Product Design & Development articles from January 2004

Product Design & Development archives from January 2004

Impact-resistant switches.
January 1, 2004... MCS ES Series stainless steel switches are designed to provide long wear in harsh environments. Momentary actuation is smooth with a minimal force of 2.8 N. Actuator travel is 1.7 mm. Schurter Inc. Use InfoLINK 4A1001 or call...

Solvent-cast adhesives.
January 1, 2004... Bostik 400 Series film adhesives are solvent-cast from specialty nylon polyamide resins to provide superior adhesion to a variety of substrates, particularly those unsuitable for polyester films. Bostik Findley Inc. Use InfoLINK 4A1002...

Temperature sensors.
January 1, 2004... FK 422.4 and FK 310 leaded platinum sensors can operate at up to 500[degrees]C. They have solderable tape-shaped connection leads in a variety of lengths. The lead lengths can be standardized. Heraeus Sensor Technology Use InfoLINK...

Signal conditioners.
January 1, 2004... Priced starting at $89, FC Series signal conditioners protect electronic equipment against electrical noise, with three-way isolation up to 1,500 V. Four DIN-rail mountable models are available. AutomationDirect Use InfoLINK 4A1004 or...

Safer ovens.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... The Oven Rack System features chrome-plated units that can be mounted with full extension ball bearing slides, promising easy access, minimal pull force, quiet operation, and virtually no sag or deflection. The system is a turnkey solution...

Extended measurement.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... Engineered to be compact, versatile, and precise, the Z115 Cable-Extension Transducer is designed for measurement ranges from 2 to 100 in. Using a spring-loaded cable reel in tandem with a precision potentiometer, the Z115 boasts consistently...

Vehicle lighting solution.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... The Model 280 is an LED rear combination lamp designed for material handling vehicles. There are no bulbs to replace, virtually eliminating maintenance costs. The compact, low-profile design is suitable for utility vehicle applications...

More board space.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... The ME MAX is a new generation in the ME Series of electronic component housings. It features 30 percent more PC board space for electronics and more design flexibility for interconnections. The housing design offers more surface area for...

Advanced programming.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... The 942-T Series of software programmable ultrasonic distance sensors provides advanced programming features, making them easy to install and operate. They are designed for applications that require the sensors' functionality to be tailored to...

Running without lubricants.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... DryRunner is a new line of dry-running anti-friction precision linear bearings that is free of organic lubricants, sulfur-containing solid lubricants, and soft-metal coating lubricants. The bearings run dry for more than 100 million overruns....

Wireless reliability.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... The i-Bean 5000 is an ultra-small, ultra-low power wireless sensor networking device. It is designed to provide reliable wireless networking capabilities. Leveraging a portfolio of radio technologies, including micro-power narrowband solutions...

Tying networks together.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... The WAGO-I/O-IPC 758 Series is an industrial PC that integrates all standard PC functions, including network and fieldbus interfaces, to seamlessly tie the industrial/process automation and IT worlds together. Decentralized control and...

Measuring and monitoring.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... A new line of miniature analog output ultrasonic sensors is designed for non-contact distance and level monitoring. These very compact sensors are available in either a tubular enclosure or in rectangular housings with exterior dimensions of 15...

Electromagnetic wrap spring clutch.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... The Deltran PT DuraLIFE-33 is an electromagnetic wrap spring clutch that boasts high torque, reliability, and rapid acceleration in one small package. The wrap spring technology allows for fast response to bring loads from zero to full speed in...

Control and design simulation software.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... Matrixx 6.3 control and design simulation software is built on 6.2 architecture and is both backward and forward compatible. The software runs under the most recent Windows and Solaris operating systems and features an array of updates and...

Edge-to-edge safety light curtain.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... The SL-C Series safety light curtain eliminates the dead zones found with traditional light curtains to increase worker safety in and around hazardous areas or dangerous machinery by creating a complete edge-to-edge detection zone. The safety...

Illumination and backlighting concept.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... A new photo-optical design concept uses a full spectrum of proven lighting technologies in order to provide clarity in illuminating and backlighting with bright white light. The white light concept is designed to make it easier for designers to...

A new information connection.(Info Link)
January 1, 2004... With this issue, Product Design and Development presents infoLINK, our new system that allows our readers to more easily and efficiently access detailed product information, InfoLINK enables readers to get additional information on the products...

Helical gear drives.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... A line of helical gear drives offers 98 percent drive efficiency per gear set in the most commonly used gearbox configurations. Engineered for high power output per unit size and weight, the FGA Series helical gear drives boast high starting...

Connector with shield.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... The Tuff-Link family of molded connectors includes the Micro-Link shielded connector. This connector features a 360-degree aluminum mylar foil shield that minimizes electrical interference that tends to disrupt the signal from the connector to...

Pinch clamps.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... A line of easy-to-engage pinch clamps accepts tubing between 4.1 and 6.2 mm OD; the clamps measure approximately 1 in. from end to end. The polypropylene clamps are available in orange, yellow, green, white, blue, and red, making them...

Joint sealant with performance enhancements.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... Gore-Tex joint sealant is designed to be twice as strong as the previous formulation and more creep resistant. The new version promises to increase seal reliability. The foam-in-place gasketing material can be used in most types of sealing...

Amber flash alarm for process conditions.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... Offered in both ac and dc powered configurations and priced starting at $100, the LC09/10 Strobe Alert is an amber flash alarm that brings immediate local attention to process conditions. Flash alerts occur at 1 sec intervals. The alarm...

Valves in ISO sizes 01 and 02.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... DX Series valves are available in ISO sizes 01 and 02. They are designed as a cost-effective alternative for applications where a standard ISO 5599-1 valve would be too large. All the valves in the series use a ceramic-slide technology...

Power supply regulators.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... Three new inline power supply regulators are designed for low-voltage incandescent lighting fixtures. The ELV75, ELV150, and ELV300 preserve the lighting designer's original design intent and save unnecessary maintenance costs. These ELV...

TPE compounds.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... Mediflex compounds are designed for medical product and tubing applications. The TPEs are available in grades from very soft (8 Shore A) to very hard (60 Shore D) to meet a variety of application needs. For tubing applications, the grades are...

Seal assemblies for vacuum pump and testing equipment.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... KF--Type centering ring seal assemblies are designed Pot improved sealing performance on semiconductor KF and ISO plant vacuum pump systems and vacuum testing equipment. The seal assemblies are available in NW flange sizes ranging from 1/2 to...

Cam locks with key and manual access.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... A new line of cam locks has been designed specifically for panels that require secure key locking or manual access without compression. The cam locks promise smooth, consistent operation with a modern, stylized appearance. They are suitable for...

Rotary vane actuators.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... A line of rotary vane pneumatic actuators is designed for applications that demand high torque combined with a space saving design. Featuring single- or double- vane construction, the rotary actuators offer 90- , 180- , and 270-degree fixed...

Real-time Ethernet solution.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... With simple wiring and openness for other protocols, EtherCAT, a real-time Ethernet network, can operate where conventional Fieldbus systems have reached their limits. It offers optically twisted pair cable or optical fibre capability as well...

Solid-form threadlockers.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... Two portable threadlockers, Loctite 248 and 268, are available in semi-stick form. They deliver the same performance characteristics of liquid threadlockers yet do not leak or drip. Packaged in 9 and 19 g self-feeding stick applicators, the...

PSAs in the evolving wireless world.(New & Notable)
January 1, 2004... Because the wireless market is highly focused on customer preferences, designers are continually faced with the challenge of how to make phones look and feel just right. "Identifying what the market wants is the easy part--designing it is where...

Adhesives help create a quieter car.(New & Notable)
January 1, 2004... Automotive manufacturers are constantly searching for faster and better ways to produce cars and subcomponents while reducing weight and decreasing costs. Dan Jeffery, technical services manager at Scapa North America, a specialty adhesive film...

What's new online @ www.pddnet.com.
January 1, 2004... You'll want to make sure you visit Product Design and Development's, Web site this month. At www.pddnet.com, you will discover intriguing bonus articles on cutting-edge technologies. All you have to do is click on the "Web Exclusive" articles....

Brush motor amplifier.(What's Hot)
January 1, 2004... The MSA66 is a full-bridge, four-quadrant PWM amplifier capable of driving dc brush motors in the 1/3 hp range and smaller. The amplifier can operate with ground referenced inputs that swing from -10 to +10 V to match the output characteristics...

Lighted pushbuttons.(In Focus: Switches)
January 1, 2004... The 644-2100 Series consists of multi-function/multi-image lighted pushbutton switches engineered for space-conscious display installations on instrumentation and control panels. Offering dual-and quad-lighted displays and switch functions, a...

Miniature keylocks.(In Focus: Switches)
January 1, 2004... The SK Series consists of bushing-mounted, low and medium-security keylock switches. The keylocks feature a 12 mm diameter bushing for standard panel openings. which allows for high-density mounting. These miniature units are constructed with a...

Snap-action switches.(In Focus: Switches)
January 1, 2004... D3V miniature snap-action switches are now available in an expanded range of contact ratings including 0.1. 6.11.16. and 21 A. All ratings use the same physical form. The lower current ratings are made possible by the incorporation of...

Where there's a will, there's a wrench.(In Focus: Switches)
January 1, 2004... John Picone of Oceanside, NY, was inspired by the notion of power tools with built-in power sources. He set out in the early 1980s to design a battery-powered adjustable wrench. Alter receiving an initial patent, he devoted many years to...

Low-smoke wiring duct.(In Focus: Switches)
January 1, 2004... The Type TMC wiring duct is for managing electrical and communication cabling in passenger rail and other transportation environments. It's made from a highly flame-retardant, low-smoke, and low-toxicity material that meets NFPA 130...

Brushless DC motor kit.(In Focus: Switches)
January 1, 2004... The 000-0229 brushless dc motor kit has been designed for performance critical applications that demand responsive yet well-controlled acceleration and deceleration. The stator is precision molded using a proprietary encapsulation process that...

Cell analysis tool is wax-friendly.(Tech Update: Hydraulics)
January 1, 2004... A manufacturer of cell analysis instruments in England was looking for a new product. What it needed was a custom 16-port electrical rotary valve with four of the ports capable of handling a wax material at 70[degrees]C and the remaining 12...

Process control.(Tech Update: Hydraulics)
January 1, 2004... Constructed of cast bronze, Sinclair Collins SCV-100 Series process control valves are diaphragm-operated devices that come in both hard-and soft-seated styles. They can handle steam and hot or cold liquids of temperatures between -40[degrees]F...

Valve terminals sport options.(Tech Update: Hydraulics)
January 1, 2004... These miniaturized Smart Cubic CPV-SC and CPA-SC valve terminals are available with various valve functions including 5/2-way single and double solenoid, 2/2-way, 3/2-way, and 5/3-way valves. The CPV-SC is a plate-mounted valve that...

Fill and bleed toggle.(Tech Update: Hydraulics)
January 1, 2004... The FBV-3, a new Minimatic fill and bleed toggle valve, has two poppet valves connected to a single outlet. The operation is similar to a three-way, three-position, center-blocked device. The FBV-3 is designed to offer a good amount of...

Teflon centrifugal pumps.(Tech Update: Hydraulics)
January 1, 2004... Stan-Cor Teflon Series centrifugal pumps are non-metallic ANSI pumps that feature a solid Teflon pump head that is designed for exceptional chemical compatibility and corrosion/abrasion resistance with fluid temperatures to 325[degrees]F. The...

Direct-acting solenoid valves.(Tech Update: Hydraulics)
January 1, 2004... The 318/418 Series direct-acting solenoid valves offer a high 0.8 Cv flow rate in a narrow 22 mm body that can be mounted on high-density, low-profile manifolds in either the normally open or normally closed position. The 318 Series...

Low-profile oscillator.(New Products)
January 1, 2004... V585ME41 is an oscillator that generates frequencies between 720 and 1750 Mhz, covering the 1030 MHz bandwidth within 0.75 to 21 Vdc of control. Although the device covers a broad spectrum of bandwidth, it exhibits a phase noise performance of...

Self-amplifying accelerometer.(New Products)
January 1, 2004... The Model 8201 accelerometer is a self-amplifying, self-contained unit with the output signal and input power carried on a single coaxial cable for simplicity of operation. The low-impedance output signal can be recorded directly on tape or...

Thermostat-controlled PC/104 fan card.(New Products)
January 1, 2004... The ThermoCool PC/104 Environmental Fan Card II is a multi-function add-on module for PC/104 computer systems, providing temperature-controlled forced-air cooling together with environmental monitoring of humidity and pressure conditions....

Linear guide system.(New Products)
January 1, 2004... The DryLin W linear guide system is the latest addition to the DryLin suite of linear bearings and slides with plastic glide elements. DryLin W is available in multiple rail configurations to provide more design options. It is designed to be a...

Electrical power connector.(New Products)
January 1, 2004... The Power Clip electrical power connector can serve as an interconnection between two perpendicular power bus bars. It's used in N+1 rectifier, power supply, and switching power supply applications. Its high-performance contact is designed...

Industrial pressure transmitters.(New Products)
January 1, 2004... A new line of industrial pressure transmitters has been engineered to combine the reliability of solid-state design with the durability of stainless steel. The result is a pressure transmitter for demanding applications. At the heart of...

Microstepping step motors.(New Products)
January 1, 2004... This high-accuracy 0.9-degree two-phase Size 17 hybrid step motor series is composed of three axial lengths and 10 models. The motors offer a wide range of holding torques. The short stack (1.10 in.) 417-11 Series generates 16 oz-in, of...

Detector for spectrometry.(New Products)
January 1, 2004... The 40-mm diameter Advanced Performance Time-Of-Flight Detector is a patented device with small-pore 5-micron MCP technology combined with a large collection area. It is designed to offer high performance, mass resolution, and fast timing for...

Rotary Knobs for control panels.(New Products)
January 1, 2004... The Soft Touch Bullet Knob Series consists of rotary knobs that feature a built-in pointer for quick reference in two- and three-color designs. Rounded styling make them suitable for compact control panels found in audio and broadcast...

Thinking in prototypes: trial and error still plays a key role in product development. The answer is not to avoid mistakes but to make them early and often.
January 1, 2004... Dennis Boyle of the Palo Alto, CA, firm IDEO sifts through a box of prototypes for the Palm V handheld computer--one of the most successful "palmtops" ever produced. The device was half as thin and four ounces lighter than the previous...

Get 'em while they're hot!(Case in Point: Appliance Design)
January 1, 2004... The introduction of the roller grill in the 1980s was a revolution for fast food and convenience stores. However, cooking hot dogs thoroughly without overcooking them or keeping them warm without drying them out has been challenging. These...

Clear spiral wrap samples.(Free Stuff!)
January 1, 2004... Clear Spiral Wrap is manufactured from 80 durometer thermoplastic polyurethane, boast good wear and tear characteristics, and promises good flexibility trader extreme temperatures. The product is said to maintain durability and toughness even...

Adhesive, film, tape resource.(Free Stuff!)
January 1, 2004... This 32-page technical reference brochure. titled Industrial Product Guide, has been created to provide assembly solutions for design and manufacturing engineers involved in a range of industrial manufacturing applications. It offers detailed...

Vibration control and isolation pads.(Free Stuff!)
January 1, 2004... A free sample package of green high-dampening vibration control pads and black low-frequency isolation pads enables engineers to conduct a steel ball drop test so that they can choose which pad is best for their applications. The units are...

MS/NAS socket screw report.(Free Stuff!)
January 1, 2004... This 16-page report examines the recent issues involving MS/NAS socket screw products. Designed to promote understanding of all MS and NAS standards and associated specifications, it contains warnings and descriptions of problem areas...

Rotary shaft seal catalog.(Free Stuff!)
January 1, 2004... This new catalog features information on OmniLip PTFE-based rotary shaft seals. Designed to withstand high temperatures (-65[degrees F] to +450[degrees F]), high surface speeds (7,000 ft/min), and high pressures (more that 500 psid), these...

Flow meter catalog.(Free Stuff!)
January 1, 2004... This new catalog details EZ-View flow meters, which are available in sizes from 1/2 in. up to 2 in. Constructed of high-impact polysulfone plastic, these meters are designed to provide accurate flow monitoring for air and compressed gasses,...

Holt melt adhesives and equipment.(Free Stuff!)
January 1, 2004... New literature provides an overview of the expanded line of Hysol hot melt adhesives and dispensing equipment. The fine includes adhesives, handheld dispensers, and bulk hot melt equipment. The brochure outlines performance properties for 23...

Air cylinder catalog.(Free Stuff!)
January 1, 2004... A catalog on HP Series air cylinders offers information on product offerings and accessories. Featured is information on the new Non-Rotating Metric Air Cylinder. Available in a 50 mm bore size with a variety of stroke lengths, this air...

Ball screw silences complaints.(EndNotes: The Last Word)
January 1, 2004... Steinmeyer Inc. has a new line of precision ball screws that are specifically engineered for smooth, super quiet motion. Ball screw noise is elimated because the ball nut uses end cap ball returns manufactured from durable plastic. The new...

Dilbert.
January 1, 2004... YOU'RE THE FIRST EMPLOYEE FOR MY "COFFEE WITH THE BOSS" PROGRAM. FEEL FREE TO SAY WHATEVER IS ON YOUR MIND. DON'T HOLD BACK. GIVE IT TO ME STRAIGHT. MY CHAIR HAS A SQUEAK.