get 'em while they're hot

Flat-panel computer
Computer Dynamics Inc.,
Greenville, S.C.
The Display-Pac-Multi is a flat-panel-based multimedia system powered by a Pentium III 850 MHz-based single-board computer with up to 1 gigabyte of SDRAM and a bright 20.1-in. 1,280x1,024 TFT LCD display with resistive touchscreen overlay, all housed in a compact, lightweight plastic enclosure which can be arm-mounted. Two hardware MPEG encoder circuits allow the capture and compression of dual audio/video streams from the system's integrated camera and microphone.

flat-panel computerPlayback of stored MPEG streams (from an internal SCSI hard drive or a network) is accomplished through its hardware MPEG decoder. This permits maximum video quality with minimal CPU intervention, helpful for applications requiring animation. A compact SVHS camera featuring auto backlight control and light compensation mode is mounted behind a lens at the top front of the unit. The system's microphone uses an antiecho microphone to provide audio recording time, sequenced with the video capture. A 16-bit Sound Blaster Pro-compatible audio controller with 7.5-W-per-channel amplifier, two magnetically shielded 30-W speakers, and two push-button switches to allow the user to control volume are also provided.

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Handheld multifunction calibrator
Omega Engineering Inc.,
Stamford, Conn.
The portable CL123 multifunction calibrator is a device for generating and measuring voltage, current, frequency, and temperature of thermocouples K, J, E, and T (°C and °F). The instrument is CE approved and is designed with a 4- and 5-digit display, for an operating temperature of 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F) and operating/storage humidity of less than 85 percent. Available ranges include: 4-20 mA (1kilohm) load, 24 V loop supply); 0-100.00 mV, 0-1.0000 V, 0-12.000 V; frequency of 1-62,500 Hz; 0-20 mA, 0-24 mA, selectable. A beeper warns when output is open (mA). Basic accuracy is 0.025 percent: for 0-24 mA, ±0.025 percent, ±0.003 mA; for 0-100 mV, ±0.05 percent, ±0.03 mV; for 0-1 V, ±0.05 percent, ±0.0003 V; and for 0-10 V, ±0.05 percent, ±0.003 V. Accuracy for frequencies from 1 to 125 Hz is ±0.04 Hz; from 126 to 62,500 Hz, it is ±0.01 percent ±0.04 Hz. There are 604 available frequencies. The CL123 is supplied with a rugged carrying case, 9 V battery, external battery pack (without batteries) that holds four AA batteries, type K thermocouple, test leads, and alligator clip.

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Load cell system
Transducer Techniques,
Temecula, Calif.
System THA/TM0-1 is a combination of the firm's TH Series through-hole load cell and the TM0-1, a 12 V dc-powered amplifier/conditioner module, recommended for a variety of industrial and OEM force measurement and weighing applications. The module provides dedicated conditioning and several units can be powered from a common power supply. Balance and span pots are low tempco metal film for long-term stability and good resolution. The through-hole load cell (compression only) is constructed from stainless and is offered in a variety of ranges from 50 lbs. to 50,000 lbs. with a selection of through-hole diameters per range. Accuracies are said to be consistent with highly accurate strain-gauge-based load cells.

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Single-axis motion controller
Galil Motion Control Inc.,
Rocklin, Calif.
The DMC-1417 single-axis motion controller, designed for the PCI Bus format and measuring 4.23 by 7.3 in., has been added to the firm's Econo Series. Features include an extra encoder input for electronic gearing; memory for application programs, variables, and arrays; multitasking for concurrent execution of two application programs; uncommitted I/O; and user-selectable stepper or servo motion control. The controller delivers modes of motion, including point-to-point positioning, jogging, contouring, electronic gearing, and electronic CAM, or ECAM. It accepts encoder frequencies of up to 8 MHz for servos and 2 MHz for steppers and provides advanced PID compensation with velocity and acceleration feedforward and integration limits. All connections to the controller are made with a 37-pin D-type cable and the company's ICM-1460 interconnect module.

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Multiwing fans
Crowley Co. Inc.,
Burton, Ohio
The new multiwing Z Series fans feature a unique airfoil profile blade design that is said to produce an efficient combination of high air volume, low power consumption, and low noise. The fans, manufactured from strong, lightweight components, are recommended by the manufacturer for HVAC, industrial, and engine cooling applications. They are available in diameters from 16 in. to 49 in., five corrosion-resistant blade materials, configurations from three to 16 blades and nine pitch angles from 20 degrees to 50 degrees.

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Steam generators
Leslie Controls Inc.,
Tampa, Fla.
A new line of unfired steam generators is now available in vertical or horizontal construction for use with either steam or high-temperature water as the heating source. The generators produce up to 20,000 pounds per hour of process or clean steam and can generate pressures up to 125 psi. The generators are said by the manufacturer to be ideal for sterilization, humidification, or basic heating requirements in the pharmaceutical, food processing, or biomedical fields.

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Micro- hardness testers
Struers Inc., Westlake, Ohio
The new Duramin series of microhardness testers allow Vickers and Knoop hardness tests to be performed rapidly, accurately, and reliably. The devices are suitable for applications in both industrial research and in quality control environments. The Duramin line conforms to the newest standards: for Vickers, DIN EN ISO 6507 part 1-3; ASTM E-384-99; and for Knoop, ISO 4545. An easy-to-read LCD displays all data, measuring conditions, and operational procedures. Nine different force levels can be selected via a patented load changing mechanism that functions automatically to prevent incorrect operation and operating time.

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Terminal block relays
Rockwell Automation,
Milwaukee, Wis.
The new Allen-Bradley Bulletin 700-HL terminal block relay line, a 6.2-mm-wide interface, is available with a one-pole (SPDT) relay or one normally open solid-state relay and offers reduced space requirements and installation costs for a variety of high-density isolation and interposing applications. A 20-way jumper wiring system makes installation and maintenance of the relay quick and easy and can reduce wiring costs up to 60 percent. The terminal block relay features a UL rating (cULus) and marine certification (RINA and ABS). The interface module also has cURus, IMQ, and CE ratings and is available in 12, 24, 48, 110, 125, 230, and 240 V ac/dc as well as lower-cost 12, 24, and 48 V dc only versions.

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CVT traction fluids
Santotrac Traction Lubricants,
St. Charles, Mo.
Introduction of advanced traction fluids for use in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) in a full-size range for cars and trucks are being introduced. CVTs transfer power via smooth curved surfaces that make the stepped configuration of conventional transmissions unnecessary. Because the transfer surfaces are smooth, an elastohydrodynamic (EHD) traction fluid must be used. Between the two smooth surfaces, EHD fluids become solid for a few microseconds, improving power transfer by 50 to 100 percent.

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High-speed video camera
MCT Inc.,
Charlotte, N.C.
The Photron Fastcam-Ultima 1024 motion camera with CMOS technology features mega-pixel resolution and high-speed digital imaging performance. The camera is intended for production and research applications where slow-motion playback would optimize quality, yield, and productivity on the production line by monitoring performance and troubleshooting equipment problems. Image resolution of the camera is 1,024 x 1,024 pixels at a frame rate of 500 frames per second. The camera provides high-speed image capture of up to 16,000 images per second and has the ability to freeze individual frames of motion.

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Aluminum electrolytic capacitor
Ness Capacitor Co. Ltd.,
Suwon, South Korea
The proprietary Advanced Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor, or AAEC, Series offers three different typesÑchip, radial, and prismaticÑ to fit many military and aerospace applications. All three types offer low equivalent series resistance: chip type (size 7.2 x 6.5 x 3.0 mm) less than 500 milliohm, radial type (size 10 x 30 mm) less than 10 milliohm, and prismatic (size 64.5 x 33.5 x 6 mm) less than 6 milliohm. All three have a voltage range of 6.3 V to approximately 50 V.

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Mechanically cleaned filters
RPA Process Technologies,
Portage, Mich.
DCF mechanically cleaned filters are now available in a new twin actuator version, as contrasted with single actuator/driveshafts. The new design effectively isolates the pneumatic drive mechanism from the cleaning disc shaft in the center of the housing. Consequently, the filters can process thicker, more viscous liquids as well as fast-drying, highly abrasive, and sticky fluids. The twin mechanisms are available with DCF-800 and DCF-1600 filter units and retrofits are also offered for existing units. DCF filters use a cleaning disc to remove contaminants from the interior surface of the filter media. As the contaminants are removed, they are concentrated in a collection chamber at the bottom of the filter housing. Once collected, the contaminants are then purged from the housing in less than one second.

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Zinc-plated valves
Hansen Technologies Corp.,
Burr Ridge, Ill.
zinc-plated valvesNew refrigeration control valves with zinc plating are now available as an alternative to the company's acrylic enamel valve coating. The zinc plating provides good corrosion resistance. The zinc plating is offered for several control valves in sizes up to 4 in.: refrigerant solenoid valves, refrigerant pressure regulators, small pressure regulators, gas-powered suction stop valves, gas-powered solenoid valves, piston-type check valves, flanges, and strainers (filters). Zinc plating is standard for several solenoid valves (HS2, HS6, and HS8A) and all in-line HCK4 check valves.

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Spring levelers and vacuum cups
Vaccon Co., Medfield, Mass.
A new line of spring levelers and vacuum cups is now available for pick and place applications that require the horizontal lifting of uneven-shaped parts and parts from uneven surfaces. Using a cup-spring leveler combination to pick and place parts reduces shock to the object, reduces machine indexing when picking up material from a stack, and allows an easy interface for machine tooling between the vacuum cup and vacuum line. The spring levelers, with stroke lengths from 0.2 in. to 2.8 in., come in two models with four sizes. Vacuum cups feature new materials and sizes, including nitrile, oil-resistant vinyl, polyurethane, silicone, FDA vinyl and silicone, and antistatic vinyl. Cup sizes range from 0.093 in. OD up to 10 in. OD.

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UV/visible curing system
Xenon Corp.,
Woburn, Mass.
The new CoolCure Twin XL mercury-free pulsed UV/visible curing system features dual lamp housings that can be independently operated at separate locations in manual, semiautomated, or full automated production applications. DVD bonding is said by the manufacturer to be an ideal application for the new system. Previously, two separate curing systems were required because a lamp had to be located on each side of the disc to prevent warping due to thermal stress. The new system replaces the two systems with one at significantly lower cost, according to the manufacturer.

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Gasket
Emka Inc.,
Middletown, Pa.
The 662 NEMA 4 gasket for fire-sensitive applications satisfies ASTM C542-82, D662-95, and SMP 800-C standards. The 662 elastomer material is a special EPDM blend that is designed to meet the fire safety standards of the New York subway and features low closure force sealing and fast and secure installation by means of a steel spring.

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Fail-safe brakes
Electroid Co.,
Springfield, N.J.
A new line of easy-to-install, economical ac brakes are power-off or fail-safe brakes, specifically designed to hold a load like a parking brake or to stop a load completely when power is shut off. The brakes are mounted easily to the back of an ac motor and are wired directly to the ac input. Nine standard sizes are available in the Temporiti product range with torques from 3 ft.-lbs. to 220 ft.-lbs. Various voltages are available as well, including 208, 230, 460, and 575 V ac.

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Pressure transducer
Sensotec Inc.,
Columbus, Ohio
The Model TJE pressure transducer is designed to be rugged enough to provide reliable pressure data in the most hostile conditions. It is available as intrinsically safe with CSA, Cenelec, CE, and FM approvals. DNV approval is also offered. The transducer has hermetic, all-welded stainless steel construction and vibration resistance for any application that involves extremes of heat, vibration, and moisture. A submersible option is also available. The transducer delivers 0.1 percent F.S. accuracy and thermal stability of less than ±0.0025 percent F.S./°F and is available in ranges from 0-1 to 0-60,000 psi. A variety of outputs are available, including 3 mV/V (standard) with optional 0-5 V dc and 4-20 mA for interfacing to existing systems. Standard operating temperature is from -100°F to +325°F.

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Drive systems for feeders
Eriez Magnetics,
Erie, Pa.
According to the manufacturer, this company's patented ac-operated electromagnetic drive systems can reduce power consumption by more than 60 percent compared to competitive drive systems. The drive systems are used throughout the company's line of bin vibrators and throughout the A, B, C, and HS lines. Small vibratory units handle from 5 lbs./hr. to 25 tons/hr. and high-speed units from 40 cu. ft./hr. to 600 cu. ft./ hr. High-deflection feeders have rates up to 80 ft./min. of lightweight material, and heavy-duty feeders can move more than 850 tons/hr.

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Terminal block
Tyco Electronics Corp.,
Harrisburg, Pa.
terminal blockThe Pivot Block terminal block does not require tools or wire stripping to terminate wires. The product uses insulation displacement contacts that eliminate the need for wire stripping and crimping and allows the user to terminate wires by pivoting a lever on the terminal block, which forces the wire into the contact. The contacts are on a 3.5-mm centerline pitch and are available in two to 16 positions. The block will also be available in a flanged version. Both versions accept solid and stranded wire from 22 to 24 AWG and mate with either 3.5-mm horizontal or vertical terminal block headers. Contacts are rated at 5 A each with a maximum voltage rating of 250 V ac. Contact resistance is rated at 5 milliohms. The contact termination is rated at a minimum of 10 cycles.

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Universal power supply
Ault Inc.,
Minneapolis, Minn.
The PW160 15- to 48-watt universal power supply is a CE-rated, desktop-style unit currently available in 3 V, 5 V, 7 V, 9 V, 12 V, 15 V, 16 V, 18 V, 24 V, and 48 V models with input voltage of 100 V ac to 250 V ac. The supply features regulated output with low ripple and it complies with EMI/RFI regulations and measures 104 mm long, 66 mm wide, and 37 mm high. It has TUV/IEC950, UL1950, CSA950, and MITI safety approval ratings as well as Australian approval. A medical version (MW160) is also available.

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Combo PCI card
Data Device Corp.,
Bohemia, N.Y.
The SB-36200IX is a four-channel synchro/resolver-to-digital and two-channel digital-to-synchro/resolver COTS card. It is a lower-cost, half-size version of the six-channel SB-36210IX and SB-36220IX with several performance enhancements. Each D-S/R channel can accommodate the company's DSC-11520, DSC-11524, and DR-11525 cards. The SB-36200IX features an optional power oscillator that supports 2, 26, and 115 V rms from 57 to 7 kHz. The card uses a 16-bit, monolithic R/D approach to measurement that requires fewer components and provides a Type-2 servo-tracking loop that avoids latency and timing issues.

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Blow-off vacuum pumps
Vaccon Co. Inc.,
Medfield, Mass.
The Fastbreak line of preassembled high-speed blow-off vacuum pumps, levelers, and cups is intended for pick-and-place applications that require accurate part placement of irregularly shaped objects and/or rapid part release in dusty and dirty environments. The blow-off action continuously cleans the vacuum lines to ensure a positive release into a nesting fixture for safe placement of parts. With a variety of pump, spring level, and cup combinations, the assembled unit can be customized to suit pick-and-place application, where parts may be lifted from uneven surfaces or where parts change shapes during production. There are four Fastbreak pump styles (VP0X, VP1X, VP2X, and VP8X) offering a choice of 12 venturi capacities and four different port connections.

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Industrial computers
Exor International,
Wellington, Fla.
The XLIN family of industrial computers is designed to provide the capabilities of a desktop system in a package suitable for the harsh factory floor. The computers are available in three display sizes: 10.4 in. TFT, 12.1 in. TFT, and 15.1 in. TFT and come equipped with either a hard drive or a flash drive for extremely rugged applications. The computers' features also include an Intel Pentium III 800-MHz processor, a minimum of 6-GB hard drive, four open PCI slots, and a resistive clear touchscreen.

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Signal relay
Fujitsu Takamisawa America Inc.,
Sunnyvale, Calif.
A new miniature signal relay, the 2 Form C FTR-C2, has high insulating properties that eliminate the need for supplementary transformers to separate telephone network voltage circuits. By providing both insulating and switching properties, the relay simplifies and increases the efficiency of the circuit and reduces the size and cost of the end device. The relay features 2.0-mm gaps between the coil and contact, between open contacts, and between contact sets to meet the working voltage 250-V insulation specification of the IEC60950 standard. Applications include office equipment such as photocopiers, facsimile machines, and modems. The 11.6-mm-high, 20.2-mm-wide, 10-mm-deep relay has 0.3-W nominal power, a 3-kV dielectric withstand voltage (average), a 2.5-kV lightning surge (10/700 µsec), and 2.5-mm creepage. It meets UL, CSA, and BSi standards.

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Drum dryer
Buflovak, Div. of Buffalo Technologies Corp.,
Buffalo, N.Y.
This company's drum dryers have been used in a wide range of applications, from drying food and pharmaceuticals to drying waste sludge products. A slow rotating drum is heated internally with steam. The product is applied to the outside of the drum where water is vaporized and a full-length knife removes the dried product from the drum. The dryers are thermally efficient, using only 1.1 lb. to 1.3 lb. of steam per pound of water evaporated.

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Vertical machining center
Cincinnati Machine,
Cincinnati, Ohio
vertical machining centerThe new Arrow Series 2 VMC-1000 features the firm's Ultimate Performance technology as well as a Profibus I/O interface, offering increased power and spindle acceleration, enhanced rapid traverse and acc/dec performance, and fast axis drive. The digital vector spindle drive provides 30-hp maximum (22 kW), 25-hp MTDR. Improved spindle acceleration allows the 40 Series spindle to reach 8,000 rpm in just 1.8 seconds. The drive system provides constant torque regardless of load. Process matching feed rates of 15,000 mm/min. are combined with rapid traverse rates up to 36 m/min.

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Fiber-optic illuminator
Chiu Technical Corp.,
Kings Park, N.Y.
The FO-50 high-intensity precision fiber-optic illuminator has ENZ lamp color temperature of 3,450 K. The FO-50 is a low-profile (5 in. high) halogen light source that conserves bench space, while providing excellent specimen lighting for microscopic, borescopic, and endoscopic examinations. A front panel rotary dimmer adjusts the voltage and controls a continuous light flow so that light output can be concentrated or subdued as desired.

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Micro pump series
Valcor Engineering Corp.,
Springfield, N.J.
The new SV700 Series of inert solenoid-operated micro pumps are 3 in. high with a diameter of 1.10 in. and offer a dispense volume of 50 to 250 µl. The new pumps can reliably dispense small volumes of low-density fluids with a low-wattage solenoid (5.3 W). A selection of standard materials of construction allows for a wide range of fluid compatibilities. The pumps are available with a variety of fluid connections.

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T-junction calibrator
Endevco,
San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
The Model 2944.1 T-junction calibrator provides passive calibration of measurement systems for piezoelectric transducers. The calibrator features 10-32 UNF-2A receptacles for the convenient connection of coaxial cables and aids in compliance with the requirements of MIL-STD-740-2. The calibrator is used for in-situ calibration over a wide range of amplitudes and frequencies. It is a three-terminal network enclosed in a shielded case. A precision 100-ohm resistor is included in the network to close the ground circuit. This enables measurements to be made without having to remove the calibrator from the system.

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Timing belt drive
Amacoil Inc.,
Aston, Pa.
A new timing belt drive for single-axis positioning and sequence control procedures, including PLC-controlled setups, is now available. The Amacoil/Uhing AZ-1010 timing belt drive features a compact design made possible because the load carriage does not overhang the carrier section but is the same width (40 mm). The belt is recessed below the top surface of the carrier section to help protect the belt from potential hazards in the work environment and to prevent it from being caught on machinery or parts. Carrier section lengths are combined to accommodate stroke length requirements. Travel speeds up to 3.5 m/sec. are attainable with repeatable accuracy to within ±0.2 mm. The belt material is 9-mm-wide, neoprene/steel cord with a tractive force of up to 320 newtons.

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Sealed load cell
Muse Measurements Corp.,
San Dimas, Calif.
The M7200 universal load cell is a solid-state hermetically sealed design with a 300 percent overload rating. The cell can be installed easily on any existing container or table to provide intrinsically safe weight measurements for up to 10,000 lbs. per cell. The cell is available as a complete scale kit or individual sensors and is packaged in a palm-size, stainless-steel, FM-approved and nitrogen-filled housing that fits many process weighing applications.

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Gas depletion alarm
Concoa,
Virginia Beach, Va.
gas depeletion alarmA new Protocol Alarm system for wall-mounted, high-purity regulators is designed to assure safe continuous delivery with benefits that the manufacturer claims have been previously available only to large-volume specialty gas users by way of sophisticated automatic switchover devices. The alarm provides early warning of cylinder depletion for small-volume single- or two-cylinder applications. A plugged port in the 529 Series Protocol Station gas block facilitates purging and an integral check valve at the CGA connection prevents internal contamination during cylinder change. The alarm is available with alarm gauges in 600, 4,000, 6,000, and 10,000 psig models to support all of the company's high-purity regulators.

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Ethernet network interface unit
GE Fanuc Automation North America Inc.,
Charlottesville, Va.
Release 1.1 of the VersaMax Ethernet Network Interface Unit features embedded Ethernet connectivity without the need for a serial connection from a PC or a handheld device. The new unit's enhancements include support for use with the company's Series 90 PLCs using Ethernet Global Data, expansion racks for up to 64 I/O modules per station, and I/O modules that are capable of hot insertion so replacement does not interrupt operations. The new unit also supports high-density analog modules. General capabilities of the new interface unit include a 10/100 Base T/Tx Auto Sense Ethernet connection for faster data transfers, full-duplex communication, and Ethernet Global Data and Modbus Ethernet protocols.

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Self- lubricating bushings
AST Bearings,
Montville, N.J.
A new series of self-lubricating bushings offers high load capacity, low friction, and strong resistance to wear. The new AST650 Series is designed from cast bronze-based metal to withstand high loads. The bushings are also available in an iron-casting material (AST250 Series). Finely finished radial holes are embedded with a solid lubricant covering up to 30 percent of the working surface. During operation, this lubricant automatically deposits a film onto the rotating surface of the shaft. The new bushings offer excellent performance without lubrication under severe temperatures (-100°C to +300°C) and can handle a maximum load of 150 N/sq. mm and maximum speed of less than 1.00 m/sec.

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Field termination kit
Siemon Co.,
Watertown, Conn.
The new MT-RJ field termination kit includes a complete set of termination tools along with a visual fault locator. A palm-size dual laser light source sends visible light into the connector, to identify conditions that degrade connector performance such as opens or breaks in fiber. The new kit can be ordered with Siemon part No. FTERM-MT. Customers may also purchase the company's VFL upgrade kit as an add-on accessory for older MT-RJ termination kits.

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