Wire splicer reduces cost of making splices
The Ultrasplice(R)-2020 ultrasonic wire splicer eliminates consumables including metal clips and solder or resistance-welding electrodes. The design eliminates the need for tool changes or any other adjustments when moving from application to application, and centers on a precision-machined monolithic block incorporating an integral air cylinder.
American Technology Inc., 25 Controls Dr., Shelton, CT 06484 FAX (203) 926-2676
Vibration welder offers flexibility in weld shapes
Model CV-10 programmable orbital vibration welder bridges the gap between benchtop ultrasonic units and standard linear vibration welders. The welder features programmable motion from a circle to true linear, which eliminates some of the difficulties associated with a linear vibration welder. Orbital vibration welding, a friction process, uses a proven electromagnetic drive to create relative motion between two thermoplastic parts. This constant-velocity motion generates heat, which raises the material temperature at the joint to its melting point. The motion is stopped at its center after sufficient material is melted. The plastic then solidifies and forms a permanent bond.
Branson Ultrasonics Corp.,41 Eagle Rd., Danbury, CT 06813 FAX (203) 796-9838
Self-laminating adhesive bonds to challenging surfaces
300LSE laminating adhesive bonds to difficult-to-bond surfaces such as powder coatings, lightly oiled metals, and low-surface-energy plastics including polypropylene. Applications include appliance, automotive, and electronics where graphic nameplates, appliques, decorative trim, or die-cut parts are exposed to high temperatures and industrial cleaners. The laminating adhesive also resists lifting, slipping, and removal, is produced without bubbles or craters, and requires no fiber reinforcement for adhesive stability.
3M Identification and Converter Systems Div., 3M Center Building 220-7W-03, St. Paul, MN 55144 FAX (800) 258-7511
Spring latch allows door slamming without overloading the latch
Slam latches are offered in three sizes: 1 inch high and 1.25 inches wide, 2.87 inches overall; 1.25 inches high and 1.625 wide, 3.75 inches overall; and 1.375 inches high and 2 inches wide, 4.875 inches overall. Slam latches are targeted for use by manufacturers of doors, drawers, truck and trailer bodies, construction and farm equipment, and aircraft applications.
H.A. Guden Co. Inc., 99 Raynor Ave., Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 FAX (516) 737-2933.
Hinge holds open without secondary mechanical supports
The "Positioning-Advantage" hinge holds a door or panel open at two detent angles, 120 and 170 degrees, without secondary mechanical supports such as door stays or gas springs. This feature allows the hinge to keep doors in fixed open positions, allowing for hands-free access. The hinge features stylized snap-on covers to conceal the mounting hardware and to provide tamper resistance and protection from dirt, grit, and other contaminants.
SOUTHCO Inc., Brinton Lake Rd., Concordville, PA 19331 FAX (610) 459-4012
Linear feeders use 'reaction force compensation'
Vibranix linear feeder drives use a patented technology which balances vibratory forces in the drive unit. This allows metal-to-metal mounting, making precise alignment of the feeder tracks possible. The reduction in vibration eliminates the need for sound isolation, large counterweights, and custom substructures. Feeding capacity can be doubled by adding a second track of the same mass in place of the trim weights. The feeding track is attached to the armature of the drive and is balanced by either trim weights or a second track attached to the vibrating metal core.
Del-Tron Precision Inc., 5 Trowbridge Drive, Bethel, CT 06801 FAX (203) 778-2721
Product converts hose into a conveyor
Line Vac air-operated conveyors transport complex shapes, bulk materials, scrap, or trim without moving parts or electricity. Units eject a small amount of compressed air to produce a vacuum on one end and high-output flows on the other with instantaneous response. Air speed is controlled by regulating inlet air pressure. The conveyers feature large-throat diameters for maximum throughput capacity. Eight sizes from 1/2 inch to 3.75 inches I.D. capable of producing vacuums up to 90 inches H2O are available. Construction is aluminum or stainless steel for high-temperature and food-service applications.
EXAIR Corp., 1250 Century Circle, N.Cincinnati, OH 45246 FAX (513) 671-3363.
Fabric sealing system provides high visibility
The Model FS-180 ultrasonic fabric sealing system is for bonding or simultaneously cutting and sealing. The equipment seals knitted, woven, and non-woven thermoplastic materials without adhesives, chemical binders, staples, needles, or thread. The stand-alone system has been redesigned with the sealing anvil positioned above the work area, which allows the operator to view the bond as it is created. The FS-180 features top-mounted rotating sealing anvils; forward-angled head assembly to allow better visibility and room for the material to be moved; and increased throat and height, allowing for additional visibility and ease in processing bulkier materials.
Branson Ultrasonics Corp., 41 Eagle Rd, Danbury, CT 06813.
Enclosures feature optional EMI/RFI shielding
PROLINETM modular enclosures feature optional EMI/RFI shielding with a choice of two levels of protection. Intended for use with equipment that must be shielded to prevent electromagnetic interference, PROLINE modular enclosures provide protection from dust, oil, and moisture. Both the standard and enhanced models of PROLINE shielded modular enclosures feature plated frames, doors, sides, and covers for electromagnetic continuity and corrosion protection. The roll-formed frame members on PROLINE modular enclosures are open on all sides for complete plating of all surfaces. On the standard model, metal fabric gaskets form a seal on the doors, sides, and covers to provide electromagnetic continuity plus protection from dust.
Hoffman Engineering Co., 900 Ehlen Dr., Anoka, MN 55303 FAX (612) 942-6940.
Draw latch compensates for mounting hole irregularities
Rotary-action draw latch operates similarly to a standard draw latch, drawing two panels together with over-center clamping force. The latch is available in two styles, including a concealed spring-loaded version and a fixed-anchor-plate version. The concealed spring-loaded version compensates for mounting-hole irregularities, panel variations, and gasket set; absorbs shock and vibration; and reduces rattling. A "lift and twist" action is necessary to open the latches. This dual action prevents a latch from snapping open. Applications include those where safety or accidental opening are concerns.
SOUTHCO Inc., Brinton Lake Rd., Concordville, PA 19331 FAX (610) 459-4012.
Gaskets feature conductive adhesive
The CHO-WRAPTM EMI gasket features a closed-cell urethane foam wrapped with a fabric-reinforced aluminum foil. A conductive, pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided on one side for attachment without compromising shielding performance. CHO-WRAP EMI gaskets are provided in thin cross-sections targeted for backplane I/O and D-subminiature connector shielding. The gaskets provide 90 dB attenuation from 20 MHz to 1 GHz. They exhibit the shielding performance of foil and the conformability and toughness of fabric. The foil/fabric outer layer has no loose conductive fibers or sharp edges.
Parker Hannifin Corp.Chomerics Div., 77 Dragon Ct., Woburn, MA 01888 FAX (781) 933-4318.
Nutrunners feature nine-vane air motor
Power-Pulse(R) Plus Series of nutrunners feature a dual-lobe, nine-vane air motor coupled with a proven twin-blade pulse mechanism. The pulse mechanism is air-cooled for improved efficiency and long life. To enhance operator comfort and control, the Power-Pulse Plus models feature rubber handles with non-slip indentations. The one-handed forward/reverse control allows operators easy access, saving time during applications requiring a frequent change of direction.
Ingersoll-Rand Co.Tool & Hoist Div., Dept. NR-671 253 E. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882 FAX (908) 689-5580.
Pencil probes are used with gauges
Pencil probes can be used to perform any shop dimension check when combined with new or existing gauges or comparators equipped with axial movement contacts. An available program of 18 basic probe models covers a measuring range of plus or minus 0.008 to plus or minus 0.2 inches, with a measuring resolution of 0.00001 inches or better. For applications on automatic measuring systems, some probe models are provided with a pneumatic system that locates the contact in measuring position. The probes are constructed to prevent the penetration of dust and liquids, and standard bushings insulate the probe body from gauge mechanics to prevent damage to the mechanical sliding element.
Marposs Corp., 3300 Cross Creek Pkwy, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 FAX (248) 370-0621.
Hot stamp marker is air-operated
The Model 912 hot stamp marker is air-operated and can exert marking pressures up to 360 lbs on a range of materials. The unit has two stroke and power options and includes a heat-control adapter. Hot stamp marking uses pressure, dwell time, and heat to put a permanent mark into plastic parts. The stamp holder body features a built-in 400W heat source for rapid heating and quick recovery demanded by high-production applications. Uniform heat distribution is assured by the high-density cartridge heaters.
Columbia Marking Tools, 42600 Executive Dr. ,Harrison Township, MI 48045 FAX (810) 469-3120.
Connectors are for power panels
Cast-copper mechanical connectors are used for power panels, plating and welding operations, motor starting relays, bus bars, and other applications. The connectors are cast from high-strength copper alloy and feature a one-piece construction with compact design. They accept a range of copper cable sizes, are reusable, and are furnished with either a socket hex head or slotted set screw. The full line of cast-copper connectors includes single-barrel, one- and two-bolt lug types, dual- and triple-barrel lug types, and stud and two-way connectors.
Panduit Corp., 17301 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park, IL 60477FAX (815) 485-5839.
HONORABLE MENTION
Fastener resists cross threading
AcupointTM anti-cross-threading fastener features a spherical point which allows the fastener to self-align from both off-angle and off-center positions. The point design allows quick engagement into the hole and thread engagement only when the fastener is properly aligned. Applications include those where cross-threading commonly occurs. The fastener's design minimizes point interference. The fastener features a 97% starting rate at an off-angle of 30 degrees. In the off-center position, the fastener shows a good start 100% of the time at 2.40 mm off-center and 91% at 2.90 mm.
Camcar Textron, 600 Eighteenth Ave., Rockford, IL 61104 FAX (800) 544-6117