Automation & Control News for February 2007 on Automation.com

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Find all the latest information on these topics:
	Automatic Identification
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	Digital Factory
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	Fluid Power, Valves & Pumps
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	OPC
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	Power & Energy
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	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 February 2007.

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

		ISA'S International Instrumentation Symposium to be held in Tulsa ISA's International Instrumentation Symposium will be held 30 April - 3 May at the Doubletree Hotel, Warren Place, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It includes technical information and training in the traditional areas of measurements/sensors, instrumentation systems, data and advanced system/sensor technology.

		ISA's Analysis Division Symposia to be held in Houston, Texas The ISA Analysis Division will host its 2007 symposium at the Marriott Hotel Houston Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, 15-19 April. The theme for this event, "Process Control and Compliance: Analytical Solutions," covers process analysis topics ranging from methods and applications to system operation and maintenance.

		ISA POWID Division Symposium Celebrates 50 Years The 50th POWID Symposium, held in partnership with EPRI, will be held 10-15 June at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA. It is also considered the 17th Annual Joint ISA POWID/EPRI Controls and Instrumentation Conference.

		BuilConn building automation show opens in Middle East BuilConn will be held at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai 26-28 February, 2007 and will focus on the trends, drivers and opportunities in real-estate developments in the Middle East region, with particular emphasis on the role of connectivity in building systems and with IT.

		Fieldbus Foundation finalizes General Assembly agenda The theme of this year's General Assembly, "Changing the Playing Field," reflects the Fieldbus Foundation's emphasis on providing a total automation infrastructure management solution for industrial end users. The event will address key topics such as open scalable integration, process integrity, and business intelligence.

		General Monitors provides online SIL Resource Center The online SIL Resource Center has examples of how to determine Safety Integrity Levels and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), links to associated standards organizations, an extensive Questions and Answers section on the background and requirements of SIL and SIS process industry practices, along with a Common SIL Myths section.

		ABB to provide controls for new $1 billion generating unit in Louisiana - 02/28/07 ABB will supply burner management, boiler controls, and BOP controls for two 330 MW circulating fluidized bed boilers at Cleco Power's new $1 billion Rodemacher Power Station, a 660 MW generating unit near Boyce, LA. ABB will provide System 800xA with operator stations, Harmony Bridge controllers for monitoring and control, and PLC interfaces to the turbine controls via standard OPC technology.

		Moore Industries introduces BIMETAL Temperature Sensor with Local Readout - 02/28/07 The BIMETAL Dual-Mode Remote Thermometer provides on-site indication of process temperature conditions, and simultaneously provides a mV or ohm signal proportional to temperature for input to a transmitter, Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), controller, recorder, indicator, PLC, DCS or SCADA system.

		Xycom Automation becomes Pro-face - 02/28/07 Xycom Automation is adopting Pro-Face as its new corporate name. Xycom will remain a product brand name fully supported in the Pro-face family of Operator Interface and Industrial PC products.

		Fieldbus Foundation to exhibit at Interkama 2007 The booth layout will feature purpose-built kiosks offering an extensive overview of key fieldbus applications and FOUNDATION technology solutions through displays and demonstrations of registered devices, host systems, tools and services available from more than 20 of the world's leading automation equipment suppliers. The Interkama 2007 International Trade Fair is held April 16-20 in Hannover, Germany.

		Control Microsystems enhances ClearSCADA 2007 software - 02/28/07 Enhancements include an integrated module for electronic flow measurement (EFM) applications, support for additional master protocols, enhanced system and query processor performance, optimized vector graphics, a sophisticated scheduler utility, an expanded driver library, increased security and alarm management.

		KUKA supplies robotics for AGV applications - 02/28/07 Kuka Robotics has been selected by Transbotics Corporation to provide robotics to work with a new line of Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV). The robots and AGVs streamline material handling processes for manufacturers by offering a complete solution for material handling from receiving to production to shipping.

		Lantronix launches IntelliBox-I/O 2100 programmable device server - 02/28/07 IntelliBox enables customers to connect industrial, commercial, medical, retail and security equipment to IP networks and the Internet to automatically monitor and respond to events in real-time with no human intervention. Triggered by an event, the IntelliBox automatically responds with pre-determined, user-defined responses.

		Advantech launches USB-4716 16-bit USB I/O Module - 02/28/07 USB-4716 200 kS/s 16-bit multi-function USB I/O module includes a USB connector with screw fasteners and a DIN-rail mounting kit. It draws power directly from the USB port and therefore does not require an external power supply.

		Emerson automates 4,000-MW ultra-supercritical power plant in China - 02/28/07 Emerson won a $7 million contract to automate the four unit, 4,000-MW, coal-fired plant in April 2005. The plant, which is owned by Huaneng Power International, is the first 1,000-MW-per-unit power plant in China, as well as the country’s first to use ultra-supercritical technologies. Two of the four units recently went on line.

		ARC says CPM Market in Europe to hit $1.6 Billion by 2011 - 02/28/07 The European Collaborative Production Management (CPM) software market is in flux. Over the next five years, the market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%. In 2006, the CPM software and service market was worth $889.6 million and is forecasted to exceed $1.6 billion by 2011 according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.

		Rexroth introduces IndraMotion system for Metal Forming - 02/28/07 IndraMotion for Metal Forming Roll Feed system contains pre-defined, user-activated functions needed for specific applications such as roll feed and a flying cut off. All the user must do is set the length, speed and quantity parameters. One model uses standard fieldbus protocols (Profibus, DeviceNet).

		ARC says Magnetic Flowmeter Market to Reach $866 Million by 2011 - 02/27/07 The worldwide market for magnetic flowmeters is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% over the next five years. The market was $730.4 million in 2006 and is forecasted to be nearly $866 million in 2011, according to an ARC Advisory Group study.

		Haydon Switch enhances Linear Actuators - 02/27/07 Size 23 hybrid linear actuators are now available with a 0.9 degree step angle. This new step angle is designed for higher resolution and allows for a full step linear movement of 0.0000625” (1.6 microns).

		Catalog Data Solutions offers free CAD Configurator Whitepaper - 02/27/07 The "Next Generation CAD Configurators Save Time and Money" whitepaper details five key trends in the manufactured products market that have converged to create a new opportunity for manufacturers and distributors. The white paper explains how the company's comfigurator software helps.

		ARC says Servo Drive Market to reach $3.8 billion by 2010 - 02/27/07 The worldwide market for servo drives is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% over the next five years. The market was $3.07 billion in 2005 and is forecasted to be over $3.839 billion in 2010, according to an ARC Advisory Group study.

		ASI releases Rolly 1000 Wire Labeling System - 02/27/07 Rolly 1000 high-speed desktop thermal printer for volume printing of wire markers and adhesive labels has 300 dpi resolution.

		Beckhoff Automation announces Mini PCI Fieldbus Cards for Industrial PCs - 02/27/07 Mini PCI fieldbus cards support PROFIBUS, CANopen, DeviceNet and Ethernet networks. The resulting smaller PC size saves valuable control cabinet space, but, like standard PCI fieldbus cards, the interfaces are optimized for fast controllers and real-time tasks.

		LXI Consortium plans upgrades to LXI standard - 02/27/07 The Consortium plans to work on new identify schema that provides more detailed information about an instrument, new requirements for event logging, an enhanced discovery mechanism that makes it easier to identify LXI devices over the Ethernet, and more.

		Phoenix Contact named Manufacturer of the Year by NEDA - 02/27/07 Phoenix Contact was honored as the top manufacturer-supplier of passive components by the National Electronic Distributors Association.

		Stafford Manufacturing introduces ACME threaded collars - 02/27/07 ACME Threaded Shaft Collars provide optimum axial power for applications such as stroke limiting, gear and bearing nuts, or height and spring tensioning. Precision machined with right- or left-hand threads to match ACME shafts, these collars are offered in steel and stainless steel.

		NI announces PXI RF switches for video and communications test - 02/27/07 RF switch modules for 50 and 75 Ohm RF applications include 11 new 4x1, terminated 4x1, dual 4x1 and 8x1 multiplexers as well as quad (4) SPDT and dual-terminated SPDT general-purpose configurations. All have relay count tracking, which allows engineers to keep track of relay closures.

		NI President elected to National Academy of Engineering - 02/27/07 Dr. James Truchard, CEO, president and cofounder of National Instruments was elected to membership in the National Academy of Engineering. Truchard was recognized for creating virtual instrumentation, which enabled the rapid development of customized measurement systems in industry, academia and classrooms.

		Adept announces Cobra s800 robot for high-speed packaging - 02/27/07 Designed to make use of available ceiling space, the Cobra s800 Inverted robot is ideal for over-the-belt high speed packaging for multiple industries, including food and beverage, medical, pharmaceutical, personal care products and electronics.

		Prosilica releases GE1650 GigE Vision Camera - 02/26/07 GE1650 high-resolution, progressive scan, 2-megapixel CCD cameras operate at video frame rates of 30 Hz or more with 1600x1200 resolution for machine vision and industrial inspection applications. Both color and monochrome models are available with either standard C-mount or optional F-mount.

		JAI signs Integrys as channel distributor in Canada - 02/26/07 Integrys will offer the full line of JAI and PULNiX camera brands to customers in the machine vision, medical, and scientific communities. Integrys is a supplier of specialized products and support services for OEMs and system integrators with locations in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto (Mississauga), Ottawa, and Montreal.

		Bosch Rexroth releases CA44 Pneumatic Valves with AS-i - 02/26/07 Series CA44 two-station valve manifolds comply with AS-I specification V2.11 Rev. 1. Manifolds are avaiilable with or without digital inputs, and with or without auxiliary power. Plug-in valve design simultaneously makes both the electrical and pneumatic connections when plugging the valve into place - eliminating the need to disturb electrical wiring connections.

		Rexroth expands line of miniature linear motion products - 02/26/07 Miniature Ball Rail Systems are now avaialble in sizes 7, 9, 12, 15 and 20 in the standard version and sizes 9, 12 and 15 in the wide version.

		Dickson offers Automatic Calibration reminder service - 02/26/07 The Dickson Calibration Club service is designed to help those with NIST-certified instruments ensure their instruments retain their original calibration specifications. Members of the Club are able to create an online database for all of their instruments and assets such that they receive an e-mail notification when instruments or assets are due for calibrations.

		Emerson changes from Saab Rosemount to Rosemount - 02/26/07 Emerson changed the brand name of TankRadar gauging systems from Saab Rosemount to Rosemount. The only change for customers will be the disappearance of the Saab name from the product brand.

		Honeywell updates Field Device Manager to support EDDL and FDT - 02/26/07 Field Device Manager R301 supports both the latest Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL) and Field Device Tool (FDT) with Device Type Manager (DTM) technologies without the use of conversion tools or add-on devices. It allows configurations to be managed, monitored and changed for a large number of HART devices. Additionally, Field Device Manager can support Profibus devices through FDT.

		Rockwell Automation sells drives to two Swedish Mining companies - 02/26/07 Rockwell Automation sold two medium voltage drive turn-key solutions to zinc and iron ore mining operations in the Swedish mining industry, valued at 4 million Euros.

		ABB supplies $2 million control system to Australian Vinyls - 02/26/07 ABB won a $2 million order to upgrade the Control System at Australian Vinyls PVC resins plant located in Laverton, Victoria. The project will evolve the existing control systems to ABB's IndustrialIT System 800xA with Batch Manager and MOD AC460 controllers. Installation and commissioning is scheduled to be underway by January 2008.

		Westermo supplies Ethernet switches to sand mine - 02/26/07 Wedron Silica has chosen Westermo's high-security Lynx switches for a full industrial Ethernet redundancy ring that monitors and controls the entire mining facility. This network exchanges data from hydraulic high pressure mining cannons, and from cameras linked to the control center via fiber-optics help to control and adjust truck loading and sand drying rooms.

		Aspectrics launches MultiComponent 2750 EP-NIR analyzer - 02/26/07 MultiComponent 2750 Encoded Photometric Near Infrared (EP-NIR) process analyzer covers a spectral range of 1375-2750nm, allowing users access to combination bands between 1950nm and 2750nm. It processes100 scans/second, resulting in high sample throughput, real-time quality control monitoring and extreme sensitivity through spectral averaging.

		K-TEK acquires KAB Instruments - 02/26/07 K-TEK acquired KAB Instruments and their line of non-contact ultrasonic level measurement equipment. KAB, located in South Africa, serves the mining, plastics, pulp and paper, and aggregates industries with a family of ultrasonic transducers, transmitters, and controllers.

		MTS Sensors publishes linear position sensor catalog - 02/26/07 Temposonics catalog for the fluid power industry covers R-Series products for motion control applications and G-Series products for upgrading and retrofitting legacy Temposonics products.

		Green Hills supplies software to Curtiss-Wright - 02/26/07 Green Hills Software has teamed with Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing, who will offer developers complete embedded hardware/software solutions based on the Green Hills INTEGRITY RTOS and the MULTI development tool suite for modular computing and integrated subsystem applications in the defense and aerospace markets.

		Thermo Fisher Scientific launches LTQ XL linear ion trap mass spectrometer - 02/26/07 The LTQ linear ion trap mass spectrometer with Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD) provides peptide structure information not available from conventional dissociation methods. It is suitable for protein/peptide characterization, post-translational modification (PTM) analysis and top-down or middle-down sequencing of proteins and peptides.

		MOXA releases VPort 351 video encoder to upgrade video surveillance - 02/26/07 VPort 351 one-channel industrial video encoder provides D1 resolution @ 30 FPS and supports a dual MJPEG4/MJPEG algorithm, making it especially well suited for use with distributed surveillance systems in critical industrial applications. It meets UL508, Class1, Div. 2, making it suitable for transportation, utility, and manufacturing systems.

		ODVA publishes CompoNet specification for CIP networks - 02/25/07 Complementary to the entire family of CIP Networks, CompoNet meets the requirements of applications using large numbers of simple sensors and actuators by providing high speed communications with configuration tools and combining this with efficient construction, simple set-up and high availability – all on a single network.

		AMCI introduces SSI DuraCoder rotary encoder - 02/25/07 Absolute SSI DuraCoder is available in either single-turn or multi-turn configurations. An optional 5/8" diameter shaft has a 100 lb radial load and a 50 lb axial load rating.

		IFS signs Velocity Group as manufacturer's rep in Midwest - 02/25/07 Velocity Group will sell IFS Applications' ERP software in the Midwest. Velocity Group has been selling another ERP solution throughout North America for the past seven years.

		Kepware supplies OPC server to TriA Solutions Kepware's KEPServerEX suite will be used to supply device connectivity for TriA Solution's A3 Core, used in power monitoring and testing management solutions in Power and Distributed Generation.

		General Monitors MC600 gas detection controller handles six sensors - 02/23/07 Modular MC600 six-Channel Controller provides continuous gas monitoring when equipped with gas sensors/transmitters. It has dual redundant Modbus communications, Type 4X housing, and an optional onboard 115/230 VAC power supply that provides Class I, Division 2 classification.

		General Monitors releases TS Series H2S gas sensors - 02/23/07 TS Series Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Detectors sense H2S over a range of 0-100 ppm. The TS4000 displays H2S gas concentrations and provides complete status to the Control Room. In addition to H2S, the TS400 detects many other toxic gases.

		General Monitors' FL4000 Flame Detector receives FM approval - 02/23/07 Multi-Spectral Infrared (MSIR) FL4000 Flame Detector has been certified by Factory Mutual (FM) for application in hazardous environments.

		General Monitors' HazardWatch Fire & Gas Detection System meets NFPA 72 - 02/23/07 The HazardWatch System's controller, hardware configuration and software have been tested and certified by Factory Mutual to verify NFPA 72 compliance. This includes certification for central station monitoring, as both a fire alarm panel and gas controller, for fault tolerant digital communications, and as a releasing control panel.

		AW-Lake announces ClearView Variable Area Flow Meter - 02/23/07 ClearView meter is offered in two models: ClearView H2O for water applications and ClearView + for oils & chemicals, such as solvents and coolants. The meter is available in a variety of sizes and porting options, including NPT and BSPP in brass or polysulphone. Measuring accuracy is ±5% of full scale, with repeatability of ±1% of full scale.

		Pepperl+Fuchs introduces VBA AS-Interface I/O Nodes - 02/23/07 VBA family of I/O modules for AS-Interface specification 3.0 is CE marked and UL listed. It supports extended addressing with 4 inputs and 4 outputs for up to 62 nodes per network.

		Dynomax opens facility in Croatia - 02/23/07 Dynomax built a new three-story facility in Croatia to house both production and engineering within a single building.

		Dynomax hires Marek Broler to design spindles - 02/23/07 Broler is a mechanical engineer who has spent the last 14 years working within the automotive industry and has a through understanding of precision machinery and auxiliary systems. He will provide technical support, consult on custom concepts, and design new spindles.

		IAS Industore to display automated storage systems at IMHX 2007 - 02/23/07 At IMHX 2007, IAS Industore will be exhibiting Hänel’s automated storage systems that have revolutionised warehousing and materials handling across the manufacturing, engineering and aerospace sectors.

		JUMO announces Wtrans for wireless temperature measurement - 02/23/07 The wireless Wtrans T01.G1 temperature probe provides mobile and/or stationary measurement of temperature. The sensor is located in the probe grip and protected by a water-tight case. The radio frequencies used work well in an industrial environment.

		Barco to provide wireless MES at plant in Ireland - 02/23/07 Castors and wheels manufacturer Tente has selected Barco to provide a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for their plant in Ballymote, Co Sligo, Ireland. The PLANTMASTER MES will be installed at Tente's injection moulding facility in Ballymote to provide real-time visibility of all Key Performance Indicators (KPI.

		Data-Linc announces SRM7210E High-speed wireless Ethernet modem - 02/23/07 The SRM7210E long-range, high speed 900 MHz radio modem has speeds of up to 800 Kbps and a range of 20 miles. Using “Wideband Frequency Hopping” technology, the modem provides data rates up to six times faster then standard Frequency Hopping technology.

		Data-Linc hires Sales & Marketing Manager - 02/23/07 Hal Williams was appointed Global Sales & Marketing Manager in the Bellevue, WA corporate office.

		Data-Linc's SRM6310E-EU wireless modem certified for Class 1 Div 2 - 02/23/07 SRM6310E-EU wireless Ethernet modem meets European CE Mark and ETSI RF regulations, and has Class 1 Div 2 certification.

		Festo releases DNCE Electromechanical Rod Actuators - 02/22/07 The DNCE screw-driven linear actuator has a nonrotating round piston rod suitable for conversions from pneumatic to electromechanical automation. the DNCE is a drop-in replacement for the Festo DNC and other pneumatic cylinders based on ISO standard 6431.

		MAVERICK acquires Laplace Technologies - 02/22/07 Laplace Technologies is a global provider of advanced process control, engineering and instrumentation services. Based in Houston, Texas, Laplace specializes in process, DCS, PLC and fault-tolerant systems. MAVERICK Technologies is an engineering, systems integration and operational consulting firm.

		Hardy Instruments redesigns its website - 02/22/07 The site features a new homepage, an overall fresh, professional look and feel, and a navigation menu allowing visitors to access almost any web page within one click, no matter where they are on the Hardy site.

		Production Process MES software has real-time OEE dashboard, e-mail alerts - 02/22/07 Enhancements include a real-time productivity dashboard showing machine status, production rates, cycle times and OEE calculations, plus e-mail alerts that are sent when performance targets aren't being met.

		Honeywell enhances Profit Suite software for DCSes - 02/22/07 Profit Suite comprises advanced process control technologies that enhance the capabilities of a facility’s distributed control system (DCS). The new version increases operator effectiveness in the control room, troubleshoots a broader array of process issues, is easier to implement across third-party control systems and reduces the effort required for system maintenance.

		Emerson gas analysis contributes to power plant efficiency in South Wales - 02/22/07 Rosemount Analytical flue gas analysis products are helping to maintain efficient operations at the major RWE npower Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant in Barry, South Wales. This npower Cogen plant supplies electricity, steam and treated process water to the adjacent Dow Corning manufacturing facility.

		PDI releases J Comm underfloor branch circuit monitor - 02/22/07 J Comm BCMS fits under a raised floor and monitors current, voltage, and other power related measures for up to 168 branch breakers. It helps track and control power usage in all distribution equipment.

		RTP announces Viking III distributed controller - 02/22/07 Based on the Intel Celeron processor, the Viking III improves the speed of execution of floating point calculations, such as PID controls, Fuzzy Logic, and advanced C++ algorithms.

		FKI Logistex completes material handling project at shoe center - 02/22/07 FKI Logistex,completed a $10.8 million project with Internet shoe and apparel retailer, Zappos.com, to supply an automated material handling system for its new Shepherdsville, Kentucky distribution center (DC).

		ICS Triplex ISaGRAF is compliant with IEC 61131-3 - 02/22/07 Version 5.0 of ISaGRAF has been confirmed by TÜV Rheinland to be compliant with the requirements detailed in the IEC 61131-3 standard. ISaGRAF 5 incorporates both the IEC 61131-3 and IEC 61499 standards.

		Moore Industries signs Arjay Automation as Manufacturer’s Rep in Upper Midwest - 02/22/07 Moore Industries signed Arjay Automation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a manufacturer’s representative for all Moore Industries product lines, including MooreHawke. Arjay will be responsible for covering Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Wisconsin for Moore Industries.

		Schneider Electric releases Telemecanique Unity application generator software - 02/22/07 The UAG platform creates and manages application and configuration data for a PLC-based process control solution and the associated HMI and SCADA system. This gives users one tool to design a complete automated solution.

		Applied Motion Products introduces STAC6 Stepper Drives in 220 Vac - 02/22/07 STAC6 220 VAC Stepper Drives provide software selectable resolutions from 200 to 51,200 steps/rev at speeds up to 50 rps. Self-Test and Auto Setup measure and configure motor parameters automatically, while anti-resonance technology eliminates midrange instability for higher motor speeds and fuller use of available torque.

		Ellison Technologies names new executive committee - 02/22/07 Tim Kilty, Graham Hooper and Kent Lorenz have assumed all executive committee responsibilities. CEO Jim Ellison, will remain as chairman and CEO. Founding partners and executive committee members Don Bendix, Klaus Rindt and Len Atkins officially retired at the close of 2006. Ellison is a provider of advanced manufacturing solutions to North American metal-cutting manufacturers

		PrismTech and Green Hills announce Software for Radio Environment - 02/22/07 PrismTech and Green Hills offer a complete Software Communications Architecture (SCA)-compliant Software Defined Radio (SDR) Operating Environment (OE) running on the INTEGRITY real-time operating system.

		Phoenix Contact's McLendon Named to EIA Board - 02/21/07 Scott McLendon, vice president and general manager of Phoenix Contact USA, has been appointed to the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) Board of Governors.

		Infor offers free Webinar on ERP for automotive suppliers - 02/21/07 Infor will explain how small and midsized automotive suppliers can improve business processes, increase profitability and gain competitive advantage as part of a live webinar titled, “Experience Rapid ROI with ERP Designed for Automotive Manufacturers,” on Monday, February 26, 2007.

		Agilent supplies $12.6 million test solution to Raytheon - 02/21/07 Agilent will deliver an advanced, next-generation automated manufacturing test platform to Raytheon, Tuscon. Raytheon will initially use the system for functional and diagnostic testing of components within missile guidance systems.

		Axiom Analytical announces FDR-800 Series probe for spectroscopic monitoring - 02/21/07 FDR-800 Series compact diffuse reflectance probes can view a sample at normal incidence through a dryer or blender widow without introducing stray light. The viewed spot diameter and target offset distance are optimized for use in a typical pharmaceutical drying or blending application.

		Axiom announces F Series fiber-optic coupled reflectance probes - 02/21/07 DPR-F and DMD-F Series probes are fiber-optic coupled versions of Axiom’s DPR Series conventional and DMD Series diamond-tipped ATR probes. The probes use silver halide optical fibers to provide flexible coupling between the probe and an FTIR mid-IR spectrometer. These probes are suitable for use with strong acids and bases as well as other aggressive chemistries.

		ICONICS offers free seminars on Strategies for Operational Excellence American seminar locations include Detroit, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, Chicago, Toronto, Rochester, Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal, Nashville, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Grand Rapids, Denver and more. ICONICS will also bring its seminar to Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand and other locations around the world.

		RENCO releases RHDi heavy duty incremental shaft encoder - 02/21/07 The RHDi uses precision bearings, metal code disks, proprietary custom LED illumination, and custom Opto-ASIC circuitry. It comes with a standard 2.6” square mounting flange, and can operate in temperature extremes from 100°C to -30°C.

		General Monitors announces IR5000 infrared gas detector for combustibles - 02/21/07 IR5000 can be configured for detection of hydrocarbon gases in the 0-5,000 ppm meter and 0-5 LEL meter ranges at distances of 20, 100 or 130 meters. It can be used effectively in applications where a single monitor can cover a line of several potential leak sources, such as a row of valves or pumps.

		Online Development enhances xCoupler Module for ControlLogix - 02/21/07 Enhancements to xCoupler plant to business system data modules include message acknowledgement, handshaking and store-and-forward features. These modules work with Rockwell Automation ControlLogix PACs.

		COGNEX introduces tiny DataMan 100 1D and 2D code reader - 02/21/07 The DataMan 100 reads 1D and 2D codes including UPC/EAN/JAN, Code 39, Code 128, Code 93, Interleaved 2 of 5, Data Matrix, QR Code, and microQR Code. They are suitable for identifying items marked with 1D or 2D codes in the automotive, packaging, electronics, medical device and pharmaceutical industries.

		GE Fanuc adds serial communications modules to PACSystem RX3i - 02/21/07 Modules include a model that provides two independent, isolated serial ports and one that provides four independent, isolated serial ports. Up to six modules can be located in the RX3i backplane. Each port can be configured for MODBUS Master, MODBUS Slave, or Serial I/O protocol.

		Agilent Technologies introduces Medalist i3070 in-circuit test system for PCBs - 02/21/07 Medalist i3070 in-circuit test system for printed circuit board assembly has advanced algorithms that increase analog test throughput by up to 50 percent, compared with legacy Medalist systems.

		Electroimpact opens facility in Wales - 02/21/07 Electroimpact, a U.S. aerospace tooling company and supplier to Airbus UK, opened a facility in Wales to provide engineering support and maintenance service.

		Matrikon acquires Axonwave Software - 02/21/07 The purchase price is $4.5 million in cash for all issued and outstanding shares of Axonwave, which at closing has net tangible assets estimated at $3.7 million. Axonwave Software is a private company based in Vancouver, BC, that makes Content Intelligence System software for analyzing unstructured data, such as word processing documents, email and PDF files.

		ISA publishes "Measurement and Control Basics" book - 02/21/07 "Measurement and Control Basics, 4th Edition" by Thomas A. Hughes is a newly-revised version of the best-seller. The text is ideal for classroom use or self-study, because it provides a practical introduction to the technologies, systems, and strategies involved in industrial process control.

		Adept Technology introduces Quattro s650 packaging robot - 02/21/07 Quattro s650 robot has a 4-link parallel drive and carbon fiber construction to provide packaging cycle times which are twice as fast as previous packaging robots at up to 240 pick-and-place cycles per minute. Applications include light payload packaging and handling in the food, consumer goods, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

		Interroll introduces 3800 Series powered roller - 02/20/07 3800 Series, for use in conveyor systems that transport containers and boxes with individual weights of up to 300lb, operates with the drive components located away from the conveyor area, reducing the risk of contamination that may have adverse effects on the drive performance.

		Schneider Electric forced to divest partial MGE UPS operation - 02/20/07 Schneider Electric and American Power Conversion received clearance from the European Commission for Schneider to acquire all outstanding shares of APC, provided that Schneider Electric divests its MGE UPS Systems operations in small systems below 10 kVA.

		Schneider Electric acquires American Power Conversion - 02/20/07 Schneider Electric announced the completion of the acquisition of American Power Conversion Corporation following satisfaction of the closing conditions of the merger agreement. Under the terms of the acquisition, each share of APC common stock is converted to the right to receive US$31.00 in cash. The total amount to be paid in cash to APC shareholders represents approximately US$6.1 billion.

		Fluke Acquires DH Instruments - 02/20/07 DHI is a manufacturer of high performance pressure and gas flow standards, including calibration process software. DHI also offers A2LA accredited pressure and gas flow calibration services, as well as metrology training courses at their facility in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Under the agreement, DHI will become part of the Fluke Precision Measurement division, joining the Fluke calibration product and service teams.

		Moore Industries releases accurate THZ2 and TDZ2 Smart HART Transmitters - 02/20/07 The loop-powered Smart HART Temperature and Signal transmitters have input-to-output analog accuracy up to ±0.025°F, the absolute best in the industry. The 4-20mA temperature output signal also has a superimposed HART digital signal, which allows any HART-compatible control device to program zero, span, sensor trim offset and other calibration variables, and to interrogate and read multiple real-time process variables.

		Analytical Sensors and Instruments promotes Brian Williams to CEO and President - 02/20/07 Williams was ASI's executive vice president and general manager. He succeeds the company general partner, founder and CFO, Peter Cai, who has retired. ASI also promoted Steve Zelenak from director of engineering to vice president of engineering, and Frank Zheng from director of operations to vice president of operations.

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