Retrofit puts pouch machine back in control
Systems integration, programming and new components spell success. It sounds relatively simple: a new control panel and operator console for a two-axis pouch machine. However, in the case of this retrofit of an Atlas Copco drive and control system running in Polyair's (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) Chicago plant, the upgrade process was anything but simple.
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Java in the factory
Platform- and operating-system independence, reusable software, web services, and industry standards attract Java's programming environment to manufacturing arenas. Yet, some real-time issues remain to be solved. Newer technologies carry inherent potential to improve on what has gone before. A case in point is Sun Microsystems' 1995 introduction of Java software and programming language, ushering in advances like platform/operating-system independence, ability to reuse software applications, web connectivity and basis on industry standards.
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Advanced pattern matching sensor detects promotional labels
One effective way to promote the trial of new consumer packaged goods is with the use of peel-off labels. These labels can contain coupons applied to popular existing products. This has been successfully used to promote prepared pasta sauces and boxed baking mixes. McDonald’s Corp. recently ran a promotion, Monopoly®—Best Game Chance Game 2.0, where game pieces and coupons from a cosponsor were applied to selected sizes of beverage cups, food product boxes and fries pouches.
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Cognex Corporation acquires DVT
Cognex Corporation announces that it has acquired DVT Corporation, a privately-held company based in Duluth, GA. Under the terms of the acquisition, Cognex purchased all of the outstanding shares of DVT for approximately $115,000,000, consisting of a cash payment of $104 million made at the closing, and a final payment of up to an additional $11 million in cash to be paid at the end of a one-year escrow period. The acquisition was completed on May 9.
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Sensing the future
Smaller, more versatile, easier to use—that is the formula for success in more sensor applications. In just the categories of proximity and photoelectric sensors, manufacturers in 2004 sold nearly $620 million worth of product in North America alone, Venture Development Corp. reports. Triple that figure to get an idea of global sales. For vision sensors, annual sales in North America have reached nearly $100 million with an annual growth rate of 45 percent.
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Schneider Electric acquires ELAU AG
Schneider Electric announces the acquisition of the outstanding shares (53.5 percent stake) of ELAU AG, based in Germany. This acquisition is subject to antitrust review. ELAU provides core technology that enables packaging machines to deliver the increased efficiency and flexibility demanded in the global packaging industry. In 2004, it has achieved a strong growth of 24 percent and a high operating margin of 14 percent.
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Machine vision lighting The Xbeam is a rugged, high-intensity, LED-beam lighting system that’s available in a variety of colors. It can be used with either line- or load-side switching, depending on application speed. Read more... FSI Machine Vision, 800/468-6009. www.fsinet.com

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