Designer's Corner 5-4-98Designer's Corner 5-4-98
May 4, 1998
May 4, 1998 Design News
Designer's corner
Useful technology for your idea file
Cool operator
No valves or variable-displacement pumps need control this electro-hydraulic actuator. Instead, a servomotor driving a fixed-displacement pump regulates the cylinder's flow, and therefore its speed.
Transistors, which switch 100,000 times faster than hydraulic valves, control the servomotor. They also exhibit linear characteristics that do not drift in time or temperature.
Finally, both servomotor and pump operate submerged in oil. Result: smaller motor/inertia requirements, no seals on rotating parts, less noise.
Rolf Truninger, Truninger AG, Industriestrasse 9, CH-4513 Langendorf, Switzerland; Tel: +41 32 617 3700, FAX: +41 32 617 3798, Visit: www.truninger.com
Earth-piercing hammer
When trenching is impractical, Hole Hammers let contractors install irrigation or utility lines. The tool bores holes for telephone, water, or gas lines, and electrical cables under streams, driveways, walks, or patios.
Available in four sizes from 21/8 inch to 41/8 inch, accessories are available for expanding hole sizes, pulling pipe, and tracking the tools. A heat-treated alloy steel barrel and nitrated steel piston give wear resistance.
Air-assisted forward and positive-lock reverse use air pressure to hold the tool in forward position. Rotating the hose 11/2 turns locks the tool in reverse.
Dave Gasmovic, McLaughlin Mfg., 2006 Perimeter Rd., Greenville, SC 29605; Tel: (800) 435-9340.
Easy-load tubing pump
Self-priming, dry-running pump systems without valves or seals eliminate fluid contamination. But inserting tubing through the chamber while maintaining proper tracking and correct tension can be challenging.
Load tubing easily and reduce maintenance time with a patented over-center cam and adjustable tubing retention that holds tubing securely in place.
Mark Stolman, Barnant Co., 28W092 Commercial Ave., Barrington, IL 60010; Tel: (847) 381-7050.
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