Industrial Factory Automation

LPRS Easy-Radio modules have proved to be a vital component in a humanoid robot used to interview musicians at concerts. Reynolds customised the robot to allow it to perform motions, dance routines, handshakes and gestures, and mounted a camera into its head to give a direct feed of the interview in progress. The robot's chariot uses a four-wheel drive robot platform with a customised shell to make it resemble an armchair. Another camera is mounted on the chariot so it can back off from the humanoid and record interviews from a second viewpoint. The biggest design issue was the audio interaction between the robot and the interviewee. A method was required to remotely play back more than 200 words and phrases accurately and quickly to make the interviews run smoothly. Nothing existed off the shelf, so Reynolds undertook a custom design employing an MP3 playback unit, amplifier and speaker located in the chariot that would produce the humanoid's voice. An RS232 input stream oper...

Mapei's premium latex levelling compound, Latexplan Trade is slower setting therefore suitable for rubbing down and is ideal for even the most budget conscious projects. Latexplan Trade is a two component self-levelling and smoothing compound, for the internal levelling of new or existing substrates, to prepare them to receive any type of floor covering. A key benefit is its suitability for use on most substrates including: concrete floors, cement-based screeds, Mapei Topcem and Mapecem screeds, existing ceramic tile, terrazzo, natural stone, wood, steel and polyurethane. When used in conjunction with Mapeproof ESM surface membrane and Mapei's ECO adhesives, it provides the ideal system solution for fast-track, environmentally conscious projects. This protein-free product is suitable for use on most projects, especially within public sector buildings due to its low odour and high compressive strength (sets to 30N/mm2); it has recently been specified for various projects ac...

Unique night latch from Assa Abloy 's UNION Architectural Hardware, designed for elderly and disabled people, has been short-listed for one of the industry's top awards. The Easy Access Night Latch has been nominated for the Physical Security Product of the Year at the leading security event IFSEC 2009, to be held at the NEC in Birmingham, 11-14 May. The Easy Access Night latch boasts a range of features to make it easy to use, including an extended operating lever and chunky sliding catch to make it easy to find and operate. The contact points have non-slip red tactile rubber surfaces, making them easy to grip, while the contrasting colour helps people with visual impairments. The product also comes with an oversized, easy grip key cover to aid access from the outside of the property. The unique features have been specifically designed to assist in fulfilling the duties required under the UK's Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and satisfy the recommendations of BS8300 an...

Design is capable of carrying heavy loads at high capacity, velocity and acceleration while still excelling in wear resistance. PBC Linear has a new line of cost-effective easy-to-specify linear guide systems. Integral V Technology systems feature a patent pending process that allows for tighter tolerances without additional cost. The design itself is capable of carrying heavy loads at high capacity, velocity and acceleration while still excelling in wear resistance. IV-T also has a growing number of configurations and a wide range of uses with custom orders available. This versatile product is yet another in a long line of innovative products in PBC's history. With the 20 different configurations already available - and more being developed each week - the IV technology is truly versatile in its application. Products in IV technology include snap-in, bolt-on, integrated and compact configurations. All of which allow for easy installation, and what really sets this product and co...

Polymer System EP11HT is a single-component epoxy resin system from Master Bond for high-temperature bonding applications up to 205C. Master Bond EP11HT is a heat-curing, structural epoxy adhesive featuring high shear strength and easy handling. It is formulated to cure at elevated temperatures, for example 110min at 120C or 75min at 150C. EP11HT attains tensile shear strengths in excess of 22.75MPa and forms rigid and dimensionally stable bonds. The service temperature range is -50 to +205C. As a one-part system, it does not require mixing prior to use and has an 'unlimited' working life at room temperature. EP11HT bonds well to a wide variety of substrates including metals, glass, ceramics and most plastics. It has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals including acids, bases, oils, salts and many solvents. A nondrip version called EP11HTND-2 is also available. The cured adhesive fully meets the requirements of MIL-MMM-A-132. It is available in pint, quart, gal...