PPT Vision Sentinel Mold Protection Solution

Bloomington, MN — PPT VISION, Inc. announces their SENTINEL Mold Protection Solution is now available Internationally. The SENTINEL offers the manufacturing industry a superior turn-key vision inspection solution to protect mold processes and tooling by detecting errors in real-time, then shutting down production and alerting operators before damages occur. Initially released in the United States in November 2008, the SENTINEL’s superior protection capabilities can now be utilized in molding applications worldwide.

The SENTINEL Mold Protection Solution was unveiled in early April to the global molding industry at the Southern China Plastics and Mold Show in Shenzhen, China. Upcoming plastic and molding industry events showcasing the SENTINEL Mold Protection Solution have additionally been scheduled in the United States and England.

The SENTINEL’s global introduction is also taking place throughout Europe and North America. Product Seminars are being scheduled in England, Ireland, Germany, France, Canada and the United States. These seminars cover a variety of topics including typical machine vision applications, software tools available and how they are used in common inspection scenarios, cost to deploy machine vision projects, as well as integration, support and training options.

The PPT VISION SENTINEL supports up to four cameras. Each camera provides users the ability to configure up to five mold inspection stages, including the inspection of mold flash, short shot, part ejection, pin retraction, insert position verification and more. Software panels, currently available in English and Chinese, are preconfigured for mold protection applications; users simply point-and-click to select the desired inspection options before putting the system online.

SENTINEL is available in any IMPACT hardware platform, including right-angle, inline and remote camera options. IMPACT cameras are available in 17 models, covering a full range of processing power and resolutions from 640 x 480 to 1600 x 1200 pixels.

PPT VISION
www.pptvision.com

PPT VISION’s New Standard API for its IMPACT™ Software Suite 8.3

Bloomington, MN — PPT VISION, Inc. announces a new standard API that uses the Microsoft® ActiveX® platform to provide industry standard connectivity, linking and embedding. ActiveX control is now built into PPT VISION’s IMPACT™ Software Suite 8.3, which runs on all PPT VISION IMPACT smart cameras, delivering easy-to-use, advanced inspection capabilities to a broad range of machine vision applications.

The new IMPACT ActiveX control API operates with common programming languages (such as VB.NET) and includes sample programs in VB.NET, C#, Visual Basic 6, and Microsoft Excel. Along with the new ActiveX control API, IMPACT 8.3 features Control Panel Manager (CPM), which provides a simpler way to create custom machine operator interfaces for monitoring and controlling PPT VISION inspections.

PPT VISION, Inc.
www.pptvision.com

Ultrasonic Distance Measurement Sensor

Minneapolis, MN – SICK launches the UM30-2 Ultrasonic Distance Measurement Sensors, featuring a new EasyTouch display and keypad that enables easier setup, configuration, and access to advanced problem solving features. The UM30-2 line offers increased measurement performance and is 25% shorter, providing more installation options. These sensors are ideal for detection and distance measurement applications, such as roll diameter control, level control, clear bottle detection, and collision avoidance.

The sensors’ increased performance includes actual measurement enhancements and valuable advanced features that can be activated to solve common application problems. The sensors’ resolution has been improved and now offers 0.18 mm resolution throughout the entire measurement range of the UM30-2 family. The new EasyTouch display and keypad allow for easy setup and quick commissioning and provide access to 14 advanced features without using any external PC or programming module.

Advanced features enable users to connect multiple sensors together to act as one large sensor, which increases the sensing area for more robust collision avoidance or for monitoring difficult target surfaces. They can also be connected together and programmed to multiplex to avoid cross talk and mutual interference. Another common problem solved by using the sensors’ advanced features is to ignore foreground or background targets, making it ideal for level detection to ignore signal reflections from the rim of the vial/bin/hopper/bottle/tube and only output the distance to the material inside. These solutions were previously not available in standard ultrasonic sensors and now provide more opportunities for you and your customer.

SICK
www.sickusa.com

Minco Chill-Out™ Combination Sensor

Minneapolis, MN — Minco has a new line of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) temperature sensors designed to protect chillers in air handling equipment in commercial buildings. The new sensor line is called the Chill-Out™ Combination Sensor.

Visit Minco’s Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator to see your true savings if you install both a freeze stat low limit device and an averaging sensor.

Most schools, hospitals, office complexes and other commercial buildings use a device called a Freeze Stat, along with an averaging sensor to protect against freezing temperatures. The solid state, low temperature cut-out Chill-Out sensor has a number of advantages over traditional Freeze Stat/averaging sensor technology:

– Minco’s Chill-Out™ Combination Sensor replaces the Freeze Stat, but, unlike the Freeze Stat, it has two sensors in one easy-to-install package. One is a low-temp cut-out sensor and one is an independent averaging-temp sensor. This dual sensor package delivers accurate measurements and eliminates the need to install a separate averaging sensor.
– Saves $13K-$35K over a typical Freeze Stat/averaging sensor installation.
– There are no capillary tubes to break, leak or kink.
– Considered a “green” product by the industry as it is solid state and has no harmful gases or chemicals.
– Easy mounting in any direction. Horizontal orientation is not required.
– Relay changes state to deliver a failure detection signal in the event of a power loss.
– Low-temp sensitivity within a 12-inch segment, versus 18 inches with gas-filled capillary tubes.
– Easily formed aluminum or ultra flexible PVC coated galvanized armor sensor case.
– 4 to 20 mA temperature loop output available with optional Temptran™ transmitter.
– No diaphragm case needed.

The Chill-Out Sensor is described in the handy Sensors & Instruments Solutions Guide. The free 163-page guide explains various temp sensing solutions for process building automation and other commercial applications. The guide has complete technical data on sensor assemblies, probes, miniature sensors, sanitary sensors, stator RTDs, HVAC temperature and humidity sensors, flexible sensors, elements, instruments, transmitters and accessories. In addition to the Guide, a Non-Invasive Sensors Design Kit is also available.

Minco
www.minco.com

Optical Forked Photoelectric Sensors

The new GS 61 and GS 63 optical forked photoelectric sensors complement the successful GSU 14B and IGSU 14B ultrasonic forked sensors to create an outstanding performance portfolio. They are specially designed for the detection of non-transparent labels and, with their three millimeter wide fork widths, can be used for a wide range of applications, including the processing of booklets or folded labels. The extremely flat lower fork in slim-line design enables simple installation directly at the dispensing edge and in installation situations with very limited space. The GS 61, the world’s smallest forked photoelectric sensor for label technology in industrial quality, offers maximum installation freedom. With very visible markings, both devices enable fast alignment of the label tape. The connection options are also designed for installation conditions with limited space and for direct mounting. As an alternative to connection via cable, devices are also available with an M8 connector with either a horizontal or vertical outlet.

The sensitivity adjustment of the GS 61 is performed via the teach-in function or simply via a multiturn potentiometer without the need for a tool. The operating head provided for this purpose can be removed to prevent manipulation. On the GS 63, the teach button can easily be locked via the teach input for the same reason.

Unlike the plastic housing of the GS 61, the GS 63 has a metal housing that is sealed to protect against corrosion by means of the cathodic dip painting method familiar from automotive engineering. With regard to technology, the GS 63 is characterized by a particularly high switching frequency and short response time, guaranteeing very good repeatability. The new ALC (auto level control) also contributes to an improvement in functional reliability. This enables the sensor to automatically correct the switching threshold during operation so that the maximum function reserve is always available, e.g. in the case of material differences between labels that are actually of the same type. A feature already familiar from the IGSU 14B and integrated in the new device version is a warning output. Thanks to a self-test in the device, errors that occur during teaching and during operation, such as soiling or a changed signal threshold, are displayed.

Leuze electronic
www.leuze.com

TURCK Q08 Proximity Sensors

Minneapolis, MN — TURCK announces that the company’s rugged Q08 uprox®+ factor 1 sensor—designed to detect steel, stainless steel, copper, brass and aluminum at the same rated sensing distance—now offers an extended range of 8 mm. With no reduction factor, uprox+ factor 1 sensors save significant time and labor costs over standard ferrite core proximity sensors, which must be adjusted and reinstalled to detect different metal types. Along with its extended range, the Q08 sensor features a compact rectangular housing that makes it well suited for applications where mounting space is limited.

The Q08 sensor family comes equipped with internal shielding that effectively eliminates pre-damping, allowing users to employ the sensor’s full switching distance without hindrance—even when the device is mounted on metal surfaces. An IP 68 protection rating affords greater application flexibility, as the Q08 sensor can resist dust, debris and moisture ingress in challenging manufacturing environments. Two LEDs additionally provide clear visual indication of the sensor’s switching status.

TURCK
www.turck.us

OG Series Photoelectric Sensors from ifm efector

EXTON, PA – ifm efector inc. introduces the new OG Series photoelectric sensors for washdown applications. The industry standard 18 mm diameter housings are 316 stainless steel and designed for food and beverage applications.

The OG’s zero-leak design prevents ingress during high pressure cleaning and steam cleaning. The Ecolab-certified sensors are chemically compatible with industrial caustic and acid solutions and are resistant to chemicals used in washdown environments.

The sensors are fitted with a plastic lens – rather than a traditional glass lens – that eliminates the possibility of glass splintering in food and beverage processes. The OG sensors feature a visible red light source that simplifies installation and maintenance. For application versatility, ifm offers high grade stainless steel mounting accessories for quick mounting.

The Micro DC units are available in a variety of models including diffuse reflective with background suppression, retro-reflective, and thru-beam pairs. Each model offers a light-on or dark-on outputs option.

ifm efector inc.
www.ifm.com/us

Low Pressure Transducers from Gems

Plainville CT – Gems® Sensors & Controls™ announces the launch of the new 3300 series pressure transducer. The 3300 series transducer is designed for low pressure applications that demand small size and low cost along with high accuracy and stability. The 3300 Series pressure transducer is well suited to applications such as chemical sterilizers, autoclaves, pneumatics, HVAC&R, pumps & compressors.

The 3300 pressure transducer is the newest addition to the highly successful 3100 and 3200 series transducers, bringing a versatile low pressure capability to the product line and opening up a host of new applications across a number of different industries. All stainless steel wetted parts and all welded construction make the unit compatible with harsh chemicals and environments. In addition, the unique temperature compensation at source technology delivers outstanding temperature stability.

The 3300 series is available in pressure ranges from 15 to 250 psi and is capable of operating over a temperature range of -40°F to 257°F. Available in voltage, current, and ratiometric outputs, with a wide selection of connectors, pressure fittings and mating connectors makes the 3300 suitable for many applications without modification.

Gems Sensors & Controls
www.GemsSensors.com

Background Evaluation Sensors from Pepperl+Fuchs

TWINSBURG, OH – Pepperl+Fuchs Dura-Vue™ MLV12 Series Photoelectric Sensors are now available in diffuse mode with background evaluation. Dura-Vue background evaluation sensors provide a sensing range from 50 mm to 150 mm, with a 4 mm light spot that enables these sensors to detect even the smallest targets. They are engineered to detect all targets regardless of color or shape, making them well suited for use in material handling and packaging applications.

Dura-Vue™ series sensors feature a harsh-duty IP67 rated metal-framed housing with swivel connector, and deliver reliable operation in temperatures as low as -40°F. Users will also benefit from highly visible front and rear LED status indicators, cross-talk protection and high immunity to ambient light.

With Pepperl+Fuchs patented 4-in-1™ outputs, stocking and installation is significantly simplified because the sensor automatically sinks or sources its current based on the connected load. Alignment is easy with the aid of a visible red light source, while a potentiometer facilitates quick adjustments to the sensing range, as needed.

Background evaluation photoelectric sensors work by establishing a light path to a reference background object and back to the sensor. Targets are detected when they pass in front of the sensor and disrupt the light path. Even rounded or curved targets that otherwise may reflect light away from the sensor, and targets with poor reflectivity, are reliability detected.

Pepperl+Fuchs
www.pepperl-fuchs.com

Eric Pilaud Appointed President & CEO of CST

Moorpark, CA – Eric Pilaud, Executive Committee member of Schneider Electric has been appointed to the position of President & CEO of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST), effective July 1, 2009. Eric was previously in charge of Strategy, Customers, Innovation & Technology for Schneider Electric.

Eric began his career as both a university professor and researcher and a corporate consultant in the information technology sector. He joined Schneider Electric subsidiary SES in 1986. Five years later he was appointed to head SF Gandy in Chalon-sur-Saone (France). Mr. Pilaud spent 1995 to 1998 in the UK, first as director of Westinghouse Systems and then of the Automation and Control Division. He led the “Schneider 2000+” Company program from 1999 to 2000. He was subsequently responsible for the development of eBusiness within the group (eBusiness@Schneider Electric) until 2001. Between 2002 and the end of 2003, he was in charge of the Strategy Markets Division. In 2003, he was named Executive Vice president for the Strategic Deployment Division and in 2005, he assumed additional responsibility for the company’s new Services Division. In July 2006, he was appointed Executive Vice president in charge of Strategy, Customers & Technology Division and the Services & products Business Unit.

According to Eric, “Despite the current challenging economic environment, Custom Sensors and Technologies has the ability to grab huge opportunities. In a world where intelligent and communicating sensors play an increasing critical role in every application, we will invest in technologies and customer intimacy to create a reference in our industry”

Eric replaces Hal Grant, who acted as interim CEO from March – June of 2009 after the departure of Chuck Treadway who held the position of President and CEO at CST for three years.

Custom Sensors & Technologies
www.cstsensors.com

Schneider Electric
www.schneider-electric.com

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