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The Read-Out Instrumentation Signpost
Measurement, Control and Automation Resources throughout the World
Instrumentation and Control News
Date of last update as at the top of the list.
Press releases from your company may be sent to any of the addresses shown on our Contacts Page.
See Archive Page for earlier news.
Bealtaine - 2003 - May
30/5/03
 Major world exhibitions amalgamate is sign of times - A release just received here announces that Messe Duesseldorf and Deutsche Messe "expAnd their collaberation." This seemingly innocuous release is however reporting something quite remarkable. The organisers of Interkama and those of the Hannover Messe are to jointly stage Interkama 2004 within the compass of Hannover Messe 2004. Thus the 2004 Interkama originally planned for Autumn 2003 then moved to February 2004 is now to be held for the first time in Hannover from 19 to 20 April. Sounds like the end of life as we know it!
The Mayo of Duesseldorf (This city owns Messe Duesseldorf) says "the worldwide reputation of Hannover Messe ...and the international foothold of Messe Duesseldorf with its specialist trade fair know-how plus Interkama's goodwill mean the two trade fair companies complement each ther perfectly." He goes on, "We will be watching further developments closely." Wont we all! He concludes, "We are optimistically looking ahead to see whither this becomes an authentic win-win situation with promise for the future - that is, whether a viable model for future developments in the trade fair business will emerge." Quite!
29/5/03
Gresham adds to European commitment - British based power conversion specialist Gresham Power Electronics announces the appointment of Gareth Owen to the position of European Technical and Sales Manager for their Power Supply Business. This strategic appointment puts in place a focus for all the direct, OEM and Distribution business in Europe for all three group companies, Telkoor, Digital Power and Gresham. Melanie O'Connor, General Manager for Power Products at Gresham adds; "Gareth will spend most of his time travelling in Europe carrying out product training with our Distributors, assisting them with design projects and supporting our OEM customers"
Hall-effect sensor package provides integrated solution in minimum space - Allegro MicroSystems has developed a new compact package which integrates a Hall-effect sensor IC with a back-biasing magnet to achieve high airgap performance and meet restrictive space requirement.
28/5/03
Multi tasking motion control system to accelerate throughput of zipped food pouches - An advanced five-axis motion control system from Baldor is at the heart of the first continuous 'cross-web' zipper applicator for continuous vertical form-fill-seal and horizontal flow-wrapping equipment. The new machinery for manufacturing resealable pouches - developed by Line Equipment for inserting Supreme Plastics narrow zippers - is expected to achieve throughputs of over 80 pouches/minute, providing a breakthrough in food packaging technology. By applying zippers across the web, food producers gain considerable packaging flexibility compared with conventional in-line zip application techniques - boosting fill ratios, saving material, and allowing one machine to be programmed for form-fill-seal operations on a much wider spectrum of pouch sizes.
27/5/03
Avoid that car crash - Cambridge Consultants Ltd (CCL) has announced a breakthrough in radar safety systems for cars, with the potential to make sophisticated reversing and anti-collision safety aids an affordable accessory for the mass market. The design and development consultancy has solved major electronic challenges to allow it to use lower frequency - and lower cost - components than alternative radar reversing and anti-collision technology. The radar's field of view is also completely programmable, allowing a system to dynamically and intelligently adapt as the vehicle's steering wheels change direction. Dubbed the CCL-Softcar project, the radar solves the performance and cost issues that have stalled progress in this area - heralding a new generation of smart anti-collision technology capable of meeting the demanding economic goals of the automotive industry.
26/5/03
Two new Vice Presidents - Keithley Instruments has announced that Linda C. Rae had been elected Senior Vice President, and Mark A. Hoersten and Alan S. Gaffney had been elected Vice Presidents of the company.
Sensor partnership - Sequoia Sensors will celebrate its first anniversary with new agreements with three manufacturers of precision components and an extended partnership with a fourth, following an enormously successful start. New partnerships have been signed with Betatherm of Galway, for precision thermistor sensors and probe assemblies, Coto Technology of Rhode Island for high performance small signal switching products and Thaler Corp Arizona for ultra high precision voltage references and ADCs. Sequoia’s existing partnership with Vatell of Virginia for precision heat flux sensors has been extended to Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
23/5/03
New program delivers dramatic productivity gains - LabVIEW 7 Express, a major upgrade to the LabVIEW graphical development enviornment from National Instruments, makes engineers and scientists developing test, measurement and control solutions more pmductive than ever by delivering a powerful, flexible development tool in an easy-to-navigate environment. Closing the gap between easu and powerful, the program dramatically simplifies the creation of measurement applications while extending graphical programming to a wider range of targets, from embedded FPGAs to Palm 05 and Microsoft Pocket PC PDAs.
First independent market venue for control system parts and support - ClassicAutomation has announced the release of its collaborative market and support site dedicated to helping the automation community lower total cost of ownership, extend system life, and manage the migration to new technology.
New DIN-mount split-core AC current transducer - LEM Components has unveiled a new family of current transducers, with an innovative mechanical design and the first-ever application of the PRIME technology sensing principle for industrial automation, offering improved accuracy, bandwidth and linearity. The new AP and APR series of current transducers offer dramatic savings in installation time for panel-mount applications by combining split-core functionality and quick connect wiring into a compact, DIN-rail mountable enclosure. Additional features of the AP and APR series are the user-selectable measuring ranges (from 10A to 400A), choice of output options available (4-20mA or 0-5/0-10V), and a large sensing aperture with built-in strain relief for the primary conductor.
Commissioning of Qatar plant ahead of schedule - ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has announced the successful commissioning and upgrade of Qatar Petroleum's (QP's) NGL 3 plant with its Industrial IT technology. The project was announced in June 2002 and ABB has delivered one month prior to the scheduled deadline. The upgrade meant a changeover of about 7000 tags from the existing GIS (INFI 90 family) to the new Operate IT consoles. The entire design, engineering and the software development were carried out by ABB in-house. During QP's routine shutdown (performed every four years), the communication modules were changed, as well as the upgrade from the existing GIS to the Operate IT consoles were carried out in a fully operational plant.
10 Gigabit Ethernet test solutions - At last weeks Embedded Systems Show in London (GB), Tektronix and IneoQuest demonstrated a comprehensive support package developed jointly for the development of next-generation network equipment operating at speeds of 10 Gigabit per second (Gb/LabVIEW 7 Express, a major upgrade to the LabVIEW graphical development enviornment, makes engineers and scientists developing test, measurement and control solutions more productive than ever bU delivering a powerful, flexible development tool in an easy-to-navigate environment. Closing the gap between easu and powerful, Lab VIEW 7 Express dramaticallU simplifies the creation of measurement applications while extending graphical programming to a wider range of targets, from embedded FPGAS to Palm as and Microsoft Pocket PC PDAs and beyond.
22/5/03
Handheld colour meters upgraded adding model to target medical imaging equipment service engineers - Fluke has upgraded its dual-input, colour, handheld oscilloscopes with enhanced sensitivity and a new troubleshooting feature, and has launched four new colour and monochrome models for engineers servicing medical imaging and high-resolution video equipment. With the speed, performance and analysis power usually found only on high-end bench oscilloscopes, and with safety certification to 1,000V CAT II and 600V CAT III, Fluke ScopeMeters help users to solve virtually all electronics measurement problems encountered in the field. The two 190C Series Colour ScopeMeter models, the 196C and the 199C, now offer double the maximum sensitivity on the y-axis, giving 2mV per division for greater measurement accuracy.
21/5/03
Flow moves! - Siemens just acquired the Flow Division of Danfoss on May 12, 2003. Danfoss Flow Division manufactures products for flow measurement of liquids and gases. It employs 450 people, with a worldwide sales organization and two production facilities in Denmark and Britain. Sales in 2002 were about €55m, a tiny fraction of Siemens' total.
Jim Pinto comments: "Clearly Siemens is a leading candidate to buy either Foxboro (from ailing Invensys), or the Industry Solutions from Honeywell." Take a look at his Siemens Log.
20/5/03
Rugged field communicator for all HART and FF Devices - Portable, intrinsically safe tool has "Easy Upgrade" feature - continues to provide universal support as new devices are added Emerson Process Management announces availability of the 375 Field Communicator. Designed to support all devices using the HART or Fieldbus Foundation (FF) digital communication protocols, the 375 enables users to configure and maintain all of their instruments and valves with one intrinsically safe handheld communicator in the field and on the bench.
16/5/03
New concept for Pharmaceutical Plant construction - In November 2002, the NovoSeven production plant in Hillerod, Denmark was handed over to Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company, just 18 months after basic design approval. The NNE Modular Engineering (Novo Nordisk Engineering (NNE), the engineering contracting subsidiary of Novo Nordisk, developed "Modular Engineering", a new approach to the construction methods used here), is a new technology which draws on the latest developments in process engineering, particularly those that provide the flexibility required in local autonomous operation, with the ability to be simply linked into a network. A prime example of this has been developed in co-operation with Emerson Process Management as a prime subcontractor in the supply of instrumentation and automation control systems. Their fieldbus based PlantWeb architecture allows each module to be wired along one bus cable, with the local intelligence embedded in instruments in the module, providing process loop control and storing information for subsequent interrogation. This bus is then effectively a single electrical connection to the single PC based supervising operator control station, so that the functions of each module, and relevant set points can be adjusted, and all functions tested. The construction of NovoSeven plant modules was an International project, with modules fabricated and constructed across five separate countries.
The pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk is the biggest NNE client and is currently the largest investor in such plants in Denmark. It has just completed the construction of the World's biggest insulin plant, and has 22 other significant projects in progress in Denmark.
Intelligent, all-digital stepper motor drive boosts machine throughput - Parker Hannifin's Electromechanical Division has extended its award-winning ViX product range with an all-digital, intelligent, microstepping motor drive. The brand new ViX Microstep packs an advanced motion controller with either a 250VA or 500VA power amplifier into an ultra-compact case - providing a building block that can boost automation throughput while simultaneously reducing system size and cost. The raw performance of the power stage is intelligently controlled using innovative new digital signal processing techniques developed by Parker. Advanced field-orientated control (FOC) is applied to the digital current loop to enhance the torque-speed envelope. This has the effect of eliminating 'midrange instability', and reducing torque ripple - leading to improved low-speed smoothness. Furthermore, Parker's innovative 'intelligent damping' control typically reduces settling time by up to a factor of four - significantly enhancing throughput for precision equipment OEMs.
15/5/03
Real time sensor aids automation and robotics applications testing of interfacial contact stresses - Sensor Products has introduced the ASET’ sensor for measuring interfacial stresses in real time. This is a thin profile magnetic resistive ink sensor element that reveals the surface area of contact and displacement of contact area levels. "The operating principle of the ASET, which is a hybrid of a position and displacement sensor," says Jeffrey Stark, Senior Technical Manager, "is the ability to treat the entire sensing element as a linear potentiometer. Thus, the typical linear format design of the ASET sensor enables the entire surface contact area to be determined as well as sensing position along the line. Unlike resistive ink sensors and piezo sensors, the ASET does not require complicated and time-consuming calibration. It is a rugged, durable device that can withstand repeated applications of contact and impact under a wide range of environmental conditions."
14/5/03
Connectors form key interface in latest German high-speed train - Harting connectors form an integral part of new communication and control systems in the latest generation of German high-speed trains. The new ICE3 trains are designed for a maximum speed of 330 km/h, and feature more powerful motors and lighter vehicles than their predecessors. They are also designed to be used across frontiers within Europe, so their power supplies have to be compatible with the differing requirements of neighbouring countries.
Demonstration project to showcase plug-and-pack guidelines - An ambitious new goal has been announced by the OMAC Plug-and-Pack Workgroup: a flow wrapper application demonstrating all applicable Guidelines. The OMAC Plug-and-Pack Workgroup has announced the ambitious new goal of developing a demonstration project utilizing an operating flow wrapper application incorporating all of the group's current Guidelines. Results will be reported at the 2004 PACK EXPO International show, November 7-11, 2004, in Chicago. This complete implementation will demonstrate the commercial and technical viability of the Guidelines, thus accelerating the introductions of conforming products and end user specifications. For PackConnect, this will include multi-vendor interoperability at the drive/controller interface based upon accepted IEC standards, and the ability to communicate with various devices through multiple device level buses.
Online FT-NIR process analyser runs without a PC - Yokogawa has introduced a new FT-NIR (Fourier transform near-infrared) analyser which combines excellent signal/noise ratio with high reliability. Designed for the online measurement of multiple properties in liquid streams in process or laboratory applications, the new InfraSpec NR800 is a multi-channel instrument which combines high wavelength resolution, outstanding accuracy and a wide scanning range. Applications range from refinery gasoline blending to non-contact identification of raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry
Open automation solutions: Free linux Ipm application development kit now available - In the true spirit of open systems, SixNet's Linux IPm Application Development Kit software is now available as a free download. This line combines advanced industrial hardware with embedded Linux firmware. With the free Linux IPm Application Development Kit, users can now write applications to run in their LINUX IPm controllers and remote terminal units (RTUs). The IPm applications can be developed in either Red Hat Linux (7.0 or higher) or Microsoft Windows running on an i386 platform.
13/5/03
European Commission to unveil unique vehicle production quality technology - The dramatic results of a year-long trial of IMV (integrated machine vision) technology in bus manufacture with MAN were shown for the first time in the world at the CONTROL exhibition in Sinsheim (D). This is part of the EU Commission's EUTIST Project, They revealed how a hand-held CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) utilising IMV can measure large vehicles under production to unprecedented accuracy - bringing enormous benefits of time saving, up to 75% compared to previous methods, and reduced repair and correctional work during the manufacturing process.
12/5/03
New designer reduces application development time - National Instruments free DAQ Designer 2003 configuration advisor CD now features more than 100 measurement example programs. The newest version of this CD helps users select the right hardware and software tools for their measurement application simply bg answering questions about their system and application needs.
New spectroradiometer - A new, tabletop spectroradiometer for characterizing a wide variety of light sources, that operates over a wide spectral range with better than ~ stray light rejection and is NIST traceable, is being introduced by International Light The IL RGS-2 UV-VIS-NIR Spectroradiometer is a research grade instrument that features two gratings for optimal coverage between 200 rim to 1100 rim, better than 2 nm resolution, and >l0~ stray light rejection over its entire range.
"The essential new temperature handbook for engineers" - Calex Electronics has published the 12th edition of its Temperature Handbook continuing the 30 year history of providing high quality temperature solutions. This "essential guide for the engineer" contains information on both non-contact infrared thermometry and traditional contact thermometry. It provides in depth information on the physics of infrared thermometry and articles on non-contact thermometry applications. There are selection guides to help choose the right temperature sensors for all applications and comprehensive emissivity tables for most materials. There are also extensive thermocouple tables, a thermowell material selection guide and detailed information on resistance thermometry to help with selecting contact temperature sensors. Also contained in the Temperature Handbook is a section on understanding and using temperature controllers and an extensive temperature glossary.
10/5/03
Instrumentation sub-systems contract for ground-breaking Snohvit LNG project awarded - Parker Instrumentation has been awarded the contract to supply all the instrumentation components and sub-systems to the Snohvit development, the world's northernmost liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. In total, some 1000 weatherproof instrumentation enclosures will be provided, complete with Parker manifolds, valves and tube fittings - and fitted with the process transmitters specified by the project contractor. Instrument systems are already being supplied to equipment builders, bulk deliveries to the onshore gas processing site being built at Melkoya will commence in September 2003.
9/5/03
New control and view visualization solutions launched -  Now available from GE Fanuc , the new QuickPanel touch screens deliver flexible, scalable performance on a rugged hardware platform in combination with powerful automation software. The intuitive environment of CIMPLICITY Machine Edition - an open, integrated software package for machine-level programming, monitoring and data acquisition, and troubleshooting - can help users reduce application development time. A common database, for example, eliminates the need to re-enter tag names - which eases development and increases productivity. With bundled capabilities on a single platform, QuickPanel Control and View provide users with maximum productivity and improved cost efficiency.
8/5/03
Low-cost DDS function generator offers wide range of modulation capabilities - TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) has revised and upgraded its popular model TG1010 DDS (direct digital synthesis) function generator to provide improved waveform quality. The new TG1010A retains the high functionality of its predecessor but now offers a lower distortion figure of -60 dBc and improved suppression of non-harmonically related spurious effects. It has also been restyled to match the company's range of variable-clock arbitrary generators, the TGA1240 series.
6/5/03
European machine vision Industry leaders to meet in Barcelona The European Machine Vision Business conference, to be held in Barcelona on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th of May 2003, will mark a turning point in the entire Machine Vision industry. For the first time, European Machine Vision executives, experts and analysts will unite to exchange market intelligence, news of innovative technologies developed in Europe, and establish new networks to exploit them. However it has an even greater role to play as it will mark the inauguration of the European Machine Vision Association (EMVA), a revolutionary networking framework for the entire machine vision industry, providing a constant source of exchange, information and inspiration. At present there are companies and national Machine Vision Associations representing more than 10 European countries, from Ireland to Hungary and from Finland to Greece, already involved in building up that European organisation. The EMVA aims to be an industry lobby to support the interests and concerns of its members, and to help ensure that world-leading European technology is widely applied throughout the continent.
New software links factory floor to enterprise systems over the web - Control Technology Corp., originator of web enabled automation, has released CTServer(tm) software. CTServer provides a direct, web-based link between the factory floor and enterprise systems such as MRP (Material and Resource Planning), CRM (customer relationship management), documentation and quality analysis. Remote terminal units such as those used for tank farms, water treatment and environmental monitoring may be used as CTServer clients, further extending its power and flexibility in enabling users to send data to and from anywhere. In addition to standard Internet browsers, devices such as cell phones and pagers provide people as well as systems with direct, real-time access to plant floor data.
Protecting mission critical data - Automsoft, the leading global provider of advanced database software to process industries, today announced the release of RAPID 2.7. Release 2.7, the latest version of the company's award-winning database software, protects against both network failure and server hardware failure ensuring the protection of all mission critical production data and system availability.
2/5/03
New flush mounted pressure transmitter designed for difficult clogging applications - Emerson Process Management introduces the Rosemount 1810 flush mount pressure transmitter, making the cost reducing performance, reliability and measurement stability of Rosemount transmitters available in a design to suit installations that have a tendency to clog the sensing element. Compatible with a range of connections including hygienic, tri-clamp and PASVE valves, the 1810 can be used to measure the pressure or level of starches, fillers, paper pulp, and other fibrous materials. The rangeability and the unique gauge vent design help to reduce operating and maintenance costs.
Graphical diesel engine software delivers 'instant instrumentation' solutions to vehicle and plant manufacturers - TeleflexMorse Electronics has launched a ready-to-use monitoring and display package for SAE J1939-compatible diesel engine data. Compatible with a range of large-format LCD panels, the package automatically creates highly graphical instrument clusters to display all key engine parameters and alarms - providing engine manufacturers with a time-saving solution for introducing equipment incorporating higher degrees of electronic control. Dubbed GEM - Generic Engine Monitor - the software runs on any CANtrak LCD display. These rugged, 4.3x4.3inch/110x110mm DIN-format displays with soft keys are widely used in construction, agricultural and commercial diesel vehicles, boat applications, and diesel-powered compressors, pumps and generators.
1/5/03
Process Knowledge System provides foundation for increased production - Honeywell Industry Solutions has announced that Shin-Etsu PVC BV., the world's top producer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), has selected Experion PKS as the automation foundation for a production expansion project at its vinyl chloride plant in Rotterdam,(NL). Orders for Honeywell products and services related to the project total €580,000. Shin-Etsu is based in Japan and has offices and manufacturing facilities in 14 countries. The company operates 6 PVC plants.
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