Illinois Institute of Technology Competes in Hybrid Racing
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightEducation/DIYEnergy/UtilitiesIndustryIssue 25 – 2013Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssueOperator InterfaceProductProgrammable ControlStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight

Illinois Institute of Technology Competes in Hybrid Racing

A student team, lead by Donald Ruffatto, from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) SAE International chapter contacted AutomationDirect in late 2011, asking detailed questions about our Productivity3000 Programmable Automation Controller (PAC). They were planning to use it to control an electric car that they were building for the Formula Hybrid International Competition, hosted by…
DG Controls
Automation NotebookAutomationDirect SpotlightIssue 25 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlSIDirectSystem Integrators

DG Controls

In this issue of Automation Notebook, we introduce you to Dan Gulley of DG Controls in York, Alabama. With over 30 years of designing and troubleshooting industrial machine controls and system integration, they are experts when it comes to custom control panels and retrofitting equipment. How did you get started in your Controls/Engineering career? My…
Automating a Donut Packaging and Labeling Line
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookDrivesFood and BeverageFood Beverage AutomationIndustryIssue 25 – 2013Learning ResourcesMachine ControlMaterial HandlingNotebook IssuePackagingPLCProductProgrammable ControlUser SolutionsVariable Speed Drives

Automating a Donut Packaging and Labeling Line

When people hear the name Mel-O-Cream, they usually think of donuts. Founded in 1932 as a retail shop in Springfield, Ill, Mel-O-Cream International (www.mel-o-cream.com) manufactures bakery products, primarily for wholesale distribution to supermarkets and bakeries.
Encoders Explained
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookDiscrete SensingIssue 25 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductTechnology Brief

Encoders Explained

What is an Encoder? An encoder (for industrial controls) is a special sensor that captures position information and relays that data to other devices. The position information can be read in many ways (optically, magnetically, capacitively, etc.). There are two basic geometries for encoders: linear and rotary. A linear encoder typically consists of a scale…
Product Snapshots - Issue 25, 2013
Automation NotebookIssue 25 – 2013Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Product Snapshots - Issue 25, 2013

We have added several exciting products since our last edition of the Automation Notebook. Here are some highlights about some of those new products including:  Ultrasonic Liquid Level Sensors and Transmitters, ProSense Temperature Transmitters, New Capacitive Proximity Sensors,  More Sensor Cables, Additional Crossfire Safety Glasses, New RUKO Cutting Tools, More ZIPport Multi-Wire Connectors, SureStep Dual-Shaft Motors and Low-cost Microstepping…
New Koyo Encoders
Discrete SensingIssue 25 – 2013NewsNotebook IssuePress ReleasesProduct

New Koyo Encoders

New Koyo Encoders with Inch-Size Shafts, as well as Miniature Bodies. Koyo inch-size light and medium-duty encoders have been added to our line of positioning and motion control products. These stainless steel solid-shaft encoders provide a cost-effective solution for many applications. The TRDA-2E series light-duty encoders have a 0.25-inch diameter stainless steel solid shaft and offer…