new products

Rail signal conditioners
Omega Engineering Inc., Stamford, Conn.
DRF series DIN rail signal conditioners are designed to accept a range of input signals, such as ac and dc voltage and current, frequency, temperature (thermocouple and RTD), and process transducers, and provide standard process outputs of either 4 to 20 mA, or 0 to 10 V dc. The DRF series features a housing design that can be mounted on standard 35 mm DIN rails. Connections are made through pluggable screw terminal connectors, with input and output connections on the opposite sides of the module. The DRF series is suited for industrial applications. The front door of the housing provides easy access to span and offset potentiometers, which may be used to field-adjust the input and output signal range. The input, output, and power circuits are isolated by 3,500 volts of galvanic isolation. The isolation protects against potentially damaging voltages from passing through the signal conditioners into connected systems. The isolation also provides improved measurement accuracy by minimizing the effects of ground loops and electrical noise. Each DRF series signal conditioner comes with current and voltage output (only one may be used at a time).

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Small- application combo
Lin Engineering, Santa Clara, Calif.
The company, in conjunction with Trinamic Motion Control, is introducing the MiniPak. This integrated product combines a Lin size 11 step motor and a drive/control board using the Trinamic TMC222 drive chip, making it a useful combination for small applications. The Nema size 11, 1.8-degree motor is 1.1 in. square and comes with a length of 1.24 in. It provides high torque in a small package. The 211-13 produces 9.2 oz.-in. of holding torque. The mounted drive board, which uses the TMC222, has a programmable coil current of up to 800 mA, a voltage operating range from 8 V dc to 29 V dc and is capable of 2x to 16x microstepping. The driver board contains a fixed frequency PWM current control with automatic selection of fast and slow decay mode as well as a built-in ramp generator for autonomous positioning and speed control. Another convenient feature is the ability for on-the-fly alterations of target position. The MCU unit, which is sold separately, adds RS-485, homing, two-module handling, parameter storage, constant velocity mode, two demo modes, and ASCII interface.

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Metal detection
Turck Inc., Plymouth, Minn.
The uprox+ line of sensors is capable of precisely detecting materials, such as iron steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and brass, at high sensing distances without a reduction in the rated sensing distance of the sensor, according to the company. Uprox+ sensors contain a newly patented multicoil system. This multicoil system replaces the wound coil found in conventional ferrite core inductive sensors, resulting in extended sensing distances (up to 250 percent higher than standard proximity sensors) and the flexibility to incorporate this technology in a variety of unique housing designs. Uprox+ sensors also have an integrated predamping protection function to reduce the metal-free mounting area in applications. This allows traditionally flush-mounted sensors to be recessed by a half-turn for increased mechanical protection. Non-flush-mounted sensors may be embedded in metal up to the outer edge of the thread on barrel-style sensors and on all four sides of rectangular style sensors, causing only a slight reduction in sensing distance. Uprox+ sensors satisfy many sensing requirements, according to the company, whether for the automotive industry, machine engineering or for transport and handling applications. Uprox+ sensors are capable of replacing several conventional proximity sensors.

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Floating cable
C&M Corp., Wauregan, Conn.
The company's customized floating power and control cable is suited for submersible equipment and scientific devices. The DuraFloat floating cable relies on C&M's proprietary foam core extrusion capabilities to achieve the manufacturer's precise cable buoyancy requirements. DuraFloat floating cable is a flexible, UV-stable, and abrasive-resistant cable, which may also be fitted with a choice of jackets to achieve resistance to a variety of chemicals, including acids, saltwater, oil, and gasoline. C&M can vary the foamed core material and cellular structure of the specified cable to meet an OEM's buoyancy requirements. As a result, DuraFloat cable minimizes cable weight on submersible equipment and ensures that the cable does not interfere with equipment operation. The attributes of this cable make it suitable for powering and controlling robotic cleaning systems used in swimming pools and aquarium facilities. It is also suitable for specialized marine applications, oceanography research instrumentation, submersible environmental pumping systems, and offshore oil and gas equipment.

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High-speed machining
Command Tooling Systems, Ramsey, Minn.
To meet the demand for solutions that improve cycle times and productivity, Command has expanded its line of Shrink Fit tool holders and balanceable boring heads. It also offers tool balancing equipment that is faster and more accurate. The company has a wider selection of ThermoLok ShrinkFit tool holders, including a range of small-diameter holders down to 1/8 in. or 3 mm and straight shank extensions. Expanded solutions for precision holemaking include Urma MicroMax and VersaMax balanceable boring heads. These heads are engineered for a high degree of balance for improved accuracy and top performance at high speeds and for machining extremely hard materials.

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Pressure reducing valve
TLV Corp., Charlotte, N.C.
A compact, lightweight valve, the DR20 is useful with any small to moderate steam requirement. Superior flow characteristics through the use of a flow-up design, as well as a flat valve and plug arrangement, promotes secondary pressure stability. The stability augments the pressure reduction capability to allow the D20 to reach a turnover ratio of 30:1, virtually eliminating the need for two-stage pressure reduction. The stainless steel construction of the valve provides high durability and corrosion resistance for long service life. The DR20 has inline access to internal parts, simplifying cleaning and maintenance.

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Sheet fanners
Eriez, Erie, Pa.
Strong Hi-Powr sheet fanners are designed to handle hard-to-handle steel sheets, eliminate doubles, increase production, and save man-hours. According to the manufacturer, with these sheet fanners, there is no need to worry about prying, doubles, or marring of polished and painted sheets. Completely enclosed, tamperproof, and able to withstand severe usage, Eriez' powerful magnetic circuit makes optimal operating performance possible. Semi-sticky, oily, bent, and heavy-gauge sheet steel fan with ease, and provide new efficiency to slow, costly, difficult sheet feeding to presses, brakes, and shears. There are three strengths available in four heights, providing coverage for applications up to 1/8- in. (3 mm)-thick steel; sheets stacked up to 14 in. (355 mm) high. All units are built with U-shaped frames with stainless anti-friction strips and back cover.

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Anti- microbial fabric duct
Ductsox, Dubuque, Iowa
The Sedona-Xm offers a new aesthetic matte finish in its anti-microbial fabric duct for office buildings, schools, hospitals, athletic facilities, retail stores, and other public facilities. The active anti-microbial agent protects the fabric from mold, fungus, and other bacterial growth, while it also reduces odors generated by microbial growths commonly found in HVAC ductwork systems. According to the company, unlike metal ducts with anti-microbial treatments, the new Sedona-Xm offers the ability to easily disassemble, launder, and reinstall with minimum reduction of effectiveness. The new matte finish responds to architect requests for non-glossy, non-glare polyester duct surfaces. The Sedona-Xm uses linear diffusers instead of registers to distribute an even, quiet, and draft-less airflow. It won't attract condensation or dust, doesn't require painting or special coatings, and is lighter and less expensive to install than a metal duct.

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Rotary actuator
PHD Inc. Fort Wayne, Ind.
A low-profile body design and high axial thrust loads are features of the Series RCC rotary actuator. The unit's compact size easily accommodates applications within confined areas. The rotary actuator comes in bore sizes of 8, 12, and 156 mm, with two standard rotations (90° and 180°). All units have standard angle adjustment of ±5° in each direction. Standard internal shock pads eliminate metal-to-metal contact, which reduces noise and end-of-rotation impact forces. There is zero backlash at the end of rotations for precise rotary positioning. The rotary actuators are prethreaded with standard mounting holes in the body to provide versatility and ease of mounting.

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