Author: Serkadis

As part of the Open Innovation Contest, “App My Ride,” Volkswagen is asking designers, programmers, developers and interested users to participate in a contest to design applications for the Infotainment systems of the future.

VW is the first carmaker to embrace the concept of open innovation to further develop its products. In this contest, users get the chance to jointly develop new Infotainment applications with VW. Special prizes will go to the winner who will be selected by a jury of experts. Prof. Dr Jürgen Leohold, Head of the Volkswagen Group Research, said that the company aims to attract the international developer community “to take part in designing a future system.” It can be recalled that these apps, also known as application programs for certain devices which are offered online, have contributed to the smartphone boom. Companies such as Apple and Google aim to continue to support this source of innovation.

Source: Car news, Car reviews, Spy shots

Development of Quantum Computing Technology – The U.S. Army Research Office (ARO) together with the National Security Agency (NSA) solicits proposals for basic and applied research to advance quantum computing technology. Research areas of particular interest include: (1) Robust solid-state qubits and related technologies – Qubits are the foundation of both memory and processing in quantum information systems. In this area of interest, we seek proposals that address the development of single-and few-qubit solid-state devices; (2) Short-to-medium-range quantum information transfer in solid-state systems – This area of interest seeks innovative approaches to transfer quantum information in solid-state systems, including on-chip transfer, off-chip transfer, or both. Selected proposals will greatly advance the current state-of-the-art in relevant performance metrics for a specific solid-state qubit implementation; and (3) Ideas, methods, and procedures for the verification/validation of quantum computing components – A challenge for quantum information processing systems, especially as they increase in size, is the efficient and accurate verification/validation of their performance for the task at hand. In this third area of interest innovative proposals are sought to address the verification/validation of quantum information processor components..  White papers are strongly encouraged but are not required.  Award Ceiling: $3M; Award Floor: $200K.  Eligibility: All.  White Paper Due Date: May 24, 2010. Proposals Due Date: July 12, 2010.

Posted Date: April 27, 2010

Funding Opportunity Number: W911NF-10-R-0007

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Instrumentation Program for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) – The program aims to enhance science, mathematics, and/or engineering education programs and/or research capabilities through the acquisition of equipment and/or instrumentation that will augment existing facilities, enhance curricula, or develop new laboratories, programs and capabilities in these areas. This includes basic equipment for laboratory and classroom use as well as sophisticated instruments and computers (including software) for advanced studies and research important to the DoD.  Total Funding: $4.8M; Award Ceiling: $400K.  Eligibility: This competition is open only to institutions identified under 10 U.S.C. 2362 (e)(2) on the U.S. Department of Education Postsecondary list for Indian Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities.  Proposal Due Date: June 15, 2010.

Posted Date: April 24, 2010

Broad Agency Announcement Number: W911NF-10-R-0005

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Computational Toxicology: Biologically-Based Multi-Scale Modeling – The EPA, as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications for research in developing quantitative, dose-response models to elucidate the associations between environmental agents and toxicity pathways across multiple scales of biological organization. Additionally, this solicitation calls for research into ways in which the data underlying these models can be managed and shared for easier access, interpretation and use by the broader community of researchers and risk assessors. There are two distinct Research Areas covered by this solicitation: (1) Model Development and Model Evaluation; and (2) Data Management.  Applications must propose research in one of these research areas to be eligible for funding. These two areas of research shall be conducted concurrently in the following way: the research team funded under the second research area shall collaborate with the research teams funded under the first research area to ensure that the latter conform their modeling data to a shared ontology.  Total Funding: $3M.  Eligibility: Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions/Organizations (including institutions of higher education and hospitals). Closing Date: July 15, 2010.

Posted Date: April 15, 2010

Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-G2010-STAR-C4; EPA-G2010-STAR-C3; EPA-G2010-STAR-C2; EPA-G2010-STAR-C1

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DoD SBIR Program 2010.2 – Small high-technology firms are encouraged to submit proposals to DoD for R&D projects with both military and commercial applications in response to SBIR solicitation 2010.2, which will be publicly released on the DoD SBIR Web Site (http://www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir) on Apr 21, 2010.  Six DoD components will participate in the 2010.2 solicitation – Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Defense Microelectronics Agency (DMEA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). The solicitation lists all the R&D topics under which DoD is seeking proposals, and also contains detailed information on the parameters of the SBIR program and how to submit a proposal. Small firms apply first for a six-month phase I award of $70,000 to $150,000 (unless otherwise specified in the component instructions) to test the scientific, technical, and commercial merit of a particular concept. If phase I proves successful, the firm may be invited to apply for a two-year phase II award of $500,000 to $1,000,000 to further develop the concept.  Eligibility: For Profit Businesses with 500 or fewer employees.  Opening Date: May 19, 2010.  Closing Date: June 23, 2010.

Posted Date: April 15, 2010

Solicitation Number: DoDSBIR2010-2

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DoD Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Therapeutic Idea Award – The Therapeutic Idea Award is designed to promote new ideas that are still in the early stages of development with the potential to yield highly impactful data and new avenues of investigation for novel therapeutics for ALS treatment. This mechanism supports conceptually innovative, high-risk/high-reward research that could ultimately lead to critical discoveries or major advancement in ALS therapeutics. Research projects should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale.  Innovation and Impact are the most important aspects of the Therapeutic Idea Award.  Research deemed innovative may introduce a new paradigm, challenge current paradigms, introduce novel concepts or agents, or exhibit other uniquely creative qualities that may lead to potential therapeutics for ALS.  Impact describes research that has high potential to significantly impact development of therapeutics for ALS.  Total Funding: $1.92M.  Eligibility: Independent investigators at all academic levels.  Pre-Application Due Date: May 14, 2010.  Full Application Due Date: August 4, 2010.

Posted Date: April 14, 2010

Funding Opportunity Number: W81XWH-10-ALSRP-TIA

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DoD Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Therapeutic Development Award – The Therapeutic Development Award supports the preclinical assessment of therapeutics for ALS. The proposed studies are expected to be empirical in nature and product-driven, but may have a hypothesis-driven approach, provided the focus is on therapeutics. It is anticipated that the agents and/or data generated from these awards will lead to the advancement of therapeutics for ALS. The Therapeutic Development Award mechanism is designed to support preclinical testing and development of therapeutics for ALS. Proposals must include preliminary data relevant to the phase(s) of the preclinical development process covered by the proposed research. The proposal should include a clear statistical plan of analysis, if appropriate. Applicants must clearly and explicitly articulate what impact the project may have on therapeutic development for ALS.  Total Funding: $4.8M.  Eligibility: Independent investigators at all academic levels.  Pre-Application Due Date: May 14, 2010.  Full Application Due Date: August 4, 2010.

Posted Date: April 14, 2010

Funding Opportunity Number: W81XWH-10-ALSRP-TDA

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DoD Gulf War Illness Consortium Development Award – This effort will be executed through two separate award mechanisms, the Consortium Development Award in FY10 and the Consortium Award in FY11. Proposals for the Consortium Development Award are being requested in this program announcement. The Consortium Development Award is an infrastructure development mechanism that provides support to create a Coordinating Center and establish the necessary collaborations at potential Research Sites for the development of a multi-institutional GWI research effort. Participants in this consortium should be scientists and/or clinicians who have made significant contributions to the field of Gulf War Illness research or who have specific expertise related to the multiple symptoms associated with GWI progression. Infrastructure development includes (but is not limited to) establishing appropriate collaborations, outlining an administrative management plan, developing research management and communication plans, and devising an intellectual property plan.  Total Funding: $640K.  Eligibility: Independent investigators at all academic levels.  Closing Date: August 4, 2010.

Posted Date: April 14, 2010

Funding Opportunity Number: W81XWH-10-GWIRP-CONDEV

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DoD Gulf War Illness Clinical Trial Award – The FY10 GWIRP is offering two award mechanisms to evaluate potential interventions for Gulf War Illness: the Clinical Trial Award (CTA) and the Innovative Treatment Evaluation Award  (ITEA).  The Clinical Trial Award described in this FOA is intended to support larger, more definitive (Phase II-III) clinical trials where preliminary and preclinical evidence indicates the potential for substantial benefit for veterans with GWI.  The CTA supports rapid execution of clinical trials with the potential to have a significant impact on the health and lives of veterans with GWI.  The GWIRP seeks proposals that will contribute to identification of effective interventions for GWI. This will include larger, more definitive clinical trials where preliminary and preclinical evidence indicates the potential for substantial benefit for veterans with GWI. Health outcomes of interest include effects of interventions on: 1) Global health measures; 2) Symptoms complexes; 3) Measurable clinical outcomes, biomarkers; 4) GWI subgroups characterized by symptom or other clinical characteristics.  Total Funding: $2.4M.  Eligibility: Independent investigators at all academic levels.  Closing Date: August 4, 2010.

Posted Date: April 14, 2010

Funding Opportunity Number: W81XWH-10-GWIRP-CTA

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DoD Gulf War Illness Investigator-Initiated Research Award – The IIRA supports research focusing on the complex of symptoms known as Gulf War Illness, improving its definition and diagnosis, characterizing disease symptoms, and better understanding its pathobiology. It is intended to encourage basic or clinical developmental research aimed at identification of objective measures to distinguish ill from healthy veterans (e.g., biomarkers) or elucidate potential treatment targets for GWI. Studies that characterize chronic effects of neurotoxic exposures encountered during the Gulf War (and at comparable dosage) are also acceptable.  Particular areas of interest include research on objective indicators of biological processes, or abnormalities in GWI associated with: 1) Central nervous system structure and function; 2) Central neuroinflammatory processes; 3) Neuroendocrine measures; 4) Autonomic nervous system function; 5) Immune parameters; 6) Indicators of chronic infection; 7) Gastrointestinal complaints/symptoms; 8 ) Genetic, genomic, proteomic, or metabolic characteristics.  The IIRA is designed to promote new ideas in Gulf War Illness research.  Total Funding: $2.88M.  Eligibility: Investigators at all academic levels (or equivalent).  Pre-Application Due Date: May 14, 2010.  Full Application Due Date: August 4, 2010.

Posted Date: April 14, 2010

Funding Opportunity Number: W81XWH-10-GWIRP-IIRA

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DoD Gulf War Illness Innovative Treatment Evaluation Award – The GWIRP Innovative Treatment Evaluation Award (ITEA) mechanism supports the initial evaluation of a treatment or intervention in smaller, early phase or pilot clinical trials (Phase II or I/II), and does not require preliminary data. The GWIRP is also offering a Clinical Trial Award (CTA), which supports proposals evaluating treatments of interventions in larger, more definitive clinical trials (Phase II or III), where preliminary and preclinical evidence indicates the potential for substantial benefit for veterans with GWI.  The intent of the ITEA is to provide support for the systematic evaluation of innovative treatment interventions not previously studied in ill Gulf War veterans, with the aim of improving their health and functional status. The results of preliminary studies funded by this award will support future development of larger efficacy studies of the proposed interventions.  Important aspects of the Innovative Treatment Evaluation Award are: 1) Innovation; 2) Preliminary Data; 3) Study Endpoints; 4) GWI Case Definition; 5) GWI Patient Access; 6) IND Applications; 7) Initiation of Trial.  Total Funding: $1.44M.  Eligibility: Independent investigators at all academic levels (or equivalent).  Pre-Application Due Date: May 14, 2010.  Application Due Date: August 4, 2010.

Posted Date: April 14, 2010

Funding Opportunity Number: W81XWH-10-GWIRP-ITEA

A few years back, publisher Random House lost a series of legal battles against an ebook publisher, over the question of whether or not Random House’s basic contracts covered ebooks as well. The courts ruled that they did not. While Random House’s more recent contracts do explicitly add in ebooks, it was still surprising to find the company trying to fight this battle again, with regards to the heirs of author William Styron’s works. Random House was telling authors, including Styron’s heirs, that they could not publish ebooks with other publishers.

However, knowing full well that Random House had lost that claim in the past, it looks like Styron’s heirs stood up for themselves, and Random House has backed down, allowing them to publish some of his works as ebooks with another publisher. Random House is insisting that this is “an exception,” and that it does not apply to other authors. Of course, that’s unlikely to be true for authors who signed agreements with Random House prior to it including specific language to deal with ebooks — meaning that many may now look to publish electronic versions elsewhere.

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Toyota is recalling thousands of the 2003 Sequoia SUV to repair a potential stability-control problem, the company announced on Wednesday.

The recall covers 50,000 of the SUVs produced early in the 2003 model year. The problem is the stability control could activate at too slow of a speed (about 9 mph), limiting the ability of the Sequoia to accelerate.

No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Another Toyota SUV, the Lexus GX 460, was also recalled earlier this month because of a stability-control problem; it didn’t engage fast enough. Consumer Reports suggested the public not buy the SUV, a rare designation by the magazine.

The recall comes as another blow to Toyota’s previously impeccable safety record and again raises questions about its safety in the eyes of consumers.

Toyota will begin mailing notices in early May to Sequoia customers. If owners have had previous work done to the skid-control electronic-control unit, they will be reimbursed if they send their bill to Toyota.

The company made a change during production in 2003 to address the issue and sent out a service bulletin. Toyota also has been addressing concerns from individual owners since then. It’s estimated only about half of the vehicles recalled need the fix.

Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America, said in a statement: “Toyota is committed to investigating customer complaints more aggressively and to responding quickly to issues we identify in our vehicles. As a result, we are voluntarily launching this recall to ensure that as many 2003 Sequoias as possible are serviced to the full satisfaction of our customers.”

For more

Source: Car news, reviews and auto show stories

I hope you are sitting down for this… “2 Girls One Cup” is, according to the definition on Wikipedia, “the unofficial nickname of the trailer for Hungry Bitches, a scat-fetish pornographic film… The trailer features two women conducting themselves in fetishistic intimate relations, including defecating into a cup, taking turns ostensibly consuming the excrement, and regurgitating it into each other’s mouths“.

Part of what has facilitated 2 Girls 1 Cup’s spread are the reactions it causes. Thousands of videos exist on YouTube of users showing the original video (off-camera) to their friends and taping their reactions, although some videos seem to be staged.

The visualization project with the same name [paulshen.name] attempts to analyze these reactions, in terms of both audio and video. A collection of 20 of the most-viewed YouTube reaction videos were downloaded and then edited to start at the exact same time. Each of these videos were then processed to collect data about optical flow (e.g. amount of motion between consecutive frames) and volume (e.g. fast Fourier transformation of the audio instance).

The author expected that by analyzing the reaction videos quantitatively, meaningful patterns would emerge that could, in an indirect way, describe 2 Girls 1 Cup trailer. But it appears that once the mayhem begins, the reaction videos turn into chaos, maintaining the shock through the duration of the video.

You can watch a compilation of all the viewers’ reactions (and *only* the reactions) below.

Within the next few weeks, Tesla Motors Inc. will announce which plant it has chosen to produce its electric vehicles, according to a report from Automotive News.

CEO Elon Musk revealed that Tesla will hire 50 to 60 people a month. Tesla will also be concentrating on vehicle engineering and production specialists. Tesla is believed to already have picked companies or is contemplating on choosing which of the two finalists to supply 80% of the parts for the upcoming $49,900 Model S sedan that will be launched in 2012. Tesla’s first mass production plant is expected to be on the West Coast where it will assemble both the Model S and the next-generation Roadster sports car. A factory will be converted for this purpose. However, Musk didn’t say if this plant had been used previously by the automotive industry. He only said that the terms have yet to be finalized and that the deal is “almost fully negotiated.” No signing has taken place yet.

[via autonews – sub. required]

Source: Car news, Car reviews, Spy shots

While attending the ongoing Beijing Auto Show, consumers are being presented with seemingly countless options of electric and hybrid gas-electric vehicles. Outside of the show, however, consumers are opting for gas-powered SUVs and shunning hybrids and electric vehicles at dealers.

According to Gasgoo, several Toyota and Honda dealers in Beijing are complaining of shortages of small SUVs, while hybrid vehicles are having to be sold at a loss to clear them from dealer lots.

Beijing Honda dealers explain that customers in Chaoyang, a district of Beijing, must wait two months to receive the Honda CR-V they ordered, which has fueled dealer price mark-ups. By contrast, the Civic hybrid won’t even sell at sticker its sticker price of $39,550.

Toyota is facing similar woes, with one Beijing Toyota dealer telling Gasgoo that it only has two RAV4 SUVs in stock, and urgently needs more supply to meet demand. The dealer explained that the recent recalls by Toyota haven’t resulted in any complaints from customers, nor a slow down in purchasing. The RAV4 was recalled in China for its global faulty gas pedal problem.

Executives from both Japense automakers commented at the Beijing Auto Show that they are not overly concerned about the potential for the Chinese government to remove tax cuts on new car sales in the near future as their larger models are selling well enough in the Chinese market.

A deputy president of the Honda factory located in Wuhan, China, said that the plant is running overtime in order to produce 1,013 CR-V SUVs each day.

References
1. ‘Toyota, Honda SUVs sell better…’ view

   

Source: Leftlane

THQ has finally unveiled the final list of rosters that will see action in upcoming mixed martial arts sequel, UFC Undisputed 2010. From the heavyweight division down to lightweight, check out the massive list of fighters after

Pricing has been announced for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta range, which will debut in the UK in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and will go on sale the same month.

The carmaker has confirmed that prices will start from £16,995. The base model is the 1.4 TB in Turismo trim. The following features come as standard: air-con, alloy wheels, electric front and rear windows, stop-start, LED lights and Alfa’s DNA system. Admittedly, this model is priced higher than the entry-level five-door VW Golf 1.4, which is priced from £15,435. However, the Alfa has more power and equipment. On the other hand, the Giulietta is cheaper than the entry-level five-door Ford Focus 1.6 Style (with a £17,945 price tag). Interestingly, the Alfa has more equipment and power than that model as well. Five engines will be offered: petrol engines include the 120bhp 1.4 TB (£16,995); the 170bhp 1.4 TB Multiair (£19,495); and the range-topping 235bhp 1750 TBi Cloverleaf version (£24,495). The diesel range consists of a 105bhp 1.6 JDTM-2 (£17,895); and 170bhp 2.0 JDTM-2 (£21,195). Three trim levels are available on the Giulietta — Turismo, Lusso and Veloce. Alfa will take center stage at Goodwood this year as part of its centenary celebrations. Photo gallery after the jump!

Source: Car news, Car reviews, Spy shots

The movie Nature by Numbers created by Etérea [etereaestudios.com] is a beautifully illustrated animation focusing on remarkable geometrical and mathematical properties, which range from the Fibonacci numbers over the Golden Angle and Ratio, to the Delaunay triangulation (more detailed information about all these can be found here).

See also:
– The Visualization of Randomness
– Data Signals on a Spiral
– Ulam Prime Spiral
– Visualizing Prime Numbers
– Symmetrical Mathematical Structures
– Number Spiral

As Rupert Murdoch is getting ready to put paywalls on two of his UK publications, The Times of London and The Sunday Times, his competitors are remaining adamantly free online. The Guardian, for example, has been a loud and proud supporter of free content, and now the Daily Mail Online is standing by its free online site by noting:

“A pay-wall MIGHT make a little money — we will make a lot.”

The management of the paper explained that people don’t pay for news — they’ve paid for the convenience of paper, but that online news will likely remain free — and that they’re big enough to make advertising pay well. In fact, it seems likely that if Murdoch locks up his content behind a paywall, that will only drive more readers to sites like The Daily Mail and The Guardian and boost their ad revenue…

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The Motion Index Drives XP series of Parallel Index Drives is ideal for extremely high speed applications, indexing a conveyor or controlling pivot arms. Most XP series Parallel Index Drives have aluminum housings that can be treated to suit any automated environment .

Technical benefits for end users:
-Available in multiple different cam designs
-High precision in dwell backlash free out put flange
-Capable of over 1,000 cycles per minute
-Induction hardened allowing smaller Parallel Index Drives to have higher load capabilities
-Cam followers, Cam and bearings fully immersed in oil bath
-Completely maintenance free

Advantages for designers and machine builders:
-Available with dual input and output shafts
-Oscillation index operation capabilities are standard with every model
-Simultaneously rotating input shaft extension allowing synchronization of other mechanical devices
-Larger models have hollow shaft option
-Housing machined on all sides for use in any mounting position

The wireless approach

Weighing and feeding can be a very elaborate, time-consuming and costly process. Configuration, monitoring and maintenance work are significant factors depending on the raw materials to be processed and the system properties. In some cases, scale controls used in tough environments incur high maintenance and repair costs.

Ten years ago Schenck Process took its first major step towards improving cost/benefit ratios with specially designed mechatronic weighfeeders. These feature mechanics and electronics in a shared sturdy unit which makes them particularly robust, durable, easy to maintain and highly interoperable as various interfaces allow them to be linked to virtually any automation system.

When coupled with the innovative EasyServe service program, the result is an unbeatable system that can now also be configured wirelessly from a distance.

EasyServe. The name says it all
The EasyServe service program can be used to conveniently install, configure and monitor the weighfeeders using a laptop. And thanks to new Bluetooth wireless modules, this process went wireless two years ago.

A process requiring no cables offers much more than simply high convenience. When weighfeeders are difficult to access, Bluetooth provides impressive selling points as these are now free for wireless communication and the full range of opportunities that offers.

The operator can also work at a clean and really comfortable workplace at a safe distance from all the action, which conserves the operating unit and is better for maintenance staff at the service site. Other selling points include the fact that cumbersome cables are no longer needed and can be consigned to history.

But let’s stick to the present where wireless methods can be used over considerable distances, saving both time and money. Depending on the variant used, weighfeeders can be wirelessly configured from distances of 30 or 100 metres.

Existing scales and feeders, fitted with DISOCONT®, INTECONT® PLUS or DISOMAT®, can also be equipped for modern networks. Both Ethernet and WLAN can be used for communication and data processing with the customer’s network.

Great communication services included
The breadth of services offered by the new wireless module is also impressive. Its main job is optimum configuration via EasyServe for commissioning and ongoing service work, including parameterisation, monitoring and maintenance. Settings for trends such as feed rate and weight in the weighfeeders’ time line can also be easily recorded and graphically depicted within the service program.

Perfectly equipped for every scenario
EasyServe can be used for DISOCONT®, INTECONT® PLUS, INTECONT® Satus and INTECONT® Opus.

DISOPLAN is the service tool for DISOMAT® Tersus, DISOMAT® Satus, DISOMAT® Opus and DISOBOX®.
When using several DISOCONT® feeding electronics in one system, Bluetooth wireless technology can take the place of the service bus.

Depending on specific requirements, Schenck Process offers two different module range classes: Bluetooth class 1 for up to 100 metres and Bluetooth class 2 for up to 30 metres. A two metre connection cable allows the transmission path to be aligned perfectly.

As they are simply attached using two external clips, it’s just as easy to affix the two modules as it is to operate them. Smooth data operation is indicated on the integrated LEDs and both modules offer IP65 protection.

Want to know more? No problem. Just give us a ring and speak in person to one of our specialists working on innovative scale solutions with EasyServe, the new wireless service program.

Sluices installed on rivers rely on a gate operating system of cylinders, valves and pumps that calls for components to provide reliability in wet environments. Transducers to monitor position are typically fitted to hydraulic cylinders used to actuate the sluice gate and therefore need to be suitable for submersed operation.

Linear Variable Differential Transducers (LVDTs) sealed to IP67 and signal cabling are additionally protected against mechanical damage, resulting in a robust device capable of accurate, reliable measurement of displacement that enjoys a long service life. The choice of 4~20mA signal output permits the use of long cable runs to a dry location for the associated signal processing and data logging equipment. An alternative approach is to use transducers operating using magnetostrictive principles.

Further information and guidance on LVDTs and magnetostrictive transducers suitable for monitoring sluice position can be obtained from the RDP engineering support team on 01902 457512, or online at http://www.rdpe.com/uk/men-disp.htm.’.

– ENDS –

Seitron, a company that manufactures and sells electronic equipment for regulation, measurement and control, has expanded its range of Chemist portable combustion analyzers. The new 4-cell Chemist 400 will be on the market starting next spring, delivered with a certificate of calibration and with a second certificate made available one year after purchase, in accordance with standard UNI 10389-1.
Like the three existing models, the new version is designed to assist in fine-tuning boiler performance and carrying out maintenance: determining the efficiency of condensing boilers (UNI 10389-1), testing the tightness of gas pipes on new (UNI 7129) and existing (UNI 11127) installations, measuring carbon monoxide (CO) and measuring the stack draught on open-flue boilers. In addition to these functions, Chemist 400 can also be used to detect and measure two gases produced by combustion: sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
SO2 and NO2 can cause heavy air pollution, as well as acting as irritants to the human metabolism. Highly sensitive to environmental issues, Seitron directs the efforts and expertise of its Research and Development Division to creating appliances that can help solve the problems connected with the application of industrial equipment. Furthermore, the company is keen on ensuring customer satisfaction, providing timely and efficient support on every aspect of its products. Examples of this approach are: test tickets printed on plain paper using permanent ink ribbons, up to 4 years extended warranties on instruments and cells, competitive prices applied on all replacement parts, full-service maintenance contracts and after-sales service on all models, so that customers who have purchased Chemist analyzers since 2004 can get the latest software free of charge.
Careful design, product safety and ease of use are the main reasons why Seitron customer loyalty rates are close to 100%, which contributes to consolidate its position in the field of portable combustion analyzers in Italy and abroad.

Since its foundation in 1984, ALMATEC Maschinenbau GmbH has kept on defining the current state of the art of air operated diaphragm pumps via decent product characteristics.
At the Achema 2009 ALMATEC has introduced the new E-Series as succeeding series to the A-Series.

The development of the E-Series is based on the extensive experiences with the proven pumps models and offers a large variety of new, market-relevant advantages:

further increases pump security due to innovative ring-tightening structure
increase capacity
decreased air consumption
reduced noise level
optimised flow pattern
pulsation damper suitable for flange connection
As common, the housing parts are tightened to each other via housing bolts. However, instead of single bolts pressing punctually against the housing, all housing bolts are now tightened against a diaphragm-sized ring per side. This structure results in more evenly spreading the housing bolt force and in an increased permissible bolt torque – in the end an increased pump safety which is assisted by further improvements of construction details. The flow resistance is reduced via an optimized flow pattern to increase the efficiency factor of the pump. Compared to the A-Series, the same air flow achieves a higher fluid flow, respectively less air flow is required fro the same fluid flow. The pulsation damper can still be used an integrated model on top of the pump. However, an additional version with flange connection is available now.

There is a new drive available in the Micro product range, suitable for both brushless motors from the BL 24V range and DC permanent magnet motors from the EC 24V range.
This drive is extremely versatile and can be used in all applications where a dynamic reaction is required making it ideal for industrial applications.
Other than being able to control DC motors and DC brushless motors, it can drive with open loop, encoder or Hall sensors feedback or with tachometer feedback close loop. All requirements in the automation industry can be fulfilled with this drive.
Model 65 can be used with the following motors :
– Size 2 rated current/peak 2/4 amp for brushless motor BL005 and DC motors EC020
– Size 7 rated current/ peak 7/14 amp for brushless motors BL012-018, BL032-043 and DC motors EC035,EC050 and EC070
– Size 10 rated current/peak 10/20 amp for DC motors EC100, EC180
DC motors from the EC range, together with the encoder SE22 or brushless motors from the BL range can be used for automatic doors, using a high performance 4Q drive.

Filed under: Etc., Motorcycle

If you thought you’d previously seen it all, well, you’re wrong. Case in point: David Morales Colón, a 22-year-old Puerto Rican man who was shot to death last Thursday, and whose wake is now making headlines here in the United States. How come? Well, suffice it to say that the funeral directors at Marin Funeral Home in San Juan’s Hato Rey neighborhood have a flair for the unorthodox. For example, in 2008, they embalmed another young shooting victim and displayed his body standing up for the duration of a multi-day wake.

Back to the present: Yesterday and today, callers who stopped to pay their final respects to the late Mr. Colón got a bit of a surprise. Instead of the traditional presentation of the body in a casket, Mr. Colón’s corpse, dressed in casual duds and sunglasses, was instead posed in a very lifelike position atop his limited-edition, Repsol-liveried Honda CBR600 F4. According to Puerto Rico’s Primera Hora newspaper, the motorcycle was given to the victim by his uncle, and upon Mr. Colón’s untimely demise, family members delivered the bike to the funeral home specifically for this unusual wake.

Lest you think this is some sort of insane hoax, here’s the link to the local Primera Hora coverage, which features a multi-shot photo gallery, and here’s the less detailed AP wire version, which is presently making the rounds Stateside. Finally, we’ve got a video posted after the jump. We’ll say this: David Morales Colón rides into the afterlife in memorable style. Thanks to Joel for the tip, and thanks to Wes Siler for the bike ID.

[Source: PrimeraHora.com, YouTube]

Continue reading Puerto Rican funeral home presents shooting victim on his motorcycle

Puerto Rican funeral home presents shooting victim on his motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With the blockbuster movie expected to raked in millions next weekend, Sega has also been doing its fair share of promotional stuff, hyping up the video game adaptation of the upcoming super hero film, Iron Man 2.