Long-distance imaging
 Wahl Instruments Inc., Asheville, N.C. Wahl has added a long-distance model to its line of Wahl Heat Spy thermal imaging cameras. The long- distance model, HSI3003, offers a narrow-angle 9.1 x 6.8 degree field of view optics, which enables detection and temperature measurement of small objects over long distances. This thermal imager is light, easy to operate, and designed for handheld use. It also features a tripod mount for remote use. It is suitable where long-distance temperature measurement is required, such as in the power utilities industries, for the inspection of substation and overhead distribution and transmission lines. It can also be used as a detection and diagnostic tool for condition monitoring of electrical and mechanical systems.
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Circular chart recorder
Omega Engineering Inc., Stamford, Conn. The CT6100 circular chart recorder combines the simplicity and clarity of pen drawing with the versatility of microprocessor control while providing a high level of accuracy and stability. The recorder is user configurable with a front-panel keypad and has a menu-driven interface for rapid configuration and calibration. The backlit LCD has a large-character alphanumeric digital display variable for each channel. Each channel is compatible with industry-standard sensors and signals. A gasket-lockable door protects internal components from harsh industrial environments. The CT6100 recorder has applications within the food and beverage fields, the pharmaceutical, biotech, health, and chemical industries, and also in the aerospace and defense arenas. The price starts at $1,450.
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Grating fasteners
Hilti, Tulsa, Okla. New grating fasteners include the X-GR, which provides a secure fastening with the pull of a trigger, and the X-GR-RU that offers quick installation and removal. When used with Hilti powder actuated systems, a user will have total mobility and independence from electrical supplies, according to the company. For applications where powder actuated tools are not needed, a new mechanical fastener, the X-MGR, offers a versatile and removable solution. These grating fasteners are for fastening grating plates on steel structures in civil and industrial facilities, such as downstream refineries and transportation facilities. Installable by one user from the top of the grating plate, the grating fasteners are designed to reduce installation time and cost.
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Variable frequency drive
ABB, New Berlin, Wis. With the introduction of the new model ACS55 variable frequency drive, ABB offers OEMs and system integrators the most compact and slimmest motor drive in the company's component drive range. The small-horsepower model has a rating from 0.25 to 3 hp. According to ABB, this component drive is designed as an entry-level product for new users, and is aimed at various applications, particularly exercise training equipment, gate control, pumps, fans, conveyors, packaging machines, X-ray screening machines, material handling, ovens, powered roof ventilators, and heat exchangers. The drives are suited for OEMs who manufacture special machines in high volumes.
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Easing the pressure
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, Fort Wayne, Ind. The Turcon Stepseal V is engineered to prevent pressure from being trapped in even the most difficult arrangements, according to the company. In hydraulic cylinders, the requirements for sealing are varied and difficult. The applications often operate at high speeds and significant pressures. A single seal is rarely a good enough solution, and in most cases, a configuration of seals is required. Typically, to optimize sealing integrity, a cylinder will include three to five different dynamic seal and scraper types, some in tandem arrangement. Though configurations that use the Turcon Stepseal are usually effective, in some designs, pressure can still build up between two seals. The Stepseal V incorporates a number of unique features. They include a patented hydrostatic pressure relief system, which provides rapid pressure actuation and pressure balancing under all service conditions. A machined valve groove ensures precise opening and closing of the relief channel, providing strong performance of the relief function independent of hardware deflection.
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Air temperature sensor
Spectrum Sensors and Controls, St. Mary's, Pa. The company's new outdoor air temperature sensor has a fast response, precision thermistor sensing element. The sensing element is completely sealed from the environment in a fully potted metal housing with a PVC solar shield that prevents false readings from direct sunlight. Spectrum's outdoor air temperature sensor threads into a mounting hole and is available with options like a weatherproof electrical box for rugged installation, a variety of sensor performance values, and alternate configurations for the PVC solar shield. This temperature sensor offers a standard temperature accuracy of ±0.2°C from 0°C to 70°C. The sensor is useful in residential and commercial building automation controls.
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Generator coolers
Unifin International, London, Ontario. Removable cover plate, or RCP, generator coolers offer superior performance in demanding applications, according to the company. RCP coolers are used in new and existing power generation installations, from nuclear to hydroelectric to gas turbine power. Applications include both air-cooled and hydrogen-cooled generators. Today's electrical generators produce not only electricity, but also heat from conductor resistance and from friction losses in the bearings. Unifin's RCP coolers, using plate fin technology, remove this heat, in a system that is said to be easy to clean and maintain.
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Anti-backlash assembly
Kerk Motion Products Inc., Hollis, N.H. The VHD series anti-backlash assembly is useful for eliminating drag and wear associated with high pre-load forces. The VHD Series provides the maximum load-carrying capability and the highest axial and radial stiffness of any Kerk nut assembly. Designed for smooth, quiet operation and long life, the VHD assembly provides low drag torque by making use of the patented Kerk axial take-up mechanism, creating a stiff spacer that will continually expand to accommodate the wear that occurs during use. The self-lubricating Kerk VHD Series is also instrumental in combating airborne paper dust, which is regularly generated in the packaging industry. However, the VHD screw does not require grease to operate, and therefore reduces noise and dust in the workplace. The VHD Series is a popular replacement for ball screws.
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Controller and transmitter
Omega Engineering Inc., Stamford, Conn. The company's newest controllers and transmitters are capable of measuring three possible parameters: pH, oxidation reduction potential, or conductivity and they can do it with quick calibration features. The design has an interior LCD menu and large, bright LED display. The distinctive color-coded bar graph makes diagnosing pump and alarm malfunctions easy. These devices can also reduce chemical consumption with cycle timed relays on controllers. They are housed in a rugged NEMA 4X (IP66) polycarbonate enclosure, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications, such as industrial wastewater neutralization, municipal water and waste-water, pulp and paper, and process control. The PHUCN601/610 controller is $850; the PHUTX601 transmitter costs $450.
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Stepper drive
Applied Motion Products, Watsonville, Calif. The ST10-Si stepper drive delivers 24-80 V dc with an output current of up to 10 A peak. It is engineered to protect against over-voltage, under-voltage, over-temp and external output shorts. The drive provides 8 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs. It is programmable for stand-alone operation with intuitive Si Programmer Windows-based software. A graphical point-and-click format combines motion, I/O, and operator interface functionality for simple machine sequencing. As a result, the drive can integrate with other devices on a machine, such as sensors and PLCs.
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Acoustic volume meter
Scantek Inc., Columbia, Md. The RION acoustical capacity and volume meter, VM-240, uses acoustical signals to measure volume of any shaped cavity. Scantek says the acoustic method is faster and certainly dryer than using liquid to establish volume of a cavity. The VM-240 can measure the volume of an engine cylinder within 10 seconds, typically in two seconds. The traditional method using fluid may take 30 minutes. The acoustic method has an accuracy of 0.2 percent, Scantek says. One can use the device to measure the volume of a closed surface of any shape, or density of arbitrary shapes with the same accuracy and speed. A companion system can measure the volume of an assembled gasoline or diesel engine cylinder.
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Better air storage
Kaeser Compressors Inc., Fredericksburg, Va. The redesigned Kaeser flow controller is for system capacities from 250 to 6,200 scfm. The new KFC creates more effective storage by accumulating compressed air in the receivers and only delivering air that is needed for production. The controller responds rapidly to fluctuating demand and actively maintains constant system pressure downstream. More stable air pressure helps eliminate artificial demand and substantially reduces air losses through leaks. Stored compressed air can now be used to satisfy air demand spikes without pressure drop at the point of use. Plus, the KFC can be installed very easily in new or existing systems without reconfiguring existing piping.
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Self-clinching studs
 PennEngineering, Danboro, Pa. PEM-type HFHB Busbar self-clinching studs provide solutions for applications that require strong electrical/mechanical attachment points in copper. According to the company, these phosphor bronze externally threaded fasteners offer twice the conductivity of conventional carbon steel studs. The RoHS-compliant studs install permanently in copper sheets as thin as 0.05 in. (1.3 mm) and have been engineered for high-strength attachment applications. Improved pull-through resistance is promoted by the stud's large-head design, which allows the stud's head to project above the sheet material and distribute the axial tightening force over a wide area. Thread sizes range from 10-32 through 3/8-16 and M5 through M10. Studs can be specified in a variety of lengths up to 2 in. (50 mm).
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