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News

Electronics outbrake hydraulics in ice test

State-of-the-art electron beam process sculpts any metal surface with exact texture and repeatability

Honeywell's synthetic vision aims to reduce Black Hawk helicopter accidents caused by desert brownouts

New Kodak image sensor technology aims to redefine digital image capture
In this issue:

Feature Articles

Yoda + Maple = A new formula for math education
Professor Tim Chartier is a hero to his four-year old son and his friends. Who else's dad can create an image of their favorite Star Wars character Yoda on a computer and move him around? An applied mathematics professor at Davidson College, Chartier is passionate about finding relevant, exciting examples of using math in interesting ways. He knows that examples engage students. One of his trusted assistants in this project is Maple, Maplesoft's industry-leading computation engine, which offers the breadth and depth to handle every type of mathematics.
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The drive for simplicity: Trends in motor drives
Drives, those devices that deploy motor control with so much precision, are finding new applications in exercise machines, pizza ovens, honey centrifuges, and car washes. In these applications, the drive is definitely considered a commodity, and the OEMs, who may not traditionally have used drives, are demanding pure simplicity. ABB offers one of the world's largest portfolios of AC drives, serving an expanding horizon of applications from washing machines to cranes. By combining functions and cutting part counts, ABB has reduced the size of its drives while enhancing their reliability and simplifying set-ups.
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Engineering the car deal
What used to be known simply as a "used" car, relegated to the back of the lot, or associated with seedy salesmen in checkered jackets, has been replaced by Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs. Because of the depreciation of purchased vehicles, the greatest selling point for a CPO car is convincing the buyer that it is in nearly as good shape as a new one. The multi-point inspection process and comprehensive warranties allay the fears of a loss of quality, and allow the dealers to charge more. Former Ford engineer, and CEO of Nelson Publishing, Vern Nelson’s expert message is clear: Buy certified.
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Designfax Online's GAS MONEY GIVEAWAY 3
Remember back when gas was a penny? Ok, well neither do we. But we do remember launching Designfax Online 75 issues ago as an electronic publication, and now we're ready to celebrate!

To thank our readers who have stuck by us, we're giving away $75 in free gasoline to one randomly drawn winner each week — for the next two weeks. So have a tank (or two) on us. Maybe get a little wild and go for Premium! Your continued support has earned it.

Entering is simple. Click the "Enter Me" link below. Please enter only once per week. Entering multiple times in a single week will not improve your odds or chances of winning. All entries will remain confidential and will not be used for marketing purposes. We'll announce each week's winner in the following issue. Good luck!

Congratulations to Dan Scalzo, Machine Designer/Drafter, Machtronic Products Co., for being our second week's winner.
Enter Me

Anyone-can-build robot recipes created
Carnegie Mellon University researchers have developed a new series of robots that are simple enough for almost anyone to build with off-the-shelf parts, but are sophisticated machines that wirelessly connect to the Internet. The robots can take many forms, from a three-wheeled model with a mounted camera to a flower loaded with infrared sensors. They can be easily customized and their ability to wirelessly link to the Internet allows users to control and monitor their robots' actions from any Internet-connected computer in the world.
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Wheels: GM awards engineering "stretch thinkers"
General Motors recently announced the winners of the company's annual "Boss" Kettering awards, one of GM's most prestigious engineering achievements. The 68 award winners from 13 teams were recognized for new innovations such as an extension load carrier called the Rear-End Carrier Flex-Fix that is completely integrated into the vehicle's backside, a modular Cargo Management System that utilizes three fasteners to attach to GM full-size pick-up trucks, and an "industry first" dual-mode Belt-Alternator-Starter Tensioner that optimizes overall belt tension and bearing loads at significantly reduced manufacturing cost.
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New Products

Electrical/Electronic
View products … 		Mechanical
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Motion Control
View products … 		Special:  Sensors Products
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Guides

Literature, guides, catalogs, and other great free stuff: Always more than 50 new resources

  • Liquid-level sensors for multiple industries — MTS Systems (MTS Sensors Division)
  • Rod ends and spherical bearings catalog — HIRSCHMANN Engineering USA
  • Detailed pneumatic actuator product information — Parker Hannifin

View guides …

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