awards)
December 1, 2004... Since 1996, Product Design and Development has lauded 27 winners in its annual engineering awards program. This year's edition completes a decade of design excellence. Now it's time for you to select the next three engineers or engineering...

Slurry pulsation pressure sensors.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... High-sensitivity piezoelectric ICP pressure sensors measure fast pressure transations in paper slurry delivery systems. Models 106C10 and 106C20 ICP dynamic pressure sensors can be used for detecting and monitoring dynamic pressure pulsations...

HMI interface enclosure.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The Optipanel is a suitable enclosure solution for human machine interface (HMI) industrial applications where smaller, lightweight operator display panels are required. With its flat design, the Optipanel offers easy installation of operator...

Infrared-equipped camera.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The ILC-HV4is an infrared-equipped lipstick camera that offers weather resistance and high picture quality. Offering 420TVL of resolution, the ILC-HV4 also incorporates a Dupont Viton O-ring, providing high resilience to UV radiation emitted...

Oxygen sensor controller.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The M-250 is designed for gas engines. It can tune engines from premature detonation in lean conditions, maximizing power in rich conditions, as well as improving fuel economy. Combining versatility with style, the compact M-250 can be fitted...

Absolute rotary encoder.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The Model A37 miniature encoder is a 12-bit single-turn absolute rotary encoder with opto-electronic technology. The encoder can be used in a wide variety of position-sensing applications for the measuring of angles and distances in relatively...

Flange-type ball valves.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... These flange-type two-port ball valves are designed to provide a simple way to install a two-port ball valve in a circuit that uses any SAE four-bolt flange-mounting pattern. These ball valves can be installed on or in between other components...

Industrial equipment CD-ROM.(Free Stuff!)
December 1, 2004... An industrial products CD-ROM describes size reduction equipment and systems, including Delumper crushers. Taskmaster shredders, grinders, and granulators. Using videos, brochures, drawings, and technical data, the CD-ROM provides a...

Vibratory products CD-ROM.(Free Stuff!)
December 1, 2004... The Vibratory Selection Guide CD-ROM provides users with all of the essential information to properly select feeders, conveyors, or bin vibrators for specific applications. Users can access bin vibrator and feeder tray capacity calculators or...

Polymer selection guide.(Free Stuff!)
December 1, 2004... Design engineers can use this CD as a useful tool in part designs. Unlike metals and plastics, rubber does not have universal "cut and dried" design criteria, which makes the correct rubber compound selection difficult. To help with the...

Specialty rubber catalog.(Free Stuff!)
December 1, 2004... Both in-house stock and unlimited custom capabilities are featured in a 16-page, full-color catalog. Also available as a download at www.index.biz, the catalog provides schematics with specification details for standard seal and gasket...

Manifold catalog.(Free Stuff!)
December 1, 2004... A comprehensive manifold catalog details several lines of products with 12 individual sections dedicated to bar manifolds, subplates, coverplates, sandwich plates, valve adaptors, pump manifolds, logic manifolds, compact bodies, compact...

Off-highway actuators brochure.(Free Stuff!)
December 1, 2004... Thomson Electric Actuators for Mobile Off-Highway Applications discusses the benefits of using electric actuators, instead of hydraulic systems, in off-highway vehicles. Some typical mobile off-higway applications where electric actuators can...

'Machined spring" pamphlet.(Free Stuff!)
December 1, 2004... A 12-page pamphlet describes an advanced "machined sprint" technology designed to make springs better able to integrate end attachments such as threads, flanges, and slots. Multi-start construction (more than one spring coil) provides a broad...

Display guide.(Free Stuff!)
December 1, 2004... The 352-page Opto-Compound Solutions Guide For 2004 presents detailed design and technical information from all of the company's optical product families. The guide describes products from LEDs to LCD displays. Each device in the guide is...

Plastic parts keep machinery from scrambling eggs.(End notes: automation design)
December 1, 2004... Finally, one of mankind's ultimate questions has been answered, at least in part. It turns out that when it comes to automated material handling design, the egg does come first. At least that's what one company found when it set out to design...