Press releases;
archive of earlier press releases

Press releases: a page that highlights many of our industry's technological advances.

This press releases start below, with the newest entry located at the top of the list.

COMPANY OFFERS WIDEST BREADTH OF CABLE CYLINDERS IN INDUSTRY

Three series of cable cylinders are available and custom built within 5-7 days of order; Standard, Guided and Totally Enclosed. Each series has unique options and functions giving an OEM design engineer affordable, proven choices for his or her application.

Cable cylinders are found on textile machinery, paper splicers, cage washers, packaging and printing machinery, silk screening and shrink-wrap systems, articulating arms, counter balancing and door opening and closing mechanisms.

Totally enclosed cable cylinders are made up to 23.5 Ft. A TEC cylinder can operate in harsh environments because the main wearable parts are removed from the environment and encapsulated within the protective body. TEC cylinders are only available from W.C. Branham Inc.

"We continue to improve on the quality and performance of our cable cylinders as well as look for ways to take cost out of the product without sacrificing said quality and performance. An OEM designer or purchasing manager will find our cable cylinders very competitively priced compared to other cable cylinder companies as well as rodless cylinder manufacturers,"says Bill Branham, CEO.

W.C. Branham Inc standard cable cylinders are mounting and most part interchangeable with 90% of all cable cylinders in the field.

For more information, Please click here.

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LEEKSEEK™ OFFERS SOLUTIONS AROUND THE WORLD

With more than 4000 fully documented leakage detection surveys worldwide, the LeekSeek members contribute to and share the world’s most comprehensive database on leakage detection projects.

The web based LeekSeek system provides each member with instant access to leakage detection projects made all over the world and in principle every type of industry. This enables a LeekSeek member to provide each client with in-depth and up to date information relevant to his particular industry.

The web based system also provides global corporations bench marking opportunities, uniform reporting standards and instant access to information from each manufacturing unit.

For more information, please see the LeekSeek™ web site.

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PAXTON OFFERS ALTERNATE TO COMPRESSED AIR

Each of our Air Knives is powered by a perfectly matched, high-velocity Paxton centrifugal blower, and can deliver air at velocities from 10,000 - 40,000 FPM. Proper designing and specifying of the centrifugal blower to the Air Knife is critical to the system's performance and service life.

Paxton has total systems expertise from its years of experience building the industry's leading centrifugal blowers and Air Knife systems. We have designed Air Knives for virtually every type of application.

Air Knives used for drying, cleaning or material removal accomplish their work in a two-stage process: First, a high velocity air stream is directed to roll the liquid or material back, creating a standing wave at the point of shear and leaving a thin, residual layer.

Second, as the "point of impact" of the impinging air flow passes over the residual layer, this layer (if liquid) is shattered or atomized to form minute liquid droplets which are carried away by the air stream to leave a clean, dry surface. Non-liquids are also blown away and removed in this second phase.

Paxton Air Knives may utilize temperature or controllable air pressure to provide further evaporation, materials-setting, cooling, heating, curing or coating control ability. Each system is designed taking into consideration the exact material characteristics and processing requirements of the products involved.

Paxton Air Knives are FDA compliant, and feature exclusive designs in anodized, extruded aluminum, or rugged stainless steel.

For more information, please visit: Paxton’s web site.

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BALSTON INTRODUCES STAINLESS STEEL AIR FILTER

Proven to be the best performing coalescing filters, Parker Hannifin has introduced a new line of Harsh Environment Stainless Steel Filters. The filters remove 99.99% of oil, water, rust and pipescale particles of 0.01 micron in size and larger from compressed air and other gases. The filters are available in ¼” to 1” line sizes with flow capacities to over 700 SCFM.

Constructed of 304 Stainless, these filters will stand up to the harshest environments such as hospitals, food and beverage, chemical plants, refineries and pulp and paper mills. The product line comes complete with auto drains and a high efficiency filter cartridge installed.

For additional information, contact Parker Hannifin Corporation, Filtration and Separation Division, call toll-free at 1-800-343-4048 or 978-858-0505. Fax: 978-858-0625. Parker Hannifin Corporation, 242 Neck, P.O. Box 8223, Haverhill, MA 01835-0723. Web info

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NEW RODLESS CYLINDER DESIGNED FOR MAXIMUM DURABILITY

“Our most intensive development project ever has resulted in a new standard of durability and reliability for rodless cylinders,” said Tolomatic Product Manager Cory Danks. “We took the industry-leading features of our band cylinder line and re-engineered them to make them even better. The MX has a whole new look but retains the compatibility of our proven BC series actuators.”

Three different bearing options are available in a family of modular cylinder bodies for lean manufacturing efficiencies. All models and sizes are built-to-order and shipped in five days or less. Features that make the MX Series actuators the most reliable, long-lasting products on the market include the following:

Durable Bearings: Three bearing options are available for a variety of application needs. The Profiled Rail design uses THK® Caged Ball® technology to reduce friction and extend actuator life. The Solid bearing design reduces stress concentration by 59% for optimum performance. The Internal bearing design is permanently lubricated for long, trouble-free service and is especially suited for vertical applications.

Durable Bands: Stainless steel bands on the MX are stronger and will not expand like elastomer (non-metallic) bands, providing reliable sealing over the life of the actuator. They also withstand the effects of pressure spikes that are created during high velocity cushion impact.

Unique load bearing design: The piston is isolated from the applied load and remains isolated even when the carrier is subjected to deflection, extending the service life of the piston seals. Both the piston bracket and the carrier feature single piece extrusion, reducing failure points.Other features include durable, custom formulated polyurethane seals, clear anodized aluminum extrusions, adjustable cushions, mounted shocks, double or single-end porting, drop-in and easy to locate switches, and tube clamps. The MX is available in both Imperial (inch) and metric versions to meet a variety of specifications.

Please click here for more information on Tolomatic’s Heavy Duty Rodless Cylinder.

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Control Panel Sales Agents Wanted

If you are an industrial sales agent and are interested in adding Control Panels to your product mix, Rantro would like to hear from you.

Ideally you have a significant customer base, are OEM oriented, and would like to provide that OEM client list with additional opportunities; our Custom Control Panel service.

Rantro will provide guidance, a generous commission structure, exclusive territories, and a rapid turn around in both price proposals and panel building.

Interested?

Please contact:

Mr. Jim Gaylord – President
email: Jim.Gaylord@Rantro.com
Rantro Industrial Controls

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Ultraline Magnetic Sensors for Pneumatic Cylinders

Ultraline apply the latest in sensor technology, offering a range of different styles in reed and solid-state versions.

The range has been designed to be compatible – a “drop in replacement” - with most manufacturer’s pneumatic cylinders.

Ask for your free Ultraline sensor sample by sending an email to this address: sensorsample@ultra-line.com .

Please identify, by part number, the sensor you would like the replacement for, and quote reference UL31 in your email.

For more information, please contact Ultraline.

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MassaSonic™ M-300 Low Cost Ultrasonic Sensors

The new M-300 family of RoHS compliant ultrasonic sensor incorporates state-of-the-art ultrasonic and microprocessor technology to provide low cost precision non-contact distance measurement for factory automation or industrial process control.

Applications for this sensor include, liquid level control, mechanical positioning, roll diameter measurement, web loop monitoring, automatic filling operation, automatic packaging, bulk level control, paper and plastic film processing and many others.

The M-300 ultrasonic sensors stand out over all other systems because of their affordability while providing extraordinary ease of operation, genuinely user-friendly software, versatility in user-controlled outputs, and the ability to be set up without using a target. The sensor transmits narrow beam sound pulses at a user-selected rate (or it can be software triggered), processes return echoes, and produces several outputs dependent on the position of the target.

Operating from 12 to 24 V DC, the M-300 Family includes several sensor models that operate at different ultrasonic frequencies, which produce detection ranges from as close as 4 inches (100mm) to greater than 15 feet (4.5 meters). A linear output of 0 to 10 V DC is provided, which is proportional to the measured distance to the target from the minimum detection distance to the nominal maximum target distance specified for the particular M-300 model.

This output voltage range, however, can be easily reprogrammed to start and end anywhere between 0 and 10 V DC. The corresponding target distance span can also be set to start and stop at any two target ranges. This output voltage can also be programmed to operate as a digital switch at a specified target setpoint distance.

The system parameters and outputs are programmable via an RS-485 data link, thereby eliminating problems associated with adjustment potentiometers or pushbuttons. Some additional programmable adjustments include: analog output slope, sampling rate, averaging of multiple distance measurements, loss-of-echo time-out, setpoint hysteresis when operating in the digital switch mode, and a software sensor transmit trigger.

The M-300 ultrasonic sensors user-friendly software operates with Windows® operating systems using an RS-232/RS-485 or USB/RS-485 converter. This data link allows up to 32 sensors to be on the same multi-drop communications network using the supplied protocol.

This network also allows users to remotely program their sensors and read ranges for quick integration into their process control application. For users that prefer not to use a PC, the sensors can be programmed at the factory to the customer's exact specifications for true "plug and play" operation.

Other features of the M-300 ultrasonic sensor include: a totally sealed PVC housing containing an industry standard 1" NPT fitting for mounting, operation from -20°C to 65°C with built-in temperature compensation, diagnostic and monitoring outputs, and protection from over-voltage, short circuits, and reverse polarity.

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Air Control Industries

With the changeover from solvent-based to water-based coatings, in accordance with the VOC Directive, drying times in hot air circulation ovens have increased, reducing throughput.

One way to ameliorate this situation, according to tests performed by Heraeus Noblelight GmbH (www.heraeus-noblelight.com/en/infrared-heat), is the introduction of infra red dryers just before the main drying oven. By raising the temperature sufficiently to achieve water evaporation before entry to the drying oven, infrared ‘boosters’ make it possible to attain time savings of up to 50% compared to conventional drying ovens.

The tests carried out by Heraeus Noblelight also demonstrated that the choice of infra red source is significant. The tests showed in particular that carbon medium wave infrared emitters out-performed conventional short wave ones and consumed up to 30% less energy.

This drying performance can be improved still further by the addition of an air knife.

Using an air knife supplied by ACI, it was demonstrated that by exhausting the water-saturated air efficiently from the drying zone drying times are reduced significantly. This is because there is not a build up of moisture laden air for the drying system to overcome. Consequently, energy is used more efficiently, again helping to reduce costs.

Characteristics of air knives that make them particularly suitable for this drying application are their ability to deliver accurately controlled air flows as regards volume and velocity, air is delivered as a continuous even curtain across the full width of product, and they can be produced in lengths to match the application.

These features are said to complement infrared’s ability to dry coatings from the inside out. This characteristic eliminates skinning and blistering to ensure excellent surface qualities are achieved.

For more information, please contact: Air Control Industries

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Ultraline Snap Fit Magnetic Sensors – An easy solution

Ultraline Ltd have overcome this problem with the launch of their new patented range of Snap Fit magnetic sensors. The unique switch retaining system and release mechanism, means that a switch can be simply laid above the ‘T’ Slot, pressed in, slid into position and retained by a screw at the sensing position required.

Removal is equally easy by operating a clip mechanism on the back of the sensor, thereby facilitating an easy removal of the sensor from the slot.

Snap Fit is available in reed and solid state types, with solid state employing GMR (Giant Magneto Resistive) technology.

Ultraline Ltd is a UK designer and manufacturer of Pneumatic Rodless Cylinders, and supplier of Magnetic Sensors for use on Pneumatic Cylinders.

For more information, please visit the Ultraline web site

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Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc.

This all-new line of solenoid valves offer many possibilities for pneumatic applications that require a lightweight, cost-effective miniature valve.

To request a catalog, Contact Clippard or call 1-877-245-6247.

Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc.7390 Colerain AvenueCincinnati, Ohio 45239513-521-4261

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The Pneumatic Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation

announces the addition of a Dual 4-Way Valve to the Moduflex Valves System Series.

This valve combines 2, 4-way valves into one valve body. Valve modules can now be ordered as dual valves or single valves.

The Dual 4-way valve module has two independently operated valves in the Size 1 valve body. Though there are two valves in one body, there are no differences in dimensions between double or single valves and there is only a slight reduction in flow when compared to a single 4-way valve.

These valves can be combined with other dual 3-way or single 4-way valves of either Size 1 or Size 2 valves, without transition kits, to fit all types of applications.

Moduflex Valves are available in 24vdc solenoid or air pilot operated versions with a universal manual override. The Universal Manual override is available as either Locking / Non-Locking, and can be changed in the field to Non-Locking override only, which helps with machine set-up. When the Locking override is disabled, unwanted locking of the manual override is eliminated.

Moduflex Dual 3-way and 4-way valves offer a flexible automation product for demanding applications. The Moduflex Series provides a complete choice of either stand-alone valves, shortbuild valve islands, or large valve island configurations.

For more information about the new Parker Moduflex Dual 4-Way Valve, contact Parker Hannifin Corporation, Pneumatic Division. Phone 269-629-5000 or visit us online at Parker Pneumatics .

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Clippard catalog

Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc., manufacturer of the industry’s most complete line of miniature fluid power products, has just released the all-new 388 page catalog.

This full-line catalog includes features, specifications, technical drawings, color photographs, and application highlights throughout.

Products can be found in six main categories, including Cylinders, Electronic Valves, Control Valves, Modular Valves, Fittings and Hose, and Air Preparation equipment.

Contact Clippard or your local distributor, for catalog #CILCAT-1006.

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Introducing the world’s smallest M3 Threaded Quick Disconnects!

Beswick Engineering announces the release of a new ultra-miniature M3 threaded quick disconnect assembly. The assembly is comprised of a brass internal end and a stainless steel external end. The entire assembly weighs only 3.4 grams. The internal end is designed with an automatic shut-off valve and a M3 internal thread. It is only about 16.7 mm long and has a 6mm hexagonal body. The external end is designed with a M3 external thread and includes a captured O-ring seal for leak-tight connection. It is only about 11mm long and has a 5mm hexagonal body.

Beswick’s new M3 threaded quick disconnects set an industry standard for miniaturization and high performance. They are designed and manufactured for applications where space, leak-tightness, durability, and light weight are required. Applications include: medical and dental equipment, instruments, laboratory equipment, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, aerospace equipment, packaging machinery, industrial robots and many more.

In addition to the new M3 threaded ultra-miniature quick disconnect Beswick offers several other types of miniature quick disconnects. These include: snap type, screw type, single line, single shut-off, double shut-off, threaded and barbed connections, and multi-line configurations. The multi-line versions provide exceptionally quick connections while also insuring proper orientation.

For more information, please contact Beswick Engineering here.

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