Proximity Sensor, Pressure Transducer & Pressure Sensor Information - Article List

The Sensors Reference Center, from Machine Design, is designed to provide design engineers with the information they need to specify or purchase Sensors including: AC motors, DC motors, stepper motors and servo motors. The Sensors 101 section includes reference information about the various types of motors and the selection criteria and requirements used for typical mechanical engineering applications.

Wireless sensor monitors tire pressure

Torque sensors are small but accurate

Some noncontacting torque-measuring methods rely on resistive strain gages and transmit data coded in voltage changes.

The connected car

The question is not whether automotive telematics will happen, but just when the technology will reach critical mass.

Sensors do more with less

New technology ushers in smaller, smarter, and more-sophisticated devices.

Fifty years of sensors

Baumer Electric, a manufacturer of sensors for industrial automation, is celebrating its 50-year anniversary.

Nanocomposite body panels on the horizon

Servo insert couplings

Tackling the Dirty Dozen

Follow these guidelines to avoid the 12 most common mistakes of specifying circuit protection for electrical equipment.

Sensor manufacturer adds pressure switches to product line

Electric actuators provide precise positioning

It is difficult to get intelligent motion control with flexibility and precision out of low-cost pneumatic cylinders. You could use servos, but that adds cost and complexity.

Lifesaving sensors

A tiny wireless optical sensor developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory tells doctors in minutes, rather than hours, if an organ is getting enough blood flow after transplant or reconstructive surgery.

Sniffing out danger

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories developed a device that rides on small aerial drones to detect potential nerve gas and blister-agent attacks on cities and military bases.

FEA kick starts new motorcycle line

Engineers with an upstart motorcycle company turned to MSC.Nastran for Windows from MSC.Software to pinpoint trouble spots in a new motorcycle's structural members.

Your next robot may not want to hurt your feelings

Feeling anxious? Maybe your robot can help. Researchers at Vanderbilt University want to build robots that are sensitive to human emotions. Their vision is to create a kind of robot Friday, a personal assistant who can accurately sense the moods of its human bosses and respond appropriately.

Designs on the Winner's Circle

Safety at any speed and an even shot to grab the checkered flag keeps the IRL IndyCar Series going strong.

Getting To Know You

From car-entry systems to cell phones and PDAs, fingerprint sensors are on the front line of security.

Plug-and-Play Sensors

Smart sensors identify themselves and remember calibration data, saving setup time.

Easy E-field Imaging

A new IC makes electric-field imaging easier than ever.

Polymer-based sensors may lead to implantable medical devices

Segway CEO to speak at sensors showcase

Thermally conductive plastic lets designers breathe easier

While developing a therapeutic sleep apnea/sleep-disorder breathing (SBD) device, designers at Australia-based ResMed discovered the motor was overheating the unit's polycarbonate retainer.

E-nose smelt what lung cancer dealt

Based on technology used in the food industry to detect "off" smells, researchers have successfully used an electronic nose to "smell" tumors in patients known to have lung cancer.

Hybrid-plastic light source may yield optical chip

Researchers at the University of Toronto developed a hybrid plastic that produces light at wavelengths useful for fiber-optic communication.

High-speed Googling

Computer science researchers at Stanford University have developed several new techniques for calculating Web-page rankings (as used in the Google search engine) five times faster.

Out with the old: New testers for the F/A-18

Electronic-test equipment manufacturer Geotest-Marvin Test Systems Inc., Irvine, Calif. (www.geotestinc.com), is now shipping its GP1552WR pulse generator to the U.S. Navy.

Mechanical torque limiters still make sense

Mechanical and electronic overload protection each has its place.

Switch senses on the curves

Detecting contact or pressure on curved surfaces once required several multipart switches.

Servomotor, controller, amplifier in one

The SmartMotor integrates a brushless dc servomotor, controller, and amplifier in one package.

Safer tires for everyone

GE NovaSensor, a unit of GE Industrial Systems, Fremont, Calif.(www.geindustrial.com), developed a low-cost tire-pressure sensor that meets the requirements of U.S. Congressional Tread (Tire Recall Enhanced Accountability and Documentation) Act.

Where?

I read an excellent description of global positioning systems (GPS)--a locational technology--and its uses in a Fast Company article by Charles Fishman, (The Sky's the Limit, http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/72/gps.html).

GPS tracking boosts perimeter security

Cubic Corp., San Diego, plans to work with Satellite Security Systems, also of San Diego, to offer a tracking system that uses GPS technology for homeland defense.

Wireless sensor networks are coming to a machine near you

Say goodbye to wire harnesses and cable carriers as wireless technology takes hold in factory automation.

Plastic helps coolant sensor survive hot engines

A low-coolant sensor from Entratech Systems sits directly in radiators of trucks, off-road vehicles, and marine equipment.

Wireless wonders for the factory

Coming: networks of wireless sensors that could usher in new generations of superefficient controls and machines.

Controls target M2M

New hardware and software from Opto 22 uses the familiar Internet Protocol (IP) to link machine processes such as sensor and production data with enterprise software.

Stress-free strain gaging

Signal-conditioning IC simplifies strain-gage bridge sensor setup.

Sensor sees a colorful world

Designers now have a drop-in option for adding color-sensing capabilities to products, thanks to a new integrated sensor from TAOS Inc.

FEA guides the way for sensor redesign

Engineers at TransTech Systems Inc. hoped an existing capacitor sensor would measure the density of 0.75-in.-thick asphalt with help from a few spacers.

Here come Wireless Sensors

Wireless sensors based on the ZigBee standard are about to change the way industry approaches control and feedback.

Biosensor for DNA molecules

A new type of microchip that moves and isolates DNA and protein molecules could be used to identify medical problems or detect viruses and other biohazards before they spread.

Laser sensors guide vehicles in robot race

Several vehicles competing in the Darpa Grand Challenge last March got navigational help from a laser-measurement system from Sick, Minneapolis.

Smart interface will advance high-temperature measurements

The final approved specification for Transducer Electronic Data Sheets, TEDS, is expected to emerge later this year.

Plug-n-play sensors ready for prime time

With the IEEE 1451.4 standard ready to be formally approved, sensor manufacturers are gearing up to provide sensors with TEDS, or transducer electronic data sheets, capability.

Image sensor sees tiny matter

A new image sensor promises to help scientists working at the molecular level of matter while researching viruses, new drugs, and treatments for diseases.

FEA sniffs out oxygensensor geometry

A relatively simple 2D thermal model let Delphi Corp., Troy, Mich. find a more durable automotive oxygen sensor.

Radar tag could eliminate friendly fire

To keep soldiers from attacking their own, Sandia engineers developed a radar-tag sensor that mounts on military vehicles and is recognized by attack aircraft as "friendly."

Catalog Spotlights Sensors

A new sensor selection guide is a 38-page catalog outlining inductive, photoelectric, capacitive, magnetic field, and electromechanical sensors and ID systems plus accessories like connectors and cables.

Extended Range Prox Sensor

E2A proximity sensors feature extended sensing ranges from 2.0 to 30 mm.

Single-Point Sensor

The SPR-04 sensor is a CCD-based single-point sensor for measuring distance, thickness, and material deformation.

Sensor Detects True Colors

The QC50 true-color sensor analyzes and identifies user-determined colors.

Conductivity Transmitters

CDTX1200-Series conductivity transmitters use four-ring potentiometric probes for higher accuracy and repeatability.

Seeing X-Rays

The S8658 image sensor converts X-rays to visible light. It uses a front-illuminated full frame transfer charge coupled device (FFT CCD) to create finely detailed X-ray images.

Humidity Sensor

The HS-2000-Series humidity sensor combines capacitive-polymer sensing with a novel measurement method, eliminating the need for temperature correction and calibration by the user.

Converter Powers DC Sensors

The Python Power power and output conversion unit lets dc sensors install in locations where only ac power is available.

Miniature Photoelectric Sensors

Miniature photoelectric sensors sport features such as pushbutton teach mode setup.

Sensor "Sees" Out To 26 FT

The QT50U Series of programmable ultrasonic sensors feature a 26-ft sensing range.

Photoelectric Sensors

The Osiris photoelectric sensor line features multimode technology that lets a single sensor perform functions found in as many as five different modes of sensors.

Infrared Temperature Sensors

Smart IRt/c.5, c.20, and c.40 are powered, linearized infrared temperature sensors that measure temperatures some distance from the target.

Industrial Vibration Sensors Catalog

Catalog details industrial vibrationmonitoring instrumentation and new products.

Sensors Track Speed

The A1425 analag speed sensor has a built-in integrated tracking capacitor and dual zero-crossing output signal.

Stainless-Steel Pressure Sensors

The SPT Series of stainless-steel pressure sensors serves in harsh environments containing corrosive liquids or gases.

Optical Encoding in a Small Package

The Mercury 1800 (M1800) digital encoder is the smallest optical encoder that provides 50-nm resolution from the sensor.

Load Sensors Work at High Temperature

High-Temperature FlexiForce force and load sensors have been tested at temperatures as high as 420°F.

Vector Control Inverters

The SJ200 Series of inverters employs sixth-generation sensorless vectorcontrol technology.

Panel-Mount PH/ORP Controllers

The W305 single and dual-input panel-mount pH/ORP controllers let designers add a second sensor rather than a second controller.

Coming: Cars smarter than their drivers

Smart sensors help keep you and your car out of harm's way.

How small can you go?

A 10-bit magnetic rotary encoder...

Coming Soon To Circuit Boards: The electronic potentiometer

A new breed of electronically adjustable resistors promises to ease fine-tuning in sensors and other electronic devices.

Vision Sensors Match Patterns

New industrial-grade In-Sight 5100, 5400, and 3400 vision sensors can work with PatMax geometricpattern-matching software.

As The Teeth Go By

A Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit and magnet combination provides a user-friendly solution for digital gear-tooth sensing and true zero-speed direction detection in two-wire applications.

RF Sensors Track Parts

BIS S RF-ID systems track parts using high-speed data transmission. Data carriers store 8 or 16 kbytes of data and heads can read/write blocks of data at 2,000 bytes/sec.

Next Gen Position Sensors

G-Series magnetostrictive position sensors are backward compatible with existing L-Series and Tempo-II-Series sensors.

The Wind-Up And The Measure

Industrial draw-wire encoders measure linear displacements from 1 to 40 m.

Ultrasonic Sensors In Barrel Housings

Virtu18 ultrasonic sensors come in 18-mm barrel styles and feature sensing ranges from 50 to 510 mm.

Image Sensors Handle Fast Frame Rates

The KAI-0340M image sensor supports systems with readout times to 210 frames/sec, increasing throughput in manufacturing applications.

Less-Than-Miniature Photoelectric Sensors

Subminiature photoelectric sensors detect targets to 200 mm and need no reflector or separate receiver.

Sensor Sees The Big Picture

PresencePlus P4 Geo vision sensors inspect for correct features regardless of product orientation or position in the sensor's field of view.

Small Sensors Feel Big Heat

Micro IRt/c noncontact temperature sensors are 1-in. long and 0.25 in. in diameter.

Get That Spin

Model 7302BM4 angular accelerometers give rotational and torsional measurements.

Three Lights, One Package

Three different sensing technologies, infrared, visible light, and vertical-cavity-surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), are available on nonfocused reflective switches that detect objects up to 2 in. away.

Terminal Blocks Accept Three And Four-Wire Sensors

Series-270 terminal blocks accommodate three and four-wire sensors in control panels or junction boxes with limited space.

Photoelectric Sensors For Tight Spaces

OG90 photoelectric sensors feature rightangle lenses for applications with limited mounting space.

Switch, Sensor Connectors

The Tuff-Link E-CON connector line consists of single-ended and double-ended M12 and M8 connectors, cable assemblies, and receptacles.

Pattern Matching For Vision Sensors

Geometric pattern-matching software is now available on In-Sight vision sensors.

Low-Power Gyro Sensor

The 3DM-GX1 temperature-compensated gyro combines the outputs from three angular rate gyros with three orthogonal dc accelerometers and three orthogonal magnetometers.

Sensor Mounts

A mount assembly for sensors holds them securely and permits rapid changeover, with easy fine positioning.

Improved Magnetostrictive Sensors

New G-Series magnetostrictive position sensors are backward compatible with existing L-Series and Tempo II Series sensors.

Conductivity Sensor

A drop-in replacement sensor for the WEC electrodeless conductivity controller eliminates the need for a steel submersion adapter.

Medical Adhesive

The MG Series of high-molecular-weight rubber-based adhesives are for direct-skin applications including bandages, monitoring sensors, and personal-care items.

Sensor takes guesswork out of laundering

A position/quantity sensor for a new washing machine from Miele, Gütersloh, Germany, automatically determines the weight of the laundry load.

Where Is It? Reflective Sensor Tells

A new laser-reflective sensor is designed to sense objects in challenging applications where the target and background have similar color or reflective qualities.

Biosensor makes pathogens easier to detect in ready-to-eat meats

The pathogen responsible for a precooked chicken recall last summer will become easier to detect in ready toeat meats, thanks to a new biosensor developed by scientists at Purdue University.

Drive users get fingerprinted

Password protection is a thing of the past on new portable USB storage devices. JumpDrive TouchGuard drives will soon incorporate sensors that grant access by checking the fingerprint of the owner.

Level Sensor For Hoses

The TLS 100 is said to be the first capacitive level sensor for small tubes and hoses.

Ultrasonic Sensors

The Virtu ultrasonic sensor features dual mount options and sensing ranges from 50 to 510 mm (2 to 20 in).

Circuit Breaker

The ESS20-1 circuit breaker provides selective circuit protection of DIN-rail factory automation equipment connected to switch-mode power supplies, sensors, actuators, field-bus couplers, and controls.

Absolute Encoder / Indicator

The AZ16 Series absolute encoder/indicator mounts on movable slides and stop systems. Combined with a magnetic sensor, the battery-powered "stand-alone" unit requires no wiring, and the battery has a service life of up to four years.

Senorless Stall Detection

StallGuard technology available in TMC246 and TMC249 driver chips for bipolarstepmotor control is capable of sensorless stall detection without the need for an encoder.

Mini Block-Style Prox Sensor

The RO1 mini block-style, low-profile inductive sensor features a rugged cast-zinc housing for harsh environments such as in stamping or welding applications.

Data Matrix Code Reading

In-Sight ID readers and vision sensors now sport verification capabilities...

Inductive Proximity Sensors

Osiprox inductive proximity sensors feature precise actuation points of outputs via a fine-teach mode in shielded and nonshielded environments.

New Special Components Line Provides Solutions To Application Challenges

Schneeberger, Inc. recently announced the launch of a new line of Specialized Linear Motion Components. Special Components consist of guideways for special machines, modified standard guideways from single pieces to series volumes, replacement guideways for obsolete machines, and customized solutions for challenging applications.

First SOIC8-Packaged Hall-Effect Current Sensor With Integrated Current Path Introduced

The newest current sensor family from Allegro MicroSystems, Inc., the ACS704, is the first SOIC8-packaged Hall-effect current sensor with the current path integrated into the package for greater sensitivity and accuracy.

Does the Eiffel Tower twist? Optical sensors tell

Fiber-optic strands now sense how the Eiffel Tower expands, contracts, and moves in the wind.

Sensing without wires

Wireless sensing solves many problems, but introduces a few of its own.

Industrial Sensing the wireless way

Sensors that talk to each other over wireless links capture data that was impractical to collect before.

Color And High-Resolution Vision Sensing

The In-Sight 5400C and 5401 are self-contained, industrial-grade vision sensors that meet IEC shock and vibration specifications.

Acoustic Pressure Sensors

Models 934M8 and 934M9 high-intensity acoustic sensors measure gas-borne sound in the 2-Hz to 6-kHz frequency range.

Laser Targets 3D Measurements

The Laser Tracker X is a portable 3D measuring system that uses laser technology to measure large-scale parts, tooling, and machinery.

Proximity Sensor Has Extended Range

The MetalHead proximity sensor is targeted for rugged applications.

Extended-Range Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor

The Superprox SM300FP senses objects from 6.35 to 102 mm (0.25 to 4.00 in.) without compensating for different materials or colors.

Eleven-Megapixel Camera

Targeted for machine-vision, medical, and other high-definition image applications, 11-megapixel cameras use progressive-scan CCDs to capture 5 fps at 4,000 2,672-pixel resolution.

Photoelectric Sensor Has 4-in-1 Output

Tru-Vue photoelectric sensors feature 4-in-1 outputs of npn or pnp, light-on or dark-on sensing.

Three-Direction Force Sensor

A three-component force sensor independently measures dynamic or quasistatic forces in three orthogonal directions.

Liquid Flowmeter For Medical Devices

The X115673-AW flow sensor measures nanoliter and microliter flow rates for medical, life science, and diagnostic applications.

Prox sensors for vehicles

A special class of inductive proximity sensor has been developed for use in battery-operated systems of large vehicles.

Cement done yet? New sensor will say so

An Elizabethtown College professor has developed an embedded sensor that functions in cement much like a thermometer in a Thanksgiving turkey.

Machine-reading Arabic

Computer scientists at the University at Buffalo's Center for Unified Biometrics and Sensors (CUBS) are developing the first optical character-recognition (OCR) software for documents handwritten and machine printed in Arabic.

European sensor applications center

Allegro Microsystems Inc., Worcester, Mass., has expanded its technical support with the completion of its European Sensor Applications Center in Metz-Tessy, France.

Sideview Fiber Sensor

The new PLIS-1 fiber-optic end tip with integrated precision sideview lens is an ultraminiature 3 3-mm tip featuring a low-beam divergence angle of just 2° for reliable sensing of small-profile targets such as semiconductor wafer mapping.

Distributed I/O For High Precision

KL3356 analog-input bus terminals sport measurement accuracy of 0.01% and provide direct connection for resistor bridges, strain-gage sensors, and all common analog-input signals.

Photoelectric Sensor Gives Four Sensing Modes

The PhotoVirtu is a photoelectric sensor with builtin, teachable multimode technology that features four sensing modes, reducing downtime and sensor inventory.

Photoelectric Sensor Guide

An updated catalog details photoelectric sensors and fiber-optic light guides and controls.

Supersensitive Hall Effects

The ACS704 is the first SOIC8-packaged Halleffect current sensor with the current path integrated into the package for greater sensitivity and accuracy.

Liquid-Level Sensors

Liquid-level sensor assemblies are designed for highpressure, high-temperature, and corrosive environments.

One-piece laser sensor easy to install

The Laser BGL through-beam sensor from Balluff Inc., Florence, Ky., has a metal forkstyle body with prealigned optics to ensure precise and simple installation without special brackets or complex beam-alignment procedures.

Miniture Force Sensors

Miniature S-beam-type force sensors are designed for tension and compression testing for limited-space applications.

Guide To Sensor Info

The iKnow Guide to Sensing is a 16-page full-color document that covers photoelectric, laser, ultrasonic, and vision sensors.

Anemometer Monitors Air Temps In Enclosures

The ATVS-NxT hot-wire anemometer has a portable scanner that provides rapid and precise measurements of temperature and air velocity for thermally characterizing electronic packages.

Feedback for servos

The right feedback sensor is a key in motion systems that do what they are supposed to.

Photoelectric sensor outputs

Dc photoelectric sensors detect the presence or absence of light.

Sensor has a nose for sarin

A research group at The University of Texas at Austin has developed a supersensitive nerve-gas detector.

Switch expands industrial Ethernet networks

EDG-6528 industrial grade Ethernet switches from Advantech Corp., Industrial Automation Group, contain eight 10/100-Mbps Ethernet ports to expand shop-floor networks.

Hinges, Catches, Springs

The new 60-page Catalog 2005 has been expanded to include a wider variety of continuous and specialty hinges, as well as gas springs.

Molded Rocker Switch Sports TV Ratings

The snap-in mounted JW Series of devices are billed as the industry's first molded rocker switches with TV ratings.

IR Sensor For Vertical Or Horizonal Installation

A new optical emitter/phototransistor pair designated the OPB100 features a dc drive current and variable distance sensing up to 1 m.

Pump Speed Matches Demand

Flojet Sensor VSD (variable-speed-drive) pumps are now available for RV, marine, and industrial applications.

Diode Thermistors For High Temperatures

A new Diode Type (DT) Thermistor Series of thermal sensors target high-temperature and household appliance applications.

Field-Programmable Hall-Effect Sensors

The A1373 and A1374 outputpin programmable linear Halleffect sensors come in a modified four-lead SIP package.

Vision Sensors for PLCS

The new S24 family of vision sensors use PLC input levels for easy integration into automation equipment.

Sensors Sport 15-M Range

AS6000 area sensors provide long-range detection for nonsafety applications.

Ready for prime time

The first wave of innovative sensors and controls based on Zigbee wireless standards is set to debut in the coming months.

Hydraulic Cylinder Position Sensors

M-Series family of mobile hydraulic position sensors is designed for 2-in.-diameter cylinders (or larger).

Seeing the light

All photoelectric sensors use a light source to signal the presence or absence of an object.

Pressure switch works with gases and liquids

The Model 1000 pressure switch from American Sensor Technologies Inc., Landing, N.J., works with gases and liquids, and is rugged enough to work in industrial, hydraulic, off-road, and agricultural applications, according to the company.

Vision Sensors

PresencePLUS P4 GEO 1.3 vision sensors perform 360° rotation, fixture-free inspections with 1.3-megapixel image resolution.

A background check for photoelectric sensors

What's behind the target can make a tremendous difference in how well reflective sensors do their job.

Appliance sensors become hot stuff

Solid-state liquid-level and flow detection are boosting the reliability of smart appliances.

Small Photoelectric Sensor

The BOS 2K photoelectric sensor measures 20 7.5 10 mm.

Dual-Axis Tilt Sensor

An assembly consisting of a 0729-1723-99 microprocessor-based signal conditioner and 0717-4304-99 MCL tilt sensor are enclosed in a high-impact weather-resistant plastic case.

Inductive sensors and resistance welding

Resistance welding is known to create electromagnetic interference at levels high enough to falsely trigger inductive proximity sensors.

IP ratings for sensors

A classification system established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) rates how well enclosures and packages for electrical components seal against intrusion by foreign materials such as dust and moisture.

Intelligent inductive sensors

The actuator sensor interface (AS-Interface) is a simple two-wire network that replaces traditional sensor wiring architectures.

Sensors and slag

Sensors used around heavy-duty welding have a tendency to fail.

Fiber-optic sensors

Industrial sensors using fiber-optic cables often have a role sensing small targets or working under conditions that would hamper other types of sensors.

Web-Based Software Manages Plant Floor

AIM Enterprise Version 3.0 is Webbased software that features an Automated Line Supervision and Dash Board reporting tool, which makes real-time plant-floor data available through any PC, anytime, anywhere in the world.

Turn Partial Differential Equations Into FE Models

FlexPDE 5 is a script-driven program for solving partial differential equations involving heat flow, electric and magnetic fields, and stress analysis.

Easily Program Robots

Delmia Arc Welding is a Delmia V5 Robotic program add-on that lets engineers and programmers create arc-welding trajectories and tasks in 3D and offline.

Data Manager Sports Built-In Workflows

Teamcenter Express provides collaborative product-data management to midrange manufacturers using standard electronic data-exchange and visualization formats.

Access Over 50,000 Material-Data Sheets

Algor users can import material properties from over 50,000 data sheets, using MatWeb's Premium Services.

Panel-Mountable Pressure Transducer

The AST4200 panel-mount pressure transducer is designed to provide data for safety, control, and alarm functions as found on test stands or fire-suppression gear.

LVDT Sensor

The HLR 750 Series of LVDTs are designed for operation in gas or steam turbines and hazardous environments.

Linear Position Sensor

The EP2 magnetostrictive position sensor can now accept automatic uploads of sensor-scaling factors as well as automatic calibration, simplifying system setup and maintenance.

CAM Software For Diverse Applications

Version 12.1 of SmartCAM Production Milling, Advanced Milling, FreeForm Machining, Production Turning, Advanced Turning, and Advanced Wire-EDM programs feature updated data translators, an improved "transform move" function that lets the toolpath clear value to follow repositioned toolpath elements, automated zero-coordinate settings, and improved dynamic nesting.

Photoelectric sensor

EZ-Eye is a miniature pushbutton photoelectric sensor designed for object detection, web-break detection, counting, inspection, and orientation.

Laser Through-Beam Sensor

Laser through-beam sensors feature high-accuracy optics that operate to 50 m and have a switching frequency of 5 kHz.

Electromagnetic Flow Sensor

The Signet 2551 display magmeter is an insertion-style electromagnetic flow sensor with a built-in display, empty pipe detection, bi-directional flow capabilities, and PVDF/Hastelloy C wetted parts.

Overheating Protectors

Three models of thermal protectors protect against overheating in ac and dc equipment.

Ultrasonic level sensor

The U3M ultrasonic "Mini Probe" level sensor has a 4 to 6-in. operating range and extends 2 in. above the tank or drum surface.

Calculate And Optimize Mechanical Components

Mechanical-engineering software KISSsoft uses the latest standards (DIN, ISO, AGMA) to perform reliable calculations for design parameters, validation, and strength analysis for mechanical components, such as gearboxes.

Electronically Transmit Design Intent From CAD To Inspection

PC-DMIS Inspection Planner Suite makes a paperless task of turning design intent from CAD, thereby reducing time spent programming CMMs, probe-equipped CNC machines, vision systems, articulating arms, and other measurement devices.

Perform "What-If" Design Decisions

aPriori V3.7, a cost-management software for the discrete manufacturing industry, works with a company's MCAD system to provide designers an iterative tool for "what-if" design trade-offs throughout the entire product-development process.

3D XML Works On The Web And In Office Applications

3D XML, an open-standard, lightweight XML-based format, lets manufacturers, suppliers, and customers capture and share accurate and sophisticated 3D data.

View FE Models On The Web

CAEview publishes interactive displays of finite-element models from Ansys and UGS Master FEM files, which are used in Web-based, global-collaboration systems.

Simulating Design Of Nondestructive Sensors

CIVA V 7.1 simulates the operation of components in nondestructive sensors used to find unwanted material flaws.

Feedback on speed

A novel process offers an inexpensive way to monitor the speed of small permanentmagnet motors.

Clamp action sensing

Clamping applications often rely on sensors to ensure parts are in place and jaws or grippers are in proper orientation and position. Though other methods can report open and closed clamps, only sensors near the application can provide true reports on clamp operation.

Collision sensor protects robots

Robots are great for repetitive tasks such as loading, unloading, and welding.

Linear-displacement transducers

The Gemco 953 Series Vmax linear-displacement transducer (LDT) offers absolute position indication with high resolution and repeatability.

Ultrasonic sensor is chemically resistant

Chemically resistant models of UGAGE QT50U and T30U ultrasonic sensors incorporate a Teflon flange and film coating bonded over the sensor transducers.

Flow sensor also reports temperature

A programmable DRO (digital read out) flow sensor monitors flow and temperature of fluids such as water and glycol.

Magnetic cylinder sensors

C-slot magnetic cylinder sensors, featuring integrated giant magnetoresistive technology (GMR), are for use in pneumatic cylinders.

Vibrating level sensors

The Telemecanique Altivar 71 variable-speed ac drive sports dual microprocessors running motor-control algorithms.

String-pot transducer

The SP2 String-Pot Transducer comes in stroke lengths of 4.75, 12.5, 25, and 50 in., with 3 ft of electrical cable affixed with a moisture protective sheath over the potentiometer.

Ultrasonic sensors

Ultrasonic sensors can measure distance without contact.

Tubular Proximity Sensor

The Telemecanique XS6 auto-adaptable inductive proximity sensors

Proximity Sensors

UHZ miniature ultrasonic and FARS, MQ, and HEE/HER Series sensors include four models of rectangular through-beam units specifically designed for limited mounting space.

Measuring rpms

The monitoring of rotation can involve such sensor types as proximity, photoelectric, resolvers, encoders, and tachometer generators.

Noncontact Rotary Sensor

The RFC Series of magnetic-field sensors have no moving or mechanical parts to wear or break.

Multiturn Rotary Transducer

The Series R rotary transducer handles up to 150 turns (54,000°) of rotational measurement.

Proximity sensors for stamping dies

Difficulties that plague die-stamping operations include overfeeds, underfeeds, slugs, and missed hits.

Contrast sensors

Contrast sensors detect differences between two colors by measuring the amount of light reflected by the target.

Smarter than your average pushbutton

Designers are turning to MEMS sensors as a way of devising superresponsive operator controls.

Getting temperatures right

There are tricks of the trade when it comes to getting an accurate measure of temperature.

Radar keeps walkers out of harm's way

A fusion of anticollision radar and video sensors detects pedestrians on the fly...er, walk.

New Compact Position Sensors are Pressure Equalized

Novotechnik is introducing the TEX series of position sensors with stroke lengths up to 300 mm. The new sensor combines compact housing size of 18 mm diameter with pressure equalization.

UV Sensor Developed for Control of Adhesive Dispensing

EMX Industries Inc., a manufacturer of sensors for industrial automation, announced the UVX-300G, the first UV (ultraviolet light) luminescence sensor designed for improved control of glue and adhesive dispensing.

Sensor Lets Machines See Color Intensity

EMX Industries Inc. introduced the ColorMax-1000, the first color sensor that outputs color intensity.

Metal-faced sensors

sensors suit 80% of sensing applications today; but plastic-face sensors are not designed to stand up to the harsh conditions of severe industrial environments.

Self-powered hydrogen sensors

Tiny, inexpensive sensors that detect hydrogen leaks and alert users by wireless link could help spur on the so-called hydrogen economy, says a University of Florida research team.

Position Sensor

The TEX Series of position sensors sports stroke lengths up to 300 mm with ±0.05% linearity and 0.01-mm resolution.

Capacitive sensors

Most proximity sensors use an electromagnetic field to sense the presence of a target metal. But there are times when it's necessary to sense nonmetallic materials such as plastics, liquids, or powders.

Background suppression sensors

Standard diffused-mode sensors trigger on light reflected directly from the target.

Area Vision Sensors

The PresencePlus P4 Area vision sensors are designed to inspect the presence and shape of defined areas.

Proximity Sensor

The IWRM Series of inductive analog proximity sensors deliver precise noncontact proximity, position, and distance sensing for metal objects.

Photoelectric Sensors

The OG Basic Line of photoelectric sensors have extended sensing ranges of 20 m for thru-beam, 4 m for polarized retroreflective, and 250 mm for diffuse background suppression with potentiometer setup for precise applications.

RTD Temperature Sensor

The Omni RTD temperature sensor is a combination of an integrated display/control unit and a highly accurate platinum RTD temperature-sensor tip.

Pressure Sensor

The M5100 pressure sensor is overvoltage protected to 16 Vdc in both positive and reverse polarity.

Battery-Current Sensors

Twenty-five models comprise the DHAB family of dual-range current sensors that offer nonintrusive, galvanically isolated options for automotive applications.

Noncontacting Rotary Sensor

Miniature noncontact sensors are designed for dependability and precision in small and harsh environments.

Rotary encoders for motors

Constant-speed ac-induction motors don't really hold a constant speed.

MACHINE DESIGN partners with PARTsolutions to launch new 2D/3D CAD Library

Penton Media's Design Engineering group, anchored by Machine Design magazine, announced today that it has entered into a strategic partnership with PARTsolutions®, LLC, a leading provider of publishing solutions for 2D/3D digital parts catalogs, to launch the Machine Design CAD Library, a powerful, new resource for design engineers.

Ylinder Position Sensor

The SMAT electronic position sensor continuously monitors the position of a cylinder piston within a range of 50 mm.

RoHS-Compatible Pressure Sensors

Customers can now specify RoHS-compliant pressure sensors, transducers, and transmitters, including versions of AST: 2000, 4500/4510, 4000, 4600, 4100, 4700, 4200, 4710, 4300, 4800, 4310, 4900, 4400, 4410, and Models 5000 and 5100.

Laser Sensor Measures Distance

The OADM 13, a compact laser that measures distances up to 550 mm, delivers consistent and precise data independent of color and surface texture.

Capacitance-To-Digital Converter

The ultralow-power AD7150 capacitance-to-digital converter (CDC) is designed for highly sensitive proximity sensing.

Thermistor Temperature Sensor

Sens-A-Coils feature a sensor housed in a small bulb attached to copper clips.

Miniature Sensors

Q12 sensors have a 5-mm sensing range when flush mounted.

Analog Proximity Sensors

AccuProx proximity sensors use inductive technology to detect metal objects up to 25 mm away.

Sensors for Automotive Safety

The single axis GyroChip rate sensor that is configured to meet OEM’s requirements, features a continuous built-in testing, customer specific connectors and mounting, and environmentally protected packaging.

Remote Patrol

Park rangers may not have to use robotic decoy animals to draw out poachers anymore thanks to a visiting researcher at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF).

Time-of-flight sensing

Automated inventory storage-andretrieval systems rely on error-free position sensing of overhead cranes and vertical lifts.

Foolproofing embedded sensors

Close quarters can make the specification process tricky for magnetostrictive sensors that have no external housings.

Inspection sensor uses contrast, brightness, and patterns

Hall-effect current sensors