Business Publications

new products

Mechanical Engineering, Aug 2006

Acquisition devices

OMEGA ENGINEERING INC.. STAMFORD. CONN. OMET-USB-73T Series data acquisition devices support all standard thermocouple types-J, K, E, T, R, S, B, C, and N-with USB 2.0 compatibility, ±2°C accuracy, and maximum sampling of 200 readings per second. Twenty-four digital inputs and outputs let the user control external contacts and relays iu case of an alarm or other event requiring action. Suitable for environmental applications, such as monitoring of furnace, cold storage, and computer rooms, the series ensures accurate results without the high cost of PLC and SCADA systems. It comes in 8-, 16-, and 32-channel models. Price starts at $785.

www.me.ims.ca/6479-57 or circle 57

Nanopositioning controller

PHYSIK INSTRUMENTE LP, AUBURN, MASS. This manufacturer of nanopositioning and precision motion-control equipment for photonics, semiconductor, and life science applications, has introduced what it bills as the worlds first PCI-bus digital nanopositioning controller for closed-loop piezoelectric positioners and scanners. The new E-761 motion controller is designed to provide more flexibility and better overall value than any other digital piezo controller on the market today, according to the company. The E-761 controls three logical axes of closed-loop piezo nanopositioning systems with capacitive position feedback. It has a PCI interface for high throughput and precise motion synchronization with frame grabbers and other peripheral devices. There are four onboard piezo-drivers, with no external amps required.

www.me.ims.ca/6479-58 or circle 58

Precise belt cutting

FLEXIBLE STEEL LACING CO., DOWNERS GROVE, ILL. Flexco has improved two of its belt cutters, providing safe, accurate square cuts for belts with thicknesses up to 1 in. (25 mm). Both the 840 Series belt cutter and the Clipper 845LD belt cutter share improved safety design features that protect users and prevent accidents during and after cutting. The blades remain fully enclosed during cutting procedures. They also feature a flat-top design, providing protection from the tip when the upper beam is opened. Following use, the blades can be positioned in a protected area on either end of the cutter. Precision square and perpendicular cuts can be made quickly by simply turning the cutters' handle. For added flexibility and ease of use, the belt cutters feature a chain tensioner for fast field adjustment. They have a specially designed drive wrench for chain tensioner belt adjustments. Removable clamp bars hold belts securely and can be lifted from either end to simplify routine operation and maintenance.

www.me.ims.ca/6479-59 or circle 59

Triaxial force sensors

PCB PIEZOTRONICS INC., DEPEW, N.Y. PCB Piezotronics Inc. Series 261A triaxial force link sensors simultaneously measure dynamic and quasi-static forces in three orthogonal directions (x, y, and z axes). The sensors are used during vibration testing of aerospace structures to match the mechanical impedance of shaker inputs and may be used to force limit the shaker controller to prevent damage to expensive structures. Other applications include cutting tool monitoring, biomechanics feedback, and automobile chassis dynamics. Series 261A sensors come preloaded between two plates, with a four-screw mounting pattern to allow easy installation and feature full-scale measuring ranges from 500 to 4,000 lbs. (22 kN to 18 kN) in the x and y directions, and from 1,000 to 10,000 lbs. (4.5 kN to 45 kN) in the z direction. Single-axis models are also available.