Technology for OEM Design Engineers September 9, 2008 — Volume 4, Issue 34
BULLS EYE! Micro Plastics announces their new product line of EYE BOLTS. Designed for light duty, these bolts are molded in natural nylon and resistant to aromatic, chlorinated, and ketone solvents, gasoline, oils, greases, animal, and vegetable oils. Available in 6-32 through 3/8-16, with lengths varying from 1-1/4" up to 5-1/2". Check out the large inventory of nylon screws including binder, binder combination, fillister, hex, pan, round, socket, oval, flat, and thumb screws, as well as studs, grubs, flat head wing, and polycarbonate screws in catalog #38 or request FREE samples at Micro Plastics, Inc.
Army's greatest inventions of 2007 recognized
The Army's Top 10 Greatest Inventions for 2007 were recognized at a luncheon ceremony June 12, 2008 at the Hyatt Crystal City in Arlington, VA. In its sixth year, the Army-wide awards program is dedicated to recognizing the best technology solutions — from vehicles, to artillery, to blood plasma damage control — currently in use for the soldier. Nominations for the program were submitted from across the Army laboratory community. Read the full article
Problem solvers: Measuring molasses temperature with a WORM
Some challenges really are sticky situations. American Crystal Sugar Company is a world-class agricultural cooperative specializing in the production of sugar and related agri-products. A rigid sensor couldn't measure temperature accurately in a conventional thermowell for one of the company's major applications, but a custom thermowell and a WORM RTD flexible sensor measured the molasses perfectly. Read the full article
2D Displacement Sensor Compares Products to Master Part Data The KEYENCE LJ-G 2D Laser Displacement Sensor incorporates the world's first E3-CMOS image sensor. It measures height, warpage, profile, angle, intersection and position on any material/surface. Surface profiles can be compared with master part data and analyzed in real-time using up to 28 measurement modes with ±0.1% of F.S. accuracy. More info.
Intelligent binoculars aim to mimic human brain
The Georgia Institute of Technology recently received a contract to help develop "intelligent binoculars" that mimic the low-level image processing done by the human brain. Called the Cognitive Technology Threat Warning System (CT2WS), the device is expected to be far more capable than portable visual threat-warning equipment currently used by the U.S. military. Read the full article
Wheels: Simple air mounts are latest suspension trick
Trelleborg Automotive has developed an innovative rubber suspension technology that is attracting considerable interest from the world's car manufacturers. The new component takes the form of a rubber/metal or rubber/plastic bonding like traditional mounts, but the rubber incorporates air pockets designed to provide specific spring characteristics. Read the full article
5-Star Product: Bluetooth/915-MHz quick-start wireless kits
Adeunis DemoKits, now stocked by Saelig, allow users to quickly and economically add wireless capabilities to product designs without the usual development headaches. The PC-connected DemoKits include all the essential functions for evaluating Adeunis-RF's wireless modules, carrying out RF measurements, and developing a prototype. Read the full article
Engineer's Toolbox: Multi-channel leak detector takes off the pressure
Manufacturers and machine builders seeking the lowest costs for leak testing in high-volume production scenarios can now achieve unprecedented rapid test cycle times with the new InterTech Multi-Channel M1075-94X Pressure Change Leak Detector. This compact instrument features up to four independent test circuits each with separate pressure transducers. Read the full article