Product Design & Development articles from September 2004

Product Design & Development archives from September 2004

Induction motor.
September 1, 2004... This ac inverter-duty unit boasts high-quality design features for long life expectancy. It operates at 230 Vac with a standard three-phase ac inverter drive. Variable speed operation from 550-4,400 rpm optimizes control, significantly...

Safety coupling.
September 1, 2004... Model SK2 is available in stainless steel and designed for cleanroom or washdown applications in the packaging, food processing, and medical industries. It is engineered to provide overload protection and uses a ball detent system that is...

LED array.
September 1, 2004... The OTLH-00280-UV is a 375 nm UV array that achieves 254 mW of optical power. It is suitable for applications such as fluorescence excitation or absorption, document validation, and UV curing of acrylates used in adhesives, polymers, and ink...

Cable assemblies.
September 1, 2004... The KMC-SATA Series supports SATA Generation I and II platforms, which are intended for desktop, notebook, and server storage systems. The assemblies are made with lead-free signal cable. Kycon Inc. Use InfoLINK 4J1004 or call...

Measurement sensors for hazardous locations.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... RPM resistive chain level sensors are custom manufactured to user specifications. As a result, they precisely satisfy application requirements for reliable operation in the chemical, oil, food processing, and waste treatment industries, among...

Pressure transducer for barometric pressure.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... The Model 278 is designed to provide a high level output signal, dynamic response, stability, and accuracy. It is suitable for the environmental extremes typically found in automated weather systems. The unit is engineered with patented...

Back-pressure regulators for precise control.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... These new units provide consistent back-pressure control in a variety of analytical and process instrumentation applications. Available in a variety of piston-type and diaphragm-type designs, all models feature a captured inlet gauze-type...

Machine chains for vibration-free operation.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... System E6 Electro Static Discharge (ESD) Energy Chains are designed to deliver smooth and quiet operation. The units meet the latest international guidelines. System E6 units are engineered for applications requiring extremely precise and...

Transformers for direct overload protection.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... The Survivor Class 2 device has patented short circuit and overload protection and is capable of withstanding a direct short circuit in excess of 15 days. It is classified as an inherently limited unit, eliminating the need for external...

Miniature transmitter with menu-driven options.
September 1, 2004... The Type 8311 Pressure Mini-Transmitter boasts a two-wire 4-20 mA output and two transistor switch outputs. In a single package, this intelligent unit offers indication, monitoring, transmitting, continuous on/off control, and high/low alarm...

Panel-mounted timers for frequent adjustments.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... TMR 48 timers offers a complete timing solution for all applications requiring frequent adjustments where simplicity and ease of use are essential. A large button is used to set the operating time, which is read directly without the need for...

Rugged wiring for machine processing.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... A line of connectivity products meets the harsh demands found within the food and beverage processing and packaging industries. The wiring products use high-grade stainless steel hardware, PVC inserts, and cable jacketing with over-molding....

Wireless key for cabinet access.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... A wireless active key is a new access method for E-Line handles. Access can be gained directly at the cabinet level as the wireless active key continuously transmits signals to the handle on the cabinet to determine where access is granted or...

Analog output modules.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... Both BusWorks 972EN and 973EN deliver data from an Ethernet Modbus/TCP 10/100 network as voltage or current signals to as many as six measurement or control devices. Priced at $500 for a four-output unit or $650 for six outputs, typical...

New 3D CAD version for machine layout.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... Solid EdgeVersion 16 features a new "Zero D" approach to machine layout that starts by defining product structure before any geometry is committed to paper. This "Zero D" approach to design allows users to conceptualize their designs top down,...

Brushless servomotors with low inertia.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... The BSM brushless servomotor line includes standard and low inertia models to provide inertial matching for machines. There are two models available and both can be provided with a variety of feedback devices and other options. The servomotors...

Suppression filters.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... The NFA21SL EMI suppression filter series combines four circuits in a compact 0805 package size and is designed for use in a variety of high-frequency applications, including cellular phones and digital televisions. The new series provides...

Time delay relays with extended ranges.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... The 2000SA Series of time delay relays features microprocessor accuracy and the versatility of extended time range settings. A 12-position DIP switch provides built-in ranges from 0.1 sec to 1,024 hr, simplifying the setting of long time...

Chemical fastener accessories.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... The ChemQuik dual containment flare nut and panel mount flare fitting are accessory items that facilitates the "double containment" of chemical handling fluid lines between a coupling or fitting and a chemical dispense unit or pump. The panel...

Air nozzle for cooling/drying.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... Priced at $43, the 2-in. Super Air Nozzle is a flat air nozzle that uses patented technology to maximize entrained airflow and force while reducing compressed air use and noise. The flat airstream is suitable for blowoff, cooling, and drying...

Pneumatic-tired caster with zinc-plating finish.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... The 7100 Series of pneumatic tired casters has a heavy-duty construction and a top plate measuring 4 x 5 in. The casters are specified with a zinc-plating finish to prevent rust and wear. The swivel construction of the units feature a drop...

Laser sensors for long distance detection.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... SUNX LS series digital laser sensors offer long-distance and high precision detection over a wide range of applications. Equipped with a high power laser beam shooting a spot diameter of approximately 1 mm, the LS series include three types of...

Thermal circuit breaker.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... The 1610 Series thermal circuit breaker has color-coded housings. A resettable alternative for standard plug-in type blade fuses for fuse blocks in vehicles with 12 or 24 V electrical systems, the circuit breaker is designed to reduce downtime...

Touch technology.(What's Hot)
September 1, 2004... Dispersive signal technology offers a fundamentally different approach to touch technology. Unlike other solutions that recognize touch by the interruption of electrical fields, acoustic waves, or infrared light, dispersive signal technology...

Microprocessor upgrades single-board computer.(Embedded Systems)
September 1, 2004... Those who build and integrate embedded computers have traditionally benefited from silicon developed for notebook computers and other mobile applications. The latest Intel mobile microprocessor, integrated into Inova Computer's new ICP-PM...

Mass storage device for conduction-cooled computers.(Embedded Systems)
September 1, 2004... A new PMC form-factor, conduction-cooled, mass storage device is designed for use on single-board computers, The PMCStor provides a storage solution for both extended temperature and conduction-cooled applications where extended shock and...

Mesh topology for tranceivers.(Embedded Systems)
September 1, 2004... MeshRF peer-to-peer technology is a decentralized mesh topology that can be embedded into 900 transceivers, MeshRF's instinctive networking architecture allows a wireless LAN system to forward traffic between transceiver 'nodes' without the...

Video controller for embedded computers.(Embedded Systems)
September 1, 2004... The 104FX Super VGA (SVGA) video card is a PC/104 form-factor video controller designed to provide embedded computers with support for analog CRT and flat-panel LCD-TFT monitors. Based on the 65545 VGA controller, the 104FX module supports...

Integrated optoelectronic solution.(Embedded Systems)
September 1, 2004... Designers can realize the benefits of an integrated optoelectronic solution--lower noise, increased reliability, reduced board space, reduced design complexity and cycle time, and reduced inventory--with three new light-to-voltage converters....

Q&A: trends in LED design: an LED can be described simply as a solid state semiconductor device that converts electrical energy directly into light. But it is actually so much more. To provide readers with a closer took at LEDs, this article examines the technology behind today's successful designs.(LED Technology)
September 1, 2004... LEDs are no longer viewed as the "idiot lights" of yesterday. Greater brightness and expanded color choices are triggering their use not only in more applications but also in non-traditional markets. Tony Toniolo, the president of Data...

Protective jackets guard portable computers from workplace dangers.(Computer Hardware)
September 1, 2004... Computers in the workplace face dangers around every corner, especially in a manufacturing environment where there are often caustic liquids, sharp edges, and heavy machinery. Workers in these harsh environments need tablet PCs that can stand...

Rugged, versatile industrial computer.(Computer Hardware)
September 1, 2004... The CyBox8 is designed to provide a rugged and versatile systems platform for industrial and machine control applications in harsh environments. Engineered for use in operator consoles with flat-panel displays, it features a solid stainless...

Server cabinets with L-Shaped mounting rails.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... A line of server cabinets is available in 36 and 43 in. depths and includes perforated side panels, a fear door, and a ventilated Econoglas front door for maximum airflow. Cable access ports in both the top and bottom of cabinets provide for...

Thin-film, surface mount chip fuse.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... Priced at under 20 cents apiece in 5,000 piece quantities, the USF 1206 surface mount fuse has an interrupt rating of 50 amperes. A legend marking provides visible indication of the fuse's ampere rating, making it easy to identify and track...

Fluid-film thrust and journal bearings.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... A line of fluid-film thrust and journal bearings incorporates an engineered plastic bearing surface for use in process lubricated applications. Bearings made with this extremely tough, yet dimensionally stable material are specifically designed...

Inflatable elastomeric bladders.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The Pneuma-Seal line of inflatable elastomeric bladders has been standardized to simplify, the design and fabrication of devices using pneumatic actuators and seals. Designated Pneuma-Cel, the "plug and play" EPDM bladders find wide use in...

Rugged bellows over rigid framework.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... GorFrame bellows are formed over a rigid framework to protect medical/dental imaging tables and amusement rides to name a few applications. The bellows are cleanroom compatible and suitable for wash-down. The GorFrame bellows are designed to be...

Linear displacement tranducer.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The new GEMCO 955 BRIK Gen III Series programmable linear displacement transducer is designed to meet the need for fast, accurate continuous position feedback devices. The BRIK Gen III features the latest generation of magnetostrictive...

Compact dc motors.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... PM108 true 1/3 hp compact dc motors are designed to deliver 90 Vdc at 2500 rpm and 130 in.-lb start/stall. The PM I08 units are offered in two lengths; the PM10816 at 7.55 in. and the PM10818 at 8.61 in. and feature a new more durably mounted...

Miniature slide switches.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The new EG1260 Series of miniature slide switches features two optional surface mount configurations and three slide actuator sizes for a wide variety of PC board applications. Designed with an electrical life of 10,000 cycles, the SPDT EG1260...

Ethernet controller.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2004... An upgraded Ethernet TCP/IP programmable Fieldbus unit, designated the 750-841 Series, provides new functions such as double the data memory to 256 kb, the addition of a multi-tasking operating system, and the ability to complete online...

Modular instrumentation system.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2004... The Kenmac Series includes all of the components needed to put a transmitter into service. Included are two- and four-valve manifolds for pressure and differential pressure measurement, instrument monoflanges that provide isolation, and vent...

Surge protector.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2004... The FieldConnex Fieldbus unit is a lighting current and overvoltage arrester designed to protect Profibus PA or Foundation Fieldbus topology against high-energy interference impulses. It can be used for implementing a lightning protection zones...

Cold end seals.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2004... Patent pending Enviroseal units are designed to block oil and other contaminants from infiltrating RTD sensors. The new seals are suitable for demanding applications requiring greater protection than that provided by standard cold end epoxy...

Handheld vibration meter.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2004... The portable, battery-powered Model VM enables engineers to prevent damage to components or bearings by monitoring machine vibration. Placing the probe directly on the vibration point and comparing two successive readings indicates when...

Designing helmets: government standards meet aerodynamics and fashion, for a product that only works if you wear it.(Cover Story)
September 1, 2004... There's a room in Bell Sports' Santa Cruz, CA, headquarters that amounts to a torture chamber for helmets. To satisfy government standards, a helmet is mounted on a downward-facing magnesium head form, which is raised like a guillotine blade a...

Sealed surface mount rocker switch.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2004... The low-profile design of the 400B Series process sealed surface mount rocker switch permits right-angle mounting along the edges of circuit boards. The actuator is designed to project beyond the circuit board far enough to be accessible...

Miniature edgeboard connectors.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2004... A miniature BNC connector is part of a line of V-Bite RF edgeboard connectors. The six-member V-Bite Series is engineered to provide signal integrity in RF applications, and includes an "F" Type offering up to-40.3 dB return loss at 2.3 GHz, a...

Incremental encoder.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2004... The Model R35i is a small encoder incorporating a custom ASIC that features fewer components, increased performance, and a small package. It provides both brushless motor commutation and high resolution incremental position signals in a 1.38...

UK/Ireland power cords.(Show Stoppers)
September 1, 2004... Three new United Kingdom/Ireland BS 1363 style power cords are designed for equipment rated from 3 to 13 A with service at 250 Vac. They are ASTA-approved and available with a 3, 5, 10, or 13 A BS 1362 fuse. The power cords are available with...

Switch catalog.(Free Stuff!)
September 1, 2004... Tap, knife, and rotary swatches, designed for demanding industrial applications, are displayed in a new catalog. The catalog describes switches and accessories with photograpbs, diagrams, dimensional drawings, life expectancy, ratings...

Hardware catalogs.(Free Stuff!)
September 1, 2004... A fine of electronic hardware components is detailed in three catalogs. The catalogs include U.S.-dimensioned hardware (196 pages), metric-dimensioned hardware (93 pages), and handles and ferrules (60 pages). They cover eight major hardware...

Component catalog.(Free Stuff!)
September 1, 2004... An expanded 25th anniversary edition catalog has 440 pages illustrating thousands of stock components This 2005 edition features more than 550 new products. The products showcased include clamps, adapters, connectors, luers, caps, stopcocks,...

Level/pressure transducer CD.(Free Stuff!)
September 1, 2004... An updated specifiers' CD details KPSI level and pressure transducers and Quartzonix (pressure standards used for municipal and environmental monitoring applications. The CD provides technical information, including datasheets, manuals,...

Lighting design guide.(Free Stuff!)
September 1, 2004... A 44-page design and reference guide covers solid-state lighting displays. These numeric, alphanumeric, and dot matrix displays are based on the "chips-on-board" design concept, wherein individual LED chips are mounted on circuit boards...

A fresh idea for cool foods.(Food Engineering)
September 1, 2004... Greg Weddle, director of materials at Hill Phoenix in Colonial Heights, VA, and his team are constantly devising new product ideas to help their retail and institutional customers cut costs. The refrigeration company, which pioneered the...