new products

Linear position sensors
Macro Sensors, Pennsauken, N.J.

A new family of hermetically sealed position sensors provides 4-20 mA input/output for field integration with programmable logic controllers, digital indicators, host computer-based data processing, and quality control data collection systems. Units can be configured for either loop powered two-wire or externally powered three-wire sourcing output to address different I/O requirements in various applications. Offered in both hard-connected and spring-loaded versions, Macro Sensors' 4-20 mA current loop output LVDTs are hermetically sealed against dirt, water, steam, solvents, and other corrosive elements. Sealing enables their installation in hostile environments while the loop wiring connects to remote indicators and/or controllers located in environments safe from hostile conditions.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Epoxy adhesive
Master Bond Inc., Hackensack, N.J.
The company's new two-component, room temperature curing epoxy adhesive is called EP21HT. This system is easy to use and has a 1:1 mix ratio by weight or volume. EP21HT is 100 percent reactive and contains no solvents or volatiles. According to the company, it has good physical strength properties and bonds well to both similar and dissimilar substrates. These include metals, glass, ceramics, wood, rubbers, and many plastics. EP21HT has a service operating temperature range of -60°F to 400°F. Once cured, EP21HT possesses strong electrical insulation properties. It can withstand exposure to thermal cycling and many chemicals, including water, oils, fuels, acids, bases, and salts.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Load cells
Omega Engineering Inc., Stamford, Conn.

LCM701/ LCM711 Series tension link load cells feature all-stainless steel construction and high linearity, which make these load cells useful for measuring in-line tension forces. Their rugged design makes them suitable for industrial applications, such as cables on cranes, support rods in architectural designs, engine test beds, and industrial weighing. They also have uses within the automation and robotics fields. The LCM701 Series tension link load cells have a 2-meter (6-ft.) cable with stripped end termination. The LCM711 Series units have an integral connector on the body. These load cells are priced at $595.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Filter- regulator- lubricators
Clippard Instrument Laboratory Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio
The Maximatic line of filter-regulator-lubricators comes in a variety of sizes, from 10-32 to 1 in. NPT with interchangeability. Their modular design and interconnecting brackets provide flexibility and facilitate simple field installation and modification. These FRLs offer many options, including bowls, filters, and bowl guards, while providing several choices of pressure ranges for applications for packaging, assembly, and manufacturing.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Coordinate measuring
Romer Inc., Wixom, Mich.
The Stinger IIi is a portable coordinate measuring system for powerful inspection and reverse-engineering coordinate measurement capabilities. It is an affordable, lightweight CMM with high-end features, such as Romer's patented Infinite Rotation, a new Zero-G counterbalance system, and "intelligent" quick-change probes. The Romer mobile measurement product line is used by automotive, aerospace, heavy machinery manufacturers, and general engineering companies. The Stinger IIi integrates the company's patented Infinite Rotation of principle axes to enable unfettered inspection of hard-to-reach areas of a part.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Scroll air compressor
Hitachi America Ltd.,Tarrytown, N.Y.
The company has introduced SRL oil-free Scroll Air Compressor Technology. According to the company, it is the originator of Scroll Technology for air compression. The SRL's 100 percent oil-less design helps conserve natural resources and eliminate environmental emissions, with no lubricants or grease to manage. A patented Scroll Wrap with Alumite surface treatment and labyrinth seal provide superior performance and reliability. Multistage cooling provides stability of discharge air temperature. The microprocessor-based cycle control logic automatically elongates the load/unload (on/off) cycle to avoid excessive restarting frequency and promote extended package life. Integrated air receivers are standard to promote proper air system design.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Dry ice blaster
Kärcher Industrial Products, Camas, Wash.
Using a dry ice blaster is an effective method for in-place cleaning, eliminating the need to disassemble or move machinery beforehand. The IB 15/80 dry ice blaster uses compressed air to propel tiny dry ice pellets at supersonic speeds so they flash freeze and then lift grime, paint, rust, mold, asphalt, and other contaminants off a range of surfaces. According to the company, the pellets quickly dissipate to the air so there is no messy wastewater, solvents, sand, or other media to dispose of, only the soiled contaminant that is easily swept up or vacuumed. It's safe to use on virtually any surface, from plastic (such as electronic components) and rubber (such as a conveyor belt) to all metals and even wood (for removal of mold or paint).

Click here to obtain information on this product


Stepper motor
MicroMo Electronics Inc., Clearwater, Fla.
The Series ADM1220 miniature stepper motor has an external motor diameter of 12 mm and a length of 17.2 mm. It has a holding torque without current of 2.4 mNm and can achieve a high boost torque of 4.1 mNm. The ADM1220 offers 20 full steps per revolution in full step mode and is capable of microstep operation at speeds ranging from 10 rpm to 6,000 rpm. The miniature stepper motor is rugged with a 1.5 mm diameter output shaft and large bearings. The ADM1220 has no axial endplay, meaning that rotational audible noise is lessened. It can be combined with a gearhead or a lead screw for a complete miniature stepper motor drive system or linear actuator.

Click here to obtain information on this product


More joining capacity
FisherTech, Peterborough, Ontario
The capacity of FisherTech's Injected Metal Assembly, or IMA, process has been increased 10-fold with the AM 51 system. A maximum shot volume of up to 500 grams allows for forming and joining of much larger component assemblies and end terminations. New design features, such as a stationary operating head, shot control, and a two-stage melt pot, provide options for advanced automation up to full robotic operation. Pneumatic injection increases operating capability by 50 percent for greater productivity, reduced operating costs, and improved die cast integrity, according to the company.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Better alignment
Pinpoint Laser Systems, Newburyport, Mass.
A laser-based Microgage two-dimensional system measures the flatness of machinery and production equipment. Machine tools, roll and web lines, press and printing equipment, and other production systems run more smoothly when they are well aligned. This new Pinpoint Microgage 2D measures flatness of rolls, moving machinery stages, gantry systems, actuators, and moving equipment to a precision of 0.0001 in. and can operate over ranges of a few inches to 120 feet. The new 2D can also be used for leveling and checking machinery that may be exhibiting high-wear characteristics. The Microgage combines a compact laser transmitter with a receiver and digital display.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Sensor interface
Sensor Platforms Inc., San Jose, Calif.
The company's SSP1493 sensor signal conditioning and interface integrated circuit is a low-cost standard solution. It is for use in high-performance, large-volume sensor applications where cost is a major driver, including sensor-enabled consumer electronics, smart toys, and next-generation cell phones. It is particularly useful where several different sensors must be driven by a single chip. It has nine sensor ports and can measure resistive, capacitive, inductive, pulse-coded, current-mode, and voltage-mode sensors, all with a single chip. The IC's frequency-based analog front end is combined with an efficient, yet flexible, deeply embedded state machine that provides the user with control and operating configurability without the cost and system overhead required by a general-purpose microcontroller. The SSP1493 operates off a fully internal 150 MHz system clock that doesn't require external timing components.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Disconnect switches
Automation- Direct, Cumming, Ga.
Heavy-duty fusible and non-fusible disconnects from Ferraz Shawmut, in 600 V ac and 250 V dc meet UL98 standards. The Sirco and Fuserbloc Series are designed with the latest disconnect technology available. Sirco switches and accessories, starting at $57, are available in 30- to 800-amp ratings; switches up to 400 amps have visible blade contacts. The available pistol handles automatically relatch when the panel door is closed, eliminating the need for tools to reset the latch. Fuserbloc fusible disconnects and accessories, starting at $85, break up to 200 amps and use double break contacts per pole, isolating the fuse while the switch is in the off position.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Versatile keypad
EAO, Milford, Conn.
The S.series keypad is a useful product for any application that requires a key-entry control, including access control systems, industrial machinery, banking terminals, public telephones, kiosks, and vending machines. It is highly tactile and therefore reassuring to use, yet extremely reliable and hard-wearing enough for the harshest of environments, such as outdoor and unsupervised locations. The S.series keypad offers design flexibility from a standard product and can be customized to suit the environment of the application. The keys on the S.series keypad can be engraved with standard symbols or ones specified by the user.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Water system sealing
Parker Hannifin Seal Group, Cleveland, Ohio
Two new chloramine-resistant materials are for use in water system sealing applications. EJ274-70 and EJ273-70 are 70-durometer EPDM based polymer formulations (with and without internal lubrication). The new EPDM compounds can help safeguard against leakage and contamination in potable water systems. They are available in various configurations, including standard or custom O-rings and molded shapes. According to the company, as water treatment facilities change from free chlorine to chloramine as a primary means of disinfecting potable water, it is increasingly important to ensure that seals for water applications are chloramine resistant to ensure long seal life, and reduce warranty issues caused by premature seal failure.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Temper- ature recorder
Dickson Co., Addison, Ill.
TH800 temperature and humidity chart recorders are useful for engineers troubleshooting hot spots and other problem variations in temperature and humidity conditions. Battery-operated and cord-free, the TH800 chart recorders can be readily moved from place to place during short-term site monitoring and testing. They feature 8-in. charts with more readable area than 6-in. chart alternatives, 4 AA battery operation, and user-selectable 24-hour or 7-day recording times.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Safety interlock system
Omron Scientific Technologies Inc., Fremont, Calif.
The MA-S Series of magnetically actuated safety interlock switches and actuators is for robust, corrosion-resistant operation in harsh environments. Both the switch and actuator feature stainless steel housings. The NEMA 6 enclosure and variety of available stainless steel-housed contact configurations meet various demanding application requirements. The non-contact MA-S Series is designed to operate with guard door misalignment of up to 10 mm, while providing a minimum of one million actuations in temperatures up to 125°C (257°F).

Click here to obtain information on this product


Panel fasteners
PennEngineering, Danboro, Pa.
Patented PEM-type PFC4 self-clinching stainless steel panel fasteners install permanently and flush (on one side) in thin stainless-steel sheets. They are made from 400 Series stainless steel for use in stainless sheets up to HRB 88 hardness on the Rockwell "B" scale and will usually provide corrosion resistance comparable to zinc plated steel. Useful for attaching stainless sheets as thin as 0.06 in. (1.53 mm), these self-clinching panel fasteners have a captive-screw design to keep hardware to a minimum, promote quick installation, and eliminate any risk of loose parts falling out.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Air cleaner selection
Donaldson Co. Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.
Donaldson's online air cleaner selection chart is meant to aid users in choosing the correct air cleaner for their vehicle. The chart helps customers determine the appropriate model for their engine based on specific filtration requirements, such as dust level conditions and airflow patterns. The four steps of the Donaldson air cleaner selection chart will quickly clarify specific product needs for all types of applications and environments. The specific dust environment, application type, airflow, and size or space requirements of the engine will narrow the range of suitable cleaners. To view the Donaldson air cleaner selection chart, go to www.donaldson.com/en/engine/air/chart.html.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Portable gas analyzer
E Instruments Group, Langhorne, Pa.
The GreenLine 4000 portable gas analyzer is a portable and multifunctional tool that works for most environmental monitoring needs. The Low-NOx analyzer provides the latest technology in portable flue gas analysis, including O2, CO2, CO, Low-NOx, SO2, and NO2. The unit does combustion efficiency, excess air, and CO2 percentage calculations. It also handles hydrocarbon measurements for combustion safety.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Load indicators
Loadstar Sensors Inc., Mountain View, Calif.
New load indicators are designed to work with the company's patent-protected capacitive sensors. The products include the DS-2100 and the DS-2100 WiFi displays. These products have several key features that make it easy for users to build a load measurement system, according to the company. The system accepts input from up to four CS Series load sensors and digitizes analog signals using 21 bit ADCs. It automatically sums loads from all connected sensors and linearizes calibration curves for ease of use. Operation can be by use of a 9 V dc power supply or a 9 V battery, and connectivity to a PC can be made using wired (RS-232) and wireless (802.11b) interfaces.

Click here to obtain information on this product


More torque capacity
Animatics Corp., Santa Clara, Calif.
The SM2315DT is the company's newest entry in its OEM Series of SmartMotors. It features an eight-pole compact rotor design with higher copper filling factor compared to conventional technology. The new design achieves a higher energy density as well as better efficiency that results in more torque capacity in the same physical package size, according to the company. The OEM Series SmartMotor is a motion control system that is compact, user friendly, and cost effective, according to the company. Using a patented design, SmartMotors incorporate a servo motor, amplifier, and motion controller into the same integral frame.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Roller thrust bearings
SKF USA Inc., Kulpsville, Pa.
Spherical roller thrust bearings accommodate heavy axial and simultaneous radial loads in high-speed industrial equipment applications. Their self-aligning capability further allows these bearings to compensate for shaft deflection and misalignment without reducing bearing service life. Applications include large vertical electric motors, gearboxes, pumps, fans, crushers, machine tools, injection molding equipment, and other machinery performing at relatively high speeds and with combined loads. These bearings have asymmetrical rollers and specially designed raceways offering optimum conformity.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Multi- variable flowmeter Emerson Process Management, Chanhassen, Minn. The Rosemount MultiVariable 8800 vortex flowmeter is especially useful, according to the company. By incorporating multivariable technology, Emerson can deliver the benefits of Rosemount vortex technology and a temperature compensated mass flow output directly from the meter, reducing process variability, according to the company. The flowmeter has isolated, independent vortex and temperature sensors, allowing both sensors to be verified or replaced independently without breaking the process seals. This eliminates process shutdown for verification of the temperature sensor.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Sonar ranging module
SensComp Inc., Livonia, Mich.
The 9000 sonar ranging module provides a solution to interfacing piezo ultrasonic transducers, such as Sens- Comp's 9000 Series transducer, with external circuitry or embedded controller for ultrasonic sensing in a variety of applications. The module operates on 5 V dc and provides a TTL pulse-width output proportional to distance to target. As a matched component pair, the 9000 transducer and ranging module can detect objects or liquid surfaces from 1 to 18 ft. (0.3 to 5.5 meters). Common uses include liquid level sensing in tanks, anti-collision sensors for AGVs, backup sensors on cars and trucks, proximity and measurement, and other consumer and industrial applications.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Three-valve manifold
Setra Systems Inc., Boxborough, Mass.
A low-cost three-valve manifold for the Model 230 differential pressure transducer is designed for differential pressure measurements of liquids and gases. The manifold is rugged, lightweight, and compact, weighing less than 2.5 pounds and measuring 7.05 in. wide x 6.25 in. high. Its all-brass body, brass pipe fittings, copper tubing, and plastic valves are useful for high line pressures of 250 psi. The three-valve manifold eliminates the possibility of exceeding the pressure rating of the transducer.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Precision glass balls
Hartford Technologies, Rocky Hill, Conn.
Precision glass balls with superior corrosion and chemical absorption resistance are suitable for applications in medical, optical, and food processing equipment. Precision balls made from glass are approximately one-third the weight of those made from stainless steel and can usually be purchased at a lower cost, according to the company. In medical applications, resistance to chemical or biological elements is critical and since the metering balls are not subject to high loads, the use of lower-cost glass balls such as those made from soda-lime is suitable. Bearings containing glass balls are commonly used in pool and spa pumps and accessories due to their high resistance to chlorine.

Click here to obtain information on this product


Fluid dispensing
Fluid Metering Inc., Syosset, N.Y.
The IDS2000 dispenser provides a stand-alone solution for precision fluid dispensing in production and process environments. It consists of the company's patented valveless ceramic piston pump direct-coupled to a precision stepper motor. The stepper motor and stepper driver electronics come in a splash-proof stainless steel enclosure. The integrally mounted Quick-Run-Module provides a ready-to-use interface accepting a foot switch or an external relay to activate dispensing. The IDS is useful for dispensing solvents, lubricants, cleaning agents, flux, and adhesives. This new model has wide application for medical component assembly or any industrial dispensing application.

Click here to obtain information on this product



home | features | breaking news | marketplace | departments | about ME back issues | ASME | site search

© 2007 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers