Wireless Sensor Software Platform
MoteWorks from Crossbow Technology Inc., San Jose, CA, is an open, standards-based integrated software platform that allows device manufacturers to integrate wireless sensor network capabilities into their products. The software provides an advanced mesh network stack, over-the-air programming, commercially supported open-source operating system, a gateway server, remote monitoring and management, standards support for 802.15.4 and ZigBee, APIs for application and driver development, as well as support for 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz radio frequencies. (408-965-3300, [email protected], www.xbow.com)
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Ultrasonic Proximity Switches
Contrinex Inc., Old Saybrook, CT, offers Series 1180/1181 and Series 1300-1303 ultrasonic proximity switches in M18 and M30 configurations. Sensors are available as diffuse and reflex sensors, with switching or analog outputs (M18 devices) or with 1 or 2 switching outputs/analog and switching outputs in the same device (M30 devices). Other features include operating distances of up to 6000 mm, high excess gain, and a small blind zone. (866-289-2899, [email protected], www.contrinex.com)
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The FDA Class II visible GTS2 glass thickness sensor from LMI Technologies (USA) Inc., Cumming, GA, uses laser triangulation to measure flat panel glass up to 1.5 mm thick and other flat glass up to 3.0 mm thick at up to 2000 readings/s. Stand-off distance is 28 mm, measurement range is 4.0 mm, and accuracy is ±1.0 μm. A CCD single-line array is used to calculate the distance between the projected top surface and bottom surface reflections. (770-888-6586, [email protected], www.lmint.com)
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GPS Receiver
NavSync Ltd., Aurora, IL, offers its CW12 GPS receiver as a functionally equivalent replacement to the Motorola M12+. The receiver offers 5 m rms positional accuracy, <25 ns to UTC timing, and –158 dB tracking sensitivity, and runs off a 3.3 V supply. It provides a standard NMEA 0183 data stream, 1 pps output, and a variable frequency output. (630-236-3026, [email protected], www.navsync.com)
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Humidity Transmitter
The Series RH humidity or humidity/temperature transmitter from Dywer Instruments Inc., Michigan City, IN, is a 2-wire transmitter with a 4–20 mA loop-powered output. The polymer capacitance humidity sensor is unaffected by condensation, fog, high humidity, or contaminants. The humidity/temperature version provides dual 4–20 mA outputs with an accuracy of ±2% RH and ±0.3°C at 25°C. An outside air model is also available. (800-872-9141, [email protected], www.dwyer-inst.com)
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Maintenance Software
DEXTER v4.0 condition-based monitoring software from MACSEA Ltd., Stonington, CT, automates monitoring, diagnosis, and prediction of machinery health for any equipment that can be instrumented with sensors. It features automatic real-time and off-line DA from a variety of sources, automatic historical data archiving, real-time and historical equipment health displays, troubleshooting, failure prediction, and remote monitoring. You can build in automated diagnostics and use the software to manage and store maintenance and operational knowledge. (860-535-3885, www.macsea.com)
Temperature/Humidity Logger
The TR-72W from Saelig Co. Inc., Pittsford, NY, is a temperature/humidity logger with a built-in Ethernet/LAN interface and internal storage for 8000 readings. Designed to measure ambient conditions of 0°C–50°C and noncondensing humidities of 20%–80% RH, it lets you use an Internet browser to access it and view real-time or recorded data. If you insert a CF-type 802.11b WiFi card into the logger you can integrate it into a wireless network. (585-385-1750, [email protected], www.saelig.com)
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Small Ultrasonic Sensors
UT20 ultrasonic sensors from SensoPart Inc., Pontiac, MI, are 32 3 20 3 12 mm and have a scanning distance from 20–150 mm with 0.2 mm resolution. Sensors offer switch-point, window, and retroreflective modes in one device; temperature compensation; 25 Hz switching frequency; teach; and synchronization input for cross-talk immunity. Analog output versions provide 4–20 mA or 0–10 VDC signals while digital output versions are available with pnp/npn or NO/NC configurations. (866-282-7610, [email protected], www.sensopart.com)
Double Sheet Detectors
Pepperl+Fuchs Inc., Twinsburg, OH, offers 18 mm dia. ultrasonic throughbeam sensors designed to identify misfeeds of a variety of media, including paper, cardboard, thin plastic, and foil to protect machinery and/or avoid waste. The sensors are IP67 protected and can detect 0, 1, or 2 sheets of material with weights from 10–2000 g/m2 . Features include teach mode, an adjustable detection threshold, and insensitivity to printing, colors, and glossy surfaces. (330-486-0001, [email protected], www.am.pepperl-fuchs.com)
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Linear Gauge Sensor
The compact GS-1613 digital linear gauge from Ono Sokki Technology Inc., Addison, IL, uses a linear glass scale and is designed for installation in production equipment. The gauge measures dimensions, curvature, eccentricity, displacement, variation, runout, distortion, deflection, and position with a measuring range of 13 mm and an accuracy of 0.00004 in. Response speed is 39.4 in./s. (630-627-9700, [email protected], www.onosokki.net)
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Documenting Calibrator
The Micro-Cal Model 869 from Setra Systems Inc., Boxborough, MA, is designed for air-handling processes in critical environments requiring portability, high accuracy, and low-pressure documenting calibration. The battery-powered unit provides 8 hr. min. of operation; gives pressure reading accuracy close to 0.0001 in.w.c.; with fast, stable, and repeatable pressure generation better than 0.0003 in.w.c. (800-257-3872, [email protected], www.setra.com)
Customized Code
MaxStream Inc., Lindon, UT, offers a new version of its XBee Professional Developer's kit that lets OEMs and systems integrators easily load their own code to the XBee and XBee-PRO RF module's processor. The kit includes code and instructions for implementing either the Freescale/Figure8 ZigBee stack, Freescale SMAC, or 802.15.4 firmware into custom-tailored application code. (866-765-9885, [email protected], www.maxstream.net)
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Programmable Interpolator
The Rincon mixed-signal chip from Tekwiss USA Inc., Newport Beach, CA, interfaces directly to two fully differential sensor bridges without requiring external components and provides 4 output modes. Configuration is stored in an onchip EEPROM. Features include 2.1° accuracy; a fully programmable interpolation rate from 1–256 and index position/width; and quad ABI, up/down, increment/direction, or 3-phase commutation output modes. (949-631-5060, [email protected], www.tekwissusa.com)
Digital I/O Board
The USB-IIRO-16 embedded digital I/O board from ACCES I/O Products Inc., San Diego, CA, is a high-speed USB 2.0 device, USB 1.1 compatible, with 16 Form C (SPDT) electromechanical relays and 16 optically isolated digital inputs. The 4 3 4 3 1.25 in. module features an internal removable screw termination board; an OEM version provides just the board without the enclosure and internal screw termination. It is supplied with a custom high-speed function driver. (858-550-9559, [email protected], [email protected], www.accesio.com)
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Desktop Manometer
The DM 2005 desktop manometer from All Sensors Corp., Morgan Hill, CA, consists of a pressure sensor, small housing, RS-232 and USB cables, and software. Versions are available for digital, amplified, or amplified mini sensors and pressure sensor ranges are available up to 150 psi F.S. Software automatically converts between pressure units. Data sampling intervals are from 20 ms to 500 s and an oversample mode is available. (408-225-4314, [email protected], www.allsensors.com)
Linear Displacement Transducer
For absolute position indication in demanding applications, AMETEK Automation & Process Technologies, Clawson, MI, offers the GEMCO 953 Series Vmax linear displacement transducer (LDT). Features include a programmable span, active measuring range of up to 300 in., variable power supply voltages from 7–30 VDC, an IP68 rating, and a tricolor LED for operation and troubleshooting. The LDT offers 0–10 VDC or 4–20 mA analog outputs. (800-635-0289, [email protected], www.ametekapt.com)
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Fuel Monitoring System
The fuel monitoring system from AW Co., Franksville, WI, consists of two of the company's JV-KG positive displacement flowmeters, one for the supply line and the other for the return line, and an FEM-03A2 or EMO-500 ratio monitor to display flow rate and net fuel consumed. The ratio monitor displays total fuel consumption or usage, displays independent fuel line flow rates, and provides a 4–20 mA signal for remote reporting. (262-884-9800, [email protected], www.awcompany.com)
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