Automation & Control News for January 2007 on Automation.com

Automation.com Real-time Information for the Automation Professional Nov. 21, 2008

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

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		ISA Training Courses avaialble at ABB's Automation World ABB Automation World 2007 will be held at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, on 20-22 March. All individuals registering for a one-day ISA course will also receive complimentary access to the ABB Technical Training Program & Exhibits.

		Measurement Computing introduces USB counter/timer modules - 01/31/07 The USB-4301 is a 5-channel, 16-bit counter/timer with one 8-bit dedicated input port, and one 8-bit dedicated output port. The USB-4303 is a 10-channel version. Both come in an impact-resistant ABS plastic enclosure, measuring 5 x 3.5 x 0.4 in. high. Each module has two rows of 24 screw terminals for wiring in the lab or in the field.

		Deacom supplies ERP system to adhesives manufacturer - 01/31/07 Evans Adhesive chose the DEACOM Integrated Accounting and ERP Software System to replace its partially integrated accounting program and formula management software. The goal of the project was to make business processes simpler and more efficient for the Columbus, OH-based supplier.

		Phidgets announces $95 3-Axis Accelerometer - 01/31/07 PhidgetAccelerometer provides vibration, tilt, and acceleration sensing. The module is calibrated at the factory and comes ready to use; it connects to a PC or a MAC through the USB port. The product is designed for quick prototyping and can be used in a wide variety of applications.

		Contemporary Controls publishes Guide for Troubleshooting Ethernet Networks - 01/31/07 Free guide, "The ABCs of Ethernet Troubleshooting," asks 22 common questions to consider when troubleshooting a network. The questions include “Do the link LEDs indicate proper cable connections?” or “Are you connecting a single-mode fiber optic device to a multimode fiber optic device?" And more.

		Siemens Milltronics Millpulse 600 motion sensor receives CE approval - 01/31/07 The CE Mark indicates conformity to the legal requirements of the European Union (EU) Directive with respect to safety, health, environment, and consumer protection.

		Keithley wins semiconductor industry award - 01/31/07 Keithley was recognized for outstanding customer satisfaction by VLSI Research Inc, who provides independent customer evaluations of semiconductor equipment suppliers.

		Intermec and NASA to research automated part tracking in space - 01/31/07 Part identification markings and tags -- which remain readable after exposure to the extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation, atomic oxygen, hard vacuum, and contamination in low earth orbit -- will be evaluated and then certified for use on future space vehicles and added to NASA's part identification requirements.

		Intermec IF5 RFID Reader rated high by test lab - 01/31/07 The IF5 Fixed RFID Reader was ranked the top performer in adjacent dock door use by U.S. RFID testing lab ODIN technologies.

		Eagle adds ProLink II Web Service Request Module to ProTeus V CMMS - 01/31/07 ProLink II lets ProTeus V users enter and track work orders over the web.

		Eagle Technology enhances ProTeus V CMMS software - 01/31/07 Ther Sentry-V enhancement combines Eagle’s CMMS solution with advanced algorithms for performance monitoring of air distribution systems. Benefits include energy savings, greater occupant comfort, improved equipment performance and overall lower cost of operation and maintenance. It uses existing systems data and works with all major Building Automation Systems (BAS).

		Microsoft and OMAC host Manufacturing Operations Forum - 01/31/07 Microsoft and the OMAC Microsoft Manufacturing User Group (MS MUG) hosted the Manufacturing Operations Forum in Redmond, Washington, last week. Presentations from the forum will be posted on the MS MUG website next month.

		Cyco Software signs reps in Central & South America - 01/31/07 Cyco Software has signed IT Consol, the largest MRO reseller in Central America, and Synapsis, one of the largest IT providers in South America.

		Patent Office validates National Instruments' LabVIEW Patent - 01/31/07 The United States Patent Office issued a reexamination certificate upholding the validity of one of National Instruments' patents, U.S. Patent No. 5,301,336 ("'336 patent"), which relates to National Instruments' LabVIEW software. The reexamination process resolves a challenge started on June 16, 2004, by an anonymous petitioner.

		NI releases LabWindows/CVI 8.1 real-time module - 01/31/07 The module is an extension to the ANSI C development environment that makes it easy for engineers to create and deploy reliable and deterministic applications to dedicated real-time hardware such as PXI and desktop PCs.

		Xycom Automation takes new corporate name - 01/31/07 Xycom Automation is adopting Pro-Face America as its new corporate name.

		Green Hills Software releases Version 5.0 of MULTI Compiler - 01/31/07 The MULTI 5.0 compiler yields a significant code density and speed improvement over the previous generation of Green Hills’ compilers, including a 14% performance improvement in the EEMBC Telecom benchmark.

		Schaefer releases AEP-A2000R Series 2KVA Pure Sine Wave Inverter - 01/31/07 The pure sine wave output of the AEP-A2000R Series offers benefits over modified or quasi-sine wave units by delivering “clean” output power for powering sensitive loads and for improving AC equipment performance. The AEP-A2000R Series is available in three standard input configurations of 12VDC, 24VDC and 48VDC.

		Honeywell acquires process control software from PAS - 01/31/07 Honeywell acquired the Advanced Process Control (APC) and Optimization business of PAS Inc., a leading software provider for the process industries. The acquisition includes all the software offerings related to the APC business. As part of the deal, Honeywell acquires PAS’ Advanced Process Control and Optimization employees and will continue to serve the division’s customers.

		TURCK announces M40 Connectors, suitable for a 30 hp DC motor - 01/31/07 M40 powerfast connectors are suitable for motor applications, handling up to 600 Volts and 55 Amps: enough power for a 30 horse DC motor or a 55 horse 3-phase AC motor.

		Moore Industries releases LRX Low-Power Temperature Transmitter - 01/30/07 The LRX Low-Power Temperature Transmitter is suitable for oil and gas well-heads and similar installations where line power is not available. With an exceptionally low power consumption of only 3mA, the LRX mounts in remote or infrequently accessed field locations where solar or battery power systems are used.

		Beckhoff Automation hires Sales Manager for Mountain States - 01/30/07 Mark Whitaker has been hired as Regional Sales Manager for states in the U.S. Mountain Time Zone. Based in the Denver area, Whitaker will provide direct sales support to Beckhoff customers located in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming.

		Hedland receives patent on MR flow transmitter - 01/30/07 The new design avoids consuming too much power by activating only portions of the Anisotropic Magnetoresistive (AMR) array electronics in a systematic way.

		ASI announces High Density PLC Relay Interface - 01/30/07 The 6.2mm wide PLC relay interface consists of a base terminal block and a pluggable relay. The heavy-duty long life electromechanical relays are rated for AC or DC circuits and are ideal for all types of inductive applications. The pluggable relays can be replaced quickly and economically without having to remove the wiring.

		Lantronix launches $20 XPort embedded device gateway - 01/30/07 The XPort Direct embedded device gateway is a complete, miniaturized communications subsystem targeted at applications that need to move commands, status and information over IP networks or the Internet, to or from remote devices.

		Interroll introduces EC200 brushless rollerdrive with integrated control - 01/30/07 The EC200 24V DC-powered RollerDrive combines high speed and integrated intelligent electronics. The four-quadrant controller permits controlled accelerations and decelerations as well as constant conveyor speeds over the entire weight range.

		Kepware releases DNP drivers for KEPServerEx - 01/30/07 The DNP OPC Server Suite supports both serial and Ethernet drivers and provides consistent access from DNP 3.0 slave devices to a wide variety of OPC client-enabled applications. DNP is an open protocol used in applications where data integrity over minimal data bandwidth is important. It is primarily used in Power Generation & Distribution related industries but is also common in other Utility applications such as Wastewater Treatment.

		Sealant Equipment announces horizontal Snuf-Bak dispense valve - 01/30/07 Model 2200-972-001 Manual Snuf-Bak Horizontal Dispense Valve is for precision shot dispensing of one-component materials horizontally onto an exterior surface or into a product interior. It consists of a standard Snuf-Bak valve nested in a hanging bracket assembly and includes a manually operated electric trigger for operator activation of the dispensing operation.

		SKF releases hybrid bearings with ceramic rolling elements - 01/30/07 SKF hybrid bearings with silicon nitride rolling elements and steel rings provide insulation against stray currents in large variable speed electric motors to eliminate electric arc bearing damage and resulting premature bearing failure. The ceramic rolling elements also make these bearings lighter, harder, and more durable.

		Groschopp signs Midwest rep - 01/30/07 Advance Sales & Engineering of Big Lake, Minnesota, will be representing Groschopp's fractional horsepower OEM motors in the territory of Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

		Matrikon and Umetrics to combine software packages - 01/29/07 Umetrics and Matrikon will combine Matrikon's ProcessMonitor products with Umetrics' SIMCA-P+ and SIMCA-Batch On-Line data analysis products for the seamless installation of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) solutions in the pharmaceutical market.

		Brady announces 3 Series glow-in-the-dark numbers and letters - 01/29/07 3 Series Ultra Reflective/Glow-In-The-Dark Numbers and Letters are ideal for clearly identifying electrical utility equipment such as electrical boxes, pedestals, transformers and utility poles. The 3 Series numbers and letters are also optimal for facility identification and general purpose marking such as aisles, equipment, shelving and bins.

		Renco releases 3.3 Volt RCML15 optical commutation encoder - 01/29/07 RCML15 compact optical encoder provides signals for brushless motor commutation as well as incremental position feedback in a low profile (0.350” height) optical encoder.

		Matrikon releases free Operational Insight Lite OPC software - 01/29/07 Operational Insight Lite, a software tool to acquire, display, and analyze OPC data, is available as a free download to a limited number of beta users in February, then will be free to all in April. It includes the ability to access both real-time and historical data.

		KUKA Robotics announces wireless robot control - 01/29/07 At ATX West Expo in Anaheim, CA, February 13-15, 2007, Kuka will show an application using a KR16 robot and KRC 2 Controller being controlled by a Wii controller & Bluetooth technology. This concept cell was designed to show the next step in the trickle down of robotic technology to consumers from the industrial robot market.

		Setra pressure transducers test Heat Transfer Inc. boilers - 01/29/07 The Setra Model 201 is used during the boiler firing rate test, the testing phase whereby the boiler is tested to make sure the boiler is firing at its designed rate. To accurately determine the gas flow rate the pressure of the gas flowing into the boiler must be known and the Model 201 is used to measure this pressure.

		AMT announces training class for servo driven spot welding guns The class, offered at the customer's site by Applied Manufacturing Technologies, focuses on servo driven spot welding guns for robotic applications. The classes will consist of servo gun training for either Fanuc RJ3iB robots or ABB IRC5 robots.

		Honeywell to supply control systems to copper mining company - 01/29/07 Codelco will use Honeywell’s automation systems to improve concentrator plant performance. Codelco produces 1.8 million tons of fine copper per year, about 15 percent of the world’s production.

		Unison to supply servo-driven tube bending machinery for aircraft carriers - 01/29/07 Unison has won an order worth over $2.5 million to supply tube-bending machinery to Northrop Grumman Newport News for aircraft carrier production. The order is for three of Unison's Breeze machines, to bend tubes of up to six inches in diameter, plus tooling and spares. Delivery will start in April 2007.

		ISA and OAGi agree to work on standards - 01/29/07 ISA and the Open Applications Group have entered into an agreement to cooperate on joint projects and exchange standards documentation. The first step taken under this cooperative agreement is OAGi's commitment to express the ISA-95 data models in the OAGIS standard.

		GarrettCom releases Magnum 6k25e Managed Ethernet switch - 01/29/07 Magnum 6K25e Switches are ideal for conditions where the switch must handle a combination of bursty data traffic and high priority streaming traffic, such as security cameras, VoIP, and some PoE devices. It supports up to eight 1-Gb ports.

		MGE upgrades Network Shutdown power management software - 01/29/07 Enhancements to Network Shutdown Module (NSM) v3.1 software include a user-friendly, web-based interface; iServer virtualization compatibility with the possibility to trigger a graceful shutdown of VMware ESX & Guest OS; IBM Blade Center compatibility for faster installation and management; NAS support with Windows Server 2003 Appliance Edition compatibility; and 64-Bit compatibility for Windows Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition on Xeon 64.

		Cognex adds more color to VisionPro PC-vision systems - 01/26/07 The new color offerings include dedicated tools for color sorting, color identification and color monitoring. These tools provide reliable color detection in automated inspection and quality assurance applications.

		Nematron introduces M-series industrial flat panel monitors - 01/26/07 M-Series is available in three sizes, 15”, 17”, and 19”. All are available with 5-wire Analog Resistive touchscreens and NEMA sealed panel mount front panels for installation in harsh environments for many factory automation applications.

		Cerno Bioscience adds Varian MS Instrument support to its MassWorks Software - 01/26/07 This new addition allows users of all Varian GC or LC/MS systems running MS Workstation to calibrate their data for accurate mass using Cerno’s MassWorks software. MassWorks opens and processes the Varian MS Workstation data from the native Varian SMS and XMS data files. This eliminates the need for importing or exporting MS data to the clipboard or utilizing intermediate exchange formats.

		Interroll releases DriveControl Z-card for multi-zone conveyor accumulation control - 01/26/07 The self-contained intelligent system controls accumulation for up to four conveyor application zones, including any combination of straights, merges or diverts. The Z-card can interface with any Interroll RollerDrive product, including both brushed and brushless solutions, significantly enhancing the control capabilities of virtually any conveyor system.

		80/20 releases catalog of T-Slot parts - 01/26/07 T-Slot Parts Supplement 2 offers a new line of fasteners, connectors, joining plates, hinges, floor to frame and other accessories that fit 80/20’s 10, 15, 25 and 40 Series T-slotted aluminum profiles.

		Walco named Siemens Solution Partner - 01/26/07 Walco was recently certified as Siemens Solution Partner Automation. There are only 11 Solution Partners (AC/DC drives) with this certification in the United States.

		Theorem's CAD translators compatible with CATIA V5 - 01/26/07 CADverters offers fast and accurate translation of CAD data between CATIA V5 R17 and Unigraphics NX; I-DEAS; Pro/Engineer; Parasolid; CADDS5; ICEM; and both ProductView and JT visualisation formats.

		Adept Technology to distribute packaging robots - 01/25/07 Adept has signed an agreement with Fundacion Fatronik for exclusive supply, distribution and service of a high speed packaging robot mechanism based on the four parallel arm concept. Fatronik will provide Adept with exclusive use of the technology. and both will fund commercialization of the mechanism.

		Advantech launches AIMB-554 ATX Motherboard with Intel Core 2 Duo Processors - 01/25/07 The AIMB-554 supports Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Core Duo, and Intel Core Solo processors with 400/533/667 MHz FSB. When using the Core 2 Duo T7400 processor, the AIMB-554 provides dual-core processing with a 4MB L2 cache and advanced power management.

		Rockwell adds power ranges to Allen-Bradley Kinetix 2000 Servo Drives - 01/25/07 Kinetix 2000 drives are now available in ranges of 300 watts to 3 kW. Other enhancements include a power rail and a SERCOS interface.

		GE Fanuc enhances Proficy Change Management software - 01/25/07 Version 5.60 enhancements include updated support for HMI/SCADA, Rockwell PLCs and Schneider Electric’s Concept.

		Rockwell Automation announces solid-state VersaView Industrial Computer - 01/25/07 The solid-state design of the VersaView 6181H can withstand up to 15g operating shock, 1.5 g operating vibration and up to 50 deg C operating temperature. It has a 24Vdc power input, Pentium 4 2.0 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM and an 8 GB Solid State Drive (SSD) preloaded with Windows XP Pro for SSD computers.

		JAI signs distribution agreement with 1stVision - 01/25/07 JAI, a manufacturer of high-performance industrial cameras, signed 1stVision of Andover, MA, to act as a channel distributor for industrial camera products throughout the United States and Eastern Canada.

		ifm efector introduces ecolink M12 cordsets - 01/25/07 The cordset family has a lock-in-place coupling nut that secures the cordset to a quick disconnect sensor and prevents the cordset from detaching – even in high shock and vibration environments. The cordset withstands harsh conditions and aggressive oils and coolants. It has cRUus approval and meets RoHS standards.

		P+F announces small, light MAH300 Bar Code Reader - 01/25/07 The MAH300 reads linear and high-density matrix symbols with Dynamic Optimization Technology (DOT). DOT continuously adapts the resolution, illumination, and image field for automatic symbology identification and decoding over the widest range of symbology types, sizes, recording surfaces and ambient lighting.

		Raytek releases CS200 for Kiln Shell Temperature Monitoring - 01/25/07 The CS200 Process Imaging System uses infrared sensor technology for temperature measurement, monitoring, control, and analysis of rotating kilns primarily used in cement and lime production. It provides full-color thermograms of the kiln surface, user-defined alarms, automatic fan control and extensive historical data analysis capability.

		Emerson's Machinery Health saves 1.5M Euros for the Belgian Navy - 01/25/07 By applying vibration and oil analysis technologies to the gas turbines on the Belgian Navy's mine hunter vessels, the mean time between maintenance (MTBM) has been extended from 2500 hours to 4000 hours, representing a saving of 71,000 Euros for each cycle. The savings enabled over the last seven years total nearly 1.5 million Euros.

		Wonderware enhances QI Analyst Software - 01/25/07 Version 8.0 of QI Analyst software has enterprise-level quality management functions that enable plant personnel to manage process variations in a standardized way, minimizing system setup, maintenance and training costs.

		Shinano Kenshi signs rep in New England - 01/25/07 Underwood Sales Corporation will become the exclusive representatives for SKC products throughout a six-state region of New England.

		Banner Racing kicks off 2007 season with Rolex 24 at Daytona - 01/25/07 Banner Engineering's 2007 racing season begins this weekend with the Rolex 24 hours of Daytona, January 27th and 28th at the Daytona speedway in Daytona Florida. Banner Engineering is campaigning two Pontiac GXP-R racecars equipped with in car and roof mounted camera units for direct coverage of all the action.

		Invensys to supply SimSci-Esscor operator training to Chinese chemical Co. - 01/25/07 Invensys will provide a comprehensive SimSci-Esscor operator training simulator (OTS) to PetroChina Dushanzi Petrochemical Company for an integrated refinery and chemical revamping project, which will process imported sour crude from Kazakhstan. By using the system, PetroChina Dushanzi will be able to enhance the knowledge and competency of the operator, reduce the startup time and shutdown period, and improve quality by reducing off-spec product.

		Loadstar Sensors completes Series B Financing - 01/24/07 Loadstar completed a $7 million dollar Series B financing, raising more than twice the amount it originally sought.

		Igus introduces stainless steel DryLin W linear guide system - 01/24/07 The stainless steel guide system is corrosion-resistant, self-lubricating and maintenance free. It is ideal for harsh environments such as underwater, chemical and wash down, or for applications ranging from packaging to food and beverage, textile and marine.

		Matrox launches Extio F1220 Remote Graphics Unit - 01/24/07 The Extio F1220 extends displays, audio, IEEE 1394 FireWire ports, and USB devices, such as a keyboard and mouse, by up to 820 ft. Separating the computer from monitors and user-interfaces helps address issues such as security, heat, noise, system maintenance and support in high-reliability computing environments.

		Beckhoff Automation promotes Mark Lewis to Support Manager - 01/24/07 He will be responsible for managing Beckhoff’s technical support, field service and repairs departments at the company’s Burnsville, Minn. headquarters.

		Emerson wins contract for performance monitoring at LNG plant in Trinidad - 01/24/07 Emerson won a $1.7M contract from Atlantic LNG to analyze the performance of process and mechanical equipment at the company’s Liquefied Natural Gas plant in Point Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago. The award is an extension to the existing contract. 340 items of equipment on Trains 1 to 4 will now be monitored by using AMS Performance Monitor.

		ATS opens Mexican office - 01/23/07 Advanced Technology Services, Inc. (ATS) has opened its first international office in Monterrey, Mexico. The Monterrey facility currently employs 80 personnel, and ATS expects to double that number in 2007. The company will continue its international growth in 2007 by expanding its operations in Mexico even further and establishing offices in the UK.

		Interroll announces Drivecontrol EC100 control modules for conveyors - 01/23/07 ZPA (Zero Pressure Accumulation) DriveControl module provides enhanced control for consecutive single-zone accumulation applications. Applications include high torque brushless Roller Drive conveying in postal, distribution center or manufacturing applications.

		Nematron announces CEO and VP of product management - 01/23/07 Greg Chandler has been appointed President and CEO, and Ralph Damato was appointed Vice President, Product Management. Chandler was a founding member of Nematron in the early 1980s. Previously, Damato developed and marketed industrial computers and flat panel monitors for Xycom Automation.

		Agilent introduces defect-prevention software for electronics manufacturing - 01/23/07 This defect-prevention software package offers statistical process control and charting package capabilities designed for operators, technicians and engineers. It has user-defined charting and alarming, historical and live-data analysis, production summary reports, and worst-feature analysis.

		Active Sensing releases PDXpert PLM software for small business - 01/23/07 PDXpert PLM product lifecycle management software addresses smaller companies' data management processes, including document and part definition, bill of materials (BOM) management, electronic file library (vault), and change forms with approval workflow.

		ISA announces 2007 Executive Board - 01/23/07 The Executive Board is composed of the President, President-elect Secretary, Past President, Treasurer, six members from the Board of District Vice Presidents and the Board of Department Vice Presidents, the Parliamentarian (non-voting), and the Executive Director (non-voting).

		Matrikon named one of Top 50 Companies Worth Watching - 01/23/07 Matrikon is one of “the top fifty automation companies in the industry,” says Control magazine. This marks the fifth time the Alberta-based industrial intelligence solutions provider has been so recognized since 2001.

		FKI Logistex supplies cranes to Preferred Freezer - 01/23/07 Six FKI Logistex Condor very-narrow-aisle (VNA) automated storage-and-retrieval crane systems will be installed in Preferred Freezer's new public refrigerated warehouses. Preferred Freezer Services has 75 million cu ft of freezer storage in 14 facilities across the United States. Delivery of the new Condor crane systems for six additional facilities is scheduled to begin in June 2007.

		Automotive supplier installs Infor TRANS4M ERP - 01/23/07 Decoma International has deployed Infor ERP TRANS4M in a just-in-time environment at its new Toledo, Ohio facility. Decoma, which manufactures exterior vehicle appearance systems, selected the solution for its integrated electronic data interchange (EDI), financials and general ledger, and custom programming support capabilities.

		Anver announces rectangular vacuum cups - 01/23/07 Rectangular Flat Vacuum Cups are ideal for handling long and thin glass, metal, composite, plastic, and wood panels prior to finishing.

		OFS releases Factory5 cable for harsh industrial environments - 01/22/07 The cable is based on HCS fiber with a 500µm ETFE buffer. The buffered fiber is encased in aramid yarn and jacketed with PVC to 2.5 mm. A high-strength aramid braid is then applied for increased strength and durability. The cable is given a final jacket up to 5.0 mm black PVC.

		ASI expands line of M8 sensor distribution boxes - 01/22/07 M8 sensor distribution boxes are now available in a PUC and PVC cable version, a version with M12 connectors for common power connections along with sensor signals, and a version with terminal blocks, allowing for field wiring installation by the customer.

		Exele adds diagnostics to OPCcalc 3.2 software - 01/22/07 OPCcalc allows users to create process calculations that use OPC tags as equation inputs and outputs. OPCcalc 3.2 adds diagnostics to monitor the health of running equations, such as equation execution times, last completed execution, and missed executions.

		FANUC Robotics receives Nissan’s Global Innovation Award - 01/22/07 FANUC won the award for the development of a truck bedliner spray system. The bedliner spray system uses robots to spray special buffer material onto truck beds, which helps prevent cargo from slipping or damaging the beds.

		B&B Electronics releases Zlinx radio modems - 01/22/07 Zlinx transmits serial signals up to 40 miles. Features include an easily accessible terminal block, along with indicator lights to indicate signal strength and signal failure, all in one DIN rail mount industrial case.

		Rexroth announces A10VSO Series 32 quiet pump - 01/22/07 The pump was designed to reduce noise and vibration levels in stationary hydraulic systems, while still providing a long service life. In addition to being quieter, the pump decreases pressure pulsation while offering improved cavitation characteristics.

		Orus3D launches RoboGauge tools for using robots as CMMs - 01/22/07 RoboGauge tools create or transform an industrial robot into an in-line coordinate measuring machine (CMM). It provides real-time, high-accuracy 3D data for inspection of critical dimensions or optimal quality control in almost any manufacturing process and production line.

		Dynasonics redesigns probe tip on MagProbe flow meter - 01/22/07 The "flat tip" design allows the use of larger conductors, which will reduce fouling in applications where suspended solids are present. The DMP integrated sensor pre-amplifier has been relocated from the probe tip to the top of the probe and permits separation of up to 990' (297 m) between the sensor probe and the Dynasonics Series MFX electronic analyzer.

		InduSoft Web Studio supports Microsoft's Vista Operating System - 01/22/07 Compatibility with Vista means that InduSoft Web Studio is still the only HMI/SCADA solution that runs on virtually every type of hardware in the automation and control industry, including cell phones, PDAs, embedded computers and panel computers, industrial devices, and desktop workstations with dual-core processors and high-power graphic cards.

		Ice Storm shuts down InduSoft in Austin, Texas: Silicon Hills out of business for three days - 01/22/07 Had trouble contacting your favorite automation vendor this week? That’s because Austin, Texas, otherwise known as the Silicon Hills and home to Indusoft and several major automation vendors, was hit by a winter storm on Monday, January 15, which essentially shut down the entire city and its automation industry for three days.

		Werum upgrades PAS-X MES software - 01/22/07 Enhancements to PAS-X PHARMA V2.3 and PAS-X BIOTECH V2.2 include improved user prompts and dialogs, support for mobile devices such as Pocket PCs and PDAs, and data base security via Real Application Cluster (RAC) and DataGuard.

		Datastick hires Derek Norfield as Director of Operations - 01/22/07 Norfield has more than 30 years experience in vibration analysis and balancing, working with the UK division of Reutlinger GmBH and with American Hofmann, before starting an independent vibration, balancing and training company. He is the author of the book, Practical Balancing of Rotating Machinery, published by Elsevier Technical Press.

		Matt Bauer of Rockwell Automation named Chairman of MESA - 01/22/07 As chairman of the board of directors, Bauer will work with MESA to promote the exchange of best practices, strategies and innovation for managing manufacturing operations, as well as achieving plant-floor execution excellence. Bauer also has key involvement in the planning direction for the MESA conference.

		HEIDENHAIN announces two I/O Boxes for machine tools - 01/22/07 IOB 49 and 89 work with the company's counters for applications on any machine tool, including milling, turning, boring and drilling machines up to three axes.

		WAGO announces free Industrial Ethernet and IEC 61131-3 seminars Seminars are being held at WAGO's North American headquarters in Germantown, WI on the following dates: May 14-16, September 24-26, and November 5-7. Seminars include an introduction to the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM hardware, an overview of industrial Ethernet components and protocols, and hands-on IEC 61131-3 programming with live demo hardware.

		Adept Technology sells robots to Solar Power companies - 01/19/07 During the quarter just ended, Adept delivered $300,000 in vision-guided robotics to the Solar industry, bringing the installed base, in this sector, to over 75 systems.

		GE Fanuc adds four foreign languages to Proficy HMI/SCADA - 01/19/07 Proficy HMI/SCADA iFIX 4.0 is now available in German, French, Polish and Russian languages, in additon to Chinese, Japanese and English.

		Ford gives $150,000 in grants to SME's Education Foundation - 01/19/07 Ford Motor Company has awarded two grants, totaling $150,000, to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation. Since 1981, Ford has donated $1,608,000 to the SME Education Foundation for scholarships and other engineering education programs.

		HEIDENHAIN promotes three in sales and product management - 01/19/07 New National Sales and Product Managers for North America are Kevin Kaufenberg, Electronics, Semiconductor & Metrology Div; Chris Weber, Machine Tool Div; and Tom Wyatt, Automation Div.

		Midwest Motion announces 12 Vdc Mini Gearmotor - 01/19/07 Accepting any 12 Vdc source, including battery power, MMP-TM30-12V GP-051 miniature gear motor is rated for 3.0 in-lb continuous torque at 118 RPM, and 8.3 in.-lb peak. It measures just 30mm in Diameter by 3.4” long, and has a flatted output shaft of 6mm diameter by 16mm long.

		Omron STI introduces MA-S Series Safety Interlock Switches for harsh environments - 01/19/07 MA-S Series Magnetically Actuated Safety Interlock Switches and Actuators have stainless steel housings for corrosion-resistant operation in harsh environments. The NEMA 6 enclosure and variety of available stainless steel-housed contact configurations satisfy any number of demanding application requirements.

		Schneider Electric's annual sales €13.730 billion, up 17.6% - 01/19/07 Schneider Electric’s annual sales amounted to €13,730 million in 2006, up 17.6% on a current structure and exchange rate basis. After sharp increases in the two previous years, growth reached a record 10.7% in 2006, reflecting the success of the initiatives launched under the new company program.

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