Flashtrab compact, ready to install, combines lightning and surge voltage arresters in a very narrow space for 3,4 or 5 wire systems.

Flashtrab compact combines lightning and surge voltage arresters in a very narrow space. Whether power is supplied in a 3,4 or 5 wire system, Flashtrab provides a complete solution that is ready to install. Flashtrab compact consists of universally pluggable, encapsulated lightning current arresters, and high-capacity pluggable voltage arresters which lead to easier installation.

The surge protection can be easily removed to allow insulation testing simply by pulling out the protection plugs.

Flashtrab compact can be used anywhere in the world protecting the system from lightning up to 200kA.

Valvetrab compact is a surge voltage arrester which is much slimmer than similar products.

Typically a 5 wire system is only 48mm wide were other products have widths as high as 70mm.

There is no performance change and all the combinations are pluggable, have optical alarm monitoring and remote indicator contacts.

Sockettrab BT-SKT are for socket protection use and fit all international sockets regardless of the switch range.

Whether an individual socket or a multiple combination, BT-SKT will fit and the bridges to the next socket are also already there.

Phoenix Contact has extended its range of power supply products to include the maintenance-free capacitor based QUINT Buffer module.

Phoenix Contact has extended its range of power supply products to include the maintenance-free capacitor based QUINT Buffer module. The Buffer can supply a current of 20A at 24 VDC to support loads for a period of 200ms, which is longer than 80% of the interruptions experienced by industrial power systems. If the current requirement is less, the time period increases proportionately.

The Buffer has a decoupled input so that only the loads that need to be supported draw power from the module, therefore the time that the power supply can be supported will be maximised.

In addition the decoupled input protects the connected loads from faults in the internal network.

The Module can also be used as an energy store to supply peak loads or to trigger fuses.

Phoenix Contact is one of the world leaders in developing and manufacturing connectivity solutions and automation components.

Its principal product ranges include: printed circuit board connectors; modular terminal blocks; fieldbus components; surge voltage protection systems; industrial plug and socket connectors and interface units.

A system of screwless conductor terminations that provide true screwless cabling and assembly has been extended with 63A rated plugs and connectors.

The innovative Quick-Connect system of screwless conductor terminations was introduced five years ago as a unique feature of the industrial plugs and sockets available from CEE Norm UK. Initially incorporated into the popular items of their 16 and 32A ranges, this feature is now being extended to include 63A rated plugs and connectors. Quick-Connect, combined with their Multigrip ranging-taking cable gland and hand-lock housings provide true screwless cabling and assembly.

This is an important consideration for contractors, installers and service engineers, showing dramatic time savings on installation and wiring termination which can transform the profitability of any job.

Although other suppliers have subsequently introduced their 'quick-termination' variations, most are limited to the 16A size only, or possibly including 32A but with severe restrictions on the number of pin variations being made available.

As with all other Quick-Connect products in their range, the latest 63A plugs and connects are supplied with terminals in the open position to facilitate quick and easy wiring and assembly.

The operation of a spring loaded slide is all that is required to lock a conductor securely in position via a spring clamp mechanism.

This ensures damage-free wiring of the conductor during the lifetime of the product, and all types of conductor can be accommodated (solid, stranded or twisted), with sizes from 6mm2 up to 25mm2.

The plug and connector devices have been designed for maximum grip during insertion or withdrawal, while the Multigrip cable gland automatically adjusts to different cable sizes, preventing water ingress and maintaining the IP67 rating.

These features, combined with nickel-plated contacts, high-temperature resistant housings and rustproof external metal parts, ensures that these products are suitable for use in even hazardous area installations.

The full range of Quick-Connect products available through CEE Norm UK cover both standard and phase inverter plugs, straight connectors, together with both surface mount and panel mounted socket outlets.

These include IP44 and IP67 rated products in three-, four- and five-pin variations.

It is believed that no other supplier is able to provide time-saving screwless assembly products with the same range and scope, while also backed by ample stocks held in the UK.

With Quick-Connect advantages now available for selected items in the higher current 63A products, CEE Norm are determined to provide a market-leader service, while continuing to supply end users with the very best in time-saving, safety-related wiring products suitable for use even in hazardous environments.

With an established range of industrial plugs and sockets on offer, backed up by a continual programme of innovation and development, with purpose built products and combination units also available, CEE Norm UK aim to provide the highest level of service required to meet market demands.

Fluke Celebrates Ten Years in Process Calibration with the donation of 32 Fluke calibrators to the ISA training program.

An event was held on 6 October at the ISA EXPO 2004 in Houston, Texas, to announce the donation and celebrate the long-standing partnership between Fluke and ISA. Valued at over $170,000, the donation marks a ten year anniversary - Fluke introduced the first handheld calibrators at the ISA EXPO in Philadelphia in 1994. 'Fluke has been a generous supporter of ISA training and education programs through equipment donations to our labs for ten years,' said Rob Renner, Executive Director of ISA.

With this latest donation, Fluke has donated over 70 Fluke 700 series calibrators to ISA's training labs.

ISA trains thousands of technicians, managers, and engineers every year, using state-of-the art equipment from corporate donors.

Fluke is an exhibitor at ISA EXPO 2004, as they have been for years, and many of the company's employees are ISA Members.

Fluke Corporation is a multi-national corporation in the manufacture, distribution, and service of electronic test tools and software, headquartered in Everett, Washington.

Manufacturing centres are located in the USA, the UK, and The Netherlands.

Sales and service subsidiaries are located in Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australia.

EAO, UK representative for Sanyo Denki now has available a new Sanmotion Stepper and Encoder motion and control systems Catalogue.

EAO, UK representative for Sanyo Denki now has available a new Sanmotion Stepper and Encoder motion and control systems Catalogue. EAO offers two and five phase motors and encoders that come completely assembled with 100% manufacturing inspection and full warranty. The Catalogueueueueue features 3 main high resolution optical encoder types that meet motion control feedback needs.

These are the S type TTL compatible incremental encoder, the L type Line Driver incremental encoder and the R type Optical incremental encoder.

The encoders are available in 200, 400 or 500 counts per revolution and 2 or 3 channels depending on which type.

Full stepper motor electrical specifications, dynamic performance information and technical drawings are featured for each motor frame size (NEMA 17, 23 and 24).

Catalogueueueueue users also benefit from a simple guide to part numbers together with quick reference guides.

Sanmotion is the brand name for a complete line of motion control solutions manufactured by Sanyo Denki.

EAO offers Sanmotion stepper systems, renowned for their high accuracy, low noise and superb speed/torque performance.

The Sanmotion range is ideally suited for applications requiring high performance and accuracy motion, including medical equipment, laboratory instruments, semi conductor fabrication equipment, robotics and printing presses.

The Altivar 21 range of variable speed drives from Telemecanique provides a straightforward, convenient and cost effective way of achieving substantial energy savings.

Incorporating, as standard, a comprehensive range of functions for use with pumps and fans, and featuring an innovative design that minimises harmonic generation, the new Altivar 21 range of variable speed drives from Telemecanique, a brand of Schneider Electric, provides a straightforward, convenient and cost effective way of achieving substantial energy savings in heating, ventilating and air conditioning applications. By replacing fixed-speed starters for fans and pumps with Altivar 21 drives, users not only save energy, but are also able to eliminate inconvenient and often unreliable mechanical flow and pressure control devices, such as valves, throttles and diverters. In addition, in almost all applications, the cost of the new drive and its installation will qualify under the government's enhanced capital allowance (ECA) scheme for 100% tax relief in the first year.

Altivar 21 drives are available in three-phase versions with ratings from 0.75kW to 75kW, and can be supplied as IP20 units for mounting within control panels, or as IP54 models which require no additional enclosure.

Compared with general-purpose industrial drives, all types use a reduced value of DC-link capacitor, which means that harmonic generation is minimised.

EMC performance is optimised by integral filters, which simplify the installation of the drives and save space by eliminating the need for externally mounted filters.

Standard features offered by Altivar 21 drives include a PID regulator for effective flow and pressure control, automatic catching for spinning loads, adjustable switching frequency for noise and resonance suppression, and adaption of current limiting according to motor speed.

Straightforward integration with building management systems is ensured by the availability of optional communication cards, including types for LonWorks, BACnet, Metasys N2 and Apogee FLN.

Comprehensive protection features are also provided, among which are thermal protection with the option to connect PTC thermistors, overload and underload protection, and a jump frequency function to provide mechanical protection for the driven load.

To complement these features, the drives also offer multiple fault management and configurable alarms.

For simple status monitoring and to facilitate minor adjustments, Altivar 21 drives incorporate a seven-segment display panel with a keypad.

This allows speed reference and other key information to be checked quickly without the need for additional equipment, and also gives direct access to the last five parameters modified.

A pulse output function to simplify stepper motor control and serial protocol support for easier interfacing are among the new facilities which Moeller Electric has added to Easy 800 relays.

A pulse output function to simplify stepper motor control and serial protocol support for easier interfacing are among the new facilities which Moeller Electric has added to the latest versions of its Easy 800 programmable relays. The company has also upgraded its innovative MFD Titan products, which combine the functions of a programmable relay with those of an operator interface unit, by providing new display and program options. With the new pulse-output function block, Easy 800 programmable relays can be used to control stepper motor drives directly, eliminating the need to use expensive servo systems in simple position control applications.

This not only saves money and simplifies system design, but also reduces the amount of space needed in the control panel.

The support for standard serial protocols now offered by the Easy 800 opens up a wide range of new possibilities, including direct connection to printers and modems , as well as OPC connectivity for use with SCADA or PC applications.

With the aid of a modem, the Easy 800 can send fault reports and similar messages via the ordinary telephone network or, if an SMS modem is used, to any mobile phone.

The new features of the MFD Titan integrated controller and display unit include a true bar graph facility, and improved support for long messages which now automatically scroll horizontally and, if necessary, vertically to enable them to be read easily.

Password protection has also been upgraded allowing, for example, separate passwords to be defined for process variables and individual display screens.

In addition, the buttons on the front panel of the MFD-Titan can now be used for control functions, such as setting a flag or turning an output on or off, and to adjust the settings of the integral seven-day and year time switches.

Other new features are common to both the Easy 800 and the MFD Titan.

These include shift register and LIFO/FIFO tabular function blocks which are useful in many types of mechanical handling applications, a jump-condition function which simplifies the programming of complex control schemes, and support for three new languages (Hungarian, Romanian and Russian) in the menu systems.

Enclosure thermal management products - including filter fans, panel haters - offer versatility, ease of installation, reliability and outstanding performance.

Versatility, ease of installation, reliability and outstanding performance are among the key benefits of the innovative new Tropico family of enclosure thermal management products, which has just been launched by Sarel, a division of Schneider Electric. The family includes a new generation of filter fans which are suitable for the widest range of demanding applications; compact panel heaters which are double insulated for maximum safety; and a comprehensive series of temperature and humidity controllers. Covering flow rates from 38m3/h to 860m3/h with just six models, Tropico filter fans provide from 10% to 30% more airflow for a given cutout size than competitive models.

They are also fully reversible, allowing them to be used for extraction as well as ventilation.

The self-extinguishing material from which the fans are manufactured has excellent resistance to ultra-violet light, making them equally suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.

They are available in a choice of RAL7032 or RAL7035 finishes, to match almost any modern enclosure.

Designed for speedy, secure installation, Tropico fans simply clip into place on panels with thicknesses from 1mm to 4.5mm, and are compatible with GRP, stainless steel and mild steel enclosures.

Anti-vandal fixings, to provide even greater security, are available as an option.

Filters for Tropico fans are available in a range of types to suit specific applications, and are fast and easy to fit and change.

Heaters in the new Tropico range from Sarel use the latest PTC (positive temperature coefficient) semiconductor heating elements which allow the units to combine compact construction with exceptionally safe operation.

Safety is further enhanced by double insulation, and by the low surface temperature of the units (typically less than 50 deg C) when in operation.

Tropico heaters are optionally available with integral fans to ensure optimum airflow, and to guard against hot spots developing within the enclosure.

DIN rail fixings make installation speedy and straightforward.

The new Tropico controllers are an ideal complement for the fans and heaters.

The temperature and humidity controllers in the range are offered in adjustable versions, as well as in novel preset versions which not only ensure accurate control, but also eliminate the risk of tampering.

The new M12 microFX from Harting is a family of active fibre-optic transceivers with the same dimensions as the industry standard M12 electrical connector.

The new M12 microFX from Harting is a family of active fibre-optic transceivers with the same dimensions as the industry standard M12 electrical connector, making it ideally suited to use in Industrial Ethernet and other industrial data-transmission applications. The Harting microFX range consists of active transceivers with diagnostic function for optical data transmission at speeds of up to 125 MBit/s, as well as the corresponding connectors for single- and multimode glass fibre and plastic fibre. In addition to two optical contacts for data transmission, each device incorporates two electrical contacts for power-supply use.

The range also includes passive coupling units, panel feed-throughs and pre-assembled custom-built harnesses.

Transceivers are available with wavelengths of 650 nm - for plastic optical fibres and short transmission links, or 1300 nm - for multi- and single-mode glass fibres for both medium and long transmission distances.

M12 microFX offers suppliers of automation devices significant savings in component costs because the housings of devices with optical interfaces are the same as those with electrical interfaces.

The utilisation of standard ferrules means that users of the M12 microFX can rely on commercially available tools for fibre termination.

The use of proven M12 technology makes it possible to realise a cost-effective solution for the integration of optical interfaces with IP65/IP67 protection to guarantee secure data transmission in harsh industrial environments.

con:card+ is a new quality seal for MicroTCA and AdvancedTCA connectors, which helps to deliver a significant increase in the reliability of these systems.

con:card+ is a new quality seal for MicroTCA and AdvancedTCA connectors, which helps to deliver a significant increase in the reliability of these systems. Jointly developed by HARTING Electronics and Co KG and ept and Co KG, con:card+ features a number of technical innovations, including a feature known as GuideSpring for reliable positioning, especially smooth contact surfaces, wear-resistant coating, relaxation-resistant material and rugged press-in connection. The selection of suitable connectors is an essential and decisive factor in ensuring the reliability of AdvancedMC modules.

In order to reach the target availability of 99.999% , all system components must be carefully co-ordinated, and they must function reliably.

Otherwise, it becomes virtually impossible for PCB manufacturers in series production to meet the strict tolerances for the AdvancedMC modules as defined in the respective specifications.

Just a single card with tolerances slightly larger than allowed by the specifications can lead to a system breakdown.

Now, however, the GuideSpring concept used in con:card+ offsets these tolerance deviations by constantly pressing the module against the opposite wall.

As this is displaced towards the middle, the slot is optimally designed for the AdvancedMC module, and the mating reliability is greatly increased.

In addition, the GuideSpring secures the module position against shock and vibration, preventing loss of contact and surface wear.

The specification for the AdvancedMC entails 200 mating cycles for a module.

The nickel/hard gold layer on the relatively soft copper can only stand up to this high load if the contact surface is absolutely smooth.

This is the case with the con:card+ connector.

With years of experience in stamping techniques and the utilisation of high-performance stamping tools with special process components, HARTING and ept are actively involved in minimising gold pad wear.

In order to better meet the high requirements placed on the connectors, a palladium/nickel (Pd/Ni) surface with additional gold flash is used.

As a result, wear resistance is increased by roughly 30%.

Even when applied very thinly, Pd/Ni surfaces offer a quality and corrosion-resistant coating that meets the high requirements placed on the connection far better than pure gold.

Unlike conventional mating systems with male and female connectors, the AdvancedMC module has only one contact tongue per contact.

In order to ensure a permanently reliable contact, this single contact tongue must press against the gold pad with sufficient force throughout the unit's entire lifetime.

In addition, the thickness of the AdvancedMC modules may fluctuate by +/-10%.

To meet this challenge, HARTING and ept have used a special alloy with very low relaxation as the contact material for the con:card+ connector.

Press-fit technology results in a gas-tight, corrosion-resistant, low-resistance quality mechanical connection between the pin and the through hole of the PCB.

This remains reliably in contact and stable, even under conditions of high mechanical and thermal loads, such as vibration, bending and frequent temperature changes.

This technology offers a significant advantage over other processing techniques, and measurements have confirmed that the required transmission rates are easily attained.

The con:card+ quality seal was created by the HARTING Technology Group and ept in order to guarantee customers the best possible system availability.

All connectors are jointly developed by the two firms, and feature identical mechanical, electrical and top quality properties.

Production and sales, on the other hand, are handled independently, as the two partners are competitors.

This allows users to choose from two independent supply sources while simultaneously profiting from the two companies' bundled core competencies.

EAO offers a simple top mounting metal keyboard that can be integrated onto any surface type.

EAO, the expert partner for rugged, industrial keypads and keyboards offers a simple top mounting metal keyboard that can be integrated onto any surface type. EAO's rugged W.series keyboard is delivered in a single integrated unit for easy installation. EAO's robust W.series keyboards are constructed from brushed stainless steel and feature chromed Zamac (zinc alloy) anti-pull off keys.

The contemporary design of EAO's rugged keyboard is both aesthetically pleasing and tough.

Operators of EAO metal keyboards benefit from a tactile, reassuring, smooth key action, like a normal PC keyboard.

With environmental protection of IP67 and shock resistance of IK09, EAO's rugged keyboard is ideally suited to public service environments such as information and multimedia terminal applications, including libraries, shops and internet kiosks.

EAO's W.series metal keyboard is available with a choice of two interfaces: PS2 and USB.

The keyboard layout is offered in 10 standard languages with other languages available upon request.

Additional features include high definition laser engraved markings on the keys, which will not corrode or wear off.

If required, EAO can also engrave the front plate.

EAO also has the technology to create custom-specific layouts upon request, as well as incorporating shortcut keys such as 'www', '.com' and '@'.

EAO's rugged W.series keyboard is available with or without a large choice of cursor control devices: a touch pad or a plastic, stainless steel or optical trackball.

LEDtronics announces sunlight visible panel- mount LEDs that shine brightly.

LEDtronics announces PT501 Sunlight Visible Panel- Mount LEDs that shine brightly and are encased in a gorgeous housing. The PT501 Panel Mount LEDs come in different LED lens types like water-clear, diffused, and low-cost diffused. These LEDs are perfect for any of your applications demanding a panel type LED indicator that is visible in sunlight, rugged, and still looks great.

The high quality constructed PT501 LEDs come in an attractive chrome housing or an optional black housing for a subtler look.

PT501 LEDs come with a 6in Wire lead or terminal and are offered in many LED colours like Ultra Red, Super Yellow, Super Green, Super Blue, and 8000K Super White.

Water-clear styles illuminate 625 to 1800 MCDs at 12deg to 15deg angles.

Diffused styles distribute a pleasant glow at 27 to 500 MCDs at 35deg to 40deg angles.

Both of these versions come in 24/28V and low voltage 3.5V to fit almost any of your application demands.

Low-Cost Diffused models output 50 to 160 MCD at 50deg to 55deg angles.

The thread and pitch size for these LED indicators are M8 x 0.75 and fit panel thickness from 0.031 inch (0.8 mm) to 0.187 inch (4.8mm).

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. Considering the fact that the disease involves dysfunctions at the level of the nervous system, multiple sclerosis can generate a wide spectrum of symptoms. In the absence of an appropriate medical treatment, multiple sclerosis can aggravate over the years, causing irreversible damage to the entire organism. Multiple sclerosis is mainly manifested through states of pronounced fatigue, body weakness, poorly coordinated movement of the body, poor balance and muscle pain, numbness, weakness or spasms. In later stages of the disease, multiple sclerosis can generate decreased vision, inaccurate and slow perceptions of external stimuli, mental confusion, poor concentration and even short-term memory loss. Another common feature to people who suffer from multiple sclerosis is depression. Statistics indicate that more than 75 percent of people affected by multiple sclerosis also suffer from depression.

As indicated by statistics, there are around 2 million people affected by multiple sclerosis worldwide, and their numbers are continuously rising. In the United States alone, there are around 350.000 reported cases of multiple sclerosis. For some reason, this form of neurological disease mostly affects young people. Multiple sclerosis has the highest prevalence in people with ages between 20 and 40, and the disease is rarely developed by people at more advanced stages of life. Another interesting aspect of multiple sclerosis is that it tends to affect mostly women. Although multiple sclerosis can also be developed by men, the disease is very common in women.

Multiple sclerosis involves an inflammatory process at the level of the nervous system, causing a destruction of myelin, a very important substance that surrounds the nervous cells of the body (neurons). Myelin has a vital role in the transmission of nervous impulses between neurons, establishing connections between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. When myelin is damaged, the transmission of electrical impulses between nervous cells is perturbed, considerably slowing down the body’s response to external stimuli. Destruction of myelin can lead to serious dysfunctions of the nervous system, causing various abnormal neuropsychological manifestations.

Multiple sclerosis is diagnosed upon various criteria. External manifestations of the disease are not sufficient in diagnosing patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, the process of diagnosing multiple sclerosis often involves analysis of the nervous cells’ integrity (especially the integrity of the myelin), blood tests and a careful examination of patients’ neurological manifestations.

Once patients are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, they are prescribed an appropriate medical treatment. Through the means of medical treatments, specific therapies and lifestyle changes, people who suffer from multiple sclerosis can gradually experience an amelioration of their symptoms. Appropriate diet, healthy sleep patterns and minimal stress conditions greatly contribute to an improvement of the overall condition of people with multiple sclerosis. If multiple sclerosis is timely discovered, the medications and therapies available today can overcome the damage caused at the level of the nervous system and patients with the disease can be successfully recovered from the disease.

There are many reasons to keep an updated and complete inventory of your home or office. One reason is for easier insurance claims in cases of disaster, burglary, lost or other damages. This article will give you some tips for effectively creating and keeping such inventory.

The first two steps for creating your inventory are to decide on a method of cataloging your items and to create a list of the items to document. For example you can choose to catalog your items by where they are placed (e.g. by room) or by their type (electrical appliances, paintings, books and more). Choose the system that works best for you. The next step is to create a list of items that you would like to document. The simplest way to do this is by using a piece of paper and a pen. Go over all the items and write down which ones you intend to document. Later on when you take the digital photos make sure to cross out the items as you photograph them.

There are some simple suggestions that you can follow in order to create a better catalog:

Follow good digital photography rules: Inventory digital photos are like any other photos and you should follow the basic photography rules of good lighting, composition and camera settings. Use the right background: Make sure that you stage the right background for each item. You would want to stage a background that is in contrast with the item. Also make sure that the background is a matte color and that it does not reflect light. For example when taking a photo of a black computer mouse and keyboard use a white or light gray background. If possible leave items in their original place: It is better to take a good digital photo of an item without moving it from its original place. Sometimes this will not be possible – in such cases take one digital photo of where the items is usually placed – even if this photo is not very good – and then move the item to take some good digital photos. Take digital photos that prove you own the item: For each item take at least one digital photo that proves that this is indeed an item that you own. For example make sure that your living room is in the photo when taking a digital photo of your TV. Alternatively you can take photos of either you or someone you know with the item. Take close up digital photos of important details: Take as many digital photos as needed that show specific details of the item that are important to assess its value, to replace it or to convey its importance. For example take close up digital photos of the sticker detailing the model number and brand or take close up digital photos of a signature and copy numbering on an expensive painting. Use known objects to convey items size: If capturing an item size is important you can use a known size object in order to help future viewers visualize the item’s size. For example if you are taking digital photos of an expensive Persian rug you can have someone lie down on the rug or place a measurement meter on it