Wondering what’s new in sensor technologies? Sensor Tips provides you with the most up to date industry news and information about sensor technologies and more. Browse the articles below and get your news today!

MicroStrain Launches SensorCloud™

MicroStrain announces the release of SensorCloud™, a unique sensor data storage, visualization, and remote management platform that leverages powerful cloud computing technologies to provide excellent data scalability, rapid graphing, and user programmable online analytics. Originally designed to support long-term deployments of MicroStrain wireless sensors, SensorCloud now supports any web-connected third party device, sensor, or sensor network through a simple OpenData API.

Core SensorCloud™ features include:

• Data in the Cloud: Virtually unlimited data storage with triple-redundant reliability, ideal for collecting and preserving long-term sensor data streams
• OpenData API: Allows users to securely upload sensor data from any web-connected source or platform, and download selected or entire sets of data
• FastGraph: Time series visualization & graphing tool with exceptionally fast response allows viewers to navigate through massive amounts of data, and quickly zero in on points of interest
• Custom Alerts: Flexible SMS and email alert scripting features helps users to create meaningful and actionable alerts
• LiveConnect: Allows remote configuration, viewing, and record high speed data streams from any wireless sensor cluster on your Ethernet network in real-time
• MathEngine: Enables users to quickly develop and deploy data processing and analysis apps that live alongside their data in the cloud

According to Steve Arms, CEO of MicroStrain, “We have now expanded our offerings from sensors and sensor networks to information management and analysis, and have implemented SensorCloud™ to provide sensor information when, where and how our customers require it. This is truly ground-breaking technology and I am proud to lead such an innovative team of engineers who have thought outside of the box to make this a reality.”

Unlike previous web-based sensor data aggregation platforms, MicroStrain’s SensorCloud™ is unique in that it leverages several new cloud computing technologies to make it easier to work with extremely large data sets using a new high-performance web data visualization tool that typically generates plots in under a second, and allows users to quickly navigate through gigabyte, terabyte, and even petabyte sized data sets. In addition, SensorCloud™ is, to our knowledge, the first web-based sensor data aggregation platform that provides a flexible online analytics tool supporting user-developed apps. Users can either upload their code or use an online editor to develop a wide range of data processing apps, from simple one-time scripts for filtering and statistical analysis, to advanced, continuously-running online algorithms for health monitoring and prognostics.

MicroStrain
www.microstrain.com

Mold-Align® tools helps ensure precise mating at the parting line

Mold-Align® is a new tool from Sensor Products Inc. (Madison NJ USA) that helps improve yields and reduce defects in the injection molding process. It comes in rolls from which you cut a sheet of the amount you need and place between the mold halves. The paper instantaneously changes color to reveal how pressure is distributed between the A & B mold halves.

Traditional methods such as bluing agents do not work with the same precision or resolution as Mold-Align®. Mold-Align® provides data quickly with no messy cleanup and significant time savings.

According to Sensor Products Inc., bluing agents, when applied to one half of the mold, will transfer to the other if there is any contact at the parting line, but will not distinguish between high and low pressures. With Mold Align® the process is quick and simple. It is placed between platens on the parting line which are then subjected to pressure upon clamp closing using minimal clamp tonnage. It is then removed and the image inspected for pressure distribution and void spots. Adjustments if needed are then be made to the platens to achieve alignment, open vents or repair mold damage. Properly mating parting lines and aligned platens reduce machine wear and improve quality. Mold-Align® may be archived and used as a control for comparative purposes. Free samples are available.

Sensor Products Inc. USA

www.sensorprod.com/mold-align

Report Finds Demand for Sensors Is Rising

The rising demand for multifunctional personal electronics devices and intuitive applications has revved up the demand levels for sensors.

Large-scale deployment of sensors is being witnessed in mobile devices, media players, game consoles, and cameras. New opportunities are unfolding for innovative applications, including gesture recognition, motion sensing, location sensing, and fingerprint biometrics.

Gesture-based interfaces have triggered a surge in applications in the mobile gaming and personal devices sectors, and are set to change the way user interfaces are designed. These interfaces are likely to transform mass advertising solutions in the retail business.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (technicalinsights.frost.com), Opportunities for Sensors in Consumer Electronics, finds that the demand for complex scenarios that provide intuitive gaming experiences is on the rise, and the industry is cashing in on this market. The availability of 3D depth sensors and state-of-the-art accelerometers and gyroscopes is ensuring that the money is flowing into the industry.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure for this study, please send an email to Sarah Saatzer, Corporate Communications, at sarah.saatzer[.]frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country.

Location data from all possible inputs such as cars, buses, taxis, mobile phones, cameras, and personal navigation devices that are network-connected with positioning technologies, including ground positioning system (GPS), wireless fidelity (WiFi), and cell tower triangulation, provides an ocean of information. Making sense of this data is especially becoming useful to consumers and businesses that utilize location-enabled devices for services, locating friends and family, navigating, asset- and pet-tracking, dispatching, sports, games, and hobbies.

Although the outlook for the market is upbeat, some challenges are restraining market progression. Privacy issues have emerged as a critical concern in location-based sensing. Considering the massive amount of personal information available online, the risk of susceptibility to crimes such as stolen identity is greatly amplified.

Dealing with these complexities would necessitate further research in the desired application areas. Standardization with regard to sensors would take longer as the applications are wide and varied, and the onus is on the end user to facilitate such processes. Advances in nanosensors can be used to develop portable lab-on-foil and lab-on-chip, along with developments in printing technologies. These low-cost, miniature sensors can be developed for quick chemical and threat detection in mobile, portable personal electronics.

Going forward, several technologies are poised to shape the consumer electronics space in the near future. Accelerometers and gyroscopes have conventionally been the forte of the automotive and aviation industries; however, the uptake of these sensors is likely to pick up steam in the consumer electronics space. Gyroscope manufacturers would be wise to target the high-volume cell phone market. Gyroscopes can open up new applications and interfaces with mobile phones, and if successful, a significant drop in unit cost owing to economies of scale will result.

In the long term, the convergence of various types of sensor technologies will pave the way for more comprehensive solutions that ensure optimized end-user experiences socially.

Opportunities for Sensors in Consumer Electronics, a part of the Technical Insights subscription, provides an insight into the recent advances in the field of sensors for consumer electronics along with the emerging application areas for the same. Further, this research service includes detailed technology analysis and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Technical Insights is an international technology analysis business that produces a variety of technical news alerts, newsletters, and research services.

www.frost.com

Meggitt Sensing Systems Introduces New Acoustic Sensors

San Juan Capistrano, CA – Meggitt Sensing Systems introduces a new line of Endevco® acoustic sensors and instrumentation, designed expressly for use in automotive NVH, cabin noise, vibro-acoustic testing, appliance noise evaluation, wind tunnel testing and other critical sound and noise measurement applications.

Endevco® prepolarized condenser measurement microphones, available in 1/8”, ¼”, and ½” diameters, are offered in free-field, pressure, low-cost array and random incidence types and can be used to meet IEC and ANSI standards. Array microphones offer a lower overall per channel measurement cost and are directly compatible with ISOTRON® (IEPE-type) signal conditioning. They can be used as drop-in replacements within existing accelerometer test system set-ups for as-needed precision noise measurements. Models may be purchased as stand-alone units, or in a microphone and low-noise preamplifier combination with iTEDS on-board memory storage capabilities, facilitating their use within larger channel count applications. All microphones are constructed with a stainless steel protective grid case and housing, as well as a special stainless steel alloy diaphragm, for high reliability in a variety of application environments.

Available for use with Endevco® precision measurement microphones are a full range of low-noise ISOTRON® preamplifiers, handheld calibrators, and accessories. In addition, all acoustic sensors and instrumentation are covered by a five-year comprehensive product warranty. For detailed technical specifications, drawings or additional information on acoustic sensors, or other Endevco® products available from Meggitt Sensing Systems, visit www.endevco.com.

Meggitt Sensing Systems
www.meggitt.com

Macro Sensors Unveils New Web Site

Pennsauken, NJ -  Sensor manufacturer Macro Sensors (www.macrosensors.com) has redesigned its web site to make it easier for design engineers to find LVDT linear position sensors and RVDT rotary position sensors that meet the performance criteria of applications in specific industries.

Finding that many web visitors were unsure of what type of sensor that might meet their application requirements, Macro Sensor wanted to simplify sensor selection by visually grouping its LVDT and RVDT position sensors by target markets.  Now, Macro Sensors’ web site segments LVDT and RVDT position sensors into application categories, grouping those that best operate in conditions prevalent in:

• Energy/Power Gen
• Factory Automation
• Aerospace/Military
• Hydraulics/Pneumatics
• Industrial OEM
• Civil Engineering/R&D
• Sub Sea/Marine
• Transportation

In addition to providing detailed product specifications and drawings on every product, Macro Sensors’ web site also features application stories and press releases that explain how different linear and rotary position sensors are implemented in specific industrial and military applications.   For more information on Macro Sensors product line of LVDT based linear position sensors and RVDT based rotary position sensors, go to the web site at www.macrosensors.com or contact the factory at positionsensors@macrosensors.com.

Macro Sensors
www.macrosensors.com

AccuStar® Electronic Clinometer from Sherborne Sensors

Sherborne Sensors has announced the AccuStar® electronic clinometer, designed to provide precision angular measurements within applications where a high degree of accuracy is required.

The unique design of the AccuStar® incorporates a capacitance-based sensor without moving parts. When rotated about its sensitive axis, this sensor provides a fundamentally linear variation in capacitance, which is electronically converted into high-precision angular data. Available in choice of analog, ratiometric, digital or serial models, the AccuStar® electric clinometer offers a ±60° measurement range, outputting a signal that corresponds to the direction and magnitude of angular displacement. The highly compact AccuStar® measures just two inches (50 mm) in diameter and weighs just two ounces (60 grams) for easy installation, with units designed to reliably operate in temperatures of -30 to +65°C. The sensor and its associated low-power CMOS electronics are encased in a rugged plastic housing.

With its durable, high-performance design, the AccuStar® is ideal for a multitude of applications, including off-highway vehicles, wheel alignment, construction equipment, antenna positioning and robotics applications, as well as other portable or mobile applications where space constraints or environmental concerns preclude the use of other types of precision angle measurement devices.

Sherborne Sensors
www.sherbornesensors.com

Sherborne Sensors Debuts U2000 Series Miniature Load Cells

Sherborne Sensors has announced the global market introduction of the U2000 series, a new range of compact miniature universal load cells, designed for precision tension and compression force measurements in space constrained environments.

Offered in ranges from 1 to 50kN, the miniature U2000 series load cells provide precision measurement capabilities in either tension or compression mode, with a 3mV/V full scale output. Their robust, shear web design incorporates multiple strain gages, strategically placed to counteract and minimize errors associated with unwanted side or axial forces. A corrosion-resistant stainless steel housing and environmental sealing to IP54 helps ensure reliable performance in harsh environments, over a wide temperature range of -20 to +80°C. The low deflection and high frequency response characteristics of the Sherborne Sensors U2000 series are especially beneficial for both materials testing and high-speed load measurement applications, and particularly, where peak loads are being monitored. Additional available options for the U2000 series range include spherical load buttons, mounting bases, fully isolated double bridge and fatigue rated versions. In addition, Sherborne Sensors custom designs and manufactures variations to conform to specific customer requirements.

Sherborne Sensors
www.sherbornesensors.com

US ARMY To Have Portable Toxic Gas Sensor Developed

The US Army has awarded a contract to Platypus Technologies for the development of a portable sensor that can detect deadly gases and other toxins.

Under the $2.2m contract, Platypus will continue to develop sensors that have an ultra-thin layer of gold film coated with receptors that make it turn lighter or darker when it comes in contact with a targeted substance.

The sensor will use tiny liquid crystals, which are used in LCD television and computer screens, for the changes in the color intensity.

Platypus president and chief executive Richard S Schifreen said the company also developed a prototype of a handheld device for reading the sensors and refining the technology for certain applications, including military uses.

Work under the one-year contract will be carried out by Platypus in collaboration with Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center in Maryland.

Leadership in Engineering

Leadership in Engineering

This is the 3rd annual Leadership event announcing the winners in the 2009 Leadership Awards Program. The Design World User Community have cast their votes and we are pleased to announce the winners.

ADVANCED MATERIALS

Da/Pro Rubber is a custom manufacturer of precision rubber, TPE, and plastic molding products. The proprietary Da/Pro process adjusts for rubber compound and rubber part configuration variables so that it can produce high tolerance parts of consistent quality. The company offers complete in-house capabilities from design for moldability, rubber compound development, lab testing, mold construction, subassembly, and quality assurance.

Digital Manufacturing

Proto Labs’ quick-turn Protomold® injection molding and First Cut® CNC machining services are the fastest in the world at providing design engineers with real parts based on their 3D CAD models. We achieved this unique ability by applying proprietary software and parallel processing technologies to the automation of standard manufacturing processes, so engineers can finally have it all : real parts in as little as one day.

Electrical & Electronic

Since 1976, Glenn Taylor’s vision of an enterprising engineer has been our guiding force. Our goal is to design and manufacture standard industrial control products that meet or exceed customer and industry specifications for quality and operation. We engineer more features, more functions and more flexibility into our products, and we are able to offer a lifetime warranty for them.

Fastening & Joining

Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.’s original product was a plastic ring with a groove to house a coiled spring. Today, the company’s patented canted coil spring energized PTFE is at the core of its product offerings. Bal Seal offers custom-engineered sealing, connecting, conducting, and shielding products for medical electronics, medical device aerospace/defense, energy management, automotive, and industrial applications.

Fluid Power

Norgren’s vision is to create competitive advantage for its customers. By exploiting the potential of motion and fluid control technologies. For Norgren customers this means better results, faster/more efficient machines, improved machine performance, increased reliability/uptime and lower cost of ownership. Application specific solutions frequently involve integrated or modular combinations of actuator, control valve and air preparation technologies. Within the field of motion control Norgren develops solutions for automation applications and within the field of fluid control Norgren combines proven brands to offer solutions for handling air, water, oil and other fluids.

Mechanical

Arrow Gear Company is among the most technologically advanced gear manufacturers in the world. With a facility of over 145,000 square feet, Arrow is equipped for a full range of precision gear machining, heat treating and inspection capabilities for spiral bevel gears, spur and helical gears, curvic couplings – as well as complete gearboxes.

Arrow has earned a reputation for providing high precision gears to the global market for a wide variety of aerospace and commercial applications.

Arrow’s advanced technologies reach beyond machine tools alone. Arrow is equipped with design and development capabilities that are on the leading edge of the industry. Utilizing Gleason CAGE, GAGE, MINIGAGE, Finite Element and Fully Loaded TCA software, Arrow engineers can create computer models which accurately predict gear design performance. This process for contact pattern development is dramatically more efficient than conventional methods.

Motion Control

PBC Linear is a leader in providing linear and rotary solutions, specializing in everything from out-of-the-box components, to mechanical sub-assemblies, to complete linear systems. PBC Linear’s team of expert engineers draws experience from years of mechanical and design engineering both in the classroom and in the field. Their skilled staff, sophisticated tools, and innovative products create long lasting solutions for the toughest motion control problems.

Software

COMSOL Group provides software solutions for multiphysics modeling. A fast growing engineering software company with a proven track recor, Comsol was founded in July 1986 in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, India, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and U.S.A.

Switches & Sensors

MTS Sensors, a division of MTS Systems Corp., is the global leader in the development and production of magnetostrictive, linear-position and liquid-level sensors. Using MTS’s patented Temposonics® technology, the Sensors Division is continually developing new ways to apply magnetostrictive sensing technology to solve critical applications in a variety of markets worldwide, including steel, wood, plastics, metalworking, automotive, and off-highway. It also applies megnetostrictive technology to the packaging, oil, gas, food and beverage, and medical industries. MTS Sensors Division has facilities in the U.S., Germany, and Japan, and is an ISO 9001 certified supplier committed to providing innovative sensing solutions that deliver customers with reliable, cost-effective position-feedback devices.

Test & Measurement

Omega is a major US company that manufacturers more than 80% of its product offerings in house ─ and this percentage is continuously increasing. At a time when “outsourcing” seems to be the foundation of many US manufacturers, Omega Engineering, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, remains a notable exception. Omega enjoys this leadership position because it strongly advocates process automation to achieve high productivity and create quality products. When commercial equipment is used, in-house automation handles the input and output processes. Omega’s automation engineers are among the most talented, and it has invested substantially in the model shops and labs needed to support them. Working with an equally talented staff of software engineers, they produce a wide range of custom automation equipment.

Digital Image Sensor Creators Win Nobel Prize

Digital imaging innovators Willard S. Boyle and George E. Smith were awarded a Nobel Prize in Physics today for their groundbreaking work on the first digital image sensor, the CCD. The CCD, or charge-coupled device, is the technology that has made modern digital imaging possible. Boyle and Smith’s invention can be found today in DLSRs, web-cams, hospital imaging equipment, and even the Hubble telescope.

A CCD is a stamp-sized silicon sensor that acts as an eye for digital imaging devices. When light passes through a camera’s lens, it hits the CCD’s millions of photoelectric cells which convert that light into electrons. The more light a photocell is exposed to, the more electrons it holds. (This effect, called the photoelectric effect, earned Albert Einstein a Nobel Prize in 1921.) The information from each cell of the CCD is then translated into binary code, row by row, and finally recreated on a display as pixels. Since the CCD only captures images in black and while, filters are used to determine the colors of each pixel.

Boyle and Smith first came up with the idea of the CCD as a form of electronic memory in a brief brainstorming session at Bell Labs 1969. Its potential as an imaging technology was quickly realized and has been developed over the past 40 years. The first camera to include a CCD appeared in 1981, and the first fully digital camera was released in 1995. Today, the CCD has proven itself to be a valuable tool outside of consumer digital photography, particularly in the medical imaging and astronomy fields. Doctors use CCD endoscopes to look inside the human body without major surgery. The Hubble space telescope uses four, 0.64 megapixel CCD sensors to capture its photographs of deep space.

CCD technology is not without competition. In recent years CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensors have surged in popularity due to their low energy consumption and cheaper production costs.

www.macworld.com

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