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Eaton's Next Generation Valve Electronics Developed with TTTech
TTTech, the leading supplier of solutions in the field of time-triggered computer systems and Eaton’s Hydraulics Operations have completed the development of the next generation of Eaton’s Ultronics® ZTS16 valve system. Due to superior performance, reliability, and advanced communication capability, the valve system provides a powerful tool offering improved development and productivity.
Faced with the challenge of offering customers ever smoother and more responsive control on large mobile valve systems containing Ultronics control valves, Eaton Hydraulics Operations decided to team up with embedded control specialist TTTech. Together they have developed a breakthrough communication system for up to 15 individually controlled proportional twin spool valves. This system will enable the development of new features in off-highway vehicles such as construction, agricultural and material handling machinery.
 “The collaboration with TTTech allowed us to simplify the development of this innovative communication system,” states Tony Welter, Eaton product manager for mobile valves. “Key benefits are higher speed and reliability, which will open the door to new functionalities.”
The required data communication speed of 1 Mbit/s on the system’s internal data bus could not be achieved with regular communication systems. The deterministic design incorporating TTTech’s time-triggered technology provides the necessary performance at a competitive price. The TTTech software environment enabled Eaton to use a model-based approach for developing the control loops whilst maintaining the advantages of a C-coded, high-performance framework.
About TTTech Computertechnik AG:
TTTech Computertechnik AG is the leading supplier of solutions in the field of time-triggered computer systems. The company’s products improve the reliability of data communication systems in transportation and automation industries. The solutions are based on TTP® and TTEthernet™. FlexRay™ offerings are provided by TTTech’s subsidiary, TTTech Automotive.
Standard software and hardware products are complemented by worldwide product and project support to efficiently develop and implement distributed embedded systems. TTTech’s product range enhances the approach to handle safety-critical data communication with respect to cost, safety, and development efficiency. TTTech especially enables by-wire and integrated vehicle control systems and supports the reduction of system life-cycle cost and complexity.
Further information on TTTech is available at www.tttech.com.
About Eaton’s Hydraulics Operations:
Eaton’s Hydraulics Operations is a business segment of Eaton’s Fluid Power Group. The business is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of a comprehensive line of reliable, high-efficiency hydraulic systems and components for use in mobile and industrial applications. Mobile and industrial markets include agriculture, construction, mining, forestry, utility, material handling, earthmoving, truck and bus, machine tools, molding, primary metals, automotive, power generation, port machinery and entertainment. Eaton’s Hydraulics Operations provides customer-driven solutions under brand names such as Aeroquip®, Boston®, Char-Lynn®, Eaton®, Hydro-Line®, Vickers® and Weatherhead®.
For more information, visit www.hydraulics.eaton.com.
About Eaton Corporation:
Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2007 sales of $13.0 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries.
For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
Magnets Extend Service Life of Drive Trains, Hydraulic Lines and Filter Elements
High strength Plastalloy™ magnets from The Electrodyne Company Inc., can extend the service life of drive trains, hydraulic lines, and metalworking equipment by capturing metal filings, chips and other ferrous materials which would otherwise damage downstream components. Adding magnets to the system is also an inexpensive way to enhance the performance of filter elements. Available in various configurations, including custom designed Chip Collector Magnets or embedded in Magnetic Drain Plugs, these unique magnets work in temperatures to 150°C. They are oil resistant, and are suitable for the extremes of automotive applications, as well as for off-road vehicles, hydraulic lines, metalworking applications and fluid recirculation systems.
Plastalloy™ can be magnetized using various magnetization methods including conventional, two-poles each side, multiple-poles, or with custom magnetization patterns to suit many demanding chip collector applications. Lead free Plastalloy™ is ROHS and EN71 compliant, making it ideal for environmentally sensitive applications. Special pressure-sensitive adhesives are available to hold the magnets in place.
 Unbreakable Plastalloy™ can be bent, twisted, and flexed without the loss of magnetic energy. It is available in magnet sheets, strips or die-cut shapes, with options including pressure sensitive adhesive, polarity identification, customized formulations, and special cutting techniques. Electrodyne’s veteran staff can provide technical assistance, including the production of specialized compounds and magnetizing fixtures to meet customers’ demands.
With over thirty years of experience and nearly 50 patents awarded to them, The Electrodyne Company Inc., is an industry leader in magnetic material design and manufacturing. Their fully equipped lab can perform testing to include magnetic hysteresis, magnetic field mapping, tensile strength, elongation, gauss measurements, heat aging, pull testing, and more. All facilities are ISO 9001/2000 registered for quality assurance. For more information contact The Electrodyne Company, Inc., 4188 Taylor Road, Batavia, OH 45103, visit www.edyne.com, e-mail to info@edyne.com, or call (513) 732-2822.
Seegrid Corporation Appoints Senior Management Team for Newly Launched Industrial Mobile Robotics (IMR) Company
Seegrid Corporation, the premier provider of vision-guided mobile robots for the material handling industry, today announced the appointment of robotics industry veteran Mitchell Weiss as Chief Operating Officer and supply chain industry veteran Greg Cronin as Executive Vice President.
“With Seegrid’s fast growth trajectory, it’s important that we bring on talented professionals, including these top-notch executives, who help us continually add to our growth,” said Scott Friedman, Seegrid co-founder and CEO. “Both Mitchell Weiss and Greg Cronin have the breadth and depth of experience to help us scale our organization and advance strategic elements of our business. Mitchell and Greg’s superior engineering and sales and marketing expertise, respectively, will contribute significantly to Seegrid’s continued success. I am very excited about where we can take the company with this team.”
Weiss, who oversees engineering and manufacturing at Seegrid’s Lowell, Mass., facility joined the company from Brooks Automation where he was the CTO. He came to Brooks after the strategic merger of Brooks with PRI Automation. At PRI Weiss served as CTO and VP of Strategy/Technology, overseeing growth from $20M to $450M in annual revenues between 1994 and 2002. Weiss also was President and Founder of ProgramMation Inc., and Co-Founder and Chief Engineer of United States Robots.
Weiss is the co-author of Industrial Robotics: Technology, Programming and Applications, 1986. He holds 16 patents and several academic and industry awards including Industry Week's Top 50 R&D professionals.
Weiss has an SB from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Graduate Certificate in IP from Northeastern University.
Cronin joined Seegrid from Descartes Systems Group where he was an Executive Vice President, responsible for the company’s sales, marketing, international field services and customer relations. Cronin was the founder, CEO and board member of TrenStar, Inc. where he created the industry’s first “mobile asset management” company with revenue growth from less than $1 million in 2001 to more than $60 million in 2005. He was also the founder, chairman of the board and CEO of Viewlocity, Inc. where he guided the creation of the Supply Chain Event Management (SCEM) technology area including “Supply Chain Visibility.”
Cronin was a pioneer in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) industry and was the first to integrate WMS with Transportation Management Systems, Labor Management Systems, Slotting and Pick Optimization Systems, creating one solution. He was formerly the Executive Vice President and board member of Manhattan Associates where he helped direct the company into the leadership position in the industry. Prior to Manhattan, Cronin was formerly President and COO for McHugh Freeman & Associates (now Red Prairie), at that time the leader in the Warehouse Management System and the warehouse automation space. He has a strong operational background with more than 14 years of experience in international logistics and material handling operations business based on roles within Mitsui & Company and Todd Logistics International, a third-party logistics (3PL) company.
Cronin has a BS in Business Administration from Manhattan College.
About Seegrid Corporation:
Seegrid (www.seegrid.com) brings a new class of affordable industrial mobile robots to the material handling industry that operate reliably and safely in dynamic warehouse, distribution and manufacturing environments. Seegrid’s robots differ from today’s AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) in that the company’s IMR technology is the first to provide early-stage capabilities of autonomous robot behavior with Sense, Move, Analyze, Interact and Repeat capabilities. The result--AGV-like competence but with greater flexibility at a considerably lower cost. IMR-enabled robots provide WalkThroughThenWorkTM capabilities, providing an operator with the ability to simply and easily instruct the robot along a desired path, adding behaviors such as horns and stop stations, usually in minutes. Seegrid robots literally come straight off the truck, an operator quickly inputs the path and the robot is immediately productive.
Komatsu's SK820-5 Skid Steer Loader with Vertical Lift Loader Design
Komatsu America Corp.’s SK820-5 skid steer loader, equipped with Komatsu’s patented Automatic Power Control (APC) and a standard two-speed transmission, offers extensive options and features for a wide variety of construction, utility, agricultural and industrial applications.
The SK820-5, with an operating weight of 6,480 pounds, is powered by a Komatsu engine delivering a net horsepower of 54 HP. The turbocharged and water cooled direct fuel injection engine meets EPA emissions requirements, and remains fuel efficient without sacrificing power or productivity
Eager to provide flexible equipment that meets the demands of end users, the SK820-5 features a vertical lift loader arm, designed to keep the load steady through the lifting cycle. This makes the unit ideal for truck loading and the handling of palletized materials.
Special features of the SK820-5 include:
Unique Komatsu Features Offer Extreme Power, No Stall-Outs
Available throughout Komatsu’s entire skid steer product line, APC allows the operator to work at full power during any phase of the job, from digging to loading and carrying without concern about engine stall-out. TheSK820-5 features a super flow hydraulic system that increases the available oil flow for attachments from 16 GPM to 26 GPM enabling the SK820-5 to power most attachments, making it a very flexible and productive unit.
The SK820-5 has an auxiliary hydraulic circuit with a maximum flow of 16.1 GPM. This system has proven results throughout Komatsu’s line of construction and utility equipment and has been specifically redesigned to guarantee smooth, efficient skid steer operation with the reliable hydraulics for which Komatsu is known.
Industry Leading Transmission And Controls
Komatsu offers a standard, two-speed, shift-on-the-go transmission with a working speed of 6.5 mph and a travel speed of 10.0 mph. All instrumentation is located on the operator lap bar for easy viewing, and all controls and switches are within easy reach of the operator. Komatsu’s Proportional Pressure Control (PPC) joystick levers are easy to use while providing precise and accurate control of the machine. The operators also have the choice of two control patterns, ISO and optional hand controls. Both control patterns are fully hydraulic, adjustment and maintenance free.
Excellent Operating Capacity
The SK820-5 features a rated operating capacity of 1,900 pounds, a tipping load of 3,800 pounds, a bucket breakout force of 4,200 pounds and 3,530 pounds (based on short lip and long lip bucket designs, respectively,).
Unmatched Operator Comfort
The SK820-5 offers optional, fully enclosed cabs with slide-up overhead front doors feature an expansive entrance, 360-degree visibility, heating and air conditioning. Other options include ride control, engine air pre-cleaner, and a suspension seat for increased operator comfort. Safety features include a backup alarm, horn, retractable seatbelt, and a seat switch and lap bar that automatically neutralizes machine operations when the operator moves off the seat or raises the bar.
Ease Of Maintenance And Serviceability
Komatsu’s attention to the placement and easy access of components ensures that service and maintenance will not be overlooked. Komatsu uses special bronze bushings and dust-seals which mean the greasing/lubrication of pins is required at 250 hour intervals while most competitors require daily greasing. A tilt-forward cab and engine cover provides easy access to all engine, driveline and hydraulic components and the every-day machine checks can all be accomplished by simply raising the lockable engine cover.
Komatsu America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. which is the world’s second largest manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining and compact construction equipment. Through its distributor network, Komatsu offers a state-of-the-art parts and service program to support the equipment. Komatsu has proudly been providing high-quality reliable products for nearly a century. Visit the website at www.komatsuamerica.com for more information.
PCB Automotive Sensors Debuts High Sensitivity, High G Shock Triaxial DC Response Accelerometer
The Automotive Sensors division of PCB Piezotronics (PCB®) has announced the debut of a series of high sensitivity, DC response triaxial accelerometers, ideal for a variety of NVH and vehicle durability measurements in automotive and off-highway applications. Accelerometers are well-suited for brake deceleration compliance certification; vehicle radiator and air cooler durability testing; roll stiffness/static rollover threshold tests; vehicle and component test chamber instrumentation; and NVH and multi-axis motion test platforms, among others.
 Series 3713 triaxial DC response accelerometer is gas damped, and provides micro g resolution and ±5,000 g pk (49,033 m/s2 pk) shock survivability. Several full-scale acceleration ranges are available from 3 to 200 g, with frequency response from DC to 1,500 Hz (±10%). The sensor, a 1-inch (28mm) cube in a welded titanium case design, incorporates built-in conditioning electronics which provide amplification to the sensing elements and temperature compensated output, with choice of hermetic connector or integral cable.
For more information on these or other automotive product offerings, contact PCB Automotive Sensors toll-free (in the US) at 888-684-0014; via E-mail: automotivesales@pcb.com, or fax 248-478-2094. For detailed drawings, specifications, or additional information on other PCBâ products, please call +716-684-0001, or visit www.pcb.com.
John Deere Posts Second Head-to-Head Battle on "Skid Steer Smackdown" Web Site
There’s a brand new video available on John Deere Construction & Forestry’s www.skidsteersmackdown.com web site, part of the company’s unique integrated campaign for skid steer users that involves head-to-head contests between Deere and competitor machines.
The latest competition features a forward/reverse slalom, which highlights the John Deere 328 skid steer’s unprecedented visibility from the cab and the smoothness and maneuverability afforded by new Electro-Hydraulic joystick controls – now available on all Deere large-frame skid steers.
Go to www.skidsteersmackdown.com and click on “The Battles” to view the video.
Launched in April, “Skidsteersmackdown.com” is a first-of-its-kind web site that features compelling skid steer vs. skid steer action captured on video before a live audience, a discussion forum, buying information and more.
The site’s interactive components allow users to pick the Deere machines they’d like to see compared to other units. The videos – showing tasks with measurable results – can then be rated, commented on, and shared with friends and colleagues. New battles will be posted monthly.
John Deere manufactures a full line of skid steer loaders, from the new small-frame, 45-hp 313 and 315 models to the 85-hp 332, which has a powerful 11,600 pounds of bucket breakout force.
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is the world’s leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment, a major manufacturer of construction equipment, and a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care. John Deere also manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment and provides landscape and worldwide financial services. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe. John Deere Construction & Forestry produces more than 120 machine models and distributes its construction, forestry and worksite products.
Chicago Pneumatic Introduces Full Line of Hydraulic Breaker Attachments
Chicago Pneumatic Construction Tools introduces a full line of hydraulic breaker attachments. Featuring 12 models, the new CP breaker line covers a wide variety of applications, including landscaping, building renovation, road construction, trenching, demolition and secondary breaking.
 Suitable for excavators in the 26 to 75 metric ton weight class, three heavy-duty models are available with service weights ranging from 4,850 to 9,259 pounds. These units feature 5.9- to 7.1-inch working tool diameters and deliver maximum impact rates of 550 blows per minute.
Four medium breakers weigh between 1,213 and 3,527 pounds, ideal for use on 9- to 34-metric ton carriers. Five light models round out the line, with service weights from 209 to 827 pounds. These breakers are suitable for smaller 1.3- to 12-metric ton carriers.
The CP breakers feature an enclosed box design and elastic damping elements that isolate noise from the percussion mechanism and reduce harmful vibrations. The result is reduced noise on the jobsite and less strain on the breaker and its carrier.
Heavy and medium models come standard with CP-Lube, an automatic lubrication system that attaches directly to the breaker. Featuring a self-priming pump, CP-Lube eliminates the need to manually grease the breaker before and during each use.
Boasting a high power-to-weight ratio, CP hydraulic breakers are built with fewer moving parts for optimal reliability. The breakers are engineered with components that allow for simple maintenance, including easy-to-replace HeliCoil inserts, which improve the load distribution of the tension bolt threads for longer service life.
All 12 hydraulic breakers feature genuine CP working tools. Made with a nickel-chrome alloy that is optimized for breaking applications, each tool is temper hardened for greater wear resistance. Tool options for the entire line include the moil point, chisel and blunt tool. An asphalt cutter is also available for the five light models and the smallest medium unit.
Chicago Pneumatic has been designing, manufacturing and selling pneumatic tools for the construction and demolition industry since 1901. Today we offer a wide range of products including pneumatic and hydraulic breakers for the construction and demolition business. Pneumatic tools include breakers, rock drills, rotary and chipping hammers, clay diggers, picks and busters, scabblers, sump and sludge pumps, and many more. More information can be found at www.cpconstructiontoolsusa.com.
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