Flat cables in most any shape

Custom shaped flat silicone cables are available for space-sensitive electronics in almost any configuration. Custom shaping allows for precise cable routing without folding, kinking or pinching. Custom shapes also help eliminate signal failures due to physical stress at the cable connector. The capability is part of the manufacturer's custom-cable assembly services already in use by aerospace, avionics, and robotics companies. The flexible cables are compatible with all electronics connectors, including custom PCB components, and in wire gauges from 4 to 44 AWG. The long-life cables can withstand temperature extremes from -65 to +260C.

Cicoil Corp, 24960 Avenue Tibbits, Valencia, CA 91355, (661) 295-1295, info.ims.ca/6952-255

Connectors fit all 0.250-in. receptacles

Etco 0.250 Fast Test Tab connectors, suitable for use with force-measurement equipment, are made from brass and feature a dimple that lets them mate with all standard 0.250-in. receptacles. They come in a variety of configurations including 0.110 × 0.032, 0.110 × 0.020, 0.187 × 0.032, and 0.187 × 0.020 in. The connectors comply with ELV, RoHS, UL/CSA, and ISO/TS 16949.

Etco Inc., 25 Bellows St. Warwick, RI 02888, (401) 467-2400, info.ims.ca/6952-256

Software simulates robot movements in SolidWorks

RobotWorks software works in SolidWorks lets users simulate and program industrial robots. RobotWorks can do reach studies and collision tests to help choose appropriate robots and fixtures. Simulations run with security functions activated so there will be no unpleasant “surprises” when a real robot runs the generated program. The software also translates code from one robot to another, and can import models from major CAD systems.

Blue Technik Inc., 2507 Watonga Drive, Suite B, Commerce Township, MI, 48382, (248) 891-8479, info.ims.ca/6952-257

Medical connectors

The CPC Medical line of circular plastic connectors for wire-to-panel use targets medical applications such as surgical instruments and electronic and ultrasound-ablation patient monitors. The sterilizable connectors come in 5, 6, 7, and 10-contact configurations. Housings feature push-pull mating, a self-latching mechanism, and come in black, gray, and other colors.

Tyco Electronics Corp., 2800 Fulling Mill Rd., Middletown, PA 17057, (717) 592-2409, info.ims.ca/6952-258

Motor mount comes as a kit

A new line of motor mounts is intended to work with the company's wide range of linear actuators. Each mount comes as a kit, complete with shaft coupling and necessary hardware. The manufacturer provides all engineering and design services, including CAD drawings, for each motor mount.

Bishop-Wisecarver Corp., 2104 Martin Way, Pittsburg, CA 94565, (925) 439-8272, info.ims.ca/6952-259

Indicators for load measurement

DS-2100 load-indicators work with the developer's patented capacitive sensors so users can easily build a load-measurement system. The indicators accept input from up to four CS Series load sensors, sum loads from all connected sensors, and show loads on a bright red LED display. The load indicators connect to the PC directly or by WiFi. They work with the developer's LoadVUE software, which runs on Windows XP and allows calibrating the sensors, displaying individual and total loads on screen, and logging to a data file.

Loadstar Sensors Inc., 453 Ravendale Dr., Suite F Mountain View, CA 94043, (650) 938-4282, info.ims.ca/6952-260

Connect USB devices to the Internet

The UBox 2100 is the first USB-to-Ethernet device server to support the USB isochronous-data transfer standard, typically used for audio and video applications. Isochronous data transfers are typically used for time-dependent applications, such as multimedia streams with synchronized audio and video in which data must be delivered within specific time constraints. UBox 2100 lets users put almost any off-the-shelf USB 2.0 peripheral device on an Ethernet network. This removes distance limitations normally associated with USB, letting users access and share a variety of devices such as web cams, speakers, microphones, and sensors.

Lantronix Inc, 15353 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618, (800) 526-8766, info.ims.ca/6952-261

Software for optical design

Code V optical-design software features a diffraction-based image-simulation feature that lets users access the simulated pixel data. Built-in macros manipulate the data and let users combine multiple images (for example, separate red, green, and blue channels), adjust gamma, and compensate for known detector characteristics. Users can also extract various parameters of the simulated image, including color and luminance values. A tolerancing capability lets designers optimize for the best fabricated performance, rather than simply the best nominal one. The software comes in English, Chinese, traditional Chinese, and Korean.

Optical Research Associates, 3280 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107, (626) 795-9101, info.ims.ca/6952-262

Pick a molded color, any color

Molded components such as grips, handles, housings, sleeves, and similar parts, when designed and colored properly, increase sales appeal and add value to a brand. When coordinated with functional and environmental design features, the molded part can add significant value to the end product. Colors come in a full spectrum, including those in the Pantone Matching System. Custom formulations can meet a specific performance requirement including environmental requirements and chemical resistance. Complete in-house elastomer testing and formulation-monitoring systems assures materials meet customer quality requirements.

Rubber Industries Inc., 200 Cavanaugh Drive, Shakopee, MN 55379, (952) 445-1320, info.ims.ca/6952-263

Tag reader comes with stretch wrapper

An RFID tag-reader is an option on all semiautomatic pallet-stretch wrappers. Capable of reading Gen 1 and 2 tags, the battery-powered system can read tags at the pallet or case level. As a drop-in option, the compact reader eliminates brackets, cables, external antennas, and any interface to the machine or control system, working independently of the machine with its own motion sensor. The reader measures 7 × 9 × 2 in. and weighs less than four pounds. Although battery operated, the system can be wired to the machine's power supply. The reader's integrated wireless LAN complies with 802.11a/b/g standards, letting it communicate with any standard WiFi network.

Lantech Inc., 11000 Bluegrass Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40299, (800) 866-0322, info.ims.ca/6952-264

Temperature sensor almost immune to freeze-thaw cycles

A rugged sensor monitors temperature in tough applications, such as high-moisture environments where devices frequently freeze and thaw. A swaged end design provides a moisture seal between the cable and housing to isolate the thermistor element from outside moisture and stresses of freezing and thawing. The sensor delivers a quick response and excellent thermal tracking. The device has been tested to 10,000 freeze-thaw cycles and works well from -40C to 105C. Standard resistance values ranging from 2,252 to 10,000 Ohms at 25C with a wide variety of thermistor curves and resistances available.

Spectrum Sensors & Controls Inc., 328 State St., St. Marys, PA 15857, (814) 834-1541, info.ims.ca/6952-265

Perfect positioning for medical flat panels

Precisely engineered position-control hinges make flat screens easier for users to position and view. Larger screens, unusual mounting styles, and varying forces require answering more complex questions to guide the selection, such as the weight of the screen and whether the strength of the hinge holding the screen might hinder easy positioning. The system must also be well-balanced. Depending on other mechanical requirements, it's possible to combine frictional torque with counter balancing springs for weight-bearing and weight-compensating designs that can make heavy display screens — some weighing 100 pounds and more — feel so light that they can be positioned with just the touch of a finger.

Southco Inc., Box 0116, 210 N. Brinton Lake Rd, Concord-ville, PA 19331, info.ims.ca/6952-266

It's easy to replace this switch

The V-Basic Standard electromechanical switch (V15 series) is for “low cost of failure” operations, where the cost to replace a failed switch is minimal. It is part of the V-Basics Premium switch line and is available with a variety of actuators, electrical loads, and special terminations. The switches enhance precise operation for applications requiring 100g or more of operating force and electrical ratings from 16 to 22A. The Standard series withstands 50,000 electrical operations at full load or 5 million mechanical cycles for the life of the switch. The switch's design flexibility increases application compatibility. The switches accept insulated connections and all popular quick connect receptacles.

Honeywell Sensing and Control, 1985 Douglas Drive North, Golden Valley, MN 55422, (815) 235-6847, info.ims.ca/6952-267

LED for optics

The OTLA-0130 white LED is intended for instrumentation that measures color, flourescence, absorbance, transmittance, and reflectance. Each LED wavelength (white, as well as 395, 470, 630, and 660 nm) can be individually addressed for separate pulsing and intensity balancing. The device features a small lighting-emitting-source of less than 2-mm diameter, which allows coupling it to fiber optic and focusing optic systems. The unit attaches through an industry-standard edge-connector or by soldering wires directly to the circuit board.

Opto Technology Inc., 160 E. Marquardt Dr., Wheeling, IL 60090, (847) 537-4277, info.ims.ca/6952-268

Website makes ordering easier

Misumi USA Inc. has updated its automation components and web ordering sites. Improvements include updates to its search engine and order processing systems, including a quick order feature. Searches now work with keywords or part numbers, the results appear in easy-to-understand photos and text. Many products include schematics so product shapes are easily identified. Quotations are not always necessary because the company publishes prices online. This lets users skip quotations and go directly to “order components.” And an Excel Copy and Paste feature lets users upload a bill of materials into the request-for-quotation page.

Misumi USA Inc, 1105 Remington Rd., Suite B, Schaumburg, IL (800) 681-7475, info.ims.ca/6952-269

Valves for low flow

The LS04 pneumatic valve series sets itself apart with a 10-mm width and a flow rate of 200 l/min (0.2C_v) up to a maximum of 330 l/min (0.33C_v). The LS04 series comes in a mini valve with a flow rate of 200 l/min (0.2C_v), a standard valve with 250 l/min (0.25C_v) and a valve-manifold system with a flow rate of 330 l/min (0.33C_v). An on-line configurator designs custom valve manifolds to user requirement and gives a part number, list price, and CAD drawing. All variants are made of high-strength, lightweight polymer.

Bosch Rexroth Inc., 1953 Mercer Rd, Lexington, KY 40511, (859) 254-8031, info.ims.ca/6952-270

Linear-motion catalog and design guides

Motion control technology developer Parker's Electromechanical Automation Division has released a new catalog for its Trilogy brand of linear motors and linear-motor positioners. This 114-page, color guide covers linear-motor technologies, including ironless and iron-core-linear motors, as well as industrial-grade and precision-grade linear-motor positioners. Featured are the Ripped series iron core linear motors with patent-pending anti-cog technology and the economical T1S/T1D positioners that offer high performance in a small package.

Parker Electromechanical Automation Division, 5500 Business Park Dr, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, (800) 358-9070, info.ims.ca/6952-271

Low-profile linear guide

The Mini Rail linear guide uses an anodized aluminum rail and polymer slider with molded-in stainless-steel thread inserts. The slider has a UL 94 HB flammability rating. The guide resists dyes, fuels, weak acids, and lubricants, and it has a maximum velocity of 10 m/s. Operating temperatures are -35 to 65C.

Pacific Bearing Co., P.O. Box 6980, Rockford, IL 61125, (800) 580-2156, info.ims.ca/6952-272

Stable table lifts with its legs

The ErgoSwiss TA ergonomic table-frame system automatically adjusts height from sitting to standing and has great stability. Patient care equipment such as massage tables, beds, and examination tables often require adjustable height capability, for ease and comfort of the patient and the operator. This can pose a stability problem when fully extended. Linear bearing-guided cylinders are built into the structure of the table frame so it is stable even at full extension. The TA System table frame capacity is 600kg and at its full extension the increase in lateral movement over the non-extended movement is 2mm measured 500mm away from the table center. This stability comes from guided rollers that decrease friction between the cylinder's moving parts and the frame structure that supports the table.

American Sales Development LLC, PO 320017, Fairfield, CT 06825, (800) 420-4831, info.ims.ca/6952-273

Dissolving suture anchors

Lupine BR and Bioknotless BR suture anchors are made from proprietary Biocryl Rapide, a biocomposite material that has been proven in pre-clinical use to dissolve and be completely replaced with bone in 24 months. The anchors provide traditional and knotless-suture options for surgically attaching soft tissue to bone while repairing shoulder instability, a condition in which sudden injury or overuse of shoulder ligaments has forced the head of the upper-arm bone out of the shoulder socket.

DePuy Mitek Inc., 325 Paramount Dr., Raynham, MA 02767, (508) 880-8100, info.ims.ca/6952-274

Printers work with or without computers

Tharo H-Series thermal-label printers work with and without a computer. For example, users can download label formats, graphics, and databases to the printer's Flash Memory, disconnect the printer from the PC, plug in a standard PC keyboard, and take the printer to another location. Using the keyboard, users type in data, specify number of labels to print, and merge database information. Tharo Systems Inc., 2866 Nationwide Pky., Brunswick, OH 44212, (330) 273-4408, info.ims./6952-275

Belt conveyor reconfigures easily

The 5200 Series modular plastic belt conveyor platform changes quickly with manufacturing needs. Conveyor length or curve is easily modified based on line requirements. Users can change a 90-degree curve that used to go left, and make it go right without having to purchase additional components. Reconfiguring is fast and easy. To shorten or lengthen the conveyor, cut the conveyor with a saw to the needed length and reassemble with a cordless screwdriver. The 5200 Series comes in straights, curves, and cleats, and works great in a variety of industrial, automation, and packaging applications.

Dorner Mfg. Corp., Box 20, Hartland, WI 53029, (800) 397-8664 info.ims.ca/6952-276

Dispenser for a wide range of viscosities

The Autobonder 2101 is a tabletop dispenser for low-volume production and repair operations. It dispenses a wide-variety of liquids from low to high viscosities which include an array of adhesives and sealants including anaerobics, cyanoacrylates, silicones, and epoxies. The unit also dispenses diverse liquids such as oils, greases, solder fluxes, or paste lubricants. A grounded foot pedal and syringe holder allows for hands-free operation. This lets operators use two hands for cycling and presenting parts. The syringe can be hand held for more precise dispense control, and it's disposable.

Hernon Manufacturing Inc, 121 Tech Dr., Sanford, FL 32771, (800) 527-0004, info.ims.ca/6952-277

Free kit for adding touch-sensing user interfaces

Download the free mTouch kit from the Microchip Touch Sensing Design Center at microchip.com/mtouch for a way to add a touch-sensing user interface to applications using PIC microcontrollers. The kit includes a manual with a Quick-Start Guide, MPLAB Integrated Development Environment software, and a 30-day license for Hi-Tech's PICC-Lite C compiler. It also includes source code for several sensing routines. Designers can customize algorithms to use with their existing application codes with no royalty agreement or fee-based licensing costs.

Microchip Technology Inc., 2355 West Chandler Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85224, (480) 792-7200, info.ims.ca/6952-278

Back-cut bevel eases catheter insertion

The Introcan Safety IV catheter is now available with a back-cut bevel. The geometry gives a back-cut incision without the high angle of insertion typically required of other back-cut needles. The bevel makes a clean, V-shaped, tri-cuspid incision creating a highly flexible pathway designed to give easier catheter insertion with less tearing and faster healing. The Introcan Safety clip is preassembled in the catheter hub, and is automatically engaged when the needle bevel exits the catheter hub. A safety clip attaches to the needle bevel to minimize inadvertent needlestick injuries.

B. Braun OEM Division, 824 Twelfth Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18018, (866) 8BBRAUN, info.ims.ca/6952-279

Batteries go beyond RoHS standards

Though batteries and battery packs are exempt from requirements of the RoHS Directive, Panasonic has voluntarily eliminated lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers from its products. Panasonic battery products compliant with the RoHS Directive include their poly-carbonmonofluoride lithium batteries, extended temperature range coin cells, manganese dioxide lithium batteries, vanadium rechargeable lithium batteries, and manganese rechargeable lithium batteries among others.

Panasonic Industrial Company, 1707 North Randall Rd, 1F-1, Elgin, IL 60123, (877) 726-2228, info.ims.ca/6952-280

FDA-compliant tubing

Medical tubing is available in Texflour PTFE, FEP, PFA, ETFE, and PEEK and is offered in a variety of products and sizes. Compounds of filled Barium Sulfate, Bismuth Trioxide and other additives allow X-Ray viewing of medical devices. Texflour Fluoropolymer tubing comes as single or multi-lumen tubes and in heat-shrinkable material with tube sizes ranging as small as 0.004 up to 1-in. ID. FDA and USP Class VI compliant, the tubing offers a non-stick surface and is chemically inert and non-leaching.

Parker TexLoc, 4700 Lone Star Blvd., Ft. Worth, TX 76106, (800) 423-6551, info.ims.ca/6952-281

Pressure transducers take what you throw at them

Two low-cost pressure sensors, the 3100 and 3200 series offer an all stainless-steel design, less than 1-in. dia. that delivers pressure sensing ranges from 0 to 30,000 psi (2,200 bar), various outputs and pressure ports, and withstand shock and vibration. In addition, the temperature compensation delivers good temperature stability. The 3100/3200 series delivers an output signal for both temperature and pressure, providing full scale accuracy of 0.25%, and long term drift limited to just 0.1% over the full scale per year. The transducers are available in voltage, current, or ratiometric output versions and with a wide selection of electrical and mechanical connectors, pressure fittings, and mating connectors.

Gems Sensors & Controls, One Cowles Road, Plainville, CT 06062, (800) 378-1600, info.ims.ca/6952-282