Author: Serkadis

Just as expected, this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) marked the debut of several innovative concepts, from manufacturers coming from around the world. In Toyota’s case, the center stage was taken by the FT-CH compact hybrid concept, which is part of the carmaker’s North American marketing strategy to offer various conventional hybrid choices to its customers.

The company has already announced their intention of introducing plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and batte… (read more)

The first quarter of 2010 could see a higher number of investments by venture capital firms than the fourth quarter of 2009, according to figures from new reports by the National Venture Capital Association and information and data services company ChubbyBrain.

Data from a report relased by the NVCA yesterday shows that the fourth quarter of 2009 saw a growth of $1.7 billion in venture funds over the previous quarter, similar to numbers seen from Q4 2008 to Q1 2009. Data released today by ChubbyBrain shows that following the earlier growth in venture funds, Q2 2009 saw a $1.4 billion increase in VC investments, a trend that could mean big bucks for startups in the first quarter of 2010.

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As we reported last week, 2009 was a difficult year for startups and venture capital firms, with venture-backed mergers and acquisitions continuing a downward trend in 2009. Carolynn Duncan, founder and director of the startup incubator Portland Ten, says that the “pressure crunch” of 2009 caused VCs to give prospective startups more than the third degree.

“It was more like the fifth degree,” Duncan told ReadWriteWeb. “It was so intense, even for the companies showing great traction and that had bootstrapped the hell out of their project.”

Duncan believes that as the new year kicks off VCs that raised funds at the end of 2009 will be looking at a new class of startups to invest in. When asked if 2010 would be an easier year to find funding, Duncan was hesitant, but optimistic.

“I don’t think ‘easier’ is the right word, maybe just not as demanding,” she said. “People are just glad its 2010 and not 2009 anymore.”

Photo by Flickr user borman818.

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The 2010 North American International Auto Show is surely the best moment of the year to introduce new models in the US market and Hyundai is trying to take full advantage of this.

The South Korean manufacturer debuted at the show the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, a model offered with a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter inline-four that develops 175 horsepower – also offered on the Tucson and available as standard – plus a 3.5-liter Lambda V6 releasing 276 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of … (read more)

The latest reports on Campos Grand Prix haven’t been too encouraging for the Spanish organization. It emerged that the team doesn’t have enough money to start their Formula One campaign in 2010, and the likeliest prospect for Campos was to sell out his team to an independent investor.

While the name of Tony Teixeira – also boss of the A1 GP World Cup of Motorsport – made the headlines in recent days with his potential bid for buying a part of the team, Campos admitted that discuss… (read more)

Wade Roush wrote:

While many pundits predicted that the financial crisis of 2007-2008 would lead to a big shakeout on the venture-capital stage, there’s been remarkably little change in the cast of characters so far, at least in Boston. But Monday saw the demise of one established Boston venture fund and the birth of another, as the entire crew of Fidelity Ventures, save two partners, announced that they have departed the Fidelity fold and formed an independent firm called Volition Capital.

Shortly after we wrote up the story yesterday, I was able to reach Larry Cheng, a former Fidelity Ventures partner who’s now one of four managing partners at Volition (the others are Andy Flaster, Roger Hurwitz, and Rob Ketterson). Cheng, a Harvard graduate who’s also spent time at Battery Ventures and Bessemer Venture Partners, has won a wide following in the industry through his blog Thinking about Thinking and his frequent tweets (at @larryvc). He filled me in about a few of the reasons behind the team’s departure from Fidelity and the structural details and the new investing focus at Volition.

Cheng says the firm—which will back companies using the remainder of the final Fidelity Ventures fund even as it starts hitting up outside investors to contribute to the first Volition fund—plans to be fairly picky about where it puts its money. It wants to invest only in established technology or services companies with $5 to $50 million in revenues; they have to be at (or close to) breaking even, and they must have founders who haven’t given up too much equity. To find out why, read to the end of the interview.

Xconomy: Congratulations on going independent. How long has this been in the works?

Larry Cheng: Thanks, we’re very excited. I think we formally decided to go down this path over the summer.

X: What’s the main reason for striking out on your own?

LC: The real driver is that the partners have had the aspiration to lead an indendent firm for some time. And we’ve always wanted to expand the sources of capital to include third parties.

X: When you put this spin-out together with the shutdown of Fidelity Equity Partners last summer, it begins to look a little like Fidelity wants to get out of the venture capital and private equity businesses. Was that a factor?

LC: That’s not accurate at all. Fidelty Equity Partners was in a completely different situation. They were closed in 2009 becuse there was no access to debt, which makes it hard to finance a private-equity operation. Fidelity is still very active in venture capital as an asset class, globally. They still have Fidelity Biosciences here, and there’s Europe, Indian, and Asia, where they’re also investing in the venture asset class. After this transition, there won’t be a Boston office or team doing venture investing for Fidelity, but they continue to be very supportive of the asset class.

X: Have you brought the entire Fidelity Ventures portfolio with you to Volition?

LC: I wouldn’t characterize it as “bringing it with us,” but the entire portfolio is covered under the sub-advisory agreement, yes.

X: How does that agreement work?

LC: The best way to put it is that we are managing the portfolio companies on behalf of Fidelity. The ownership structure of those companies remains unchanged.

X: What’s your capital picture for new investments—Have you started raising a new fund?

LC: We’ve been totally focused on completing the launch of Volition and completing the sub-advisory agreement, so we haven’t formalized our fundraising plans just yet. In terms of new investments, we still have capital in the existing fund to make new investments, so we are continuing to actively make new investments in the market.

X: So it sounds like you’ve brought a pool of capital with you from Fidelity?

LC: It’s complicated. I wouldn’t say that we have brought a pool of capital with us. The best way to phrase it is that we can continue to …Next Page »

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A Bugatti Type 22 Brescia Roadster from 1925 was recently fished out of Italy’s Lake Maggiore and will now go on auction. The historic Bugatti is not exactly in mint condition but auctioneers Bonhams believe it could be restored.

The Type 22 Brescia Roadster will start at a price of about 95,000 euros. It apparently ended up in the lake back in 1936 and is quite deteriorated, although you can still see some of the original blue tint on the bodywork.

The roadster was first spotted in the lake back in 1967 by a submarine, and was the property of a Swiss architect from Polish background, Max Schmuklerski. It’s not known exactly how the car ended up in the lake, although evidence points to a customs tax dispute. The Type 22 will go under the hammer on January 23rd at Retromobile in Paris.

Source | Autoblog.it

Our Prowatt Modified Sine Wave Series of inverters are an economical solution for your power needs, and are available in handheld or hardwire models ranging from 150 to 3000 watts.

A Prowatt inverter is ideal for operating resistive loads such as lighting. Its solid-state circuitry precisely regulates the voltage and frequency of the modified sine wave output, and automatic low voltage shutdown protects your expensive batteries from excessive depletion.

Provides Portable AC Power

The Prowatt 250 (12V) plugs into the lighter socket of your vehicle, boat or RV to provide 250 watts of continuous power suitable for a range of appliances, electronics and power tools including VCRs, stereos, TVs up to 25” and laptop computers. The exact run time depends on the amount of power being drawn by the application. Prowatt 250 can surge up to 500 watts to handle equipment that requires more power.

A mid-range inverter designed for industrial and recreational applications, the Prowatt 800 is ideal for heavy-duty AC loads or smaller, multiple AC loads. Common applications include microwaves, TV/VCRs and a variety of small power tools.

Designed for high power and industrial applications, the Prowatt 1500 is ideal for heavy-duty AC loads or smaller, multiple AC loads. Common applications include microwave, TV/VCRs, small air conditioners and power tools.
Features

Regulated output frequency for time sensitive applications (Prowatt 250). Auto shutdown prevents total battery discharge (Prowatt 250). Compact size for convenient use and storage (Prowatt 250).

Dual GFCI outlet for safer operation (Prowatt 800 and 1500). Supports addition of external AC outlets (Prowatt 800 and 1500). Built-in LED display for DC volts and amps (Prowatt 800 and 1500).

Includes remote on/off switch (Prowatt 800 and 1500). Silent operation (all). One year warranty (all)

The HDMP3 Vacuum Sealer for packaging virtually any industrial, chemical, electronic, food & perishable product reliably and consistently.

The new super wide jaw opening speeds production enabling the operator to easily position the package in the seal area. Ideal for small to medium size packaging operations, this semi-automatic packaging machine heat seals a variety of bag sizes from 20” to 60” with or without a vacuum. Maximize production flexibility and satisfy the demands of a wide range of packaging applications, all on one machine. Standard features include 5 selectable seal modes including gas flush, selectable upper and lower heat. Simple full digital PLC controls with touch screen and optional pre-set recipes enable operators to be trained to use the Sealer in minutes and offer consistent operating performance.

Designed for ease of use, on a tabletop or bench, angled on a stand or in a full vertical position over a conveyor, the controls are ergonomically placed for easy operator access. Achieve maximum production speed and flexibility by mounting the HDMP sealer on the Accu-Seal pneumatically controlled machine stand.

The Sealer offers adjustable user programs that set the vacuum, gas flush, and heat sealing time to consistently package a wide range of products including wet and dry produce, cream cheese, coffee and other food products. The Sealer is available in seal lengths from 20” to 60” and is perfect for sealing large bags in a box or drum.

Designed for ease of use, the 4” wide jaw opening allows the operator to easily position the vacuum nozzles in the bag and then, just press the foot switch and seal the bag. The PLC-controlled Sealer maximizes production flexibility while offering simple operation and consistent performance. The HDMP3 Heavy Duty vacuum sealer is manufactured with a low-maintenance venturi vacuum system, and the highest quality components, the Sealer provides years of reliable, trouble-free operation. The laser cut and welded stainless steel enclosures and easily detachable vacuum nozzles simplify the cleaning process.

The HDMP3 Vacuum Sealer is backed by a two year limited warranty.

NEW from NTC the Elegant range of non-reversible vibratory plate compactors.
3 new models are available: VD15, VD 18 and VD 20.

Specifications VD15:

Weight kg 85
Frequency Hz 100
Centrifugal force kN 15
Max. speed m/min 25
Compact. plate dimens (W x L) mm 400 x 580
Engine HONDA
Type GX 160

Specifications VD18:

Weight kg 95
Frequency Hz 100
Centrifugal force kN 18
Max. speed m/min 25
Compact. plate dimens (W x L) mm 500 x 580
Engine HONDA
Type GX 160

Specifications VD20:

Weight kg 105
Frequency Hz 100
Centrifugal force kN 20
Max. speed m/min 25
Compact.plate dimens. mm 500 x 580
Engine HONDA
Type GX 160

COMPANY PROFILE

The company of NTC was established as an association of natural persons in 1991 and transformed into the present legal form in 1995.

While at the beginning, the company specialized in buying and selling used construction machinery only, the present-day company activities include:
– Manufacturing, selling and servicing small construction tools and machinery
– Selling, repairing and servicing both new and used construction machinery
– Sale of spare parts
– Manufacturing of custom-made machines and their modifications
– Providing construction machinery rental services

Our products are sold in many European and non-European countries including the EU countries.

The company has been a holder of the ISO 9001 Quality Control Certificate since 1999.

Pocketnow have published this video comparing the browser experience between the Nexus One and the HTC HD2.  While they conclude the Nexus One is better due to the faster rendering and brighter screen, I think it is clear that the screen rotation delay was due to the devices being held at different angles, and that the HTC HD2 has both more flexible zooming due to pinch to zoom and also column re-rendering, absent on the HTC Nexus One, which made it a better experience to actually read web pages.  The HD2’s screen is also much larger, again resulting in better readability. Lastly of course on theHD2 there is the option to further speed up browsing by using Opera Turbo.

So, similar to AreaMobile.de, we would have to conclude the reading experience is a lot better on the larger-screened device.

What do our readers think?  Let us know below.

In the presentation I did last year at the NARM event, one of the things I noted was that people who were pinning their hopes on the music industry making a revival through digital sales of songs were betting on a false hope. They were betting on the idea that they could just take the old world (Tower Records) and move it to the new world (iTunes) with a digital facelift. Doing so ignored the reality of what the internet does and allows. The internet doesn’t just let you take a store and move it online. It changes nearly every aspect of the creation, promotion, distribution and business models around music. Yet, this was a point that I got a lot of pushback on. People still insisted that selling music files was going to be “the thing” that worked. They might want to check that assumption. Reports are coming out, noting that while digital music sales are still growing, the pace at which they’re growing is slowing down, in some cases drastically.

Now, you can’t expect massive growth forever. At some point, every growth market begins to mature and saturate and the growth rate slows down. But, digital music sales are still a relatively small market. It seems much wiser to focus on the markets that actually have much more potential than the one that tries to just recreate the old world by applying artificial scarcities.

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Convenience and functionality, safety and quality – gas springs from STABILUS can be found wherever automatic, force-assisted opening at a defined speed and variable positioning with safe holding is required in children’s and youth furniture. Modern student furniture that features gas springs from Koblenz will usually score high on safety and convenience. Pleasant damping and effortless operation characterize their adjustment properties; when closing furniture, such as cabinet doors, they will prevent noise and pinched fingers. Thanks to their compact dimensions, they can squeeze into the smallest of installation spaces.

Two of the fitting solutions from STABILUS are simply perfect for the hands of children; and they are especially suited for the ergonomic tilt adjustment of students’ and children’s desk tops: The gas springs from the BLOC-O-LIFT series, and the HYDRO-LIFT gas springs. Both products allow variable, rigidly locking positioning of a desk top at any angle. One of the strengths of the BLOC-O-LIFT is their mechanically actuated stop with its high locking forces. This means: This gas spring will hold a propped-up desk top safely in position, even under heavy loads – for example, when someone is sitting or leaning on it. And it will work both in the tension and compression directions. The desk top will remain in the set position and cannot be pushed down accidentally – placing it into a new position requires actuating a release mechanism first.

The great advantage of the HYDRO-LIFT is its ease of adjustment without release. A desk top equipped with this gas spring can be positioned with a minimum of force, and will remain safely at the selected adjustment angle. Here, positioning is always without locking, and any additional adjustment will not require a release mechanism. Incidentally, within certain limits, the HYDRO-LIFT can also compensate for weight fluctuations – such as those resulting from varying loads (heavy books, etc.) – making it a highly child-appropriate and easy fitting solution.

With its broad line of gas springs and dampers, STABILUS affords new perspectives to designers of school and children’s furniture when it comes to optimizing the ergonomic and functional quality of their products. In addition, STABILUS can always provide furniture manufacturers with options for adapting their gas spring solutions to special requirements that go beyond the standard scope.

The new Generation .2 multi-turn actuator range SA 07.2 – 16.2 and new actuator controls AC 01.2 have been launched by AUMA, marking a step towards the future. Designed to cater for existing market needs, and next generation requirements, capabilities include the integration of field devices into Asset Management Systems. AUMA has introduced a number of enhanced features and expanded the functionality of its range, while retaining proven design principles.
Commenting on incorporating modularity as a fundamental principle of the new products, and additional advancements, Peter Malus, the AUMA Product Manager for the actuators, said:
“The new Generation .2 devices are fully compatible with our previous products: this ensures low-risk investment”.
Mechanical enhancements improve positioning accuracy, the output speed range of modulating actuators and the extension of the expected actuator lifetime. These advancements are backed by improved corrosion protection.
One focus of development was to improve device handling. As a result, the handwheel is now activated with one hand by simply pressing a button and a newly designed electrical connection facilitates the linking of cables with large cross sections. Operation is made easier by a new, enlarged and illuminated graphic display. The display texts are available in a wide range of languages. Operation, setting, diagnostics and the memorisation of all actuator data is facilitated wirelessly via the AUMA PC ToolSuite.”
Joachim Rist, the Product Manager of the new AC controls, reports that its innovative developments are the result of an intensive exchange between valve manufacturers, consultants, plant operators and control/communication system manufacturers. It was recognised that standards should be followed as closely as possible for all developments outside of the products’ new intelligent functions. For example, the status signals of the AC 01.2 are classified in compliance with NAMUR recommendation NE 107. Consequently, the plant operator receives clearly interpretable signals from the actuators and all other field devices and new diagnostic features of the actuators are supported.
Temperature/vibration sensors and applied torque recording are used to continuously monitor all parameters which contribute positively to the actuator’s life.
In line with AUMA’s previous products, the new controls are available with different fieldbus interfaces, including the Profibus DP interface with V2 services.

F5- F6-F7-F8-F9 efficiency synthetic fibre media is used in accordance with EN 779 Manifactured by galvanized steel or plastic frame.

Used for fine filtration as prefilter before tre high efficiency filtration systems in air handling units and plants such as air conditioning plants in hospitals, pharmaceutical plants, chemical industry and electronic industry.

Green Laser Technology To Combat Bird Strikes At Airports.

In collaboration with specialized ornithologists of the French Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), LORD has developed a unique bird deterrent system that uses green laser light to scare birds away from runways.

By constantly scanning the runway, the TOM500 stationary system creates a permanent threat for birds which encourages them to find new, safer roosting and feeding grounds.
Users have reported up to 94% reduction in bird activity on runway areas.

The TOM500 automatic bird deterrent laser system is rapidly becoming THE determining complement to bird control programs of most airports worldwide.

Digital Sound level meter
DSL-333: Features
4 Digit LCD display.
Max, Min Function.
Fast & slow dynamic characteristic models.
Level Range from 30 ~ 130dB.
Resolution 0.1dB update Cycle 0.5s.
Accuracy ±1.5dB.
A & C Frequency Weightings.
AC/DC Signal output.
Low Battery Indication.
Level Range: Lo = 30 ~ 80dB; Med Range = 50 ~ 100dB; Hi = 80 ~ 130dB

æGeneral Specification:
æAutoranging Sound Level Meter
æ
æDISPLAY
æ- 3 1/2 digits LCD display with maximum reading of 2000.
æ- Baclit LCD
æ
æFEATURES
æTest ranges: 30~130dB.
æLO: 30~80dB
æMED: 50~100dB
æHI: 80~130dB
æAccuracy : +/- 1.5dB(ref 94dB @1KHz)
æResolution : 0.1dB
æMicrophone:1/2 inch Electret condenser microphone
æFrequency Weighting : A, C
æTime Weighting : FAST,SLOW
æAuto Ranguing , Auto Power Off, Data hold, Max/Min
æDynamic Range : 50dB
æFrequency Range : 30Hz~8KHz
æ
æDIMENSION
æSize : 200x55x38mm
æWeight (including battery) : 290g

One of the aspects that permitted to FPT to excel in the International markets during these years is that to be able to understand and transform into real jewels all designed accessories that fitted out its range of production.
Everybody acknowleges to FPT not only the capability to innovate its products but also to make the most of them by means of a huge number of accessories.
First of all the milling heads must be reminded, starting from the universal continuous positioning head (TUPC), real jewel of FPT family.
This very innovative concept has characterised FPT products since 1994, making the difference in terms of exploitatation of the machines, of machining quality and low cost management, and saving tools, clamping systems and time.
Another example of FPT innovation is represented by the 5 continuous axis twist head with power gear driven spindle, named TTWM.
Thanks to the movement of the 2 continuous axes with “0 backlash”, this head is able to fully exploit its 850 Nm and 37 KW during full 5 axis machining.
Another FPT best seller of the latest years is the direct drive head (without help of gears and belts) named Direct Drive.
Covered by International patent, this special head is bale to perform rotations both in working and in positioning in very short time and with unique accuracy.
It also allows undercut machining thanks to the particular inclination of the main bodies (not at 45°)

Many other exceptional accessories can fit out FPT machines, such as:
– orthogonal heads either mechanical or with electrospindles, named “AUTOLATO”
– boring quill, available on different machines with 130-150-160-180-200 mm diameters
– other 5 continuous axis head , mechanial or with electrospindle.
– Spindle extensions of different lengths, with direct drive or increased up to 10000 rpm
– Big-sized automatic boring facing heads
– Angle heads with special morphology for particular machining in difficult positions.
– Big-sized turning heads and tables completing the machining process on FPT machines.

“It must be reminded that FPT employs on its machines the high-tech concept which provides that the heads are intended as autonomous; therefore each of them is equipped with all necessary devices both for movement and control.
Even in these choices FPT is the only one in the worldwide scene of manufacturers”.