Tiny level sensor for harsh environments

Miniature 950 Electro Optic Level Sensors perform in harsh environments with features such as an over-molded electronics insert, TPE insulated wires, and fluorosilicone O-ring seals that create a watertight, environmentally resistant assembly for medical tasks. Housing options include polysulfone or polyethersulfone, providing compatibility with a broad range of media. The small size, durability, and low-cost sensor targets applications including medical diagnostics, sterilizers, and dialysis equipment.

Gems Sensors & Controls, One Cowles Road, Plainville, CT 06062, (800) 378-1600, www.info.hotims.com/18364-250

Force sensors keep infusion pumps pumping

FSS series sensors provide precise, reliable force sensing in a small package. The sensors feature a specialized piezoresistive micro-machined silicon-sensing element. The low power, unamplified, noncompensated Wheatstone bridge circuit design provides inherently stable mV outputs. Force sensors operate on the principle that the resistance of silicon-implanted piezoresistors will increase when the resistors flex under any applied force. The sensor concentrates force from the application, through the stainless steel plunger, directly to the silicon sensing element. The amount of resistance changes in proportion to the amount of force being applied. The FSS series force sensor is used in one application in an infusion pump to push on a syringe or cartridge, delivering small amounts of medication to a patient intravenously.

Honeywell Sensing and Control, 1985 Douglas Dr., North Minneapolis, MN 55422, (800) 537-6945, www.info.hotims.com/18364-251

One connector for two-cylinder position sensors

A twin-set sensor comprises two BIM-UNT sensing heads connected by an over-molded cable. Power and signal wires are combined into an integral M12 connector on the sensor. So only one 4-wire cordset is needed to connect the unit to a PLC on medical equipment. The device is useful for detecting the extended and retracted position of the cylinder's piston for longer cycles, and has high sensitivity and switching accuracy. A BIM-UNT universal magnetic-field sensor detects the position of a piston on standard pneumatic cylinders. It is highly immune to EMC, polarity protected, has reliable switching points, and a fast response time. These features make the BIM-UNT an alternative to traditional cylinder-position sensors.

Turck Inc., 3000 Campus Dr., Minneapolis, MN 55441, (800) 544-7769, www.info.hotims.com/18364-252

A guide to advanced sensors

The 2008 Product Catalog and Measurement Resource from Endevco provides a guide to advanced sensor technology and selection and describes the company's product line and support services. It includes helpful reference materials such as frequently requested technical papers. The catalog covers how to select accelerometers for test applications, sensor selection by market segment, a breakdown of typical applications, complete product technical data (accelerometers, transducers, microphones, cables, electronics and accessories), accelerometer mounting and installation, and support services such as calibration and applications engineering.

Endevco Corp., 30700 Rancho Viejo Rd., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, (888) ENDEVCO, www.info.hotims.com/18364-253

900-page catalog shows sensing options

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces their 2008-2009 North American Sensor Catalog and Selection Guide. The nearly 900-page resource details the company's complete family of capacitive, inductive, medical, special application, NAMUR, ultrasonic, and photoelectric sensors. It also includes amplifiers, counters, timers and controls, as well as cordsets and accessories. Product specifications, benefits, and ordering information are included. A selection guide helps choose the proper sensor for a given application.

Pepperl+Fuchs, 1600 Enterprise Parkway, Twinsburg, OH 44087, (330) 486-0001, www.info.hotims.com/18364-254

Spring-loaded position sensors for collecting device QC data

A dc-operated position sensor is spring-loaded and provides two-wire, loop-powered 4 to 20 mA operation commonly used with many PLCs, computer-based data processors, and QC data-collection systems. Operating over a wide range of loop supply voltages and with loop resistances up to 800 ohms, GHSI 750 sensors are suitable for use in machine tool inspection, go/no-go inspection, and statistical quality control info or as part of a closed-loop control system. The position sensors also work well for remote-sensing applications where ac power is not readily available to operate external signal conditioning. Hermetically sealed and constructed entirely of stainless steel, the coil windings are sealed against hostile environments to IEC standard IP-68.

Macro Sensors, U.S. Route 130 North, Bldg. 22, Pennsauken, NJ 08110, (856) 662-8000, www.info.hotims.com/18364-255

Magnetic angular and tilt sensors, and more

A catalog from ASM Sensors features Posirot magnetic angular sensors and Positilt magnetic inclination sensors for medical manufacturing tasks. Posirot sensors include contact-free and wear-free 360° position sensors with a typical resolution of 0.1°. The industrial-grade sensors are housed in a rugged stainless steel enclosure rated to IP 69K. The Positilt magnetic inclinometer uses an innovative magnetic sensor that is capable of measuring +/- 180° in a housing also rated to IP 69K. Both sensor series have been tested to withstand 100 g shocks and 20 g vibration and offer either an analog current or voltage output. Options include sensors with custom measurement ranges in 15° increments.

ASM Sensors Inc., 650 W. Grand Ave. Suite 205, Elmhurst, IL 60126, (630) 832-3202, www.info.hotims.com/18364-256