Automation & Control News for August 2006 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
	Fieldbus Networks
	Fluid Power, Valves & Pumps
	HMI & Operator Interfaces
	Industrial Communications
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	Manufacturing Intelligence
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	Motion Control, Motors & Drives
	OPC
	PLCopen
	Packaging
	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 August 2006.

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

		Performance Motion Devices announces New developer’s kit for motion control - 08/31/06 the NEW ION™ Developer's Kit is an easy-to-use digital drive and software package that makes setting up and testing motion systems quick and accurate. The Developer's Kit consists of an ION Digital Drive, communication and I/O cables, easy-to-use Pro-Motion development software, and documentation.

		Yokogawa releases enhanced Safety Instrumented System - 08/31/06 An optical remote control function has been added to the ProSafe-RS, enabling ProSafe-RS Safety Instrumented System controllers and I/O modules to be connected via optical fiber. The optical remote control function allows the instrument panel rooms and safety controller to be installed at one location in a plant for remote monitoring and operation.

		Rockwell Automation awarded best new product honor from National Society of Professional Engineers - 08/31/06 Wisconsin Secretary of Commerce Mary Burke will present the award, accompanied by members of the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers board of directors. Last April, the Allen-Bradley E3 Solid-State Overload Relay received the Governor’s New Product Award, Best in State, in the Mega Employment Category, making it eligible to compete for this year’s National Society of Professional Engineers Award.

		Honeywell announces alliance with Fibrlink to improve power plant efficiency in China - 08/31/06 The agreement will help China’s power plants improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Honeywell will provide its portfolio of energy solutions used to optimize efficiency of utility plants. Power plant operators will be able to access Honeywell applications through FibrLINK’s power industry service networks.

		Middle East gas producer selects Matrikon™ alarm management solution - 08/31/06 The solution includes Matrikon's ProcessGuard for alarm management and archiving, ProcessNet for web-based visualization of real-time alarm and process data systems, ProcessMonitor for advanced analysis and predictive alarming, and consulting services.

		Mike Herbeck appointed to Director of Project Management at FleetwoodGoldcoWyard - 08/31/06 The project management function within FleetwoodGoldcoWyard will change significantly under Herbeck’s direction. The goal is to develop an industry-recognized project team that can add value to the company’s equipment capabilities, improve its execution of larger single business unit and multiple business unit projects, and exceed the expectations of its clients.

		Researchers find beeline to better production - 08/31/06 WELSH scientists are working to send productivity rates buzzing by studying the behavior of honey bees. Researchers at Cardiff University 's Manufacturing Engineering Centre have devised a new mathematical algorithm after observing bees foraging for nectar. This calculation, the researchers claim, will enable companies to maximize results by changing basic elements of their processes.

		OMRON to acquire Optical Communications Components Business from NHK Spring - 08/31/06 NHK Spring's optical coupler business includes the component micro-fabrication technologies and film deposition technologies required to produce high-performance quartz optical waveguides. OMRON intends to combine NHK Spring's quartz optical waveguide technology with its own stacked polymer optical waveguide technology to create new products that will expand its business in the "Fiber To The Home" optical coupler market.

		ExperTune guarantees savings - 08/31/06 ExperTune will provide software and services for free, in exchange for a share of the savings. With this "Software for Savings" offer, clients receive PlantTriage software, service, and training, completely free of charge. In return, ExperTune receives a 25% share of the resulting savings.

		H2O Jet introduces Waterjet Cutting Pumps - 08/30/06 The Advantage family of pumps is ideal for both water-only and abrasive waterjet cutting applications. Its operator-friendly features include real time diagnostics, quiet operation and easy access to all internal pump components. Additionally, the intensifiers are mounted at tabletop height for ease of maintenance.

		Intellicom introduces web gateway with alarm manager and data logger - 08/30/06 The NetBiter webSCADA Gateway gives remote access to serial devices over Ethernet, Internet, LANs, telephone modems, GSM and GPRS. The gateway contains built-in features for alarm handling (SMS, E-mail, SNMP), data logging and web-based data access.

		Berger Lahr Integrated Motor Lunch N' Learn Seminars in Canada - 08/30/06 Seminars on Berger Lahr motors, drives and controllers will be held on Wednesday Sept. 20th in Toronto, on Tuesday Sept. 26th in Quebec City, and on Wednesday Sept. 27th in Montreal.

		Power Sources Unlimited releases miniature AC/DC power modules - 08/30/06 Tracopower TMT Series of 15W and 30W encapsulated AC/DC power supply modules are fully compliant to the RoHS Directive. Universal (85-264VAC) input, safety class II and approvals to EN60950-1 and EN60601-1 standards qualify these modules for a wide variety of space critical applications in industrial, medical or OEM equipment.

		B&R announces drives for multi-axis machines - 08/30/06 ACOPOSmulti drives offer the highest degree of efficiency for multi-axis machines that are commonly used in the plastics, packaging, print, and textile industries. An integrated power regeneration system provides an efficient and environmentally-friendly solution for avoiding heat build-up in the switching cabinet.

		Honeywell releases new version of MES software - 08/30/06 This latest version of FLEX® 200 includes enhancements such as multi-language support for international locations, enhanced security features, and the ability to work with third-party historian systems. Using Business FLEX, companies can increase production between 3 percent and 6 percent, and decrease costs between 2 percent and 3 percent.

		Siemens introduces wireless LAN solution - 08/30/06 Scalance W is a complete wireless product family, providing access points, client modules and management tools, all with the enterprise-ready security features that WLAN customers demand. Siemens designed the Scalance W family for industrial use on the factory floor, where configurations demand flexibility in deployment.

		Opto 22 announces new high-density thermocouple input module - 08/30/06 The SNAP-AITM-8 is ideal for customers with applications requiring temperature monitoring, data acquisition, and control. The new input module accepts up to eight isolated thermocouple probes, quadrupling the density of standard SNAP thermocouple modules and reducing the cost per point by approximately 33%.

		Precise Automation and Pacific Technical Products Sign Distribution Agreement - 08/29/06 This agreement allows Pacific Technical Products to sell and support Precise Automation’s products in Southern California. These products include PrecisePlace Robots, Guidance Motion Controllers and PreciseVision Software.

		National Instruments supports Tektronix TDS1000B and TDS2000B digital storage oscilloscopes - 08/29/06 NI SignalExpress Tektronix Edition supports the newly released Tektronix TDS1000B and TDS2000B Series of digital storage oscilloscopes. The interactive PC-based measurement software allows design and test engineers to quickly acquire, analyze and document measurements on the benchtop without programming.

		National Instruments introduces four new USB DAQ Devices starting under $500 - 08/29/06 The low-cost USB-6210, USB-6211, USB-6215 and USB-6218 devices draw power directly from the USB port and therefore do not require an external power supply. They feature NI signal streaming technology, a new technology for high-speed data streaming over the USB cable, which results in a four times improvement in sampling rate over previous NI bus-powered multifunction DAQ devices.

		National Instruments RF Analyzer introduces data streaming - 08/29/06 The new RF vector signal analyzer and two new IF digitizers include advanced FPGA-based signal processing. Engineers can continuously stream high-bandwidth RF data across high-speed buses, such as PCI and PXI, directly to a PC for processing and analysis. With PC processing and open software tools, engineers can create systems with unprecedented flexibility to address emerging standards or to prototype next-generation RF systems.

		National Instruments and Agilent Technologies develop instrument drivers - 08/29/06 The two test and measurement companies are working together to provide instrument drivers to engineers and scientists shortly after the release of new Agilent measurement products, making it even easier to use NI LabVIEW with Agilent instruments.

		Ball screws from SKF® feature internal ball bearing return - 08/29/06 TCM ball screw assemblies enable precise positioning of moving parts in a wide range of applications for the automotive, aerospace, injection molding, instrumentation, medical, and machine tool industries, among others. Their unique internal return design circulates the ball bearings to the opposite end of the nut through a hole drilled in the wall of the nut body.

		RPT introduces laser cutting and scanning system robot - 08/29/06 The FLACS RT C-series laser system is an ideal solution for companies that manufacture low pressure molded automotive interior components, decorative specialty film components and other plastic, woven and non-woven material products. It incorporates all support structure, guarding and part positioning equipment, as well as robot, laser and ventilation support equipment, into a pre-engineered package.

		SyTech updates process data report generator - 08/29/06 XLReporter Professional Version 7.0 offers more ways to automatically produce reports in Microsoft Excel from live process data as well as historians and relational databases. Completed reports are automatically sent to printers, e-mail, fileservers and web servers.

		Anver's Vacuum lifter handles cylindrical nonferrous materials - 08/29/06 The VPF-57 Vacuum Lifter has a suction pad with a foam seal and tough skin that is contoured to handle the “mill finish” surfaces of non-ferrous loads such as billet, pipe, and castings. Available with optional spring-loaded parking stands to protect the foam pad when not in use, this vacuum lifter is offered with custom pads and capacities up to 2,000 lbs.

		VDC survey rates Intermec highest in its class for expertise, service and support - 08/29/06 The VDC survey analyzed telephone interview and web survey returns from nearly 1,000 users of rugged mobile computing platforms during the first half of 2006 and in 2005. This marks the second year in a row that Intermec has distinguished itself in service support among VDC survey respondents.

		Fabcon's new automated finishing machine meets tighter tolerances for precast wall panels - 08/29/06 Fabcon's automated finishing machine produces tolerances of one-eighth of an inch. In addition, the automated machine increases design flexibility for customers, allowing each panel to have complex finishes without sacrificing efficiency. The new machine can create custom finishes as well, including imprinted bands at any height on the panel.

		Elsevier to Publish ISA Transactions - 08/29/06 Elsevier will publish ISA Transactions on behalf of ISA starting in January 2007. Elsevier will distribute ISA Transactions to an international audience via the electronic platform ScienceDirect which currently has access to more than 10 million users worldwide.

		Rexroth IndraMotion introduces drive platform for up to eight axes - 08/28/06 IndraMotion MLD merges drive functions, motion control and processing logic into a modern, open automation platform for modular machine concepts. Based on Rexroth’s latest drive-based Motion Logic platform, IndraMotion MLD enables space-saving solutions with up to 8 axes – perfect for applications such as carton erecting and labeling.

		ExperTune Appoints Kevin Gibbs CEO - 08/28/06 ExperTune has appointed Kevin Gibbs as its Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. His primary focus will be managing the continued growth of PlantTriage sales.

		Beijer Electronics presents six new operator terminals - 08/28/06 New EXTER terminals for machine builders and system integrators are available in touchscreen and keypad versions with display sizes from 3.5 to 5.7 inches. The terminals easily integrate with automation systems and equipment - e.g. PLCs, variable speed drives and motion controllers - coming from the major brands on the market.

		RF Monolithics to acquire Cirronet and Caver-Morehead - 08/28/06 The Cirronet acquisition is valued at up to approximately $24.0 million in cash and stock; The Caver-Morehead acquisition is valued at approximately $4.0 million, all cash. Both Cirronet, a wireless data communications and networking company, and Caver-Morehead, which offers computerized maintenance management system (“CMMS”) software, are privately held.

		New Safety Relays from Rockwell Automation - 08/28/06 Two new Allen-Bradley safety relays deliver high-performance safety protection while helping OEMs reduce installation time and costs. The MSR142RTP and MSR144RTP relays hey offer broad application versatility and a modular, easily expandable design.

		Emerson introduces online DeltaV operator training - 08/28/06 The new operator training course provides in-depth information on the DeltaV system, operator user interface, alarms, trending and module operation. This program is a cost effective alternative to traditional classroom training, as it eliminates the need for costly travel and lodging.

		ASI announces Parallel Versions of DIN Power Supplies - 08/28/06 Parallel versions feature internal ORing diodes and an alarm contact which makes them ideal for redundant and back-up applications. The parallel versions offer a 24 VDC output in both single-phase and three phase inputs with 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30 amp capacity. In addition these power supplies feature an auto-ranging input, wide operating temperature range, high efficiency and UL508C listing.

		B&R Illuminated Ring Keys give optical advantage - 08/28/06 Illuminated ring keys are composed of a short-stroke key, a source of light, and high-performance LEDs. The luminous ring provides even distribution of light around the key. This guarantees optimal readability and signal effectiveness even at great distances.

		Ethernet Direct will exhibit at Automation 2006 Show in India - 08/28/06 Ethernet Direct is cooperating with Pako Communications Pvt Ltd. to take part in India’s Automation 2006 exhibition, which will be held from Sep. 27-30 in Bombay Exhibition Center.

		Use case list grows as ISA's Wireless Systems for Automation Standards Committee continues work - 08/28/06 The use case study allows end users to describe their specific industrial wireless application requirements in their own words, and will provide structure to ensure adequate detail for the committee's working groups. The use cases that have been completed, and those in progress, cover a variety of industries, including oil & gas, water, nuclear, food processing, chemical, aerospace, and automotive.

		Schneider Electric upgrades power manangement software for GSA to save energy - 08/25/06 The upgrade will help the agency fulfill the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and other executive orders mandating significant reductions in energy consumption, emissions and electrical demand by federal government agencies. The GSA’s Energy Center of Expertise (ECOE) will integrate web-enabled PowerLogic ION EEM energy analysis software into an existing network of PowerLogic ION 8600 intelligent revenue meters and power management software.

		IPA SBRB study says Manufacturers Optimistic About Business Prospects - 08/25/06 Small and medium-size manufacturers are more optimistic than other industry segments, with many owners and managers projecting revenue growth and continued hiring over the next 12 months, according to the results of an International Profit Associates Small Business Research Board (IPA SBRB) survey

		Rockwell Automation increases PLC Throughput by moving logic to I/O Modules - 08/25/06 The 1769-Boolean Compact I/O module has the intelligence to activate outputs based on Boolean logic. This alleviates overhead on the controller and can result in faster response times and improved system performance. The module provides the ability to address a requirement for high-speed closed loops in the CompactLogix programmable automation controller (PAC) platform.

		Power Efficiency Corp achieves 23% energy savings on stamping press - 08/25/06 A test of the Power Genius™ power controller on a metal stamping press at Check-Mate Industries was performed on a 10 horsepower motor powering a 60 ton stamping press producing handgun magazines. 23% energy savings were measured during a test conducted over two hours--one hour without and one hour with the product.

		New Flow Research study finds shift to non-contact temperature sensors - 08/25/06 The Market for Temperature Sensors in the Americas, 2nd Edition says the temperature sensor market in the Americas totaled $620 million in 2005. Revenues from sales of temperature sensors in the Americas are projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2 percent through 2010, when they are expected to reach $760 million. Trends include a shift to noncontact measurements and a move away from thermocouples and RTDs.

		Weidmuller updates Terminal Block Design Software - 08/24/06 Design, draw, email your vendor for quotes and place your order—this innovative software does it all. Some of the new features include: A new “RailDesigner Assistant” that will navigate you through every process; Improved database capabilities (i.e. datasheet generation, product search, etc.); Ability to create a subassembly as one part; and Enclosure design software.

		Fieldbus Foundation Releases Updated HSE Test Kit - 08/24/06 The new test kit provides enhanced capabilities for development and testing of FOUNDATION Class 42c HSE field and linking devices. The HCTK 2.0 test kit is a complete package that allows the user to ensure a manufacturer stack conforms to the official HSE registration testing. An excellent tool for troubleshooting and debugging HSE devices, this test kit will verify the correct communication behavior of an HSE device as defined in the HSE specifications.

		Advantech launches RS-422/485 Repeater and RS232 Converter - 08/24/06 The ADAM-4510I is a RS-422/485 repeater and the ADAM-4520I is a RS-232 to RS-422/485 converter, starting at $175 and $120 respectively. Both have a operating temperature range of -40 to 85°C, 3,000 Vdc isolation protection, and surge protection for reliable operation in harsh environment applications.

		Japanese Machine Tool Show to be held November 1 in Tokyo - 08/24/06 JIMTOF is a trade fair widely recognized and attended by all manufacturers in Japan, the world's largest producer of machine tools in the world. The JIMTOF2006 fair features choice state-of-the-art manufacturing process technology on a grand scale at Japan 's largest exhibition hall, Tokyo Big Sight, which provides over 82,660 square meters of exhibition area.

		Korenix Technology announces Redundant Ethernet Device Server - 08/24/06 JetPort 5601 RS232/422/485 Ethernet device server has built-in dual Ethernet ports. Both Ethernet ports are linked to upper communication ports and only one link can be activated at a time. When the master link breaks, the redundant back-up link will be activated in less than 200ms to guarantee non-stop data communications.

		Flowserve Pump Expert Earns Design Award - 08/24/06 Bruno Schiavello, director of fluid dynamics in the technology department of Flowserve Pumps, has won the 2006 Fluid Machinery Design Award from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

		New White Paper: Five Ways to Ensure 21 CFR Part 11 Compliance - 08/24/06 This white paper offers practical "Good System Implementation Practice" tips to help improve your validation documentation and ensure your system's Part 11 compliance. MasterControl's recommendations cover five key areas: System SOPs; User Authentication; Access security; Audit trail; Record retention

		Prosilica releases Vision Software for Linux and QNX - 08/24/06 The Linux GigE Vision SDK software provides programmers the means to control and capture images from Prosilica gigabit Ethernet cameras. These cameras, which have been used in wide range of Windows-based computer vision applications, can now also be easily used on Linux computers. SDK also includes sample code to help programmers more easily use Prosilica's cameras in Linux-based applications.

		Meriam Process Technologies releases HART Data Management Software - 08/24/06 DPC Manager software documents results from Meriam’s MFC 4100 HART Communicator and MFT 4000 Series of documenting process communicators / calibrators. The software is normally used to update these handheld products with new firmware and with HART communication files as they are released.

		New motion control software from Danaher Motion - 08/24/06 MPI software provides: An integrated C library for controls, drive/motors and I/O; low latency command-to-motion execution for integration of real-time motion with vision or high-speed I/O; reliable, deterministic network master with node self-enumeration, redundant fault tolerance and event management; real-time data access to networked controls, drives and I/O; and software field connectivity into all system components for upgrade and debugging.

		RKC Instrument releases slim power controllers with rapid response - 08/24/06 SSNP for single phase power control and SSNZ for zero-cross control are a narrow 21.5 mm to allow for close mounting, either vertically or horizontally by DIN rail mounting or screw mounting. The SSNP and the SSNZ are available in 15 amp or 25 amp. Applications include extrusion, semiconductor, test stands, environmental chambers, plastics, food, packaging and heat-related processes.

		ifm efector temperature sensor eliminates regular calibration checks - 08/24/06 The TAD Series temperature sensor provides continuous drift monitoring which eliminates regular calibration checks. When compared to a typical RTD/transmitter system that requires regular calibration checks, the TAD temperature sensor provides a significant savings over a five-year period. ifm backs up this claim with a 5-year warranty.

		Universal Flow Monitors introduces online flowmeter selection chart - 08/24/06 The flowmeter selection chart shows the technology that provides best value in a typical application of a fluid. The chart also compares various technologies and fluids on the basis of cost, accuracy, installation requirements, output type, on-unit display availability, power requirements, flow switching availability, rangability, fluid conductivity and response time.

		Yokogawa temperature transmitters certified SIL 2 compliant by TÜV NORD - 08/24/06 YTA series temperature transmitters have been certified by TÜV NORD as being compliant with the requirements of the IEC61508 international safety standard for Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2. Yokogawa is releasing the YTA series to the market, and all products in the YTA series will be SIL2 compliant.

		ABS approval extended to the WAGO I/O System - 08/24/06 ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) Type Approval for 750-841 Series Ethernet enabled programmable controller and the 758 Series Industrial PC – certifies WAGO’s I/O and controller products for use in ABS class ships and facilities in control and monitoring applications.

		Schneider Electric launches expanded automation repair services - 08/24/06 Telemecanique® Automation and Control Repair Services can maintain more than 120,000 products from more than 2,500 manufacturers. Customers now have a single source to repair or replace their entire automation and control equipment line, regardless of the manufacturer.

		Zero-Max introduces CD ROM with coupling sizing and selection software - 08/23/06 CD has latest downloadable 3D CAD drawings; CD coupling brochures in German, Spanish, French as well as English; metric sizing software for its CD and ServoClass couplings; upgraded specifications throughout including RoHS compliant product information for these two coupling product lines; and much more.

		Westermo Data Communications releases RS232/485 industrial modems - 08/23/06 High performance telephone modems provide reliable connections to remote PLCs and networks within industrial environments and in areas of high level interference. Applications include unmanned sites, which prevent the need for costly service trips.

		Schneider Electric announces Initi@tive 2006 seminar topics - 08/23/06 Schneider Electric's Initi@tive 2006 trade exposition in the United States, to be held September 28-30 in Orlando, will include seminars on automation and control, electrical distribution and energy efficiency.

		Schneider Electric promotes Jason Klann to Senior Vice President - 08/23/06 Jason Klann has been promoted to senior vice president, business development and strategy. In this role, Klann and his team will continue to drive external growth through acquisitions, as well as working with the North American Operating Division business leaders to continually develop and grow Schneider Electric business strategies in a competitive and changing marketplace.

		YAPFEST comes to ISA EXPO 2006 - 08/23/06 ISA will host a special event for young automation professionals at ISA EXPO 2006 in Houston, Texas. YAPFEST, the Young Automation Professional Festival, will be open only to automation professionals and students aged 30 and under, and will feature networking opportunities with industry executives, food, entertainment, and prizes.

		Lumberg announces DeviceNet cables - 08/23/06 New DeviceNet cables include thin and mid hi-flex cables, Mid standard specification cables and thick tray rated cables. Together with the already existing standard cables, Lumberg now offers a complete line of DeviceNet cabling options.

		Spartan Scientific's media separated solenoid valve creates contamination barrier - 08/23/06 The Series 4B23 solenoid valve is a direct acting, media separated two-way two-position dry operator valve in which the media remains isolated from the metal working components of the valve, creating a two-way contamination barrier. The media remains untainted by the metals in the operator and at the same time, the moving parts of the valve are protected from the effects of particulates and aggressive chemicals.

		FKI Logistex wins RFID contract for Hamburg, Germany Library - 08/23/06 FKI Logistex has won a contract from Hamburg Library (Hamburger Öffentliche Bücherhallen (HÖB)) in Germany to deliver a fully automated RFID-based item-handling and sorting system for the Hamburg central library and 17 city libraries.

		MTL’s New HART DTM software available free of charge - 08/23/06 The Generic Comms DTM (Device Type Manager)enables MTL’s MTL4840 HART connection system, MTL8000 Process I/O and its MOST controllers to pass HART data to any Instrument Maintenance software (IMS) packages using the FDT/DTM concept.

		SICK Color and OCR Sensors do the work of machine vision systems - 08/23/06 CVS Color Vision Sensor family includes four color vision sensor solutions: the CVS1 Easy, CVS2, CVS3 and the CVS4. Because they are sensors, the CVS family provides a more cost-effective solution for applications that would otherwise require more complicated and expensive vision systems.

		ABB wins five-year maintenance contract from Cooper Tire - 08/23/06 ABB has signed an agreement with Cooper Tire and Rubber Company to manage maintenance operations at Cooper's Albany, Georgia plant in the United States.

		New three-phase monitoring relays from Carlo Gavazzi - 08/23/06 DPB71 and the DPC Series monitoring relays are ideal for protecting machinery and people in instances where three phase voltage is used, such as with industrial automation machinery, switchgear and elevators/escalators.

		LXI Consortium’s sixth PlugFest tests Class A and B Devices - 08/23/06 The LXI Consortium’s recent PlugFest, held July 25-27 in Cleveland, Ohio, was highlighted by the testing of products meeting Class A and Class B requirements in a simulated real-world environment. Class A devices are the most advanced LXI instruments that include time synchronization via the IEEE 1588 precision time protocol as well as a hardware trigger bus.

		PROSTEP brings its supply chain integration to North America - 08/22/06 The leading PLM integration specialist in the area of product data integration and supplier communication, announced that it has expanded its global presence by opening a new office in Michigan’s Automotive and High Tech Corridor, in the Detroit regional city of Troy, effective July 1, 2006.

		Ingersoll announces fastening controller for screwdrivers and spindles - 08/22/06 Insight IC controllers can be used to control all stationary and hand-held QE screwdrivers and QM spindles. Every electrically controlled tool in the Ingersoll-Rand range can now be dealt with by this new equipment series.

		Emerson to automate Scandinavia’s largest oil-fired power plant - 08/22/06 Emerson Process Management received a contract to modernize the instrumentation and control systems for Unit 3 of the Karlshamn power plant in Sweden. The contract, which calls for the installation of Emerson’s PlantWeb digital plant architecture with the Ovation expert control system, was awarded by Karlshamn Kraft AB, a company within E.ON Nordic and partly owned also by Fortum Generation.

		Falcon Electric solves voltage regulation problems - 08/22/06 Acting as a solid-state generator, the new SVR regenerates new AC power from the utility and supplies connected equipment with clean problem-free power. Due to the SVR's unique design, the units can also perform 50/60 Hertz frequency conversion for worldwide 230-volt applications in a compact 20-pound package (1.5kVA unit).

		ASI introduces Modular Fuse Holders for Class CC and Midget Fuses - 08/22/06 Available in single, double and triple pole versions, with or without LED blown fuse indication, these fuse holders provide for up to 30A at 600V. The UL approved fuse holders provide a touch-proof housing design and the fuse is completely removed from the circuit during replacement.

		MKS introduces Distributed Control Platform - 08/22/06 The CONTROLweb platform uses an Ethernet backbone to enable modular, idealized control architectures. The suite of configurable modules, including RMU Linux Logic Controllers and MicroNode and MacroNode intelligent Ethernet I/O units, maximizes logic flexibility and I/O performance while minimizing deployment and support costs.

		Schneider Electric introduces new relays and counters - 08/22/06 Schneider Electric has enhanced its popular Zelio line of automation products with the introduction of the new Telemecanique brand Zelio plug-in relays, Zelio Logic 2 programmable smart relays, Zelio count counters and Zelio analog interface modules.

		Acrosser introduces half-size Celeron-M 600MHz fan-less embedded board - 08/22/06 The AR-B1841CM600ZC has four RS-232 and six USB 2.0 ports for I/O connectivity and high speed bus communication. It can be used stand-alone or with a PCI backplane for additional I/O expansion.

		Ethernet Direct supports worldwide Industrial Ethernet survey - 08/22/06 Ethernet Direct will sponsor a worldwide Industrial Ethernet Survey being developed by Network Vision. To better understand how companies look at and approach industrial Ethernet technology, Network vision has developed the Worldwide Industrial Ethernet Survey to help recognize key issues and how companies are addressing them.

		Compact Electronic Pressure Regulator now available with Zero-Based Ranges and ATEX Intrinsically Safe Compliant - 08/22/06 ControlAir Inc. announces the current-to-pressure (I/P) and voltage-to-pressure (E/P) Type 900X transducer is now available with zero-based units ranging from 0-7.5 psi to 0-60 psi outputs. The Type 900X approved by Factory Mutual (FM) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) as intrinsically safe, is also now compliant with the ATEX directive 94/9/EC for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in Europe.

		ATS announces reorganization of North American Operations - 08/22/06 ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. today announced the launch of a significant reorganization of its Automation Systems Group (ASG) as part of the continuing implementation of its strategic plan and improvement initiatives.

		B&R's new bus controller based on Ethernet Powerlink - 08/22/06 The X20 bus controller has a system width of a mere 37.5 mm (1.5 inches). Made up of a base module, a supply module to supply the voltage for the entire system, and a fieldbus interface, the bus controller is an extremely flexible fieldbus connection.

		Keithley offers training course on remote control of instruments in a LabVIEW® environment - 08/22/06 During this two-day, hands-on course, attendees will learn how to assemble and configure instruments from a variety of vendors into an efficient test setup, and control all of them from a single software interface. Attendees will be able to avoid costly delays by learning how to recognize common test system data communication issues and to steer clear of measurement errors by learning how to coordinate the operation of multiple instruments.

		Hardy Instruments introduces Weight Controllers with Ethernet/IP and DeviceNet - 08/21/06 Only three inches deep, the HI 4050 general-purpose weight controller is the first of a new line of modular controllers by Hardy Instruments. It is used in tank farm, batching/blending, filling/dispensing, check weighing, level by weight, and force measurement applications.

		Infor delivers Enterprise Asset Management Solution for small to midsize Enterprises - 08/21/06 EAM Business Edition is a powerful enterprise asset management (EAM) solution that enables a small to midsize enterprise to control critical functions including work orders, purchasing, inventory and preventative maintenance, without the investment and extended implementation time required for large-scale installations.

		JAI PULNiX announces Gigabit Ethernet Camera - 08/21/06 The TM-1327GE is a compact progressive scan CCD camera, featuring a 2/3” image sensor and the ability to capture 30 frames per second at a full 1.4 megapixel resolution. It is suited to applications involving widely varying light conditions, specialized targeting, or inspection of blemishes or defects not easily observed in the visible spectrum.

		ISA's first annual Marketing & Sales Summit speaks to Senior Marketing - 08/21/06 Worldwide expert Jane Lansing, Vice President of Marketing at Emerson, will give a keynote address at ISA's first annual Marketing and Sales Summit, held 13-15 September at the Omni Hotel in Austin, Texas. Lansing's topic, "Engineers are People, Too," will focus on marketing to engineers and technical customers. Her presentation will explore methods of communicating effectively with audiences, implementing efficient marketing in a challenging environment, and developing effective tools for a sales force.

		Rockwell Automation announces new line of industrial computers - 08/21/06 The expanded Allen-Bradley VersaView is a cost-effective, rugged family of industrial computers and monitors that are designed to meet the needs of virtually any industrial application - including visualization, control, information processing and maintenance.

		KUKA Robotics introduces new family of high speed robots - 08/21/06 The new high speed SCARA robot family is designed for customers needing highly reliable an precise automation solutions of long reach tasks. The new 4-axis robots, when combined with KUKA Robotics’ user friendly PC-based control platform, gives customers an extremely easy to learn and use pick and place automation solution.