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VPInstruments have moved to a new office and expects continuing growth in 2005.

The increasing worldwide use of the VPFlowmate has been the main reason for VP Instruments to move to a larger office in the last quarter of 2004. Sales are estimated to grow strongly again in 2005.

In the new premises in Delft, The Netherlands, 160 m2 is dedicated to the final assembly, testing and calibration. Production of subassemblies is carried out conform ISO 9001. Calibration is performed on a TUV tested, traceable compressed air calibration rig.

More information:
Van Putten Instruments BV
Buitenwatersloot 335
2614 GS Delft

Netherlands

Tel:   +31-152131580

Fax:  +31-152130669

Web: www.vpinstruments.com  

Grippers in Motion – The fascination of handling applications

New developments and technologies in the area of automation technology are part of our daily life. Besides the continuous changes of the technology itself, the general conditions for applications of automation components are constantly changing as well. Customers require precise and flexible solutions, which offer universal application possibilities. 

The new specialized book “Grippers in Motion” offers a complete overview of state-of-the art technology in the automation sector. With many illustrations, the book explains the entire process starting with the basic requirements of the handling process and the history of automation technology up to the principal part of the entire process – the workpiece. 

Let this book inspire you and explain the countless application possibilities of gripping technology. It will show you: 

- Initial situation and limiting conditions of handling applications
- Stages of development and history of gripping systems and robots
- Gripping applications and workpieces 
- Extensive chapter about real applications and completed projects

The book is available in book stores or can be ordered directly at SCHUNK for a price of $69.95.

SCHUNK INC.

211 Kitty Hawk Drive

Morrisville, North Carolina 27560

Phone: 919.572.2705 or

800.772.4865

Fax: 919.572.2818

www.schunk-usa.com

info@schunk-usa.com

 

 

KV LTD. - CPS DIVISION APPOINTS NEW HEAD

The international pneumatics group, KV Ltd., has appointed Brian Hurley as the Divisional Director of its CPS Division.

Brian, aged 39, has been with KV in a number of managerial posts over the last 4 years, and as the Business Unit Manager of the Division for the last two years. He takes up his new appointment on June 1st 2005

A key player in the KV Global Group of companies, the CPS Division (Clean Pneumatronic Systems) is totally focussed on the needs of customers.

Years of experience developing specialist systems within the Semiconductor, Medical and Analytical industries, provides the company the means to deliver Pneumatronic Systems to meet every customer need.

The dedicated team of design, development and manufacturing engineers is backed by a state of the art Clean Room and an extensive range of components, including valves, cylinders, vacuum products, air preparation and fittings.

Additional back up to the KV CPS Division, is the KV Rapid Division with its facilities to produce rapid prototypes using SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) in plastic or metal, Concept Modeling and Vacuum Casting, therefore minimizing the development process from concept to completion.

The CPS Division works closely in partnership with customers own design teams and develops and manufactures pneumatic and electro-pneumatic solutions for numerous industries.

For further information please telephone (+44) 01908 561515 or e-mail: sales@kvcps.com or visit the website at www.kvcps.com

KV Ltd is a UK, leading global provider of pneumatic products and solutions with worldwide manufacturing support and a network of distributors in every Continent, supplying its products to over 120 industries.

With a worldwide reputation for design ingenuity for pneumatic components and systems, KV has a wealth of expertise available to customers constantly seeking to optimize their air control processes. 

KV CPS Division

For the Semi Conductor Medical and Pharmaceutical industries the CPS (Clean Pneumatronic Systems) Division provides unequalled engineering expertise in the design and manufacture of highly integrated electro-pneumatic control systems for very demanding clean room applications.

The 'CPS' Division houses one of the largest clean room facilities to be found in pneumatics with a total floor area of 380 square metres (4092 sq. Ft). It operates to ISO 14644-1, ISO Class 6 Standards, (FED Standard 209E, Class 1000) over the working areas and has its own dedicated material handling area and store.

KV systems are designed for optimum functionality and reliability and draw on well-proven products and components from within the KV range of components, products from key suppliers and custom designed or application specific products. 

These components are then skillfully integrated with control equipment into top-level sub-systems that become an integral part of the OEM customers' equipment. 

An additional facility available to KV CPS Division customers is Rapid Prototyping using SLS, SLA, Vacuum Casting and Concept Modelling technology. With the increasing demand to reduce lead times and minimize inventory many customers are exploiting the benefits of On Demand Manufacture. 

KV will be displaying their manufacturing capabilities at the forthcoming Semicon West 2005 in San Francisco, North Hall, Booth 5713, where KV's experienced team of engineers will be pleased to discuss the specification of any product to meet your needs. For further information please telephone (+44) 01908 561515 or e-mail: sales@kvcps.com or visit the website at www.kvcps.com

NORGREN AND FLUID AUTOMATION SYSTEMS JOIN FORCES IN MINIATURE SOLENOID VALVE TECHNOLOGY

Littleton, Colorado, USA - July 2004. Fluid Automation Systems (FAS) is to be acquired by the international engineering business IMI plc, and will become a part of the global Norgren group. FAS is a high technology Swiss company specializing in miniature solenoid valve technology. Norgren is a leading supplier of motion and fluid control solutions and is the largest subsidiary within the $2.8bn IMI group.

Operating from two sites near Geneva and employing a total of 263 people, including 
45 engineers, FAS has invested heavily in research and development. This investment has enabled the company to earn a strong reputation for technological innovation, especially in the area of customized solutions.

As a result of sustained organic growth, FAS has a well-established European user base including customers in the medical, printing, semiconductor, textile, sanitary, instrumentation and beverage machinery sectors. These sectors are well aligned with Norgren's markets and offer many excellent collaborative opportunities for development and growth. FAS has also made inroads into key medical and semiconductor accounts within the USA.

FAS is focused particularly on the fast-growing miniature solenoid valve market, with the majority of its existing sales serving 10mm and 15mm size applications. This represents a good fit with Norgren's existing solenoid valve capabilities, complementing the larger sizes offered by its established Webber, Buschjost and KIP ranges (22mm to 30mm and larger). 

Both companies share a common vision of creating competitive advantage for customers through a close understanding of their business needs and processes, and the development of inventive, application-specific solutions.

Freddy Sarfati and Peter Merz, joint MDs and co-founders of FAS said, " This is a very welcome and positive move that will secure a strong future for FAS and provide many excellent opportunities for sustained growth. We are absolutely convinced that Norgren will bring the right depth of understanding, proven track record and clear strategy - as well as all the advantages of a truly global sales and service organization backed by the financial strength of IMI."

Sean Toomes, Norgren's VP of international marketing, said " We recognize and value very highly FAS's reputation and proven expertise in miniature solenoid valve technology, combined with their innovative and pioneering enterprise culture. There is an excellent fit between our two companies' common customers, target market sectors and product ranges which will create a powerful new partnership."

www.norgren.com

GUARDAIR CORPORATION ACQUIRES ASSETS OF NORTECH CORPORATION

June 25, 2004
Chicopee, MA Guardair Corporation today acquired the assets of Nortech Corporation of Midland Park, NJ. A leading manufacturer of pneumatic powered vacuums since 1959, Nortech will operate as a division of Guardair Corporation and will be based at Guardair's Chicopee, MA headquarters. The Nortech product line includes more than 20 different vacuum models in addition to a complete set of accessories and options. 
According to Thomas C. Tremblay, President of Guardair "We are extremely excited about the Nortech acquisition as it complements our pneumatic tool business and provides additional opportunities for our existing product line in the industrial cleaning market." 
For over half a century, Guardair has manufactured safety air guns, spray equipment and accessories for sale into the industrial MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) market. Millions of Guardair guns are in use in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications including food processing, metalworking, pulp and paper, textiles and transportation. Guardair developed the world's first safety air gun and during the 1970's worked closely with OSHA to write the original (and existing) specifications for air gun usage. All Guardair safety air guns meet OSHA standards and incorporate unique design features to maximize operator productivity and safety.
In 1999, Guardair acquired the assets of Allpax Gasket Cutter Products, Inc., the largest US manufacturer of gasket cutters, hollow punch tools and accessories.
Guardair, Allpax and Nortech are highly recognized name brands in the industrial MRO marketplace and are synonymous with high quality products and customer service. These products are sold through a world-wide network of over 3,000 industrial and specialty distributors that includes local and regional suppliers, as well as national distributors such as McMaster-Carr, W.W. Grainger, MSC Industrial, Lab Safety Supply, and Hagemeyer. 

For Additional Information Contact:
Deanna Kennedy
Guardair Corporation
54 Second Avenue
Chicopee, MA 01020
(800) 482-7324
dmkennedy@guardaircorp.com
www.guardaircorp.com

Norgren's pneumatic Lintra rodless cylinder delivers even more engineering advantage

Littleton, Colorado, USA - June 2004. Norgren, the motion and fluid control specialist, has upgraded its proven range of pneumatic Lintra rodless cylinders to offer even more engineering advantage to customers. Featuring the capability to be designed into harsh application environments due to its ability to withstand large bending moments and lateral forces, the Lintra series has been improved to offer a superior tube construction for added strength. What's more Lintra has been optimized for maximum load bearing for long cylinder spans and features an internal groove for low profile switches. 

Offered in bore sizes from 16 to 80mm the Lintra series is available in stroke lengths up to 28 feet with velocities to 98 inches per second. The Lintra series can be specified with many different guiding systems, this means it is suitable for a wide range of load carrying capabilities. The unique sealing system delivers resistant to the ingress of materials into the cylinders equating to minimum maintenance and proven consistent performance. For further information on the Lintra series please visit www.norgren.com

Kuri Tec Catalog Literature Review

The new revised 40 pg. Kuri Tec PVC Hose & Tubing Catalog features a wide range of products to handle fluid transfer applications. Available are clear non-reinforced tubing, clear yarn reinforced PVC hoses for pressure applications and clear wire reinforced hoses which offer kink resistance and can be used for full vacuum service. A new application guide is also included. Kuriyama of America, Inc., 1221 Landmeier Rd. Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007-2458. (847) 228-0300, Fax (847) 228-0973, www.kuriyama.com
Email: sales@kuriyama.com

Norgren pneumatic press safety valves deliver piece of mind

Littleton, Colorado, USA - May 2004. When deciding on which supplier to choose for your pneumatic press safety valve requirements make sure you consider the options from Norgren. Offering a comprehensive range Norgren, the motion and fluid control specialist, engineers advantage to customers who are looking for piece of mind when specifying solutions in this critical area. Ideal for use in pneumatic presses and applicable for other safety functions the Norgren range is inherently fail safe without residual pressure and offers dynamic self-monitoring. 

Designated as the XSz series the valves offer a double valve control system, which ensures that the operating port exhausts once the valve has been deactivated. The cross channel flow feature ensures a dynamic pneumatic monitor and a safety exhaust without residual pressure in case the valve malfunctions. Typical uses include pneumatic clutch and brake systems and the units conform to the majority of standards including BG, OHSA, CSA, SUWA and EN 692. Further information on the XSz series can be found at www.norgren.com. 

April 2004 - Man-machine interfaces: ease of operation is required Co-operation with the system 


The operation of an automated machine or system must be as simple and convenient as possible due to productivity reasons. The interfaces of a system show how efficiently work can be performed. This is true both of mechanical interfaces and communication between the operator and machine. The trend here is towards intuitive man-machine interaction. 

In the last 4 years alone, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and industrial companies have invested over €152 million in “Key projects on man-machine interaction”. This figure does not include research and development expenditure by companies for their own related development projects. The innovations presented by exhibitors at AUTOMATICA 2004, which will be held at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre from 15 to 18 June 2004, will therefore not only involve hardware in many cases but also the way in which man-machine interfaces can be designed with simple, advantageous and yet task-oriented features. 
A paradigm change from function-oriented interaction with machines to target-oriented interaction with systems is being specifically formulated during the Embassi Project (electronic multimedia operation and service assistance). Robot manufacturers have actually made this change, for example in path programming. In addition to the known software tools, new tools featuring increased functions in control units are expected here. One of the typical features of simplified man-machine interaction is that only individual path points of a required robot path need be entered in principle. The control unit then generates the path automatically. 

Exhibitors at AUTOMATICA will also include consortium partners in MORPHA, one of the key projects. Although the project is geared towards service robots (intelligent anthropomorph robot assistants), ideas and parts for industrial practice have already been implemented from the project and have been integrated in industrial projects. 
Examples include the “Styleguide“ for icon-based programming and man-robot co-operation models such as “Safe Production“. 

Joachim Rohwedder, Chairman of the Robotics and Automation Association in the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), on the trend towards automatic production assistants: “Advances in control engineering, robot safety and man-machine interfaces will shortly lead to robots which move around with the worker and perform different tasks.“ 
Ease of operation is far more than just a clear presentation or a comprehensible arrangement of operating controls. Since highly qualified personnel cannot always be used to operate a machine due to cost reasons, input masks of control units or user interfaces must be intuitively controllable and, if possible, “error-resistant”. Clear pictograms or icon-based menus help in the selection of the most important commands. Plausibility checks are also carried out during the ever increasing use of dialogue input of “intelligent” control units. User interfaces in which all relevant information is displayed on a screen proves helpful in this respect. Manufacturers are increasingly developing tools which can be used to generate separate masks and user interfaces. The idea here is to design all user interfaces as uniformly as possible in order to increase recognition and, thus, the level of acceptance. This is also regarded as user-friendly. 

TeachSaver, RobAssist or EasyTeach are also current examples of how user interfaces of application tools or control units can be designed simply, so that programming times are reduced drastically on occasions. Development work is now being carried out or initial products will be presented during AUTOMATICA 2004, International Trade Fair for Robotics + Automation, e.g. Windows-compatible drawing boards or tracer pins which can be used interactively for programming. 

Close attention will also certainly be paid at AUTOMATICA to systems (“safe production“) in which workers and robots work together in a cell. If the hitherto strict separation can be eliminated, it will be possible to “tap entirely new rationalisation potential in production”, according to the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Engineering and Automation (IPA). 


AUTOMATICA, International Trade Fair for Robotics + Automation 
AUTOMATICA is the first international trade fair that brings together all areas of robotics and automation under one roof. It takes place from 15 to 18 June 2004 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre. This international trade fair for robotics and automation is an effective communication platform for the areas of robotics, assembly and handling technology and industrial image processing, and an ideal marketplace for the manufacturers of the associated technologies. AUTOMATICA takes place on a two-year cycle. The aim of the fair is to present the entire value-added chain in robotics and automation. The industry-driven concept for AUTOMATICA, which is organised by Messe München GmbH, is supported by the conceptual sponsor of the fair, the robotics and automation division of Germany´s federation of the engineering industries (VDMA). Exhibitor and visitor statistics for AUTOMATICA are audited by the Gesellschaft zur Freiwilligen Kontrolle von Messe- und Ausstellungszahlen (Society for Voluntary Control of Fair and Exhibition Statistics). 

Messe München International (MMI) 
Messe München International (MMI) is one of the world´s leading trade-fair organisations. It organises around 40 trade fairs for capital and consumer goods, and key high-tech industries. Over 30,000 exhibitors from more than 90 countries, and over two million visitors from around 180 countries take part each year in the trade fairs in Munich. In addition, MMI organises trade fairs in Asia, and in North and South America. With five subsidiaries abroad and 75 foreign representatives covering 89 countries, MMI has a truly global network. 


Press contact: 
Stefanie Fischer-Kleiner, AUTOMATICA Press Department 
Tel.: (+49 89) 949-20680 
Fax: (+49 89) 949-20689 
fischer-kleiner@messe-muenchen.de 

April 2004 - Micro assembly: a new industry is being formed 
Demand for process knowledge and precise handling 


Miniaturization is currently one of the mega-trends in assembly. AUTOMATICA 2004, 1st International Trade Fair for Robotics + Automation, which will be held at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre from 15 to 18 June 2004, will provide an overview of the latest concepts as an information and discussion forum. Over and beyond traditional assembly, the requirements relating to micro assembly call for know-how from several disciplines. That’s because the actual micro assembly process nearly always involves several process steps. Electronics assembly (SMD placement) is expected to provide an important stimulus for further development along with influences and experiences from the traditional assembly industry with its customer-oriented solutions. 

In the new developing “microassembly“ industry it is necessary to match application demand to existing or future production and assembly processes more than ever. A process is taking place, which has already occurred in “traditional“ assembly: products must be designed for assembly. This is absolutely vital in regard to the dimensions and unit numbers in the micro world. The success factors will include integration and mastery of different technologies in the assembly process, including efficient quality control. 
The focal point of applications in automated micro assembly and the electronics industry is now in the accuracy range of 10 µm with a throughput of around 1,000 elements an hour. Accuracies in the range of 1 µm are also attained in laboratories or in prototype construction using precision robots – with a much lower output. 

The typical characteristics of micro assembly are extremely short cycle times and very high unit numbers. Five parts a second are common. Under these conditions the trend must be towards 2-D assembly, as is already common practice in electronics production. According to experts, the motivating customer industries are the car industry, medical technology, the entertainment industry and the communications industry. “Robotics + automation“ are very well-known in these industries. Irrespective of the customer industry, advances are primarily expected in the field of intelligent sensors. The trend here is as follows: the smaller mini-sensors containing integrated electronics become, the greater the demand. 

Initial market analyses are therefore full of expectation. The best-known market forecast is the Nexus Study which predicts an annual growth rate of 20% to $67 billion between 2001 and 2005. It is very difficult to estimate what this means for manufacturers of assembly systems. Since micro assembly must integrate processes such as injection moulding, bending, punching or lasing, qualities from different disciplines are required. Opportunities are therefore available, primarily for companies from the field of “electronic equipment”, but also for assembly system manufacturers who have knowledge of “downscaling”. Equipment that has already been developed could easily be adapted to the specific assembly requirements. 
Manufacturers who develop application-based solutions and have or produce the required know-how for specific processes will become successfully established on the micro assembly market. One important factor for this growing industry will be the extent to which equipment manufacturers manage to transfer connected technologies from macro assembly or adapt these technologies. Machine vision companies will also benefit from the expanding micro assembly market. Products, which cannot be assembled manually due to their small dimensions, require ideally adapted machine vision systems during the process and, in particular, in quality assurance. 

The “visual” yardstick of AUTOMATICA 2004 will show how manufacturers of assembly systems totally succeed in integrating different processes in assembly itself. Fruitful discussions with system operators and customers for MST products will open up opportunities for all market participants if requirements and possibilities are matched to one another 

AUTOMATICA, International Trade Fair for Robotics + Automation 
AUTOMATICA is the first international trade fair that brings together all areas of robotics and automation under one roof. It takes place from 15 to 18 June 2004 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre. This international trade fair for robotics and automation is an effective communication platform for the areas of robotics, assembly and handling technology and industrial image processing, and an ideal marketplace for the manufacturers of the associated technologies. AUTOMATICA takes place on a two-year cycle. The aim of the fair is to present the entire value-added chain in robotics and automation. The industry-driven concept for AUTOMATICA, which is organised by Messe München GmbH, is supported by the conceptual sponsor of the fair, the robotics and automation division of Germany´s federation of the engineering industries (VDMA). Exhibitor and visitor statistics for AUTOMATICA are audited by the Gesellschaft zur Freiwilligen Kontrolle von Messe- und Ausstellungszahlen (Society for Voluntary Control of Fair and Exhibition Statistics). 

Messe München International (MMI) 
Messe München International (MMI) is one of the world's leading trade-fair organizations. It organizes around 40 trade fairs for capital and consumer goods, and key high-tech industries. Over 30,000 exhibitors from more than 90 countries, and over two million visitors from around 180 countries take part each year in the trade fairs in Munich. In addition, MMI organizes trade fairs in Asia, and in North and South America. With five subsidiaries abroad and 75 foreign representatives covering 89 countries, MMI has a truly global network. 


Press contact: 
Stefanie Fischer-Kleiner, AUTOMATICA Press Department 
Tel.: (+49 89) 949-20680 
Fax: (+49 89) 949-20689 
fischer-kleiner@messe-muenchen.de 

Morrisville, NC March 2004 - SCHUNK offers their customers a redesigned website with enhanced services and an user-friendly interface. 

Customers who visit the www.schunk-usa.com website will be welcomed by intuitive navigation to everything from company information to in depth technical information on the SCHUNK product lines: Automation Components, Toolholding Components, Stationary Workholding Systems and Lathe Chucks / Chuck Jaws. 

Once a visitor has selected a product and is progressing to the design phase, CAD files are available in over 90 native and neutral formats from any area on the site by a simple click of the mouse. Engineers and designers speed from selection to design with absolute ease. 

Visitors looking for more personal assistance have easy access to SCHUNK applications engineers or their local SCHUNK representative. By simply choosing their state and launching the search, the name of the responsible Regional Sales Manager will appear immediately together with detailed contact information. "Customers actively use the internet as a reliable source to get technical information about our products. With our new website, we want to make it easier and faster for users to find the information they are looking for and provide them with immediate answers to their questions" says Milton Guerry VP Sales North America.


About SCHUNK 
SCHUNK is a leading manufacturer of automation, tooling and work holding components. SCHUNK products are well known worldwide for reliability, long-life and innovative technical features. Years of experience made SCHUNK the world's largest supplier of Hydraulic Expansion Holders, market leader in Automation Components and the manufacturer with the largest standard selection of Chuck Jaws.

In 1992, SCHUNK Inc. started its operation in the Raleigh area close to the Research Triangle in order to serve the North American market. In 2001, this manufacturing facility was expanded to 35,000 square feet. With its competent staff, SCHUNK offers reliable customer service, technical support, design engineering and an extensive inventory from this North Carolina headquarters. 

Norgren's WeldFit fittings provide for rapid assembly

Littleton, Colorado, USA - March 2004. Norgren, the motion and fluid control specialist, offers a wide range of all metal WeldFit fittings for use in pneumatic and water circuits. Providing rapid assembly the WeldFit fittings are ideal for users who are seeking to achieve competitive advantage through reduced assembly times. The WeldFit fittings also provide for quick and easy disconnection thus enabling quick re-tubing of the system if it needs to be changed. 

Providing system protection from weld spatter the fittings are nickel plated and feature silicone free 'O' rings. Suitable for deployment in compressed air and water mediums the fittings are rated for operating temperatures in the range of -20F to 160F and are to be used in conjunction with WeldTube. The counter bored collet head provides complete protection to the inner tube even when side loads are applied to the tubing connection.

Further information on the Norgren range of WeldFit fittings can be found at www.norgren.com

Norgren's pneumatic rack and pinion rotary actuators provide rotation flexibility

Littleton, Colorado, USA - January 2004. Typically used in applications that require turning over, swinging, rotating and twisting movements, the Norgren series of rack and pinion actuators are available in four rotation angles namely 90°, 180°, 270° and 360°. Utilized in environments within the manufacturing and process industries the actuators feature male and female pinion variants both with adjustable cushioning.

Available in non magnetic and magnetic models the double acting actuators feature operating pressures in the range of 21 PSI to 145 PSI and are suitable for compressed air environments whether this be filtered, lubricated or non lubricated. Customers can specify seven different cylinders diameters namely 32, 40, 50, 63, 80, 100 and 125mm to suit individual project requirements. Further information on the Norgren range of rack and pinion rotary actuators can be found at www.norgren.com

PHD's Website Features New Look

PHD's comprehensive website (www.phdinc.com) has been updated to feature a crisp new industrial look while continuing to provide all the functionality and detailed product information visitors are accustomed to. To complement the new look, PHD has streamlined and enhanced many of the tools available on the site. 

Enhancements include:

> Home page features a new Automation Launch Pad that provides quick and easy access to PHD automation solutions. Visitors can use the Automation Launch Pad to navigate through PHD's entire product line and locate products of interest.
> PHD's Litstore can be found under the 'Free Resources' area of the website. The Litstore is a comprehensive literature library providing access to PHD catalogs, brochures, product information packers, advertisements, and much more. Literature can be viewed online or downloaded in PDF format.
> A product model search bar is now featured on every web page allowing quick access to specific product series information.
> Technical data bulletins and support documents are now provided for every product series offered by PHD. These documents can be found in the Detailed Product Information pages for each product series and can be viewed online or downloaded in PDF format.
> A new product toggle menu allows visitors to quickly switch between product series within a specific product line without exiting the Detailed Product Information pages.
> Online Sizing is now available in three languages including English, German, and Spanish.
> Home page features new products and services released by PHD.

Other resources available via PHD's website include: 

> Online CAD Configurator which supports over 80 CAD formats
> Online sizing capabilities
> Searchable knowledge base
> Custom product quotation request
> Latest catalogs and videos
> Application examples
> Local MDN distributor search by zip code
> Application assistance
> Request information

PHD, Inc. designs and manufactures a complete line of pneumatic and hydraulic actuators for industrial automation. Products include clamps, cylinders, powered slides, rotary actuators, multi-motion actuators, grippers, escapements, and switches and sensors. Our automation components are versatile and can be used independently for fixturing or tooling, in a modular fashion for building pick-and-place devices, or we can build customized units to meet specific application needs.

For more information, send for a free catalog today. For immediate assistance, call PHD, Inc. at (800) 624-8511 or visit our website at www.phdinc.com.

Norgren smart cylinders combine functionality with performance

Combing functionality with performance the smart cylinder from Norgren delivers a wealth of benefits to the machine design engineer. Ideal for use in most machine building applications, the smart cylinder is fully compliant to ISO 6431 and VDMA 24562 standards within the VDMA envelope.

Featuring an integrated valve and offering a wealth of functionality the smart cylinder contains its own sensors, flow regulators, adjustable cushioning, integrated 5/2 or 5/3 valve and ASI Bus or Multipole fieldbus connections inside the casing. The actuator is fully interchangeable with other VDMA actuators across the complete range from 32 – 100 mm bore.

Employing the integrated valve technique allows the smart cylinder to benefit from enhanced response times. Achieving a top speed of 1.5 meters per second the smart cylinder is available in stroke lengths of up to one meter. Offering fast and simple installation the smart cylinder requires one electrical and one pneumatic connection thus wiring costs are reduced and machine design times are cut.

The Smart Cylinder brings simplification and therefore cost savings. Instant savings of approximately 25 per cent are achieved by buying the one unit compared to buying all the components separately. It can also increase up time by dramatically reducing maintenance needs. Maintenance engineers know immediately which actuator to change and can quickly and easily replace the smart cylinder, due to the simple installation, without the need to carry out complicated troubleshooting routines. This can save serious money by slashing downtime.

Other user benefits include diagnostics via the fieldbus system, which tell the operator whether the cylinder is functioning normally. Data is fed back to the operator which shows if the unit has stopped functioning correctly, if there is maintenance required and shows exactly which unit on the machine has failed and therefore needs to be replaced.

Integrated actuators are available from Norgren's online ordering service the Webstore at www.norgren.com as well as through traditional ordering and distribution channels.

For more information please visit www.norgren.com

Norgren's rotary vane pneumatic actuators torque the torque

Norgren, the motion and fluid control specialist, offers its range of rotary vane actuators for applications that demand high torque combined with a space saving design. Featuring single or double vane construction the rotary actuators offer 90°, 180° and 270° fixed rotation angles and are suitable for deployment in pneumatic applications that require rotating, turning over, swinging and twisting actions.

Manufactured from specifically selected materials to guarantee long life/low friction the rotary vane actuators are suitable for environments that utilize compressed air that is filtered, lubricated or non-lubricated. Benefiting from double acting buffer cushioning the actuators feature an operating pressure from 29 PSI to 145 PSI combined with an operating temperature range of +41°F to 140°F. Further information on the range can be found at www.norgren.com.

For more information please visit www.norgren.com

New Automation Products Catalog, AP-803

Bimba is pleased to announce the release of the newly revised Automation Products catalog, 
AP-803.

The revision includes:
New section for Bimba's new Extruded Thruster product line. The Extruded Thruster is available in three basic models. 
ET-Extended Shafts, Four Bushings
ETS-Shafts Flush, Two Bushings
ETD-Double End, Saddle Mount

Revised PneuMoment™ section with an enhanced Drawing and Dimension section. The PneuMoment is perfect for applications that have excessive moment or side loads.

Appendix with Dowel Pin Option locations for Pneu-Turn®, Ultran®, and Linear Thruster products for use with Bimba's Transition Plates and multi-axis applications.

For more information, contact W. Kokum (kokumw@bimba.com), Bimba Manufacturing Company, P.O. Box 68, Monee, Illinois 60449. Phone 708/534-8544, FAX 708/235-2014, Technical Assistance 800-44-BIMBA, website www.bimba.com

Prospector compressed air poppet valves from Norgren deliver high reliability.

Littleton, Colorado, USA - October 2003. In applications that demand high reliability the inline 2/2 and 3/2 Prospector poppet valves are ideal. Featuring exceptionally high CV flow rates up to 40 and demonstrating extremely good sealing characteristics the poppet valves are available in solenoid and pilot actuated formats. Suitable for filtered and lubricated compressed air environments the valves feature operating pressure rates up to 290 psi with pilot air supply pressures in the range of 14 to 290 psi bar

Tried and tested in many applications the poppet valves have built a reputation for high reliability in the field. With operating temperatures of -84°F to +129°F (solenoid pilot) and -84°F to +174°F (air pilot version) the valves are manufactured from die cast aluminum for durability. More information on Norgren's Prospector poppet valves can be found at www.norgren.com

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Motion
Industries, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts
Corporation (NYSE: GPC), is pleased to announce the revised structure
of our Product Manager positions. These positions will report to Tom
Robertshaw, senior vice president of sales, and will focus on the
sales and marketing for products and services in their respective
areas, according to Bill Stevens, Motion Industries' president and
CEO.
"By strengthening the role of product managers in our major areas
for products and services, they will become a stronger resource for
field leaders," Stevens said. They will ensure that our key suppliers
are integral parts of Motion Industries' efforts and support company
initiatives as well as assisting in creating and executing sales plans
for future growth.
Product managers and responsibilities are as follows:

Jim Williams Industrial Automation
Dale Hanson Bearings
John Curtin Electrical
Dudley Sheppard Hydraulics & Pneumatics
Tony Cefalu Hose & Rubber
Steve Poynter Industrial Products
Gary Childress Material Handling
Jim King Service Center Operations

With 2002 sales in excess of $2.2 billion, Motion Industries is
the world's largest distributor of bearings; mechanical, electrical,
pneumatic and hydraulic power replacement parts; and hose products.
Motion Industries has more than 500 operations including nine
distribution centers throughout North America and serves more than
150,000 customers including automotive, chemical, food, beverage,
wood/lumber, iron, oil, pulp and paper, steel and textile industries.
Visit our Web site at www.motionindustries.com. Contact us
toll-free at (800) 526-9328.

Closer to you – SCHUNK opens New Michigan Office
Morrisville, NC September 2003 – SCHUNK is expanding into Michigan with the opening
of its new Regional Office in Detroit. Customers are better served with local pre and post
sales support. SCHUNK enhances its commitment to this support by opening this office
in close proximity to key customers. The new office will be a center of customer service
and training for SCHUNK’s automation, tooling and workholding components in the
Michigan area. “With this new office, we want to offer the automotive industry an
improved level of customer service and technical assistance. Together with SCHUNK’s
Regional Sales Managers, customers in the Midwest will be able to use our location as a
training center for their engineers and customers,” says Milton Guerry VP Sales North
America.

About SCHUNK
SCHUNK is a leading manufacturer of automation, tooling and workholding components.
SCHUNK products are well known worldwide for reliability, long-life and innovative
technical features. Years of experience made SCHUNK the world’s largest supplier of
Hydraulic Expansion Holders, market leader in Automation Components and the
manufacturer with the largest standard selection of Chuck Jaws.
In 1992, SCHUNK Inc. started its operation in the Raleigh area close to the Research
Triangle in order to serve the North American market. In 2001, this manufacturing facility
was expanded to 35,000 square feet. With its competent staff, SCHUNK offers reliable
customer service, technical support, design engineering and an extensive inventory from
this North Carolina headquarters.
For more information, please visit us on www.schunk-usa.com or call 800-772-4865.

Norgren’s Smart FRL’s maintain optimum machine performance

Littleton, Colorado, USA – September 2003. Utilized in a wide variety of industries the range of Smart FRL’s from Norgren helps to maintain optimum machine performance through the continuous monitoring of air preparation equipment. Interfacing with ASi Fieldbus technology the Smart FRL can be used for fault finding and the monitoring of operating performance through a programmable display panel thus ensuring maximum machine up time. Available with local and remote diagnostic capabilities, up to 31 Norgren Smart FRL’S can be connected per ASi network allowing large compressed air systems to be monitored centrally.

The extensive range of diagnostics can warn the user when upstream/downstream pressure is too low for efficient operation, lubricant levels are low, filter elements need replacing and of faults within other equipment such as machine safety guards. All these features facilitate preventative maintenance planning thus minimizing the risk of expensive downtime during production periods. The user can also achieve significant energy savings by maintaining optimum pressure and correct lubrication levels. For more information please visit www.norgren.com.

Announcing the Excelon family of FRL’s from pneumatics expert Norgren 

Littleton, Colorado, USA – August 2003. With a long pedigree in supplying the air preparation industry with pneumatics solutions Norgren offers the Excelon family of FRL’s. Featuring true modularity the Excelon has an in built lubricator flow sensor and it provides a nearly constant oil/air ratio over a wide range of airflows. The Excelon family also features the Norgren Quikclamp facility for speed of connection.

Suitable for use in a wide variety of applications the all round (360°) visibility of the lubricator sight feed dome simplifies installation and adjustment. Featuring a quick release bayonet bowl the regulator-balanced valve minimizes the effect of variation in the inlet pressure on the outlet pressure. Available in different port sizes more information can be found on the Excelon family at www.norgren.com 

CECO PIPELINE SERVICES COMPANY, INC. PURCHASES LDI CONTRACTORS, INC. 

HOUSTON, TEXAS. AUGUST 8, 2003 - CECO Pipeline Services Company, Inc. announced today that it has purchased the assets of LDI Contractors, Inc., a leading pipeline maintenance services company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. LDI Contractors has been providing a variety of services to gas transmission companies in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi and Georgia.

Mark Hotze, President of CECO Pipeline Services Company, Inc. says, "Pipeline maintenance is a great extension to the quality services that the CECO family of companies currently provide. The LDI staff have come on board and we are excited to have their expertise and knowledge in the pipeline service industry."

Services currently offered by CECO Pipeline Services include:

Pipeline replacement and repair 
Upgrading meter stations 
Pigging 
Erosion control 
Marking and locating pipelines 
Mechanical Services 
Right-of-Way mowing and clearing 
Pipeline coating 
Grounds maintenance 


CECO Pipeline Services Company, Inc. is a division of Compressor Engineering Corporation, CECO, headquartered in Houston, Texas. CECO was founded in 1964 and has become the world's largest independent manufacturer replacement parts as well as the leading provider of engineered solutions for compressors and engines. The acquisition adds to the existing family of CECO companies including ACTT, a consulting, training and testing division, and Pure Process Systems, providing environmental services. More information about CECO and its subsidiaries is available at www.cecopsco.com. 

###

For further information:
E. Mark Hotze 
President
CECO Pipeline Services Company, Inc.
5440 Alder, Houston Texas 77081
(713) 664-7333

Super X valves from Norgren are ideal for space critical applications

Littleton, Colorado, USA – July 2003. Combining a compact design with high performance the Super X Valve series from Norgren is ideal for use in projects where space and envelope size is limited. Featuring high flow capacities the Super X Vales are suitable for multi directional and dual pressure applications. 

Available as manually or mechanically operated valves the Super X series can be specified with 3/2, 5/2 and 5/3 functions. Manufactured from a lightweight corrosion resistant material the Super X Valve offers the operator a free from defect two-year warranty thus providing a valuable guarantee of quality and service.

For more information on the Norgren series of Super X Valves please visit www.norgren.com

New Brochure From Bosch Rexroth Pneumatics 
Highlights Versatility and Precision of Product Line 
Customized products compliment sophisticated and extensive standard 
product line in both NPT and ISO G (BSPP) port configurations

A new 16-page color brochure from the Pneumatics business unit of Bosch 
Rexroth Corporation provides important product information and emphasizes the 
versatility and precision of Rexroth pneumatic solutions.

Four-color photographs accompany many of the product descriptions for 
pneumatic directional control valves, cylinders, automation/handling devices, 
mobile/oilfield valves, mobile/oilfield actuators and cylinders, marine controls, 
and inverted tooth chain drives. The brochure also describes a number of 
accessories that complete pneumatic applications, including fittings, tubing, and 
silencers, flow control valves, accessory valves, relay valves, shock absorbers, 
and filters-regulators-lubricators.

Customized products enable Rexroth Pneumatics to provide application-specific 
solutions across a wide range of industries. The brochure also positions the 
business unit as a component in the Rexroth portfolio of pneumatic, hydraulic, 
mechanical, electronic, and electro-pneumatic components and systems. A 
description of each of these units is included in the brochure as well as addresses 
and contact information. The brochure also underscores the global presence of 
Rexroth Pneumatics and the worldwide support it offers its customers.

To request a copy of the brochure, please contact Rexroth's Pneumatics business 
unit at 1-800-REXROTH or visit www.boschrexroth-us.com.

Custom valve island prototyped in just 10 days

When semiconductor machine manufacturer STS required an ultra-compact valve island to drive actuators and control the flow of process gasses into its machines, global pneumatics expert Norgren created the perfect custom prototype in just 10 days.

STS is a leading manufacturer of specialist machines that are used in semiconductor manufacturing. The machines are used to etch away materials or deposit them onto silicon wafers that end up in devices such as MEMS (micro electromechanical systems) – an example of which would be a car airbag trigger.

Each machine employs three pneumatic valve islands. Because these machines are installed in semiconductor clean rooms, where floor space costs around £60 per square inch due to the ultra-clean conditions required, STS needed a valve island design that was as compact and reliable as possible.

Key to securing the business was STS’s confidence in Norgren’s proven experience and capability with valve island technology. Rapid response to the customer’s brief was also a critical factor. Norgren’s design engineers at its UK Technical Centre in Lichfield rose to the challenge by offering a custom product that met STS’s unique specifications.

Although a new product, the custom valve island was based on Norgren’s tried and tested core competencies. The flow rate required from STS was low – just 30l/min. Off the shelf valve islands available from other pneumatics suppliers were all too large – offering flow rates of several hundred l/min, meaning that installing one of these valve islands would have wasted expensive clean room space. So Norgren designed a pilot valve with the smallest possible footprint, while maintaining visibility and access to critical functions such as LEDs and manual override.

Because the required flow rate is so low, the valve is based on poppet technology, dramatically increasing reliability and life expectancy to around 100 million operations. Another key advantage of the low flow rate valve is that the solenoids need just 0.3W to operate, resulting in reduced heat build up within the machine.

Norgren’s custom valve uses a body made from an advanced polymer, so it could be moulded to the exact specification required. For example, competing valves were such that the wiring and porting configuration was inconveniently located, meaning that the pipe work would have to have been re-routed within the machine and requiring additional pneumatic connectors and fittings. Norgren’s custom valve was designed with a configuration that exactly matched STS’s requirements, and being face mounted, it allows the pipes to enter straight into the valve island through the mounting panel, saving yet more space.

Says Ed Hinds, Engineering Team Leader at STS: “Norgren provided exactly what we needed when we needed it – a valve that’s compact, inexpensive, and reliable. It’s an effective solution to this challenging application.”

For more information Contact Norgren

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 17, 2003--Motion
Industries, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company
(NYSE:GPC) has named Ellen Holladay senior vice president Information
Technology and director of Operational Excellence.
According to Bill Stevens, Motion Industries' president and CEO,
Holladay will continue to serve as chief information officer in the
company's Information Technology Group as she leads the Company's
Operational Excellence Program.
"The purpose of this initiative is to improve the processes
throughout the company and ultimately reduce our cost of operations,"
said Stevens. "The team, led by Holladay, will examine all major areas
of branches, distribution centers, service centers as well as the
corporate office."
Holladay has previously served Motion Industries as vice president
of Information Technology, director of Software Systems, and director
of the MIS Department. Holladay joined the company in 1990 as manager
of Systems Planning. Holladay also serves as the Bearing Specialist
Association chairperson for the Logistics and Information Technology
Committee. She received a BS degree from Auburn University in 1978 and
received an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1983.
With 2002 sales in excess of $2.2 billion, Motion Industries is
the world's largest distributor of bearings; mechanical, electrical,
pneumatic, and hydraulic power replacement parts; and hose products.
Motion Industries has more than 500 operations including nine
distribution centers throughout North America and serves more than
150,000 customers including automotive, chemical, food, beverage,
wood/lumber, iron, oil, pulp and paper, steel and textile industries.
Visit our Web site at www.motionindustries.com. Contact us
toll-free at (800) 526-9328.

CECO Offers Free Training for Compressor Valve Repair

HOUSTON, TEXAS. MARCH 31, 2003 – Compressor Engineering Corporation, CECO announces today that its Compressor Valve School once held for selected clients, will now be offered to the public free of charge.

The Compressor Valve Repair School is held at CECO’s headquarters in Houston, Texas. Over 200 compressor mechanics have attended the course to learn the latest techniques and specifications required for proper valve maintenance.

“The Free Compressor Valve School has grown to include much more than channel valves,” says Don Smith, Domestic Sales Manager. “Today, we also cover the repair processes needed to maximize performance on the unloaders, regulators and packing cases used in reciprocating compressors.”

Interested parties should call 800-879-2326 or visit the CECO website at www.ceconet.com for more information on the school.

Compressor Engineering Corporation (CECO), headquartered in Houston, Texas, was founded in 1964 and has grown to become the world's largest independent manufacturer of compressor and engine replacement parts.  In 1977, CECO opened its New Orleans warehouse and sales office, and in 1980 added a sales office, warehouse, and repair center and in Odessa, Texas, which expanded again in 2002.  Precision Repair - Baton Rouge was launched in 2003. Custom engineered components and repair are only a portion of CECO's solution packages. They also provide customized software solutions, testing, training and consulting.

###

For further information, contact:

Donald Smith, Jr.
5440 Alder
Houston, Texas 77081
(713) 664-7333
www.ceconet.com
dons@ceconet.com

CECO Expands Precision Repair to Include Baton Rouge Facility

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA. FEBRUARY 26, 2003 - A new Precision Repair Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana will be Compressor Engineering Corporation's largest, the company announced today. CECO has acquired the assets of Parts Maintenance, Inc. (PMI), which has been serving compressor users and petrochemical plants since 1973 and has a reputation for high quality and quick turnaround. The 21,000 square foot facility on Cherry Hill Avenue is the third Precision Repair Center for CECO. Other CECO Precision Repair Centers are located in Houston and Odessa, Texas. The new purchase gives CECO more than 100,000 square feet of repair and manufacturing space.

This CECO Precision Repair Center will specialize in thermal metal spraying, rolled thread piston rod production, compressor cylinder repair and specialty grinding. The facility features a very large vertical boring mill capacity with a 118-inch table, 15-ton crane capacity, lathes with up to 118-inch swing and 28-foot centers, large long-bed grinding capacity up to 44 inches outside diameter, 168-inch lengths and internal grinding up to 120 inches.

CECO Precision Repair-Baton Rouge will offer a range of expert machining and grinding capabilities. Unique to the area, this facility will also provide a highly developed thermal metal spray operation and will operate one of the largest thread rolling machines in Louisiana.

The location will provide engineering and design support and employ a staff of precision machinists to work with customers throughout the South and the United States.

CECO, headquartered in Houston, Texas, was founded in 1964 to provide high quality compressor and gas engine parts with fast delivery and superior service. In 1977, CECO opened its New Orleans warehouse and sales office, and in 1980 CECO added a sales office, warehouse, and repair center and in Odessa, Texas, which expanded again in 2002. The CECO Precision Repair Center in Baton Rouge will boost CECO's presence in the Louisiana and the Southeast with its unique machines and technical capabilities.

For further information please contact:
Richard K. Hotze
5440 Alder
Houston, Texas 77081
(713) 664-7333

PHD's Catalog 2003 Provides "Simple Productivity Solutions" 

PHD has just released its newly updated main product catalog, Catalog 2003-"Simple Productivity Solutions." The catalog allows users to have PHD's current product information available within arm's reach at all times. Catalog 2003 is another example of PHD's commitment to excellence in product, service and support, and to provide customers with "Simple Productivity Solutions."

Catalog 2003 contains the latest product information on PHD's standard products including powered slides, grippers, rotary actuators, cylinders, multi-motion actuators, escapements, swing arm clamps, switches and sensors, and accessories. The catalog also contains information on our newly released products including Series SJP Slides, Series SIP Slides, Series SAL/SAH Slides, Series SG Slides with ISO Cylinders, Series GRS Grippers, Series GRB Grippers, Series RF Rotary Actuators, and more.

New features added to Catalog 2003 include:

Detailed engineering data
Information on product application
Standard delivery times
PHD's NEW Online CAD Configurator
NEW Series PA Swing Arm Clamps for work holding applications

In addition, each page of the catalog now features a web deep link that allows users to go directly to a specific product series web page on PHD's web site. 

For more information, send for a free catalog today. For immediate assistance, call PHD, Inc. at (800) 624-8511 or visit our web site at www.phdinc.com.

PHD, Inc., P.O. Box 9070, Fort Wayne, IN 46899
(260) 747-6151; FAX (260) 747-6754
www. phdinc.com
phdinfo@phdinc.com

PHD Releases Instant Clamp Expert™ Web Site

PHD has just released a NEW web site called Instant Clamp Expert™. The site exclusively features PHD clamp products and incorporates a simple, easy-to-use design that allows visitors to learn about, build, draw, price, and order PHD clamp products directly on the site. 

Visitors can perform the following functions using the Instant Clamp Expert™ site:

View complete clamp animations, working principles, competitive comparisons, etc.
Access clamp catalogs
Configure accurate part numbers using graphic prompts
Request native CAD models
Obtain pricing
Place an order online 

Other valuable resources found on the site include engineering data for PHD clamp products, product applications and videos, standard delivery times, and much more. 

For more information, visit www.clamps.phdinc.com today. For immediate assistance or to request free literature, call PHD, Inc. at (800) 624-8511 or visit our main web site at www.phdinc.com.

PHD, Inc., P.O. Box 9070, Fort Wayne, IN 46899
(260) 747-6151; FAX (260) 747-6754
www.phdinc.com
phdinfo@phdinc.com

Festo Opens New California Design Center with Class 10,000 and 1,000 Clean Room Manufacturing Facilities To Provide Engineering Solutions

It's good news for the semiconductor industry in Silicon Valley (and throughout the western states)!

Festo Corporation recently announced the opening of its new multi-million-dollar Design and Integrated Solution Manufacturing Facility in neighboring Livermore, CA. The 20,000 square-foot facility is now available to support development and assembly of automation equipment for not only semiconductor, but also for the biotech and special packaging industries. 

The Facility offers Class 10,000 and 1,000 clean rooms, and is staffed and focused on the technical and operational needs of high technology companies. According to Hans Zobel, President & CEO, Festo-USA, the Livermore facility was built with the future in mind. "Our Silicon Valley customers gave us great insight into their expectations and opportunities that such a facility would provide…." As an extension of Festo's Long Island, NY manufacturing facility, and the corporate headquarters, Livermore will serve as a conduit for Festo to bring its total automation solution capability to these high-tech industries.

Until recently, a regional office in Pleasanton, staffed with sales and application engineers, serviced the Silicon Valley. Now, with the completion of the Livermore facility, this area will be supported by a full complement of Operations, Engineering, Production Control and Production personnel. Services will include engineering design, sales support, and warehousing and system integration assembly services.

Festo Corporation 

395 Moreland Road
P.O. Box 18023
Hauppauge, NY 11788 
Phone: (631) 435-0800 
FAX: (631) 435-8026
www.festo-usa.com

Series RIxH Rotary Actuator Features Hollow Pinion Design

PHD announces the release of its NEW Series RIxH Rotary Actuator.  The Series RIxH Rotary Actuator is an addition to the Series RI Rotary Actuator and offers a hollow pinion design to provide protection and routing for electrical cables and air lines. The Series RIxH Rotary Actuator provides a lower cost solution to the Series RI Rotary Actuator for applications that do not require internal air passages within the rotary pinion.

Series RIxH and Series RI Rotary Actuators are available in 25, 32, and 50 mm bore sizes and six torque ranges from 32 to 414 in-lb at 87 psi [3.6 to 46.8 Nm at 6 bar]. Units provide 0 to 180 degrees rotation, infinitely adjustable throughout the entire range with a 3 position option available at 90 degrees. Optional shock absorbers or bumpers are available to provide quiet operation and end of rotation deceleration. Series RIxH and Series RI Rotary Actuators offer standard 2 day delivery and can be supplied in either imperial or metric units.

For more information, send for a free catalog today. For immediate assistance, call  PHD, Inc. at (800) 624-8511 or visit our web site at www.phdinc.com

PHD, Inc., P.O. Box 9070, Fort Wayne, IN  46899

(260) 747-6151; FAX (260) 747-6754

www.phdinc.com

phdinfo@phdinc.com

Norgren pneumatic arm boosts animal welfare.

Automation has been a well-documented trend in the industrial sector and ever increasingly it is a key focus in the production of food from the very outset of the process. Equally, as consumers we want everything faster, cheaper and, crucially, when we decide we want something, we want it now!

It won't surprise you then to read that this phenomenon has now spread to cows. Yes cows, and dairy herds in particular. No longer do cows have to wait until early in the morning or evening to be milked at a time when it is convenient to the farmer or farm hands, cows can now go along to be milked when they feel like it.

This is not some Orwellian nightmare come to life but an engineering feat some 20 years in the pipeline developed by the milk expert DeLaval. This robotic system, called the Voluntary Milking System (VMS), enables farmers to reap the benefit of an increase in yield from healthier cows.

Put simply, cows that are only milked twice a day produce less milk than cows that are milked three times a day because cows stop producing milk when the pressure building up in the udders becomes uncomfortable. By releasing milk more frequently the cow continues to produce milk throughout the day resulting in approximately 5-10% more milk than produced by cows milked only twice a day. And, because the cow is more comfortable, the quality of the milk improves too.

So how does this work?

The milking devices themselves have been specially designed around the
cow's contours. Using extremely flexible pneumatic technology, developed by pneumatic expert Norgren, they actually have a gentler touch than most human milking.

But each cow is different and as the process is totally automated there is no one around to make sure that the cow is standing in the correct position to be milked. So each cow has a sensor around its neck which contains its identity.

As the cow tries to enter the milking stall it is identified and its
identity recalled by the central computer. The computer records each time it is milked to ensure that she is not milked too often. If the cow is ready to be milked the milking stall is opened and the computer recalls the cow's dimensions. This information is fed to the pneumatically powered multipurpose arm enabling it quickly to extend to the right distance, guided by a camera mounted on the arm, to reach the cows udders and to attach the teat-cups and start milking.

Ken Olsson, Norgren's key account manager said: "This was one of the most challenging briefs we have ever been given. Because of the nature of the application the cylinders which actually carry out the milking process have to be both incredibly gentle, to ensure that the cow is comfortable and incredibly robust in order to cope with the number of cycles demanded of it.

"In addition, we had to offer flexibility of stroke rate as each cow has a slightly different requirement and we had to develop a cylinder that could cope with an aggressive environment coping with ammonia, water and cow dirt.

"The solution was a low friction actuator which can be controlled very
smoothly and sealed with a two component polyurethane seal to withstand the aggressive atmosphere and cleaning fluids. The cylinders are controlled by proportional directional valves."

Uzi Birk, DeLaval's general manager for VMS, said: "Because it is a total concept from beginning to end, our engineers are involved not only with the technical aspects but all the operational parts too. I believe VMS represents as much of a revolution to the dairy industry in this century as the transition from horse to tractor in the last."

The Voluntary Milking System requires the cows to live indoors, as well as going out for pasture, and therefore the system itself needs to do more than simply milk the cows.

Farmers using the system require a compressor to provide the compressed air for the pneumatic components and a rigorous hygiene regime. VMS has automatic teat cleaning facilities that clean and dry the teat before each milking. After each milking the teat cups are washed. The floor to the stall can be automatically cleaned whenever the farmer chooses using a robotic scraper system.

Cow comfort is also of paramount importance and DeLaval took this into
account when designing and building the barn. Features such as cow
mattresses in every cubicle, regulated ventilation inlets, a regular supply of fresh, preheated water and automated feeders abound. Each machine has a capacity of around 2000 kg milk per day, that means typically 50-60 cows, depending on the milk yields.

The system has been used by farmers across Western Europe, Scandinavia,
Japan and Canada, since June 2000 and looks set to take the world by storm.

For more information Contact Norgren

09.21.01

PRODUCT NEWS RELEASE

FPZ introduces a new series to their extensive line of high performance regenerative blowers.  The SCL 115DH / 115SH blower is capable of producing 1530 scfm at open flow, 8.7 psig at maximum pressure, and 13.3” Hg at maximum vacuum.  Integral silencers are included and multiple electric motor options from 20 to 50 hp are available. No lubrication or maintenance is required and blowers are mountable in any orientation. Great alternative to PD / rotary lobe blowers.

For more information contact:

FPZ, Inc.

2091 N. Port Washington Rd.

Grafton, WI  53024

Phone:  262-375-7360 · Fax:  262-375-7361

Email:  usa@fpz.com

www.fpz.com

Benton Harbor Michigan, August 1, 2001-With its sights set on enhancing customer service and encouraging greater interaction with its target markets, Gast Manufacturing announces the debut of its new and completely remodeled Web site at www.gastmfg.com.

This extensive redesign is the result of months of site evaluation, planning and redesign, and it presents more than just a new look and feel. The new site,  which averages 11,000 hits (visitors) daily,  will serve as a one stop information resource to help solve your air-moving challenges.

Among the site's outstanding new features is its more user-friendly and faster navigation. The site also emphasizes convenience and offers expanded technical content on all Gast products and services. Downloadable schematic drawings in .dxf format, service manuals, product catalogs and a new and improved technical information section provide valuable "online" information that was previously  only available in hard copy.  A product selector program adds convenience by allowing our customers to pick the best suited product for their specific applications.

Since 1921, Gast Manufacturing, Inc. has embraced its position as a leader in the design and manufacture of air-moving products. We're extremely proud of our reputation for making quality air motors, vacuum generators, compressors, and vacuum pumps. But we're even more proud of the positive impact we make on our customers' bottom line.

08.07.01

Norgren celebrates 75th anniversary


Norgren, the global pneumatics expert, is celebrating its 75th anniversary in the USA market in October 2001.

Now supplying a full range of pneumatic components and systems to a variety of sectors including commercial vehicles, packaging, printing and semi-conductor, the company started out as a supplier of air preparation equipment.

Norgren maintains its excellent reputation for air preparation equipment and leads the way with its e-business offering and with innovative products such as its Fieldbus II which provided the first open protocol and the world's first digital proportional valves.

Mark Shellenbarger, Norgren's president, said: "We are using the 75th
anniversary for the company to look forward to the future of our industry as well as the chance to celebrate the successes of the past. Over the last 75 years we have often been the first to develop a new product or service and we intend to sustain our record in the future."

Norgren has produced a commemorative brochure about the company's past and its plans for the future. It is also conducting a hunt for the oldest still-performing Norgren product.

For more information Contact Norgren

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