Product Design & Development back issues from July 2001:
Tool-Less Terminal Block.(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The Pivot Block terminal block does not require tools to terminate wires. Instead, the product uses insulation displacement contacts, eliminating the need for wire stripping and crimping. The tool-less design allows users to terminate wires by simply pivoting a lever on the terminal block, ...
Isolated DC/DC Converter.(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The DualQor dc/dc converter, boasting an industry standard quarter-brick size, is capable of delivering up to 60 W of total output power at 5 and 3.3 V without the need for an attached heatsink. The dual-output converter employs synchronous rectification and a patented topology to achieve ...
Combination Connector.(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... Pricing begins at $4.33 for the new RJ45 with 10/100 Base-T Ethernet integrated magnetics over two A-type USB connectors. The integrated magnetics eliminate the need for a separate magnetics package, and the combination of the RJ45 and dual USB has proven to be a space saver on the PC ...
Power Entry Modules.(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... Free samples are available of a new line of 2.5 A Class I and Class II power entry modules. They are suitable for laptop computers and other small electronic and electrical appliances. Smaller than the more commonly specified C13 connectors, these devices are especially useful where panel ...
Modeling a software solution. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... Mechanical Desktop 6 is a 3D solid modeling system built on the AutoCAD foundation. Uniting 2D and 3D on the AutoCAD platform, Mechanical Desktop offers 2D and 3D wireframe, 3D surface, and parametric solids modeling. An example of how this software can be used can be seen in this Utica ...
Proportional control solution. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The Top Control Type 2031 high-purity valve system for ultra-pure and sanitary fluids features an industry standard diaphragm valve body, high-purity materials, and programmable top-down control flexibility. The valve bodies are available in investment cast or forged stainless steel (F316L ...
Fasteners that glow. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... Glow-in-the-dark PureTouch fasteners are available in a range of colors including light blue, hot pink, green, and orange. Designers can also create their own color and specify glow duration and intensity. The fasteners are available in two clamp-knob ...
Rugged printing package. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... Manufactured for optimum durability is the PSA-60 thermal printer subassembly, which features high-speed, high-resolution printing in a rugged package. The printer delivers a resolution of 8 dots/mm and print speeds up to 60 mm per second. Other ...
Connectivity for embedded applications. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... A PC/104-Plus-compliant module based on the Intel 82559ER Ethernet controller, the PPM-10/100 is designed to offer flexible, high-performance Ethernet networking capability at 10- or 100-MB/sec data rates. It ...
Narrow for a tighter grip. (What's Hot).(enclosures)(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... Datec-Control XS, the fourth and smallest size in this series of enclosures, incorporates a narrow ergonomic grip area of 2.28 in. Typical applications include mobile data collection and test and measurement devices. Two versions are with or without a cutout for LCD ...
Digital panel meter. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The DP24-T is a digital panel meter for use with thermocouples J, K, T, E, R, S, N, or J DIN. Front panel programming allows selection of maximum or minimum temperatures. The meter features a compact ...
Sensing a temperature change. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The Model 5667 Thermal Tab RTD temperature sensor comes in a rugged, flat package that can be mounted to flat or curved surfaces with peel-and-stick ease or with epoxy or RTV cement. Its design can handle wet environments or immersion, is rated ...
Another gearhead option. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... Suitable for semiconductor equipment, machine tools, and automation equipment, the Harmonic Planetary HPG Series gearhead is now available in size 14. The key feature of this gearhead is that the backlash is maintained below 3 arc-min for the life ...
Temperature switch. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The ML1S temperature switch is 3.3 in. in size. It is designed to be easy to install, wire, and use in a variety of applications. The switch combines a one-piece brass housing with 1/2-in. process and conduit connections. It is rated NEMA 4 and IP65 with UL and CSA approvals ...
Medical enclosures. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The Type E160 Meditec enclosure is designed for 100 x 160 mm Eurocards. It can be either table-top or wall mounted and incorporates a modern design and a high-quality surface finish. The Type E160 may also be used with existing Meditec accessories such as side and front panels, ...
Positioning controller. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The SPC 200 is a smart positioning controller with a two-axis design that is meant to simplify system configuration and programming. It is designed to provide extended flexibility with a minimum amount of effort and knowledge and to be able to reduce the costs associated with ...
Rotary joint. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The FO-5704 is a multipass fiber-optic rotary joint designed to allow optical signals to pass from a stationary structure to a rotating mechanism in a fiber-optic system. The rotary joint is available with two to seven optical passes and a combination of single- or multi-mode fibers. ...
Hysteresis brakers/clutches. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... These hysteresis brakes and clutches are engineered to operate with absolute smoothness to provide high repeatability, quiet operation, and a stable maintenance-free life without the use of magnetic particles or friction components. The units' torque runs ...
Cam followers. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... A line of cam followers with self-lubricating graphite/metal alloy bushings is engineered to outperform grease-lubricated cam followers in hostile environments and submerged applications at temperatures up to 750 [degrees] F. The alloy contains no oil or grease to harden, burn, or wash ...
Video server. (What's Hot).(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The Flexwatch-100 is a four-camera Internet video server. The self-contained system is designed to allow streaming video up to 30 frames/sec. It includes special functions, video quality, and a pan/tilt/zoom control interface. The video server is built upon an ...
I/O connectors. (What's Hot).
Jul 01, 2001 ... A series of space-saving D-Sub connectors for input/output applications offers designers additional options for maximizing PC board space. A wide variety of D-Sub types are available in half-pitch, high-density, and standard pinouts in compact and ...
Dustproof motors. (What's Hot).
Jul 01, 2001 ... These dustproof motors are engineered to survive the harsh environments of powdered materials production or processing where particulates migrate into bearings and motor cavities. The motors can be combined with radiation-hardened, waterproof, and extended-temperature ...
Laser nano sensors. (What's Hot).
Jul 01, 2001 ... A line of high-precision laser nano sensors uses auto-focus principles with resolution as fine as 5 nm at speeds up to 250 kHz to quantify the surface roughness of any highly reflective material. The units' small size and separate control modules allow for use in small work ...
Electrical conduits. (What's Hot).
Jul 01, 2001 ... These halogen-free, flexible, liquid-tight electrical conduits are formulated for applications in which fire is a concern and materials must avoid the caustic effects of halogen. The conduits, designed to withstand extreme temperature ranges, have a thermoplastic rubber jacket ...
Gaskets and seals. (What's Hot).
Jul 01, 2001 ... These custom silicone gaskets and seals use advanced extrusion and on-line cutting technology to produce close tolerances for medical device OEMS. The units can be produced to meet low- or high-volume production needs, and conceptual assistance and accommodation of ...
Network IC. (What's Hot).
Jul 01, 2001 ... The AnyBus-IC is an interchangeable hybrid component for DeviceNet, Profibus, and Ethernet connectivity. The unit has a 32-pin dual in-line housing and can be automatically inserted and soldered. It requires a single 5 V/500 mA power supply. The device can be connected in ...
It's all in the technique: by using different interconnect products such as application-specific terminal bRocks, custom interface modules, and rectangular multipole connectors, engineers can be assured of getting the most out of their panel space. (New & notable: electronics).
Jul 01, 2001; ... Terminal blocks are a device that end users often take for granted. They have been around for years and the general opinion is that they require no more than one wire in and one wire out. This sort of attitude can lead to lost revenue in the form of excessive installation time and wasted ...
Housing a next-generation analyzer. (New & notable: electronics).
Jul 01, 2001 ... The introduction of the NetTek Analyzer from Tektronix, a handheld instrument for next-generation fiber-optic cable testing, is being seen as a break through in housing design. The analyzer, which is used to monitor the integrity of Internet cabling installations, is housed in a precision ...
Molding assurance out of liquid silicone rubber. (In focus: seals & O - rings).
Jul 01, 2001 ... Strength and flexibility are two of the most important features of a line of thin-walled diaphragms. These sealing devices are injection molded of liquid silicone rubber for improved design functionality and cost efficiency over similar units using traditional millable gum processes. The ...
Emissions help for small engines. (In focus: seals & O - rings).
Jul 01, 2001 ... Car manufacturers aren't the only ones feeling the crunch of increasing emission standards. So are small engine manufacturers such as Stihl, Poulan, and Ryobi. They faced the challenge of either building cleaner burning engines or devising a way to burn off pollutants when California's ...
Custom seals allow users to `set and forget'. (In focus: seals & O - rings).
Jul 01, 2001 ... AH Series custom seals are designed to eliminate the process of setting seal face pressures. They can be used in ribbon blenders, paddle mixers, reactors, screw conveyors, bucket elevators, and similar bending or conveying machinery. Available split or unsplit, AH seals are fitted with ...
Controlling leakage around the shaft. (In focus: seals & O - rings).
Jul 01, 2001 ... Two styles of around the-shaft rotating unions, one for air and the other for hydraulic applications, each incorporate basic seating systems. Both styles are classified as "controlled leakage" systems, allowing small amounts of leakage to be ...
Software helps seal up designs. (In focus: seals & O - rings).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... Easi-Seal Version 2.0 is a software tool designed to assess multiple seat design concepts simply and rapidly. It follows the natural process of seal engineering. The designer imports the seal geometry and defines the materials for the seat and body. The ...
MIM technology for laproscopic instruments. (Tech update: materials).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... These laproscopic instruments for medical applications have been designed with metal injection molding - or MIM - technology. They are constructed from a variety of metals including 17-4PH, 304L, and 216L stainless steels. The MIM process produces components that require virtually no ...
Resin to the rescue. (Tech update: materials).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The heat and moisture resistance of synchronous timing motors can be improved by encapsulating their stator coils with DuPont Rynite PET thermoplastic polyester resin. Such motors can be used to control and operate vents and valves in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. One ...
Easing road hang-ups: driven by safety concerns centered on the use of handheld devices white operating vehicles, one company set out to meet the demand for custom mounts for cellular phones, PDAs, and GPS devices. (Tech update: materials).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... Anxiety over the use of handheld devices such as cellular phones and Palm Pilots in cars has grown steadily over the last few years. Those concerns sent Pro.Fit International on a quest to solve the problem. The company, with the help of a design firm called Worrell Design Inc., drew up ...
Securing ok's for medical products. (Tech update: materials).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... Certain tines of NexPrene furry vulcanized EPDM/PP thermoplastic elastomers have achieved the USP Class VI certificate of compliance for medical applications. These TPV grades provide the advantage of tow-cost thermoplastic processing as well as the performance of vulcanized thermoset ...
Compounds offer high-speed cures. (Tech update: materials).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... New potting compounds boast an instant UV curing feature: the ability to cure at room temperature to depths of an inch or more and under components where tight does not reach. Designated 960A/B and 961A/B, the products are designed for ease of application through typical disposable tip ...
Drive's noise is whisper quiet. (Design ideas: motion control).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The PD2400 microstep drive features a 40 kHz pulse wave modulation frequency and is designed to deliver quiet, high performance in a small, package. The unit is available in two current levels at up to 6 A of continuous current. It has a common programming language, which is also ...
Feed control allows for exact speeds. (Design ideas: motion control).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The VC precision feed control is designed to provide exact speed control. for machine motion. Features include a threaded outer tube for increased mounting versatility and adaptability to 25-mm threaded MC 600 metric accessories. Accessories include an air bleed collar for environments ...
A pause for pulses: a servoamplifier slows the transition rate of motor drive pulses and helps curb EMI/RFI radiation. (Design ideas: motion control).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... EMI/RFI radiation is caused by the higher harmonics of a motor drive waveform. The amplitude of higher harmonics increases with the steepness of the drive pulse. Consequently, reducing wave form steepness can minimize radiation at interference frequencies. The Model 7225ACF ...
Optical encoder provides many options. (Design ideas: motion control).
Jul 01, 2001 ... A linear encoder using optical sensing technology provides 0.0006 in. resolution and is available in lengths from 1-120 in. for motion control applications. The encoder has uses in medical instrumentation, patient handling systems, packaging equipment, print inspection devices, and fluid ...
Steel blocks support several shaft sizes. (Design Ideas: motion control).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The SB Series of steel shaft support blocks is designed for linear motion applications. Typical product uses include machine ways, transfer equipment, pick-and-place equipment, physical fitness equipment, saws, and routers. Cast in 1045 steel, they are precision manufactured and machined ...
Contamination-proof OEM pump.
Jul 01, 2001 ... The 313D Speedyload pump features a contamination-proof design and customization capabilities. Suitable for the medical OEM market, the 313D features secure clamps that are designed to allow more clearance during loading, preventing tampering in surgical applications. The pump has no ...
Integrated connectivity semiconductor.
Jul 01, 2001 ... DSTni integrated semiconductors are designed to provide a single chip solution for embedding network and Internet connectivity for devices. The interfaces contain essential hardware components for enabling network connectivity, allowing devices to be remotely monitored and ...
Resettable fuses.
Jul 01, 2001 ... BBR550 and BBR750 coated 90 V radial-leaded PolySwitch resettable fuses facilitate cable telephony and protect against potentially damaging power faults to cable power passing tap ports and set-top boxes. Rated hold currents are 550 and 750 mA, and both versions are designed to ...
Handheld ESD testers.
Jul 01, 2001 ... High-functionality NSG 435 ESD testers incorporate all the features of a comprehensive ESD test system in a compact, lightweight, handheld instrument. The testers combine the user friendliness, reliability, and repeatability of ESD testing in applications such as ...
Ultra-low profile connectors.
Jul 01, 2001 ... Series SHL ultra-low profile disconnectable crimp-style connectors are designed for critical high-density applications such as notebook PCs, LCD monitors, PDAs, and cellular phones. Spring action allows easy insertion into the housing with low insertion force, and the contacts ...
Signal conditioning modules.
Jul 01, 2001 ... SCC Series signal conditioning component modules are designed for frequency-to-voltage conversion, integrated circuit piezoelectric accelerometers, and resistance temperature detectors. The series consists of SCC-FV01 dual-channel frequency-to-voltage conversion modules that ...
Access view-ports.
Jul 01, 2001 ... A new line of viewports and access viewports has been designed to fit all types of applications and process systems. The series includes combination access viewports and view-ports for pressure service and vacuum service in 6 in.-diameter sizes. Manufactured of cast aluminum for ...
Switch modules.
Jul 01, 2001 ... A line of OEM modules converts manual on/off switch actuators into cognitive switches that require two to four sequentially timed operations to initiate contact closure/opening without keypads, reducing false starts and unauthorized system operation. The modules are available in ...
High-thrust air jets.
Jul 01, 2001 ... High-thrust adjustable air jets deliver high-volume air flow. The jets generate more than 20 oz of thrust for blow-off applications. Replacing loud, expensive open-air tubes, the units can reduce noise and energy costs by 75 percent. The maintenance-free ...
Single-board PC enclosures.
Jul 01, 2001 ... Series 709 CompactPCI enclosures are designed for the harsh shock and vibration requirements of rugged/military environments. A "militarized" chassis is designed to protect all internal components, and the design accepts commercial off-the-shelf CompactPCI single-board computers ...
IDC connectors.
Jul 01, 2001 ... Brad Harrison field-attachable insulation displacement (IDC) connectors are designed to eliminate the need for tools in the field. Once the wiring has been stripped, the devices simply twist together and are able to retain IP67 seal integrity. Designed for applications that ...
Extreme measures: helmet cameras for today's extreme sports must be built to take a ticking and keep on ticking. Here's how designers are creating equipment for the more daring of athletes. (Real-World Engineering).
Jul 01, 2001; ... Chances are if you were to jump out of a plane, whip along a huge track at 60 mph, or dangle 100 feet above the ground while scaling a rock wall, you'd see your life passing before your eyes. But a select few - daredevils who wish to relive such experiences - have created a niche market ...
Terminal blocks.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The Enclosure-less Terminal Block connection system integrates a common terminal block with industry standard IP67 miniature (7/8 in.) or micro (M12) connectors. This combination is designed to offer high integrity in harsh environments while providing installation flexibility within an ...
Control valve.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... The Kombat K4 Series of control valves is designed to accommodate higher capacity applications. The series offers stainless steel valve and actuator trim, which is intended to deliver trouble-free service providing Class IV seat leakage with shut-offs to 200 psi. Each valve ...
Battery clips.(Brief Article)
Jul 01, 2001 ... These low-profile battery clips for "AAA" and "N" cells are suitable for high-density applications. They feature flow-hole surface-mount solder tails designed to increase joint strength. The 0.01-in. thick, nickel-plated spring steel clips are engineered to securely retain cells ...
Bevel gearbox.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... RebelGear is a reversing right-angle bevel gearbox designed to drive bindery equipment. The gearbox can be used to drive separating discs on signature hoppers on bindery lines and to provide reversing for left-hand or right-hand binding. The unit ...
Hub motor.
Jul 01, 2001 ... The PowerTrac hub motor features slotless servo disc technology. The 7.88-in. diameter motor is designed for light electric vehicles such as bicycles, scooters, and industrial carts. The performance range is from 150 to 525 W continuous. The motor is designed with an ...
Safety tread.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... Black Grit safety tread offers a pressure-sensitive solution for non-skid surfaces. It is a permanent, conformable pressure-sensitive adhesive that is designed to provide a safe, non-slip surface that features finely ground mineral abrasives bonded permanently to a high-strength plastic ...
Conductivity electrodes.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... A line of heavy-duty stainless steel conductivity sensors are designed for boiler and other high-temperature conductivity applications. Two models with 3/4 in. threaded bodies provide a selection of insertion depths for in-line mounting. All versions can also be supplied with ...
Pressure sensors.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jul 01, 2001 ... UZU3 Series light-weight, compact dual-color digital pressure sensors are designed to provide mounting flexibility. The minimum cut out of equipment panels is 0.669 x 1.452 in. For multiple units, no space is required between units, saving both panel space and labor time. ...
Liquid flow sensors.
Jul 01, 2001 ... Series 106 FloSensors are capable of measuring low flow rates from 15 ml/min to 50 L/min with [+ or -] 1 percent accuracy. Featuring Teflon and sapphire wetted surfaces, the devices accurately measure de-ionized water as well as most highly corrosive liquids. Response time is ...
Programmable PMC modules.
Jul 01, 2001 ... GPI0-l user-programmable and flexible PMC cards allow designers to configure modules to meet virtually any I/O need for telecommunications application and increasing the computing performance of Champ-based digital signal processing (DSP) subsystems. The devices provide ...