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  • Help Stand Up for a Constitutional Right to Hunt in the Golden State!

    Posted: 04.12.10 06:18 AM

    Source: http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=5712

  • Oil Prices and the Economic Recovery

    On 04.12.10 01:45 PM posted by Nick Loris

    As oil prices steadily rise, many oil and gas experts fear higher prices could stunt economic recovery, not just in the United States but around the globe. From the Financial Times:

    This week oil climbed to $87 a barrel, its highest level since October 2008 and prompted concerns that triple-digit crude was once again in the offing. This was after a period of eight months when oil traded between $70 and $80, a narrow band that pleased oil producers without hurting consumers too much. The latest surge seems to have been prompted by rising confidence in a global economic recovery, even if most traders and bankers are still cautious about supply and demand fundamentals.

    Worries about the Greek economy have pegged prices back over the last couple of days but the more bullish Wall Street banks see prices climbing further, with Barclays Capital forecasting $97, Goldman Sachs $110 and Morgan Stanley $100 next year. But the higher prices go, the deeper the concerns that they will stifle global growth. Jeff Rubin, a former CIBC chief economist and author of a book on oil and globalisation, says: “Triple-digit oil prices are going to threaten a world recovery.”

    Kevin Drum lists higher oil prices as one of the ten reasons to be pessimistic about an economic recovery. Some analysts, however, have less concern. Hussein Allidina, a commodity strategist at Morgan Stanley, believes that triple-digit oil prices would undoubtedly slow an economic recovery but not “derail” it.* James Hamilton, a professor of economics at the University of California, San Diego says, “Changes of this size can certainly provide a measurable drag or boost to consumer spending, but are not enough by themselves to cause a recession.”

    Oil prices is just one of many variables that can help or hurt the economy, but the consensus is rising prices will inflict economic pain. Yet Congress and the Obama administration have more interest in raising energy prices than increasing supply to lower them. The president’s phantom offshore drilling announcement in effect closes more than opens opportunities for oil and gas exploration. Carbon dioxide regulations proposed by Members of Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency would put upward pressure on oil prices. A Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs study found that gasoline prices would need to hit seven dollars a gallon to meet the administration’s carbon cuts in the transportation sector.

    Higher gas prices lower employment, income, and spending, and Americans will have to dip into their savings to pay for higher gas prices. Heritage economist Karen Campbell details these effects in her paper, “How Rising Gas Prices Hurt American Households.” Her paper shows that if gasoline prices were to increase by two dollars per gallon over the course of a year, employment would fall by 2.1 million jobs. Whether your bullish or bearish on the prospects of an economic recovery, one thing’s for certain: action to curb CO2 emissions and thus raise energy prices won’t help.

    http://blog.heritage.org/2010/04/12/31153/

  • Think Tax Day Is Expensive This Year? Just wait.

    On 04.12.10 01:28 PM posted by Nicola Moore

    As federal income taxes come due this Thursday, Americans are well aware of just how expensive government is becoming.

    But as the Wall Street Journal warned today, we ain’t seen nothing yet. Obama’s go-to strategy for cutting the deficit is to tax the so-called rich, but this would send tax rates to exorbitant levels.

    For example, to reduce the deficit from 11 percent of the economy today to a sustainable 3 percent of GDP, families with more than $209,000 would see tax rates rise from 33% and 35% to 72.4% and 76.8%, according to new findings from the Brookings-Urban Tax Policy Center.

    Why are these rates so high?

    Number 1, the government is spending too much. Over the next ten years, government will expand by (an inflation adjusted) $12,000 per household, totaling more than $36,000 per household. That’s a whole lot of spending that requires a whole lot of new taxes to pay for it.

    Number 2, the arbitrary requirement that new taxes only be paid by the “rich” ignores the critical fact that the top 10 percent of earners already pay more than 70 percent of federal income taxes.

    And this trend has been accelerating through time.

    But the greatest problem with this tax-trend is that it balances the burden of paying for growing government on the backs of a few families is that it creates immense dependence on the government by non-payers—those who collect federal benefits but pay no federal income tax—who have no skin in the game.

    Instead of focusing on who to tax, Congress should focus on the real problem—spending—and start tightening its belt to save us from having to fork over even more of our income this time next year.

    http://blog.heritage.org/2010/04/12/…ear-just-wait/

  • Outside the Beltway: Missouri?s Mission Impossible ? Downsizing Government

    On 04.12.10 12:30 PM posted by Mike Brownfield

    Economic realities are slapping states in the face as they come to terms with the fact that they can’t afford costly government programs amid declining revenues. Though many states are on a path toward economic ruin, some legislators in Missouri are taking heed and cutting spending.

    The Associated Press reports that a Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee voted last week to eliminate state funding for several government programs, reducing state expenditures by $506 million.

    The committee’s actions are incredibly significant, given the difficulty that comes with eliminating government programs, once enacted. The AP notes that some of the Republican Missouri senators “have resorted to quoting an observation made nearly a half-century ago by Ronald Reagan”:

    “Government programs, once launched, never disappear,” the future president said in a 1964 speech in support of Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater. “Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we’ll ever see on this earth.”

    Other states, though, aren’t finding as much success in addressing their budget shortfalls.

    New York has a $9.2 billion budget deficit and is passing a series of emergency spending bills this week to keep the government running, according to Buffalo Business Reports. It doesn’t have funds to pay for union salary increases or construction projects, and the state is considering a mix of “sin tax” hikes for cigarettes and sodas, new borrowing, and cuts to education.

    Massachusetts might bet on resort casinos and slot machines to solve their budget woes, despite gambling being rejected there seven times in the last 14 years. And some 2,500 miles away, Arizona is witnessing a bare-knuckle fight over a plan to raise sales tax from 5.6% to 6.6% to cover the state’s massive budget gap. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is campaigning for the tax increase and telling crowds, “The checkbook is overdrawn, we’ve maxed out the credit cards, we’ve mortgaged the house.”

    It’s the same story across the fruited plain. What’s causing the problem? The Pew Center on the States cites symptoms including: major drops in revenue, growing budget gaps, increasing unemployment, high foreclosure rates, a supermajority requirement for state legislatures to pass budget bills (which includes making budget cuts or raising taxes), and troubles managing long-term fiscal matters and budgetary processes.

    The good news for Missourians is that some of their legislators have the willpower to make the cuts they need to get the state’s budget on track. Other states might not be so lucky.

    http://blog.heritage.org/2010/04/12/…ng-government/

  • Justice Stevens, Voter ID Laws, and the Future of the Supreme Court

    On 04.12.10 11:21 AM posted by Hans von Spakovsky

    With the long expected retirement announcement by Justice John Paul Stevens on Friday, President Obama gets a second opportunity to shape the Supreme Court to match his very activist view of the law and the role of judges. That role, according to the President, is not to interpret the Constitution and statutes based on the time-honored principle of blind justice, but to use “empathy” to make sure that “powerful interests” are not “allowed to drown out the voices of ordinary citizens.”

    Some might believe that it would not be worth the effort of conservatives to spend much time and resources on opposing a liberal, activist nominee because Obama will simply be replacing a liberal with another liberal. But they would be wrong.

    There is no doubt that Justice Stevens has taken the wrong view in a vast majority of cases for many years, pushing judicial supremacy over the other branches of government (particularly in the area of national security), imposing liberal social policy as new-found rights, and on too many occasions veering from the original meaning of the Constitution. But he has occasionally made the right decision – such as when he wrote the opinion in 2008 that upheld Indiana’s voter identification law as perfectly constitutional.

    As a former anti-corruption lawyer from Chicago, a city with an infamous reputation when it comes to elections, Stevens wrote for the majority “that flagrant examples of [voter] fraud…have been documented throughout this Nation’s history by respected historians and journalists…[that] demonstrate that not only is the risk of voter fraud real but that it could affect the outcome of a close election.” The Indiana legislature was thus fully justified in implementing a common-sense security measure like photo ID, something that the vast majority of voters believe is a sensible idea.

    But voter ID is anathema to liberals, particularly liberal lawyers and law school academicians. It is almost impossible to have a reasoned debate with them over this issue. The fact that voter ID has been found to be both constitutional and not a violation of federal voting laws like the Voting Rights Act in various court decisions annoys and irritates them to no end. There is no question that most of the liberals that Obama could nominate will probably take the opposite view of Stevens on an issue that is vital to the continued integrity of American elections. The Indiana case was a 6 to 3 opinion, but liberal activists would love to be able to falsely characterize those who support voter ID as a bunch of right-wing, anti-minority bigots. Moreover, getting the wrong liberal on the Court would bring voter ID one step closer to being eventually outlawed by activist judges – it will give liberals another opportunity to slowly chip away at a Stevens decision they abhor.

    This is just one of many issues that will come up before the Court again. It is vital that Senators probe to ensure that any nominee understands the importance of the rule of law and adherence to the Constitution. We need a justice, even if liberal, who does not bend the law to favor their own, particular ideology and the social policy views most currently in fashion in the “progressive” academy.

    http://blog.heritage.org/2010/04/12/…supreme-court/

  • Is There a Competent Doctor in the House?

    stethoscopeA program at the University of California San Diego known as PACE –- for Physician Assessment and Clinical Education — is being used by a growing number of hospitals and state medical boards to assess the competency of troubled doctors, according to an article in today’s WSJ special report on Innovations in Health Care.

    The program is one of the few to tackle a thorny problem in health care: how to ensure that doctors remain competent to practice once they have their medical license. The Federation of State Medical Boards, which co-administers the basic licensing test for physicians, has been weighing the issue for years.

    In 2003, the group convened a special committee on MOL –- for “Maintenance of Licensure” — to study the role of state medical boards in developing processes to evaluate whether a physician has maintained the “competence and qualifications necessary for licensure on an ongoing basis,” according to a spokesman for the federation. In 2008, it adopted five principles to help guide future policy, and then launched another effort to analyze the idea further. A report summarizing those findings is due to be presented for discussion next week at the board’s annual meeting.

    But skeptics say there are a number of barriers, not least of which is financing and questions about whether boards have authority to start such programs or need legislation to do so. William Norcross, who runs the PACE program at UCSD, tells the Health Blog that each state would have to create educational programs for doctors or subcontract with another group to handle the job, and then monitor the programs for quality and ensure that doctors participate.

    “This would throw a large new burden on the state medical board at a time when state medical boards are already overwhelmed with work,” Dr. Norcross says. However, he adds, maintenance of licensure programs are “the right thing to do.”

    Some experts believe a more likely way to improve doctor quality sooner is a program from the American Board of Medical Specialties to re-certify doctors in 24 specialties. While state medical boards confer medical licenses that allow a doctor to practice, board certification is considered the gold standard to assure that doctors have top skills and qualifications in their specialty.

    Studies show that board-certified physicians provide improved quality of patient care and better clinical outcomes than those physicians without board certification. Instead of being certified once in a lifetime or once every six to 10 years, physicians would voluntarily commit to being evaluated in six areas of competency on a more regular basis; the medical boards are each working on programs for their specific specialty.

    Lucian Leape, a Harvard university professor and patient safety expert, says the certification program could force hospitals “to be more rigorous in evaluating doctors regularly, and doing something about the deficiencies they find.” He adds: “I am not at all optimistic that the state licensing boards will do it.”

    Image: iStockphoto


  • Why The IMF’s Involvement In Greece Is A Real Disaster For Europe And Its Leadership

    Greece

    Mike O’Rourke succinctly explains why the Greek bailout, which will involve both the EU and the IMF, is such a mistake.

    The problem with IMF involvement and the entire manner in which this situation has been handled is that investors are looking for EU leadership to establish a clear framework as to how the Club Med deficit problems will be addressed.  Simply put, investors prefer a strategy as opposed to ad-hoc reactionary policy similar to what prevailed in the United State in the fall of 2008.  Ad hoc responses are the result of policy makers chasing the market.  As most every investor who has been around for the past decade can attest markets are often subject to extended bouts of inefficiency in both directions.  Policy makers need to exhibit that they have the confidence and clout to navigate a volatile situation to establish the path out of the crisis, which will then eventually lead to the desired level of stability.  This response has been reactionary and will likely solve Greece (at least for now), but still leaves the door open for a new ad hoc response should another debt laden EU nation  come under pressure.

    Angela Merkel finds herself in the worst of both worlds. She’s a disappointment to German conservatives, hoping for a resolute approach to Greece, and yet she’s not a leader with a steady hand.

    Just hope that the worst fears in Spain, Italy, and Portugal don’t actually require any real intervention.

    Join the conversation about this story »

  • Federal authorities thwart smuggling efforts by sea

    Federal authorities thwarted three separate sea smuggling attempts from Friday through Sunday, arresting 21 illegal immigrants and four suspected smugglers, including a female U.S. citizen who had allegedly stashed five immigrants aboard a cabin-style vessel .

    In the first incident Friday morning, federal agents arrested nine people who had apparently beached their panga boat near San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. A man suspected of being the driver for the group was also arrested, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

    Saturday morning, U.S. Border Patrol agents boarded a boat docking near San Diego’s Mission Bay and arrested the driver, a female U.S. citizen, and five illegal immigrants from Mexico. On Sunday, agents intercepted a 24-foot Bayliner near San Diego’s Ocean Beach with eight immigrants aboard. One member of the group was charged with alien smuggling.

    The interdictions signal traffickers’ continuing efforts to smuggle illegal immigrants into California by sea to avoid increased enforcement over land.

    — Richard Marosi in San Diego

  • Two CHP officers injured by suspected drunk driver in Riverside

    Two California Highway Patrol officers on a  Riverside freeway were injured Monday when their patrol car was hit by a suspected drunk driver, authorities said.

    The black-and-white vehicle had its emergency lights flashing while it was stopped about 5:25 a.m. in the center divider to help the driver of a vehicle that had overturned on the 215 Freeway near Central Avenue. The officers were in the front seat and the driver of the vehicle was in the rear seat, the CHP said.

    A driver identified as Armando Ochoa, 31, of Riverside, slammed into the CHP vehicle with his Chevrolet Blazer while traveling about 65 mph, the CHP said. Ochoa had lost control of his vehicle, which rotated slightly before striking the patrol car.

    The officers sustained minor to moderate injuries and were treated at a hospital. The driver of the overturned vehicle declined medial assistance, the CHP said.

    Ochoa was arrested and booked into Riverside County Jail on suspicion of felony drunk driving and driving without a license, according to the CHP.

    — Robert J. Lopez

  • Microsoft: copy and paste evolved.

    Microsoft’s new Pink initiative with Verizon showed some interesting things today that could possibly make their way to the upcoming Windows Phone 7 platform, namely copy and paste…..which now seems to be….drag and drop?

    Check out this facebook video Microsoft posted, it’s shown at about 30 seconds in:


    If this is really the tech Microsoft is looking to bring to the mobile space where users can drag any content/element from any screen and drop it in another screen/application would be awesome, can I use the word revolutionary? I don’t even know what to think, all I can say is this tech is cool. I would love for it be in Windows Phone 7.

    What do you guys think?

    This post was submitted by Lennard.


  • Startups and Early Adopters: “Checking In” on Conventional Wisdom

    The popular location-based services Foursquare and Gowalla were launched at the 2009 SXSW, and one year later, many proclaimed the 2010 SXSW to be the year of “location, location, location”. With almost 350,000 Foursquare check-ins during one day of the event, and with numerous location-based services launching before, during, and after SXSW, the buzz among early adopters surrounding location-based social networking seems to show no signs of abating.

    Sponsor

    In a provocative (and NSFW) blog post this weekend, entrepreneur and developer Dave McClure takes both location-based social networks and their early adopters to task, arguing that “the current method of check-ins is a classic case of early-adopter lust for shiny objects, & has not a damn thing to do with long-term sustainable mainstream consumer behavior.” Dismissing the lure of the game-mechanics that many of these platforms utilize – the idea of collecting badges, points, and/or mayorships – McClure contends that until LBS start offering some sort of simple monetary incentive, mainstream users will not be compelled to check-in. Whether or not you agree with McClure’s pronouncements and predictions about location-based social networks, his comments about “early-adopter lust for shiny objects” are worth considering.

    Although conventional wisdom posits that early adopters provide a solid target market for startups, there are some drawbacks in responding focusing solely on those who “lust for shiny objects.”

    Early adopters’ enthusiasm may not always be a good indication of future growth and sustainability. Although early adopters are often willing to provide feedback on a product’s development, that feedback might not be the information necessary to woo a larger market. Early adopters’ feedback on existing features and push for new features might not necessarily be the feedback necessary for features that mainstream users would want or need. The push for special stamps and badges from Gowalla and Foursquare might excite early adopters, for example, but mainstream users may not find this a compelling reason to adopt a service. The lure of other social networks, such as Facebook, is in part that “everyone is there.” The question remains how to make the move from just the early adopters to “everyone” being there.

    Nevertheless, early adopters can be terrific champions of a product, actively promoting it to their friends. Early adopters are a small, but vocal group. Ignore them at your peril. And focus exclusively on them at your peril.

    Discuss


  • Intrinsically safe Profibus gateway

    High performance gateway enhances the availability of Turck’s zone 1 remote I/O system, excom

    Turck has introduced a new intrinsically safe Profibus-DP gateway for its zone 1 remote I/O system, excom. At the core of the GDP-IS is a new microcontroller that enhances the performance remarkably and enables an even better availability of the complete system. Due to their 100 percent downward compatibility, already existing gateway variants can be replaced by the new solution. In spite of the new functionality, the GDP-IS has a lower dissipation loss, because the power consumption is 1W at maximum.
    The GDP-IS offers additional status information and special excom error codes, such as for power supply, projection and HART communication errors, next to the usual diagnostic tools, including the channel related diagnosis. The gateway to gateway communication that is needed for redundancy operation takes place over a separate interface. For communication with the modules, the gateway provides two full-fledged controllers.

    excom is a remote I/O system for use in hazardous areas. It offers IP20 rated bus compatible, local in/output modules to connect binary and analog field devices that are intrinsically safe. The explosion protection category of the system allows the use in the zone 1 and 2. The field circuit is approved for
    zone 0.

    Turck’s new excom profibus gateway, GDP-IS, offers more functionality and low dissipation loss

  • LABEL-AIRE 3111-NV Air-Blow Labeler

    Label-Aire Introduces Its Newest Air-Blow Label Applicator: The 3111-NV Air-Blow.
    The new Label-Aire® 3111-NV Air-Blow Labeler: Underneath the skin of the NEW Label-Aire 3111-NV Air-Blow Primary Applicator is an advanced labeler that offers speed, precision, reliability, and ease of use-all the things customers come to expect from Label-Aire. What they get in return is lower operating costs and increased productivity for thier operation.
    Fullerton, Calif. — Label-Aire, the innovative company that first brought to the packaging industry 40 years ago the patented “air-blow” concept for applying pressure-sensitive labels, is at it again with its new 3111-NV Air-Blow Labeler.
    The Label-Aire Model 3111-NV was designed for high-speed air-blow labeling applications at a standard dispense speed of up to 1,500″ (38.1 m) of web per minute or up to 2,000″ (50.8 m) with the optional powered rewind. Advanced features include Velocity Compensation for improved label placement accuracy, a microprocessor controller with digital display, and ambidextrous parts. Zero Downtime Labeling allows your production to continue without costly interruptions. Missing label compensation virtually eliminates unlabeled products. Furthermore, the 3111-NV comes standard with a heavy duty double stack stepper motor-at no extra charge. The standard 7.13″ (181 mm) wide applicator can be configured with a 4.13″ (105 mm) wide or a 7.13″ (181 mm) wide air grid. Not only can the 3111-NV be easily converted to left- or right-hand use, it can also apply labels to the top, side, or bottom of products with a label dispense accuracy of up to +/- 1/32″ (.8 mm). Adding to the 3111-NV’s versatility are the availability of tamp-blow and wipe-on conversion kits.
    For more information go to http://www.label-aire.com/products/3111-NV.cfm. Also visit the company’s Web site at www.label-aire.com to view other labeling options and equipment. The site also offers custom systems, accessories, RFID solutions, sleeving equipment, technical information, a video library, and a unit conversion calculator for changing measurements to various units used by differing countries. About Label-Aire: Over 40 years ago, Label-Aire introduced a revolutionary new method for applying pressure-sensitive labels. The patented “air-blow” concept provided the packaging industry with a preferred method of label application which eliminates the need for additional product handling. This pioneering technique has gained complete acceptance and contributed to the widespread growth of pressure-sensitive labels in existing and new markets, worldwide. Label-Aire’s tradition of providing the easiest and most effective labeling solutions carries on today. No matter what the application, Label-Aire has the expertise to get the job done right – the first time. With a full line of quality pressure-sensitive labeling machinery, the company is able to provide the industry’s broadest range of labeling solutions – including primary applicators, print & apply applicators, inline and rotary labeling systems, and RFID labeling solutions. Label-Aire’s ultra-modern facility (located in Fullerton, CA) houses a professional, hard-working sales & marketing staff, dependable customer representatives, and a highly-skilled workforce of technicians and engineers using the most sophisticated and technically advanced equipment. Its dedicated employees design and manufacture the most reliable and innovative pressure-sensitive labeling machinery in the world.

  • System Tiger updated with unique features

    Tele Radio’s system Tiger has been updated with unique features.
    All Tiger transmitters can now receive feedback from various field bus systems (CANopen, Profibus or Modbus/TCP), weight indication system or internal feedback from the receiver itself (digital inputs). The feedback can be indicated on LEDs, the internal buzzer and the transmitters display. The feedback for the transmitters with display can be showed as images – for example a logotype, as symbols or as text depending on the user’s requirements and needs.

    The functional relays of the Tiger receivers are extremely flexible. All functional relays, maximum 28, can be configured to the users’ requirements and needs or used with standard settings.

    Weight indication is possible by adding an extern module to the receiver. Each module has two channels and can receive analogue signals of 0-10V, 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA for weight indication. The receiver can receive up to 16 weight values where each value can indicate under/overload as well as trigger overload protection. Both the modules and the receiver can be configured to be adapted to the user’s weight system.

    An important safety aspect is that Machine ID/Crane ID now can be set in the receiver and be sent as feedback to the transmitter.

    The number of load selections has increased and can be configured on all Tiger transmitters. If required, there is also a possibility to forbid some combinations of load selections.

    The joysticks on the Tiger joystick transmitter have been updated. Both joysticks can now be controlled in x- and y-axis, that is (x,y) (2,2) + (2,2) or (x,y) (4,4) + (4,4). If needed there is possibility to block the right joystick in x-axis, that is (x,y) (2,2) + (2,0) or (x,y) (4,4) + (4,0).

  • Quality low torque weatherproof electric actuators

    J+J Automation UK Ltd have become a partner with the quality Swiss electric actuator manufacturer Newenta who produce a range of quality low torque IP65 weatherproof electric damper and valve actuators which include on-off, mechanical spring return and 0-10V modulating versions.
    The key benefit of the Newenta actuator range is its modular concept which allows a variety of applications to be covered by one standard actuator which then has either electrical or mechanical interfaces added to suit the particular market.
    Newenta actuators are perfectly suited for HVAC, water, agriculture, chemical and transport applications.
    J+J offer the Newenta product either as an actuator alone for the customer to install, or as a motorised valve assembly mounted typically with 2 or 3 way brass, 2 way stainless steel or 2 & 3 way small bore plastic ball valves.
    The Newenta actuator range is ISO-9001 manufactured, IP65 weatherproof, CE marked and WEEE compliant.
    Please contact J+J UK for information.

  • Evaporation Rocket Science Explained

    Genevac, world leader in evaporation and freeze drying technologies, has announced a new online video demonstrating the ease of use and market-leading operational versatility offered by its Rocket™ Evaporator.

    Presented as a Flash media presentation (www.genevac.com/movie/rocket/) the new video includes an informative introduction to the revolutionary evaporation technology used by the Rocket. Following this the viewer is seamlessly guided through the system operation – from the wide range of compatible sample holders for drying and concentration, loading samples, ease of operation, stored method programming through to proprietary Genevac innovations that ensure sample integrity.

    Benefiting from a patented low temperature, low pressure steam heating technology – the Rocket Evaporator is able to uniquely achieve the dual goals of very fast evaporation with very precise temperature control thereby accelerating the safe concentration or drying of samples. Developed in response to user requests for an evaporator that could quickly process larger volumes of solvent in parallel and without supervision, the Rocket Evaporator is designed to dry or concentrate six flasks, each containing up to 450ml of solvent. For scientists looking to concentrate extracted samples prior to analysis – the new Puck sampling accessory extends the sampling versatility of a Rocket Evaporator to simultaneously accommodate up to eighteen 60ml Accelerated Solvent Extractor (ASE®) tubes. Offering true unattended operation capability the Rocket Evaporator requires no training, even a beginner can competently use the system in less than 5 minutes. A 2-stage cold trap built into the Rocket Evaporator provides very high levels of solvent recovery, even with volatile organic solvents. In addition Genevac’s patented Dri-Pure® technology prevents solvent bumping and cross contamination inherent with rotary evaporator and other vacuum evaporation systems. Requiring no peripherals for operation the compact Rocket Evaporator fits neatly onto a laboratory bench or into a fume hood. All key components on the robust and reliable system are user serviceable ensuring a low the cost of ownership.

    For further information on the Rocket Evaporator please contact Genevac on +44-1473-240000 / +1-845-267-2211 or email [email protected]

    • ASE is a Registered trademark of Dionex Corporation

  • YH1300 OCXO Provides Excellent Stability for High Shock & Vibration Applications

    Greenray Industries, Inc. has announced the availability of the YH1300 Series OCXO.

    The YH1300 has been designed to deliver consistent, reliable frequency control performance in high shock and vibration environments and features a compact 20.32 x 12.70 x 9.40 mm (0.80 x 0.50 x 0.37 in.) hermetic, DIP package.

    Reduced acceleration sensitivity down to 5 x 10(-11)/g is available with improved phase noise performance during vibration and acceleration.

    The YH1300 is available from 10 to 50MHz, and offers a choice of CMOS square wave or sine wave outputs and 3.3, 5 or 12V supply voltage. Electronic frequency control (EFC) is provided for precise tuning or phase locking applications.

    Designed as a stable reference source for airborne and mobile communications and instrumentation requiring superior performance during shock and vibration, the YH1300 is available with custom specifications and environmental levels. The YH1300 can also be screened to MIL-PRF-55310 requirements.

    For detailed information about the YH1300 OCXO, e-mail [email protected].

  • New Product – ROSTA type HS oscillating mountings

    The ROSTA Type AB oscillating mountings have created a good name for themselves as screen box suspensions in screening technology thanks to their high isolation effect, high level of lateral stability, security against overload and high resistance to corrosion.

    For reasons related to the process, approximately 20 % of all screen and discharge chutes have suspended mounts under material bunkers and metering shafts. ROSTA Type AB oscillating mountings are also often used for the assembly of these vibration units, as a suspended screening machine can be directly connected to silos and bunkers using AB suspensions without having to organise complicated yoke constructions.

    Up to now, however, the isolating effect resulting from AB oscillating mountings with suspended vibration units has been less efficient, especially as the suspensions, which have been designed for pressure loads, are considerably stiffer under tensile loads, with widely opened guide arms.

    The new HS suspensions (Hänge-Sieb / suspended screen) have a guide arm geometry that is designed for tensile loads. With ideal loading, the natural frequency of this suspension thereby sinks from its former 5.5 Hz to only approx. 3.5 Hz, which guarantees an isolating effect > 97 %.

    The HS suspensions are now available for the load values listed below:

    HS 27 for tensile loads of 500 – 1,250 N
    HS 38 for tensile loads of 1,200 – 2,500 N
    HS 45 for tensile loads of 2,000 – 4,200 N
    HS 50 for tensile loads of 3,500 – 8,400 N
    HS 50-2 for tensile loads of 6,000 – 14,000 N

    Customer benefits from ROSTA type HS oscillating mountings

    – Direct installation under bunkers = No complicated yoke construction required

    – Low natural frequency of the suspension = Low residual vibrations in the silo structure and
    the building

    – High lateral stability = Short, controlled and safe run-out of the vibrating machine

  • Vision sensor with remote touchscreen

    New remote display units expand capabilities of Image sensor and barcode reader

    Turck has introduced remote display versions to extend the capabilities of its iVu TG Image Sensor and iVu BCR Bar Code Reader. Designed by Turck’s partner Banner Engineering* for applications where the sensor must be placed in a difficult-to-reach location, the new units allow setup and inspection monitoring to be done at a remote control position.
    For example, the sensor could be located inside a machine or on an elevated conveyor, with the control unit placed outside for easy operator access. Applications for the new sensors are found in a wide range of industries, including automotive, packaging, material handling, pharmaceutical, plastics, electronics (PCB and assembly), appliances and metalworking.
    The iVu TG image sensor monitors parts for type, size, orientation, shape and location. It includes a match sensor to determine whether a pattern on the item being inspected matches a reference, an area sensor to detect presence or absence of a particular feature, and an area sensor that adjusts for motion.
    The iVu BCR reads all common linear and DataMatrix (ECC200) codes and includes the ability to read multiple codes of different types in the same image.
    With intuitive user interface and LCD touch-screen display, the sensors are easy to configure with no need for image processing expertise or an external PC. A USB 2.0 compliant host allows easy updating and diagnostics. They have IP67 rated housings for use in harsh industrial environments. Appropriate cables and mounting brackets are available for all applications.

    * Banner Engineering is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of vision sensors, photo
    electric and ultrasonic sensors, fiber optic assemblies, indicator lights, machine guarding systems, precision measurement and inspection systems and wireless network products.

    Correct orientation of consumer products in packaging is assured by Turck’s iVu TG Remote Display Sensor from Banner Engineering

  • Control and acquisition modules with fieldbus

    The Ascon’s deltadue offers a complete series of

    · analogue and digital I/O modules,
    · single and dual loop PID control modules
    · acquisition and transmitter modules
    · gateways, repeaters, line adapters and line converters
    · WebSCADAs
    · Manager modules

    Applications include the use of the modules as independent units or as field interfaces of PC based systems or as integration/expansion of PLCs

    Connectivity is the strong point of the ‘deltadue’ series of control and acquisition modules.
    A wide range of control system architectures can be realized by connecting the modules to:

    · a PLC or SCADA with MODBUS TCP via an Ethernet network or the web

    · any web browser for the configuration of HTML management pages and to MODBUS TCP SCADAs via an Ethernet network

    · a MODBUS TCP SCADA and to a PLC simultaneously (respectively via an Ethernet network and PROFIBUS DP/MODBUS RTU/DeviceNet)

    · CANopen, PROFIBUS DP, DeviceNet networks

    · MODBUS RTU networks with different baud rate, parity and stop bits

    · two masters, such as Operator Panels, SCADA, PACs, simultaneously

    An optional Manager module provides:

    · automatic learning and back-up of the configuration data of the modules

    · hot swapping. To maximize process uptime

    · automatic configuration of replaced modules. To reduce machine downtime. While one failed module is replaced, the other modules work normally

    · offline configuration to simplify start-up. When the modules are inserted, they are recognised, configured and parameters are downloaded

    · diagnostics. The scanning of the connected modules allows to verify if they are the correct ones and if they work properly. Actions can be taken quickly

    Features include:

    universal analogue inputs (Pt100, T/C, mA, mV);
    current transformer input; digital inputs/outputs;
    PID algorithm with overshoot control; heat/cool PID;
    Auto tuning; Set point management;
    universal control outputs (mA, relay, SSR);
    timer, PWM. toggle and flip-flop functions;
    embedded RS485 Modbus RTU serial communications

    Modules work as independent units; no backplanes or common modules are necessary
    The Manager module and the Gateways are only needed when their functions are necessary

    Ascon also offers a wide range of operator panels