Automation & Control News for June 2008, published on Automation.com

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

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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
	Industrial Computers
	Industrial I/O
	Machine Control
	Machine Safety
	Machine Tools, CNC & DNC
	Manufacturing Intelligence
	Material Handling
	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 June 2008.

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

		The Wonderware WonderWorld Global Industry Conferences October 2008 - Februrary 2009 U.S., Latin America, Europe, and Asia The conference will target a variety of industry topics such as innovative production and software strategies; tactics for manufacturers and infrastructure operations to achieve real-time operational excellence; and effective collaboration strategies involving executives, operations, IT and engineering personnel.

		ACS announces SPiiPlus HP Motion Controls - 06/30/08 SPiiPlus HP Series includes PC-based, stand-alone or rack mounted multi-axis controllers that support servo or stepper motors and networked servo drives.

		Innovation Matrix opens office in Japan - 06/30/08 Innovation Matrix represents Adept Technology, Precise Automation and Inspx LLC.

		Control Microsystems announces SCADAPack 330 and 334 controllers - 06/30/08 Both units are programmed with TelePACE ladder logic, ISaGRAF (IEC61131-3) and C/C++, and support up to 32 independent C++ applications.

		Opto 22 introduces SNAP TEX wiring accessories - 06/30/08 SNAP TEX mounting and wiring accessories include terminal extender cables, breakout boards, wiring harnesses, and other components for mounting and wiring automation, control and I/O systems.

		John Medica Elected to National Instruments Board of Directors - 06/30/08 Medica, former senior vice president for Dell and former senior director for Apple, was elected to the NI Board of Directors.

		New Scale Technologies signs austriamicrosystems as distributor - 06/30/08 austriamicrosystems will sell New Scale Technologies' SQUIGGLE motors, micro motion systems and other products.

		Emerson announces Model 410VP four-electrode conductivity sensor - 06/30/08 The wide dynamic range of the sensor (1 uS/cm to 1400 mS/cm), makes it suitable for clean-in-place (CIP) monitoring.

		SAS Automation introduces GRZ 20-16 Gripper Plier Jaw Kit - 06/30/08 This jaw kit for the GRZ 20-16 offers injection molders the ability to interchange existing jaws for various size jaws.

		Pepperl+Fuchs introduces VB6-240 barcode scanner - 06/30/08 VB6-240 effectively decodes damaged codes that can be difficult to read with other barcode scanners.

		Bosch Rexroth names Dan Throne Sales and Marketing Manager - 06/30/08 Throne is responsible for planning, directing and implementing all activities for the Electric Drives and Controls sales and marketing group.

		Thermo Fisher introduces ICE 3000 AA spectrometers - 06/27/08 A dual flame and furnace AA system, the iCE 3500 is suitable for high-throughput environments requiring fast and regular flame and furnace analyses.

		Reliance Security IT team reduces testing bottleneck by 80% - 06/27/08 Reliance Security Services, a supplier of electronic security solutions, used Original Software’s TestPlan testing solution to enable its IT team to deliver projects on time and on budget.

		MASS Group upgrades FactoryServer CMMS - 06/27/08 Enhancements in V 4.4 include Check In/Check Out, Reports, Asset Scheduling, and Statistical Process Control modules and functions.

		MYNAH adds ABB Bailey Systems to MiMiC v3 Simulation - 06/27/08 Latest version allows MiMiC v3 Simulation Software to be used for operator training and software acceptance for systems that use ABB Bailey INFI 90 or NET 90 Controllers.

		ABB to supply electrical systems for combined cycle power plant in Qatar - 06/27/08 ABB won a $233-million contract from Hyundai Engineering and Construction of Korea to supply power systems for a natural gas and steam turbine power plant, to be built in Qatar.

		Sealant introduces 2200-545 Series Mix-Dispense Valves - 06/27/08 Valves control flow of two-component adhesives and sealants such as silicones, epoxies, urethanes and acrylics.

		Siemens building new plant in Illinois for its Drives Technologies business - 06/27/08 The $20 million plant will be used for the assembly and testing of mechanical gear drives used in wind turbines. The new plant, expected to be completed in March 2009, will create approximately 350 new jobs.

		Binder-USA expands Series 713 M12 Connectors - 06/27/08 Series 713 connectors now include cable outlets ranging from 2.5 to 8 mm in size, making them capable of using smaller wire sizes.

		Parker publishes guide to Daedal positioning products - 06/27/08 The 328-page, full-color guide covers linear motor-driven tables, screw-driven automation tables, miniature positioners, belt-driven automation tables and drives and controllers.

		Phoenix Contact releases ILC 150 VLC Controller with Steeplechase VLC 7.2 - 06/27/08 ILC 150 VLC embedded control platform has an EtherNet/IP port and Steeplechase Visual Logic Controller (VLC) flowchart-based programming tool.

		Control Microsystems announces SCADAPack 300 USB storage device - 06/27/08 Using removable USB storage such as Flash memory sticks, SCADAPack 300-Series controllers can log to internal memory or external mass storage devices.

		Advantech expands line of industrial Ethernet switches - 06/26/08 EKI-7554MI, EKI-7554SI, EKI-7559MI and EKI-7559SI managed industrial Ethernet switches offer advanced traffic control for optimum network performance and security.

		Comark introduces InduView computer with 17-in. touch screen - 06/26/08 InduView NEMA 12 computer can withstand circulating dust, falling dirt, and dripping noncorrosive liquids.

		Autodesk acquires Ecotect and Green Building Studio software - 06/26/08 The tools are compatible with Autodesk design software as well as software from other industry providers through the Green Building XML (gbXML) schema.

		Ixxat enhances ConfigurationStudio for CANopen - 06/26/08 Enhancements in ConfigurationStudio 1.6 include simplified configuration of PDO messages and a complete redesign of the CANopen Device Configurator plug-in.

		Prosilica introduces GE1050 Megapixel camera - 06/26/08 GE1050 high-resolution CCD camera with Gigabit Ethernet interface is capable of running at 60 fps at 1000x1000 resolution and even faster using Area of Interest Readout (AOI).

		Carlo Gavazzi releases PL22STC dual color LED pilot light - 06/26/08 With PL22STC, it is now possible to monitor if a load is on or off, as the LED will be illuminated in either green or red. Price: $25.

		Zero-Max publishes three coupling catalogs - 06/26/08 Catalogs cover CD Couplings, Control-Flex Couplings and Schmidt Couplings.

		Autodesk acquires Moldflow - 06/26/08 Autodesk acquired Moldflow for $22 per share, or approximately $297 million, less the amount in Moldflow's cash balance and proceeds from options exercises.

		ISA publishes book, "Sell More Through Effective Technical Presentations" - 06/26/08 This easy-to-read guide offers updated information on presentation materials and styles and to help you become a more competent speaker.

		Matrox introduces M-Series graphics cards to drive up to four monitors - 06/26/08 M-Series quad-capable display cards offer 512MB of memory and support for independent or stretched mode on up to four monitors simultaneously.

		ABB supplies controls for 1000 Intersolar solar trackers - 06/26/08 ABB's PLCs will control ABB variable speed drives, which orientate the photovoltaic modules across two axes to achieve maximum exposure to the sun throughout the day.

		Hexagon acquires Messtechnik Wetzlar GmbH (MTWZ) - 06/26/08 MTWZ is a developer and provider of QUINDOS software solutions for quality control of complex mechanical parts such as gears and turbine blades.

		Dwyer introduces Series NCS-10 through-wall capacitive sensor - 06/26/08 Series has a thin profile with a sensing distance of 10 mm, non-flush mounted. The switching points can be altered by means of the Teach push-button.

		Invensys celebrates 100th anniversary of Foxboro - 06/26/08 More than 1,000 employees, retirees and other dignitaries and guests participated in festivities at the Neponset facility, where the company started a century ago.

		Rexroth releases eLINE Linear Systems - 06/25/08 eLINE modules are available with belt and ball screw drives for packaging and small handling applications.

		Barry-Wehmiller opens engineering office in Raleigh, NC - 06/25/08 The Raleigh office will provide industrial automation, architectural engineering, process control, software design and other regulatory compliance services.

		MAVERICK hires graduates from Ranken Technical College - 06/25/08 MAVERICK Technologies accepted its first two Ranken Technical College graduates into its Project Support Center (PSC) recruiting partnership program.

		ATI holds machine tool seminars - 06/25/08 August 21, 2008 Orion Township, MI Seminars cover torque sensors, industrial fieldbus, toolchangers, and robotic deburring.

		igus releases cable carrier catalog - 06/25/08 Energy Chain Systems bible features a new introductory section, updated quick reference guides, and details on the latest products.

		NovaTech to acquire Bitronics - 06/25/08 Bitronics manufactures PowerServe, MultiComm and other high-performance electricity measurement instruments.

		Aaxeon announces LNP-500A Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch - 06/25/08 The LNP-500A is a 5 port Industrial Ethernet switch with 4 PoE ports.

		Aaxeon releases Gigabit Industrial Ethernet switches - 06/25/08 LNX-500AG Industrial Ethernet switch has 5 10/100/1000TX ports. LNX-1802GN has 16 10/100TX ports + 2 GigE Combo ports.

		Industrial Defender acquires Teltone Corporation - 06/25/08 Teltone Gauntlet solutions provide cyber security protection for substation control system equipment and enable utilities to comply with cyber security requirements.

		Synalloy uses DEACOM ERP to integrate chemical manufacturing - 06/25/08 The system will integrate the business processes of Synalloy's chemical group, including lab management and regulatory reporting, accounting, inventory control, purchasing, and production in a single database.

		Pentek introduces Model 7152 Software Radio module - 06/24/08 Model 7152 quad 200 MHz, 16-bit A/D digitizer has a 32-channel digital down converter (DDC) configured in a PMC format.

		SIXNET publishes Product CD - 06/24/08 Free CD features the entire product line from Sixnet's Automation, Industrial Connectivity and Wireless Connectivity divisions.

		Power Sources Unlimited announces TES-2M DC/DC Converter - 06/24/08 TES-2M Series 2 Watt, high isolation, DC/DC converters are packaged in an ultra compact, surface mount package measuring only 0.54 x 0.94 x 0.30 in.

		Jemmac upgrades OPCFailover - 06/24/08 V1-7 of OPCFailover provides pre-emptive failover, detached I/O management and sophisticated handling of deadlocked OPCServers.

		ASI expands line of equivalent terminal blocks - 06/24/08 The unique feature of these products is that they are similar to the point where customers can use the accessories that they now have in stock.

		GE Fanuc updates Proficy Change Management 5.8 - 06/24/08 Enhancements include Web-based end user client, new scheduler interface, and Schneider ProWORX 32 support.

		Emerson to optimize steam temperature on Doosan Babcock boiler - 06/24/08 Emerson will install its SmartProcess Steam Temperature optimization technology on a Doosan Babcock supercritical, pulverized coal boiler that will power a new station in Kentucky, USA.

		Matrikon sells SCADANet to CriticalControl - 06/24/08 Matrikon agreed to sell its SCADANet business to CriticalControl Solutions for $800,000 in cash. The transaction is expected to close July 2, 2008.

		Mikron builds assembly system for Mega Pumps - 06/24/08 Mikron helped Mega Pumps develop assembly, checking and testing systems that work within the tolerances and with minimum of scrap and rejection.

		Navitar adds four lenses for SWIR Cameras - 06/23/08 Lenses with fixed focal length imaging optics for SWIR (short wave infrared) cameras and applications include two 25mm, 35mm and 50mm models.

		OMAC changes its name and mission - 06/23/08 The Open Modular Architecture Control Users' Group (OMAC) is now the Organization for Manufacturing Automation and Control (OMAC).

		ISA publishes patent reference book - 06/23/08 The book describes the various types of intellectual property, how to protect the property, retain it as an asset, and respect the intellectual property of others.

		Toellner Systems signs Romheld Automation as rep - 06/23/08 Romheld Automation Australia will distribute Toellner automation products and services throughout the Australian and New Zealand manufacturing markets.

		Invensys equips lab at Kazakh-British Technical University - 06/23/08 The laboratory will have InFusion, 12 personal computers, 15 large-screen monitors, three servers, and a bank of micro controllers for automated systems.

		Sealevel introduces SeaLINK industrial USB to Serial Adapters - 06/23/08 SeaLINK+4M.SC and SeaLINK+8M.SC offer four or eight serial ports that are software configurable for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485.

		Orders quadruple for ABB drive systems in mining - 06/23/08 Orders for ABB motor and drive systems that enable mines to grind vast amounts of minerals and ore are at record levels as the mining industry seeks to boost production to meet the global boom in demand.

		Emerson enhances Rosemount X-STREAM Process Gas Analyzers - 06/23/08 Enhancements include IntrinzX intrinsically linear photometric technology for high sensitivity, large dynamic ranges, and long-term span stability.

		Honeywell enhances Experion for safety - 06/23/08 Enhancements allow plant operators to carefully coordinate process control, safety shutdown and fire and gas mitigation steps.

		NI introduces LabVIEW Toolkit for GPS Receiver Testing - 06/23/08 GPS Toolkit for LabVIEW expands the NI RF PXI platform to include multi-satellite GPS signal simulation.

		NI introduces Dual Gigabit Ethernet Interface for PXI Express - 06/23/08 NI 8234 module offers two gigabit Ethernet ports with up to 1000 Mb/s transfer speeds per port for high-performance machine vision and dedicated LAN/LXI instrument control networks.

		Exele enhances alarms on TopView - 06/23/08 Enhancements in the TopView 6.2.5 Release include upgrades to the alarm limit function.

		Sprint Electric increases PL/X digital DC drives to 1050 Amps - 06/23/08 Both 2 Quadrant and 4 Quadrant PL/X digital drives are available up to 1050 Amps.

		Honeywell updates Safety Manager SIS platform - 06/23/08 Safety Manager is now integrated with Honeywell’s Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS), so safety and process controllers can directly communicate with each other.

		B&R releawes 8LT series three-phase synchronous motors - 06/23/08 The supply voltage of the high-torque motors ranges from 400 to 480 VAC, with a rated power of 0.11 to 21 kW.

		Vision Components introduces VCSBC4012 camera - 06/23/08 All components of the new camera are installed on a board measuring 40 x 120 mm, which makes it easy for an OEM to integrate the unit into a wide range of applications.

		MTL Instruments announces 9400 Series intrinsically safe Ethernet - 06/20/08 9400 Series delivers Intrinsically Safe “Power over Ethernet” (PoEx), allowing live connection and disconnection of the end device in Zone 0 and Zone 1 hazardous areas.

		Emerson to automate Thai petrochemical plant - 06/20/08 Equipment includes PlantWeb, FOUNDATION fieldbus, microprocessor-based field instruments, valves, digital systems, and software.

		Omron STI expands SGE safety contact strips - 06/20/08 SGE-88 mounts with double-sided tape. The SGE-1510 mounts with an integrated angle on the profile, or can be ordered for use with an aluminum-mounting rail.

		Lantronix improves Website - 06/20/08 The new site offers a simplified interface to help visitors better understand the full range of Lantronix’s communications products and platforms.

		SNK adds robot to Prodigy GT-27 gang tool lathe - 06/20/08 The FANUC Robot kit includes a LR Mate 200iC Robot with 6-axis brakes, R30-iA Mate Controller, and LR Handling Tool Software.

		ABB expands services and automation for Alberta's oil sands - 06/20/08 In just two and a half years, the ABB office in Calgary, Canada, has swelled from 45 to more than 200 employees, and it is still hiring.

		ASCON offers student version of KOMPAS-3D Professional - 06/20/08 KOMPAS-3D student edition includes interactive learning system KOMPAS-ABC for the study of 2D Design and 3D Solid Modelling.

		Honeywell introduces Uniformance Process Studio - 06/20/08 Desktop software allows plant engineers to analyze process performance. It includes workflow management applications that enable engineers to build trend graphs and graphics with minimal training.

		Honeywell enhances POMSnet Pharmaceutical MES - 06/20/08 The upgrade includes a batch rescaling tool that automatically adjusts recipes to partial batch quantities, and new weighing methods and dispensing rules for increased accuracy.

		AutomationDirect introduces IronHorse Worm Gearboxes - 06/19/08 Constructed of cast iron one-piece housings, the worm gearboxes feature a C-flange input and carbon steel shaft with either right-hand or dual shaft output. Price: from $130.

		ACE introduces NORTHSTAR Series HSD35 encoder - 06/19/08 HSD35 Sealed Hollow shaft encoder provides easy installation on motor or machine shafts. Its hollow shaft eliminates the need for a flexible shaft coupling, mounting bracket, flower pot or flange adapter.

		B&R introduces Generic Motion Control for CNC and robotics - 06/19/08 Generic Motion Control includes drives, movement and path control, visualization and I/O handling.

		UEI releases AI-225 vibration sensor interface board - 06/19/08 AI-225 allows direct connection to industry-standard 2-wire vibration sensors and provides both software and LED annunciation of open or shorted sensors.

		Saelig introduces USB DeviceExaminer software - 06/19/08 Software verifies that a USB device under test complies with USB2.0 Specification Chapter 9, and - where applicable - Hub, HID, and Mass Storage standard classes.

		Saelig releases Adeunis Quick-Start wireless development kits - 06/19/08 Adeunis DemoKits allow users to quickly and economically add wireless capabilities to product designs without the usual development headaches. Price: $149.

		Advantech introduces TPC-870H touch panel computer - 06/19/08 TPC-870H has an 8-in. VGA TFT LCD and an Intel Celeron M 1GHz fanless processor with low power consumption.

		Siemens introduces Scalance W784 wireless LAN access points - 06/18/08 Scalance W784 IP30 rated wireless LAN access points offer data security, deterministic control to prioritize client traffic and the flexibility of IEEE 802.11b/g/a open standards.

		Haydon Switch releases 28000 series Size 11 Linear Actuator - 06/18/08 This double stack non captive hybrid linear actuator is available in a wide variety of resolutions ranging from 0.000125” (.003175 mm) per step to 0.002” (.0508 mm) per step.

		ABB holds Low-Voltage Roadshow - 06/18/08 The show was held on June 12 in Cincinnati. The next show is in Anaheim, CA.

		Acrosser announces AR-ES5230FL embedded computer - 06/18/08 Fanless computers comply with requirements of the IEC-68-2-6 and IEC-66-2-27 standards.

		Emerson automates world's largest pulp mill - 06/18/08 The PlantWeb solution includes DeltaV, 3300 FOUNDATION fieldbus, Profibus DP and DeviceNet devices, MCCs, PLCs, Modbus, Fisher valves with Fisher FIELDVUE digital valve controllers, and AMS Suite.

		Bachmann introduces OT100 terminal - 06/18/08 OT100 has programmable function keys, IP65 front panel, alphanumeric multi-click keyboard and a separate cursor block.

		Siemens audits energy use at Allegheny College - 06/17/08 Siemens Building Technologies provided an investment-grade energy audit at Allegheny College, the first step in a total energy use reduction plan.

		Cognex names Robert Willett president of Modular Vision Systems - 06/17/08 The Modular Vision Systems Division designs, develops and manufactures vision systems, sensors, and ID readers.

		Beckhoff releases KL2791 Bus Terminal for pump and fan motors - 06/17/08 By using the KL2791 terminal, the energy use of capacitor, universal and shaded-pole motors can be greatly reduced.

		Dwyer releases Series HNV high pressure needle valve - 06/17/08 Series HNV Needle Valve is a bar stock style valve that is designed for controlling low flow rates of liquids or gases.

		Brochure describes WAGO-IO-SYSTEM - 06/17/08 The brochure includes background on PLCs, the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM and key 750/753 Series features.

		Keithley announces WiMAX test tools - 06/17/08 WiMAX test systems provide frequency coverage from 400MHz to 4GHz and to 6GHz if WLAN measurements are needed.

		Semaphore signs Cross Automation as distributor - 06/17/08 Cross Automation will distribute Semaphore's SCADA and communications product lines in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

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