Product & Literature Showcase

-- Control Engineering, 2/1/2001

Planar beam sensor is accurate
Tustin, Calif.-FT802 is a bonded-foil planar beam sensor said to provide high accuracy and robust performance. Available in capacities from 1-40 lb, each unit is thermally matched, fully active, and possesses a full bridge gauge for optimum temperature tracking. Other features include a 150% safe overload and excitation range of 10 V dc with a combined error of 0.25% full scale and zero balance of 15% full scale. Operating temperature is 65 to 200 °F. Revere Transducers

Weigh modules suited for silos
Canton, Mass.-Z-BLOK weight modules are low-cost transducer units suited for silo weighing applications. The device combines structural strength and high accuracy for maximum system performance in installations where earthquakes and high winds are an inherent danger. Its integral, double cantilever shear beams reduce off-center errors commonly found in bending type beams. The unit features modular construction, which eliminates the need for expansion assemblies, stay rods, and check rods. BLH Electronics Inc.

High capacity PXI chassis
Columbus, O.-S32 for PXI is a rackmount/benchtop chassis for PXI-bus systems requiring a large number of instruments in a single chassis. The low profile 4U design supports up to 18 PXI boards, the most for any PXI system, while allowing up to a 4-slot controller. High board capacity is coupled with a 600 W universal input supply with power factor correction, providing 33% more power than any other PXI package, the developer says. To support that amount of power, the S32 comes with 130 cfm, high-pressure fans and automatic temperature speed control for quiet operation. Tracewell Systems

Smart gas detection system
Rolling Meadows, Ill.-STX-HT is a smart gas detection system that consists of a STX transmitter/controller linked to a model HT gas sensor. Gas concentration is displayed on a local digital readout and output as a 4-20 mA signal. The system is intended for toxic and corrosive gases, including ammonia, arsine, chlorine, fluorine, HCl, HF, phosphine, and silane. It operates on 24 V dc power. Sensors are unaffected by 100% condensing relative humidity conditions, exhibit no IPA or hydrogen interference, and are not permanently affected by exceptionally high or prolonged exposure to the target gas. PureAire Monitoring Systems Inc.

Level controls resist false triggering
Brooksville, Fla.-A redesigned optoelectronic liquid level switch has been developed for sanitary application in the pharmaceutical industry. Designed to function in sanitary process piping and vessels, these enhanced solid-state detectors are virtually unaffected by spurious moisture of any kind. Functionally, they use a low-powered infrared light source to detect changes in refractive index at the sensor's prismatic tip. Consequently, both conductive and nonconductive fluids can be sensed. Working temperature range is -40 to 124 °C with pressure ratings from vacuum to 150 psi for all models. Kinematics & Controls Corp.

Compact temperature transmitter
Wixon, Mich.-The 656T contains two independent temperature transmitters in a single, 1-in. wide device. The loop-powered unit accepts universal thermocouple and mV input signal ranges, provides isolation as well as output proportional 4-20 mA signals. The output can be linearized to the input sensor signal. Its 16-bit Sigma-Delta A/D converters deliver high resolution for accurate measurements. One-step pushbutton calibration is featured. Acromag Inc.

Software tracks inventory
Elburn, Ill.-SiloTrak inventory management software is said to be the first of its kind to be able to initiate auxillary analog and/or relay outputs. With SiloTrak users can monitor up to 128 vessels with a single personal computer. The software provides a range of user-controlled options, including automatic and manual control of all sensors, versatile 'unit' selections for measured and calculated data, display of vessel measurement history information, and print functions. Four on-screen alarms per vessel, sensor diagnostic messages, and alarm notification via modem to pager and fax are also features. Monitor Technologies LL

Hard-coated screen protectors
Minotola, N.J.-Thin, hard-coated lens protectors for LCDs and other display types are especially effective where pens or other instruments are touched to the screen to initiate actuation. The thin sheets have a special adhesive and can be installed easily. Screen protectors are available in a variety of thicknesses and surface finishes and can be produced in custom sizes and shapes. Applications include instrumentation, process control, and factory automation. Silver Cloud Manufacturing

Displays feature update/animation capabilities
Kent, O.-Kent Displays Inc. has introduced its 128x32 liquid crystal display with capabilities to wipe, scroll, rotate, open and close, or flash full or partial screen images. The modular units are designed for general-purpose character and graphic display applications such as battery-powered portable equipment, instruments, and communications equipment. Kent Displays Inc.

Scalable absolute encoders
East Northport, N.Y.-A series of low cost, multiplexed scalable absolute encoders suited to severe EMI and physical environments has been introduced. These new units will convert up to 16 shaft inputs to BCD or binary information corresponding directly to the shaft angle with an accuracy of ±1pt in 3,600 at the lowest cost per axis available today, according to its developer. Operating temperature range is 0-70 °C. NEMA 12 heavy-duty housings are also available. Computer Conversions Corp.

Small noncaptive linear actuator
Waterbury, Ct.-A size 23 noncaptive linear actuator has been developed said to be built for long life (over 1 million cycles) and high performance. The actuator features thermoplastic materials in its rotor drive nut and a stainless steel ACME lead screw. The device also features low motor noise and maintenance-free operation. The hybrid linear actuator is available in a variety of resolutions ranging from 0.0003125 to .001 in. It delivers thrusts up to 200 lb. Haydon Switch & Instrument Inc.

Miniature thermal head-mounted transmitters
San Diego, Calif.-The universal two-wire Model T280 Series of miniature transmitters are designed to accept thermocouple, Pt-100 RTD or millivolt input. The units are rated for 1,000 V dc or peak ac isolation. Its low profile enclosure measures 1.75-in. dia with a maximum height of 0.76 in. There are three different model series in the family. The Model T280-1000 supports Pt-100, 2- or 3-wire RTDs. The Model 280-2000 handles thermocouple inputs. Millivolt inputs of up to 100 mV are supported by the T280-3000. Action Instruments