Industrial Factory Automation

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has launched its 2010 ISA Directory of Automation in an easy-to-use online format. This resource is available to the organisations members from a link on the ISA homepage or the dedicated ISA Directory of Automation website. The ISA Directory of Automation offers both keyword-driven searches and category specific searches, two methods that produce the most industry-relevant results on the web. The directory also includes Request for Information (RFI) functionality, which allows users to quickly contact participating suppliers to obtain more detailed information for specific projects. The directory has a downloadable desktop search application, which enables users to search for items directly from a small search window on their desktops. ISA partnered with Multiview to create the new directory.

Emka has introduced a three-point cam adapter that converts a low-cost single-point cam into a cam for a three-point locking system, reducing online production costs. This gives enclosure manufacturers a reduced stock requirement for varying cabinet-door sizes, typically leading to a 40 per cent reduction in stock costs on this component type. OEM/specialist cabinet producers up to now have needed to stock both single and three-point cams, but now only stock the popular and low-cost single-point item with a small quantity of adapters. The 1000 cam adapter is a precision zinc die component suitable for the complete range of Emka 1000 quarter-turn locks where the standard single-point cam is appropriate. Fixing is a single-bolt operation and may be carried out in cabinet manufacture, at installation, or as a retro-fit, by removing the cam fixing bolt and refitting, then installing the rod system to the door, thus providing two more closure points for improved sealing and security on lon...

Endress and Hauser has brought out the Liquiphant M, a meter that provides online measurement of density and concentration. A built-in density calculator can be end-user customised with complex tables and mathematical interdependencies, allowing the meter to provide the same kind of density and concentration measurements once possible only with lab instruments. Because the Liquiphant M provides online measurements, it allows control systems to react much faster to changing process conditions. Instead of waiting for results to come back from the lab, a control system can take corrective action immediately by performing closed-loop control. The Liquiphant employs a mechanically oscillating fork with two tines that are each excited to resonant frequency. The frequency changes when the fork is immersed in any liquid. If the vibration falls below a predetermined frequency, the sensor reports the covered state to subsequent switching electronics. The tines are excited by a piezoelectric dri...

Website designer Top Floor Technologies has selected CDS's interactive catalogue solution to present General Bearing Corporation 's products online. General Bearing supplies bearing components and bearing products, including ball bearings, tapered roller bearings, spherical roller bearings and cylindrical roller bearings. Jim McDonald, director of business processes for General Bearing, said: 'A digitally searchable product catalogue on our website will save our customers time in locating and specifying the right products. 'CDS's online catalogue system allows us to exhibit our entire product lineup with all of the clarity of a traditional print catalogue and with many benefits unique to a digital presentation,' he concluded.

The TRA3000 system from EMC is able to bring the power of the web to EMC laboratories. An Ethernet interface and internal web server enable control, communication and report generation without proprietary software. A modular architecture enables onsite upgrades for any combination of ESD, EFT, surge, AC/DC dips, interrupts and variations, common mode and both AC and impulse magnetic fields. Automatic recording of temperature, pressure and humidity are available for the HTML test report. A USB interface is used to securely transfer files, test reports and service information to external devices.

Gemba Solutions has developed an online, hosted version of its Gain4 Efficiency software. Along with all the features that Gain4 Efficiency offers, Gain4 Efficiency Online is provided on a 'software as a service' basis, enabling companies to rent the software on a monthly basis. The software is accessed and data is entered online via a web browser, so no additional IT equipment is needed. Data entry is straightforward and with a multitude of standard reports, KPI measurement and reporting is quick and easy, plus the system can be viewed and used from any location. According to Gemba, one customer who recently upgraded from Excel to Gain4 Online has reported a saving of 86 per cent in time spent entering data and preparing reports.