Hazardous Location Pressure Sensor Products Catalog
Mt. Olive, NJ – American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) has released a new Hazardous Location Pressure Sensor Products catalog. Due to an expanding product line, new approvals and added capabilities, their “hazardous location” approved products are segmented into a new 43 page booklet. Products are catalogued into three main sections: UL/cUL approved, CSA approved, and Applications.
AST carries UL-approved Class I, Division 1 intrinsically safe and Class I, Division 2 non-incendive products. Three product configurations are featured: Standard, Adjustable and Submersible. Standard and Adjustable sensors are available with pressure ranges from 0 to 2.5 PSI through 0 to 10,000 PSI and Submersible sensors from 0 to 5 PSI through 0 to 100 PSI.
Due to the recent addition of pressure containment requirements in Canada, the company has also expanded its hazardous area product line by introducing the CSA Single Seal approval. New electrical code requirements for pressure sensors in Canada are outlined in the catalog. Listed are all the approved products, including the AST4600 Explosionproof. The CSA-certified products are tested to U.S. UL standards, allowing customers to purchase one sensor for either requirement.
In addition, the Hazardous Location Pressure Sensors catalog includes typical applications in which each product could be implemented. Using industry-location photographs, the catalog describes how sensors can be used in tanks, on-shore, off-shore, pipelines and compressor panels.
Mini Photoelectric Sensors
January 29, 2009 by admin
Filed under Photoelectric
Buffalo Grove, IL – Carlo Gavazzi has launched a new series of compact, versatile photoelectric sensors, offering exceptional features and outstanding value.
The new CGPS Series sensors feature a universal housing style which can be installed via the threaded M18 barrel, or secured with screws to a bracket via the mounting holes on the flat sides. All of the sensors have both normally open and normally closed outputs, so the right output choice is always available. The sensors also feature a dual LED indication, and many models offer sensitivity adjustment via a potentiometer, therefore set up is simple and fast. Connection options are plentiful as each model is available with your choice of a hard-wired cable, a M8 quick-disconnect plug, or a ‘pig-tail’ option which combines both cable and M8 quick disconnect plug.
The CGPS Series is available in three sensing technologies, each with exceptional sensing ranges. Diffuse reflective in 100 and 300 mm ranges, retro-reflective with a 6 meter range (including a 3 meter polarized option), and through-beam models in 6 and 20 meter ranges are offered. All sensors are supplied by 10-30VDC, are compact in size, merely 13.5 x 29 x 35mm, and come with 150mA complementary transistor outputs. Prices start at just $43.
All of the CGPS Series sensors carry UL and CE approvals.
“Enlightened” Atoms Defy Uniformity
January 26, 2009 by R. Nelson Parrish
Filed under Uncategorized
When atoms in a crystal are struck by laser light, their electrons, excited by the light, typically move back and forth together in a regular pattern, resembling nanoscale soldiers marching in a lockstep formation. But according to a new theory developed by Johns Hopkins researchers, under the right conditions these atoms will rebel against uniformity. Their electrons will begin moving apart and then join together again repeatedly like lively swing partners on a dance floor.
Moreover, the researchers say, this atomic free-style dancing can be controlled, paving the way for tiny computer components that emit less heat and new sensors to detect bio-hazards and medical conditions.
Read more
Sensor Film Measures Very Low Contact Pressures
January 20, 2009 by R. Nelson Parrish
Filed under Level, Pressure, Ultrasonic
You’ve wanted a more sensitive pressure sensor. Now, one has arrived. Pressurex Zero® is a new sensor film that characterizes tactile contact surface pressure down to an extremely low 7.2 PSI (0.5 kg/cm2). The flexible film can be placed between contacting or mating surfaces to instantly and accurately measure and map pressure magnitude and distribution. Variations in contact surface pressure are immediately visible by the impression made on the film. The spatial resolution of the film is fine enough to expose minute surface defects and other imperfections. The range for Pressurex Zero® is 7.2 – 28 PSI (0.5 – 1.97 kg/cm2). Read more
Ceramics Power Ultrasonic Toothbrush
January 20, 2009 by R. Nelson Parrish
Filed under Ultrasonic
Dr. Pierre Mourad, a research associate professor in the University of Washington Department of Neurological Surgery, was discouraged by the cleaning ability of his ordinary power toothbrush. He wondered if ultrasound, something he manipulates every day in his laboratory, could transform ordinary bubbles into pulsating bubbles that could help remove plaque bacteria and produce a deep, long-lasting feeling of clean.
To transform this idea into a commercially viable consumer product, Mourad joined forces in 2003 with Jack Gallagher, the former president of Optiva Corporation (developers of Sonicare®). Read more
Practical Photovoltaic Systems are No Longer Light Years Away
January 20, 2009 by R. Nelson Parrish
Filed under Photoelectric
by John R. Gyorki, Editorial Director
Although several theoretical and experimental techniques of converting sunlight into electric energy exist, only two, photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP), have survived for practical applications.
Photovoltaic energy systems convert solar light energy directly into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells, also called solar cells, which exhibit the photoelectric effect.
Over the years, PV power devices found applications in small consumer products such as calculators, road signs, sidewalk markers, remote homes and farms, and large solar power stations. They also became the main source of power for space satellites, spacecraft, and space stations.
The theory of operation is quite simple. When a solar cell is exposed to sunlight, some photons reflect off the solar cell surface. The low energy photons pass through the cell without affecting it. The solar cell silicon semiconductor layer absorbs the remaining photons with an energy greater than the silicon band-gap value. The photons knock negatively charged electrons out of their orbits, which creates a flow of free electrons and complementary, positively charged holes.
Wireless Implantable Medical Devices
January 20, 2009 by R. Nelson Parrish
Filed under Mobile
The increasing availability of compact, low power wireless medical technologies will enable a new generation of human implantable medical monitoring and patient care devices using the Medical Implant Communication Service (MICS) radio frequency band, according to Cambridge Consultants. Designers of personal, self-contained medical devices for blood pressure and metabolite monitoring and control, new drug delivery tools or neuro-stimulation technology are moving toward wireless devices that can be implanted into the human body for constant, yet unobtrusive care.
One of the challenges of these devices, however, is designing a suitable antenna that can operate within the complex RF environment of the human body where fat, muscle, and skin tissue create challenging wireless signal conditions. Cambridge Consultants, a design and development company, recently tested MICS band antennas for just such implantable devices.
New approaches to the shape and size of an implantable antenna can provide improved and consistent-read coverage for a monitoring or drug-delivering device, and can improve performance and battery life. A recent demonstration by the company showed a seven-fold improvement in power consumption, potentially extending the use of an implantable device by a significant margin.
Cambridge Consultants
www.cambridgeconsultants.com
Sensor Solution Brochures from Automation Products Group
January 19, 2009 by Editor
Filed under Liquid Level, Pressure
LOGAN, UT – Automation Products Group, Inc. (APG) has available a brochure on Sensor Solutions for Oil and Gas Drilling Operations, including mud pressure, mud tank level, liquid level sensing, general purpose monitoring and pressure calibration equipment.
The brochure reviews potential oil and gas sensing solutions, including APG’s HU intrinsically safe Hammer Union pressure transmitter, PT-400 pressure sensor, PT-500 hydrostatic pressure level transmitter, PG-7 digital pressure gauge, LPU-2428 ultrasonic level sensor, LPU-2127 ultrasonic sensor, KA Kari cable suspended float switch, PC-10K hydraulic pressure comparator/calibrator and the RPM resistive chain level sensor. The depth and breadth of APG’s sensing solutions enables them to provide an unbiased technology recommendation in oil and gas applications.
Mobile Equipment Vehicle Sensors
Minneapolis, Minn. — TURCK introduces its new family of robust inductive proximity sensors for use on mobile vehicle systems. Designed to reliably detect the position of doors, ladders, outriggers, gates and booms, the Mobile Equipment Sensor Series delivers rugged sensing solutions for agriculture, construction, commercial and utility industry mobile equipment applications. The sensors are available in five styles—M12, M18 and M30 barrel sensors, along with Q14 and Q20 rectangular versions—to easily install on a wide range of mobile vehicles. By incorporating advanced technology and enhanced electronics, the sensors provide an extended sensing range while resisting the high levels of EMC often found with mobile vehicle electric systems.
The Mobile Equipment Sensor Series is constructed of robust PBT housings and durable materials, such as stainless steel, to resist stones, salt spray and extreme shock and vibration. To ensure dependable operation in the broadest range of environments, the sensors deliver IP 68 and IP 69k protection and a temperature range of -40 to 85° C. In addition, the sensors series offers load dump compensation to withstand electrical pulses and provide reliable operation.
With quick-disconnect or potted-in cable connections, as well as optional mounting accessories, the sensor series is quickly simply integrated into mobile vehicle systems. Optional pigtail versions with standard automotive connections are also available.
MISUMI to Hold Contest at ATX West Show
January 15, 2009 by admin
Filed under Temperature
Schaumburg, IL — Misumi USA announced that it will be holding a contest titled, “Go Configure” at the upcoming ATX West show in Anaheim, CA on February 10-12, 2009 in Booth Number 4601. The contest is Co-Sponsored by Design World Magazine and contest ballots will be available in the show issue of Design World magazine as well as the Misumi and Design World show booths.
A daily 3PM drawing for a $50.00 American Express Gift Card will take place at the Misumi booth. In addition to the daily prize, a First Prize of a $200.00 American Express Gift Card, Second Prize of an iPod Nano and the Grand Prize of an iPod Touch will be awarded during the 3PM daily drawing on the last day of the show, Thursday, February 12, 2009.
Misumi is the leader in supplying fixed and configurable components for all types of motion control, assembly and related factory automation devices. Highlighted at this year’s ATX West show will be the company’s new 2009 Catalog featuring 3000 New product and 1,500 products with increased configurability and materials. New products that will be showcased at the booth single-axis actuators, linear guides, shaft supports, self lubricating bushings, left handed ball screw, compact square supports and more. Most Misumi components are configurable, with downloadable CAD files and full specs available at the company’s website.
Also, during the show, Misumi will conduct its Configurable Component Technical Seminar onsite to demonstrate the advantages of configurable components to machine, equipment and assembly system engineers attending the show. Booth personnel will be available to register engineers for the seminar, to be held onsite at the convention center during the show. In addition, the company will register attendees to receive the company’s newest catalogs, containing over 500,000 products for the machinery and equipment designer.
To enter the Go Configure! Contest today, go here for an online ballot>>
For more information on ATX West and to register for a FREE Pass to the show, please visit www.ATXwest.com today.
