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| The latest information on hydraulic and
pneumatic motion control.
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May 18, 2009
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Come see what's
inside
Scroll down and join us as we delve into new technology, new
products, and in-depth tutorials in this issue of Fluid Power
Monthly
We hope these articles and products, as well as the printed articles you
find in your issue each month, help you stay on top of the latest fluid
power technology.
To that end, we also invite you to our Fluid Power
Conference & Expo in June. This time, we're co-locating with Waste Expo on June
8-11 in Las Vegas. The event offers an extensive conference program. We
will return again with popular information sessions on hydraulic
troubleshooting, safety, and more.
Attendees can see all exhibits in both shows, plus attend any and all
Fluid Power Conference & Expo seminar sessions. The cost is only $75 for
one day, and $150 for two days! Register here and click on “Non-Member Registration” to
get started. (To get the $75 or $150 price, be sure to register for
“Fluid Power Conference & Expo.”) For more information on the Fluid
Power Conference and Expo, contact Pat Wroblesky or call (216)
931-9424. For more information on WasteExpo, contact Rita Ugianskis or call (813)
994-4654.
- Mary C. Gannon
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Pneumatic muscles bring robot to
life
Engineered Arts Ltd, Penryn, Cornwall, U.K., which specializes in
hi-tech multi-media, has created an unique interactive robot — named
RoboThespian — that is currently wowing audiences around the world.
Initially developed to provide entertaining semi-autonomous theatrical
performances, the life-sized robot's capabilities have recently been
expanded to facilitate far higher levels of audience interaction. The
robot's siblings are now much in demand at science and technology
centers as highly animated public orators and front-of-house presenters.
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Reducing landfill requirements
The Southern Metropolitan Regional Council’s (SMRC) waste
management facility in Perth, Australia has reduced landfill by more
than 100, 000 metric tons per year, due in part to a low-speed,
high-torque hydraulic drive used on the facility’s digesters. The
high-quality compost helps increase the yield of local farms, and the
equipment that produces it is the most efficient in Australia. Each
year, 5000-6000 guests visit the area for a first-hand look at how
it’s done.
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Hydraulic hybrid garbage truck trashes energy
waste
The city of Denver prides itself on being one of the greenest in the
nation. Its fleet of more than 2800 vehicles includes nearly 150 hybrid
cars.
Its latest addition, a Peterbilt Model 320 refuse collection truck,
reflects the city’s commitment to green energy and fuel-saving
operations. Sporting an eye-catching custom Viper Green paint scheme,
the truck is equipped with a Hydraulic Launch Assist system provided by
Eaton’s Hydraulics Group, which boosts fuel efficiency while reducing
vehicle maintenance costs and improving overall collection efficiency.
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Tubing makes the connection
For many pneumatic systems, tubing is an economical alternative to
hose. And thanks to materials advances, choices for designers abound.
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Cartridge screens
IMH high-pressure cartridge screens from The Lee Co. are “last
chance” safety screens designed to protect critical fluid control
components against rogue contamination. They are constructed of
stainless steel woven wire mesh. They are rated for a minimum burst
pressure of 5000 psi. They can slip into a drilled hole and be retained
by a secondary means. Available diameters (5.5, 8, 10 and 12 mm) have
been selected so that other IMH components can be used to retain the
screen.
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Dual locking valve
NGT dual locking valve from NGT Specialty Valves is designed to
transform the Numatics 2012 spool valve into a bubble-tight locking
valve. It is sandwiched between base and solenoids to eliminate effects
of air leaking across the spool. Bubble tight sealing occurs at output
ports 2 and 4. Manual release on output ports allows for release of
trapped air from one or two ports. Twin release design can be used to
control the direction of the pneumatic device when exhausting trapped
air.
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Proximity switches
Magnetically actuated proximity switches from Gems Sensors &
Controls are available in several styles with no standby requirements
and no moving parts. PRX-100 series moisture resistant proximity
switches are designed for use as a safety switch and are UL 508 listed
and corrosion resistant. PRX-300 series use reed switch stress relief
technology so they can be used as safety switches. They are naturally
corrosion resistant. PRX-XX series proximity switches are designed for
dry applications.
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Vacuum cups
FIPA offers flat and bellows vacuum cups. Flat vacuum cups for
secure handling of sheets having diameters ranging between 10 and 50 mm
are made of oil-resistant NBR compound, so they are suited for precise
gripping and placement of oily sheets. Radial ribs around the cup’s
periphery prevent work-piece from slipping. They also provide a large
active suction area to ensure optimized suction force. Bellows vacuum
cups are used as vacuum carpets for perforated sheets. Special holders
with an in-built orifice plate with a 0.4-mm diameter prevent the
work-piece from falling down. They operate in temperatures from -30˚ to
80˚C.
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Machine Design Video Spotlight
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Membrane Switches for
Harsh Environments |
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Joseph Schwartz from The Bergquist
Co. shows Lee Teschler of Machine Design magazine the advantages
of heat-sealed membrane switches over pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)
membrane switches in harsh environments. |
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UPCOMING WEBCASTS
Understanding Key Power Transmission Technologies:
Comparing Belt, Chain & Gear Drives for OEM Projects
Sponsored by Rexnord
DATE: May 28th, 2009
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT
OEM design teams are under pressure to juggle technologies with
specifications with the outcome always being a great new or improved
product. Many of these projects have Power Transmission components at
their core and the wrong technology can really hurt the end product.
Dennis Missun and Nick Derus from Rexnord have gathered
information about the critical issues that need to be considered when
deciding between belt, chain and gear drive technologies for
applications requiring 5 lbs – 100 lbs of force.
The course will cover
- Torque Density: comparing key rating systems AGMA & ISO
- Application considerations: impact of thermals, friction and
vibration
- Basics of sizing & selection: information to right-size
components
- Other Project/End Customer Considerations
- Live question/answer session with presenters
Click here learn more and to register!
ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING
Click
Here for a list of archived Machine Design webcasts.
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Exlar's patented actuator technology offers many times the
life of ball screw actuators and provides an efficient
electro-mechanical replacement for hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders.
These digitally controlled products
offer several advantages over other technologies.
www.exlar.com
Free brochure: Tolomatic VRX vane rotary actuators deliver high
torque, withstand high axial and radial loads
New Tolomatic VRX vane rotary actuators provide an economical and
powerful solution for rotary actuation up to 280 degrees. They can be
built to order in five days or less. For a free 12-page brochure, visit
www.tolomatic.com/vrx.
Safe and clean valves ensure oxygen clean service
Oxygen Clean series electronic valves from Clippard Instrument
Laboratory Inc. are designed for use with oxygen applications and will
work with air and inert gas. They are available in 2-way or 3-way,
normally-closed, or fully ported, and use a patented valve system that
ensures quick, quiet, and consistent results. Clippard Instrument
Laboratory Inc., (877) 245-6247, www.clippard.com/oxygen-h
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Contact Information
Editorial questions: Mary Gannon
216-931-9498
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