Product Design & Development articles from November 2004

Product Design & Development archives from November 2004

Sealing boots.
November 1, 2004... These units are available in a variety of colors to prevent the entry of dust, sand, water, and other contaminants into switches. They are suitable for a variety of industries, including public works vehicles, medical equipment, farm equipment,...

Cabling system.
November 1, 2004... The IBDN System 1200 exceeds TIA/EIA Category 5e standards. It supports high-speed network applications and provides clear bandwidth up to 160 MHz. System components include DataTwist 350 bonded-pair UTP cables or GigaFlex 1200 unbonded-pair...

Brick converters.
November 1, 2004... Typhoon units are board-mounted, 24-V dc/dc converters. The line includes two 20 A eighth bricks and two 30 A quarter bricks with single isolated outputs of 1.8 and 3.3 V. All four converters are designed to provide more power than equivalent...

Power connectors.
November 1, 2004... Amphe-Power connectors consist of three families featuring Radsok technology, a terminal that features a stamped hyperbolic grid providing low insertion force, high amperage, high reliability, and a long cycle life. The units support 50 to...

Board-mounted, pushbutton switches.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... A new light pipe, designated the PBLP Series, is designed specifically to operate with hoard-mounted pushbutton switches, enabling non-lighted switch models to perform the same function as similarly mounted lighted pushbutton switch types, when...

High-performance pressure transducer.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... The Ashcroft G2 is a planer, micro-machined sensor. It is combined with a custom ASIC that enables digital compression to performance levels intended to exceed similar units. The pressure transducer delivers 1 percent full-scale total error...

Dual sensor pressure calibrator.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... BetaGauge 321 is designed to provide pressure measurement flexibility. The unit provides 0.025 percent FS accuracy on both internal, isolated, stainless steel pressure sensors. An external pressure module connection supports all BetaPort-P...

Screwless terminal blocks.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... This new line features a range of models, including feedthrough, do ble-level, one-to-two connection, two-to-two connection, knife blade disconnect, and screwless ground terminal blocks, along with several accessories. The units operate without...

Automotive and industrial connectors.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... New 37- and 51-way versions have been added to the APD Series of circular DIN72585 connectors. Designed specifically for automotive, transportation, and industrial environment applications, including those subject to high shock and vibration,...

Inch-wide, multichannel isolators.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... The 630T Series is designed to provide an economical and space-efficient solution to eliminate ground loops, filter signal noise, and block high voltage surges. These single-/dual-channel units receive 4-20 mA inputs and provide fully isolated...

Globe valves for HVAC applications.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... The first two sizes are available for a new series of high-performance globe valves featuring a balanced plug design. Engineered for large commercial HVAC applications, the VB-8000 Series of valves uses a patented design for the plug and seat...

Carbon fiber heating technology.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... The Flexible Fiber Heater is designed as an alternative to traditional flat flex heaters. It provides greater mechanical reliability and offers designers a wide range of option. The new technology is suitable for applications in medical and...

Wireless analog and digital output modules.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... A new line of analog, digital, and analog/digital output modules enable processors to remotely monitor equipment and process conditions with no field wiring. Typical installed cost savings are claimed to be 90 percent less when compared to...

Hollow bore gearmotors with output shaft.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... New H Box units feature a 1 in. hollow output shaft that can be connected directly to the driven load. This saves space and eliminates expensive shaft couplings, chains, or sprockets, as well as costly chain guards and associated hardware...

Vibration switch with explosion-proof housing.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... The Model 685A01 is a 24 Vdc-powered unit with an explosion-proof housing. The vibration switch is designed to provide early warning of machine deterioration and will shut the machine down when the trip level is exceeded, preventing...

Geometric pattern matching technology.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... PatMax is available with new enhancements for pattern location and alignment. These new enhancements are designed to reduce equipment and integration costs, as well as manual operator intervention, increasing throughput in challenging...

Non-ball lead screws.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... Mini Series lead screws are engineered for demanding miniature applications, such as data storage drives, miniature pumps and dispensing systems, micro-actuators, and laser and optical focusing mechanisms. Comprised of small diameter,...

Case drain monitor with aluminum construction.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... This case drain monitor is designed as a low-cost alternative to using a standard flowmeter for case drain applications. Available for 1/2 to 1 in. pipe sizes and designed for convenient vertical, horizontal, or inverted installation, the...

Custom-colored modular jacks.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... These modular jacks are available in five new colors, as well as the standard black option. By choosing from orange, green, blue, gray, and yellow, each jack can be customized to match the color of a cable assembly to prevent mismating and...

Injection molding process with low-level irradiation.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... Plastic resins that are irradiated and crosslinked by a new processing technology available can offer improved physical and mechanical properties in finished injection molded parts. Relatively low levels of electron beam irradiation enable...

Metering pumps for steady solid-state accuracy.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... D10 Series pumps are designed to offer [+ or -] 1 percent steady state accuracy, repeatability, and linearity, along with ease of installation and rugged construction. This makes them suitable for a variety of industrial metering applications...

High-performance pressure transducers.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... Models 540 and 542 sputtered thin-film, strain-gauge pressure transducers are suitable for submersible, industrial, or differential pressure measurement applications. These pressure transducers are offered in a wide variety of enclosures...

Harsh environment encoders for oils and chemicals.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... Made of stainless steel, Accu-Coder units can be used in oil refining, chemical processing, or corrosive atmosphere applications. They are specifically designed to withstand the challenges of extreme environments, including high-pressure...

Flexible coupling/u-joint for multiple functions.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... The Heli-Cal Flexure is available in the format of a coupling or a u-joint. The unit is designed to perform multiple functions without separate parts or the associated maintenance and backlash usually involved with rotating equipment. The unit...

Digital displays and signal processors.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... This line is designed for use with Activa, Ultima, and Classic turbine flow meters. The newest addition to the line is the panel-mounted HB2800 display for use with the Ultima and Classic flow sensors. It will accept non-amplified low-level...

Encoders/decoders.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... MS Series units can be used for remote control and command, security, keyless entry, status monitoring, and other similar applications. They allow the status of up to eight buttons or contacts to be securely transferred via a RF or infrared...

Integrated actuators.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... A new line of ac and dc linear actuators and integrated actuators is available in load ranges up to 2,000 lbs. They are engineered to standard ratings, voltages, and strokes. The units are available in 1,500-lb load ranges, in both 115 Vac and...

Vertical end suction, closed column centrifugal pumps.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... The 7550 Series units are designed to eliminate mechanical seal failure problems, saving manufacturers downtime and the costly replacement of seals. The pumps have a closed column for external tank mounting. Discharge pipe with extended column...

Melt-spun foil with a variety of alloys.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... A melt-spun foil is manufactured from a variety of alloys, including Pd-based, Cu-based, and Ni-based. The melt-spun foil can be produced in strips up to 250 wide with a typical thickness of 0.05 mm, and can be easily cut into custom preform...

Shedding flowmeter for processing plants.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... The CoolPoint vortex shedding flowmeter is intended for processing and manufacturing plants, and in particular, to report and control flows in centrifugal water applications, chillers, and heat exchangers. The CoopPoint is said to ensure a...

Multi-input phase controller.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... A linear phase-angle controller suitable for switching inductive loads accepts a wide range of inputs, including ranging from 0 to 135 Ohms, 4 to 20 mA, 0 to 5 Vdc, or 0 to 10 Vdc, as well as potentiometer and PWM signals. Load currents range...

Washable ultraminiature switches.(What's Hot)
November 1, 2004... Members of the G series of washable, ultraminiature. PC-mount toggle, rocker, and push-button switches, all with matching indicators, feature a sliding twin crossbar contact mechanism that wipes the gold, rounded contacts with every actuation....

A moving scene: in New York City, brushless motors help keep a large-scale scrolling store sign up and running.(Motion Control)
November 1, 2004... Times Square is quite a scene. In the place where Broadway meets Fifth Avenue, one can stroll past the massive theater marquees. It is here, where sightseers can find megastores operated by some of the world's largest retail chains. One is Toys...

Q&A: a gripping success story: by forming a partnership, a man with a plan and a specialty materials manufacturer create a gripping product that keeps handheld electronics safe.(Plastics)
November 1, 2004... When imaginative minds from the coalescing worlds of high-tech design engineering and specialty materials meet, the results can lead to innovation. Such was the case when Fred Antonini, founder of Texas-based Flexible Innovations Ltd.,...

Quickening the pace: digital manufacturing strategies can help automotive OEMs keep up with quickening customer demands and move from mass production to mass customization.(Manufacturing Processes)
November 1, 2004... Today, the sweeping impact of the Internet is putting automotive manufacturers under immense pressure to meet their customers' expectations. Once, competitive manufacturing was characterized by producing many standard products as cheap and...

Inductive proximity sensors.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... Osiprox units feature patented technology designed to improve productivity while saving time, space, and purchasing hassles. The sensors feature auto-adaptable technology, allowing the devices to be used in a shielded or non-shielded...

Electronic 'floatless' sensor.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The Leveltrak can be used as a replacement for mechanical float switches. It detects level without any moving parts. Using patented capacitive sensing technology, the sensor determines level by measuring the point of dielectric contrast that...

Infrared touchscreens.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... IRTouch touchscreens are designed to be highly transparent, high-resolution, high-reliability units. They are engineered to provide a stable, maintenance-free and calibration-free solution for POS and industrial process control display...

RGB sensor with hybrid structure.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The CZ-V20 Series integrates illumination optics and receiver circuitry in the sensor head. The new "hybrid structure" is designed to provide enhanced detection with greatly improved stability. The unit employs three separate, high-intensity...

Carbide wear parts.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... These custom manufactured parts, made from different types of carbides, are designed to match specific user requirements. They can be custom fabricated to meet specific high heat or corrosive environments. Capable of prolonging the life of a...

Large display timer.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The Traceable Big Foot signals drying and incubating times, helps catch all test results, and alarms for appointments. The unit allows simultaneous programming of three different activities from 99 hrs, 59 min, and 59 sec to 1 sec on the...

High-speed, belt-driven linear stages.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The BL Series is available in travel lengths up to 144 in., and the units are configured to easily integrate into new and existing applications. They are suitable for positioning applications such as water jet and laser cutting machines, laser...

Single-board computer.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... A new version of a high-performance EBX single-board computer is available. Called the Cobra, and priced at $1,700 in OEM quantities, the new unit includes pass-through style connectors that support 8-bit ISA and 16-bit PCI signals. The design...

Scalable analog laser measurement sensors.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... A series of intelligent distance sensors has two discrete outputs that not only detect the presence of objects but also indicate their precise position and size. The BOD 26K LB model employs laser triangulation as its basic sensing technology...

Adhesive for ceramics.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... Cermabond 685N can bond ceramic gasketing rope to galvanized steel doors found in exhaust ductwork applications. The adhesive is formulated to bond at temperatures as high as 2,500[degrees]F. It is an easy to apply, fast-setting, thixotropic,...

FTIR software.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... AutoQuant Pro incorporates a refined implementation of the advanced multi-variant CLS algorithm developed by NASA. This algorithm can help achieve faster computational speed and improved performance. In addition, a graphical user interface...

Air-operated transfer tubes.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... Priced at $69, TT Series tubes feature an NPT adapter or other connectors, as well as a sturdy plastic mounting clip for easy installation. They are made from aluminum with an anodized finish. They have a straight-through bore to let materials...

Nema 14 stepper motors.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... A low cost series of custom 0.9[degrees] steppers have a step angle that ensures smooth operation, even at low speeds. Specifiers can custom design the hybrid unit to meet the performance requirements of a new project or to increase performance...

Microprocessor pump.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... PumpSmart Model 200 Version 4.0 is programmed specifically for centrifugal pumps up to 700 hp. The new version has features that improve reliability and performance by protecting the pump from operating in upset conditions and matching pump...

Air filters for high rack-mount electronics.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... A new line of air filters is fully framed and cleanable. The units are designed specifically for 1U and 2U high rack-mount electronics. They are also engineered to meet the needs of short rack-mount electronics used in such applications as data...

Seafaring sensors: specialized sensors help oceanographers study strange new places at the bottom of the sea.(Real-World Engineering)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2004... In 1992, a storm tossed 29,000 bathtub toys off a cargo ship on its way from China to Seattle, and the liberated rubber ducks, beavers, turtles, and frogs have been riding the waves and turning up on shores as far apart as Alaska and...

Solid wall inserts and studs.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... These fasteners are designed for aerospace applications. The line of products includes swaged inserts, ringlock inserts, studs and rings, and floating inserts. Both the inserts and studs are designed to provide resistance to torque-out and...

Fasteners for plating and chemical processing.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... Perpl-CP custom plastic fasteners are made from advanced polymer materials to provide electrically insulative properties while offering high mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. The fasteners are designed on a custom basis according to...

Push-in connectors for heavy power uses.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... These connectors have current ratings of 24 A and are designed for wire-to-wire electrical connections. The insulation can be easily stripped and the wires pushed into the block housing to make a connection. They are designed to be easy to...

Single-board computer for industrial applications.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... Priced at $590 in moderate volumes, The EPX-C3 supports nine different functions with more I/O expansion options via PC/104 modules. Powering the unit is a 733 MHz VIA C3 processor that operates from -40[degrees] to +85[degrees]C without a fan....

Software for digital product definition.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... EnCapta 3.0 enables engineers working with CAD systems to transform the geometric digital model into a complete digital product definition that includes vital non-geometric information. It enables manufacturers to make product information...

Heavy-duty handle pins.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... Kwik-Lok T&L pins feature a solid stainless steel handle and button to provide corrosion resistance. The welded handle provides impact resistances as well. A ring is included for easy attachment of an optional lanyard. Standard sizes range from...

Circuit breaker panels.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... DPB2U units are designed to provide distribution and overload protection for up to 19 dc circuits in telecom applications using a minimal amount of rack space. They distribute up to a total of 300 amperes of load current from a single source....

Sealed, illuminated switches.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... Series 04 can be used in several combinations, including square and round indicators and pushbuttons, rotary switches, emergency stops, and mushroom-headed pushbuttons. A compact, round indicator is also available for limited space...

Photochemically etched parts.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... These metal components can be used for wireless and portable handheld cell phones and other communication and telecommunication products. They include reel-to-reel etching of a wide variety of metals, such as stainless steel. The parts include...

Reservoirs for bulk fluids.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... These reservoirs can feed bulk fluids to a valve or dispensing pen. A variety of sizes and types is available, including top porting for low- to medium-viscosity liquids and bottom porting for high viscosity. The reservoirs are designed with an...

Test point loops.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... These loops are insulated with extended leads suitable for 0.52-in. diameter holes in 0.093-in. thick PC boards. The curve of the leads prevents damage to plated through-holes while securely retaining the test point prior to soldering. The...

Bezel panel PC.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The ARP-1717AX panel PC, priced at $2,495, has a modular computer unit that is detachable and easily removed from the 17-in. display. This provides users with easy maintenance and the ability to quickly upgrade the unit. With an emphasis o11...

Alarms and buzzers.(News Products)
November 1, 2004... This line of alarms and buzzers is designed to alert drivers that a system has either failed or reached a dangerous level that could escalate to failure. The warning devices have various designs that alert the driver to a potential problem. The...

Wedge-based LED.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The 5-mm WedgeLED is designed to provide bright and bold illumination for backlit annuciators to facilitate viewing. Solid-state circuits and sturdy wedge bases make the unit resistant to the stresses generated by automated machinery and heavy...

Laser toolsetter.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The ultra-compact laser NC4 features toolsetter transmitter and receiver units measuring 30 x 35 mm, less than 1.5 in. in each dimension. Space-saving design allows the system to bring fast non-contact toolsetting and tool breakage detection to...

Dc-dc converters.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The ZXLD1601, costing 65 cents, and the ZXLD1615, costing 53 cents, provide an adjustable source of bias voltage for LCD and OLED driving. Producing any output up to 28 V from a 2.5 to 5.5 V battery supply, the converters ensure that contrast...

'Kingpinless' swivel caster for heavy loads.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... Commando, a new "kingpinless" swivel caster, is designed to move heavy loads. Fitted with a rolling wheel, Commando can enhance ergonomics and productivity through less starting force, lower rolling resistance, and better stopping...

Laser measurement sensor system.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The ZX features a single amplifier unit that supports 11 different sensing heads interchangeably, eliminating the need to purchase unique amplifiers for each sensing head. Heads available include eight visible red laser reflective sensing heads...

High temperature resistant epoxy.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... A new high performance, room temperature curing, two-component epoxy adhesive/sealant, called EP34AN, features a thermal conductivity of 22 24 BTU/in./[ft.sup.2]/hr/[degrees]F. Physical properties are maintained even after long exposure to...

Automatic balance precision finish boring heads.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The addition of a new boring head extends the upper range of Series 310 EWB boring heads from 4 to 6 in. for high speed operations. The EWB heads are designed for precision boring on modern CNC machining centers. Six different EWB heads (32,...

Ultra-miniature duckbill check valve.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The CKV-M3 is designed to withstand up to 250 psig backpressure. It is suitable for gas and pneumatic applications, and for applications that cannot tolerate any leaks or backflow. It is useful where space, weight, and sealing reliability are...

Electromagnetic flowmeters.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The new Optiflux family consists of nine models covering a wide range of applications in the water and wastewater, chemical, pulp and paper, and pharmaceutical industries. All models feature 3 x 100 percent diagnostics--100 percent application...

Sorbent tape for electronic housings.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... DesiMax SLF tape is designed to provide flexibility for incorporating moisture protection inside electronic housings. SLF tape allows manufacturers to place a thin adhesive-backed desiccant inside electronic devices to steadily absorb trace...

High-performance digital positioners.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... The Logix 3200IQ and 500si Series offer quick setup and calibration of either diaphragm- or piston-operated valves without the need for additional handheld devices, software, or configuration/calibration tools. The Logix 3200IQ and 500si Series...

Roller pumps with alloy body.(New Products)
November 1, 2004... Diamond Series 4400 roller pumps feature a special alloy body and end plate for maximum durability and long life. The pumps are tested to last up to 10 times longer than conventional cast iron pumps when pumping harsh chemicals. Weighing just 5...

Motion Solutions Catalog.(Free Stuff!)
November 1, 2004... The Portescap Motion Solutions Catalog includes complete product features and benefits, specifications, and characteristics for their entire family of Portescap-branded technologies. These technologies include ironless rotor motor technology,...

Threaded insert catalog.(Free Stuff!)
November 1, 2004... A new 20-page catalog provides a selection guide for inserts, which are used to strengthen plastic parts in which screws will be installed and removed more than once. The full-color catalog contains all the information needed to choose the...

Light-cure materials literature.(Free Stuff!)
November 1, 2004... New literature provides detailed information on a family of light-cure materials and equipment for hearing aid shell manufacturing, assembly, and repair. The line includes light-cure molding compounds, adhesives, and equipment that easily...

Thermal management CD.(Free Stuff!)
November 1, 2004... A new interactive capabilities CD outlines engineering expertise, technology, resources, and a disciplined project management approach to solving challenging thermal system problems. The CD illustrates the types of challenges facing engineering...

Sensor catalog.(Free Stuff!)
November 1, 2004... The 2004-2005 Sensors Catalog is an 800-plus page resource that includes features, benefits, selection guidelines, specifications, dimensions, and wiring diagrams for a line of capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, special sensors, ultrasonic...

Fastener catalog.(Free Stuff!)
November 1, 2004... Roller Screws-North American Range is a 68-page product catalog profiles a line of planetary and re-circulating roller screws designed for demanding linear-actuation applications requiting high reliability, accuracy, rapid acceleration, fine...

Flowmeter Handbook.(Free Stuff!)
November 1, 2004... A revised edition of The Flow Handbook is a hands-on guide to industrial flow metering, The 456-page, hardbound handbook gives readers an in-depth understanding of the way modern flowmeters actually work. The application-oriented handbook...

PC board fastener bulletin.(Free Stuff!)
November 1, 2004... An updated 12-page product bulletin on fasteners for use in or with PC boards is available. These broaching and other types of fasteners are specially designed to satisfy component-to-board, board-to-board, and board-to-chassis...