Articles
The fundamental operating principles of force, acceleration, and torque instrumentation are closely allied to the piezoelectric and strain gauge devices used to measure static and dynamic pressures. It is often the specifics of configuration and signal... more »
It is amazing that while there is so much discussion in various media about energy and carbon reduction, most plant personnel fail to realize that there are incredible opportunities for cutting energy waste and carbon gases right under their proverbial... more »
Ratification of IEEE 1149.7™ test and debug standard has been announced by IEEE, the professional association for the advancement of technology. The new standard expands and improves upon IEEE 1149.1™ (JTAG) functionality and is designed to maximize space... more »
Noisy gear trains have been a common problem for gear designers for a long time. With the demands for smaller gearboxes transmitting more power at higher rpm and incumbent demands for greater efficiency, gear engineers are always searching for new ways... more »
One of the most effective methods of making non-contact high temperature measurements in industrial applications is with a fiber optic infrared probe. These devices typically consist of a lens probe assembly which is aimed at the object to be measured,... more »
PLCs?Okay, you’ve tackled PLCs and now you can program ‘em with one hand behind your back. So what’s next?What’s the next logical challenge?Think SQL and relational databases. Why?You’d be amazed at the similarity. It’s the next logical progression. You... more »
In an effort to increase the operating efficiency of its networks, Verizon is requiring hardware manufacturers to characterize their equipment using thermal simulation and testing techniques, outlined in a new testing plan called Thermal Management Requirements... more »
From the smallest manufacturing plant that employs manual methods to create its product to the most elaborately automated plant where conveyors dominate floor space, the majority of manufacturers have at least one conveyor in their plant. Whether it’s... more »
There’s no doubt that the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry is hot. According to international solar energy research and consulting company Solarbuzz, LLC, world solar PV market installations reached a record high of 2,826 mW in 2007, representing a growth... more »
Membrane potentiometers have changed the way engineers think about sensing. With some measuring only 0.5 mm [0.05 cm] thick, ultra-flat membrane potentiometers feature comparable product characteristics to conventional potentiometers, but are liberal... more »
Rotary power producing and consuming devices produce (or absorb) torque in a pulsating rather than a smooth manner. That’s because they have discrete poles and/or pistons and/or gear meshes, etc., which generate complex forcing functions. Furthermore,... more »
In 1938, General Electric began production of a 2-phase synchronous induction motor which, at 60 Hz, ran at 75 rpm. The low speed resulted from there being a different number of rotor to stator poles or teeth, which made the motor a good bidirectional... more »
Properly functioning steam traps open to release condensate and automatically close when steam is present. Failed traps waste fuel, reduce efficiency, increase production costs, and compromise the overall integrity of the steam and condensate systems.... more »
Motor rewinds can revive original performance and quality, enhance reliability, and extend the life of crane motors affected by age and usage. They can restore the crane motor back to its original condition, rather than reverse engineering the motor,... more »
A system for transforming exhausted air flow from central air conditioning units into a source of renewable, clean electric energy is currently in development. Created by EarthSure, a renewable energy company and innovator in alternative energy sources,... more »
Rheological measurements are essential in optimizing the production and properties of confectioneries. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is supporting training and professional development efforts at the Central College of the German Confectionery Industry... more »
A chucking machine that produces elbow- or tee-shaped pipe fittings was difficult to automate because the fittings, when loaded, had to match the angle of rotation where the chuck happened to stop spinning. The challenge was solved by using a Cognex In-Sight®... more »
The Norwegian Gyda oilfield, in the southern part of the North Sea, started production in June 1990. Developed with a combined drilling, accommodation, and processing facility with a steel jacket, the operation supplies approximately 14,000 barrel of... more »
Every distribution system needs to perform five basic functions: receiving, product storage, picking for order fulfillment, sortation, and shipping. Although each sector has experienced improvements resulting from technical advances, sortation is where... more »
Located in Southwestern Pennsylvania, has beenproviding the North American market with quality presses and technical support since 1992. A subsidiary of Schmidt Technology, a family led, medium-sized enterprise located in the Black Forest area of Germany,... more »