NEW ISOLATION VALVES ADDED TO GEMS FAMILY
October 30, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured, Flow, Liquid Level
Gems Sensors & Controls announced their new K Series inert isolation solenoid valves. Constructed from chemically inert materials such as: PTFE, ETFE, EPDM, FKM, FFKM, PEEK, PPS and PSU; the K Series of isolation valves is an excellent choice for any application requiring various levels of chemical resistance and/or sample purity. Liquid Chromatography, Gas Analyzers and Water Quality Testers are just a few of such applications.
Offered in multiple body sizes, port configurations, wetted body and diaphragm materials; the K Series is a truly modular platform of direct acting round bodied solenoid valves allowing for superb power, flow, durability and life optimization. This line of inert valves is comprised of three groups: KS Series are 2-way valves with an MOPD of 20 PSIG;KM/KL Series are available in 2-way and 3-Way Directional configurations, with MOPDs up to 30 PSIG; and KV/KW Series offer 2-Way and 3-Way Directional configurations, with MOPDs as high as 20 PSIG.
American Sensor Technologies Among Top 500
October 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Industry News
American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) announced that it ranks number 405 on Technology Fast 500™, Deloitte LLP’s ranking of 500 of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage of fiscal year revenue growth during the five year period from 2004–2008. American Sensor Technologies, Inc. grew 288% percent during this period.
AST’s CEO, Richard Tasker, credits advanced technology and the contributions of all of their employees with the company’s 288% revenue growth over the past five years. AST is one of 28 Scientific/Technical Instrumentation companies on the list, representing 5.6% of the 500, one of 32 companies in New Jersey, 6.4%, and one of 4 Scientific/Technical Instrumentation companies in New Jersey, 0.8%.”
AST previously received the award for Technology Fast 500™ in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Overall, Technology Fast 500™ award winners for 2009 had growth rates ranging from 212 to 146,050 percent over five years, with an average growth rate of 2,486 percent.
Technology Fast 500™ Selection and Qualifying Criteria
Technology Fast 500™ provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. This ranking is compiled from nominations submitted directly to the Technology Fast 500™ website, and public company database research conducted by Deloitte. Technology Fast 500™ award winners for 2009 are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth during the five year period from 2004 to 2008.
About American Sensor Technologies, Inc.
American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) manufactures MEMS-based pressure sensors, pressure transducers and pressure transmitters that offer the best price-performance ratio in the industry. Manufactured in New Jersey, AST pressure sensing products are built with a full selection of hazardous area and industrial approvals to service customer applications. Common industries utilizing AST sensor products are industrial OEM hydraulic systems, fuel cells, medical gases, HVAC, refrigeration (ammonia, Freon, CO2), Oil & Gas exploration and production, and off-road vehicles. AST’s exclusive, proprietary Krystal Bond™ Technology (an advanced process in which inorganic materials are molecularly diffused onto a metallic surface in the presence of certain gases), produces high-performance pressure sensing products through the use of a single piece of stainless steel. AST offers a variety of UL and CSA approvals for Explosion-proof, Intrinsically Safe, and Non-incendive pressure transmitter applications.
About Deloitte
“Deloitte” is the brand under which tens of thousands of dedicated professionals in independent firms throughout the world collaborate to provide audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, and tax services to selected clients. These firms are members of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (DTT), a Swiss Verein. Each member firm provides services in a particular geographic area and is subject to the laws and professional regulations of the particular country or countries in which it operates. DTT helps coordinate the activities of the member firms but does not itself provide services to clients. DTT and the member firms are separate and distinct legal entities, which cannot obligate the other entities. DTT and each DTT member firm are only liable for their own acts or omissions, and not those of each other. Each of the member firms operates under the names “Deloitte,” “Deloitte & Touche,” “Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu,” or other related names. Each DTT member firm is structured differently in accordance with national laws, regulations, customary practice, and other factors, and may secure the provision of professional services in their territories through subsidiaries, affiliates and/or other entities.
Photoelectric Sensors Deliver Printed Circuit Board Detection
October 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Photoelectric
Available with 30 or 50 mm detection ranges, ML8 PCB sensors provide consistent, reliable printed circuit board detection regardless of holes, indentations and components on the circuit board, while delivering more precise detection of board edges by virtue of customized light beam patterns. These sensors come with factory-optimized settings that eliminate the need for sensitivity adjustments for true plug-and-play set-up, while eliminating erroneous and unauthorized sensitivity adjustments.Dual-sensor, Split-connector Cuts Cylinder Costs
by Jack Moermond
Product Specialist, Magnetic Field Sensors
Balluff, Inc.
Three areas where you can look to cut costs on pneumatic cylinder applications include installation time, cables, and the sensors used for detecting the piston’s position. For example, first consider the sensor in a standard cylinder. Most standard cylinders use proximity switches, either internal or external to the aluminum housing that detect special targets or magnets mounted on the piston. Unfortunately, these proximity switches can be relatively expensive, take up valuable space, and are difficult and time-consuming to install.
A dual-sensor, split-connector system coupled to a multiple-interface block (MIB) in a high-density application reduces the number of wires and potentially doubles the number of cylinder switches that can be used in the same installation.
A better solution is designed around a new dual sensor with a split connector. The configuration has two low-profile, magnetic-field sensors molded together into a single, four-pole connector. Compared to the standard application (where the end of the piston’s stroke is detected in both directions), the dual sensor system does the same job with one less connecting cable, fewer terminations, and less connective hardware, which require less time to install. This dual sensor arrangement can cut an application’s cost by 50%.
Even in a smaller application, a dual-sensor, split-connector system installed on a cylinder to detect the end of a piston’s stroke can reduce installation time and material costs compared to a standard two-proximity switch arrangement.
A dual-sensor, split-connector system combines two magnetic-field sensors with a single connector. This approach uses only one four-conductor cable and less installation hardware with fewer terminations than the standard method.
In another installation where numerous cylinder switches are densely packed, multiple interface blocks (MIBs) are typically used to reduce the number of wires needed to return to the control panel. However, you get a bonus when you use a dual sensor system in the same installation: It doubles the number of cylinder switches that can be connected to the same MIB, or it cuts the MIB size in half for the same number of switches. Either way, your cost-cutting goal is realized.
Balluff
www.balluff.com/vtwin
jack.moermond@balluff.com
::Design World::
Single Photon Detector
October 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured, Photoelectric
The SQLightSensor is an ultra low noise near infrared Single Photon Detector based on a Geiger-mode InGaAs avalanche photodiode and an internal thermoelectrically cooler.
The SQLightSensor includes a Geiger-mode InGaAs avalanche photodiode (APD) and a thermoelectrically cooler (TEC) that ensures high detection efficiency up to 25%, low dark count (5.10-6 per ns gate), high speed trigger up to 10 MHz, and low jitter. The gate width and the delay are adjustable.
In addition the SQLightSensor provides plug-and-play Personal Computer connections via the USB interface which enable to easily adjust the detection efficiency, and tune the gate width and delay.
The SmartQuantum’s Single Photon Detector SQLightSensor is ideal for the most demanding scientific, defense and industrial applications, such as single photon counting, spectroscopy, microscopy, fluorescence, eye-safe laser range finder and LIDAR, and quantum cryptography.
Photonics@smartquantum.com
SmartQuantum Inc
www.smartquantum.com
Low Power Requirements – High Temperature Ratings
October 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured, Temperature
The Low power requirements on the Microchip Technology Inc. sensor doesn’t keep the MCP9804 Temperature Sensor from providing a high temperature accuracy of +0.25° C (typical) and +/- 1° C from -40 to +125°C, as well as static current consumption of just 200 µA.
Many temperature-sensing designs require the use of several external components, making them large, complex and expensive. Silicon-based temperature sensors are becoming more popular because they do not require external components and can be used with little to no design experience. In addition to low power and high accuracy, the MCP9804 sensor features programmable shutdown to extend battery life; an alert feature for over- and under-temperature window monitoring; and a critical temperature-alert feature that provides over-temperature protection, helping to further lengthen system life.
“The MCP9804 temperature sensor represents a significant expansion of Microchip’s temperature-sensor family,” said Bryan J. Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division. “The sensor gives designers a tremendous amount of flexibility to design smaller, higher-performing temperature sensing systems at lower costs.”
Example applications for the MCP9804 temperature sensor include industrial freezers that require high accuracy at lower temperatures such as -20° C to +45° C; consumer electronic devices that require high accuracy at +85° C, such as personal computers; and automotive applications that demand high accuracy at temperatures up to +125° C, such as engine temperature monitoring.
Meters Perform Sophisticated Calculations
October 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured, Industry News
Dual Rate Meter
The new PAXDR Dual Rate Meter from Red Lion provides real-time viewing of dual input rates, paired with sophisticated math functions to measure and display the sum, difference, ratio, draw or percentage of total between the two rates. PAXDR is a 5-digit dual rate indicator and 6-digit dual totalizer that monitors mission-critical factors such as inflow and outflow, unwind and rewind wire tension, feed and tension roll speed, and other pivotal production rates.
Within its industry-standard 1/8 DIN housing, PAXDR simplifies dual rate applications as a single, easy-to-use device—without the need for any complex programming that would otherwise be required to perform application-specific calculations. Six values are viewable on the meter’s .56″ LED display: one each for rates A and B, totalizers for A and B, and the rate and totalizer for calculation C. These readings improve production quality and reduce rejects by ensuring a parameter such as feed rate, line speed, flow rate or tension is properly maintained throughout processing.
Users can simply select the desired scale for each of the two signal inputs using PAXDR’s programmable function keys, with independent scaling provided for A and B totalizers. This capability makes PAXDR ideal for applications such as flow measurement, where both flow rate and volume must be monitored and scaled to a common unit of measure. Plus, 10-point scaling for both input rates is provided for challenging non-linear processes.
“Monitoring and comparing two rates at once is often critical in flow, web or extruding applications,” said Jeff Thornton, Red Lion product manager. “If the many points of a continuous process are not kept harmonized, the ramifications can be disastrous.” Thornton adds, “PAXDR eliminates these risks by displaying both individual and total rates for each of the two designated inputs, as well as delivering a rate and totalizer calculation based upon the user’s application parameters.”
DNA Nanosensor Detects Disease
October 6, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured, Ultrasonic
A portable instrument based on an ultrasensitive nanoscale sensor could detect bacteria in minutes, helping to catch infectious diseases early and prevent their spread. The simple, low-cost device should be available within three years, says Benjamin Miller, professor of dermatology and biomedical engineering at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and codeveloper of the sensor.
Right now, diagnosing common bacterial infections requires growing cultures in a laboratory over a period of days, but diagnosis could be greatly speeded by a number of new sensors based on various nanomaterials that are being developed for ultrasensitive, rapid DNA detection. The new instrument would take from 15 minutes to two hours for a diagnosis and could be used in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and homes.
Each sensor is a hairpin-shaped strand of DNA, complementary to the genetic sequence being targeted, that is fixed on a gold film. Gold quenches the glow of a fluorescent molecule attached to one end of the DNA. The DNA stays folded over until a target genetic sequence links to it. Its unfolding results in the fluorescent molecule moving away from the gold film and glowing, which can be seen under a fluorescent microscope.
Glowing DNA: A CCD camera sensor captures the glow of hairpin-shaped DNA nanosensors when they bind with a target gene sequence of anthrax bacteria. Credit: Benjamin Miller, University of Rochester Medical Center
Lighthouse Biosciences in West Henrietta, NY, is commercializing disposable cartridges to be used with the nanosensor technology. A blood or urine sample to be tested would be placed directly on the cartridge. The cartridge will be a lab-on-a-chip, with rapid, miniaturized ways to prepare the sample for testing. “In the cartridge there are steps for cleaning up samples, that is, extracting material you’re interested in and amplifying the [bacterial] DNA,” Miller says. The cartridge will then be placed in a small portable instrument that does the fluorescence imaging and analysis. Each cartridge should cost a few dollars, Miller says.
By attaching different DNA strands on the gold film, the same cartridge could screen for multiple pathogens, Miller says. So far, the researchers have made a sensor to detect antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria that cause skin infections. They are now working on detecting bacteria responsible for common urinary-tract infections. The sensors could also be used to quickly spot bacteria in food or bioterror agents in water supplies, or even to screen for genetic disorders or cancer.
In a newer version of the sensor, Miller and colleagues stick DNA strands on silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles make the fluorescent signal 10 times brighter. Plus, because thin layers of silver nanoparticles are transparent, the sensor could be coated on glass and optical fibers to make new types of detecting instruments, Miller says.
Off-the-Shelf Hi-Res Image Sensor
 |
The new CMOS image sensor CMV2000 is specifically designed for demanding machine vision applications. The 2.2 Megapixel (2048 x 1088) sensor features a pixel size of 5.5µm x 5.5µm and is equipped with a novel low-noise global shutter. The CMV2000 is designed to run at a frame rate of more than 300 fps at full resolution. It will provide 16 LVDS output channels, which can be multiplexed to 8, 4 and 2 channels at a reduced frame rate. The advanced architecture of the CMOSIS sensor allows for row windowing and row sub-sampling, which enables the high frame rate
A unique feature of the CMV2000 is its novel pixel structure, which combines pipelined global shutter operation with correlated double sampling (CDS). This technique, pioneered by CMOSIS, yields an unprecedented low noise level below 18 e-.
The CMV2000 integrates a high-performance 10bit column ADC on-chip. The ADC features a slow 12bit mode and multiple HDR modes. All this extraordinary functionality is housed in a very compact 95pin ceramic PGA package.
A 4 Megapixel version of the new sensor, named CMV4000, will be available to camera manufacturers beginning May 2010.
“CMOSIS’s first 19 months of operation have confirmed that there are vast, still untapped, business opportunities for CMOS image sensors, especially in areas that were considered CCD strongholds,” says CMOSIS CEO Luc De Mey. “We are well positioned for a significant share of future industrial and professional CMOS image sensor markets.”
Absolute Encoders from Stegmann
October 2, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured, Inclinometer, Position
DAYTON, OH – SICK STEGMANN, INC. introduces AFS60 Singleturn and AFM60 Multiturn Absolute Encoders. With the help of a simple programming tool, users, system integrators and distributors can self-configure any programmable version of the AFM/AFS60 via a PC or laptop in seconds, without the need for an external voltage supply. Resolutions up to 262,144 singleturn and 4,096 revolutions multiturn, zero point or offset and the counting direction can be freely selected.
Their innovative design allows a 30 mm distance between bearings which decreases vibration, increases bearing life, and delivers exceptionally smooth operation even at the maximum operating speed. Coupled with a robust Nickel code disc, they are particularly suited to determining position, angle, speed or acceleration in harsh application environments requiring both maximum accuracy and reliability. These revolutionary encoders come with an option of a pluggable outlet that can be used as either a radial or axial cable outlet which reduces installation depth and provides simple cable replacement, if needed. The AFM60 multiturn provides 30-bit resolution, and the AFS60 singleturn provides 18-bit resolution, at speeds up to 9,000 rpm. They are rated for operation in temperatures ranging from –20 …+100°C, and offer up to 70 g/6 ms resistance to shock and up to 30 g/10 … 2000 Hz resistance to vibration.
SICK STEGMANN, INC.
www.stegmann.com
