Automation & Control News for October 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
	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 October 2006.

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

		SKF introduces miniature ball screws for smooth-running - 10/31/06 Miniature ball screws feature internal recirculation inserts with excellent backdriving characteristics to promote smooth running and quiet performance. They enable precise positioning for a wide range of linear-actuation applications in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, including instrumentation, pumps, and XYZ assemblies, among numerous others.

		G Systems to build test station for Lockheed Martin - 10/31/06 G Systems has been awarded a $1 million contract by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control to design, integrate and install an automated test station for the Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System (NLOS-LS) container launch unit.

		Thermo announces Laboratory Automation Seminars in Sweden and Norway - 10/31/06 On December 5th and December 7th 2006, Thermo will host a series of seminars in the Baltic Region. This series of seminars explores the challenges facing the process industry today and gives examples of organizations enhancing productivity in the laboratory and reducing costs, ultimately improving their competitiveness in the global market.

		Stafford announces Sleeve coupling that assures precise shaft alignment - 10/31/06 Precision Sleeve Coupling has a solid center section that provides a close tolerance fit on ground shafting, incorporates integral self-centering clamping collars at both ends and maintains 0.001 TIR concentricity while in use to assure precise shaft alignment.

		Phoenix Contact introduces Mechatrolink Bus Coupler - 10/31/06 IL MII BK DI8 DO4-PAC Bus Coupler allows seamless connection of INLINE Modular I/O to the Mechatrolink Motion Field Network. When used in combination with Mechatrolink-compatible drives and controls, the MII BK permits easy integration of scalable I/O to provide an overall solution with single network motion and machine control.

		ASI introduces safe 10A Single Phase Switching Power Supply - 10/31/06 CSF-10 A Switching Power Supply has a wide range input (120-230 Vac, 110 Vdc), adjustable 24 Vdc output, is available in a parallel version, and is suited for both SELV and PELV circuitry. The unit complies with all parameters set by the Low voltage Directive and EMI standards.

		Keithley introduces flexible vector Signal Analyzer - 10/31/06 Model 2810 RF Vector Signal Analyzer is optimized for automated testing of wireless devices and transmitter circuits in production test environments, as well as in new product and device research and development. Keithley claims it has measurement speeds up to three times faster than competitive instruments in production test, takes up half the space, and costs half as much as competitive products.

		Innovex Selects Junot Systems for SAP Integration - 10/31/06 Innovex, a manufacturer of high-density flexible circuit-based electronic interconnect solutions, has selected Junot Systems’ NLINK product suite and SAP-certified interfaces to provide plant to enterprise (P2E) integration for their manufacturing facilities in Thailand.

		Emerson and OSIsoft renew reseller agreement - 10/31/06 Emerson and OSIsoft announced continuation of their global value added reseller agreement of the last three years. Emerson will continue to incorporate OSIsoft's PI System into its automation projects that use PlantWeb digital automation architecture and services.

		Siemens announces single-axis AC drive - 10/31/06 Sinamics S120 AC Drive handles positioning tasks such as those found in automatic assembly machines and material handling systems. The drives are available in single phase 230 V in the power range 0.25 to 1 HP, and three phase 460 V in the power range 0.5 to 400 HP. The power modules are available in compact block construction (0.25 to 125 HP) or as chassis units (150 to 400 HP).

		Brady upgrades Thermal Labeling System - 10/31/06 The TLS 2200 Thermal Labeling System Version 4.0 offers twice the processing power, along with additional features that enhance the printer's functionality and efficiency. The new version of the portable label printerprovides more value and labeling flexibility for industrial labeling applications.

		Korenix announces Gigabit Ethernet fiber media converter - 10/31/06 The JetCon 3301Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter converts 1000Base-T signals to 1000Base-SX/LX signals. It extends the connection range of Gigabit Ethernet device to transmit & receive data via Gigabit fiber cable without performance degradation.

		OMRON acquires Optical Communications Components from NHK - 10/31/06 OMRON will acquire NHK Spring's FTTH optical coupler business on November 1, 2006, as outlined in a preliminary agreement between the two companies that was announced on August 31, 2006. From November 1, the FTTH optical coupler business, which was based in NHK Spring's Yokohama head office, will be operated from OMRON's Kusatsu Factory.

		Agilent Technologies integrates MATLAB into Oscilloscopes - 10/31/06 N5430A function enables Agilent Infiniium oscilloscope users to create and execute application-specific measurements. This makes it possible for Infiniium oscilloscope users to develop custom math and analysis functions in the MATLAB software environment and execute them live on the oscilloscope screen, just like any of the scope's standard functions.

		AXIOMTEK releases embedded SBC that supports VIA V4 Processors - 10/31/06 SBC84710 fanless embedded board is equipped with the VIA CX700 chipset which integrates all the features of North and South bridges into a single-chip package. Featuring 4 COM ports, DualView and 4 USB 2.0 ports, the SBC84710 is targeted for embedded applications which require low power consumption, lighter system design, rich peripheral connections, 2D/3D graphics ability, and full multimedia functions.

		Hannover Messe 2007 will have 13 Exhibitions - 10/31/06 From 16 to 20 April, HANNOVER MESSE 2007 will be featuring 13 international flagship fairs for industrial technology at the same time and place at the exhibition grounds in Hannover, Germany. Together these events present a cross-section of all the latest technical innovations, trends and know-how for all the major industries. At least 6,000 exhibitors are expected to occupy a display area of over 200,000 square meters.

		Honeywell opens office in Angola - 10/31/06 Honeywell is expanding its presence in Southern Africa with the opening of a new office in Angola as part of its strategy to drive growth and provide strong process automation solutions to the oil and gas industry in the resource-rich region.

		Vision Depot announces web site for machine vision products - 10/31/06 Web site contains information on machine vision products, including camera mounts, light mounts, adjustable mounts, vision fixtures, camera enclosures, adjustable mounting brackets, LED lighting, and machine vision lenses.

		Rockwell Automation program helps OEMs in Life Sciences business - 10/30/06 The OEM Accelerator program provides engineering services and tools to help life sciences machine builders and process equipment providers reduce their development costs and time to market. As a result, OEMs can provide their customers with predefined interfaces that can reduce risk, lower cost and speed integration time.

		Emerson forms alliance with RoMaDyn to expand vibration monitoring service - 10/30/06 This alliance couples Emerson's Machinery Health Management services capabilities with RoMaDyn's 50+ years of in-field turbo machinery experience to create a network of machinery diagnostic services for critical rotating machines. Besides services opportunities, the two companies have jointly created a new training course on turbomachinery diagnostics to be introduced by Emerson in 2007.

		Aberdeen report says Infor provides lowest total cost of ownership for software - 10/30/06 The report, ERP in Manufacturing Benchmark, surveyed more than 1,100 companies of all sizes on the total amount spent on software and external services. The report showed that Infor customers spend an average of 44 percent less on services than the nearest competitor.

		MGV releases slim DIN-rail power supply - 10/30/06 SPH613 and SPH1013 series power supplies for 600 and 1,000 watts, respectively, require an installation width of only 56 mm for 600 W and 66 mm for 1,000 W. These power supplies can be used for a full range of industrial applications, offer flexible fixings (DIN-rail or wall mounting) and operate in any position at temperatures of up to +70° C.

		MTS sensors help NASCAR teams race faster - 10/30/06 MTS is supplying Temposonics position sensors to the K-RIG, a high performance data acquisition system that provides detailed information about NASCAR suspension systems. Designed by Livingston & Haven, the K-RIG uses the sensors in a racing simulator that is significantly more affordable than other simulators on the market, and is used by the top racing teams in NASCAR.

		Schneider Electric acquires American Power Conversion - 10/30/06 Schneider Electric will acquire all outstanding shares of APC for an enterprise value of approximately US$5.5 billion. The price per share is US$31 and will be paid in cash for a total amount of approximately US$6.1 billion. APC, which is a global leader of critical power with approximately US$2 billion in sales in 2005 and 7,600 employees, has enjoyed 12 consecutive quarters of double digit sales growth. APC has 52% of its sales in the US, 30% in Europe and 18% in Asia where it has a strong manufacturing base.

		JATO announces Diaphragm Chuck with built-in air cylinder - 10/30/06 JAP100 Cylinder-Integrated Diaphragm Chuck has a built-in air cylinder, repeatability of 0.00004” (0.001mm), and makes it easy to set up a precise chucking system.

		Mettler Toledo adds DeviceNet to Panther weighing terminal - 10/27/06 Panther terminals now have Device Net. These terminals can be integrated with process control equipment through a variety of methods, including Discrete I/O, 4-20 mA or 0-10 V analog output, Allen Bradley RIO, Modbus Plus, PROFIBUS and the newly integrated DeviceNet.

		Mettler Toldeo announces weighing terminal with Ethernet - 10/27/06 IND780 terminal comes standard with Ethernet, two serial ports and a USB master for an external keyboard. The terminal is capable of simultaneously supporting four scales and can provide a metrologically approved sum scale.

		Mettler Toldeo announces tough weighing terminal - 10/27/06 IND690 application terminal withstands all industrial environments whether the challenge comes from aggressive weighing samples, cleaning agents or a wet, corrosive, or dusty environment. It can connect up to four scales with a sum scale including any of these weighing technologies: analog load cells, high precision bases, analytical balances and BBK four-series scales.

		Mettler Toledo adds DeviceNet to weighing HMI terminal - 10/27/06 The new interface provides flexibility for users performing standard weighing, blending or filling or checkweighing applications to interface with their DeviceNet network without the need for an external device. The IND560 built-in target controls can be used to create hybrid automated control systems for process and filling applications.

		Mettler Toldeo announces Weighing Sensors with fieldbus interfaces - 10/27/06 The Automated Precision Weighing Weigh Modules (WM and WMH) have RS232, RS422, DeviceNet, Profibus DP and Ethernet intefaces. The two products feature readability of up to 0.1mg with capacities of up to several tons. They are all available as intrinsically safe versions for integration in hazardous areas.

		ABB net income doubles in third quarter - 10/27/06 Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased 48 percent to $686 million from $463 million a year earlier and the EBIT margin, or EBIT as a percentage of revenues, increased to 11.4 percent from 8.3 percent.

		ODVA expands headquarters building and labs - 10/27/06 ODVA has more than doubled the size of its headquarters building at a new location in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This move has also expanded ODVA lab and training facilities to support the association’s growing testing and educational services for DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, CompoNet and the semiconductor industry.

		Amphenol announces Ethernet connector for harsh-environments - 10/27/06 RJFast converts a standard RJ-45 cable into a category 6 Ethernet connector compatible with industrial environments (including IP67) in a few seconds, without tedious, long and costly crimping.

		Cognex offers free seminars, workshops and training programs - 10/27/06 Participants can learn at their own pace and experience first hand how machine vision can help them stay competitive by driving down costs, increasing production and ensuring customer satisfaction. The Cognex University program provides many innovative educational options for beginners and advanced users.

		Aerotech announces Direct-Drive, Large-Aperture, Rotary Stages - 10/27/06 ALAR series direct-drive rotary stages provide angular positioning and velocity control with exceptionally large apertures, load capability, and very high speeds. With the combination of a large aperture and direct-drive motor, the ALAR series offers significant performance benefits compared to worm-drive large aperture stages.

		Inductive Automation adds PDF reports to SCADA software - 10/27/06 FactoryPMI web-based SCADA system now has a plug-in that produces PDF based reports without the cost of individual client licenses or the need to physically install client software at each workstation.

		SICK launches Distance Measurement Sensors - 10/27/06 DT10, DT20, DMT10-2 and DML40-2 Distance Measurement Sensors allow customers to upgrade from simple detection to measurement applications where previously space and budget made it prohibitive.

		Rockford Systems becomes installer of SICK safety products - 10/27/06 Rockford Systems, Inc. (RSI) will provide integration and installation services for SICK safety products on behalf of its Authorized SICK Distributors and end customers.

		Pepperl+Fuchs enhances Photoelectric Sensors - 10/27/06 Tru-Vue series photoelectric sensors are now available with 4-in-1 outputs. This enables a single sensor to operate in NPN normally open, NPN normally closed, PNP normally open, or PNP normally closed configurations. 4-in-1 simplifies sensor selection and stocking because one sensor model can now replace four sensor models.

		Woodhead upgrades PROFIBUS Scanner for DTM Devices - 10/27/06 The new version includes a software interface (SST-PFB-CLX-DTM) that enables the SST PROFIBUS Scanner to configure and diagnose user-friendly DTM field devices by using FDT engineering tools such as PACTware or FieldCare. FDT (Field Device Tool) technology enables to standardize the communication interface between field devices and systems.

		Cooper Bussmann offers Panel Design and Review Service - 10/27/06 The engineering service helps industrial facilities and OEMs increase assembly short-circuit current ratings (SCCR) for control panels to comply with 2005 National Electric Code® (NEC®) requirements and UL508A standards.

		Cooper Bussmann offers custom design services - 10/27/06 Services range from modifying an existing product to creating a new component or product. Cooper Bussmann Custom Products services include: design, prototype, test, manufacture and securing agency approvals to deliver a single-component, sub-assembly or a finished product.

		Intermec installs Protective Vents from Gore on rugged computers - 10/27/06 W. L. Gore & Associates has been selected as the sole supplier of protective vents for Intermec's CV30 Fixed-Mount computers. The POV/M12 vent and the BPC Series vents used in the CV30 allow for continuous exchange of gases and vapors, and they equalize pressure within the computer enclosure.

		Leviton offers Electrical Safety Guide course - 10/26/06 Designed for classroom based instruction, the one-hour presentation provides critical training for attendees on how to prevent serious electrical injuries. Particular emphasis is placed on teaching the dangers of arc flash and arc blast -- two highly destructive occurrences that can erupt with explosive force.

		Leviton announces surge panels, plugs, connectors and receptacles - 10/26/06 Surge protection and wiring device products include surge panels, plugs, connectors and receptacles. 74000 and 75000 Series Surge Panels designed for facilities with 3-phase WYE-configured (4-wire + ground) systems where surge protection for all seven modes in the AC distribution network is required. Industrial Grade Black and White Locking Plugs and Connectors are available in 15, 20 and 30 Amp versions.

		SanYan opens web store for video Surveillance Control System - 10/26/06 SanYan has introduced a new web store for its family of industrial-grade video Surveillance control System & x86 embedded boards & thin clients. Purchases can be made via T/T wired transfer or credit card (in testing) or worldwide distributors channel, and products can be ordered in quantities.

		Spectrum Controls releases Ethernet gateway modules - 10/26/06 WebPort 2005 and WebPort 4005 industrial Ethernet gateway modules securely link serial devices or PLCs to an Ethernet LAN, allowing data access from any workstation. It connects up to four Ethernet-enabled control devices, offers serial connectivity to another controller, a modem for remote maintenance, and a WAN Ethernet port for connecting to the Internet or any IP network.

		Spectrum Controls announces PLC analog I/O modules with HART - 10/26/06 FieldPort FPIO-I8H-EIP and FPIO-I8H-EIP modules provide full analog capability, HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) protocol, Ethernet-IP and ModbusTCP system interfaces, and work with Rockwell Automation and Schneider Electric Legacy PLCs.

		Weidmuller announces Sensor wiring interfaces - 10/26/06 Active Sensor Actuator Interfaces (SAIs) provide users with greater levels of wiring flexibility for achieving modular and decentralized process control in automation applications. The Active SAIs are available in IP 67 housings and support all industry network protocols including Profibus, DeviceNet and CANopen, as well as Ethernet, Ethernet/IP, PROFINET and Modbus/TCP.

		RF Connectors releases Solderless Connectors for quick attachments - 10/26/06 Two-piece N Male connector line features a quick fitting, cable insertion type connector with a captive internal contact. Minimal cable prep required. The cable conductor easily installs into the captive contact, which is designed for optimum electrical operation.

		Honeywell partners with Chinese University to establish control laboratory - 10/26/06 Honeywell and one of China’s top universities will establish an integrated management and control laboratory. Honeywell will donate process automation software to the Automation Department of Tsinghua University, a major base of China’s scientific research and intelligent education.

		Igus announces toothed-belt linear actuator - 10/26/06 DryLin ZLW is a lightweight, toothed-belt linear drive equipped with a hard-anodized aluminum profile, a DryLin W compact linear guide, and iglide plastic sliding elements. This provides a maintenance-free, self-lubricating, lightweight actuator for a linear drive system.

		Matrikon releases MIMOSA-based data integration software - 10/26/06 With ProcessMonitor MIMOSA, enterprise systems can access real-time and historical data and disseminate this information for Condition Based Maintenance, Maintenance & Production Planning and other maintenance and operational tactical purposes. Itincorporates both MIMOSA and OPC Foundation standards.

		Fluke announces Thermal Imagers for building diagnostics - 10/26/06 TiR Series IR imagers help expert users accurately pinpoint building problems by combining both visible light and thermal images for better identification, analysis and image management. It has a 20 mm germanium lens on a 180 degree articulating mount to view images, even in situations where access is limited.

		Belden announces cables for Profibus applications - 10/26/06 DataBus IndustrialTuff PROFIBUS DP and PA shielded twisted pair cables deliver high performance and reliability in PROFIBUS factory automation and process automation applications. Cables are available with a selection of special jacket compounds, cable colors, and armoring options to fit application requirements.

		Thermo Electron sets up customer support center in Saudi Arabia - 10/26/06 Thermo Electron Corporation has established a new local customer support center for its informatics software and services in Dammam, in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The new helpdesk has been developed in close collaboration with the Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo group, Thermo’s partner in the region.

		Fluke announces IR cameras for maintenance inspections - 10/26/06 Ti Series thermal imagers are available in six camera models – the Ti20, Ti30, Ti40, Ti45, Ti50 and Ti55 – designed both for technicians with little or no thermography experience, and for predictive maintenance experts, process engineers and consultants who require the best thermal imagers.

		SICK launches Safety Laser Scanner with shorter range - 10/26/06 The S300 has a 270-degree scanning angle, which helps eliminate gaps in the area being safeguarded. This scanner also offers a selectable resolution of 30, 40, 50, 70 mm and is Type 3 (IEC 61496-3), SIL2 (IEC 61508). The S300 is ideal for applications where the hazardous area to be monitored is less than two meters.

		Emerson Global Users Exchange draws record attendance - 10/26/06 More than 2,100 people from 48 countries attended the 2006 Emerson Global Users Exchange in Nashville, which was held Oct. 2-6 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center. This year's conference was themed "Learn, Lead and Unleash," and was put on by Emerson's community of users.

		Advantech launches 8-Port RS-232 PCI Communication Card - 10/26/06 The PCI-1625U is a self-contained computer with an onboard DSP processor that will take over the processing load from the host PC. It is designed for industrial applications where a PC needs to communicate with terminals, modems, or other instruments. A user can install up to four cards for total of 32 ports in any PCI bus-based PC.

		Baldor announces Motion Control catalogs for machine builders - 10/25/06 A series of motion control product catalogs make life easier for OEMs and machine builders implementing automation systems. Comprising nine separate publications, each dedicated to a specific area of motion control, the series builds into a comprehensive and accessible library of up-to-date system building information.

		ETHERNET Powerlink demonstration at PACK EXPO 2006 - 10/25/06 The ETHERNET Powerlink Standardization Group (EPSG) has solved the challenging task of realizing deterministic, hard real-time communication between multiple controllers of different vendors. Technology providers participating in a demonstration at PACK EXPO include: B&R, Baldor, Fraba Posital, Lenze, Parker and Wago.

		Kobe Steel's Copper Coil Slitting plant in China to Start Up - 10/25/06 Kobe Steel's copper coil slitting company, Suzhou Kobe Copper Technology Co., Ltd., will formally open in China tomorrow. Suzhou Kobe slits coiled copper sheet, which is used in electronic materials. The company is based in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, west of Shanghai.

		Advantech launches two Desktop/Wallmount Industrial-Grade Chassis - 10/25/06 The IPC-5120 supports a Micro-ATX motherboard with up to four half length PCI slots, and the IPC-7120 supports a standard ATX motherboard and up to seven half length PCI slots. Both chassis are RoHS compliant, bracketed for wallmount or desktop applications, and have front-accessible I/O interfaces and expansion slots.

		Igus exhibiting at Pack Expo - 10/25/06 Products being exhibited include the DryLin ZLW linear actuator for compact, quick positioning of lightweight parts.; DryLin W compact linear guide system with a stainless steel shaft; DryLin linear slide tables; compact igubal pivoting bearings; and iglide plastic plain bearings.

		Emerson introduces EDDL enhancements for rotating machinery monitoring - 10/25/06 EDDL enhancements for the CSI 9210 Machinery Health Transmitter, giving end users improved access to details surrounding the analysis results, thus enabling them to make even better operational decisions. New displays use familiar dialog boxes to present graphs, charts, and trending of dynamic variables, in addition to text and archived data, in a consistent, familiar format.

		Falcon Electric announces 25% increase in Military Power sales - 10/25/06 This growth is reflective of Falcon providing the U.S. military and its subcontractors with COTS power conversion and protection solutions. Falcon's products support electronic systems for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, L-3 Communications, Raytheon, SAIC and other preeminent military, defense and aerospace organizations.

		Thiele Technologies to acquire assets of Streamfeeder - 10/25/06 Thiele Technologies, a manufacturer of high-speed packaging equipment in Minneapolis, announced an agreement to acquire certain assets and the business of Streamfeeder, LLC of Minneapolis. Streamfeeder manufacturers material handling and packaging solutions for printing, converting and warehousing, including feeders, batch counters, accumulators, collators, bulk loaders, wrapping units and integrated systems.

		Belden announces two new DeviceBus cables - 10/25/06 IndustrialTuff 1345F and 1346F cables are for use in ODVA DeviceNet industrial networking applications. Both feature TPE jackets, low-temperature performance, and weld splatter, oil, solvent and abrasion resistance for use in harsh environments.

		MTS Sensors provide level measurements for BP storage tanks - 10/25/06 Using the flexible M-Series sensors to fit 45 to 60-ft. tall vessels, the sensors provide both tank level and temperature measurement of flammable liquids. With a rugged design, the M-Series enables BP to monitor light oils, diesel fuels, and gasoline at various locations throughout the United States.

		RuggedCom releases MIL-STD Certified Ethernet Switches - 10/25/06 These products have various MIL-STD certifications including MIL-STD 901D (Shock), MIL-STD 167-1 (Vibration), MIL-STD 461E (EMI), and MIL-STD 810 (Temperature and Humidity). Ideally suited for a number of military applications including navy, army, and air force, as well as other “extreme” and demanding operating environments, these products have already seen acceptance in various US Navy applications.

		Ethernet Direct Partners with Catena AS in Scandinavia - 10/25/06 Ethernet Direct is cooperating with Catena AS to set up Ethernet Direct's base in Scandinavia region. Catena AS is a leading provider of products and solutions for communication in harsh environment where reliability is crucial. Catena is also a manufacturer of HDS weatherproof enclosures for emergency communication and safety systems.

		Rockwell Automation Launches FactoryTalk Information Solution Provider Program - 10/24/06 Rockwell Automation announced that it has formed the FactoryTalk Information Solution Provider Program, an initiative that will result in an extended network of approved information systems professionals to help manufacturers build successful plant-wide information applications and manufacturing execution systems (MES) using the FactoryTalk integrated production and performance suite.

		Rockwell Automation Expands FactoryTalk Suite With Production Management and MES Software Based on Service-Oriented Architecture - 10/24/06 Rockwell Automation has expanded the FactoryTalk integrated production and performance suite with the availability of FactoryTalk ProductionCentre. Built on the FactoryTalk service-oriented architecture (SOA), FactoryTalk ProductionCentre provides manufacturers with improved process visibility, backward and forward product traceability, and quality assurance across multiple industries.

		Rockwell Automation Highlights Advances in Integrated Control and Information - 10/24/06 Rockwell Automation unveiled the expansion of its Integrated Architecture production control and information system, including significant additions to the Logix Control Platform and FactoryTalk integrated production and performance suite. The additional functionality further aides real-time information exchange between production and the rest of the enterprise, improving user responsiveness, increasing productivity and safety, while reducing development, commissioning and operational costs.

		Bridging Gap Between Process and Discrete Applications Key Highlight at Automation Fair - 10/24/06 Rockwell Automation is showcasing their overall system capabilities including batch tools, safety systems, advanced process control capabilities and migration solutions for legacy PLCs and DCS systems. In addition, Rockwell Automation is discussing its partnership with Endress+Hauser, one of the world’s leading suppliers of process instruments, and unveiling migration plans for legacy DCS systems.

		Rockwell Automation's Strategic Approach to Safety Solutions Yields Productivity Gains - 10/24/06 At this week’s Automation Fair event in Baltimore, Rockwell Automation showcases its broad portfolio of safety products and solutions designed to help manufacturers deploy safety systems that help achieve their production goals and increase safety for employees. From simple relays and sensors to fully integrated control systems, Rockwell Automation offers the tools and expertise to help manufacturers shape their safety solutions to support both manufacturing and safety goals.

		Power Efficiency Corporation in CNET article on Electric Motor Efficiency - 10/24/06 Power Efficiency Corporation was featured in a news article on CNET highlighting the Company’s energy efficiency technology for electric motors. CNET is a news website where people go to discover the latest in technology and consumer electronics.

		GE Fanuc Automation announces software for water/wastewater - 10/24/06 Municipal Water Packages designed for the water/wastewater industry combine Proficy™ HMI/SCADA – iFIX®, Historian and Portal products together in a variety of sizes. Municipalities can select the size of the system they need. They can start small and expand by increasing the tag size of iFIX or Historian applications, or adding Portal clients as needed.

		Intellicom announces Industrial Web gateway - 10/24/06 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.

		Emerson awarded contract for fiscal metering of Chinese LNG receiving terminal - 10/24/06 Emerson delivered Daniel natural gas metering systems on 12 skids for fiscal metering on the Fujian LNG-import terminal project. The terminal is being constructed in Fujian Province, Peoples Republic of China. It is owned and operated by CNOOC Fujian LNG Co. Ltd., a co-investment of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and Fujian Investment and Development Corporation.

		FKI Logistex upgrades sliding shoe sorter - 10/24/06 Enhancements to the UniSort VII sliding shoe sorter include an all-electric switching system, aluminum slats for small-item sortation, and a 30-degree divert angle and standard widths to match the full line of FKI Logistex conveyor systems.

		AXIOMTEK releases low power EPIC Form Factor SBC - 10/24/06 Powered by a VIA Luke processor with VT8237R Plus South Bridge chipset, the EP600 low power EPIC form factor single board computer (SBC) is an ideal solution for power-efficient and fanless operation applications. It is suitable for industrial and harsh embedded computing devices that require ultra low power consumption.

		Korenix connects serial devices via Fiber networking - 10/24/06 JetPort 5601f RS232/422/485 3-in-one to Fiber Ethernet device server connects RS232, RS422 and 2/4 wire RS485 to one Multi-mode or Single-mode Fiber Port. The serial port can work in various communication modes, including virtual com, TCP server, TCP client, UDP, and serial tunnel. The JetPort 5601f also supports HTTPS and SSH for secured communication management.

		Citect launches open historian software - 10/24/06 CitectSCADA Reports collects, historizes and delivers reporting data from multiple, disparate plant control systems. With it, users can visualize data from multiple SCADA systems in web browser; analyze this data with MS Excel; transfer data between control systems and MS SQL or Oracle databases; historize all control system data into MS SQL Server 2005; and report using industry standard reporting tools.

		Schneider Electric's third-quarter 2006 sales up 15.3% - 10/24/06 Sales for the third quarter of 2006 totaled €3,480 million, up 15.3% from the year-earlier period. Acquisitions (primarily Juno Lighting, BEI Technologies, Merten and Clipsal Asia) contributed €216 million, or 7.1% of growth for the period.

		Trinity Integrated Systems wins IET innovation award - 10/24/06 Trinity Integrated systems won a global award for innovation at the IET’s annual Innovation in Engineering Awards. Trinity won the Software Design award for its software translation tool.

		Adept introduces fast parts picking Robot at PackExpo - 10/24/06 The Quattro Drive robot, claimed to be the world's fastest commercial robot, will be shown at the Pack Expo 2006 show in Chicago, IL. It is designed for parts picking and packaging applications.

		Belden expands fieldbus cable line - 10/24/06 Belden has expanded its family of IndustrialTuff DataBus Cables for Fieldbus Applications to meet marketplace needs for versatile cabling solutions that meet Fieldbus Specification IEC 61158-2 (ISA/SP-50).

		Lantronix expands Industrial Device Networking marketing efforts - 10/24/06 Lantronix announces four new products and signs Neteon Technologies, Inc., as a sales partner.

		Lantronix releases wireless device server for harsh environments - 10/24/06 XPress DR+ Wireless is a rugged DIN-Rail mounted WiFi 802.11 Device Server for applications requiring environmentally hardened wireless networking gear. It is capable of connecting virtually any type of industrial equipment to the Local Area Network (LAN) or the Internet.

		Lantronix announces device server for harsh environments - 10/24/06 The UDS1100-IAP is a single-port Device Server which includes a built-in web server allowing end users to remotely access and manage attached equipment from a standard web browser. The UDS1100-IAP is hardened, operates within a wide-temperature range of -40ºC to +70ºC and supports industrial protocols including Modbus TCP, ASCII, RTU and DF1 to ensure device interoperability.

		Fluke announces multipurpose Thermometer for HVAC - 10/24/06 The Fluke 561 HVACPro multipurpose thermometer combines infrared and contact temperature measurement functions in a single tool for HVAC professionals. It gives users the option of deciding which temperature measurement method – contact or noncontact (infrared) – is most efficient and best suited for the application.

		ABB receives Frost & Sullivan South Asian Technology Award - 10/24/06 Frost & Sullivan has selected ABB as the recipient of its 2006 South Asian Technology Leadership Award for Process Automation Suppliers. The award recognizes ABB for the outstanding performance and technological advances of its Industrial IT Extended Automation System 800xA.

		Customers and prospects attend ABB Roadshow in Cleveland - 10/24/06 The number of customers and prospects attending Customer Day at the ABB Low Voltage Products "Results-Driven Power Control" Roadshow here, on Thursday, October 18, set a record, as end users poured into the Crowne Plaza Hotel downtown to attend technical workshops and review the 25 product families on display.

		TURCK releases compact I/O modules