Baumer Introduces Complete Line of Capacitive Sensors

Southington, Conn. — Baumer has introduced a complete line of Capacitive Sensors capable of penetrating through packaging materials such as plastics, glass, cardboard, foam, and other substrates. These sensors are available in a range of housing sizes and designs, and offer extended sensing distances to facilitate installation.

Installed outside of container walls, Baumer Capacitive Sensors do not require direct contact with the target substrate, a feature that protects the sensor from damage and ensures process safety and sensor life expectancy. This non-invasive method of detection also ensures that the sensor’s housing cannot contaminate the target material.

Baumer Capacitive Sensors are available in cylindrical, rectangular and special designs. Models are available for use in limited space applications, and for performance in ambient and elevated temperatures. Possible target substrates include plastics, glass, ceramics, porcelain, clay, stone, wood, paper, cardboard, pellets, powders, and foods. These sensors are used in packaging, PCB fabrication, printing, rubber/plastics fabrication, robotics and handling, transportation, warehousing, food and drug processing, medical device manufacturing, cosmetic production, wood processing, metalworking, oil and gas processing, water treatment, and textile production.

Baumer
www.baumerelectric.com/usa

Cognex Introduces DataMan 200 ID Reader

Cognex Corporation (NASDAQ: CGNX) announces the newest addition to its DataMan® family of ID readers. The new DataMan 200 adds Ethernet connectivity and liquid lens technology to the world’s smallest high performance fixed-mount reader. These new features enable faster communication speed, easier integration with factory controls, and software-driven autofocus for easy, hands-free setup. 

Ethernet connectivity gives DataMan 200 users the advantage of real-time data and image transfer, and easier integration with plant controllers and information networks.

Liquid lens technology, an optional feature of the DataMan 200, provides greater focal range, ease of setup, and faster response time. This unique technology adjusts the camera’s focus by applying an electrical charge to fluid within the lens.

With liquid lens technology, autofocus is achieved with a single software command. The lens also provides exceptional depth of field and field of view range, and, because it has no moving parts to malfunction or break down with use, the system is extremely rugged and resistant to shock, vibration and wear.

Setup is simplified with the use of two laser aimers. The laser targets are easily seen through the entire depth of field, enabling operators to quickly position the code to the reader.

Like the DataMan 100, the new system features an easy-to-use interface for setting up the application, and supports a wide range of 1D and 2D codes including UPC/EAN/JAN, Code 39, Code 128, Code 93, Interleaved 2 of 5, Data Matrix, QR Code, and micro QR Code.

Cognex 
www.cognex.com/dm200

MicroStrain Awarded Phase II SBIR Contract by US Navy

Williston, VT – The US Navy (NAVAIR) has recently awarded MicroStrain, Inc. a Phase II SBIR contract to further develop a suite of miniature vibro-mechanical energy harvesters for powering wireless sensors on Navy aircraft.

Recent developments in combining sensors, microprocessors, and radio frequency (RF) communications holds the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor and maintain critical systems [1]. In the future, literally billions of wireless sensors could be deeply embedded within machines, structures, and the environment. Sensed information would be automatically collected, compressed, and forwarded for condition based maintenance.

The U.S. Navy’s long term vision is to deploy distributed wireless sensor networks along with RFIDs to provide a wealth of usage information about an entire aircraft structure. As the fleet ages, there’s an increasing need for embedded wireless strain sensors capable of detecting and tracking accumulated strains “precursors” to crack initiation [2].

But wireless sensors need energy to operate, and battery maintenance, economic battery replacement, and safe battery disposal all remain major barriers. MicroStrain’s miniature energy harvesters break down these barriers by efficiently converting a machine’s vibrations into power. This will enable the next generation of wireless sensor networks to provide continuous health monitoring of our critical structures, such as aircraft and bridges, without requiring batteries.

During Phase I, MicroStrain’s engineers designed, built, and tested novel miniature energy harvesters that scavenged ambient vibrations from a helicopter gearbox. Continuous power output from a four cubic centimeter, 40 gram energy harvester was 40 milliwatts – enough to power MicroStrain’s high sample rate wireless sensor node, which records strain and vibration data continuously at rates of up to 50,000 samples per second. The Phase II effort will support further development of these systems in preparation for flight tests.

“We’re excited to be selected by the Navy to advance our vibration energy harvesting systems. This new round of SBIR funding complements our current developments in advanced, wireless structural health monitoring systems for rotary and fixed wing aircraft”, said Steven Arms, President of MicroStrain.

The Navy SBIR Phase II award will provide up to ~$917K over a two year period. The Federal SBIR program is highly competitive, and funds only those small businesses innovations with significant commercial potential. More information on the Navy’s SBIR program is available on-line at www.navysbir.com.

References:

[1] The Economist, “When Everything Connects”, Special Report on Telecoms, April 28th-May 4th 2007, pages 3-18

[2]  Maley, S., Plets, J., Phan, N.: “US Navy Roadmap to Structural Health and Usage Monitoring – The Present and Future”, Proc. American Helicopter Society 63rd Annual Forum, Virginia Beach, VA, May 1-3, 2007, CONF 63; VOL 2, pages 1456-1467, ISSN 0733-4249

www.microstrain.com

MicroStrain® Releases Miniature Attitude Heading Reference System

Williston, VT – MicroStrain Inc has released the latest in its line of attitude heading reference systems (AHRS). The 3DM-GX3-25™ AHRS is the first of the 3DM-GX3™ family of miniature inertial systems to be released into the market. With versions weighing only 11.5 grams, it is the smallest and lightest AHRS on the market today.

The 3DM-GX3-25 AHRS combines 12 sensors – triaxial accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers with three embedded temperature sensors and an on-board microprocessor running a sophisticated sensor fusion algorithm to provide static and dynamic orientation and inertial measurements.

Improved performance under vibration is achieved by over sampling the sensors at 30KHz, digitally filtering and performing coning and sculling integrals at 1 KHz and outputting deltaAngle and deltaVelocity. User adjustable output rates up to 1 KHz makes the 3DM-GX3-25 AHRS one of the fastest attitude heading reference systems available today.

Each 3DM-GX3-25 AHRS is individually calibrated to compensate for gyro-G-sensitivity and sensor misalignment. Full temperature compensation for bias and sensitivity of all nine sensors ensures performance over the full operating range of the sensor. A new mounting system provides precision alignment of the sensor. The 3DM-GX3-25 AHRS is supplied with routines that enable the user to carry out hard and soft iron field calibrations, where appropriate. Units are available with USB 2.0, RS232 and TTL serial interfaces.

Low cost evaluation kits provide engineers with an economical solution to develop and test applications and very competitive OEM discounts make the 3DM-GX3-25 AHRS the solution of choice when low cost and high performance is required.

www.microstrain.com

TURCK’s Terminal Chamber for uprox®+ Sensors

Minneapolis, Minn. – TURCK introduces an integrated terminal chamber for its line of uprox®+ sensors that conforms to FDA requirements for washdown environments, including food and beverage industry applications such as dairies, breweries and bakeries. This terminal chamber includes removable terminals for quick and easy mounting using screws or cage clamps. Furthermore, by simply rotating the cover by 180 degrees, the user can select either a straight or 90-degree cable exit.

TURCK’s uprox+ line of factor 1 sensors detects all metals at the same rated distance and meets the requirements for food-safe materials. The sensors are available in 12, 18 and 30 mm stainless steel barrels with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) front cap that is impermeable to cleaning agents, disinfectants, high pressure and steam cleaning.

Banner U-GAGE® M25U Ultrasonic Sensors

Minneapolis, MN—Banner Engineering Corp. introduces U-GAGE® M25U Ultrasonic Sensors, opposed mode ultrasonic sensor pairs specifically designed for use in sanitary environments. The sensors, rated IP69K, IP67 (NEMA 6), are constructed of heavy-duty 316 stainless steel, allowing them to withstand the recurring high-pressure washdowns, severe temperatures, and aggressive cleaning chemicals common in food and beverage applications. 

With a smooth barrel housing—free of threads, gaps or seams that could accumulate debris—M25U sensors allow for thorough cleanup with minimal effort. Additionally, IP68-rated washdown cordsets and FDA compliant brackets are available to further ensure reliable, long-lasting performance in the harshest environments.

M25U sensors can be wired for either normal or high speed. Normal speed offers a longer sensing range, while high speed provides a shorter response time, ideal for high-speed counting applications.

www.bannerengineering.com

Magnetostrictive Sensors Meet Off-Highway Requirements

For off-highway equipment, the influx of electro-hydraulics, electronic controls, and computer controls has increased automation opportunities. But you can’t simply shoehorn industrial sensors into these applications, noted Brian Cox, product manager, MTS Sensors. “It’s not that industrial sensors are inferior, they simply offer different functions than off-highway needs. Fine resolution, for example, is unnecessary. We stripped down our sensors to the base level and built them back up with respect to the requirements of the off-highway marketplace.” 

The needed features include non-contact operation, absolute measurement, repeatability, reliability and durability. A couple of these features are crucial. Repeatability serves several purposes. “What is important in off-highway,” said Cox, “is that the equipment can return to a specific location quickly.” For example, when digging a trench, the operator must position the digging tool where it left off. Operators can do this, but it is much easier on them, and faster, if the equipment can find its last position automatically. Also, enabling equipment to handle this task takes stress off of operators and reduces job fatigue. 

“Taking out the complexity of sensors used in this market reduces cost and size,” noted Cox. “It allows us to package sensors into the smaller environment of the electro-hydraulic cylinder.” The mobile sensors are designed to be fully embedded into welded cylinders. Access is generally not an issue in these applications. 

Each off-highway application is different and requires sensors with specific features.  

It is crucial to understand the application. Steering, positioning, and location through GPS tracking are just some of the applications off-highway sensors suit. 

MTS Sensors
www.mtssensors.com

SICK’s New Series of AT20 Line Array Sensors

Minneapolis, MN – SICK launches its new series of AT20 Line Array Sensors. The AT20 is the only line array sensor available that has diffuse mode, making it ideal for harsh environments where dirt and dust can interfere with retro-reflective sensors. The AT20’s industry-leading resolution and simple setup are ideal for glue-bead diameter applications and web guide applications in the printing and packaging markets. 

The AT20 comes in two variants that are specifically designed for edge detection/ positioning in web guide applications and for diameter measurement of targets on flat surfaces. The AT20’s diffuse mode is unaffected by harsh environmental factors, which reduces downtime and labor costs and improves quality control. The AT20’s high resolution and repeatability make it a cost-effective solution for applications requiring precise measurements. Plus, these compact sensors feature a high visibility white LED light source that helps identify black/white and minimal grayscale contrasts between the target and background.

www.sickusa.com

Kavlico Pressure Sensors for Hydraulic Applications

Moorpark, CA – Kavlico has a suite of sensors that have been designed to perform in a wide variety of hydraulic applications. Capable of operating for millions of pressure cycles, these low power consumption pressure sensors provide an accurate, reliable, and stable signal over many years of operation in the harshest environments. The high overpressure capability of our sensors for fluid power applications are designed to withstand the pressure fluctuations associated with these applications. 

These rugged devices have stainless steel housings and can be configured with a broad selection of process and electrical connectors to fit the specification criteria for each application. Operating on 5 Vdc, the sensors provide a 0.5 to 4.5 linear amplified output proportional to pressure. Pressure ranges are available up to 6,000 PSI.

Typical pressure sensor applications include: 
•On & off-highway and vocational vehicle hydraulic systems 
•Trenching machines 
•Pressurized tools 
•Adaptive suspension systems 
•Material testing 
•Lifts 
•Cargo loading systems 
•Transmissions 
•Hydraulic applications for heavy equipment

Kavlico sensors for Hydraulic applications include: 
•P4000 – Sealed High Pressure Sensor 
•P250/P251 – Sealed Industrial Pressure Sensor

www.kavlico.com

Battery Free Operation of Sensor Nodes

One factor that is holding back the widespread use of wireless sensor networks is the hundreds of thousands of batteries potential users must maintain. Micropelt GmbH, specialists in thin film thermoelectrics, may have solved this problem. The TE-Power NODE, a thermo-powered wireless sensor system has a built-in chip thermogenerator that takes a few degrees of temperature differential and harvests that thermal energy to operate the wireless sensor node, enabling unlimited battery-free operation.

The TE-Power NODE consists of a 60 by 27 mm footprint aluminum base plate that carries up to two MPG-D751 thermogenerators, allowing the energy supply to be scaled for the amount needed by the application. An aluminum heat spreader is mounted on top of the thermogenerators and is stabilized and insulated by a PCB that also holds the receptacles for various plug-on modules. The heat spreader has threaded holes for access to various heat sinks, allowing for detailed exploration of the device’s thermal path and easy repair. To convert the variable incoming thermo-voltage into a battery-like constant voltage, the original TE-Power PLUS DC/DC converter was modified to supply a constant 2.4 V and to charge a 100 µF capacitor to feed the duty cycle of the accompanying pluggable wireless system.

The TE-Power NODE evaluation kit transmits multiple channels of digital sensor data helping users and integrators of thermoharvesters better understand many aspects of their implementation in terms of application scenarios and energy budgets.

The kit uses accepted ultra-low-power technology from Texas Instruments (TI), supporting both IEEE 802.15.4 compliant and custom systems. 

To operate the wireless sensor node, it must be attached to a suitable heat source. After a few seconds the node begins transmitting information to a PC through TI’s standard eZ430-RF2500 USB receiver module. In about 2 msec, a stack protocol transmits the temperature of the thermogenerator’s hot and cold sides once every second along with the respective operating voltage. An additional I2C standard based digital sensor interface supplies a channel for optional transmission of data such as vibration or pressure values. 

Micropelt’s battery-free thermal energy harvesting technology can power ultra-low-power microcontrollers and RF transceivers, enabling many possibilities in the wireless sensor market. 

Said Dr. Nurnus, “Our measurements prove that an effective 3.5° C across the thermogenerator can drive applications. This can even be achieved through harvesting body heat.”

Burkhard Habbe, VP business development added, “Thermoharvesters right now represent a viable energy supply for many applications including most IEEE 802.15.4 based systems. Even a few hundred microwatts supplied continuously can easily outperform a good set of batteries. Mass production of devices is scheduled to start in 2010.

Micropelt GmbH
www.micropelt.com

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