Product News

Sensor features compact size

The OG Series of photoelectric sensors feature a microprocessor to assure reliable automatic setup. The laser version detects small objects at an extended range and under adverse environmental conditions. The OG features a completely sealed construction, making it less susceptible to environmental conditions, and carries an IP 67 rating. The sensor's microprocessor and other components are mounted on a flexible-film carrier which is rolled and inserted into the sensor housing.
Efector Inc., 805 Springdale Dr., Exton, PA 19341 FAX (610) 524-2010.

Monitoring system is for lightweighting

The CanMaster on-line monitoring system for aluminum cans features precise ram-to-dome alignment to avoid fractured domes and reduce ram whip, reducing tool wear. The system allows monitoring of an entire plant continuously to catch out-of-spec cans before they are sent to the necking station. The mechanics save time with dome alignments, stripper alignment, and time required for troubleshooting problems.
Kaman Instrumentation, 1500 Garden of the Gods Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80907 FAX (719) 599-1823.

IP module performs counter/timer functions

The IP480 industrial I/O pack module features up to six 16-bit or three 32-bit counter/timer channels which are user-configurable. Up to four IP modules plug into carrier cards to VMEbus or PC-based (ISA bus) computer systems or other cards supporting IP mezzanine modules. Multiple IP480 modules can be used on a single card for extremely high channel density or mixed with other IP module types to build a custom I/O board. Applications include counting events and timing a signal pulse to determine the pulse width or periodic rate.
Acromag Inc., Box 437, Wixom, MI 48393 FAX (248) 624-9234.

Pressure transmitter is for test applications

The "76'' Series of low-range differential pressure transmitters is accessible in confined spaces and has more than 20 different electrical connection and pressure ports. The unit is supported by the process connection or by an adaptable L-shaped mounting bracket. An internal calibration circuit simplifies field set-up. Applications include automotive, aerospace, and production test stands; leak testing; and laboratory and research.
Viatran Corp, 300 Industrial Dr., Grand Island, NY 14072 FAX (716) 773-2488.

Laser scanning system measures complex geometry

The Surveyor® 1200 3-D laser scanning system fits into the same floor space as a coffee table and consistently provides linear accuracies of 0.0005 inches. The system features a 2 ft³ work envelope along with three axes of computer-controlled automated or manual scanning. The system package includes DataSculpt® software with scan control, and a RSP^TM 150 or 450 rapid profile sensor.
Laser Design Inc., 9401 James Ave. S. Suite 162, Minneapolis, MN 55431.

Gravity flow meter provides precision measurement

The FX-3400 gravity flow meter provides precision measurement over a wide range of flow. A typical system consists of a FX-3400 digital flow meter and a FX-1100 Series mass flow detector. The system may be used with fluids including gasoline, light oil, kerosene, and alcohol. The FX Series of gravity flow detectors employ a precision differential pressure gauge to detect variations in liquid level inside a pyrex glass burette. The flow meter determines the instantaneous and integrated flow rates and indicates the mass of the fuel consumed.
Ono Sokki Technology Inc., 2171 Executive Dr. #400, Addison, IL 60101 FAX (630) 627-0004.

Data logger provides real-time concentration data

The personal DataRAM^TM dust monitor/data logger provides real-time concentration data on airborne dust, smoke, mists, and fumes, allowing personnel to take corrective action immediately. Large-scale data logging simplifies data collection for downloading to PC and analysis. This advanced light scattering and collection system provides concentration data with high correlation to standard gravimetric measurements of the respirable and thoracic fractions. Wide measurement range and an optically feedback-stabilized sensing system allows instrument use in applications where compact monitors were previously unsuited.
MIE Inc.m 7 Oak Park, Bedford, MA 01730 FAX (781) 275-2121.

Safety system replaces components with one unit

The PSS 3100 programmable safety system replaces many components with one unit that can control all of the safety-related parts of the machine or press. The system achieves the same level of safety as hard-wired components, and features triple-voting redundancy, approved safety blocks, and high-output semiconductors. The system is capable of complete self-diagnostics.
Pilz GmbH & Co., Felix-Wankel-Strabe 2D-73760, Ostfildern, Germany FAX +49 0711 34 09 133.

Carrier board allows operating system integration

The Model 5643 intelligent carrier board can integrate IndustryPack® and PC/104 modules onto its PC/ISA design for an alternative to custom and multiple-board systems. With its 486SLC TI CPU, standard power, and utility connectors, Model 5643 offers co-processing and stand-alone capabilities. Acting as a co-processor, the 5643 ensures that real-time control functions are not degraded by host CPU overhead or operating system limitations. For stand-alone operations, the 5643, using the ROM-DOS operating system, features 32 Kbytes of battery-backed static RAM, 2/4 Mbytes DRAM, and 2/4 Mbytes flash memory for user-defined parameter storage.
Technology 80 Inc., 58 Mendelssohn Ave., N. Minneapolis, MN 55427 FAX (612) 542-9785.

Clean-room seating is manufactured in clean room

Class 1, Class 1^Max, and budget Class 1 chairs and stools become certified Class 1 seating by fulfilling requirements in the manufacturing process. In the Class 1 process, assembled chair and stool components are brought into the clean room and wiped down. Static charges are neutralized and the chair is blown off with ionized air. The chair or stool components are double-bagged, labeled, and shipped. This assembly, wipe-down, and packaging of already upholstered chair and stool components in the clean room yield a Class 1 chair.
BioFit® Engineered Products, Box 109, Waterville, OH 43566 FAX (419) 823-1042.

Accumulator improves oil refrigerant mixture for air conditioners

Helix-design accumulator improves the mixture of oil and refrigerant in air conditioning systems. The resultant need for less oil change in the system can reduce costs. The accumulator can be used anywhere a top-inlet, top-outlet, conventional accumulator is used and features a helix deflector mounted internally in the accumulator body. As refrigerant enters the accumulator, the deflector redirects the flow through the circular helix channel. Refrigerant is driven into oil-rich liquid more effectively, creating a better mix and lessening the need for additional oil.
Parker Hannifin Corp. Climate and Industrial Controls Group, 6035 Parkland Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44124 FAX (216) 896-4008.

Thermometers are for temperature measurement applications

The OS520 Series of handheld infrared thermometers are for non-contact temperature measurement applications and are available in three models to cover temperature ranges from -18 to 870C. The series offers two laser-sighting options: laser dot and laser circle. The single laser dot indicates the center of the field of view, and the laser circle indicates the perimeter of the field of view. Features include adjustable emissivity from 0.1 to 1; a backlit LCD dual display; minimum, maximum, differential, and average temperature monitoring; and an audible and visible alarm.
OMEGA Engineering Inc., Box 4047, Stamford, CT 06907 FAX (203) 359-7700.

Programmable logic controller is for high speed

The Modicon TSX Micro programmable logic controller (PLC) features high speed, large memory, modular I/O, multitasking, and distributed intelligence. The PLC is targeted for use with mobile equipment, high-speed machines, PID control, distributed machine control, packaging, and handling, and can be mounted on a machine frame. To maximize performance, the PLC offers inputs with programmable filter times, interrupt inputs, and fast outputs. The Micro's IEC 1131 multitasking operating system handles interrupts and fast-tasks mid-scan for applications traditionally handled by large PLCs.
Schneider Automation Inc., 1 High St., North Andover, MA 01845 FAX (978) 975-9400.

Test programming language builds programs

The HP VEE 4.0 is a revision of the company's graphical programming language for developing test and measurement applications. The language allows users to build programs for manufacturing test, design characterization and verification, and data-acquisition applications. The compiler encodes HP VEE programs for faster execution. The language also features a professional development environment, complete with a program explorer, multiple-document interface, and debugging capabilities.
Hewlett-Packard Co.Test and Measurement Organization, Box 50637, Palo Alto, CA 94303.

Component inspection system qualifies key optical materials

The WYKO DUV^TM optical component inspection system is a dual-wavelength ultraviolet interferometer that qualifies key optical materials, components, and subassemblies used in DUV lithography systems for semiconductor applications. The non-contact instrument makes measurements of transmitted wavefront aberrations for optics such as beam-splitting cubes, lens assemblies, and UV materials. Designed specifically for lithography equipment manufacturers, the system can be customized with laser sources to match specific DUV lithography wavelengths.
WYKO Corp., 2650 E. Elvira Rd,. Tuscon, AZ 85706 FAX (520) 294-1799.

Connector offers leak-tight sealing

The FasMate^TM connector is for static or dynamic testing of high-pressure hydraulic components and features positive clamp-lever action. The FasMate is targeted for use in filling, evacuating, and pressure-test sealing of female threads, providing leak-tight sealing with a flick of the wrist. The "positive clamp" split-collet design locks quickly and securely, and the single-lever action is ergonomically efficient, eliminating twisting and turning by hand or wrench that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. The connectors are equipped with a Buna-N main seal for high-volume, high-cycle production applications.
FasTest Inc., 2315 Hampden Ave., St. Paul, MN 55114 FAX (612) 645-7390.

Flow meter simplifies machine's design

The Dosimag A electromagnetic flow meter is for flow measurement in batching and filling plants, and allows for highly repeatable short-time dosing. When linked to a plant control system, the Dosimag can carry out an automatic change in fill volume without interrupting production flow. Dosimag A provides measurement independent of entrained solid particles, measuring with variations in density or viscosity. Repeatability with the Dosimag, even for very short dosing times, is typically at 0.1% of the filling volume.
Endress + Hauser Instruments, 2350 Endress Pl., Greenwood, IN 46143 FAX (317) 535-8498.

Linear calibration system calibrates linear displacement transducers

The AutoCal^TM fully automated linear calibration system is for calibration of linear displacement transducers such as DVRTs and LVDTs. AutoCal consists of a PC graphical interface, a four-channel "smart box" with a 14-bit A/D converter, micrometer head, transducer clamping fixtures, and a stepper motor. Communication to the transducer, stepper motor, and micrometer head is done through a serial port of a PC and the "smart box." The graphical interface allows the user to save the calibration data and analyze the transducer's sensitivity and linearity.
MicroStrain Inc., 294 North Winooski Ave,. Burlington, VT 05401 FAX (802) 863-4093.

Honorable Mention

Communications protocol provides connection between controllers, subsystems

ControlNet^TM control system network supports the need for high-speed, secure control within an automation system. The network provides a 5 Mbit/sec connection between programmable controllers and I/O subsystems, and forms the foundation for a stable automation control system. Applications include those where repeatability and determinism are critical, and when extremely tight integration and a single point of vendor accountability are required.
Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley, 1201 South Second St., Milwaukee, WI 53204