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  • Have a Great Idea? Nokia Might Pay $1,000,000 for It

    This morning I got a chance to cover the Nokia keynote for GigaOm and the big news wasn’t about devices. Instead it was all about why Nokia continues to focus on developing nations, and I’m glad I got to see the explanation. Several mini-presentations showed me  how much technology I take from granted. We’re constantly on the lookout for the latest tech and hottest hardware with the best specifications. And yet the most basic of phones can do so much more. Perhaps not in terms of functionality, but definitely with regards to making life better. Here’s an excerpt of what I wrote earlier:

    “Crop monitoring, pricing, weather tracking and the sending of currency from a handset are promising types of applications for developing areas, according to Kallasvuo. Today, many of these tasks can be done with Nokia Life Tools on a basic phone costing $32 — still a large sum in developing areas, but the investment can pay dividends. Advanced apps like Nokia Tej on a basic handset allow for supply chain orders through mobile phones, removing paperwork and other obstacles in already challenged lands.”

    I recommend a look at the Nokia Progress Project to see the positive impact Nokia is making. The company is clearly dedicated to “connecting people” and I see that now more than ever after today’s event. It’s commitment is now backed up by a Global Economy Venture Challenge with a one million dollar investment to the winner. Nokia is looking for an application idea that helps make life easier and provides upward mobility for people that live on less than $5 a day. As I read the details, you don’t need to be a developer (although that would likely help), so if you’ve got an idea, you might want to submit it. The whole idea is that developers can both “do good business and do good” at the same time.

    Hard currency aside, I walked away from today’s keynote with a new perspective on Nokia’s global commitment. It gave me pause when I think about how so many of us focus on their declining smartphone market share. Clearly, there’s more to business than market share — making a positive impact on people’s lives is part of the success equation as well.

  • 440 Series 1206-size High I2t Surface-Mount Ceramic Fuse

    Littelfuse, Inc. (NASDAQ/NGS:LFUS), ) today introduced the 440 Series surface mount 1206-size high I2t surface mount fuse with excellent electrical stability and reliability.

    With its fast response characteristic and operating temperature capability up to 150°C, 440 series makes possible, even in ultra high operating temperature conditions, the AC/DC circuit of the electronic appliance well protected when over-current occurs.

    The 440 series has the highest inrush current withstand (I2t) rating of up to 12.95A2s (8A current rating) for eliminating nuisance fuse open during momentary overload conditions. The series has a maximum fault current rating (Interrupt Rating) of 50A at the rated voltage and is 100% lead-free, halide-free and compliant to RoHS requirements.

    The 440 Series has UL and CSA agency approvals and has a broad line of current ratings from 1.75A to 8A (32VAC/32VDC) to meet different application needs. Current ratings from 250mA to 1.5A will be introduced soon in the second phrase of the launch.

    It is particularly designed for protecting AC/DC over-current conditions of a wide range of end device applications which are subject to high operating temperature including inverters of LCD TVs, LCD monitors, notebook computers, hard disk drives, XDSL modems, set-top boxes, Li-ion battery packs and gaming consoles.

  • Doppel+ for your Application: crm+

    The allroundtalent mic+ with film-coated ultrasonic transducer: crm+. Thanks to the dirt-repellent membrane and its stainless steel housing the crm+ sensor copes with maximum operational demands.

    Filling often entails some spatter getting onto the sensor membrane. The risk here is that the sensor membrane might get damaged.

    In such instances microsonic has now fitted out the mic+ ultrasonic sensor with a protective foil making it easy to remove caked-on soiling, such as hardened casting compound and cement spatter. The protective film is also highly resistant to corrosive media. The threaded sleeve is made of 1.4571 stainless steel.

  • Suck It, Street View, Navteq Maps the World in 3D… With Lasers [GPS]

    Google’s Street View team famously photographs all kinds of weird stuff as they drive the world, but Navteq, who basically invented this stuff, just built a mount with seven cameras and 64 lasers to see everything better, in 3D.

    Mounted atop a VW Jetta wagon is this crazy apparatus with a 12-megapixel panoramic camera on top and six more cameras pointed in specific directions to pick up signs and other data points. But the best gadgetry—the laser array—is housed inside a rapidly spinning barrel positioned at an angle. By using LIDAR, basically radar but with lasers, they scan everything within view, capturing 1.2 million points of data every second. The result is all kinds of terrain data that is not possible using just cameras.

    The goal is “high accuracy maps,” a deliberately vague notion that ranges from additional information—bridge underpass clearance heights, multilayer cloverleaf navigation and other obvious issues—to super rich 3D environments like the ones you see below. Those aren’t CG renderings, in the traditional sense, it’s laser-enriched photography.

    Navteq, a Chicago company owned by Nokia who has been driving around making maps since the first GPS satellites were hurled into orbit, still provides a massive share of map data for web and devices, so the fruits of this tech might get to you sooner than you know.

    As for your own personal rig, I sure want one, and my guess is that Google wants one too—if they don’t have it already. [Navteq]







  • Efficient pre-concentration of protein solutions

    For laboratories looking to pre-concentrate protein solutions prior to separation (size exclusion chromatography, electrophoresis) or analysis (x-ray crystallography) the miVac sample concentrator from Genevac provides a highly efficient, cost effective alternative to traditional membrane centrifugation techniques.

    Using membrane centrifugation valuable sample is often lost due to protein binding to the membrane. By comparison using a miVac sample concentrator ensures complete sample recovery even when taking proteins to very high concentrations. For protein laboratories that handle large numbers of protein samples – the miVac also offers the benefit of greatly reduced spending on consumables.

    The miVac range has been designed to meet the requirements for speedy, yet careful biological sample concentration. Each miVac sample concentrator is designed to provide very high performance, precise temperature control and ease of use – all within a small benchtop footprint. miVac sample concentrators are capable of removing water and organic solvents from a variety of sample formats including tubes, microplates, and vials. Built-in stored methods for drying aqueous and alcohol-based samples improve performance and optimise concentration time.

    To request further information on efficient concentration proteins using a miVac sample concentrator please contact Genevac on +44-1473-240000 / +1-845-267-2211 or email [email protected].

    Genevac, an SP Industries company, was founded in 1990. Today the company employs around 85 people, with manufacturing, R&D and marketing headquartered in Ipswich, UK. Genevac today offers a comprehensive portfolio of evaporators to suit almost any solvent removal application, purchasing budget or productivity requirement.

  • FCI OEM Flow Sensor Family

    FCI OEM Flow Sensor Family Offers Broad Range, High Accuracy and Reliability In Air, Gas Or Liquids

    Ideal For Boiler Systems, Burners & Industrial Furnaces, Chillers, Air & Gas Compressors, Blowers & Dryers, Co-Gen Power Generators and Much More.

    Designers of industrial machinery and equipment can expand flow and level sensing performance while gaining reliability and meeting product cost reduction goals with the 180 Series OEM Flow Sensors from Fluid Components International (FCI). The 180 Series is a family of economical flow and level sensors that offers superior accuracy, fast response and long-term reliability using FCI’s thermal dispersion sensor technology to fit a wide range of OEM applications.

    Developed for use in equipment or machinery that requires flow or level sensing as part of its control system loop or as part of its operating system, the new-generation 180 Series OEM Flow Sensors provide switching, alarming, rate metering and totalizing of air, gases or liquids. These sensors are ideal for fuel and air feed lines, additive dispensing control, oil and lubricant circulation, pump protection circuits, cooling system controls, over/under flow limit switches and more.

    Designed for service in line sizes from 0.25 to 6 inches (6 to 130 mm), the 180 Series OEM Flow Sensors are ideal when embedded in new product designs, offered as optional upgrades or as replacements to existing sensors. They feature FCI’s precision thermal dispersion sensing technology, which has proven itself in hundreds-of-thousands of process and industrial end-user applications worldwide for over 40 years. These sensors combine wide flow and turndown ranges with high accuracy and repeatability to achieve dependable operation in a broad range of applications and conditions.

    In comparison to mechanical rotary, float or orifice plate sensors that frequently breakdown or clog, the 180 Series features a no-moving parts, minimally invasive sensor design that is virtually maintenance-free. Its two platinum RTD sensors are mounted in miniature thermowells, which are fully sealed to avoid contamination by the process fluid. With a meantime between failure (MTBF) rating calculated to exceed 60,000 hours of service, the 180 Series delivers unmatched reliability and long-life that will minimize maintenance costs and increase customer satisfaction.

    The 180 Series’ miniature sensor design ensures both fast-response and superior repeatability under all process conditions. Additionally, because there is minimal pressure drop, 180 Series OEMs will save cost and increase their equipment’s efficiency by not having to boost line pressure to achieve needed flow rates.

    FCI provides over 30 different standard designs. FCI also will create custom designs to any OEM specifications. FCI can engineer custom flow or level sensors to meet requirements for any process media, line size, installation environment, temperature, pressure, calibration and output signals. Various sensor designs comply with industry standards, including UL, CE, FM, ATEX, CSA and more. FCI is a registered and certified ISO9001 manufacturer.

    FCI maintains its own world-class, NIST traceable, precision flow calibration facility that provides total accuracy and performance assurance for all of its products. This industry unique, extensive laboratory supports design validation testing as well as calibration of production products for virtually all gas and liquid media in pipe sizes from 0.25 to 36 inches.

    The calibration laboratory’s systems accommodate flow rates from 0.01 to 3700 SCFM (0.02 to 6300 NCMH) over various pressures from 0 to 1000 psig (0 to 69 bar) and temperature conditions from –50 to 1000ºF (-46 to 538ºC). FCI’s actual media calibration of its flow sensors ensures delivered products meet their accuracy and total product operation specifications.

  • IGBT Snubber Capacitor

    Technical Data

    1. Dielectric: Polypropylene film.
    2. Encapsulation: Flame-retardent plastic case, UL 94 V-0,
    3. With epoxy resin seal: Black.
    4. Temperature range: 25°C to 100°C
    5. Capacitance range: 0.1 ~ 4.7µF.
    6. Rated working voltage range: 1000V, 1200V, 1600V DC
    7. Test category: 25/100/21 in accordance with IEC
    8. DAMP-HEAT TEST: Capacitor are subjected to an environmental test chamber at R.H. 90 to 95 %, operating temperatures for 240 hours.
    After the test, capacitor shall be conditioned at room temperature for 2 hours and meet the following criteria
    ( A ) Capacitance change shall be less than 3 %.
    ( B ) Dissipation factor shall be less than 0.2 %.
    ( C ) Insulation resistance shall be over 50 % of the minimum requirement.
    9. Insulation resistance ( IR ) at 25°C: Measurement shall be mad at 25°C after applyingfor 60 Sec, at 1000VDC, Above 20,000 F.
    10. Dissipations factors at 25°C (tan ): 0.1 % MAX. When measured at 1 KHZ.
    11. Capacitance tolerances: ± 5 %.
    12. Test voltage: 1.6 Ur, 2 sec.
    13. PULL TEST: Will sustain 2 Kg steady pull in the direction of lead egress and 1 Kg steady pull at any 90 degree angle for 60 seconds. After test, capacitor shall show no evidence of damage and pass all electrical requirements.

  • New Plastic VisCal Kit from Brookfield

    The Brookfield Plastic VisCal Kit provides all the necessary items to verify the calibration of your Brookfield Viscometer/Rheometer in a glass-free environment. The kit includes a 600mL Plastic Beaker, one liter of Silicone Viscosity Standard in a plastic bottle and a Brookfield-designed metal lid for anchoring the beaker in a temperature bath. The reversible lid fits containers of various sizes.

    Laboratories in the food, pharmaceutical and personal care product industries will find this new calibration kit helpful for compliance with health and safety requirements.

    Using Brookfield Viscosity Standards, operators have a convenient, reliable way to verify the calibration of their Brookfield Laboratory Viscometer/Rheometer. Brookfield Viscosity standards have an accuracy ±1%, and they offer excellent temperature stability. Special viscosity values and temperature calibrations are available upon request.

    For more information call 800.628.8139 / 508.946.6200,

  • Mani-vite 420

    This end of line robot meets the handling requirements of products upstream from palletization.
    It is dedicated to the preparation, grouping and transfer of batches at high working speeds.

    Its high level of technology together with our know-how gives it excellent flexibility and productivity.
    Thanks to this manipulator, newtec case palletising can provide you with an integral end of line solution.

  • The Z-Carb with JetStream

    The Z-Carb with JetStream* delivers coolant with targeted precision via 4 connected in-line coolant channels

    The uniquely positioned coolant channels are engineered to maximize coolant flow and delivery to the shear zone.

    The JetStream Z-Carb end mill was designed to take maximum advantage of the benefits that a properly delivered coolant produces in a demanding machining application.

    Enjoy genuine Z-Carb performance enhanced by the benefits of exact coolant delivery in your slotting, pocketing and hard-to-access applications.

    Benefits
    More consistent machining temperatures
    Reduced damage from harmful heat created during machining
    Helps to reduce the development of built up edge (BUE)
    .
    The ability to improve cutting speeds Improved tool life
    Improved chip control Decreased damage from recutting chips
    Reduced cutting loads and forces Improved workpiece accuracy
    Improved workpiece surface finish Helps avoid coolant waste

  • Preco’s new AcuVent™ laser technology

    Preco Introduces Alternative Laser Processing Technique for Microwave and Frozen Food Packaging

    (Somerset, WI) Preco’s new AcuVent™ laser technology produces controlled-depth scoring or cut-through slits. These scores or slits can be registered any place on the film. AcuVent is reliable, convenient and cost effective for microwave venting.

    AcuVent offers busy consumers an easy, quick way to prepare sealed frozen and refrigerated foods. When film-covered food packages or bags processed with AcuVent are placed in the microwave, the steam generated from within the package bursts through the scoring and automatically ventilates the package. The AcuVent technology can enhance fresh produce packaging by allowing consumers to steam vegetables in the microwave without removing them from the package.

    In addition, Preco’s AcuVent laser technology can be adjusted to properly vent air entrapped within frozen food packages for more compact shipping.

    Food packaging converters can rely on Preco’s contract manufacturing services for laser scoring, perforating or slitting processes in a wide variety of film and sizes.

    Preco, Inc. manufactures customized automated processing systems for high speed, precision cutting, perforating, welding and other specialized industrial processing applications. Preco is also one of the largest contract manufacturing service providers in North America.

    Preco, Inc. manufactures customized automated processing systems for high speed, precision cutting, perforating, welding and other specialized industrial processing applications.

  • Effective reduction of the residual force transmission to the substructure

    In very high structural steel plants with lightweight designs, an additional energy-absorbing counter-frame is also frequently positioned under the screening machine itself for the absorption of reaction forces. The oscillating suspension of the screen is mounted on the counter-mass, which is also elastically suspended, and which slightly reduces the oscillation amplitude of the screening machine, but which dissipates a large portion of the resulting dynamic acceleration through the counter-movement.

    From experience, these counter-frames weigh between 50 – 100 % of the weight of the screening machine itself. The more counter-mass, the lower the transmission of the residual force! Due to the large mass inertia of the screening machine, the counter-mass only compensates a relatively small fraction of the effective oscillation amplitude of the screen.

    ROSTA offers both the type AB low-frequency screen suspension and the very high-load type AB-D suspensions for the support of the counter-frame. It goes without saying that the supports of the counter-frame mass must also be able to support the weight of the screening machine and the counter-frame.

    It is above all recommended to install counter-frames if several very heavy screening machines are working on the same processing deck. Two or more screening machines will never work (oscillate) synchronously with each other, which leads to reciprocal bending stresses in the processing deck or in the working platform. In addition to the transmission of the residual forces to the ground, which is very unpleasant for human beings, these asynchronous bending stresses lead to material fatigue in the complete construction of the plant.

  • Responding to NOISE COMPLAINTS? The new N/Forcer Model SLM from Larson Davis is

    Handle noise complaints easily with N/Forcer Noise Meter System

    Responding to noise complaints and enforcing local noise ordinances can be hard enough, given the emotionally charged nature of the complaint. Getting objective measurements on-the-spot, with a simple-to-use Sound Level Meter, makes the job easier.
    The SoundTrack LxT® N/Forcer is designed for use by anyone whose mission is to obtain noise measurements of evidential quality, conforming to local ordinances or other regulatory requirements.
    No prior experience in sound measurement or acoustics is needed; a simple instruction video is included with the system, and customer support is available by phone 24/7. Push a button to obtain the readings, and another to get a printout of the noise measurement, with date and time stamp. For PC download,
    software is included at no additional cost.
    SoundTrack LxT® N/Forcer is built tough, and has a high visibility backlit display for easy readability, day or night. Part of the Larson Davis family of reliable, accurate sound level meters, you can be sure the quality of your N/Forcer noise data is verifiable and reports are admissible.

  • TUBUS TS-Series Bumpers. Absorb more energy

    TUBUS Series high performance elastomer bumpers from ACE Controls are highly engineered products that absorb more energy per unit of weight and volume than many known materials.

    In various applications, these dependable bumpers significantly outperform rubber, urethane and coiled steel.

    TUBUS Series bumpers consistently solve energy absorption problems where other materials have failed or simply don’t exist.

    These durable bumpers solve difficult energy management problems in applications involving shock isolation, vibration isolation and return springs.

    TUBUS Series bumpers from ACE are reshaping performance standards in cost-effective energy absorption, durability, resilience and application flexibility.

    TUBUS Series bumpers are comprised of a thermal plastic co-polyester material that is excellent in resisting oil, grease, chemicals, saltwater, ultra-violet light and microorganisms.
    They do not absorb water and will not swell.

    The secret is in both the shape and in the proprietary manufacturing process.
    Each TUBUS Series bumper is specifically processed to a precise shape to meet the required load rates.
    The result is a highly tailored, highly engineered product that adds performance and

  • PureBallast

    When ships take on ballast, they take on more than water. Microscopic organisms, eggs, cysts and even the planktonic larvae of larger organisms are small enough to pass through the intakes and pumps.

    If these organisms survive transport to other parts of the globe, their impact can be devastating. In seas that are weakened by overfishing, contaminants and pollution, non-native species can reproduce quickly and deprive local species of food and living space.

    Such invasions can jeopardize the health and economy of the local population, and their effects are usually irreversible. IMO has identified the introduction of species via ballast water as one of the four greatest threats to the world’s oceans.

    In 2004, the organization adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, which will phase in requirements for ballast water treatment over the coming years.

    PureBallast from Alfa Laval
    PureBallast is an easy-to-use ballast water treatment system that meets the new IMO requirements. Unlike many proposed systems, which rely on chemicals or are too large to implement in real life, PureBallast involves no environmental or operational compromises. Using a unique, chemical-free technology, PureBallast produces radicals that neutralize organisms in ballast water.

    The process is effective, automated and self-contained, as well as harmless to the ballast tanks and crew. In pilot tests, onboard trials and the initial stages of IMO certification, PureBallast has demonstrated the necessary biological efficiency. Since the system is also remarkably compact, it can be installed even in cramped engine room conditions or in areas that are otherwise difficult to utilize. By combining space-saving design, chemical-free technology and full automation, PureBallast is the clear choice for both installation and operation.

  • Taming the Data Monster

    Health and Safety professionals are bombarded with data from all kinds of monitoring technology. Interpreting, disseminating and archiving this information are vital parts of the job. Now Casella CEL has simplified the task with its new data management software package that downloads and manages exposure data for a wide range of occupational hazards, including noise and dust.

    Called Casella Insight, the software can download survey data gathered by monitoring equipment such as sound level meters, noise dosimeters and personal air sampling pumps, and allows it to be stored on a central database. Exposure data can then be managed by criteria such as person, place or process and viewed in tabular or graphical formats that uniquely combine multiple hazards simultaneously to allow an overall exposure calculation to be made.

    Data can be imported from other devices and exported or sent to other users and colleagues, allowing for easy data sharing across organisations. An integral report wizard enables extremely comprehensive reports to be prepared, and the package also manages all the instrument calibration scheduling and storage of calibrations certificates.

    Further information on Casella Insight is available from www.casellameasurement.com

  • Simtronics launches SIL certified integrated Fire and Gas detection system

    Simtronics ASA, the Norwegian fire and gas Safety Company, today launched a sophisticated, fully integrated, fire and gas detection system with suppression release capability. The system draws on the synergies within the organization to provide a unique, world class solution to a broad range of industries.
    MultiSafe MX provides intelligent integration for a wide range of field devices for fire and gas detection. The system also supports a wide range of interfaces for third-party field devices and distributed control systems (DCS).
    MultiSafe MX is SIL 3 approved to IEC 61508 / IEC 61511. The system is also certified for other applications, such as:
    – EN54: conventional and addressable fire and gas detection
    – EN12094-1: fire extinguishing control
    – CEI 79-2: intruder detection
    MultiSafe MX incorporates numerous cost-saving features including networking and loop distribution, as well as installation and maintenance tools.

    “With the MultiSafe MX, Simtronics will target existing and new segments of the fire and gas safety markets. Not only do we move up the value chain, we also reinforce the synergies developed within the Simtronics business divisions” said Simtronics’ CEO Rune Martini.
    Further information on MultiSafe MX can be downloaded from www.simtronics-fg.com.

    For further information, please contact:
    Mr. Rune Martini, CEO Simtronics ASA,
    Phone + 47 48 07 80 80
    Dr. Eliot Sizeland, Sales Director Detection Systems Simtronics ASA,
    Phone +44 7930 899 474

    Simtronics ASA (Oslo Stock Exchange: SIMTRO) works to prevent disasters from happening. The company is an international supplier of fire and gas safety systems, active fire fighting solutions and fire prevention systems. Simtronics’ flame and gas detectors represent the most accurate, reliable and robust safety technology available. The Company’s products, solutions and systems are used by the oil and gas industry as well as in shipping, petrochemical and other process industries and in mining. Simtronics has a well established market base in Europe with Norway, France, UK and Germany as the single most important markets. Simtronics’ heritage goes back to 1948

  • Maxon releases 16” KINEDIZER® LE

    Maxon continues to expand industry-leading technology
    Maxon is pleased to announce the release of the next size of the KINEDIZER® LE burner.

    The new 16” KINEDIZER® LE extends this revolutionary low NOx burner to a capacity of 75 MMBTU to accommodate larger heating systems including spray dryers, rotary dryers, kilns, process heaters, incinerators and vaporizers.

    For the ultimate package in reliable, low emissions performance, KINEDIZER® LE offers a full complement of SMART products including SMARTFIRE® or SMARTLINK® MRV and SMARTLINK® Meter.

  • New Flange Calculation Software

    It is available now new Flange Calculation Software

    The most accurate calculations according to
    modified EN 1591-1 standard.
    Improved gasket factors included (EN 13555).
    [ref. Dicht 03/2008, M. Rotar, Flanschdichtungen richtig
    auslegen)

    – user defind flange and gasket dimensions
    – standard flange, gasket and bolts dimensions
    – up to 15 loading steps
    – 25 flange materials
    – 13 bolt matirials

    The name DONIT TESNIT® today enjoys an unparalleled reputation among the world’s leading producers of sealing materials. A well-established brand name, top quality (ISO 9001:2000), catering to customer’s needs and a consistent policy friendly to both people and the environment (ISO 14001:2004) are DONIT’s major strengths. The company keeps a record of constantly growing revenues and currently services customers in more than 100 countries on all continents.

    In addition to its concern for being at the forefront of the latest technological trends, the company boasts a wide product range, which apart from calandered gasket materials, elastomeric products, PTFE, composite and graphite-based sealing products includes insulation materials and gaskets for industrial application.

    The calculated values are presented in the graphical form, where applicable and nonapplicable conditions are clearly visible.
    – maximal & actual bolt, flange and gasket load ratio
    – minimal required gasket surface pressure
    – maximal allowed gasket surface pressure

  • Near-Infrared Fiber-Optic Spectrometer, USB 2.0

    This CVl Welles Gflot near-infrared fiber-optic spectrometer is based on me symmetncal Ciecny-Turner design wth a 50-mm focal length optical bench and a 256-pixel inGaAs detector array: The spectrometer has a standard SMA fiber-optic entrance connector, a collimating and focusing mirror, and diffraction grating.

    The detector array is connected to an electronics board with a 14-btt A-to-0 converter and US6 2.0 high speed interface This instrument is suitable for applications in the 1000-1750 nm range such as plastics and water absorbance. A 26-pln digital I/O connector facilitates external triggering and the control of shuttered and pulsed light sources.

    The near-infrared fiber-optK spectrometer systems include basic software, a users manual, and USB interface cable Additional application software can be ordered separately. This instrument runs on USB power and does not need an additional power supply.