Author: Serkadis

This course satisfies the Board Development & Fundraising competency areas towards the American Humanics Certificate in Nonprofit Management & Leadership and partially satisfies the Grant Writing competency.

Course Description:

For thousands of years philanthropy—the desire to help humanity through charitable gifts—has built universities, hospitals, and museums, preserved the arts, fed the hungry, housed the homeless, and most importantly made the world a better place. Philanthropy, students will discover, is not just reserved for the rich, but for anyone interested in serving humanity and making a difference.

This course will be a unique opportunity and experiment in “student philanthropy” because our class will invest a minimum of $12,000* (in real money!) in local nonprofit organizations. This opportunity for grant making is made possible by Students4GivingSM—an initiative of Campus Compact and Fidelity® Charitable Gift FundSM, Fresno Regional Foundation, and a Cohen grant from American Humanics, Inc. Students will make their grant(s) after investigating a need or issue in the community, researching nonprofit organizations that meet that need, and developing a request for proposals to fund specific project(s).

Students will, therefore, have hands-on experiences in philanthropy and community leadership by developing contacts with community organizations and assessing community needs. Learning how to request and evaluate funding proposals as well as how the nonprofit sector is governed, operated, and funded are important parts of the course.

Required Materials: (All texts available at University Bookstore, 2051 E Shaw, #101 at Cedar.)

• Clotfelter, Charles T. and Thomas Ehrlich, eds. 2001. Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Sector. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press.
• Howard, Marshall. 2005. Let’s Have Lunch Together: How To Build Powerful Relationships for Nonprofit Organizations. A Learning Novel for Nonprofits, directed by Arthur Bauer. United States of America: Kings Road Press.
• An email account & online access (The University provides free email accounts to all students. Students may sign up for email online at http://email.csufresno.edu/.)
• Use of Blackboard Course Management System (http://blackboard.csufresno.edu)
• One mini-bluebook

Recommended Materials:

• Connor, Joseph A. and Stephanie Kadel-Taras. 2003. Community Visions, Community Solutions: Grantmaking for Comprehensive Impact. St. Paul, MN: Amherst H. Wilder Foundation.

Course Objectives and Associated Student Learning Outcomes:

This course has been designed to provide you, the student, with the opportunity to:

1. understand and describe various theories, philosophies, and practices of philanthropy;
2. describe the purpose and structure of nonprofit boards and their relationships to a nonprofit organization;
3. explain the need for fostering positive board/volunteer/staff relationships and the importance of board recognition and evaluation.
4. learn about community dynamics and become able to identify and evaluate community needs through hands-on experience gathering information and doing research through in-class and out-of-class assignments and activities;
5. increase critical thinking abilities related to evaluating information;
6. understand how information gathering and research skills prepare students for meaningful careers and for “living in a community” and being of service to others.
7. build local and regional partnerships with philanthropic community;
8. understand some of the common fundraising methods utilized by nonprofit organizations (specifically those organizations considered tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code);
9. describe the fundraising process from prospect identification, research, and evaluation to stewardship.
10. draft a “request for proposals” (RFP) and solicit funding proposals from local nonprofit organizations;
11. assess fund requests from nonprofit organizations;
12. select and award funds to one or more nonprofit organization
13. enjoy a classroom environment that is interesting, supportive, structured, friendly, and cooperative.

Special Notes:

• The class is allotted $12,000 but may increase this amount by raising additional funds.
• Any additional funds students raise from donors are tax-deductible and must be submitted in the form of a check payable to the CSUF Foundation (American Humanics Program).
• Community organizations spend considerable time and effort to complete the Requests for Funding Proposal and interact with our students. Thus, the minimum investment is $1,000.
• Conflict of Interest: Faculty and students must disclose any significant relationships they have with any nonprofit organizations (e.g., board member or intern) in the event they submit one or more of those organizations to be considered for an award.
• “Monitoring outcomes”: Interested students are encouraged to enroll in SOC 150T Grant Writing and Evaluation in the fall semester to complete this phase of the project in which we will assess the impact of the funds distributed during the spring semester.

Course Requirements:

A. Participation (40 points). VERY IMPORTANT! Because this is an upper division seminar (not lecture), your grade will be largely dependent upon your participation. You are to be in class, on time and present for the entire period (4 tardies/early exits count as one absence), prepared (that means you’ve done the reading BEFORE you come to class), and ready to contribute. An exciting and lively classroom depends upon your keeping up with the readings, coming in with questions you had about the readings, asking questions about material we are discussing in class, and sharing your own experiences as they are relevant to our discussions. Together, we need to promote an atmosphere conducive to learning and understanding. This includes maintaining respect for the ideas and experiences of everyone. In addition, specific tasks regarding the preparation of the RFP and the scoring and assessment of the grant proposals require your participation and input in the timeframe requested.

B. Reading Checks (50 points). To help ensure your preparation for each class session and participation in discussions on the assigned readings, there will be random reading checks on Blackboard worth ten points each (only your top 5 scores will count). Each will consist of usually five “multiple-choice,” “true-false,” and/or “fill-in-the-blank” questions on the assigned readings for the week. The scoring is as follows: 5 correct = 10 points; 4 correct = 9 points; 3 correct = 7 points; 2 correct = 6 points; 0 or 1 correct = 0 points. You must complete the reading check prior to class on the day specified on Blackboard otherwise you will receive zero points. Each question will appear one at a time on the screen, and you may NOT go back after you have submitted your answer for a particular question. You have 15-20 minutes to complete the reading check, and you MUST complete the reading check the first time you log on (no exceptions).

C. Attendance. While attendance is taken into consideration for your PARTICIPATION grade, PLEASE NOTE roughly 2% (i.e., 10 points) will be deducted from your TOTAL COURSE grade for every absence after your first one. Five or six absences, then, will drop you approximately one course grade. Non-attendance of the Final counts as two absences. If absent, it is your responsibility to get notes from another student and ask if any announcements or handouts were missed.

D. “Free Writing” (15 points). Occasionally, IN CLASS, we will take 1-5 minutes to do some free writing on a particular issue being discussed or read about. Bring your free write journal to each class session for this writing. This assignment will not be graded on content or form but rather on the basis of whether or not you did the assignment and exhibited a fair degree of critical thought.

E. Reflection Essays (125 points). Each student will prepare 5 reflection essays (see instructions below). Essays are to be one page*, double-spaced. See course schedule for due dates. Please submit a copy via Blackboard and a hard copy in class.

1. Are you currently involved with organizations on or off campus that promote community service and civic involvement?
If yes, please provide the following information:

• Name and a description of the organization(s) and the nature of your involvement
• The amount of time you devote to these activities
• How you became involved with the organization
• The specific roles or tasks you have taken on

If no, explain why you have chosen not to participate in such organizations.

2. Excluding your current activities, give a history of your involvement with organizations in your community, beginning with your earliest memories. Be sure to include:

• Brief description of the activities
• Amount of time devoted to the activities
• Specific role or tasks performed

3. Think about your family and closest friends. Describe their community service activities and histories. Has their activity or lack of activity influenced the way you think about community service and civic engagement? Explain.

4. Have you or someone in your immediate family ever received any kind of assistance from an individual, a government agency, or any other community organization? If yes, explain. If no, describe the circumstances that enabled you not to require assistance.

5. Describe and comment on your role(s) in our Philanthropy Project (See Module A). In answering this question, be sure to:

• Identify the nonprofits you submitted to/reviewed for the board and/or the class. Explain how you learned about them, which nonprofits you felt most strongly about, and why you found these nonprofits especially compelling.
• Describe and comment on any interactions you have had with people from the nonprofit organizations and/or the larger community this semester as a result of this class.

F. Board Development Module (75 points) (See Module B for details.)

G. Fund Development Module (60 points) (See Module C for details.)

H. Site Visit Reflection Essay and Structured Field Notes / Transcription (50 points). Each student will prepare a one-page written assessment of the agency site visit, describing the visit and your impressions relevant to inviting the agency to apply for funds. Make note of the agency’s mission statement, overall budget, and potential impact if awarded the grant. Essays are to be one page*, double-spaced (250 words minimum). Please submit a copy via Blackboard and a hard copy in class.
Transcription (15 points): You will transcribe the interview from your site visit via a transcription device (available through the Sociology office), and submit that via Blackboard.

I. Celebration Paper (30 points). This two-page* paper (500 words minimum) is a reflection and celebration of what you have learned during this semester and is due on the day of the Final. Pick some of the more interesting, important and helpful things you learned and reflect on the following questions: What have you learned about yourself, the nonprofit sector, your community, or others since becoming involved in this course? Did your participation in the grant making experience enhance your understanding of the course material? What suggestions, if any, do you have for improving the philanthropic component of this course? What impact did this philanthropic experience have on your understanding of course concepts, on your thinking, or your behavior? Explain. Have your interactions with others or your community been altered? What was the most important, meaningful, or helpful part of this class? What aspects of the course meant the most or stretched your mind the most? Explain why these phenomena are interesting, important, or helpful to you. Is there something you think that you will take with you and have in your life a year from now? Five or more years from now? How will this impact your life or your future philanthropic and civic engagement activities? Will your relationships with others or with the community and larger society be different? Has the way you feel about yourself now changed from how you felt before this class? If so, how? What do you wish for yourself, for your fellow classmates, for your society, for the world in which you live? These personal reflections are an important part of who you are.

J. Final (30 points). The final day will involve a press conference and presentation of the funding awards. Your score on the Final will be based on your involvement in the planning and execution of this special event.

Topics and Readings Syllabus*

Week 1 1/15 Foundations of Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector; Introductions to each other, & this course
Facilitated by Dr. Jackie Ryle

• Preface & Introduction in Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector
• Readings on Board Development on Blackboard

Week 2 1/22 Trust, Service, & the Common Purpose Reflection Essay #1 due
Staff & Board Member Roles in Fundraising
Facilitated by Dr. Jackie Ryle
Guest Presentation: Gary Schulz

• Appendix in Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector
• Readings on Board Development on Blackboard

Week 3 1/29 Reflections on the Foundations of Nonprofits & Reflection Essay #2 due
Board Development
Facilitated by Dr. Jackie Ryle

• Ch. 1 in Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector

Week 4 2/5 Field Research & the Nonprofit Sector in the 1990s Board Case Study due
The Evolving Role of American Foundations & DRAFT RFP in class
Grant Management
Guest Presentations: Drs. Helsel, Kubal, & Griffin

• Ch. 2 in Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector
• Readings re: field research on Blackboard

Week 5 2/12 Case Statements & Development Plans Draft RFP materials due

• Readings available on Blackboard

Week 6 2/19 Powerful Relationship Building Reflection Essay #3 due

• Read Let’s Have Lunch Together (Marshall Howard)

Week 7 2/26 Individual Donors, Donor Identification & Reflection Essay #4 due
Maintenance Begin planning for Awards Event

• Readings available on Blackboard

Week 8 3/4 The Economy & Corporate Philanthropy
Guest Presentation: Joe Martinez

• Ch. 4 in Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector
• Ch. 5 in Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector

Week 9 3/11 Special Events & Donor Recognition Stakeholder Spreadsheet due
Guest Presentation: Ashley Howard

• Readings available on Blackboard

3/17-21 SPRING BREAK Review & Score Proposals on Blackboard

Week 10 3/25 Capital Campaigns & Planned Giving Discuss & Select Finalists

• Readings available on Blackboard

Week 11 4/1 Reinventing Philanthropy RFP Finalists

• Ch. 6 in Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector Oral Presentations

Week 12 4/8 Communities, Networks, & the Future of Philanthropy

• Ch. 11 in Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector

Week 13 4/15 Philanthropy & Outcomes: Submit grant
Dilemmas in the Quest for Accountability recommendations to

• Ch. 21 in Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

Week 14 4/22 Donor Panel Stakeholder Mtg. Reflection Essay due

• Interactive Q & A
• Ch. 2 in Community Visions, Community Solutions

Week 15 4/29 The World We Must Build Reflection Essay #5 due

• Ch. 24 in Philanthropy & the Nonprofit Sector Notify Grant Awardees

Week 16 5/6 Final Event Planning and Course Wrap-up Board Meeting Reflection Essay due

FINAL Tuesday, 5/13 Award Presentations Celebration Paper due
5:45 – 7:45 pm online by end of Finals

*Syllabus is tentative & subject to change.

Module A: Philanthropy Project*

The following steps serve as guidelines for this portion of the course:

1. Students will be assigned or self-select into two or three workgroups, called Student Community Boards.
2. Faculty and American Humanics Program staff will designate one of the community needs to investigate and students will identify an additional need or two. For this semester, one of the community needs will be “health/healthcare/community health.”
3. Faculty and students will compile a list of appropriate nonprofit organizations in a position to address the identified community needs.
4. Once a list of potential nonprofits is compiled, the class narrows the list down to between four and eight 501(c)(3) organizations for each issue.
5. Students will arrange a meeting with the executive director or board president/chair and conduct a group site visit with each of prospective agencies that have nominated for an invitation to apply for funds.
6. Students determine which organizations (between four and six for each issue) will be invited to submit a proposal in response to our Request for Funding Proposal (RFP).
7. Faculty and/or students determine the RFP and evaluation criteria to be used and send it to selected nonprofit agencies with a cover letter and deadline information.
8. Upon review of the applications, the class invites the nonprofit finalists (two or three for each issue) to speak to the class about their proposal and funding needs.
9. Student Community Boards evaluate the proposals and make decisions about funding awards.
10. An awards event will be planned to present the funding awards to the selected nonprofit organizations.

*Adapted from the Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project through the Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement at Northern Kentucky University (http://civicengagement.nku.edu/civic-engagement/mspp-home.php).

Module B: Board Development
The first three sessions of class will focus on the mission and structure of nonprofit organizations and boards of directors and be facilitated by Dr. Jackie Ryle.

Outline
(Subject to change):

DAY 1 (3 hours):
I. Introductions (name and major; experience in volunteering and experience with nonprofit sector; plans for using this course/program)
II. Brainstorming session
Share innovative ideas for more effective board structures, organization, & participation
III. Foundation of the Course (evolution of nonprofits)
IV. Process
Form small groups of 5 to 6
Reflect on information in handouts/experiences
Meet in small groups, alternating with full group discussions, to fulfill the following:
Small Group Session One – 30-60 minutes

1. Each group will develop a case study nonprofit agency
2. Group members assume roles: Board members, Executive Director, volunteer, founder
3. Define the purpose of the agency – give it a name – write it out

DAY 2 (3 hours):
Full group report out – discussion
Small Group Session Two – 45 minutes

4. Define the purpose of the agency – give it a name – write it out
5. Develop a mission statement – write it out
6. Deliberate on and explain the purpose and structure of your nonprofit board and its relationship to the agency – include the use of/need for standing and ad hoc committees – identify for your agency – write it out
Full group report out – discussion
Small Group Session Three – 45 minutes
7. Determine strategies for determining staff support needs for your Board and committees (write it out)
8. Develop techniques for recruitment and retention of volunteers to serve the agency – and on committees (write it out)

Full group report out – discussion
Small Group Session Four – 75 minutes

9. Develop strategies for recruiting and retaining members of the Board of Directors (write it out)
10. Determine and list elements of staff/Board roles and responsibilities – relate to your agency (write it out)
11. Discuss the importance of Board recognition and evaluation; develop a recognition and evaluation process for your Board (write it out)
12. Discuss and list legal and ethical issues which could arise with your Board of Directors – (write it out)

DAY 3 (3 hours):
Full group report out – discussion

V. Reflection of learning and application
ASSIGNMENTS (75 points):

1. Individually, prepare a written outline of your case study, including the issues decided by your group and a brief reflection on the process and outcomes of these exercises. Papers should be between five and ten pages, typed and double spaced, with a cover sheet. Submit via Blackboard ONLY on or before the fourth week of class (50 points).
2. Students will attend ONE board meeting of a local nonprofit organization (options to be made available) between now and the end of the semester and submit a 250-300 word “debriefing” or “assessment” of the board meeting in relation to what was learned in class (25 points; due the 16th week of class).

Module C: Fund Development

A. APPLIED FUND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (60 points):
Stakeholder Identification. Determine what project/organization for which you are raising money. Profile four characteristics of your ideal stakeholder (“Don’t chase money; identify and chase strong relationships”). Generate a targeted list of 5-10 potential prospects for funding of a specific request and organize prospective stakeholders on a spreadsheet that includes name, title, company/organization, contact information, how you or the referrer knows the prospect, and a column for stakeholder evaluation.

Stakeholder Evaluation and Prioritizing. Once you have generated a list of stakeholders, you must evaluate and prioritize that listing based on accessibility, influence, financial potential, strength of relationship to you or the referrer, and match to the specific project/organizational mission. Your spreadsheet of stakeholders is to be submitted via Blackboard by the 9th week of class (25 points).

Securing Introductions. If you are relying on someone you know referring you to another person, you need to secure an introduction from the relationship holder to at least one of your prospects. Provide the referrer talking points and provide step by step coaching (See Marshall Howard’s book).

First Contact and Setting the Appointment. Make contact with at least one prospective stakeholder. Inform the individual of your enrollment in an American Humanics’ course that requires learning about the individual’s involvement with community-based nonprofit organizations, his/her positive and negative experiences with nonprofit organizations, etc. Develop an initial picture about the person, ask one or two open-ended questions, and set the appointment for a one to one meeting.

One to One Meeting. Conduct a relationship-building meeting with at least one stakeholder. Ask questions and share personal information, such as what you are studying at the University, what you see yourself doing after graduation, and, if you are in the AH Program, why you are in the AH Program and what some of your experiences have been in the AH Program thus far. This is NOT an interview assignment. It is a two-way communication and relationship-building interaction. The dialogue should involve a give and take about each other’s backgrounds and involvements with community-based nonprofit organizations among other things.

Deliver a “Touch” or “Win” to the Stakeholder. If possible, follow up your one to one meeting with a “touch” or a “win” for the stakeholder (examples to be provided in class).

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT: Prepare a ONE-PAGE ESSAY in which you describe your communication with the individual stakeholder, evaluate the likelihood of the individual accepting an invitation to invest in the project/organization you originally had in mind, and personally reflect on your experience during this project. If an “ask” is made before the end of the semester, report the outcome. (Due the 14th week of class; 35 points).

Greece bailout or not, the Iron Lady of Germany has killed the European Union in the estimation of The Telegraph’s Ambrose Evans-Pritchard

Far from stemming contagion, the deal leaves Club Med exposed. Underlying default risk has risen for Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain, as well as for Ireland, Slovakia and Malta even if credit markets keep missing the point. The world’s top holder of EU debt does understand. Greece is the “tip of the iceberg”, said the deputy-governor of China’s central bank. “The main concern today, obviously, is Spain and Italy.”

The ‘rescue’ resolves nothing for Greece, either short-term or long-term. The EU statement said “no decision has been taken to activate the mechanism.” Precisely. The joint EU-IMF facility can be activated only ultima ratio – as a last resort – once Greece is shut out of debt markets and not until eurozone stability is threatened.

“So they want Greece to reach the point of bankruptcy before they help us?” asked Greek opposition leader Antonis Samaras

Greece is worse off than before. It cannot decide when to invoke the mechanism. It has given up its right as an IMF member to go to the fund when it wants, leaving it prisoner to Europe’s deflation dictates. “The IMF would be a lot softer than Europe,” said Ken Rogoff, the fund’s former chief economist.

Of course you can’t really blame Merkel for a system that’s so vulnerable to a Merkel-like character.

Join the conversation about this story »

Um fato curioso em relação ao mercado automotivo em 2010 é a quantidade de recalls que já estão acontecendo, como a Toyota (o mais grave de todos), Daihatsu, Fiat, Volvo e Hyundai. Agora quem vai se envolver em um assunto polêmico é a General Motors.

Foi anunciado nesse último sábado (27), que a fabricação e venda das vans Express e Saraiva nos Estados Unidos foi suspensa por um defeito no alternador, que pode provocar incêndio nos veículos. Para piorar (ou melhorar) a situação, a montadora pede para que os proprietários do utilitário abandonem seus carros imediatamente.

O que a GM americana recomenda aos seus clientes é que parem de utilizar o carro e o estacionem bem longe de suas casas, carros ou qualquer outra construção, e que desconecetem todos os cabos da bateria. Acredita-se que cerca de 5 mil unidades das vans tenham sido vendidas nos EUA com esse problema, mas somente 1.500 proprietários foram localizados. Normalmente esses veículos pertencem a empresas que já foram notificadas do problema iminente e de um recall que acontecerá em breve.

Via | Pit Stop Brasil

In addition to the bus-capable spindle position indicator AP04, SIKO now offers a solution for monitoring format adjustments on slide units. Whereas the AP04 is mounted onto a spindle in order to measure position values, its new sister product, the AP04S, has external sensor electronics. Use of a magnetic sensor and magnetic band now also makes it possible for linear adjustments positioned without spindles to be integrated in monitored format change.

With machine changeovers, a new target value is transmitted to the AP04S via bus communication. This value is displayed in the indicator’s two-line LCD and compared with the current value. The machine operator can then see at a glance which change needs to be made at the individual positioning unit. This is additionally supported by a two-color LED which signalizes variance or conformity between the target value and the current value. The correct format adjustment is then reported back to the system control via the bus-interface. This makes time loss or tool damage due to false settings a thing of the past.

The AP04S and AP04 are connected to the PLC via the same communication protocol and an RS485 interface. This means all the rotative and linear adjustment units on a machine can be monitored by defining the target value and capturing the current value.

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SZCUT is a centralized module for modern, advanced delivery technology utilised in aluminium chip processing, specially developed for both plant manufacturers and users.
The SZCUT reduces the working steps involved after machining, minimises space requirements and lowers energy and investment costs to a minimum. The SZCUT has a hardened steel cutting element on the suction fitting. This special design reliably suctions
chip material and coolant, crushing the chips during this process. The mixture is then pumped to a belt filter where the aluminium chips and coolant are separated and delivered to their respective destinations. Our product philosophy: simpler, quicker, cheaper. The SZCUT can also be supplied with an appropriate tank designed with a geometry best suited to your needs.

Be it file storage, parts list generation, collection of cables, measurement tags and devices or the administration of engineering projects: In the planning process, employees are often forced to edit or create data without having direct access to the ECAE tool. At the Hanover Fair, Aucotec AG presents a practice-oriented innovation focusing precisely on these staff members. They can now work with the original data using tables or dialogs without needing interfaces, agreements or a supplementary EDM system.

The new EB Explorer is optimally tailored to the job description of those who are not directly concerned with designing systems, and their number is not small in the life cycle of a technical installation. With the tool, you can enter and change data either in tabular form in worksheets or individually via dialog. The elements are organized hierarchically in a tree structure and – in contrast to Excel or Access files – directly used in the original ECAE diagrams. Thus you can even work in parallel, interfaces are unnecessary, and the corresponding sources of error do not exist.

The database-driven platform Engineering Base (EB) offers the complete planning and construction of technical installations over the entire workflow using a common data stock: From the planning and construction jobs down to the maintenance at the operating company. Especially in the planning and later on in the maintenance stage, tabular and interactive editing is commonplace.

Our new N-12 MEGA GREEN ST IB pipe offers significant performance advantages over reinforced concrete and corrugated metal pipe. Plus, it has the best soil-tight joint in the industry. Better yet, it’s green. N-12 MEGA GREEN pipe has a minimum recycled content of 40%. You can feel better knowing that you are using a product that is actually good for the environment. Available in diameters from 12″ to 60″ (300 to 1500 mm).

ADS N-12 MEGA GREEN ST IB pipe contains a superior built-in
bell-and-spigot joint. The joints are sealed by high-quality,
factory-installed rubber gaskets that meet all the requirements
of ASTM F477. Flared bell-and-spigot signifi cantly improve ease
of installation.

At ADS we have established a reputation for leadership in the drainage industry by shattering the expectations of our customers, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders. We remain committed to the development of state-of-the-art products and services that set industry standards, and help solve water management challenges.

Our reputation is made and supported by our products. Whether the project involves storm and sanitary sewers, agricultural drainage, road and highway construction, residential and commercial development or turf and recreational applications, there is an ADS Corrugated HDPE Pipe solution. In addition, we offer solutions for surface runoff retention/detention systems, on-site leaching chambers and septic systems.

Stuttgart Lapp Group developing connection technology for
electric and hybrid drives

Lapp Gets Involved in e-mobility

The Stuttgart-based Lapp Group is increasing its involvement in emobility. “Our aim is to provide international automotive manufacturers with the perfect cable technology for the new generation of vehicles with electric or hybrid drives”, explains Werner Becker, Managing Director of Lapp Systems. This involves complex connections in the vehicles themselves or in the new energy stores (the lithium-ion batteries), as well as connecting cables for charging electric vehicles.

Some applications are already operational. Automotive supplier
Continental, for example, is already using special system connections from Lapp for serial production of the hybrid store for the new Mercedes-Benz S 400 BlueHYBRID. These cable and connection systems are used inside the lithium-ion batteries and are already in routine use in hybrid vehicles. Cable harnesses for high-voltage cabling in hybrid vehicles have also already been supplied to the American market, but development centres of the Stuttgart-based Lapp Group are still working intensively on continuous improvement of products.

Werner Becker says: “Storing electrical energy is the key technical challenge for electric vehicles of the future. The most important factors are minimum weight for maximum capacity – these in turn are key for the range achievable by vehicles in the future.” Lapp is exchanging information on this with well-known companies which are currently developing new battery systems.
Lapp Systems are also supporting a company which is developing
“electricity pumps” for electric cars.

As far as connecting cables for charging electric vehicles are concerned, Lapp is collaborating on a standards committee of well-known automotive manufacturers. Lapp Systems has already developed initial prototype cables and is working on the certification (TS 16949) required for them.

Werner Becker says: “As system suppliers in e-mobility, we want to provide high-quality connections. E-mobility is an important issue for the future, something in which we can fully involve the competence across the whole of the Lapp Group.”

Low temperatures mean stress for filtration units, as condensate can freeze and hinder the function, as well as diaphragm materials can harden and wear prematurely. Buschjost now has developed valves which will operate reliably down to minus 60°C. Even under these extreme ambient temperatures they achieve short but fierce air blasts for the reverse jet cleaning of the filter media. The series ranges from DN20 to DN 80 valves and therefore offers solutions for small up to very big filter units.

By means of state of the art design and simulations tool Buschjost went into every detail of the valves and optimized all relevant parameters in order to make the complete series fit for purpose. This becomes obvious also in the unrivalled achieved kv-value which reaches up to 180 m/³ for the DN 80 valve. Special emphasis has also been given to the opening and closing characteristics. In order to minimise the air consumption the valves operate with the extreme short opening and closing times, hence reaching a fast and intensive pressure blast and closing sharply after this has been delivered. This results in a clearly reduced air consumption.

Designed for a long and maintenance-free operation all valves of this series are equipped with one-piece TPE-diaphragms with integrated spring function. In areas of extreme low temperature of -41°C to -60°C the valves need to be operated from a suitable pilot valve box, down to -40°C they can be equipped with solenoid actuators directly on the valves. In areas of down to -20°C even with the patented Buschjost Twist-on solenoid system which includes all functional elements captive in the coil assembly and can be installed without tools and in the smallest installation area. All electromagnetically operated valves come with a pilot area which gives maximum protection against freezing in that section. Solenoids are available in all usual voltages from 12 to 230 V AC and DC and can come in various versions with different ATEX or UL ratings.

The standard version is designed for fluid and ambient temperatures of up to +85°C, with special versions also suitable for ambient temperatures of +140°C. The operating pressure is 0.4 to 8 bar, whereas also valves for lower pressure are available for a designated temperature range. Due to their unique geometry they can be built into very compact valve manifolds of the smallest grid dimensions.

Bark, straw, mud. for several years now, they have been referred to as biomass, not waste.

The result of a primary production, it is now possible to recover this waste to produce energy by burning it. The combustion process produces heat, to heat water for instance, which will then produce steam when it evaporates. This steam will rise in temperature and pressure. By releasing the steam into a turbine combined with an alternator, electricity is produced on the one hand, and on the other hand, the steam which has returned to its liquid state is recycled in the boiler’s circuit.

In France, near Bordeaux, the Dalkia group has designed a biomass boiler for Smurfit Kappa Cellulose du Pin. This paper-maker uses a lot of steam in its process, obtained by burning bark, which serves to manufacture the paper pulp. This new boiler is optimised at 70%, compared with the usual 30%. It is the biggest production unit in France and will be operational by the end of 2010.

GEA BTT provided the air condensers that will condense the steam when it comes out of the turbines and GEA Ergé Spirale manufactured the cooling towers designed to cool down the auxiliaries in the turbo-alternator groups. For GEA, being associated with a project that respects the environment is perfectly in line with the innovative solutions the group is developing in terms of energy efficiency.

High performance Fuse for PV systems

ASO: Quick-acting fuse up to 1000 VDC in a compact design 10.3×38
FSO: Fuseholder for standard DIN rail mount

Schurter introduces the new solar fuse ASO and fuseholder FSO with quick-acting characteristic to protect photovoltaic and similar DC-applications. The new product extend the strategic segment “renewable energy” with a 1000 VDC fuse with a current range from 1 A to 30 A and a touch safe fuseholder FSO. As PV systems have grown in sitze, so have their circuit protection requirements such as voltage rating. This high performance DC fuse is in a compact 10.3×38 mm package.
The ASO fuse protects PV modules, conductors and similar DC-applications from the potentially devastating effects of a low short circuit current in systems upwards of 1000 VDC.

The wire bonding makes the fuse stable and reliable with an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. The ASO fuse is especially designet for protecting DC low short circuit current and overvoltage conditions like solar panels (strings), inverters, battery charges and combiner boxes.

The touch safe fuseholder FSO is designed for grid-tie or off-grid array combiners and standard DIN rail mount.

The products includes cURus agency approval, are RoHs compliant and halogen-free.

The Rhinoweld series are CNC automatic butt fusion machines, suitable for welding thermoplastic sheets made of HDPE, PP, PVC, PVDF. The machines are designed according to D.V.S. 2208, and can operate in compliance with the D.V.S. 2207.

The machine is equipped with a touch-screen control panel, which allows easily and safely setting and performance of the whole welding process from the command console. According to the user’s needs, it is also possible to input the type of material and the dimension of the thermoplastic sheet, and therefore proceed to weld.

Each welding cycle is automatically memorized, and it’s possible to save it both in digital and paper format.

These machines can be operated both horizontally and vertically, which allow to perform different types of weld (horizontal, circular and vertical joints).

Models: 3.30V; 3.50V; 4.30V; 4.50V

Technical Features:
– Materials:
HDPE, PP, PVC, PVDF
– Sheets:
Models: 3.30V – weldable thickness: 3 ÷ 37 mm; working width: 3048 mm
Models: 3.50V – weldable thickness: 3 ÷ 50 mm; working width: 3048 mm
Models: 4.30V – weldable thickness: 3 ÷ 37 mm; working width: 4000 mm
Models: 4.50V – weldable thickness: 3 ÷ 50 mm; working width: 4000 mm

– Type of welding:
Plane butt welding; circular welding, 90° welding

For more details:

RITMO S.p.A.
Via A. Volta, 7 35037
Bresseo di Teolo (PD) ITALY
Ph. +39 049 9901888 – Fax +39 049 9901993
[email protected] – www.ritmo.it

This pre-filtration system can be used for liquid with very high sand content. The hydrocyclone shall be installed upstream a filtration system. It eliminates 70 to 80 % of suspended particles.

Conical vessel
Construction material: Stainless steel type 304
Several sizes are available, for flow rates between 20 and 130 m3/h.

The Toshiba K01 was originally announced at MWC this year, with many readers interested in this device’s presence. It seems the device did not waste any time coming to our shores, and going to visit the big man on campus.

Today Engadget manage to find this device lurking around the FCC’s system. They had a look, and the specs of the device can speak for itself.

It is not truly a US device, without US 3G, many might not buy in. The device does have the usual 2G bands of 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/EDGE and of course also the usual Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. Hopefully the US will get a little love with a US 3G device(hopefully T-mobile 3G). If not an updated device, a new version, for example a K01-U or something similar to what they did with the TG01, that has US T-mobile 3G .

Unlike its older brother, this device is capacitive. Toshiba did not make the same mistake twice of having a large screen device not be capacitive, but they did make a great exchange to AMOLED, which has its ups and downs.

The last feature I most talk about is this sexy thing under the device it calls a keyboard. I am freaking out for this device’s keyboard. I mean just look at it. The keyboard looks touchable(unlike the Droids) and looks very similar to the Touch Pro2’s in size and shape.

I do not know what Toshiba has been doing in their laps(certainly not updates their older device… wait, minor updates thought,) but this is a great accomplishment. I am actually pondering if I should get this or the HD2, because I cannot live without my keyboard, and  this device looks like it can’t either with its thin body, fast processor, big screen and everything to make it sell(except WP7S of course, but hey, maybe Mr Codon can help me out there, since the device only has 3 buttons).

What do you guys thing, will this be your next device? Do you like it more than the HD2? If you could would you buy this for Wen? Comment below and include your height.. just for fun.

Get the full FCC files

…and fire watch system

* EFOY Pro 2200 fuel cell multiplies autonomous and unattended operating time of Altec’s innovative system by a factor of 10!
* Reliable power with EFOY Pro 2200 is a true enabling solution for the demanding requirements in fire watch and construction site observation applications.
* EFOY Pro 2200 offers considerable logistical advantages over existing alternative power supply systems

Brunnthal/Munich, Germany, Nice, France, and Madrid, Spain, March 4, 2010 – On the occasion of SICUR, the International Security Safety & Fire Exhibition in Madrid, Spain, Altec, French specialist for innovative security, surveillance, and fire watch systems, in cooperation with SFC Smart Fuel Cell, leading supplier of fuel cell products for mobile and off-grid power applications based on fuel cells, announces the launch of Altec’s new mobile Sentinelle visual and thermal camera system for demanding fire watch and observation applications. For reliable autonomous operation over weeks, Sentinelle is powered by SFC’s EFOY Pro 2200 fuel cell. The EFOY Pro equipped Sentinelle system will be rolled out internationally to private and public operators of fire watch and surveillance equipment.

When it comes to preventing forest fires or danger and theft at construction sites, fire brigades and operators often face the problem of having to ensure reliable observation for defined periods of time. Many locations, where observation is needed, do not have access to the electric grid, which requires major logistics for exchanging batteries. The mobile Sentinelle camera system can easily be trans-ported to the site of operation. Installation takes only a few minutes. Connected to a central observation station the system is fully remote-operable. Powered by SFC’s EFOY Pro 2200 fuel cell, Sentinelle will work unattended in the field for up to 20 days without requiring any user intervention, compared to only approx. 48 hours when operated by batteries alone. The logistic advantages of a tenfold extension of unattended operating time are enormous.

“Being able to ensure 100 % reliable operation of Sentinelle away from the grid with the EFOY Pro 2200 fuel cell is an important factor for ensuring the broad usability of our new technology in many applications, where security and prevention of danger or theft are critical”, says Eric Martin, Managing Director of Altec. “We start now with forest fire watch and construction and parking site observation, but there are many more areas, where the availability of our mobile, reliable and flexible off-grid camera system with EFOY Pro fuel cell will make a major contribution to more safety.”

“We are excited that Altec, an expert in the development and production of fire watch and surveillance cameras all over Europe, has decided to join the rank of innovative industry leaders using EFOY Pro fuel cells to ensure reliable operation of their equipment away from the grid”, says Dr. Peter Podesser, CEO of SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG. “Our EFOY Pro series is fast becoming an enabling technology in many applications that in the past, due to the limitations of battery power, had been a major logistical nightmare for their operators. EFOY Pro provides a very convenient and at the same time 100% reliable answer to their challenge.”

HAM – in Schwendi-Hörenhausen offers a large program of ball nose and torus end mills, made of solid carbide and diamond-coated solide carbide.

HAM introduced a type series model of torus end mills for demanding 3D machining and also some types of ball nose end mills. The torus end mills are designed for centre cutting and are provided with a reinforced web. Additionally they have a special point thinning. They are available in diameter range from 2,0 to 12,0 mm. According to manufacturer’s information they are very suitable for economic precision machining of steel, GG and GGG, however, they can be also used for hardened steel and Inox.

The solid carbide ball nose end mills have also been designed as centre cutting by HAM, they have a reinforced web and are universally applicable. They cover a large spectrum of machining tasks in tool manufacture due to diameter range from 0,4 to 20 mm. The material spectrum ranges from steel, GGG to Inox and, thus is equivalent to the torus end mills.

Solide carbide ball nose end mills and torus end mills with diamond coating can be used for machining of abrasive materials such as graphite and fiber composite. The torus end mills with diamond coating are designed as center cutting and have a reduced neck, available in diameters from 0,2 to 6,0 mm.

The solid carbide ball nose end mills with diamond coating is designed as centre cutting and with reinforced web and can be seen as counterpart. They are available from diameter 0,2 to 6,0 mm.

Hartmetallwerkzeugfabrik
Andreas Maier GmbH
Stegwiesen 2
D – 88477 Schwendi-Hörenhausen
Telefon: +49 (0)7347 61-0
Fax: +49 (0)7347 61-207
www.ham-tools.com

Since the invention of handwheels with analog-mechanical position indicators by company founder Dr. Günther Wandres in 1963, SIKO has found worldwide acclaim as a leading, innovative manufacturer of mechanical position indicators for distance and angle measurement in mechanical engineering. Devices with a pendulum system, which are easy to mount, are commonly used in the area of analog position indicators. Due to the gravimetric measuring principle, however, they can only be mounted on a horizontal spindle.

The SIKO DK03 Control Knob is equipped with a torque arm. This does away with the need for the pendulum weight, and the position indicator can be used reliably in any mounting position. The innovative gear construction provides direct transmission of the torque from the handwheel to the spindle and simultaneous display of minimal deflections as a measurement value on the scale.

The compact, ergonomic shape of the knurled knob and the optional star knob allow safe, precise manual positioning of all stops and roller or tool positions in mechanical engineering. Customized scale imprints optimally suited to the individual application are available even with single-piece orders.

New space-saving wireless position switch

Balluff GmbH has expanded their product range of BNS electromechanical limit switches to include an unusually space-saving wireless transceiver solution for the license-free 868MHz ISM band. The new, compact sensor in the miniature series 99 housing features housing dimensions of just 40x20x51 mm and receives its power from a high-performance battery. Installation, startup and function are identical to that of a conventional position switch. This new sensor now offers a size alternative to the proven wireless solution with electro-generative power production in the DIN standard F60 housing.

Balluff single and multiple position switches have proven themselves in machine tool building for decades. As reliable trigger devices for automatic controllers, they are found wherever precision positioning and end-of-travel sensing is required. They are mechanically actuated, for example by a control cam. With these new BNS sensors the signal transmission is without cable, eliminating the need to route wire and cable. AS with the conventional BNS sensors, the use can choose from among chisel, ball or roller bearing, or chisel/scraper ring style plungers.

The counterpart, the 4-channel RF receiver in IP20 enclosure with receiver antennas, is simply installed on a DIN rail in the control cabinet and connected to the 24V power supply.

Balluff Wireless Transmission Systems can be conveniently and individually adapted to applications or changing spatial conditions. The system can operate using multiple receivers at a time, making it network-compatible. Interference from simultaneously operating BNS wireless sensors is virtually impossible. Each sensor unit is assigned an individual 32-bit ID number, enabling interference-free parallel operation of up to 4.3 billion sensor units.

The BNS 99 and BNS F60 wireless limit switches are designed for more than 1 million or 250,000 million switching actuations respectively.