Category: News

The first two teaser pics of the new BMW X3 have emerged, showing that the new SUV is slowly revealing itself. The teaser shots show a detail of the X3 bonnet and some rear lights. The images don’t tell us much about the new X3, particularly whether it will be any larger than the current model, thus undergoing a repositioning in relation to the new BMW X1.

The new X3 should, however, be a longer model, with its length increased to 465 cm. The engine range should undergo some changes later in the life of the model, including a new ActiveHybrid version. The new X3 will appear at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Source | X3.bimmers.com

Here are some of last week’s stories:

What’s the deal with Red Dead Redemption?
Accordion Players Step into the L.A. Spotlight
Good idea: spot for briefcase on a bike. Bad idea: bike costs $1300
Gadget Break – New London bus has that crucial Fifth Element look
Meguru: Japan’s bamboo-powered electric car (videos)

Eco Factor: Container port to tap wind energy using five wind turbines.

A new container port in New Jersey is looking to tap wind energy to generate all the energy it needs. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey plans to power the port with five, 288-ft-tall turbines erected on a 70-acre site.

The Port Jersey-Port Authority Marine Terminal will accommodate container ships too tall to pass under the Bayonne Bridge. The five turbines will collectively generate bout 7.5MW of power, which is enough to power the port or power about 2000 homes. All excess power will be transferred to the grid.

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia [Under a Creative Commons License]

Via: SmartPlanet

The key milling machines Multimill FC 8-1 and FC 8-2, are mechanically actuated, and mill a profile on both sides of the key blade. Keys can be manually fed into the machine from vertical magazines or automatically fed from a vibratory bowl feeder (optional).

One key per cycle is milled through the FC 8-1 machine. Two keys per cycle are milled through the FC 8-2 machine, which can be two identical keys per cycle or two different keys per cycle.

Keys are milled using two opposed cutters mounted on independently adjustable spindles. The diameter range of the cutters is 35-50 mm. Keys are automatically loaded, machined and unloaded into a collection box. Key restakers (optional) are available upon request. Machining is normally done with coolant.
Dry machining is posssible upon request providing a chip extraction unit (optional) is installed.

Working principle
Keys are fed from a vertical magazine into a set of linear feed slides.
Machine speed (feed rate) and consequently hourly output is adjustable via a mechanical variable speed drive unit.
Upon request key tip chamfering using special cam is possible.
Chips are conveyed via coolant into a removable chip bin.
A chip conveyor can be provided upon request.

Hydrocontrol’s product range is one of the biggest and most complete in our sector.
Starting from our consolidated to our more innovative products we have always catered for customisation.

Applications
Cranes and aerial platforms, Forestry machines,
Compactors, Aerial platforms, Concrete pumps,
hook and skip loaders.

Technical specifications
Working section number 1 – 10
Rated flow P/T – 130 l/min (34 GPM)
A/B – 100 l/min (26 GPM)
Rated pressure P – 420 bar (6000 PSI)
Rated pressure A/B – 420 bar (6000 PSI)
Rated pressure T – 20 bar
Spool stroke 7 + 7 mm
Spool pitch 43 mm
Circuit type Parallel, LS

FIBROPLAN® NC rotary tables are equipped with a backlash-adjustable worm drive for use in machine tools for universal positioning. Rotary and multiple-axle machining (simultaneous operation) is possible.

The application of high-resolution measuring systems and the special design features with high-precision, rigid bearings result in high positioning accuracy. Through hydraulic clamping in the positioned state, high machining forces can be absorbed.

FIBROPLAN® NC rotary tables are available in different designs, configuration levels and variants. Multi-axle designs and combinations with linear tables, designs with pallet clamping devices and pallets as well as customised solutions are possible.

The impact of contaminant and flow fields of breathing and coughing in a patient room using CFD numerical analysis.

The Compact SRT Rotary Table Series is designed for the applications where the load is directly attached to the rotary table surface. Direct drive servo motor technology eliminates backlash, reduces the number of mechanical components, and provides stiff mechanical system for highly dynamic applications. Pre-tapped mounting holes and a hollow-through shaft permit a variety of machine designs. These direct drive rotary tables can be fitted with either four point contact preloaded ball bearings for high speed or cross-roller bearings for high load capacity. Low and high speed windings and resolution to 0.2 arc-sec available.

Features:

– ZERO maintenance
– No adjustment
– Zero backlash
– High torque motors
– Precision bearings
– High resolution feedback
– Three stack lenghth sizes

Specifications:

– Torque 10 Nm
– Resolution 0.2 arc-sec
– Repeatability 0.5 arc-sec
– Accuracy 5 arc-sec
– Run-out 5 microns
– Table OD 115 mm
– Table height 65 mm
– Center aperture 30 mm

Single Axis Linear Actuator BSMA-058 is a motorized ball-screw actuator guided by linear bearings. The light weight aluminum stage base is supplied with a dust-proof strip to prevent particles entering or leaving the stage. This actuator is ideal in a high speed single or multi-axes motion automation applications.

Actuator features following specifications:

– Stroke 050 ~ 600 mm
– Single or double carriage
– Ball screw pitch 2.5 and 5 mm
– Repeatability 5 microns
– Dynamic load capacity 140 Kg
– Dynamic moment 60 Nm
– Speed 500 mm/sec
– Motor frame size Nema 17 or Nema 23
– Stepper or brushless servo motor
– Limit sensors: home (1), limits (2)

Lantech Communications offers DNV certified switches for network applications on ships, off-shore platforms, wind power and tidal power generators.

Lantech Communications Europe GmbH is member of “German Ship Suppliers Association” and also member of ISSA (International Ship Suppliers Association).
Marine network applications are divided into two categories – One is On-shore, the other is Off-shore. On-shore applications include Lighthouse surveillance, Wind Power controlling and monitoring systems, Tide Power controlling and monitoring systems and surveillance. Off-shore applications include IP networking for Oil platforms, Battleships, Yachts, and Cruise Liners.
The challenges of marine network applications include coping with harsh environmental conditions. These conditions include extreme operating temperatures, heavy moisture, erosion, extensive shock and vibration. Also, extensive EMI can prevent some of the equipment used in the ship, especially the compass and navigation systems, from operating properly.
Problems caused by erosion, heavy moisture and extreme working temperatures are common in marine applications. Lantech’s “Marine” Series Industrial Switches are designed to cope with those problems. Given the diversity of locations that switches may be used, Industrial Switches are needed for the various types of approvals under DNV classification.

Tested switches are IES-0005T-DNV, IES-0008T-DNV, IES-2216C-DNV, IEC-0101FT

Eco Factor: 3D telecasts of FIFA World Cup matches to be powered by renewable energy.

We recently reported about Qatar’s bid for the FIFA World Cup 2022 matches that involved sustainable stadiums powered by renewable energy. Japan has also rolled out its proposal for the event with a promise that football fans worldwide will be treated with ultra-realistic 3D telecasts.

The $6 billion project dubbed “Universal Fan Fest” will allow some 360 million fans at nearly 400 select stadiums in FIFA’s 208 member countries. The images would be captured from 360 degrees by 200 HD cameras during each match. The 3D images will be transmitted to stadiums worldwide, where the matches will either be shown on giant screens or, if technically possible in coming years, the images will be projected like real matches onto the pitch itself, giving viewers the illusion of watching the real match.

Microphones will be installed below the playing pitch that will bring realistic sounds of the ball being kicked and the referee’s whistle. The futuristic communication systems will be powered in part from the electricity generated by spectators cheering and stamping their feet as well as from solar panels on the roof of the stadium.

Via: Physorg

Did you know that Square Enix was supposed to give Nier exclusively to Microsoft for the Xbox 360? That’s true, no less than Square Enix Executive Producer Yosuke Saito revealed this nifty trivia in an interview with

Eco Factor: Solar-powered hydrogen fueling stations stretching from Maine to Miami.

Proton Energy Systems and SunHydro have broken ground on the first connection of the planned Hydrogen Highway that can create an East Coast market for cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The Hydrogen Highway will be a network of nine stations stretching from Maine to Miami.

The Hydrogen Highway should be completed by the time automakers start to roll out hydrogen cars at the rate of thousands. The stations on the East Coast can also help change automakers’ opinion of this as a viable market for fuel cell cars.

Hydrogen fueled cars don’t emit any toxic gas as the only thing coming out of the exhaust is water vapor, however generating hydrogen from natural gas can cause pollution. SunHydro’s hydrogen generating systems are different, they produce hydrogen from water using renewable solar energy, which ensures a 100 percent zero-emission fuel.

Fuel cell cars have a range of 200-450 miles, so with the Hydrogen Highway stations strategically placed, owners can drive the entire East Coast using the alternative fuel.

Via: Hartford Business

What kind of oil does my car need? Here we tell you what kind of oil does a car need and when you suppose to get the oil changed. Basically there is only one type of oil in your car you need to maintain to keep the engine runs in good condition, which is the engine oil. This is because the oil responsible for lubrication as well as to cool down the engine. However, it requires the right knowledge in choosing the right oil to give the engine longer life time.

What kind of oil does my car need

As there is too much motor oil available in the market, it is often make consumer confuse about what kind of oil their car really need. Using the wrong oil may shorten the life time of the car engine and resulting bad running condition. Therefore here we shared the top 3 methods to choose the right oil for your car.

Find the right oil that your car need

The owner manuals that gave to you when you purchase your new car have stated clearly what kind of oil best suitable for the car and how much oil you should put into the car. Try to look download it from internet if you have lost yours.

Learn to read the oil viscosity

All the engine oil comes with a weighty subject to determine the viscosity of the oil. The character “W” is used to determine it. Usually there will be numbers before and after the “W”. The number before the “W” is the cold viscosity rating and the number after it is the hot viscosity rating of the oil. This means low number before “W” allows you to start your car easily in cold climates.

Basically there are 3 main types of oil viscosity, once you have learned how to read it, it will answer the question “what kind of oil does my car need” in your mind:
Fully Synthetic: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-40.
Semi-synthetic: 5W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40.
Mineral (Low quality oil): 10W-40, 15W-40.

Check on the oil type

Some oil is specially only for diesel car or only for gasoline car. Oil refiners will usually place the labels on the container. For example, A3, A5 or SM for petrol engines, B3, B5 or C14 for diesels. Read it carefully and do not use diesel engine oil for gasoline car, vice versa.

See also oil related: How much oil does my car take, How much oil do I put in my car, How much oil does my car hold.

What kind of oil does my car need

As today’s cars last longer, oil refiners has produced formulated oil for higher mileage cars. When a car has more than 80,000 miles on the odometer, it is considered a high mileage car. Older cars and high mileage car tends to have oil leaking because of the crankshaft seals may have lost the flexibility. In this case, the special formulated oil can work as seal conditioners to give the engine a better run.

In addition, it will be better to choose thicker oil (higher code oil) for high mileage cars as high mileage cars need more tolerances. Other than that, put a little bit more oil into the engine if you noticed there is some oil leak out to the floor.

In conclusion, most of the ordinary car requires oil changed for every 3000 to 5000 miles. You will have to know when to change the oil as well as the oil filter to maintain the car at good condition. So have you learned what kind of oil does my car need?

Source: Cars, Fast Cars, Cool Cars, Sports Cars

by Umbra Fisk

Send your question to Umbra!

Q. Dear Umbra,

I hate to bother
you, but I tried doing a Grist search to answer my question and nothing really
turned up.

I was hoping you
could recommend some environmentally aware fiction writers or books. I love Barbara
Kingsolver, but have read everything of hers twice already. 🙂 (I’d especially
appreciate a recommendation for some female writers.)

Thank you!

lilacwine
Evanston, Ill.

A. Dearest
lilacwine,

Photo: timetrax23 via FlickrReaders
are never a bother. Well, not usually. It is occasionally tedious to read about
so many people beating themselves up over the teeniest of eco-conundrums—or
beating me up for actually bothering to answer them. But yours is to wonder why,
mine is to answer. Or try, as I always say.

Thusly,
your question is a bit of fresh air—a nice momentary breather from heavy,
albeit very important, environmental issues such as the massive Gulf oil spill
(see the last question in this week’s column). I did a little searching through
the Grist archives as well and came
up with this piece from
February,
which reviews the novels Far North by Marcel Theroux and Primitive by Mark Nykanen—both are worth a look, for
sure.

Additionally,
with a little help from my fellow Gristians, I’ve compiled a list—by no means
comprehensive—of some environmentally tinged fiction by both female and male
authors to whet your eco-literary appetite.

Margaret
Atwood’s Oryx and Crake and its companion novel The
Year of the Flood,
both dystopian-future tales with genetic and biotech experiments gone awry and
a massive eco and health catastrophe threatening humankind

Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres, a modern
retelling of King Lear and a devastating
but beautifully written account of industrial farming

Ian
McEwan’s Solar, in which a Nobel prize-winning physicist
struggles with his fifth failing marriage and attempts to save the planet from
environmental disaster

Vapor Trails by R.P. Siegel and Roger Saillant, about
an oil exec who is unable to reconcile his financial success with the
destruction he’s caused (hmm…)

Edward
Abbey’s The Monkey Wrench Gang, about a former
Green Beret who returns from war to find his much-loved desert threatened by
industrial development

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn,
which is about an extraordinary teacher—a gorilla—with a story to tell about
how humans came to treat the earth the way they do and the possibility of a
still-salvageable future

If
you’re looking to simply wade rather than dive into the world of environmental
fiction, I’d recommend a short story. A few that are worth a gander: A
Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury, A
White Heron by Sarah Orne Jewett, and It’s
Such a Beautiful Day by Isaac Asimov.

And
then there are always the much-loved classics The
Little Prince by Antoine de de Saint-Exupéry and The
Lorax by Dr. Seuss. Never underestimate the power of a quality children’s book:
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get
better. It’s not.”

Bibliophile-ly,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

You might check out
a funny novel by Cordelia Strube entitled Planet Reese, all about what happens to an environmentalist who
short-circuits.

Barry H.
Toronto, Ontario

A. Dearest
Barry,

Thanks for
the suggestion. We’ll tack it onto lilacwine’s list above. Readers, here’s the
skinny on this tome, per Powell’s Books:

“Reese Larkin is
desperate to find the perfect mattress. His job is in jeopardy and he’s been
forced to separate from his wife and children, but he believes that if he can
find the ultimate sleep system his life will begin anew.

In her seventh novel,
Cordelia Strube grabs readers by the neuroses with a dark but wickedly fun
story about a former Greenpeace activist forced to turn marketeer who battles
against a world in which he is confronted by shift mattress sales clerks, a
Fred and Ginger-obsessed strip-bar waitress, derisive colleagues, and a wife
who has mysteriously turned cold and is keeping his children from him. Alone in
his damp basement apartment with his daughter’s hamster, he longs for a good
night’s sleep and, though faced with despair, begins each day hopefully as he
grips tighter to the edges of his life.”

Sounds intriguing!

Witherspoonly,
Umbra

Q. Dear Umbra,

I’ve heard that
people are donating their hair to help the oil cleanup of the Gulf Coast. I’m
an old-school hair farmer, and I want to know if it’s harvest time for a good
cause. What do you think?

If it’s a good
idea, then to whom do I send my bountiful harvest?

Hair Today, Gone
Tomorrow (to a good cause)
Seattle

A. Dearest
HTGT,

UPDATE: Since I wrote the answer below, Matter of Trust has posted the following to its website: “After a few days of mixed messages to the press,  Ronald D. Rybarczyk,
BP government and public affairs,  contacted us at Matter of Trust
tonight. Rybarcyzk informed us that they have a plentiful supply of
ideal boom for their needs and will not be in want of donated boom or
renewable fiber.” Alas, the search for a solution continues.

Props to
you for your willingness to donate your locks for this hairy situation. And
have I got the organization for you: Matter of Trust.

The
organization, known for its oil spill hair mats, is collecting
nylons, human hair, and animal fur to create hair booms to place in the water
to collect oil. Here’s a great article from The Washington Post explaining the
effort and its progress.

It’s
important to note, though, that the oil spill has gotten way too massive to think
that this approach can necessarily fix everything, but the grassroots effort
has finally gotten BP’s notice—the company contacted Matter of Trust last week.

You can
donate your own hair, animal fur, and nylons by signing up for Matter of
Trust’s Excess Access database and then
following the instructions for sending in
your hair harvest.

Thanks
again, HTGT. Every little bit helps.

Shornly,
Umbra

Related Links:

In wake of Gulf spill, should this be the summer of energy reform?

Show how much you—and BP—care with a commemorative oil spill T-shirt

Matthews tells Obama to kill BP’s disaster capitalism

On the 1st of May 2010 the group has acquired the M.Schneider group, based in Vienna Austria. Worldwide player in the DIN-Standard fuses and fusegear segments, M.Schneider is a leading force in the German-speaking market.
Through this acquisition, Ferraz Shawmut, Electrical Protection division of Carbone Lorraine, is set to become number 2 worldwide in DIN-standard fuses and fusegear.
We will be able to offer our customers the most comprehensive portfolio of fuses and fusegear in the segment of NH and D0 fuse systems. This will be a great benefit for our existing and future customers. Due to the combination of our international sales network and the reliability of our products and services, we are able to guarantee optimized protection for electrical installations from one single source at the right time and place.
Our objective is to develop Ferraz Shawmut offering and sales in the DIN-standard fuses and fusegear segments. The products marketed for these segments and coming from Ferraz Shawmut and M.Schneider are totally complementary.

The Automation division of DS4 Laser Technology, DS4 Robotic Division, has realized a new high speed system for high production canning in the food industry . This is a modular robot with parallel kinematics for boxing biscuits (but outside of food, also applicable in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, the paramedical and, more generally, in assembly and handling applications) capable, in the configuration realized, can than 5,000 cookies per minute. The machine is managed by a supervisor software that, through an articulated vision system is able to issue individual commands to each robot on the line, this versatility allows you to manage lots of any size, large or small production, eliminating the programming time. The software is in fact designed to ensure an immediate start-up production, a variation of the production load on the fly, since all content is uploaded in real time.

Realistic Simulation of Technical Processes

In practice, considerable amounts of water vapor are often released during the combustion and gasification of organic fuels, which also affects the thermal behavior of the sample substances. Therefore, in order to replicate certain processes realistically, it is necessary to induce a humid atmosphere in the analytical chamber. To meet these needs, NETZSCH is now also offering a new water vapor furnace in combination with the tried-and-true STA-MS coupling.

Water Vapor Furnace – Temperatures up to 1250°C
In this new thermoanalytical system, water vapor – with or without a carrier gas – is transported from the water vapor generator to the STA sample chamber via a heated transfer line. Another transfer line, also heated, then leads from the gas outlet of the water vapor furnace to the QMS 403 C Aëolos® mass spectrometer. The coupled STA-MS combined with a water vapor furnace is a system capable of analyzing the sample’s reaction with water vapor at temperatures up to 1250°C. The water vapor concentration can be set anywhere between 0 and 100%.

Areas of Application:
– Corrosion and scaling processes for steels
– Analysis of sintering processes in ceramic components
– Water gasification of petroleum cokes
– Analysis of inorganic construction materials, e.g. cement