Product Design & Development articles from May 2003

Product Design & Development archives from May 2003

High-resolution sensors.
May 1, 2003... These reflective mark sensors have better than 0.01 in. resolution. They are suitable for limited space applications in bar-code slot readers, time and attendance equipment, currency validation equipment, and devices where a fine edge or mark...

Industrial monitor kit.
May 1, 2003... This new analog RGB monitor kit has an 8.4 in. diagonal LCD panel featuring the XGA resolution (1024 x 768) normally used for larger panels. It includes an industrial analog controller, data cable, and matching backlight inverter with cable....

Precision-engineered rollers.
May 1, 2003... Self-lubricating Power-Core rollers can be used as alternatives to steel cam followers in load-bearing applications where noise, moisture, and temperature are challenges. They boast a long-wearing composite tire with a stress-free crystalline...

Snap-action switches.
May 1, 2003... GP Series snap-action switches provide actuator travel differentials as low as 0.002 in. and are suitable for applications such as factory automation and industrial vehicles. Features include a titanium copper alloy spring. Cherry Electrical...

Programmable control relay with PLC functions. (What's hot).
May 1, 2003... This new programmable control relay features 25 different function blocks to handle 32-bit math processing, plus high-speed counter and encoder functions. It also permits the networking of up to eight relays. The easy800 programmable control...

Grounded and ungrounded power inlets. (What's hot).
May 1, 2003... The new IEC 60320 C20 and C24 power inlets have been designed to simplify export designs. They are available in snap-in and screw mount configurations with 1 to 3 mm panel thickness. They are for service in applications rated between 60 and...

PLC/embedded controller. (What's hot).
May 1, 2003... The Hawk-I Model 8633A combines the power of a PLC with the ease of an embedded controller. With 128 I/O points, it's suitable for demanding engine, motor, pump, compressor, and process applications. It's based on an expandable platform in a...

CAD/CAM software with full associativity. (What's hot).
May 1, 2003... Surfcam 2003 CAD/CAM software features full associativity, advanced finishing methods, and new dedicated machining methods. When changes are made to the geometry, tool, or cut information, the software can now regenerate the toolpath. The...

UL and CSA approved pressure switch. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... Available in corrosion-resistant thermoplastic or stainless steel, the Series 7000 pressure switch measures, controls, and switches pressures up to 3,000 psi. A wide selection of wetted materials, process connections, and electrical...

Dual-axis motion controller. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... The DSCD-P motion controller is a fully digital servoamplifier with integral position control. It's engineered to deliver high-performance position, torque/force, or velocity control in a two-axis package. Its design has been optimized for...

Multi-parameter controller. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... The +GF+ SIGNET 8900 multi-parameter controller features up to four channels in a compact 1/4 DIN package. Two base units--one with a backlit LCD and one with a vacuum fluorescent display--can be configured with many I/O options in the field....

Overcurrent protection. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... The MF-R/600 Series is made up of 600-V polymer PTC resettable fuses designed to provide over-current protection to modems, cable modems, fax machines, set top boxes, and point of sale and security systems. It consists of two base models, the...

Miniaturized surface-mount led devices. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... The Solaris SM Series of high-performance surface-mount LED devices provides a compact, low-profile chip with forward current drive ranges from 75-175 mA. The series is suitable for improved brightness and packaging versatility in automotive,...

Pluggable thermal circuit breaker. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... A pluggable thermal circuit breaker for the Series 282 DIN rail mount Cage Clamp terminal blocks is available. The circuit breaker is suitable for protection of power distribution systems, automation systems, and process control applications....

Modular jack for telecom/LAN applications. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... This modular jack is designed for telecommunications and LAN applications. It features integrated LEDs, which provide identification of transmit/receive and line status. The LEDs are available in green (power) and yellow (transmit/receive). ...

Family of controllers. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... The PACSystems family of controllers features a single control engine and universal programming environment to provide portability across multiple hardware platforms to deliver a true convergence of control choices. By combining new technology...

New composite-molding process. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... Thanks to a patent-pending process, continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite moldings are available in small to medium lot The new process is suitable for structural composites in lot sizes between 1,000 and 100,000, and molded parts...

Illuminated tactile switches. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... The JB Series of illuminated tactile switches allows engineers to design aesthetically pleasing and functional lighted front panels. The units are low profile and washable. Each model in the series measures 10 sq mm and offers built-in...

Field-wire connectors for Profibus. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... The Subcon-Plus Profibus Series of field-wire D-SUB connectors is designed to facilitate wiring and installation of Profibus nodes by providing a means to make D-SUB terminations without soldering or crimping. The incoming and outgoing bus...

Proximity sensors. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... Two compact 4 and 5 mm inductive proximity sensors are designed for use with the new ultra miniature M5 connector. The sensor and connector combination delivers high performance in extremely tight mounting applications. CE- and...

Precision cutoff sensor. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... World-Beam QS30AF adjustable-field sensors designed to sense objects in applications where the target and its background have similar color or reflective qualities. The visible red sensing beam and precision background suppression circuitry...

Software application for Piezo motors. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... The new Piezo Tuning Wizard is a free LabView application that allows motion control engineers to tune and control piezo-based motors for high-precision applications. The Piezo Tuning Wizard offers designers the ability to eliminate unwanted...

Measurement unit with Inertial sensors. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... The Digital Quartz Inertial Measurement Unit incorporates solid state quartz micro-machined inertial sensors. Featuring small size and low power, it's suitable for guidance, navigation, and control for commercial, aerospace, and defense...

Absolute encoders with built-in monitoring. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... CoreTech CA25 absolute encoders are available in any resolution from 2 to 32,768 ppr. They feature an electronic zero position set and parallel or SSI absolute output. The encoders have built-in monitoring functionality for optimum system...

Cables with low profiles. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... Leoni-HPF flat cables, featuring the technology of low-density jacketing, are designed for tens of millions of flex cycles over a small bend radius. Insulation from fluoropolymers helps keep dimensions small and weight low so that they...

Industrial light grids. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... AREAscan DS3 Series light grids provide advanced object detection and measurement solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. The light grids, which are available in two lengths, can detect differences as small as 6 mm in similar...

Suction cups made of polyurethane. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... Cups made of Duraflex material are available in various durometers. Cups with stiffer durometers are suitable for applications in the automotive market because of their oil resistance capabilities. Cups with more flexible durometers are...

Meters and controllers with changing display. (What's Hot).
May 1, 2003... These iSeries meters and controllers have a display that can be programmed to change colors (red, amber, green) at any set or alarm point. For example, the display can be programmed to show the process value in green during warm-up and then...

Advanced CFD post-processing. (CAD/CAE).
May 1, 2003... Fieldview 8.2. an improved post processor for computational fluid dynamics applications. features dataset comparison and blended transparency capabilities. Dataset comparison allows the visual and numerical comparison of two or more datasets...

Free SolidWorks software. (CAD/CAE).
May 1, 2003... The SolidWorks Personal. Edition is provided to participants in the SolidWorks 3D Skills Program, an initiative to give designers and engineers an opportunity to learn 3D CAD skills. The Personal Edition includes all of the core...

Free viewer for CADKEY V21 files. (CAD/CAE).
May 1, 2003... A new CADKEY V21 viewer, suitable for use on Windows 98/ME/NT 4.0/2000/XR is available as a free download at www.cadkey.com/resources/free. It enables anyone to view new-format files for GraphX and Workshop V21 as well as Version 20. The 10 MB...

A look inside Pro/E wildfire: features include an improved user interface, the incorporation of Web services into the underlying architecture of Pro/E, and an intuitive workflow. (CAD/CAE).
May 1, 2003... By integrating the power of the Web at the architecture level, PTC's new Pro/Engineer Wildfire is designed to seamlessly connect product development with enterprise business processes, both within organizations and across extended value chains....

Capturing a new niche in the EL market. (Adhesives & Tapes).
May 1, 2003... "Wouldn't it be cool if...." How many times has that phrase led to an idea for adding vehicle accessories? "Wouldn't it be cool if I added fog lights?" "Wouldn't it be cool if I raised my truck suspension?" Product design engineers at Nu...

Bonding and mobile phones. (Adhesives & Tapes).
May 1, 2003... ARclad 8314, 8901, and 7992 are pressure sensitive adhesive tapes engineered for lens and escutcheon bonding in mobile phone handsets including the new 2.5 G and upcoming 3 G mobile phone handsets. The adhesive used in these devices is a...

Selection guidelines for static mixers. (Adhesives & Tapes).
May 1, 2003... A static mixer, which is also called a motionless mixer, is a simple device with no moving parts. It consists of a series of internal baffles or elements within a plastic tube. As adhesive components are forced through the mixer, they are...

Magnet-bonding adhesives.
May 1, 2003... Series 800 adhesives are light and activator curing adhesives that bond metal, ferrite, and ceramics, fixturing in as little as 30 seconds at room temperature. The impact-resistant adhesives exhibit bond strengths up to 3,000 psi or more. They...

Solvent-free structural adhesives.
May 1, 2003... M1305 and M1315 are two-part, 1:1 mixable, solvent-free structural acrylics that are able to bond plastics and metals in any combination. These adhesives are engineered to be high strength and fast setting so that they are suitable for the...

Looking at oil shear technology inside out. (Clutches/Brakes).(Force Control Industries Inc.)
May 1, 2003... Clutch/brakes face increasingly demanding requirements with higher production rates in today's equipment, reduced time between failures, and reduced maintenance schedules. As a result, clutch/brakes using oil shear technology are becoming the...

High-pressure solution. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).
May 1, 2003... A new digital, pressure gauge, designated the DGR-1, is a battery-operated unit that provides up to 1,400 ours of continuous operation in standard hydraulic applications. The gauge displays pressure readings from 0 to 15,000 psi and is built to...

Static eliminator for confined spaces. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).
May 1, 2003... The 3-in. Super Ion Air Knife removes static electricity from plastics, webs, printed materials, and other surfaces where dust, tearing, jamming, or hazardous shocks are a problem. It provides a sheet of air to sweep surfaces clean of...

The paper pace: thanks to a pneumatic valve system and rodless cylinders, a paper manufacturer was able to quicken its production process. (Hydraulics & Pneumatics).(Australian Paper uses Norgren Co. machinery)
May 1, 2003... When paper manufacturer Australian Paper needed to speed up its automated boxed paper palletizing system, Robotic Automation, a supplier of robotic systems for automated production lines, stepped in to help. The company accepted the challenge...

A custom-designed DNA fix. (Design ideas: hydraulics & pneumatics).
May 1, 2003... Custom-designed rotary valves have helped the manufacturer of a DNA analysis instrument solve a seemingly intractable problem. The instrument, which uses very high viscosity fluids, needed inert valves with sufficient sheer force to cut through...

Slide switches. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... AlcoSwitch compact slide switches are available in surface-mount and through-hole versions. In addition, the switches can be ordered unsealed or with an IP67 environmental sealing rating. Their compact size is accentuated by double-pole...

Fast-curing epoxy adhesives. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... New fast-curing epoxy adhesives require no fixturing. Available in three formulations, they are suitable for a multitude of OEM assembly applications. They boast good dielectric strength and withstand service temperatures of -40[degrees] to...

Remote chamber level switch. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The L500C is a remote chamber level switch that provides a machined, high-pressure, bottle housing for mounting outside the tank in applications where inside mounting is impractical. The vertically installed device features an all-brass or 316...

Transparent polyurethane tubing. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Superthane transparent polyurethane tubing is suitable for a variety of applications including air and gas lines, insulating sleeves, powder and granular transfer, and fluid feeds. It offers the abrasion and tear resistance of plastic with the...

Miniature connectors. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The Mini USB connector series is for use with computer, peripheral, and consumer electronics applications that require a high-speed data transfer interface in a compact package. The series is suitable for handheld computers, PDAs, MP3...

Voltage regulator module. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The VRMS-91-12-36 is a low-profile dc-to-dc converter VRM designed for the low-voltage Intel Xeon processor and the Intel E7501 chipset. As an off-the-shelf, standards-based module, it's designed to shorten product development cycles. The...

Metal-formed assemblies. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Complex metal-formed components and assemblies can be produced for commercial and military applications that require fast start-up and accuracy. They are manufactured using feature-based parametric modeling. This aircraft starter air...

Custom power supplies. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... PCL/TPCL Quick Set PowerCassette power supplies are engineered as "instant" custom units with outputs factory set to requirements by miniature internal switches. They have up to two high-current outputs (dual main) and up to three lower-current...

Inductor platforms. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Models PG0067 and PG0077 are surface-mount inductor platforms for dc-to-dc converters and ac-to-dc switch-mode power supplies. They are designed for distributed power architecture and are suitable for voltage regulator modules. Product...

Couplings in aluminum or stainless steel. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... These X-Slot couplings are designed to offer a cost-effective balance between couplings that are too stiff radially and those not stiff enough torsionally for servo type applications. The couplings incorporate two flexible element...

Multifunction I/0 boards. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The APC730 line of multifunction I/O boards are designed for desktop PCI applications. The AcPC730 line is available for CompactPCI applications. Both combine the capabilities of four separate I/O boards on a single card and perform analog...

Data acquisition card. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The AAF-3PCI signal conditioning instrumentation amplifier and filter card is a fully programmable two- to eight-channel plug-and-play PCI board with optional low- and high-pass filter, amplifier, or amplifier/filter/band-pass combination...

Battery snap-in contacts. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... New lead-type battery contacts allow for the snap-in mounting of AA batteries directly to the PC board. The devices feature spring tension that provides low contact resistance while adjusting to any variations in battery length. They boast...

And the winners are ... the recipients of Product Design and Development's Eighth Annual Engineering Awards received top honors for designs brimming with creativity, innovation, and service to society. (Real-World Engineering).
May 1, 2003... Product Design and Development's Eighth Annual Engineering Awards were given to three design teams for the creation of products considered revolutionary to the industries they serve. One product is designed to save lives. Another focuses on...

VCXO with two selectable output frequencies. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The new VPLB54TED surface-mount, delectable output has low jitter and tight frequency tolerance. for use in stringent telecom applications. The engineer can specify two frequency options in the 120 to 200 MHz range. The customer then uses an...

Ultra-compact sensor. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The Model BS-112 miniature linear gauge sensor can measure dimension, thickness, curvature, eccentricity, displacement, height, depth, flatness, variation, run-out, roundness, distortion, deflection, and position. Using linear glass scale...

Skin covering. (Show Stoppers).
May 1, 2003... Bioflex Rx733P is a medical-grade pressure sensitive adhesive tape designed for direct skin applications. Conformable and lightweight, it is suitable for TENS, ECG electrode, and bandage applications. The acrylic adhesive carries a Device...

Dispensing cure. (Show Stoppers).
May 1, 2003... The IDS-2000 industrial dispenser is suitable for applications requiring accurate dispensing of reagents, solvents, adhesives, electrolytes, and lubricants used in, the manufacture of disposable medical components, diagnostic test kits, contact...

Long life security. (Show Stoppers).
May 1, 2003... A Size 34 non-captive linear actuator is engineered for long life (several million cycles) and high performance. It is suitable for long linear travel requirements and applications where the lead screw is secured at both ends and the motor...

Pressure points. (Show Stoppers).
May 1, 2003... These liquid level, flow, and pressure sensors can be used with a broad range of liquids including water, chemicals, re-agents, and sterilizing agents. Single-point, multi-point, and continuous liquid level models are available. There are flow...

Liquid treatment. (Show Stoppers).
May 1, 2003... The Series PS9000 pressure transducer is suitable for aggressive and corrosive liquids and gases. An all-welded stainless steel diaphragm eliminates internal elastomeric seals and relieves O-ring compatibility issues. The piezoresistive sensor...

Pilot lights with screw terminals. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... A line of pilot lights is equipped with screw terminals for easy field wiring capabilities. The screw terminals are designed to permit the direct attachment of wire leads to the pilot light thereby providing an alternative to wire nuts and butt...

Power diode with fast recovery. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The UX-FOB high-voltage power diode is designed to provide ultra-fast recovery of 40 nsec. The diode is suitable for high-frequency applications. It features a rating of up to 8,000 V peak reverse voltage with a 12 V maximum forward...

Network interface adapter. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... A ControlNet network interface adapter is available for the Allen-Bradley Point I/O product family. The adapter allows Point I/O to communicate over the ControlNet network for applications requiring high-speed, deterministic, repeatable data...

Latching relay output module. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The G-1AMPx-LTCH latching relay output module is designed to provide fail-safe control by latching the last output contact state prior to power-down. It is compatible with industry standard I/O mounting racks for G Series, G4, G5, and C4 type...

Split harness wrap. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The PanWrap split harness wrap bundles and protects wires and cables. It has a large overlap that accommodates a wide range of bundle diameters. The wrap has a patent-pending slot pattern that provides flexibility and improved abrasion...

Miniature pumps. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Series 120, 180, 200, and 220 external gear pumps, as well as micro annular gear pumps and peristaltic pumps, are miniature designs suitable for OEM applications requiring high flow rates and compact architectures. Flow rates range from 0.4...

Pressure sensitive adhesives. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... MACfilm IF-2020, IF-2070, and IF-2090 Series acrylic free films are compatible with Nazdar 3400 inks, which are used in appliances, automotive components, and computers. Printed decorations are typically applied to the underside of clear...

Weighing controllers with e-mail capabilities. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The 3000 Series is a line of weighing controllers that can send and receive e-mail messages, giving users the ability to receive rapid notification of important events or alarms in process. The e-mails can be forwarded to a PC by way of a mail...

Vacuum pumps for low air pressures. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... The low-pressure M Series of vacuum pumps is designed to handle low or fluctuating compressed air pressures. These vacuum pumps, at an inlet pressure of 50 psi, provide up to 27 in. Hg of vacuum. They are designed to be quiet, small, easily...

Ethernet connectors. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Connecting to Ethernet devices, even in harsh environments, is possible with RJ-45 field wireable Ethernet connectors. They meet the Ethernet/IP specifications of both the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association and ControlNet Vendors...

Weather-resistant plug. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... A weather-resistant 12-V plug has an interconnecting design that securely locks the plug into a receptacle for a moisture-proof connection. The design has optimized metal connection points that result in minimal current loss. The plug...

Gauges for automation. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... New Specto gauges are suitable for process monitoring and automated production applications. Besides providing an accuracy of [+ or -] 1 [micro]m, these incremental length gauges have measuring ranges of 12 and 30 mm. The mechanical design...

Small-bore submersible level transducers. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Series 340 level transducers are small-bore submersible units that incorporate ASIC technology. The use of ASIC is intended to diminish the effects of temperature changes and to improve overall accuracy. The transducers are suitable for...

Mixing valves with CPVC end connections. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Because of its 180[degrees]F maximum rated temperature, CPVC piping can be directly connected to water heaters in many areas of the country. Apollo 34A and 34B Series mixing valves now feature CPVC end connections. 34A-104-03 valves are...

System combination for force measurement. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... A new system combination is comprised of the SW0 load cell and TM0-2 amplifier/conditioner. The system is suitable for a variety of industrial and OEM force measurement and weighing applications. The TM0-2 provides excitation, balance, and...

Linear positioning system. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Using planar motor technology, the Cartesian direct-drive single-plane positioning stage is built with a field-replaceable cable track, which encloses the electrical cable and air supply, and a panel for electrical and air connectors. It boasts...

Surge protection. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Square D Power-Zone 4 switch gear now features SurgeLogic TVSS surge protection devices as integral components or as external add-ons. This new transient voltage surge suppression capability in the switch gear is engineered to ensure...

Limited angle torque motors. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Limited angle torque motors, commonly referred to as torquers, are rotary actuators suitable for applications requiring quick, precise angular positioning--typically less than 170 degrees. High acceleration (to 10,000 rad/[sec.sup.2]), high...

Bulk hot melt transfer equipment. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... A new bulk hot melt adhesive transfer machine is suitable for application of most EVA products for large, flat surfaces where a continuous film of adhesive must be applied. Called the Hysol Wheelcoater, it features an adhesive reservoir,...

Non-magnetic capacitors. (New Products).
May 1, 2003... Featuring a compact, low-profile design, surface-mount FilmTrim plastic dielectric trimmer capacitors are available in non-magnetic versions. Suitable for applications requiring a non-magnetic trimmer capacitor including MRI and NMR devices,...

Industrial PC sets sail in voyage data recorder. (Marine Design).(Rutter Technologies )
May 1, 2003... Air transportation investigators often discover the cause of an airplane crash from information in the craft's "black box" or flight data recorder. But what happens when a tragedy occurs at sea? To help find those answers, Newfoundland-based...