Product Design & Development articles from February 2009

Product Design & Development archives from February 2009

Heavy-duty tensioning.(First Look)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wichita Clutch (Braintree, MA) now offers AquaMaKKs water-cooled clutches and brakes that are air, hydraulic or spring-set actuated. The new family features: * Non-metallic composite water jackets. *...

Signals over same CAT6 cable.(First Look)
February 1, 2009... Adder (Newbury Port, MA) has introduced the AdderLink X-DVI, an extender that sends USB, DVI and DDC EDID signals over the same CAT6 cable. Additional features include: * Support for the extension of USB keyboards and mice. * No...

Doubled measuring range.(First Look)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Micro-Epsilon (Raleigh, NC) now offers laser micrometers that provide more than double the existing measuring range, according the company. The 2 new models, optoCONTROL 1202-75 and optoCONTROL 1202-100, feature...

Easy development path.(First Look)
February 1, 2009... Digi International (Davis, CA) has introduced the Rabbit brand BL4S100 and BL4S200 single board computers (SBCs) with either Wi-Fi or ZigBee connectivity, a microprocessor, memory and abundant I/O. Features include: * The ability to gather...

Independent channel selection.(First Look)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pickering Interfaces (Grants Pass, OR) has introduced the 40-412 32-Channel Digital Programmable Threshold I/O Module. Features include: * 32 channels of digital output lines that can serve as high or low side...

Innovative antenna system.(First Look)
February 1, 2009... Laird Technologies (St. Louis, MO) announces the new reduced-size HD RooTenna enclosure. The metallic, die-cast design is RoHS-compliant and includes: * A unit designed to accommodate smaller-sized equipment requirements for broadband...

Ultra-low power MCUs.(First Look)
February 1, 2009... Freescale Semiconductor (Austin, TX) has enhanced the energy efficiency of their &bit S08 microcontrollers (MCUs) with the MC9S08QB8/4 (QBS) family. Among the lowest-power members of the S08 portfolio, the QB8 MCUs feature: * Up to 8 KB...

Keeping tabs on terrorists.(At Issue)
February 1, 2009... While it appears that some innovations may find a spot on the backburner as the economic belt continues to tighten, national security will not be one of them. The term 'terrorist' is hot-button enough to fire into a 15-minute debate with...

Chemically resistant.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... Macro Sensors (Pennsauken, NJ) introduces a pressure-balanced, oil-filled and double bellow-sealed LVDT assembly to enhance the reliability of multiple redundant LVDT-based extensometers mounted longitudinally around the circumference of the...

CSA approval.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Canfield Connector's (Boardman, OH) 5FR and 5JR series of solenoid valve connectors have been awarded CSA approval for the U.S. and Canada. Both series incorporate: * Full-wave bridge rectifiers inside fully...

Enhanced design.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... Hirose Electric (San Jose, CA) has developed the next generation of its high density board-to-board connector family. Designated the IT3 Series Mezzanine Connector, the 3-piece modular system provides easier assembly, reliable X-ray inspection,...

Simultaneous functionality.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... Laird Technologies (St. Louis, MO) announces its new "Shark Fin" style modular antenna assembly for automotive vehicles that offers SDARS, GPS, AMPS, and PCS antenna coverage in one package. Features include: * A low profile design of 16...

Dependable operation.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TURCK (Minneapolis, MN) introduces its new family of inductive proximity sensors for use on mobile vehicle systems. Designed to detect the position of doors, ladders, outriggers, gates and booms, the Mobile Equipment...

Maintenance-free & durable.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... SMP (Elm Grove, WI) introduces energy-efficient chokes for inverters in wind turbines. The low-loss chokes stand out through their maintenance-free design and long service life. Features include: * A compact design. * Low-loss...

Easy interfacing.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... Beijer Electronics (Schaumburg, IL) launches the new I/O module that enables easy interfacing and allows users to implement simple monitoring and automation tasks without the need of a PLC. Features of the controller include: * A compact...

Cutting-edge package.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... Kingbright (Los Angeles, CA) has developed the ultra-bright 0.5 W SMD LEDs with high robust realiability. Features include: * Various color selections. * RGB full color option at 120 mA per channel. * A vibrant and compact package...

120[degrees] viewing angle.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Optek Technology (Carrollton, TX) announces the high-power surface-mount LED. The new OVSPW1BCR4 series features: * Robust energy-efficient design with long operating life. * Thermal resistance of 10 C/W. ...

Local indication.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Omega (Stamford, CT) introduces the CN7200 that features an easy-to-read dual 4-digit LED display for local indication of process and setpoint values. The PID control is supported by 64 ramp/soak actions. Features...

Embedded system solutions.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... American Portwell Technology (Fremont, CA) announces its new WEBS family of embedded system solutions based on Intel's Atom processor. Each member of the WEBS family features: * High performance-per-watt advantages of the Intel Atom...

NIST-traceable calibration.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... Labsphere (North Sulton, NH) introduces the Forward Flux Lamp Standards with which manufacturers of LEDs, light fixtures and displays can now calibrate spectral or luminous flux measurements quickly and accurately. Features include: * The...

Miniature circular connectors.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... ITT Interconnect Solutions (Santa Ana, CA) announces a series of miniature circular connectors, designed to withstand high pressure environments. The MIKP IP68 series feature: * A contact system that adheres to a unique sealant material...

The roof is on fire: when fires ravage through neighborhoods, engineers come up with solutions.(FIRE & RESCUE: Engineering Answers)
February 1, 2009... Wild fires have scorched the San Diego area. A fire recently burned through Jeff Palhegyi's neighborhood, burning seven houses down on his street. Palhegyi, a chief engineer working with the All Terrain Vehicle Division of Phoenix International...

CE conformity.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... Fibox (Glen Burnie, MD) introduces the ARCA JIC enclosure family that has been tested and certified by SGS FIMKO to comply with the European Community's Low Voltage Directive. Features of the ARCA family include: * Evaluation against EN...

Increased Ripple current capability.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... EPCOS (Iselin, NJ) announces a new series of rugged and compact axial aluminum electrolytic capacitors for automotive electronics with a high CV product. Features include: * Shock and vibration stresses of up to 40 g. * Continuous...

Digitally controlled.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Emerson Network Power (Hanover, MD) announces expansion of NTS line of 500 W digitally-controlled power supplies with additions NTS505 and NTS508. Expanded features include: * Small physical size; high...

Superior performance.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lumex (Palatine, IL) announces an expansion of the company's line of high-power technologies with AstraLED RGB, an innovative high-power LED. AstraLED RGB features: * 67 percent real estate package savings. ...

High-volume availability.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cree (Durham, NC) announces the high-volume availability of lighting-class XLamp XP-E Leds with output up to 122 lumens. Features include: * Availability in white (2,600 K to 10,000 K CCT). * A maximum drive...

Trip protection.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... Carlo Gavazzi (Buffalo Grove, NY) introduces new line of mid-range IEC contactors, overloads and accessories. The GC Series Contactors feature: * 4 frame sizes ranging from 25 to 140 A. * A selection of AC and DC coil voltages. *...

Funtionality & security.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Advantech (Somerset, NJ) introduces the EKI-1220 series Modbus Gateways, for Industrial Ethernet networks. The series is available in 2 configurations and feature: * 1 or 2 RS-232/422/485 serial ports. *...

Low profile package.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... Power Sources Unlimited (Wrentham, MA) announces the Tracopower TBL Series of low profile DIN Rail Dower supplies that feature: * A power range from 15 to 150 W. * Single output voltages of 5, 12, or 24 VDC. * An input voltage...

Pressure sensors.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... AutomationDirect (Cumming, CA) has extended the ProSense line of pressure sensors and switches to widen the sensing ranges available. New features include: * Pressure switches with adjustable setpoints from 0 to 5,800 psi. *...

50-Amp option.(New Products: Electronic Components)
February 1, 2009... Hasco's (New Hyde Park, NY) HAT series relay now has a 50-A option. Designated the HAT905 series the higher current uses a longer yoke and armature as well as a stronger spring structure than the 40 A standard model. Other features include: ...

Ashcroft.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure switches are offered in ranges from 0/10 InH20 to 0/3,000 PSI and in D/P ranges to 600 PSID. accommodating up to 1,500 PSI static (line) pressure. Each pressure switch can be configured with a variety of...

Phaseda.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The HY60-series rocker has UL, cUL and European ENEC approvals. Its internal design provides protection against dust/water, up to IP54 rating. The function includes ON/OFF, ON/ OFF/ON and momentary. Its size provides...

Switches plus.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The rugged 44 Series EN 418 foolproof operation switches offer rapid, positive response. A quick push on the actuator opens/closes the switch contacts, deactivating equipment. Reactivating the switch requires a...

Piab.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] VS4118 and VS4128 electro-mechanical vacuum switches make it possible to connect them serially to provide a common output from a complete vacuum system. The switches have pre-set digital outputs to avoid...

EAO switch.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Series 84 has been designed for optimal function and usability throughout assembly, mounting and operation. Series 84 features small behind-panel depth, oil and watertight capabilities, a fool-proof EN418...

C&K components.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The MDS Series surface-mount snap-acting detect switch is available for ATCA applications. The switch is available in vertical and right angle PCB-mount styles. It is ideal for apps from ATCA, telecom and industrial...

Automation Systems Interconnect (ASI).(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These high quality switches are ideal for all types of industrial and process control applications as they meet either Nema 4, 4X and IP65 ratings. The operators are available in the traditional red and several other...

Siemens energy & automation.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Safety switches available in 2-, 3-. 4- and 6-pole as both fusible and non-fusible in Type 1-, 3R-, 12- and 4X-rated enclosures. Type Safety Current Rating 1,200 A Ac Volt. Rating 600 VAC Dc Volt....

Linemaster switch.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This complete range of electric, air-powered, variable speed end wireless switches produces over 550 catalog items featuring heavy, medium, and light-duty foot controls. Linemastar switches are used in medical,...

APEM components.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The LPI series illuminated pushbutton switches feature a large actuator surface and light actuation force that is designed to be compliant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Type Pushbutton/Illuminated...

Johnson electric.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TH-Contact TE1 Emergency Stop Switches are IP05-sealed and are available with illuminated or non-illuminated mushroom cap diameters of 25, 30 and 40 mm for a 16.2 mm panel cot out, or 22.5 with adapter option. They...

ITW activetouch.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Using the same solid state technology as existing ActiveMetal switches, the die cast design offers designers and engineers an option when looking for fully sealed, rugged switches with long service life. Type...

Omron scientific technologies.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These IP67-rated switches provide an incredible holding force of 3,000 N (674 Lbs.). With 2 safety circuits and 2 monitor contacts they provide an array of monitoring patterns, including monitoring the open/closed...

PKP process instruments.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ideally suited for potable water, polluted media, and other fluids, FS00Z Float Level Switches consist of a polypropylene housing with an integrated watertight and position dependent electromechanical micro switch....

Cherry electrical products.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 4 new series of AC/DC water-resistant rocker switches--the KS, KG, KT and KM Series--are IP56-certified switches that are ideal for panel-mount applications in which the switches will be exposed to dust and...

Act/technico.(SpecCheck/SWITCHES)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This rugged, 3U cPCI Gigabit Ethernet switch that enables full management via an on-board processor. The 661x series of switches, which uses the latest Gigabit switch technology, is ideal for embedded network...

2-Wire output.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
February 1, 2009... Orange Research (Milford, CT) introduces the new differential pressure and flow transmitters with 2-wire output. The transmitters are offered with or without a dial. Other features include: * Loop-powered transmitters with 2-wire, 4-20 mA...

New 3-D models.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Thomson, a Danaher Motion company, (Wood Dale, IL) introduces new 3-D models for Ball Bushing Bearing and Linear Specially Bearing products. Features include: * Availability in 25 file formats. *...

Shuttle design.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
February 1, 2009... Humphrey (Kalamazoo, MI) introduces the Super Qick Exhaust Valves designed to outperform the flat-disc-type diaphrams found in other valve designs. The exhaust valves feature: * A molded shuttle design for quick exhaust valve service. ...

Replaces port fittings.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
February 1, 2009... Spartan Scientific's (Boardman, OH) Series 3824 direct acting, 2-way, 2-position or 3-way, 2-position, normally closed or normally open solenoid valve is designed to replace a fitting using a female inlet and male outlet port. The composite...

Electric Valve Actuators.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
February 1, 2009... CR-TEC Engineering (Madison, CT) has updated their line of Electric Valve Actuators designed for the automation of ball and butterfly valves. Features include: * Torque outputs ranging from 90 to 5,300 lb-in. * Open/Close and position...

Closed loop technology.(New Products: Hydraulics & Pneumatics)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Proporation Air (McCordsville, IN) introduces the MM series of closed loop proportional pressure controls that are designed to have universal mounting capabilities. This includes din rail, panel mount or manifold...

The brainstorm.
February 1, 2009... The Brainstorm is a new section of Product Design & Development where we talk with industry leaders to get their perspective on issues critical to the overall design engineering marketplace. In this issue, we ask: Is reverse engineering an...

High performance.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
February 1, 2009... BFG Technologies (Lake Forest, IL) announces its line of complete gaming and multimedia PCs, called Phobos. The sleek hand-built, high performance machines features: * An Intel Core i7 965 Extreme Edition 3.2GHz Processor. * 2 BFG...

Rotor health.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
February 1, 2009... Accumetrics Associates (Schenectady, NY) introduces the Rotor Health Monitor that continuously monitors ground fault resistance, rotor temperatures from RTD sensors, field winding resistance and winding temperature. It provides: *...

Expanded work-holding.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
February 1, 2009... Tormach (Waunakee, WI) announces the introduction of a vacuum table kit designed exclusively for the PCNC 1100 3-axis milling machine. The new Vacuum Table Kit adds flexible, custom workholding to Tormach's PCNC 1100 for light machining...

Digital System.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
February 1, 2009... SATEL (Elmhurst, IL) launces SATELLER Digital System that features: * Combined TCP/IP-functionalities. * Linux platform for customer specific applications. * Versatile modular structure. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Removes insulation slugs.(New Products: Hardware & Peripherals)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eraser Model (Syracuse, NY) introduces the C100S Rotary Wire Stripper that is a single blade centrifugal rotary wire stripper and twister. Features include: * The ability to strip most insulation from solid and...

Power ratings.(New Products: Test & Measurements)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TT electronics BI Technologies (Fullerton, CA) offers custom potentiometer solutions for pro audio applications. The quick turnaround potentiometers are being used in foot pedal, guitar, amplifier and pre-amplifier...

Ethernet & relay options.(New Products: Test & Measurements)
February 1, 2009... Measurement Systems International (MSI) (Seattle, WA) announces 2 new options on the MSI-9850 RF Digital Indicator that expands its capabilities to interface with computers and peripheral devices. Features include: * The ability to connect...

Slides & stages are changing: recent engineering advancements in motion control focus on the need to reduce costs and increase productivity.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... Recent engineering advancements in motion control focus on the need to reduce costs and increase productivity. This issue has become increasingly important as engineering and assembly teams are required to accomplish more with fewer resources....

Fast positioning.(From the Cover)
February 1, 2009... ORIENTAL MOTOR's (Torrance, CA) new RoHS-compliant EZ Limo EZSII motorized linear slide series uses a step motor to achieve high positioning response without any missteps. Features include: * 3 sizes: the EZS3, EZS4 and EZS6. * The...

Greater flexibility.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ACS Motion Control's (Israel) new peripheral module for the SPiiPlus and MC4U family of high performance motion controllers. Designated HSSI-HES, the device gives motion controllers greater flexibility by offering...

Multiple DC voltages.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... Duff-Norton (Charlotte, NC) introduces the LT Series Commercial Dub, Actuator. Economical with IP66 protection, the lightweight design has standard stroke lengths up to 12". Features include: * Speeds to 1.3 inches/s. * Multiple DC...

End slippage.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NB's (Hanover Park, IL) new NV-type STUDROLLER with Anti-Creep Cage Technology guarantees zero slippage, according to the company. Features include: * 3 popular sizes. * Load capacities that are increased...

Backlash-free reversal.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Amacoil/Uhing (Aston, PA) model RG linear drive features mechanical control over travel direction and linear speed, eliminating the need for an electronic control system. Reversal of travel direction is automatic...

Dust-resistant.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... NSK's (Franklin, IN) V1 series of high dust-resistant ball screws provides improved sealing performance to deliver 4 times longer service life than existing products in severely contaminated environments. The V1 features: * Specially...

Driving small pumps.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... Premotec (Dordrecht, The Netherlands), an Allied Motion Technologies company, has expanded its BL family of integrated-drive brushless DC motors with the release of the BL 30 EB series. The BL30 EB is 32 mm in diameter and 42 mm long, including...

Wider RPM range.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... Placid Industries (Lake Placid, NY) introduces magnetic particle brakes and clutches for tension and torque control. Features include: * Varying input currents. * Smooth and silent slip torque. * Adjustable torque for load testing....

Inertial miss-match.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... QuickSilver Controls (San Dimas, CA) introduces the CiA DSP 402 CANoDen servo motor controller. The SilverDust IGK is a stand alone, single axis controller that includes serial communications (RS-232, RS-485), CANopen and 7 I/O. CANopen can be...

Slim profile.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... Rino Mechanical (Freeport, NY) introduces the Rino P Series Worm/Wheel Gearbox that is built with a slim profile to fit into tight spaces. Features include: * An 0.87" wide design for 17 inch-lbs torque and a 2.36" wide design for 520...

Overload design.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Zero-Max (Plymouth, MN) now offers Roh'lix Linear Actuators for patient positioning tables including those used in CT scanning systems. The actuators feature: * An overload feature that halts motion when an...

Aluminum extrusion profile.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Techno Linear Motion Systems (New Hyde Park, NY) introduces the New Narrow Profile Slide 2 designed to carry heavy loads and constructed from a single rigid aluminum extrusion profile. Available with single or dual...

C-Motion program execution.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... Performance Motion Devices (Lincoln, MA) announces its latest advancement in the Prodigy family of motion cards, which provides machine designers the capability to download and run motion programs directly on Prodigy cards. Features include:...

Give me a boost: new design combines air-source heat pump with boosted compression technology.(HVAC: Engineering Answers)
February 1, 2009... In an attempt to gear consumers off fossil fuels, Duane Hallowell, a former cryogenic engineer with the U.S. Navy and founder of Hallowell International, designed the a revolutionary heating and cooling system, Acadia. [ILLUSTRATION...

Custom-engineered bearings.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... Kilian Manufacturing (Syracuse, NY) offers creative bearing assemblies and solutions for automotive and off-highway vehicles, machine tool, conveyors, material handling, packaging and food processing machinery, printing, textile and general...

XYZ-axis stages.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MISUMI (Schaumburg, IL) announces the immediate availability of more than 40 new additions to its line of XYZ-axis stages for machine builders and designers of high-precision motion systems. New stages offer: *...

Coupling identification.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... Huco Dynatork (South Beloit, IL) offers a design guide to coupling performance characteristics on the its website that features: * A Coupling Selector that designers can use as a tool to identify the coupling types that meet their design...

Motors for stringent requirements.(New Products: Motion Control)
February 1, 2009... Phytron's (Williston, VT) Food line of stainless steel stepper motors is designed for the stringent requirements of the food processing and food packaging industry. The motors feature: * A stainless steel case, flanges and shaft. *...

Additional surface area.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AKH (Indianapolis, IN) introduces a new self-piercing double-headed FAS-NER. The FAS-NER offers additional surface area to the headed FAS-NER and features: * An external head to the existing headed FAS-NER for...

Miniature disc couplings.(From the Cover)
February 1, 2009... Ruland (Marlborough, MA) offers miniature disc couplings both in single and double disc styles. Features include: * Double disc styles that are available with either an anodized aluminum center spacer or an electrically isolating acetal...

Reliable operation.(New Products: Fastening & Assembly)
February 1, 2009... Hypertronics (Hudson, MA) introduces the HTT product series, a line of durable high-temperature contacts designed to enable continuous and reliable operation in extremely harsh environments. The new HTF product series feature: * A...