Having already been told by a German court that it needs to magically know what songs infringe and which do not, file storage locker site RapidShare was already facing some difficult legal issues in that country. And now that company faces another problem. It’s been ordered by a German court to figure out a way to proactively block the upload of 148 titles. Of course, the company can try to do some fingerprinting, but there are always ways around things like that — and that creates a huge problem for RapidShare. Because if one of its users figures out how to upload one of these books, RapidShare takes the blame — in the form of $339,000 fine and 2 years of jailtime for execs for each instance that a forbidden work gets through. In what world does it make sense to hold the execs of a company criminally liable for something done by the users of the site?
By Ousseini Issa* NIAMEY, Feb 26 (IPS) As its promised transition to democratic rule begins, the military junta that overthrew Nigerien president Mamadou Tandja on February 18 has named a former information minister, Mahamadou Danda, as the new prime minister while retaining legislative and executive powers for itself.
Danda, 59, is seen as unaffiliated to any political party, was appointed on Feb. 23 by the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy (known by its French acronym, CSRD).
In a declaration broadcast nationally the previous day, CSRD head Djibo Salou was announced as head of state and the government; the junta will, for the moment, have the final word in governing the country.
Marou Amadou, president of a coalition of groups opposed to the ousted president known as the United Front To Safeguard Democratic Gains (FUSAD, after its French acronym, FUSAD) believes this first decree provides further guarantees of the junta's intention to return power to civilians.
"The length of this transition will be decided after the consultations with all political and social stakeholders in the country announced by the junta," Amadou told IPS. He hopes the transition will be neither too slow, nor overly hasty.
This opinion is shared by a wide spectrum of political and social actors in the country.
"It would be pointless to botch the transition and end up in the same political quagmire faced in recent months. The junta will need time to reorganise and create conditions for sustainable democracy," Hadjio Issa, a teacher in Niamey, said in an interview with IPS.
Tandja's attempt to remain in power beyond the end of his maximum two terms as president led to political deadlock in 2009, ultimately paving the way for February's coup d'état.
For Daouda Hamani, one of the leaders of the Coordination des forces pour la démocratie et la République, a Niamey-based coalition of political parties and civil society organisations, "the junta has the internal and external support necessary to conduct a smooth transition."
During the transitional period set out by the junta, a constitution and electoral law will be developed, said Boureïma Idrissa.
"However (the Feb. 22 decree) doesn't provide any details as to the type of government that will be created. The only information is that its members are appointed by decree by the Head of State," Idrissa said.
A source close to the junta, who requested anonymity, told IPS "the team will be composed mostly of civilians, but most importantly people with integrity and skills."
"Our intention is not systematic exclusion, we want to create the conditions to return to a viable and sustainable democracy," the source told IPS.
The issue of exclusion is of particular concern to supporters of the ousted president, who fear the junta will launch a "witch hunt" in response to persistent demands from Tandja's opponents.
"The CSRD has promised to involve all components of the nation in the process, and should not let itself be carried away by a wave of political settling of scores," said Abdoulaye Boubacar, a supporter of Tandja's government.
"These are basically the same players – that led President Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara to his death – who today pushed Tandja out. There must be sanctions against them to avoid another interruption of our democratic process in a few years," Maria Amadou, a female board member of FUSAD, told IPS.
Maïnassara himself staged a coup in 1996, again intervening in a civilian struggle for power; he presided over the drafting of a new constitution by May, was himself voted in as president in a contested poll in July, and ruled until his assassination in 1999.
Tandja is being held in a military barracks. Six other members of his government are also in detention, including the former ministers for the interior, the economy, mines and energy, and the prime minister, Ali Badjo Gamatié. IPS's source close to the junta did not provide any reason why they were still in detention, despite the CSRD's promise to release them.
"These ministers will be released later," the source said.
Marches demonstrating popular support for the junta in Niamey and various places in the interior have provoked some concern from state employees, among them Ousseini Diori, secretary general of the teachers' association in Niger.
"The junta's strong internal support should not serve as a pretext to shirk its duties, such as the regular payment of wages," he said.
"We still remember the sad experience of the military transition of 1999 when no wages were paid to workers for nine months. We are not willing to live through that sacrifice again," Diori told IPS.
Charles Fromm adds from Washington: U.S. officials called for an expedited transition to democracy as hundreds of supporters rallied behind military leaders in the wake of a coup in the central-african nation of Niger.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State William Fitzgerald said the coup may well launch a democratic turn for Niger, which saw the majority of its international aid frozen and sanctions imposed last year after President Tandja dissolved parliament in a bid to extend his rule.
"The U.S. position is clear: (the junta) have got to show as soon as possible that they are genuinely seeking to restore the constitution and to move to a return to democratic and civilian rule," Fitzgerald said in an interview with Reuters over the weekend.
State Department official Philip J. Crowley, told reporters the U.S. does not "in any way, shape, or form, defend violence of this nature. But clearly, we think this underscores that Niger needs to move ahead and – with the elections and the formation of a new government," in reference to the military junta.
Earlier in February, the United Nations pledged to provide the impoverished West African state with supplementary funding to avoid food shortages. More than half Niger’s population, 7.8 million people, is projected to face moderate to severe food insecurity in the coming year.
"It is imperative to support the Government in its efforts to mobilise the resources to satisfy the food needs of the most vulnerable," resident UN Humanitarian Coordinator Khardiata Lo N'Diaye said.
*This article has been slightly modified since the original appeared in French on Feb. 24
CHICAGO (STMW) — A Far South Side was ordered held on $25,000 bond Thursday after police allegedly found cannabis plants, loaded handguns and more than $11,000 in cash inside a home across the street from a grammar school.
Ralph Lawson, 26, of the 9300 block of South Wallace Street was charged with one count each of felony cannabis manufacturing/delivery within 1,000 feet of a school, felony production of cannabis and production of drug paraphernalia, as well as five counts each of unlawful use of a weapon and failure to register a firearm, according to police.
Lawson appeared for a bond hearing Thursday and was ordered held on $25,000 bond, Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokesman Andy Conklin said. He will appear for a preliminary hearing on March 16.
On Wednesday about 8 p.m., Gresham District tactical officers conducted a search warrant at Lawson’s home and found 12 cannabis plants, five loaded handguns and the cash, the release said.
Officers arrested him and also seized drug paraphernalia, cannabis plants and seeds valued at $600.
The arrest took place across the street from a grammar school in the Washington Heights community.
A 47-year-old Carpentersville woman pleaded not guilty Friday to charges she sexually assaulted a girl younger than 12.
Dorothy A. Hamilton, of the 5600 block of Heartland Court, was arraigned in front of Kane County Circuit Judge Timothy Q. Sheldon on one count of predatory criminal sexual assault and three counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child.
According to court records, Hamilton is accused of abusing a girl in her care “for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal” between March 1, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2009. Her attorney did not respond to a request for comment.
If convicted, Hamilton could be sentenced to up to 60 years in prison, an extended sentence because of the victim’s age, Prosecutor Lori Schmidt said in court Friday.
Hamilton, who is free on a $20,000 bond, was arrested in October after the allegations came to light. A grand jury indicted her on Jan. 27, Sheldon said.
Hamilton appears to have no prior criminal history in Kane County, other than a lone traffic offense in 2008, according to court records. She returns to court March 26.
World Rally Championship promoter North One Sport is working with gaming and GPS companies on a study involving real-time tracking data obtained from WRC stars during actual events. The study exams whether the data can be implemented into a WRC video game that will enable gamers to utilize their virtual racing skills against the real deal. The companies are collecting the tracking data with the goal of creating a very realistic, very accurate gaming experience for the rabid racing gamers among us.
We’re thinking the ability to go one on one against the best of the WRC would be a decidedly good thing, and North One Sport CEO Simon Long plans to take the concept even further. “If this test is successful then we hope in the future to crown our first virtual rally champion.” If the folks at North One Sport and its gaming and GPS partners can execute on the realistic racing gamers crave, this sounds like something that could be very, very cool.
When the F1 season gets back underway in Manama/Bahrain next month, Mercedes-Benz will hold the debut of the most powerful Official F1 Safety Car of all time – the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car.
“Together with the entire AMG Team, I am very proud that the new SLS AMG is the official F1 safety car. I’m sure all Mercedes and AMG fans will be excited to see the gullwing model together with the new Mercedes GP Petronas Team at the F1 circuits,” said Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Refresher: Power comes from a 6.2L V8 making 563-hp with a maximum torque of 479 lb-ft. Mated to an E-SELECT system that controls the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the SLS AMG can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (with the Race Start launch control system) with a top speed of 196 mph.
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG F1 Safety Car:
Press Release:
The most powerful Official F1™ Safety Car of all time: The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG takes its place at the head of the Formula-1 field
– Gullwing model for motor racing’s top flight
– Unique super sports car concept
– Two monitors for keeping a close eye on the race
– C 63 AMG Estate once again Official F1™ Medical Car
When the new Formula-1 season gets underway in Manama/Bahrain (12-14 March 2010), it will mark the debut of the most spectacular and powerful Official F1™ Safety Car of all time. The job of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which will be launched on 27 March 2010, is to ensure maximum safety in Formula 1. The “gullwing” model replaces the SL 63 AMG, which was used as the Official F1™ Safety Car in 2008 and 2009. As in the last two years, the C 63 AMG Estate will be used as the Official F1™ Medical Car for the coming season.
From March 2010, the Official F1™ Safety Car will be deployed whenever hazardous situations such as accidents or bad weather endanger normal racing. The SLS AMG, piloted by Bernd Mayländer (38, from Germany), will be on standby in the pit lane throughout the entire race. When radioed by Race Control, the former DTM driver and his co-driver, FIA man Pete Tibbetts (44, from the UK) will take to the track at the head of the field in order to guide the Formula-1 race cars safely around the circuit.
Unique vehicle concept for maximum driving dynamics
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has the best possible credentials for this demanding role in the top flight of motor racing: its 6.3-litre V8 engine has a peak output of 420 kW (571 hp) and a maximum torque of 650 Nm, enabling the gullwing model to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Fast lap times are a must for the Official F1™ Safety Car, otherwise the Formula-1 cars’ tyres and brakes would cool down too quickly, while their engines could overheat.
The unique vehicle concept is a key factor in ensuring outstanding driving dynamics: the aluminium spaceframe body keeps the vehicle weight down to 1620 kilograms (DIN kerb weight). And thanks to the dry-sump lubrication system, the AMG V8 powerplant can be installed very low down, resulting in a beneficial lowering of the vehicle’s centre of gravity. The installation position a long way behind the front axle and the transaxle arrangement of the new seven-speed double-clutch transmission on the rear axle have a positive effect on the weight distribution, which is 47/53 percent (front/rear). Pure motorsport tech-nology is used for the AMG sports suspension: aluminium double-wishbone axles front and rear ensure outstanding driving dynamics with precise turn-in ability, first-class agility, low mass inertia when changing direction spontaneously and, therefore, a high cornering limit.
Double-clutch transmission and ceramic composite brake system
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission with double-clutch technology features four modes and allows fast gear changes with practically no interruption in tractive power – in manual mode (“M”), gear changes can be effected in 100 milliseconds. Together with the 3-stage ESP®, the integrated mechanical multidisc differential lock ensures outstanding traction. Meanwhile, braking distances are minimised and resistance to fading is maximised, even when the brakes are subject to typical race-track loads, courtesy of the AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system with its generously sized ceramic discs measuring 402 x 39 mm on the front axle and 360 x 32 mm on the rear axle. The weight-optimised 10-spoke forged wheels are shod with 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tyres.
The Official F1™ Safety Car features the same engine, power transmission, suspension and brake system as the standard-production SLS AMG. The exceptional technology package for the super sports car ensures perfect driving dynamics and means that no further technical modifications or lightweight-design measures are necessary, with the sole exception of the all-new rear silencer, which allows the high-revving AMG V8 naturally aspirated engine to breathe more easily and offers Formula-1 fans an even more emotionally charged sound experience.
Aerodynamically optimised roof light bar incorporating LED technology
Compared to the standard-production SLS, the Official F1™ Safety Car is distinguishable on the outside by its prominent F1 logos, carbon-fibre exterior mirrors and the characteristic roof light bar with integrated TV camera. It sits on an all-new carbon-fibre hood whose shape has been tested in the wind tunnel to ensure optimum airflow at the rear aerofoil. The aerofoil pops up when the car reaches 120 km/h and, together with the rear diffuser, provides the necessary rear downforce. LEDs are used for all light functions for the first time in the new, aerodynamically styled roof light bar. Their advantages over the previously used bulbs lie in their extremely fast response time and low power consumption.
The two centrally positioned green lights in the aerodynamically optimised light bar are illuminated when the Official F1™ Safety Car joins the field and first needs to overtake all the racing cars in front of it. Once the SLS AMG has assumed the leading position, the outer orange flashing lights are switched on to signal to the Formula-1 drivers that no overtaking whatsoever is allowed. The white stroboscopic lights in the headlamps and tail lights perform a general signalling function in that they always flash whilst the safety car is deployed. A special number plate at the rear, with “Safety Car” lettering and 700 LEDs, provides additional safety in darkness or wet weather. A reversing camera is integrated to the left of the number plate, allowing those in the cockpit of the Official F1™ Safety Car to keep an eye on the Formula-1 cars behind via monitor.
Practical interior with AMG sports bucket seats
The distinctive gullwing doors open to reveal a practical cockpit which, like the exterior, differs only slightly from that of the standard-production model. AMG sports bucket seats with black leather upholstery and six-point seat belts ensure optimum lateral support. On the right side of the AMG DRIVE UNIT, there are four coloured buttons for controlling the various light functions, along with the signal horn, which is activated when the car is driving into and out of the pit lane. The centre console, like various other interior trim parts, is finished in genuine carbon fibre, while the AMG performance steering wheel in leather/Alcantara features a specially shaped grip area, a high-quality genuine-metal insert and a flat-bottomed rim with a diameter of 370 millimetres. Two genuine-metal shift paddles are used to change between the seven gears in the double-clutch transmission.
Two central monitors in the SLS AMG cockpit are used to monitor the progress of the race. To the left and right of the lower monitor are the controls for the radio system, which allows Bernd Mayländer and Pete Tibbetts to communicate with Race Control as well as with each other. A second interior mirror lets the co-driver keep an eye on the Formula-1 cars behind. Meanwhile, the “Marshalling System” is integrated in the central display on the instrument cluster and in the lid of the glove compartment: here the driver and co-driver can see exactly the same signals as the Formula-1 drivers in their cockpits. For instance, the various LEDs indicate when yellow or green flags are being waved. LEDs indicating the status of the roof light bar, along with an on-board camera angled towards Bernd Mayländer, are mounted at the front end of the dashboard.
C 63 AMG Estate once again Official F1™ Medical Car
The SLS AMG is not the only AMG high-performance car to be involved in the Formula-1 World Championship: as in 2008 and 2009, the C 63 AMG Estate is the Official F1™ Medical Car – responsible for ensuring rapid emergency response in the event of an accident. The lightning-fast estate car follows the Formula-1 field on the start lap because the race cars are still bunched extremely closely together during this critical phase of the race.
The concept on which the AMG Estate is based is ideal for meeting the requirements of Formula-1: outstanding driving dynamics are assured courtesy of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 336 kW (457 hp) with a peak torque of 600 Nm, not to mention the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, the adjustable coil-over suspension, the AMG light-alloy wheels shod with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 255/30 R 19 (rear) tyres, the differential lock, the 3-stage ESP®, and the AMG high-performance brake system with internally ventilated and perforated composite brake discs on the front axle.
The new AMG front apron with larger air dams is an indicator of the optimised cooling for the water, engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering. One aspect that cannot be seen but can certainly be heard is the distinctive AMG V8 sound emitted from the new rear silencers of the AMG sports exhaust system. Like the Official F1™ Safety Car, the Official F1™ Medical Car is distinguishable by its F1‑ logos, the roof light bar, and the stroboscopic flashing LED lights at the front and rear. A number plate illuminated with LEDs and displaying the words “Medical Car” on the tailgate makes the car easier to see in darkness or adverse weather conditions.
Plenty of space in the boot for emergency equipment
The Official F1™ Medical Car is piloted by racing driver Alan van de Merwe (from South Africa); his co-driver is the official FIA Grand Prix Chief Medical Officer Dr Gary Hartstein (from Belgium). Two assisting medical experts from a specially selected clinic near the race track sit in the rear. There is plenty of space for all of the emergency equipment – including a defibrillator and respiration apparatus – in the 485-litre boot of the C 63 AMG Estate. Four AMG sports bucket seats with six-point seat belts, two monitors integrated in the centre console for monitoring the race and a radio set for communicating with Race Control distinguish the interior of the Official F1™ Medical Car from that of the standard-production C 63 AMG Estate.
AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO responsible for development
The development, track-testing and configuration of the two Official F1™ Safety Cars and the two Official F1™ Medical Cars – in both cases, there is one emergency vehicle and one replacement vehicle – are carried out by the specialists from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO in close collaboration with the test team for AMG overall vehicle development. This involves drawing on over 40 years of know-how from the field of motorsport as well as the wealth of experience in the design of high-performance sports cars. Numerous test drives were carried out on various racetracks in order to tune the suspension and verify all the systems and components. Two highly-qualified AMG technicians are also on hand to take responsibility for the deployment of the Safety Car and Medical Car at all 19 Formula-1 races.
In the 1930s, workers from the United Fruit Company, clearing land in the Diquis Valley of Costa Rica, began unearthing large numbers of almost perfectly round stone spheres. The largest of these apparently man-made balls is over two meters in diameter and weighs over 16 tons. No one is sure exactly when or how they were made, or by whom, or for what reason, but according to University of Kansas archeologist John Hoopes, “The balls were most likely made by reducing round boulders to a spherical shape through a combination of controlled fracture, pecking, and grinding.” Today, virtually all of the spheres have been taken from their original locations. Many are now prized lawn ornaments across Costa Rica. A collection of six now resides in the courtyard of Costa Rica’s National Museum in San Jose.
The celebrated Queens College Moon Dial, often erroneously attributed to Sir Isaac Newton, was painted on an exterior wall at Cambridge University in 1733. In addition to the traditional solar hours, the timepiece has an accompanying table that can be used to read the shadow cast by the light of the moon.
Even with the table, however, a series of four mathematical calculations has to be carried out by anyone wishing to know the time. “The moon’s motion is so irregular that no moon-dial can possibly be accurate, and is to be regarded as providing an exercise in mental arithmetic rather than being an instrument of any practical value,” writes the author of a short booklet on the dial.
We were a bit concerned last year when the FCC held hearings which were technically about the national broadband policy, but instead focused on copyright, something that is clearly well outside the FCC’s mandate — something the FCC already got in trouble for a few years back with its attempt to mandate a “broadcast flag.” However, there are now some additional concerns that this administration is ignoring the limits of the FCC’s mandate. As you may recall, a few weeks back, the Justice Department — at the urging of the entertainment industry — set up a special IP task force to deal with “the rise of intellectual property crime.” However, some are quite worried about how this task force intends to go about this.
What’s wrong with that? It’s an invitation to major mission creep. The FCC’s job is to execute and enforce federal communications law. It has no authority and no role in enforcing other laws. Lots of unlawful activity — from intellectual property infringement to racketeering to securities fraud to deceptive advertising — may occur over or using communications networks. But that doesn’t make it the FCC’s job to police such activity. The FCC’s focus is, and should remain, promoting the availability of high quality communications capabilities in the United States — not policing what users do with those capabilities.
In addition, the only reason to involve the FCC would be to force the entities the FCC regulates — communications providers, and in particular ISPs — to start actively policing I.P. infringement. Having government force ISPs to take on this new role should raise serious red flags. The idea that ISPs don’t serve as gatekeepers or content censors, and aren’t themselves responsible for what users do on the network, has been a bedrock principle that underpins the Internet’s open and innovative nature. Casting it aside would be a serious mistake and a radical departure from U.S. communications policy.
Despite her arrest last summer on theft and official misconduct charges, the director of Island Lake’s village-owned preschool has continued collecting a paycheck.
Some village board members say that needs to change.
At the end of Thursday night’s meeting, Trustee John Ponio said he wants the panel to discuss placing Creative Playtime Preschool Director Sharon Hyde on administrative leave.
“We as a board have to consider … the seriousness of the charges,” Ponio said. “This is a big thing.”
Hyde, the wife of former Mayor Thomas Hyde, is accused of collecting an estimated $114,000 in pay for hours she did not work as Creative Playtime’s director between 1999 and 2009.
Her husband voted to approve those claims, prosecutors have said. Thomas Hyde is charged with official misconduct and having a prohibitive interest in contracts in what authorities have termed a ghost payrolling scam.
Sharon Hyde also is charged with making false entries.
The Hydes’ attorney, Charles Smith, maintains neither client did anything wrong. He said Sharon Hyde is a salaried employee whose pay is the same no matter how many hours she works.
Sharon Hyde could not be reached for comment Friday morning.
Mayor Debbie Herrmann and some trustees have defended the Hydes. They spurned calls to remove Sharon Hyde from her post and Herrmann called Sharon Hyde “a model citizen” after her arrest. The mayor could not be reached for comment Friday.
Hyde is set to earn $25,740 this year as Creative Playtime’s director, village Finance Director John Little said.
This week, a Lake County judge denied a motion to dismiss the criminal case against Sharon Hyde. That decision prompted Ponio to move forward with a board discussion about her employment.
The debate isn’t personal, Ponio said.
“I don’t get any personal joy or glory out of what they’re going through,” he said. “But we as a board have to decide what we’re going to do in this case.”
The political makeup of the Island Lake board, however, means the odds of suspending Hyde are slim. Herrmann and her allies have the majority, with four of the seven votes on the board.
Ponio and trustees Don Saville and Laurie Rabattini say the board should debate placing Hyde on unpaid leave.
“It’s our responsibility,” Ponio said. “That’s why we were elected.”
Rabattini said it’s “amazing” the village has continued to employ Hyde even as she faces a criminal accusation that she stole money from the town.
Regardless, Rabattini and her allies realize the votes aren’t there.
“But for me it always has been the right thing to do,” Saville said Friday. “We just should have done the right thing to begin with.”
Board member Connie Mascillino believes personnel-related discussions should be held privately, as the law allows. That’s for talks about Hyde or any employee, she said.
“For all parties concerned, I think it’s best if matters like that are discussed in executive session,” Mascillino said.
Ponio said he’d like the issue on the agenda for the board’s next gathering on March 4. It could end up being discussed in closed session, he said.
Sharon Hyde faces a mandatory prison sentence of six to 30 years if convicted of all the charges against her. Thomas Hyde could face up to five years if convicted of official misconduct and having a prohibited interest in contracts.
In a related matter, Thomas Hyde was charged this week with battery and attempted unlawful communication with a witness. Prosecutors say that during a 2009 village Christmas party, Hyde grabbed and insulted a man who had been subpoenaed in the investigation of his activities.
Attorney Smith said the matter has been blown out of proportion.
A former deputy chief for the Newport Fire Protection District was placed on 30 months’ probation Friday after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography.
Lake County Circuit Judge John Phillips also fined Joseph Hubbard $1,200 and ordered him not to use the Internet except for employment purposes.
Hubbard, 53, of the 4100 block of Russell Avenue, Gurnee, resigned his position with the fire district when the investigation of him began in late September.
Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Stanton said a member of Hubbard’s family found images of child pornography on his computer and called police.
Hubbard, who defense attorney Jed Stone of Waukegan said had been a firefighter for 32 years, entered a treatment program shortly after his arrest in October.
Hubbard told investigators from the state’s attorneys office the images found on his computers were e-mailed to him starting in 2004.
Phillips told Hubbard he must successfully complete the treatment program he is in while on probation and that he will have to surrender the two computers and two external hard drives where the images were stored to police.
Volkswagen is apparently content to sell lots and lots of diesel Touaregs and sees no need to market the new hybrid model as a loss leader to get market share. While U.S. pricing for the 2011 Touareg has yet to be announced, the new configurator is up on VW’s German retail site. On that side of the world, the Touareg will be available with either a 3.0-liter V6 or 4.2-liter V8 diesel in addition to the hybrid. The 3.0 starts at €50,700 (approx $68,400) which includes the hefty value added taxes paid in Europe, so it’s not directly comparable to what we paid here.
Those that need extra acceleration and towing power can get the V8 TDI for €70,800. If you want that limited electric drive capability, you’ll have to fork over a minimum of €73,500 (approx. $99,100) for the privilege. That’s a premium of over $30,000. With our limited command of German, we’re not sure how they match up on a comparably equipped basis, but it’s obviously going to take several lifetimes of ownership to make that up in fuel savings over the V6 diesel.
This side loader builds cartons from pre-glued or not pre-glued blanks. The basic machine can be combined with different product feeding systems. This guarantees a fully automated product grouping and gentle processing.
The operator can easily choose different format configurations by means of menu navigation. Format change over can be reproduced by digital displays.
Performance
•Up to 40 cartons/min.
•Up to 500 products/min.
•For solid and corrugated card-boards
•Tray-, case- and wraparound-packer
•Product feeding for standing and lying products
•High format variability
Design features
•Compact design
•User friendly format change over
•Ergonomically accessible carton magazine
•Modular extendable
Options/Accessories
•Servo-driven stations
•Mixing of other products via magazines
•Systems for labeling of cartons
•Separate lid placing for trays
Packaging machines from Buhmann
Buhmann Systeme GmbH
We are a family owned company with focus on the European market. As system supplier of packaging machines, handling units and key turn systems we can offer many solutions in automation.
Almost 100 high qualified associates care about an economic and high quality solution of your individual packaging requests. You can find our machines and systems manly in the food industry at many well known producers.
Pneumatic rope balancer with expanding mandrel for internal gripping of rolls, wrapped up around a cardboard core.
The particular execution of the expanding mandrel allows to handle only one roll or to move, at the same time, two, three or more rolls, having a small height.
The expanding mandrel can grip inside cores with hole Ø 76 mm or with hole Ø 152 mm, using a proper adapter, or changing the mandrel using a quick disconnection device.
It is particularly indicated for quick handling operations, no regulations or adjustment are required and it allows the operator to work ergonomically and with the minimum effort.
Max capacity 80 kg.
Max work radius up to 7 m.
Max vertical stroke up to 2 m.
French safety specialist SERV Trayvou Interverrouillage has developed a new version of the RGV, its lockable Guillemin-type hose coupling, to prevent tanker drivers delivering their load to the wrong silo. Now more resilient and easier to use, the latest RGV enables the safe transfer of solids and liquids via trapped-key interlocking technology.
The product is simple to operate. The operations manager gives the driver an individually-coded key, which will only permit the driver to connect the tanker’s hose to a specific silo. The driver inserts the key into the lock on the RGV and turns it, unlocking the RGV and allowing the hose to be attached to the coupling.
The RGV is commonly found in the food, concrete, plastic and chemical industries, and is available in both mechanical and electro-mechanical versions.
Each RGV key can be stored in a key exchange box – such as SERV’s TMEC – so that keys cannot be taken without the prior agreement of the manager.
The Red Rooster Compact Hoist are suitable for Materialhandling.
The pendant control is direct on the lower hook so the operator can control and position the load easy and direct. The perfect solution for horizontal movements is the combination with a push trolley.
Features:
• Pendant control direct on the lower hook
• Optimum load control, very precise positioning
• One-hand control
• Variable speed control
• Soft start and stop, no shock movements
• Handle can be positioned for left-hand or right-hand operation
• Endstop system
Highest Safety and decisive advantages with HDPE Technology.
formoplast double wall HDPE tanks are the safe and environment-friendly solution for storage of hazardous substances. Their double wall design with integrated VSM leak monitoring eliminates the need for costly secondary containment systems. The annular void space between the walls is constantly monitored by a certified leak detection device. The pressure in the void space is maintained within narrow limits by a vacuum pump. An increase in pressure above the upper limit is an indication of a leak which immediately triggers a visual and acoustic alarm.
formoplast double-wall tanks comply with all regulations:
Certified for use in construction
Certified for use in industrial operations
Certified for use in groundwater protection
Customer-specific approvals / inspections
Certified to demanding standards by the German Institute of Construction Technology of Berlin
Third-party inspection by TÜV Süd
With products from formoplast, you can be assured of compliance with environmental regulations.
Cierre is the and equipped with a new machine for cards SMT of brand Yamaha m1.
With a speed of the laying of components of 30.000 pcs-now and 02–01.
This machine and equipped with 2 television cameras to increase the quality.
This machine enables the Cierre a great capacity for work.
With a quote ABSOLUTELY COMPETITIVE and great interest to customers.
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The Lantech IES-1005T is a Smart Redundant Ring Ethernet switch with 5×10/100BaseTX ports. It can be configured easily via web-browser or by using Lantech View, a free bundled Windows utility – 10 node version.
With smart and easy management functions including Port based VLANs, RSTP/STP and X-Ring, a self-recovery ring protocol operating in less than 10ms (for up to 250 switches), the IES-1005T can protect your mission-critical applications from network interruptions or temporary malfunctions. In the case of a power-down or port-down event, IES-1005T can send SNMP traps and alert emails to 4 pre-defined addresses, and trigger an alarm via the relay contact connection.
The IES-1005T is designed to meet the demands of Industrial environments, comes packaged in a robust IP30 housing and has been tested extensively to meet Industrial EMI and EMC standards. Rigorous mechanical testing has also been undertaken to comply with free fall, shock and vibration stability test requirements, which ensure long term reliability in critical industrial environments. The -E model can be used in extreme environments with an operating temperature range of -40°C to 75°C. The Lantech IES-1005T is the best choice for building automation, factory, and process automation applications.
Korenix JetCard 2215 series is the world’s first embedded 12~24V Booster PoE Switch Universal PCI card specifically designed for providing power through Ethernet to embedded video servers in transportation systems, factory automation, banking etc. Compliant with IEEE 802.3af PoE standard, JetCard 2215 extends power deployments to inaccessible areas while providing easy installation, reducing maintenance time and overall costs, and thus making the device an exclusive solution for enhanced video surveillance networking.
JetCard 2215 embedded UPCI switch card, equipped with one on-board 12-24VDC power input module and easy-to-install drivers, can be smartly integrated in an IPC to work as a complete video recording system effectively delivering power to PCI card systems. Users can benefit from its boosting functionality by receiving 48V power output, which can be used in embedded video servers for making the deployment of standard IEEE 802.3af PoE IP cameras feasible on buses, railcars, ships, in factory automation sites, etc.
To ensure the reliable data transmission with zero packet loss under temporary traffic congestion, JetCard 2215 supports back pressure and pause frame-based flow control scheme.
Designed with high-speed and high-quality serial communication interfaces and supporting -20 ~70°C wide operating temperature range, the JetCard 2215 enhances surveillance networking capabilities and provides reliable video stream transmission to complex IP surveillance networking systems in severe industrial environments.
Main features of JetCard 2215 are:
• Support 32 bit Universal PCI bus
• 12~24V Booster PoE for vehicle surveillance
• 4 ports PoE, IEEE 802.3af compliant, deliver 15.4W per port
• IEEE 802.3 10 Base-T and 100 Base-Tx compatible
• Full or half duplex at 10/100 Mbps
• IEEE 802.3u Auto-Negotiation supported
