Automation & Control News for April 2007 on Automation.com

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Find all the latest information on these topics:
	Automatic Identification
	Building Automation
	Control Panels, Cables & Terminations
	Design, Simulation & Programming Software
	Digital Factory
	Embedded Automation
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	Fluid Power, Valves & Pumps
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	Industrial Communications
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	Manufacturing Intelligence
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	Motion Control, Motors & Drives
	OPC
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	Power & Energy
	Programmable Automation Controller (PAC)
	Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
	Process Control
	Process Safety
	Robots & Robot Controllers
	SCADA & RTU
	Security
	Sensors & Instruments
	Test, Measurement & LIMS
	Vision
	Wireless Connectivity

Read about the latest news, products, mergers, and acquisitions in the automation, process control, and instrumentation industries for April 2007.

Choose and click on a headline below to read the entire article:

		Oil and Gas Industry Symposium in 13 cities One day free symposiums run from May 8 in Norway to Nov 8 in Argentina. It includes technology presentations and case studies on how companies in the oil and gas industry have applied the latest measurement and control technologies in service, drilling, distributed measurements and oil field inventory management applications.

		ISA Wireless Conference July 23-24 in Vancouver "Wireless Solutions for Manufacturing Automation: Insights for Technology and Business Success," will be held 23-24 July 2007 at the Marriott Vancouver Airport in Richmond, BC, Canada.

		ServoSoft adds resistors to servo sizing database - 04/30/07 ServoSoft added 4900 Michael Koch GmbH resistors to its servo sizing software database.

		ASI announces Marking and Labeling lease program - 04/30/07 The EZ Mark plotter system, Genius and Rolly 1000 high speed thermal print systems, and DIN rail cutters can be leased starting at $51 per month.

		Exele enhances OPCcalc and EDICTvb.Net for Vista - 04/30/07 Version 3.3.0 of OPCcalc and EDICTvb.Net support Standard Users and UAC in Windows Vista.

		RTI supplies Messaging Middleware for MRI and NMR - 04/30/07 Varian is using RTI's middleware to connect sensors, user display systems and control computers with NMR and MRI instruments.

		ATI supplies dissolved ozone monitor to Bristol Water - 04/30/07 Bristol uses ATI's Q45H/64 Dissolved Ozone Analyzer for on-line monitoring and control of ozone levels in drinking water.

		Emerson provides IR analyzers to Roplex to monitor vapor recovery units - 04/30/07 Explosion proof, dual channel X-STREAM infrared analyzers are being used to measure carbon monoxide and butane, monitoring the effectiveness of the VRU in removing all the hydrocarbons.

		Banner releases World-Beam Q12 photosensors - 04/30/07 WORLD-BEAM Q12 Series photoelectric sensors with liquid-tight PFA jackets can be used in wet and corrosive industrial environments.

		Misumi introduces rolled ball screws - 04/30/07 Low-dust, raised-greased versions of Grade C10 metric rolled ball screws are induction hardened for rigidity and performance.

		Elobau introduces heavy-duty joysticks - 04/30/07 J4/J5 joysticks for heavy-duty use are available in analog, digital, PWM and CANbus output versions. All resist EMC interference.

		Axiomtek announces CEM830 Core2 Duo COM Express Module - 04/30/07 It provides a smooth transition path from parallel PCI bus to serial PCI Express buses for embedded computer applications.

		Phrontier Technologies releases PHIRE-S camera adapter - 04/30/07 PHIRE-S series plugs directly into any Camera Link camera or framegrabber without the need for Camera Link cable.

		Sage and Westin host SCADA seminars - 04/30/07 June 5 and June 28, 2007 Sage Designs and Westin Engineering are hosting two free SCADA Seminars, one in Sacramento, CA on June 5, and one in Anaheim, CA on June 28, 2007.

		Moxa receives magazine award - 04/29/07 Moxa received the Engineers’ Choice Award for the ioLogik E2210 Active Ethernet I/O server.

		Misumi offers linear ball bushings for automation - 04/27/07 MISUMI offers 259 types of linear ball bushings for most factory automation applications.

		ABB Announces income up 163% in Q1 - 04/27/07 ABB's first-quarter net income rose 163 percent to $537 million from $204 million in the same period of 2006, driven primarily by continued strong market demand and further operational improvements.

		ABB announces PAT solution for Life Sciences - 04/27/07 Industrial IT for PAT combines process data collection and analysis with process control and data management functions to produce a complete PAT solution.

		Wilcoxon appoints Renard Klubnik Application Engineer - 04/27/07 Klubnik will serve as the primary technical representative for Wilcoxon, include customer visits, peer presentations at conferences, and technical writing.

		B&B Electronics releases Zlinx Radio Modems - 04/27/07 Zlinx modems provide wide area system coverage for transmission of critical data to remote sites.

		COPALP enhances STRATON CANOpen Software - 04/27/07 Enhancements include a CANbus configuration tool, a CANbus emulator, and a runtime bus driver.

		Pepperl+Fuchs releases GRIP barcode reader handles - 04/26/07 GRIP handles fit MAH200 and MAH300 series barcode readers.

		National Instruments Reports Q1 earnings up 51% - 04/26/07 National Instruments reported revenue in the first quarter of $172 million, up 11 percent from Q1 2006. Earnings were up 51 percent compared to Q1 2006.

		Ethernet Direct releases Falcon outdoor wireless products - 04/26/07 Falcon FWI and FWO series have IP68 rating for wireless outdoor network applications and meet IEEE 802.11 a/b/g standards.

		Zigbee connects to mobile phones - 04/26/07 The ZigBee Telecom Profile provides information delivery, monitoring, and peer-to-peer small data sharing for mobile phone users.

		Matrikon supplies ProcessMORe to Australian coal-fired plant - 04/26/07 BMA Coal has standardized on ProcessMORe software for its production and dispatch system. BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) is Australia's largest coal miner and exporter, and the world's largest supplier to the seaborne coking coal market.

		Sharp introduces LQ043T1DG01 4.3-in. Display - 04/25/07 LQ043T1DG01 display with touch panel for handheld or portable devices operates over a broad temperature range and has a wide viewing angle.

		UEI releases controller catalog Free catalog introduces UEIPAC Programmable Automation Controller Cubes and UEIModbus Cubes with Modbus TCP support.

		TURCK introduces RJ11 overmolded connector cordsets - 04/25/07 Connector cordsets for industrial phone connections have a tough polyurethane body that provides strain relief and tab protection for industrial environments.

		Canfield releases 5950 Drivers for fluid solenoid valves - 04/25/07 5950 and B5950 Micro Proportional Drivers (MPD) accurately control hydraulic and pneumatic proportional solenoid valves.

		Infor enhances ERP Adage software - 04/25/07 Enhancements include a new graphical user interface, more functionality for order to cash and expanded integration capabilities with external systems. Adage is an ERP platform for batch process manufacturers.

		Infor installs EAM asset management system at Chinese coal mine - 04/25/07 Infor EAM Datastream 7i, a Web-based enterprise asset management (EAM) system, was installed in China's Huolinhe Coal Industry Co Ltd, located in Inner Mongolia. The mine produces 20 million tons of coal annually.

		Alpha announces alphira planetary gearheads - 04/25/07 Packaged in a lightweight aluminum case, alphira is precise, power-dense and maintenance-free.

		Weidmuller introduces Z-Compact mini terminal block - 04/25/07 Equipped with a tension clamp connection, the Z-Compact series is ideal for cramped control cabinets and standard junction enclosures.

		Agilent Launches Medalist x6000 X-Ray Inspection for PCBs - 04/25/07 The Agilent Medalist x6000 AXI in-line 3D X-ray inspection system detects printed circuit board assembly solder and manufacturing assembly defects.

		Moore Industries bakes and boils NCS DAQ for two years - 04/24/07 The NCS has been running since February 2005 in an environmental chamber at temperatures up to 221°F to prove it will work in Middle Eastern applications.

		Woodhead announces Ethernet and DeviceNet diagnostics - 04/24/07 SNMP MS suite analyzes diagnostic data from Ethernet networks. DeviceNet Doctor continuously monitors a DeviceNet network.

		CAS releases BrainChild VR18 Paperless Chart Recorder - 04/24/07 The BrainChild VR18 recorder can replace older paper chart recorders used to monitor and record data in design, test, manufacturing and processing applications.

		BEI announces L15 incremental encoder - 04/24/07 L15 incremental encoder provides up to 40,640 cycles per turn, or 162,560 counts by using the quadrature detection option in a PLC.

		Intelligent Motion releases MicroDrive microstepper - 04/24/07 MForce MicroDrive microstepping driver delivers output current up to 2.8A peak for controlling motors from size 8 to size 34.

		Harbour Group Acquires Haydon - 04/24/07 Harbour Group acquired Tritex, the parent company of Haydon, which makes fractional horsepower linear actuators, lead screw assemblies, rotary stepper motors and hermetically sealed switches.

		MTS Sensors work in pharmaceutical applications - 04/24/07 MTS is supplying its E- and C-Series Temposonics magnetostrictive sensors to the pharmaceutical industry for processing and packaging applications.

		Avalue announces Industrial Motherboards - 04/24/07 Motherboards available include Mini ITX, ITX, Micro ATX and ATX form factors.

		MTS introduces LLH Sanitary Level Sensors - 04/24/07 LLH sensors provide fast response, a variety of output options, and a design that meets sanitary specifications for the pharmaceutical industry.

		Foxboro introduces FT10 Electrodeless Conductivity sensor - 04/24/07 FT10 non-invasive conductivity sensor for high purity measurement in low volume liquid applications has a flow-through design for reduced operational and maintenance costs.

		FCI introduces MT91 Mass Flow Meter for stack gas - 04/24/07 MT91 is available with a tough chromium-carbide coating that protects it from dirty, abrasive and hot particulates.

		ASI introduces CSF500C 20 A Power Supply - 04/24/07 Compact CSF500C 20A, 24 Vdc output power supply is almost 66% smaller in size when compared to ASI's existing 20 amp power supply.

		National Instruments wins magazine award - 04/24/07 NI LabVIEW 8.20 won the 2006 Engineers’ Choice Award.

		Invensys adds Centric validation software for life sciences - 04/24/07 Software enables biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to more easily verify, validate and manage regulated processes.

		Thermo Fisher adds BMC AppSight to lab software - 04/24/07 BMC AppSight records LIMS and CDS activity and captures a log of user actions, systems events and more to determine the root cause of any unexpected application behavior.

		Murrelektronik introduces Cube67 distributed I/O - 04/23/07 Cube67 distributed I/O modules are available with digital, analog and serial signals. Each digital channel can be user-configurable for input or output operations.

		Bosch Rexroth launches website for automotive Website offers Bosch Rexroth drive and control expertise and application experience to help with automotive production challenges.

		SKF introduces roller screws for linear actuation - 04/23/07 Roller screws offer a compact solution with reliable performance in factory automation applications such as assembly, handling and injection molding.

		OMRON launches Industrial Automation Business portal The portal site is a 'one-stop-shop' for the latest information in English on OMRON's industrial automation products and services

		General Monitors adds HART to FL4000 Flame Detector - 04/23/07 Multi-Spectral Infrared (MSIR) FL4000 Flame Detector is now available with HART communications.

		BlueCielo/Cyco renames products - 04/23/07 AutoManager Meridian & AutoManager TeamWork are now InnoCielo Meridian Enterprise & InnoCielo TeamWork.

		Advantech Launches AIMB-240 Mini-ITX motherboard - 04/23/07 AIMB-240 Mini-ITX motherboard has 2.8 GHz power and six serial communication ports. Price: $219.

		OpenMake enhances Meister software - 04/23/07 OpenMake Software integrated its Meister build-to-release management offering with CA's Configuration Management Database (CMDB), enabling automated predictive analysis of enterprise-wide applications.

		Pittman introduces Series N2300 brushless DC motors - 04/23/07 ELCOM ST Series N2300 slotted brushless DC motors incorporate internal Hall sensor feedback for linear speed-torque characteristics, high starting torque, and variable speed control.

		GarrettCom announces PES42P PoE edge switch - 04/23/07 PES42P edge switch supports up to four access control devices as well as a fiber trunk back to a central control point. This makes the product suitable for applications such as traffic monitoring and access control.

		Honeywell supplies controls for world’s largest paraxylene plant Honeywell will supply a $7.7 million Experion Process Knowledge System to the $1.2-billion Sohar Aromatics plant in Oman.

		Invensys receives award for contributions to RasGas Project - 04/23/07 Invensys was recognized by RasGas (RasGas) as one of three key vendors contributing to the successful completion of the RasGas Phase 1 Expansion Project in Qatar.

		Elpro adds Modbus Master Function to wireless device servers - 04/23/07 Industrial 802.11 products now provide Device Server functionality with Modbus Master capability for both Modbus TCP and serial Modbus RTU.

		Weidmuller releases RIDERSERIES II Industrial Relays - 04/23/07 RIDERSERIES II relays include base sockets and industrial relays that can switch loads up to 16A at 24VDC or 230VAC for power or signal switching.

		Multenet launches Mobile Router - 04/23/07 Mobile Router links branch networks and peripheral devices to the main corporate network or the Internet. Remote networks can connect to the main network or be monitored from headquarters, wherever they are.

		Oxford Sensor Technology signs rep in India - 04/20/07 Tespa Tools will sell, install and provide support Oxford's vision systems in India. Tespa Tools is one of India's leading metrology, inspection and engineering companies.

		Banner introduces EZ-Array light screen - 04/20/07 EZ-ARRAY provides high-speed, precise process monitoring and inspection, profiling and web-guiding applications. It uses closely spaced infrared beams to detect objects as small as 5 mm. Edge resolution is 2.5 mm.

		Bosch Rexroth educates Pennsylvania Officials on wind power - 04/20/07 Officials from the Pennsylvania governor's office and journalists from Western Europe recently gathered at the Bosch Rexroth hydraulics facility in Bethlehem, PA, to discuss manufacturing for the renewable energy market.

		Technosoft introduces ISCM8005 Servo Control Modules - 04/20/07 ISCM4805 / ISCM8005 Intelligent Servo Control Modules combine motion controller, drive and PLC functionality in a single compact unit. They provide distributed and coordinated control of brushless, DC, linear or step motors up to 240W and 80V.

		Axiomtek announces SBC86831 Intel Core2 Motherboard - 04/20/07 SBC86831 supports Socket M compliant processors with 533/667MHz FSB including Intel Core2 Duo, Core Duo, Core Solo and Intel Celeron M processors.

		May makes management dashboards available - 04/20/07 Management Dashboards can be customized to overlay unique or specialized computerized database information for virtually any type of manufacturing operation.

		Danaher Industrial Controls changes name to Dynapar - 04/19/07 The Feedback Business Unit within Danaher Industrial Controls Group has changed its name to Dynapar, effectively combining the brands of Dynapar, NorthStar, Harowe, Hengstler, and Acuro.

		Mosaic adds GPS to Wildcard SBC - 04/19/07 GPS Wildcard has a 12-channel GPS receiver. An application program can read the current latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, course heading, time, and date.

		Emerson to automate Coal-Fired Power Plant in Vietnam - 04/19/07 Emerson Process Management will install PlantWeb and an Ovation expert control system in Units 1 and 2 of the new Vietnam Haiphong Power Plant.

		PSI procures patent for packaging PDFS - 04/19/07 PSI Engineering has been granted a patent for its Automated packaging solution.

		Measurement Computing's boards support Vista - 04/19/07 MCC supports Windows Vista across its USB- and PCI-based product lines.

		Omron releases MS4800 Safety Light Curtains - 04/19/07 MS4800 is available in Advanced, Standard and Basic versions to optimize the cost of safeguarding design. The MS4800 enable users to purchase as many features they need, without paying for those they don't.

		SIXNET announces Etherbus line of PoE (Power over Ethernet) products - 04/19/07 Etherbus combines Ethernet, PoE (Power over Ethernet) and Fieldbus technology in a series of Ethernet switches, power injectors and splitters, power supplies, Kevlar-rugged cabling and IP67 connectors.

		RTP announces Model 8714 intelligent counter - 04/19/07 Model 8714 has eight high-speed inputs and eight digital outputs. Inputs can be independently configured as pulse counters, quadrature counters to measure position, or for frequency measurement.

		Emerson announces F-Series high temperature flowmeters - 04/19/07 Micro Motion F-Series models F025, F050 and F100 are available in Stainless Steel or Hastelloy, all rated to 350º C for flow measurement in a compact, drainable style.

		GE Fanuc Expert speaks at INTERPHEX 2007 - 04/19/07 Bart Reitter, GE Fanuc Global Industry Manager Life Sciences, will present “PAT: A Real World Successful Drying Application,” at INTERPHEX 2007, being held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, April 24-26.

		Thermo Fisher to hold Middle East User Meeting May 14-16 From May 14 to 16, Thermo Fisher Scientific will host its annual software user group meeting and laboratory informatics conference for the Middle East at the Jumeriah Emirates Hotel in Dubai.

		Schneider Electric announces 1Q results - 04/19/07 Schneider Electric sales for the first quarter of 2007 totaled €3,893 million, up 22.4% from the year earlier period.

		Ethernet Direct introduces Modbus Gateways and DAQ modules - 04/19/07 RUM series Modbus gateway provides communication between Ethernet and serial Modbus devices. Five DAQ modules support Modbus.

		Ethernet Direct announces Tutorial Site Video tutorial and training site offers a comprehensive technical Reference Library of information specifically oriented to Industrial Ethernet.

		Agilent releases 5000 Series portable oscilloscopes - 04/18/07 5000 Series oscilloscopes offer high-resolution, lab-quality waveform acquisition and measurement capability in a lightweight, portable frame.

		Opto 22 enhances Qlarity Foundry HMI Software - 04/18/07 Enhancements include a SNAP PAC object library, support for object themes, and source-level debugging.

		AMS introduces ST10-S Stepper Drive for OEMs - 04/18/07 Suitable for use by OEMs, the ST10-S delivers up to 10.0 A with 24-80VDC input. It can be controlled by a step and direction input, or by a host controller via serial communications.

		Raytek introduces Marathon MM 3M IR Thermometer - 04/18/07 The Marathon MM 3M measures low-to-medium temperatures with more accuracy regardless of changing emissivity, and is suitable for temperature measurement in the metals processing industry.

		Flowserve president promoted to Chairman of Hydraulic Institute - 04/18/07 Thomas E. Ferguson has been chosen as Chairman of the Board for the Hydraulic Institute (HI) for 2007-2008.

		P+F releases Mobile Advanced Diagnostics Module for fieldbus - 04/18/07 Mobile Advanced Diagnostic Module for FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 and PROFIBUS PA installations can be used in Zone 2/Class I, Div. 2 areas. It provides precise analysis of the fieldbus physical layer without requiring a permanent connection or altering the signal.

		Control See enhances U.C.ME-OPC software - 04/18/07 Enhancements include an alarm import from iFix, a new alarm type for Citect, improved OPC connectivity, and tighter integration with SCADA/HMI applications.

		Bosch Rexroth presents Hydraulics Training Courses Courses offered include principles of hydraulics, hydraulic system design considerations, electronic controls for hydraulic systems, and maintenance and troubleshooting. Classes will be held through November 2007

		AutomationDirect launches AcuAMP current sensors - 04/18/07 AcuAMP line includes current sensors, transducers, and switches, all of which mount on a DIN rail.

		ABB to install CPM system for food company in Switzerland ABB will install a CPM (Collaborative Production Management) solution for Wander AG, Switzerland. Wander makes Ovomaltine and other brand-name drinks throughout Europe.

		Blancett announces QuikSert Turbine Flow Meter - 04/18/07 QuikSert in-line turbine flow meter has a between-the-flange design that eliminates the need for mating flanges, resulting in cost savings and less installation time.

		Infor appoints Jon Pilkington vice president - 04/18/07 Jon Pilkington has joined Infor as vice president of corporate operations for its Performance Management (PM) solutions group.

		ISA issues standard for power plant HMIs - 04/18/07 ISA approved ISA-RP77.60.05, "Fossil Fuel Power Plant Human-Machine Interface: Task Analysis," as an ISA recommended practice.

		Toellner Systems announces Part Loader - 04/17/07 Part loader can rotate selected parts 180° and reload them for Op. 20 machining.

		FF names P+F CEO to FF BOD - 04/17/07 The Fieldbus Foundation named Dr. Gunther Kegel, chief executive officer of Pepperl+Fuchs, to its board of directors.

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