Product Design & Development articles from July 2005

Product Design & Development archives from July 2005

T-handle latches.(PD&D Exclusive)
July 1, 2005... Designed to offer equipment designers a durable and ergonomic latching solution, Vise-Action Series N4 compression latches feature positive sealing for heavy-load applications where shock or vibration can loosen conventional latches and where...

RoHS-compliant cable.(First Look: Smart Products and Technical Tools for Engineers)
July 1, 2005... A line of custom cable is in compliance with the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. While many of the materials used in the custom cable products were already RollS compliant, most concentrates used to make vibrantly...

Filter connectors.(First Look: Smart Products and Technical Tools for Engineers)
July 1, 2005... The high-frequency attenuation delivered by Acara filter connectors prevents radio frequency emission, protecting sensitive computers as well as switching and cellular equipment. The male-filtered connectors provide EMC performance to beyond 10...

Linear bearing guide system.(PD&D Exclusive)
July 1, 2005... The Redi-Rail V-Guide is a medium-load capacity linear bearing guide system, The wheel- and track-based system offers a cost-effective linear bearing alternative that is suitable for harsh V industrial environments Consisting of four sizes of...

Naval simulation software tool.(First Look: Smart Products and Technical Tools for Engineers)
July 1, 2005... DDAM for Abaqus is an add-on customization tool for Abaqus FEA software. It supports the dynamic design analysis method (DDAM), which was developed by the U.S. Navy as an analytical procedure to help validate the design of shock-sensitive...

Multi-physics software.(First Look: Smart Products and Technical Tools for Engineers)
July 1, 2005... ANSYS 10.0 offers advances in performance, ease-of-use, interoperability, and coupled physics technology, such as fluid structure interaction (FSI). The latest release builds upon and is compatible with ANSYS 9.0 software. Designed to improve...

Memory keys.(PD&D Exclusive)
July 1, 2005... A new high-capacity 32-Mbit serial Flash memory key (shown) and the SlimLine Extended Token have a large memory size and fast bus speed to give designers of microprocessor-controlled systems the capability to easily and reliably move large...

384-hole heater.(First Look: Smart Products and Technical Tools for Engineers)
July 1, 2005... Based on proprietary technology, a new 384-hole heater is available to provide critical temperature uniformity across a 384well polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sample block. This technology is especially useful for medical applications and...

Proximity sensors.(Product Review)
July 1, 2005... HOW do you tell if an object is where it should be? That depends on what you're trying to detect, how far away it is, and even the environment. This month's Product Review covers a number of types of technologies that can answer these...

Inductive proximity sensor.(Product Review)
July 1, 2005... The IWRM 12Z8704/S14C analog inductive proximity sensor features independently programmable digital and analog outputs. It provides precise non-contact proximity, position, and distance sensing for metal objects, and can identify two different...

Capacitive proximity sensor.(Product Review)
July 1, 2005... The TripleShield Series of capacitive sensors is available with a thin-profile (5.5 mm thick) rectangular housing. The CD46 features a single pushbutton "teach mode" that allows the user to program the sensing range and output, eliminating the...

Optical proximity sensor.(Product Review)
July 1, 2005... The OPB720 Series reflective sensor can dete the presence or absence of objects as small 0.08 in. (2 mm) at distances up to 8 in. (2.3 mm) and will sense larger objects at distance of up to 24 in. (610 mm), with maximum rang preset at the...

Proximity/switch sensors.(Product Review)
July 1, 2005... The GlobalProx Switch Line is designed to cover two-thirds of all general-purpose applications. Units are available in two-and three-wire dc, in sizes M8, M12, M18 and M30, with quick-disconnect or cable-out. Three-wire dc models are available...

New kiln design tackles timber's unique needs: non-metallic heavy-duty chain carries the load in innovative kilns.(Engineering At Work)
July 1, 2005... On 18 acres in the state of Oregon, Forest Grove Lumber stocks more than 10 million board feet of green and dry Douglas fir lumber and full-sawn rough timber. The company, which has been in operation for almost a half-century, now sells timber...

Backplane connectors ease challenges for engineers.(Tech Watch)
July 1, 2005... When designing new system, the engineering manager of a system architecture group rices many challenges. There are engineering considerations of mechanical and electrical design to consider, along with the difficulties of cost efficiency and...

A tale of two technologies: both 64-bit processors and supercomputers are poised to make in-depth component modeling and enhanced simulation possible for design engineers.
July 1, 2005... Will advances in hardware change the way you work? The companies that make CPUs and operating systems certainly want you to think so, as do many, but not all, CAE vendors For engineers looking to the horizon, two technologies--64-bit processors...

3D design software.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... SolidWorks 2006 features a host of new capabilities to help designers and engineers bring products more quickly to market, and to more easily transition from 2D to 3D design. The software includes more than 200 enhancements and innovations,...

Electromechanical linear actuators.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... CAT Modular Range electromechanical linear actuators are designed to be custom-built with standard components, enabling users to satisfy application-specific needs without requiring specially engineered and costly parts or assemblies. Among the...

Vision sensor.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... In-Sight 5403 is a two-megapixel vision sensor that captures full-frame, 1,600 x 1,200 images at up to 15 frames per second for highly detailed inspection of fast moving objects. The increased resolution of the In-Sight 5403 is suitable for...

Crystal oscillator.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... The CVSS-940 is a true sinewave voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCX0) providing 150 dBc/Hz noise floor and [+ or -] 50 ppm minimum APR pullability. This high-performance VCXO is available in the industry standard 9 x 14 mm package. The...

Low-profile heat sinks.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... A line of low-profile, high-performance heat sinks is designed for cooling hot components in low air flow velocity conditions. New blueICE units are 4 to 7 mm in height, which allows them to be used inside most telecommunication enclosures...

High-capacitance filters.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... A range of 50 and 100 V high-capacitance input filters is available in small case sizes of 0805, 1206, 1210, and 1812. Specifically designed for power distribution applications, the capacitors for input circuitry have a range of capacitance...

Disconnect switches.(From the Cover)
July 1, 2005... The M-750 is a series of 6-36 V battery selector and master disconnect switches. These switches are designed with a number of options, including with or without a key, pilot light, or alternator fields disconnect. All models are solidly built...

Displacement transducers.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... A new line of displacement transducers is designed to provide contactless measurement of absolute piston position in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders and other OEM applications. Their robust construction, large insensitivity to shocks, and...

Waterproof induction motors.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... WD Series stainless steel enclosed ac induction motors are available in eight standard frame sizes. They are designed to provide reliable operation when subjected to frequent wetting or washdown. For food service and other washdown applications...

Flexible polyethylene hose.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... A new, low-cost, all-polyethylene hose features a smooth interior for the silent evacuation of air, dust, and smoke. J-11 hose is a crush-resistant hose that maintains its cross-sectional diameter at the bend, and comes in 3/4 to 4 in. sizes...

Linear Actuators.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... The 21000 Series (size 8) line of linear actuators is the newest and smallest addition to a hybrid motor line. These linear actuators occupy a minimal 0.8 [in.sup.2]. space and include numerous patented innovations designed to provide users...

Three-phase gearmotors.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... BS Series worm geared motors come as a standard two-stage design for improved efficiency. These robust gearmotors offer a variety of installation options, including foot or flange with single or double output shaft, shaft mounting with hollow...

Mathematical software upgrade.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... Maple 10 has been developed to be intuitive and easy to use, while providing an error-free set of mathematics capabilities for engineering uses. Users can solve complex mathematical problems while creating rich, executable technical documents...

Military detent switches.(New Products)
July 1, 2005... A line of detent-action military switches complies with military specifications for high-shock and high-vibration environments. These maintenance-free rotary multi-pole and selector switches have double-sided, double-wiping, self-cleaning,...

Q&A: contract complexites.(QUESTIONS & ANSWERS)(Interview)
July 1, 2005... Contract manufacturing can be tricky business. Not only do manufacturers first have to secure the contract, but also they must deal with designs that have no precedent and require a great deal of creativity. Often, these contracts are secured...