BDL motorized pulleys allow conveyor system operators to synchronize product movements. Shaft encoders utilize SKF or SNR pulse outputs to monitor motorized pulley movement and control conveyor belt speed, position, torque, and rotational direction. Accurate conveyor belt movements, up to [+ or -]0.0002 in. at speeds of 19-500 fpm, are achievable. Mounted with 2 brackets, pulleys range from 3.18-12.6 in. in diameter with face widths from 7.8-67 in.
********************
Motorized pulleys with integrated shaft encoders, that allow conveyor system operators to accurately synchronize product movements, are available from BDL America, Wilmington, N.C. The encoders utilize either SKF or SNR pulse outputs to precisely monitor motorized pulley movement to control conveyor belt speed, position, torque and rotational direction. The motorized pulleys have been successfully applied in applications requiring properly timed conveyor movement, such as: positioning, dispensing, adjusting, cutting, tape winding, pick and place operations, and constant speed applications, among others.
The encoders are hermetically sealed within a stainless steel housing, eliminating the possibility of external influences and providing an extremely reliable control system. Accurate conveyor belt movements up to [+ or -]0.0002-inches at speeds of 19 to 500 fpm are achievable with the motorized pulley and integrated encoder design. The motorized pulleys are protected from dust and moisture, meeting class IP66 and IP67 standards. The integrated encoders are available on the complete line of BDL motorized pulleys ranging from diameters of 3.18 to 12.6 inches, and face widths from 7.8 to 67 inches. Power from the motor is transmitted through the gearbox which is coupled to a geared rim fixed to the drum and housing.
Mounted with just two (2) brackets, there is no need for multiple parts - and multiple vendors. Ordering and installation are quick and easy requiring less than half the time needed to install external drives. The motorized pulley requires no external component maintenance.
Motorized pulleys in the BDL family feature durable steel gears with precision cut and honed teeth - reducing noise levels to only 50dB to meet OSHA requirements. Efficient and reliable, the motors run at 96 percent efficiency, saving up to 32 percent (unloaded) and 47 percent (loaded) on power consumption when compared to exposed drives.
The motor's compact design eliminates all external parts, such as: motors, gearboxes, chains or belts, pillow block bearings and associated guards. Virtually maintenance-free, the units only require an oil change after 50,000 hours of operation and the oil change can be performed without removing the motorized pulley from the conveyor.
An introduction to SMALL MODELS
When you were a kid, did you ever dream of controlling your rubber-powered creations? And now, do you wish that you could build a plane in your living room while watching TV? Micro models take up less space than their larger counterparts, can be less expensive, take less time to build and can even be flown indoors! So what are you waiting for? Read on to see how easy it is to join the fun.
The field of micro RC models is rapidly developing, with new products and dealers showing up almost daily. For our purposes, "micro" refers to planes that weigh 2 ounces or less and that use radio and power systems that don't weigh more than 1 ounce combined. Another characteristic of the micro model is that it can use a single Li-poly cell for power. There are a variety of ready-to-fly models available from several dealers as well as quite a selection of kits designed for micro RC. Meanwhile, many modelers have had fine success converting small, rubber-band-powered models to micro RC. A good selection of plans is available for scratch-builders, ranging from simple stick fuselage models to more elaborate scale projects. A good start for plan projects are the Model Airplane News downloads, and many others are available from rcstore.com. Meanwhile, a number of modelers have successfully resized plans from older magazines at photocopy stores that have this capability.
Assuming you have selected the model, let's go over some of the equipment options available and look at a few features and compatibility.
RADIO GEAR
Receivers. Several types of receiver are currently being produced for the micro market. In general, all of them incorporate an electronic speed control (ESC) for small brushed motors. The ratings on these ESC circuits vary, so you need to make sure that the ESC can handle the motor selected. All of the current receivers are designed to operate from a single Li-poly cell (or equivalent voltage, if you're using Ni-Cd or NiMH batteries). At least one of the receivers, the Plantraco HXF900, operates on the 90OMHz frequency band, which eliminates all conflicts with equipment on lower frequencies (of course, you must use Plantraco's matching HFX900 transmitter). Several of the receivers are relatively wide band, and to function without interference, they require that adjacent channels not be in use. Others are narrowband and can operate safely in a crowded environment.
Most of the available receivers can drive actuators directly, while several have outputs that can drive servos. A few are capable of handling brushless motors' speed controls along with other features. The market is changing rapidly, so it pays to compare features and prices.
Actuators. In general, all of the actuators being produced for the micro market are designed along the same lines and operate in the same way. A coil is wired to a special driver in the receiver, in which a proportional voltage is generated depending on the transmitter-stick position. A magnet pivots within this coil and moves in response to the changing voltage. With the proper centering setup, the movement of the magnet is truly proportional to the transmitter stick. The primary difference in these actuators is their size. The smallest weigh only a few tenths of a gram and produce very light forces. Larger units can weigh several grams and operate the controls on larger or faster models.
The field of micro RC models is rapidly developing, with new products and dealers showing up almost daily. For our purposes, "micro" refers to planes that weigh 2 ounces or less and that use radio and power systems that don't weigh more than 1 ounce combined. Another characteristic of the micro model is that it can use a single Li-poly cell for power. There are a variety of ready-to-fly models available from several dealers as well as quite a selection of kits designed for micro RC. Meanwhile, many modelers have had fine success converting small, rubber-band-powered models to micro RC. A good selection of plans is available for scratch-builders, ranging from simple stick fuselage models to more elaborate scale projects. A good start for plan projects are the Model Airplane News downloads, and many others are available from rcstore.com. Meanwhile, a number of modelers have successfully resized plans from older magazines at photocopy stores that have this capability.
Assuming you have selected the model, let's go over some of the equipment options available and look at a few features and compatibility.
RADIO GEAR
Receivers. Several types of receiver are currently being produced for the micro market. In general, all of them incorporate an electronic speed control (ESC) for small brushed motors. The ratings on these ESC circuits vary, so you need to make sure that the ESC can handle the motor selected. All of the current receivers are designed to operate from a single Li-poly cell (or equivalent voltage, if you're using Ni-Cd or NiMH batteries). At least one of the receivers, the Plantraco HXF900, operates on the 90OMHz frequency band, which eliminates all conflicts with equipment on lower frequencies (of course, you must use Plantraco's matching HFX900 transmitter). Several of the receivers are relatively wide band, and to function without interference, they require that adjacent channels not be in use. Others are narrowband and can operate safely in a crowded environment.
Most of the available receivers can drive actuators directly, while several have outputs that can drive servos. A few are capable of handling brushless motors' speed controls along with other features. The market is changing rapidly, so it pays to compare features and prices.
Actuators. In general, all of the actuators being produced for the micro market are designed along the same lines and operate in the same way. A coil is wired to a special driver in the receiver, in which a proportional voltage is generated depending on the transmitter-stick position. A magnet pivots within this coil and moves in response to the changing voltage. With the proper centering setup, the movement of the magnet is truly proportional to the transmitter stick. The primary difference in these actuators is their size. The smallest weigh only a few tenths of a gram and produce very light forces. Larger units can weigh several grams and operate the controls on larger or faster models.
New utility vehicle from Kubota - utility equipment
Kubota Tractor Corp., Torrance, Calif., has announced the development of its first utility vehicle, the RTV900. Designed for general purpose, worksite, turf and recreational applications, the new unity vehicle is available in four configurations and incorporates the same technology used on the company's tractors, which have been sold in the U.S. for more than 30 years.
Kubota entered the utility vehicle market based on the growing trends of utility vehicles and the resources it already had to produce the vehicles, said James Burnside, product manager at Kubota. "We are going to grow this business. This is going to be big growth for Kubota this year."
After three years in development, Kubota began production on the vehicles in Gainesville, Ga. Full production was slated to begin in January.
While the company may have aimed for commonality between its new utility vehicle and its tractors in many areas, Burnside said the Kubota D902 diesel engine was designed specifically for the RTV900 utility vehicle. The three-cylinder, OHV, liquid-cooled engine has an 898 cc displacement on a bore and stroke of 2.83 in. x 2.90 in. and is rated 21.6 hp. The engine features a half float valve cover with a rubber ring gasket to seal and isolate vibration and reduce noise throughout the crankcase, the company said. Engine cooling is provided by a Denso radiator The vehicle's ground drive is a hydrostatic transmission (HST) system that incorporates a shaft-driven pump, mounted to the engine block, that de livers power to a single motor. Kubota built the RTV900 vehicle's HST from the design used in its tractors. "We used the knowledge that we know on hydrostatic and tractors and built a hydrostatic transmission to function in a utility vehicle," said Burnside.
In order for the HST to provide the same low-end torque as Kubota's tractors, a second variable displacement motor is driven off the main pump. Hydraulic flow is provided to this motor through a swashplate that automatically opens when the system senses the HST is beyond its limit, the company said. Hydraulic flow can also be manually directed to the second motor by selecting the low gear range. A foot-operated pedal controls gear selection by changing the gear ratio in the trans mission through a clutchless gear shift. Vehicle operation is also available in mid- and high-speed modes.
Both two- and four-wheel drive is standard on the vehicle, "because we already make our own transmission, gears and gearboxes for all our four-wheel drive tractors," said Burnside. "To take it out of the vehicle was insignificant." Four-wheel drive is activated by a single lever inside the cab.
An independent suspension is mounted to the front axle and rear semi-independent suspension is mounted to the rear axle. The rear axle has a flexible bend to achieve semi-independent movement in the Titan International Inc. tires. Tire options include four-ply turf, six-ply knobby, heavy-duty or ATV
Also taken from its tractor line, is Kubota's power steering and wet disc brakes. The power steering is driven off the engine by a hydraulic cylinder. The brakes prevent free-wheeling during downhill travel, the company said. Additional braking is achieved by a rear wheel, hand lever parking brake.
The four configurations of the RTV900 vehicle include a general purpose model used for light labor with the option of knobby, turf or heavy-duty tires. The work site model features a hydraulic bed lift, grill guard and heavy-duty tires for application in general construction projects. The turf model, with the same features as the work site model, has a rear remote valve to run hydraulic implements for golf and landscape projects and turf style tires. The camo model is designed for the sportsman with protective grill guard, ATV tires and real tree camouflage coloring. All other models are available in Kubota's signature orange color.
Kubota entered the utility vehicle market based on the growing trends of utility vehicles and the resources it already had to produce the vehicles, said James Burnside, product manager at Kubota. "We are going to grow this business. This is going to be big growth for Kubota this year."
After three years in development, Kubota began production on the vehicles in Gainesville, Ga. Full production was slated to begin in January.
While the company may have aimed for commonality between its new utility vehicle and its tractors in many areas, Burnside said the Kubota D902 diesel engine was designed specifically for the RTV900 utility vehicle. The three-cylinder, OHV, liquid-cooled engine has an 898 cc displacement on a bore and stroke of 2.83 in. x 2.90 in. and is rated 21.6 hp. The engine features a half float valve cover with a rubber ring gasket to seal and isolate vibration and reduce noise throughout the crankcase, the company said. Engine cooling is provided by a Denso radiator The vehicle's ground drive is a hydrostatic transmission (HST) system that incorporates a shaft-driven pump, mounted to the engine block, that de livers power to a single motor. Kubota built the RTV900 vehicle's HST from the design used in its tractors. "We used the knowledge that we know on hydrostatic and tractors and built a hydrostatic transmission to function in a utility vehicle," said Burnside.
In order for the HST to provide the same low-end torque as Kubota's tractors, a second variable displacement motor is driven off the main pump. Hydraulic flow is provided to this motor through a swashplate that automatically opens when the system senses the HST is beyond its limit, the company said. Hydraulic flow can also be manually directed to the second motor by selecting the low gear range. A foot-operated pedal controls gear selection by changing the gear ratio in the trans mission through a clutchless gear shift. Vehicle operation is also available in mid- and high-speed modes.
Both two- and four-wheel drive is standard on the vehicle, "because we already make our own transmission, gears and gearboxes for all our four-wheel drive tractors," said Burnside. "To take it out of the vehicle was insignificant." Four-wheel drive is activated by a single lever inside the cab.
An independent suspension is mounted to the front axle and rear semi-independent suspension is mounted to the rear axle. The rear axle has a flexible bend to achieve semi-independent movement in the Titan International Inc. tires. Tire options include four-ply turf, six-ply knobby, heavy-duty or ATV
Also taken from its tractor line, is Kubota's power steering and wet disc brakes. The power steering is driven off the engine by a hydraulic cylinder. The brakes prevent free-wheeling during downhill travel, the company said. Additional braking is achieved by a rear wheel, hand lever parking brake.
The four configurations of the RTV900 vehicle include a general purpose model used for light labor with the option of knobby, turf or heavy-duty tires. The work site model features a hydraulic bed lift, grill guard and heavy-duty tires for application in general construction projects. The turf model, with the same features as the work site model, has a rear remote valve to run hydraulic implements for golf and landscape projects and turf style tires. The camo model is designed for the sportsman with protective grill guard, ATV tires and real tree camouflage coloring. All other models are available in Kubota's signature orange color.
American Gear Manufacturers Association
The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) will sponsor an exhibit pavilion for its members at the 2008 IFPE--International Exposition for Power Transmission. AGMA will also promote the show as an IFPE 2008 supporting organization. IFPE 2008 will be held March 11-15, 2008, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev., and will be North America's largest exposition and technical conference for hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and mechanical power transmission components, systems and controls. AGMA members primarily manufacture gears, gearboxes, flexible couplings or mechanical power transmission equipment or components; supply machine tools, cutting tools and other capital equipment to the gear manufacturing industry; or offer supplies or services such as gear blanks, lubricants, heat treating and grinding.
Gear Grinder rough and finish grinds gears in one setup
Built on mineral-filled cast polymer base, 6-axis GS:G2 produces gears from 1-12 in. dia, employs near net-shaped or hobbed gears, and requires 15 min of setup. Machine requires users to install proper tooling and enter part form, dress, and grind parameters into control in order to start-up new jobs, while menu-driven screens and Gear Smart(TM) Programming facilitate operation. Product features dual wheel machining and infinitely variable wheel speeds and feeds.
********************
Sometimes a new machine is just destined to happen. Markets evolve, new technologies emerge, and an experienced machine tool builder seizes the opportunity. The result: the right machine, at the right time, at the right price.
Drake Manufacturing in Warren, OH is putting the finishing touches on a highly productive 6-axis gear grinder that will be grinding quality parts after just 15-minutes of setup. Best part is - like Drake's other gear and thread manufacturing machines - it's priced to provide high return on investment for the job shop owner as well as the large, automotive supplier.
Drake is best known for its line of CNC gear hobbers, thread and worm grinders, rack mills and bore grinders. The GS:G2 is a machine that blends the best of Drake's specialty grinding and gear making expertise.
********************
Sometimes a new machine is just destined to happen. Markets evolve, new technologies emerge, and an experienced machine tool builder seizes the opportunity. The result: the right machine, at the right time, at the right price.
Drake Manufacturing in Warren, OH is putting the finishing touches on a highly productive 6-axis gear grinder that will be grinding quality parts after just 15-minutes of setup. Best part is - like Drake's other gear and thread manufacturing machines - it's priced to provide high return on investment for the job shop owner as well as the large, automotive supplier.
Drake is best known for its line of CNC gear hobbers, thread and worm grinders, rack mills and bore grinders. The GS:G2 is a machine that blends the best of Drake's specialty grinding and gear making expertise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
