new products

Diaphragm regulator
Beswick Engineering Co. Inc., Greenland, N.H.

The company's two-stage non-relieving diaphragm regulator PRD3 is the third generation of its PRD series of regulators. It improves upon the Beswick original two-stage diaphragm regulator PRD2 by incorporating larger 10-32 ports for higher flow and easier integration into systems. The new pressure regulator also includes an improved valve design. The PRD3 two-stage pressure regulator retains the major advantages of the PRD2, such as compact size, light weight, precise control of output pressures from 0 to 20 psig, etc. It is roughly the size of 10 quarters stacked on top of each other. It weighs about 23 grams in aluminum and 50 grams in brass and stainless steel. It controls output pressures from 0 to 20 psig and is especially suited to low pressure regulation such as 1/2 psig. The maximum rated inlet supply pressure is 500 psig. Normally, small regulators are subject to droop and rise of the output pressure with wide swings in input pressure, but the PRD3 regulator maintains a constant output pressure despite input pressure swings.

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One-piece conical tank
Assmann Corp. of America, Garrett, Ind.
A 560-gallon, all-polyethylene conical bottom tank and stand serves as a mix vessel for chemicals and for corrosive acids like sulfuric and hydrochloric acid. The conical tank is a complete polyethylene unit and is available in seamless molded one-piece units. Both the tank and the stand are corrosion resistant, making the unit maintenance-free with no need to repaint or replace a steel stand. This tank features molded-in fitting placement flats on the tank roof, molded-in forklift access for easy tank placement and four anchor points molded into the stand for stability. Conical tanks store a wide variety of tough chemicals for many applications and the tanks have uniform wall thickness and offer excellent corrosion resistance. Tanks are available in sizes from 300 to 8,000 gallons.

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Linear position sensor
Everight Precision Technologies Corp., Penn Valley, Pa.
The North American distributor for British sensor manufacturer Positek Ltd. has introduced Positek's "X" line of intrinsically safe, linear variable inductive transducer position sensors. They are for use in oil and gas exploration, production, and transportation; in heavy equipment, and in factory automation applications. These sensors include the X111, which the manufacturer calls its most robust intrinsically safe linear position/displacement sensor in the 50 to 800 mm measurement range. Built and calibrated for the user's measurement range, the X111 is highly linear and repeatable, and is offered in a variety of mounting configurations. Positek X Series sensors, used as a system with Positek BX Series galvanic barriers, provide either a 0.5 to 9.5V dc or a 4-20 mA analog output signal that represents absolute position available immediately on power up. With no wearing contacts, Positek inductive transducers are reliable over long time periods and maintain output stability over a wide temperature range.

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Vortex flowmeters
Sierra Instruments, Monterey, Calif.
Innova-Flo volumetric vortex flowmeters feature a redesigned electronics package, including the HART Communication Protocol. Innova-Flo economically monitors gases, liquids, and steam using Sierra's patented vortex sensing technology tied into the meter's sophisticated on-board computer. Both the inline Model 220 and insertion Model 221 have smart electronics that extend the sensitivity and range of the meters below that of conventional vortex meters, solving a common problem of vortex meter users, according to the manufacturer. Both models are designed for ease of installation. Product accuracy for the in-line version is ± 0.7 percent of reading for liquids and ±1.0 percent for gases and steam over a 30:1 range. Accuracy of the insertion version is ± 1.2 percent of reading for liquids and ±1.5 percent for gases and steam. In addition, Innova-Flo uses state-of-the-art advanced proprietary digital signal processing to better differentiate the signal-to-noise ratio and to provide a more stable and accurate flow reading for the user. This also makes for a very consistent signal at low flow operation. Adding the HART Communication Protocol as a standard feature allows the meters to be configured remotely or programmed and commissioned locally through the keypad.

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Gas analyzer
E Instruments Group, Langhorne, Pa.
The GreenLine 8000 portable gas analyzer is a suitable tool for most environmental monitoring needs, according to the company. It makes a useful temporary replacement when CEM systems are nonoperational or being repaired. Among other gases, it monitors O2, CO, NO, NO2, and SO2. The analyzer comes with a heated probe and sample line, full analysis memory, and a built-in Peltier gas cooler with automatic water removal.

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Cross blocks
J.W. Winco Inc., New Berlin, Wis.
This supplier of standard industrial machine components is expanding its line of cross blocks for square and round tubes. Cross blocks provide an economical, simple, one-piece solution for applications that require height and width adjustments. They are typically used on conveyors, conveying systems, and various types of equipment in the packaging, pharmaceutical, automation, and material handling industries. One common connection piece (the cross block) is used for mounting both a perpendicular and a horizontal rod through the cross block holes, and they are secured in place via the socket cap screws. The body of these cross blocks is black glass-filled nylon plastic; socket cap screws and hex nuts are stainless steel. The plastic is resistant to corrosion, oils, solvents, and many acids, and has a maximum heat resistance of 110°C (230°F). These cross blocks accommodate 1/2-in. round tubing or 7/16-in. square tubing.

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Mini wind tunnel
Omega Engineering Inc., Stamford, Conn.
Combining low cost with advanced features, the WTM-1000 wind tunnel from Omega can calibrate either vane or hot-wire anemometers. Along with high accuracy—±0.1% of setting—this benchtop unit offers easy anemometer mounting, built-in electronics, and a 102 mm (4-in.) diameter internal test chamber. Air velocity (2.5, 5.0, 10, or 15 m/s) is user selectable via the ergonomic rotary dial. Typical applications include HVAC, aeronautics, professional calibration services, and science laboratories. An optional NIST-traceable certificate is available. Made in the U.S.A., this product satisfies the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive of the European Union. Price starts at $2,995.

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Operator interfaces
Automation-Direct, Cumming, Ga.
The C-more Micro-Graphic panel is, according to the company, a touch panel with a text panel price manufactured by parent company Koyo Electronics. These compact operator panels are available in touch screen ($189) and non-touch screen ($139) models. The 3.1-in. LCD easy-to-read monochrome display offers a resolution of 128 x 64 pixels. With 768 kB memory, the panels support up to 999 screens, limited only by project memory usage. In addition, C-more Micro is equipped with LED backlights with five user-definable colors. Using the panel with touch display, operators can quickly initiate an action or enter a value. Projects can include bitmap pushbuttons, increment/decrement pushbuttons, and even a popup numeric keypad right on the screen.

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Hydraulic hose
Parker Hannifin, Wickliffe, Ohio
ParMax 761 Series hydraulic hose is a long-lasting hose made for very high-pressure applications. Designed for high-performance and extreme durability, ParMax 761 Series hose offers a constant working pressure of 8,000 psi. The hose is compatible with the company's Parkrimp 76 Series fittings. The ParMax 761 hose has an inner tube of oil-resistant synthetic rubber, and six spiral plies of high-tensile steel-wire reinforcement. The black, synthetic rubber cover is oil-, weather-, and abrasion-resistant. A durable color layline creates easy, long-lasting identification. The No-Skive design of the hose eliminates the need to remove the cover before crimping. The hose is designed for use with petroleum-based hydraulic fluids and lubricating oils with a temperature range of -40°C to 125°C (-40°F to 257°F).

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Pressure sensors
American Sensor Technologies, Mount Olive, N.J.
This manufacturer of MEMS-based pressure sensing products has introduced AST47SM Series pressure sensors designed to perform in the rugged environments of the steel and aluminum industry. These sensors are a direct plug-in for steel mill applications, including rolling mills, pumps, and coolant systems. Featuring a one-piece sensing element, the AST47SM sensors have no silicone, oil, welds, or O-rings, eliminating the chance of contamination from outside media. A stainless-steel housing welded to the sensing element and cable connection withstands system wash-downs. The pressure sensors also have a stress-reduced diaphragm that withstands high-pressure spikes. Units also possess high proof and burst pressure ratings. They are available in pressure ranges up to 10,000 psi (700 bar).

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Military rotary switches
Electroswitch, Weymouth, Mass.
Electroswitch military switches, available in many configurations and ratings, are particularly useful in harsh environments. Constructed to withstand impact, vibration, temperature variation, and natural events, they have fully enclosed switching mechanisms encased in sturdy phenolic molding to prevent attacks from dirt, sand, and moisture. The modular design of these heavy-duty detent-action and snap-action switches allows customization of position and pole layouts to meet specific "form, fit, and function" requirements. Options include spring-return, make-before-break (shorting) contacts, motor-driven models, ganged switches, solenoid locks, or tandem configurations.

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Pressure reservoir
Hernon Manufacturing Inc., Sanford, Fla.
The Hernon R125 pressure reservoir is a durable, easy-access solution for dispensing any liquid, including adhesives, solvents, lubricants, and sealants. The pressure reservoir is a critical component of any fluid dispensing system, and is said to meet the needs of system designers and users. The material output line is located in the center of the lid. This allows the dip tube to be centrally located so that a container of up to one gallon can be placed directly into the reservoir. The lid design and single knob secure system permit quick changes or refills by operators and minimal cleanup. The polyethylene material feed tube, which is disposable and replaceable, is resistant to most chemicals, including adhesives, solvents, lubricants, and sealants. An airtight lid seal and the reservoir body's construction ensure that there are no leak points for air or material. The material will be in contact only with the container and feed line. This allows for safe dispensing of adhesives and sealants.

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Specialty coatings
Michelman, Cincinnati, Ohio
The company offers specialty coatings that protect against corrosion and insect infestation, and provide a high angle of skid for the paperboard and corrugated box industry. The specialty coatings include RustBan, BugBan, and SofTak. All coatings are repulpable, recyclable, and energy efficient. With the RustBan line of coatings there's no need to wrap corrodible products in VCI paper or insert them into a VCI bag, thus eliminating a step in manufacturing and packaging, according to the manufacturer. The new BugBan line of coatings prevents insect infestation of packaging. It was specifically designed to not just repel insects, but to effectively eliminate the insects before they can penetrate the package—for the entire life of the package—saving money for retailers, distributors, and customers. The SofTak line of coatings increases the angle of skid of paper. Among many possible uses of SofTak coated paper or board is preventing slippage of palletized loads or furniture, temporary hospital flooring, and as floor mats for new buildings to protect highly polished surfaces during a moving phase.

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Pressure gauge
Swagelok Co., Solon, Ohio
The PBG Series pressure gauge is targeted at OEMs and panel builders. It monitors vacuum and positive system pressure up to 15,000 psi, 1,000 bar, or 100,000 kPa, and fits industry-standard 2 9/16-in. (65 mm) panel hole cutouts. Swagelok tube adapter ends provide for leak-tight connections and ease of installation. Welded construction aids high-integrity fluid system containment and a crimped, tamper-resistant ring provides a permanent seal of gauge case to lens. The gauge is liquid filled as is standard for increased vibration resistance and has a socket restrictor for pulsation control.

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Shoe sorter
FKI Logistex, Cincinnati, Ohio
The UniSort VII entry-level sliding shoe sorter is an upgrade to the company's UniSort V model. The UniSort VII combines the value of the UniSort V sliding shoe sorter with the company's high-end sortation technology. The key changes here are the upgrade to electric controls, choice of PLC or PC control, and the use of aluminum slats for small items. A major upgrade to the UniSort VII is its all-electric switching system. Where the UniSort V required compressed air to power the switching mechanisms that controlled its sliding shoes, the UniSort VII uses electric switch technology similar to that found in FKI Logistex high-end sliding shoe sorters, making it quieter and less costly to run. The UniSort VII also offers a new option for its conveying surface; aluminum slats designed for small-item sortation are now available as an alternative to the standard metal tubes offered on the UniSort V.

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Wire-to-wire connectors
Molex Inc., Lisle, Ill.
The company now has 8, 10, and 12 AWG wire-to-wire connectors to support high current and rugged applications as new additions to its MX150L product line. With an integral two-way, silicone-based mat-seal on the mating connectors that is specifically designed and tested to IEC IP 67, the MX150L is a true sealed connector system that exceeds waterproof demands. These connectors have high connector forces, increased terminal retention forces, and strong electrical and mechanical performance capabilities. Shipped in one piece that includes mat and interfacial seals, as well as housing and terminal position assurance, these connectors do not require component assembly. MX150L 8, 10 and 12 AWG wire-to-wire connectors can carry up to 40 amps and are well suited for high-power, rugged applications, including agriculture, construction and marine equipment, and recreational vehicles.

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