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Sensor Measures Any Material, Any Surface With 0.01µm Repeatability
From One Techie to Another:
Automation guru makes chocolate. Automation system helps produce wine.
Featured Article:
All American Seasonings' Growth: Focus on Flavor and Efficiency Through Technology
Product Announcements:
cRIO-9014 embedded controller, Machinery Health Collector, Multiple Solenoid Connector Cable Assemblies, PROFINET bus coupler for I/O, and much more
Resources & Literature:
Alarm Management Textbook and more
Events, Seminars & Training:
WBF 2007 North American Conference, and more
| Sponsor: ELPRO | |
From One Techie to Another | |||||||
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Automation guru makes chocolate. Automation system helps produce wine. Chocolate and wine...both part of a balanced diet. If you love chocolate and wine, you'll want to read on. If neither strikes your fancy, you still may find it worth a read. With all the press lately on how good wine and chocolate are for your health, your body (and taste buds) will thank you. Many of you know the name Dick Morley. For those who don't, Dick Morley is best known as the father of the programmable controller and is the leading visionary in the field of advanced technological development. Now, Dick is into chocolate...and darn good chocolate at that. A few months back, I ran into Dick at the Matrikon User Conference (which by the way is coming up again in May). One evening in the hospitality suite, Dick was handing out free samples of his home-made dark chocolate. Dick's love for chocolate was shared by many others, including myself. Needless to say, his sample supply quickly ran out. That love for good chocolate drove Dick to develop two of his own formulas; a female version (Formula 7) and a male version (Formula 23). The difference between the formulas is the amount of cocoa. The male version has more cocoa, and is a darker chocolate. Most who have tried Dick's chocolate say it's the best chocolate they've ever had. As a fellow chocolate lover, I've tried a lot of chocolate. This stuff really is the best! It's so good that we are proud to sell it on our site. You might be asking what chocolate has to do with automation. Well, it's simple. Chocolate has gotten me through just about every afternoon for the last 7 years of publishing Automation.com, now the leading automation-focused web site. How about that for a connection? Besides, it's made by Dick Morley. You can buy Dick's chocolate using our secure server by visiting our new Wolf Rock Chocolate page. Warning: All of Dick's chocolate includes almonds (another proven health food), so if you have a nut allergy, please use caution. Since wine and chocolate go so well together (trust me, they do), I thought it was fitting to share this next story with you. The story began when Carlos Falco, owner of the Marquis of Grinon vineyard in the heart of Spain's central La Mancha region, began using forbidden irrigation systems to water his estate. You see, Spain has a very dry climate and water is a valuable, limited resource. In 1970, Carlos consulted with Israeli inventors of a drip irrigation system originally designed for orange crops. Back then, the system was comprised of a basic hose system. It now includes two ultra-sensitive gadgets on sample vines in each grove: a probe that measures moisture levels in the soil and a metallic brace, or dendrometer, that monitors the thirst of plants through the changing diameter of a vine's trunk at different times of day. These instruments, which are connected electronically to a mini weather station on the estate, send readings to computers monitored by a team of scientists who regulate irrigation accordingly. This automation system of sorts has allowed Carlos to grow spectacular grapes, receive mention in wine textbooks, and become one of the top ten wine producers in Spain (and top 100 in the world). You can read more of this success story on CNN.com. Great chocolate and great wine, both with ties to automation...What could be better than that? Happy spring break and Easter (to those who celebrate). Enjoy the rest of this eNews! Rick Zabel |
2007 Salary Survey
Automation.com is surveying automation, process control and instrumentation professionals about career, salary and company information. Find out how you stack up with other professionals, and how salaries vary by job function or geographic region. Please take a minute to complete our survey and then pass it on to your automation friends and colleagues. Survey results will be published in early spring 2007.
All American Seasonings' Growth: Focus on Flavor and Efficiency Through Technology
All American has recently invested in a brand new production facility with over 40,000 sq. ft. It was clearly time for an upgrade in tools and procedures which captured all pertinent operations data and supported instant decision making throughout the enterprise. After an exhaustive search and performance shootouts between candidate systems, All American selected BatchMaster Software Inc. and has begun implementation of the Food ERP system.
Read full article by Thomas R. Cutler.
More articles by Thomas Cutler
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National Instruments releases cRIO-9014 embedded controller - 4/3/07 The cRIO-9014 controller, based on the Freescale MPC5200 processor and Wind River VxWorks RTOS, delivers processing speed, memory and storage required for embedded and industrial applications such as high-speed machine control, machine monitoring/protection, in-vehicle data logging and embedded device prototyping. |
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| NI LabVIEW Real-Time works with VxWorks RTOS - 4/3/07 LabVIEW graphical programming environment now works with the Wind River VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS). Engineers can use LabVIEW Real-Time to deploy custom real-time applications on VxWorks 6.1 embedded in NI's cRIO-9012 and cRIO-9014 controllers. |
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Emerson introduces CSI 2130 Machinery Health Collector - 4/3/07 The CSI 2130 Collector has high speed single-channel collection, and a full-color backlit VGA display for periodic collection of vibration data on rotating machinery. Its PeakVue processing can detect stress waves on the spot for an early indicator of bearing or gear wear. |
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ASI introduces solenoid connector cable assemblies - 4/3/07 Multiple connector cable assemblies are available in arrangements of 2, 3 or 4 DIN 43650-A, -B and -C connectors. The standard cable length is one meter with 200mm between connectors. Custom cable lengths are available upon request. |
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Wago announces PROFINET bus coupler for I/O - 4/2/07 The 750-340 series bus coupler can be used to connect local or distributed I/O on a PROFINET industrial Ethernet network. |
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Banner announces PresencePLUS color vision sensors - 4/2/07 PresencePLUS COLOR vision sensors detect an infinite number of color variations accurately. The sensor inspects for a specific color taught to it with a Color Match tool. Sensors are available in two packages: a two-piece sensor with separate DIN-mountable controller, and a one-piece version. Prices start at $3,495. |
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Emerson expands Ethernet I/O of Bristol RTU - 4/2/07 The Bristol ControlWave Micro Hybrid RTU supports larger applications with dual Ethernet ports that provide network segmentation without the need for external routers. |
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Advantech Launches AIMB Mini-ITX Motherboards - 3/29/07 AIMB-250 and 251 RoHS compliant industrial mini-ITX motherboards have six USB 2.0 and four COM ports integrated in a standard 170 x 170 mm form factor. Prices start at $237. |
Other Product Announcements
- Endress+Hauser announces Levelflex M radar level transmitter 4/3/07
- Ethernet Direct releases BMS-836 8 port serial device server 4/3/07
- AW-Lake expands C-Flow Coriolis flow meters 4/3/07
- NI and Mindready Improve Universal Radio Tester 4/3/07
- NI releases LabVIEW Embedded Module for ADI Blackfin processor 4/3/07
- Tendril enhances Zigbee network operating platform 4/3/07
- Schaefer introduces C/B 4800 Series of converters 4/3/07
- Green Hills announces Probe V3 CPU debug tool 4/3/07
- Green Hills announces Probe for Manufacturing debug tool 4/3/07
- Wonderware to supply software to Mitsubishi PLCs 4/3/07
- Inductive Automation enhances FactoryPMI 4/3/07
- ICS Triplex ISaGRAF works with Beck Embedded Web Controller 4/3/07
- HEIDENHAIN introduces ExN safety-related position encoders 4/2/07
- Baumüller introduces b maXX 1000 inverters 4/2/07
- Haydon Switch releases Size 14 Linear Actuators 4/2/07
- Connect One releases Socket iWiFi secure WiFi Module 4/2/07
- Connect One releases CO2128 IP Controllers for secure M2M 4/2/07
- VEAM NRG Sequential Mating System from ITT guarantees correct, reliable connection 4/2/07
- Agilent introduces 1-GHz Battery-Powered Oscilloscopes 4/2/07
- Macraigor announces software debuggers for new processors 4/2/07
- S2 Technologies enhances STRIDE 2.1 software 4/2/07
- Grace Engineered's ChekVolt Voltage Portal C-UL Listed 3/30/07
- Thermo Fisher Introduces QuickQuan 2.0 LC-MS/MS software 3/30/07
- Square D releases Model 6 low voltage MCC 3/29/07
- RENCO announces R35i high resolution encoder 3/29/07
- Lanner introduces EM-9640 motherboard for graphics 3/29/07
- Molex releases Fiber Optic EMI Adapters 3/28/07
- Molex releases Optical Connectors 3/28/07
- McObject upgrades eXtremeDB 3.1 3/28/07
- Schaefer releases AEP-A2000R Pure Sine Wave Inverter 3/28/07
Product & Supplier Search
- Featured Products for April
- Search Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date
- Search Suppliers by keyword or product category
Featured Resource: Alarm Management Textbook
The book is the only text on Alarm Management available from the ISA and represents a major step forward for adoption of the 7-step approach to Alarm Management as put forward by PAS. The 7-step approach improves the performance of alarm systems, by benchmarking alarm system performance against industry standards, developing an alarm philosophy document, rationalizing alarms, and applying real-time alarm management optimization strategies.
More information
Other Resources:
Featured Event: WBF 2007 North American Conference
The three day program includes educational and inspiring presentations by industry leaders from over 15 companies, including Bristol Myers-Squibb, GE, Lilly, Honeywell, Siemens and Genentech. Attendees will also benefit from instructor-led tutorials on ISA-88, ISA-95 and B2MML, and technical presentations focusing on ISA-88 and 95 applications, implementing a standards-based approach, batch models, and emerging technologies.
More information
Other Upcoming Events & Training
- Industrial Ethernet Training Class: April 11, 2007
- AS-Interface One-day Training Classes: Starting April 12, 2007
- ISA Analysis Division's 2007 Symposium: April 15-19, 2007
- HANNOVER MESSE 2007: April 16-20, 2007
- PAS 'Process Matters' Users Conference: April 17-18, 2007
- ExperTune and TiPS announce User's Conference: April 17-19, 2007
- Electromate Industrial Sales' Toronto & Montreal Automation Fair & Expo: April 17 & 19 2007
- Deliver Operational Efficiency to Process Manufacturers (Webinar): April 19, 2007
- North America CACS: April 22-26, 2007
- SAPPHIRE and ASUG 2007: April 22-25, 2007
- Innovation Fair: April 24, 2007
- LinuxWorld Canada April 24-26, 2007
- Keithley Nano Days Virtual Conference April 24-26, 2007
- Computer/Human Interaction (CHI) 2007 Conference April 28-May 3, 2007
- FutureNet April 28-May 3, 2007
- Matrikon Summit 2007: May 7-10, 2007
- NI Automated Test Summit on Web May 8, 2007
- RoboBusiness Conference and Expo: May 15-16, 2007
- Total Processing & Packaging 2007: May 15-17, 2007
- Deacom User Conference: May 16-17, 2007
- PTO Free PROFINET 2007 Developer Workshops: Starting May 21, 2007
- M2M Forum 2007: May 22-23, 2007
- BuilConn: May 22-24, 2007
- ASi-tech 2007: May 22, 2007
Here are the latest company and application news headlines for your review...use the following links to read the full article. Check out our Daily News Headlines page frequently to stay up-to-date on the industry events.
Company & Organization News:
- Ethernet Direct meets Korean MIC Standard 4/3/07
- Portescap receives Supplier Award from SICK for Excellence in Product Setup, Quality, Logistics 4/2/07
- OMRON reorganizes machine safeguarding business 4/2/07
- SME awards 2007 scholarships 4/2/07
- Sensor Developments offers ISO-17025 force calibration lab 4/2/07
- Annual sales of PROFIBUS reaches 3.4 million nodes 3/30/07
- ISA-SP100 group accepts wireless draft standard 3/30/07
- Omron acquires semiconductor business from Seiko Epson 3/30/07
- Flowserve Wins R&D Honor in India 3/30/07
- Ethernet Direct adds four support locations In India 3/30/07
- OMAC's PackML and Weihenstephan agree to standards 3/29/07
- ISA's SP99 Security Standards Committee makes progress 3/29/07
- Enea Acquires QiValue Technologies 3/29/07
- Rockwell Automation hosts its 100th show 3/29/07
- ABB names Jim Perkins Managing Director of Drives 3/29/07
- Rockwell Automation names John Genovesi VP of Automotive and tires 3/29/07
- FCI appoints Bopp & Reuther distributor in Germany 3/28/07
Application News:
- Invensys supplying Foxboro DCSes to ethanol refineries in Canada 4/3/07
- Bosch Rexroth hydraulics to turn world’s largest wheel 4/2/07
- Metso sells ball valves worth EUR10 million to Qatar 3/30/07
- Cyco Software to install Maximo sotware at Met-Mex Peñole 3/29/07
- FKI Logistex to deliver material handling system to Swedish library 3/28/07
Here's a list of new jobs posted on Automation.com:
- System Engineer IV: Potlatch Forest Products Corporation - McGehee, AR 4/3/2007
- General Manager Systems Integration: BCS (Building Controls & Services, Inc.) - Tonawanda, NY 3/30/2007
- Automation & Controls Engineer: Advanced Glazings Ltd. - Sydney, NS Canada 3/30/2007
- Sr Tech Specialist/Tech Specialist (Controls): Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company - Indianapolis, IN 3/30/2007
- Systems Engineer: CQS Innovation, Inc. - Benton Harbor, MI 3/29/2007
To view other recent job postings, please use our Job Search Function.
I hope you enjoyed this automation news update. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content in this e-newsletter or on Automation.com, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher
Automation.com
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