Future Adjustable Speed Motor Technology
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 10 – 2008Learning ResourcesMotorsNotebook IssueProduct

Future Adjustable Speed Motor Technology

High pole count motors have existed for years, and are in use today in some specialty industrial applications. They typically provide slower operation (without a drive), but the horsepower is reduced as the pole count increases. A new concept for high pole count motors has recently been patented by DynaMotors, Inc of Cleveland, OH. The…
Educating Future Engineers Requires Teamwork
Automation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 12 – 2008Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control

Educating Future Engineers Requires Teamwork

The goal of any technology or engineering educational program is to educate its students utilizing techniques built upon sound theoretical principles. But, how does one teach college level students to utilize automation components like robots, PLC’s, and sensors? The field of automation is constantly changing and educators need to maintain pace with these changes in…
Let the Sun Shine In: GA Tech Competes In The Solar Decathlon
Automation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 11 – 2008Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Let the Sun Shine In: GA Tech Competes In The Solar Decathlon

We hear every day about the importance of conserving energy and the increasing need to use renewable natural resources. To help educate people on ways to “go green,” various organizations sponsor events which display and explain unique ways one can conserve energy while maintaining an otherwise normal life. One such event is the Solar Decathlon….
Process Analyzer Uses WinPLC To Monitor Cyanide Destruction
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIndustryIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlWater/Wastewater

Process Analyzer Uses WinPLC To Monitor Cyanide Destruction

NEXTChem Process Analyzers, LLC produces chemical process analyzers for industries such as metal treatment, metal finishing, chemical, wastewater, and pulp and paper. The analyzers automate laboratory measurements used for process control. Some of NEXTChem’s customers include a large aerospace company who uses the analyzer for measuring caustic cleaner for jet engine parts, and a major…
Poultry Farm Utilizes PLC Control To Increase Efficiency
AgricultureApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryFood and BeverageIndustryIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable Control

Poultry Farm Utilizes PLC Control To Increase Efficiency

In the New England town of Monroe, New Hampshire, you’ll find picturesque settings filled with family-owned dairy and poultry farms. Situated in the Connecticut River valley at the edge of the White Mountain National Forest is a poultry farm, called Pete and Gerry’s Organics, with something to crow about. Pete and Gerry’s Organics has found…
Anti-Terrorist Barriers Help Protect Facilities
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFacilitiesFeature StoryIndustryIssue 9 – 2007Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable ControlSecurity

Anti-Terrorist Barriers Help Protect Facilities

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the need for perimeter security of potentially threatened facilities has increased dramatically. To accomplish this, several facilities around the globe have been installing devices called anti-terrorist barriers, used as added protection against invasion of potentially dangerous vehicles. Domestically, these anti-terrorist devices can be found at Federal Reserve…
Imagine...A Story About Building Robots, Building Teams and Building Minds
Company TopicsFeature StoryIssue 7 – 2006NewsNotebook IssuePress Releases

Imagine...A Story About Building Robots, Building Teams and Building Minds

Imagine a world where kids put engineers and scientists on the same pedestal as rock stars, athletes and actors… Imagine a world where ordinary people do extra-ordinary things and are recognized for their achievements… Imagine a world where being gracious, professional and cooperative are held in the highest regard… Imagine a world where academics are taken from the classroom…
It Takes Teamwork to Launch Products
Automation NotebookCompany TopicsFeature StoryIssue 6 – 2006Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProduct

It Takes Teamwork to Launch Products

In the early 1990s, many automation suppliers thought that using a direct catalog channel to offer automation products was too risky to attempt. There were concerns such as getting customers to buy from a company they couldn’t physically see, assisting them in selecting products, technical support, return and warranty issues and so on. Because of…
2005 DARPA Grand Challenge
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 5 – 2005Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProductProgrammable Control

2005 DARPA Grand Challenge

“After preliminary testing of our vehicle, and the subsequent breaking of a couple of welds, we’ve come to a few conclusions. First, our steering actuator has a lot more power than we really need! Second, we never should have attempted to test the steering system without the use of the encoder feedback. And third, we…