Technology for OEM Design Engineers June 26, 2007 — Volume 3, Issue 24
Largest manufacturer of Threaded Nylon Fasteners in the world Micro Plastics, Inc. offers over 20,000 items and stocks an inventory of 250 million parts. Machine Screws, Nuts, Washers, Spacers, Panel Fasteners, Hole Plugs, P.C.B. Hardware, Wire Handling Hardware and more. For more information, visit Micro Plastics online.
Helicopter energy harvesting wireless sensor nodes get first successful flight test
MicroStrain, Inc. has announced, for the first time, a successful flight test of next-generation wireless strain sensors for damage tracking of rotating helicopter parts and other critical dynamic components. The sensing systems operate indefinitely, without the need for batteries, by converting the component's cyclic strains into DC power using piezoelectric materials. The miniaturized energy harvesting sensing nodes, called ESG-LINK, feature a precision time keeper, non-volatile memory for on-board data logging, and frequency agile IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver. Read the full article
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10 tips for a successful Six Sigma project
With more than 6,000 employees and operations in 50
countries, John Crane Inc. is the world's largest
mechanical seal manufacturer. John Crane launched
Six Sigma in 2002, and the program is credited with
teaching the company how to break down the historic
barriers between its geographically dispersed
branch operations and its main plants. Further, the effort is credited with newfound knowledge about how to effectively collaborate, boosting productivity and the bottom line. This article outlines the perspectives about integrating Six Sigma into the operations of John Crane Latin America and shares lessons that can be applied to other globally diverse entities. Read the full article
Medical devices: 8 great things to know about leak testing
When manufacturing for critical applications, where every single product must be tested, the consequences for component failure can come back to haunt the manufacturer in the form of expensive liability claims. Yet, armed with some advanced knowledge about what to look for in leak detection devices, test engineers can increase the odds that all products will roll off the production line with absolute quality assurance without acting as an anchor to production schedules. Read the full article
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Dethroning the internal combustion engine not so easy
Imagine a vehicle that runs on hydrogen or biofuels and offers the same features, performance, and price as today's gasoline vehicle. Will it capture half the market? Not likely, concludes a new MIT analysis. Not even if it's three times more fuel-efficient. Among the barriers: Until many alternative fuel (AF) vehicles are on the road, people won't consider buying one — so there won't be many on the road. Catch-22. The researchers' conclusions are not all gloomy, though. Read the full article
Wheels: Next-gen compression engine technology receives new patents
Sanderson Engine Development Company recently announced the receipt of three new patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office covering a highly innovative piston assembly, an associated piston connecting joint, and a variable compression ratio mechanism — all core components of the Sanderson Rocker Arm Mechanism (SRAM) invented by Robert and Albert Sanderson. The engine combines novel technologies that allow direct conversion between reciprocating and rotational motion without the use of a conventional crankshaft. The result is an internal combustion engine for vehicles that is much simpler and more fuel-efficient than conventional piston engines, according to the design's creators. Read the full article
Reader question: Audiophiles unite
Have you ever tuned into Internet radio, and it sounded sub-par? A reader would like to know what is the fidelity (frequency response) of XM Satellite and other radio online? To what extent are speaker quality and bandwidth factors? We'd like to hear your answers. Email
mfoley@nelsonpub.com if you have audio insight to share.
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