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August 31, 2005

Concrete Washout Systems, Inc. Expansion Moves Into Riverside and San Bernardino Counties

National Concrete Washout is servicing builders and contractors in fast growing California counties; Riverside and San Bernardino.

Elk Grove, CA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) August 31, 2005 -- Concrete Washout Systems, Inc., announced today that National Concrete Washout, has recently begun distributing and servicing Concrete Washout Systems (CWS) in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties of California.

Atlantic Concrete Washout, Inc., a start-up company specifically formed to distribute and service the CWS, began servicing Southeast Florida in the beginning of 2005 and has now expanded their operations into two fast growing California counties and doing business under the name, National Concrete Washout.

“Concrete Washout Systems has provided us with an excellent opportunity to expand our business. With this expansion we have become a truly national company,” stated Ted Honcharik, CEO of Atlantic Concrete Washout. “We are thrilled with the support we have received from CWS and excited about the potential for growth in the Southern California Market,” added Mr. Honcharik.

“Mr. Honcharik has done a phenomenal job in penetrating the stubborn Southeast Florida market for Concrete Washout Systems” stated Kevin Mickelson, Vice President of Concrete Washout Systems, Inc. “We believe with his assistance in Southern California, Concrete Washout Systems will continue to expand; providing critical and timely services to an exploding construction market,” added Mr. Mickelson.

CWS is currently seeking licensed partners in numerous markets across the nation. Licensed partners will own and operate a Concrete Washout Systems business in their designated region where they will be responsible for all aspects of the business. Currently Concrete Washout Systems has licensed partners throughout most of California, Hawaii, Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, Denver, Colorado and Southeast Florida and have recently signed license agreements for portions of Minnesota and Texas.

The patent pending CWS is a portable, self-contained and watertight bin that controls, captures and contains concrete washout material and wastewater. It allows trade personnel to easily washout concrete trucks, pumps and equipment on site and facilitates easy off site recycling of the same concrete materials and wastewater, while protecting the storm drain system from potential illegal discharges. The off site recycling component creates an even more environmentally sound application as concrete material is diverted away from landfills and recycled. This system replaces other outdated washout BMP's, which are costly, unsightly and damaging to the environment since their containment value diminishes, due to inherently faulty material, over use and lack of maintenance.

About Concrete Washout Systems, Inc.
Concrete Washout Systems is a risk management specialist and industry pioneer in concrete washout and wastewater removal, treatment and recycling. The patent-pending Concrete Washout Systems provides a cost effective, environmentally friendly and compliance alternative for homebuilders, contractors, ready mix and pump operators and environmental engineering firms. For more information visit http://www.concretewashout.com

Contact:
Roger Engelsgaard
Concrete Washout Systems, Inc.
1-877-2-WASHOUT
Fax: (916) 689-0592
www.concretewashout.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:08 AM | Comments (0)

QuantumSphere, Inc. Achieves Milestone With High-Quality Nano-Nickel/Cobalt Alloy For Replacement Solution in Multi-Billion Dollar Platinum Electrode Market

QuantumSphere, Inc. announced it has a clear replacement solution for the platinum electrode market. Independent validation regarding this development poses a serious issue for platinum suppliers in the platinum group metal catalyst market-- while presenting tremendous business and cost savings advantages for companies.

COSTA MESA, CA (PRWEB) August 31, 2005 –- QuantumSphere, Inc., the leading manufacturer of metallic nanopowders for applications in aerospace, defense, energy and other markets demanding advanced material applications, announced (“QSI- nano™ Ni/Co alloy”) as a clear replacement solution for the platinum electrode market. QuantumSphere is the only supplier of the world’s highest quality metallic nanomaterials including QSI- nano™ Ni/Co and other proprietary alloys. Independent validation, provided by DoppStein Enterprises, Inc. (DSE) regarding this development, poses a serious issue for platinum suppliers in the platinum group metal catalyst market, as QSI- nano™ Ni/Co alloy will alleviate dependency on platinum as the main catalytic material in a variety of battery and fuel cell applications-- while presenting tremendous business and cost savings advantages for companies.

A shift from finely divided platinum to QSI- nano™ Ni/Co alloy results in a reduction in the cost of fuel cell and battery catalysts by approximately 50%, while achieving up to 90% of pure platinum performance, based on current prices. Conversely, a 90% cost savings will result in a remarkable 73% performance relative to pure platinum. To view independent scientific data from DSE that supports and validates QuantumSphere’s achievement in the catalyst marketplace, visit http://www.qsinano.com/products.html and click on “DSE nano-Nickel/Cobalt Validation Data.”

“By adopting our product, QuantumSphere enables companies to provide new product offerings in the marketplace and increase their revenue,” said Kevin Maloney, CEO, QuantumSphere, Inc. “For example, we have spoken with many firms that are frustrated by the fact that products using small fuel cells or batteries face a problem-- up to 40% of the total product cost is derived from the expense of the catalyst. By using our QSI- nano™ Ni/Co alloy product, QuantumSphere can reduce the total device cost significantly. This opens up an exciting range of new business opportunities for companies that want to offer new products to customers but were previously hindered by the cost that platinum imposed on the OEM and final product price. Additionally, the method of making these materials is highly scalable and fully automated. QSI- nano™ Ni/Co alloy will liberate companies from their dependence on platinum, lower the cost of production and increase profit margins, enabling firms to offer new products at a price point that will be accepted in the market,” Maloney added.

DoppStein Enterprises, Inc., conducted experiments and provided independent scientific data to validate QuantumSphere’s achievement. “After months of working to evaluate and validate QuantumSphere’s product and manufacturing capabilities, I can finally state with full confidence that oxygen reduction catalysis on cathode electrodes using QuantumSphere’s nano-sized nickel/cobalt alloy material has been unambiguously demonstrated,” said Robert Dopp, President, DSE. “This catalyst can be used in a variety of practical batteries and fuel cells, including Li-ion, Zn/air, PEMFC and DMFC. One fundamental issue of fuel cells is the reliance on platinum as catalyst. For a cost comparison, finely divided platinum (currently $75.00/gram in bulk) costs approximately 5 times as much as QuantumSphere’s nano-Ni/Co alloy catalyst (currently $15.00/gram). This translates into a large reduction in total device cost. Implementation of this new technology incorporating QSI-nano™ Ni/Co alloy in the alternative energy sector has the potential to dramatically accelerate commercialization of these micro devices,” Dopp added.

Confirmation of catalysis was accomplished through a series of experiments where nanocatalysts were used alone and in conjunction with varying amounts of platinum. “Not only are QuantumSphere’s catalysts active alone, they also enhance the activity of platinum when combined with various QSI-Nano™ materials. Compared with a pure platinum catalyzed cathode, QuantumSphere’s metallic nanoparticles show up to 90% of the catalytic activity,” Dopp commented. “The activity was demonstrated using electrochemical techniques and impedance spectroscopy. This was the first clear verification and will be followed by a series of optimization experiments that are targeted at meeting or exceeding the activity of high surface area platinum catalyzed cathodes. The impact of these findings is enormous, as it reveals that nanocatalysts prepared by QuantumSphere’s proprietary methods have the potential to partially or fully replace platinum (a $10-$12 billion market, annually), one of the most expensive and scarce electrode components,” Dopp concluded. White papers will be released in Q1, 2006.

About QuantumSphere, Inc.
QuantumSphere is the leading manufacturer of metallic nanopowders for a broad range of applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, biomedical, and other markets demanding advanced material applications. QuantumSphere's exclusive manufacturing process provides: consistent, narrow particle size distribution; low level of agglomeration and impurities; custom-tailored oxide shell thickness; and the highest purity metallic nanopowders on the market that are easier to transport and handle. The company accomplishes this without compromising its commitment to the environment and the community. No other company offers these performance advantages.

QuantumSphere is the only supplier of the world’s highest quality magnetic, conductive and catalytic metallic nanopowders, including QSI-nano™ nickel (n-Ni), QSI-nano™ silver, QSI-nano™ copper, QSI- nano™ Ni/Co and other proprietary alloys. These materials will replace platinum as the main catalyst in fuel cells and other electrode assemblies and provide a renewable source of power to supply the world’s energy needs.

The company is leveraging its leading market position in metallic powders to manufacture and ship product for applications in fuel cells, magnetic medical products, bio-sensors, filtration devices and other applications including additives for plastics and electromagnetic frequency shielding. For more information, visit www.qsinano.com or contact Joe Romano, Partner, HighGround, Inc. at 781-279-1320 x 208 or e-mail protected from spam bots

About DSE
Robert Dopp is a consultant to the fuel cell, battery and related industries. During his three decades of battery R&D, resulting in 36 related patents bearing his name, he has designed several production air cathode machines, making the highest rate air cathode in the world. He has helped to develop a consumer battery with over four times the energy density of Alkaline cylindrical cells, and many tens of times higher energy than many rechargeable batteries. For more information contact Joe Romano, Partner, HighGround, Inc. at 781-279-1320 x 208.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:07 AM | Comments (0)

Samsung Signed As the Exclusive South Korea Distributor for ioIMAGE Intelligent Video Systems

ioIMAGE LTD., specializing in development of video-based solutions for the security industry, has announced today that Samsung Group affiliate, Samsung Techwin Co., LTD. has signed an agreement for exclusive distribution in South Korea of ioIMAGE TotalTrack® intelligent-video products. TotalTrack products, for indoor and outdoor applications, are designed to appeal to a range of public and private sectors including site security, loss prevention, site safety, industrial, and manufacturing markets

HERZLIYA, ISRAEL (PRWEB) Aug 31, 2005 –- ioIMAGE LTD., specializing in development of video-based solutions for the security industry, has announced today that Samsung Group affiliate, Samsung Techwin Co., LTD. has signed an agreement for exclusive distribution in South Korea of ioIMAGE TotalTrack® intelligent-video products. This agreement includes the distribution of existing ioIMAGE products, future OEM, and jointly developed products.

ioIMAGE TotalTrack products feature several built-in modules: IntrusionTrack for detecting intruder scenarios, PTZTrack for transforming pan/tilt/zoom cameras into self-directed intruder-tracking systems, Unattended Threat Detection for detecting left-behind baggage scenarios, Object Removal Detection for detecting if an object has been removed, and Stopped Vehicle for detecting parking and stopped vehicle violations.

“Samsung Techwin’s world class business profile and future vision makes them an ideal partner to serve as an ioIMAGE distributor. Their technology and diverse product portfolio is a match that represents true synergy.” said Roni Kass, ioIMAGE’s CEO and founder, “This agreement opens a door to future security, industrial, and military opportunities.”

TotalTrack products, for indoor and outdoor applications, are designed to appeal to a range of public and private sectors including site security, loss prevention, site safety, industrial, and manufacturing markets. TotalTrack products are installed worldwide at sites such as the US Department of Energy Sandia Labs (DOE), US nuclear power plants, Israeli Defense Forces military sites, Israeli Parliament government buildings, high-profile religious institutions, land-border defense, seaports and industrial chemical sites.

VTD™ Powered Products
ioIMAGE Video Threat Detection (VTD™) technology is built into TotalTrack products and provides high-end detection capabilities while maintaining remarkably low false alarm rates. ioIMAGE has leveraged this technology and working with anti-terrorism and loss prevention experts provides cutting-edge threat detection features. These features, designed for real-world security, reduce surveillance workload and drive down security costs.

“The enhancement of surveillance cameras with intelligent video functionality will allow us to provide customers what they need and want – proactive intelligent cameras. This agreement allows us to provide outstanding functionality and proven performance of ioIMAGE products.”, said Mr. Myungho Yoo, General Manager of Samsung Techwin Optics & Digital Imaging Division.

About Samsung Techwin Co., LTD.
Samsung Group affiliate, Samsung Techwin Co., offers a variety of consumer, business and military products and services. It develops, manufactures and sells optics, digital cameras, engines, semi conductor equipment, and defense products.

Samsung Techwin Co., LTD. 647-9, Yeoksam-Dong, Kangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-080, Korea - www.samsungtechwin.com

About ioIMAGE LTD.
Founded in 2000, ioIMAGE is a leading security technologies company and maker of VTD™ technology and intelligent-video TotalTrack® systems.

ioIMAGE LTD., 3 Maskit Street, Herzliya Pituach, Israel 46733 - www.ioimage.com

Media Contacts:
Daniel Doron
ioIMAGE, Ltd.
Tel: +972-9-9546003

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:06 AM | Comments (0)

Ohaus Brand Extension Offers Line of Jewelry Scales and Balances

Ohaus’ commitment to excellence continues into the jewelry market with product line.

(PRWEB) August 31, 2005 -- Ohaus Corporation, a leading manufacturer of scales and balances for the education, laboratory and industrial markets worldwide, offers the jewelry market seven various scales and balances meticulously designed for precision, affordability and reliability. The product line includes the CS-200J Compact Jewelry Scale, the Diamond MCT 500 Analytical Carat Balance, the Explorer 6100 Electronic Jewelry Balance, the Hand-Held Series— which includes Jewelry Models HS-120, HP-120 and HP-320— and the ScoutTM II, Portable Electronic Jewelry Balance. The line is only one example of Ohaus’ commitment to meet virtually any weighing need.

The CS-200J Compact Jewelry Scale packs powerful features into a convenient portable package that makes weighing easy. This rugged, dependable scale is attractive and versatile, too. With jewelry weighing units in grams, pennyweights and troy ounces, it is the perfect solution for many jewelry applications.

The Diamond MCT 500 Analytical Carat Balance combines unsurpassed value with solid reliability. The low cost of the Diamond MCT 500 balance makes it the perfect choice for jewelers, gemologists, jewelry appraisers, lapidaries, diamond and precious gem dealers. Costing over $200.00 less than other premium carat analytical balances with the same precision makes it the logical choice.

The Explorer 6100 is the electronic jewelry balance to get when you need a precision, high capacity, jewelry balance. Big on features, the Explorer 6100 is an incredible combination of performance and value. Four cursor keys provide easy navigation. Easy to use and easy to afford, the Explorer 6100 is the standard in precision, high capacity, legal for trade, jewelry balances.

The Hand-Held Series, which includes Jewelry Models HS-120, HP-120 and HP-320, provide convenient, compact, portable weighing capability in the palm of your hand. Throw it in a briefcase, keep a few on your showcases, or slip it in your pocket – these sleek, convenient scales with sleek styling and convenient size are ideal to keep anywhere. Whether you choose the standard HS-120 model with basic grams weighing, or the professional jewelers’ HP-320 with additional dwt and oz t jewelry weighing units, the Ohaus Hand-Held series offer outstanding performance and exceptional value.

Finally, the Scout(TM) II Portable Electronic Jewelry Balance is the top selling, affordable, portable balance that now offers more—more choices, more capacities, and improved performance. Scout II is stronger, too, with the addition of 50 ct, 400 g x 0.01 g and 4000 g x 0.01 g capacities. For jewelry applications, weighing has never been easier than with Scout II’s simple two-button operation and large, high contrast LCD display. With jewelry weighing models that include g, oz t and dwt, jewelers have the versatility that is indeed for all applications.

Headquartered in Pine Brook, New Jersey, Ohaus Corporation manufactures an extensive line of high-precision industrial, portable and mechanical balances and scales that meet the demands of virtually any weighing need. The company is a global leader in the Industrial, Laboratory and Education channels as well as a host of specialty markets, including the Food Preparation, Pharmacy and Jewelry industries. An ISO 9001:2000 manufacturer, Ohaus products are precise, reliable and affordable, and are backed by industry-leading customer support.

For additional information, contact Ohaus Corporation at 973/377-9000, or visit the web site at www.ohaus.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:06 AM | Comments (0)

August 30, 2005

Sifos Technologies Releases PowerSync™ Analyzer 2.0 for IEEE 802.3af - Power Over Ethernet Testing

Sifos Technologies releases PSA 2.0 Software for its PowerSync™ Analyzer family of products. PSA 2.0's new features are: Power and accuracy of the PSE Conformance Test Suite is increased and more parameters are tested; users can now test beyond just the Full 802.3af (PoE) parameter set; PSA 2.0 improves the ease of use of PowerSync Interactive (the PSAs' GUI); new commands are added to the Tcl/TK command library for use by those using PowerShell, the PSAs' Tcl scripting language.

Boston, MA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) August 30, 2005 -- Sifos Technologies today announced the release of PowerSync™ Analyzer 2.0 software (PSA 2.0). This new software for testing IEEE 802.3af (Power over Ethernet – PoE) adds many new functions and capabilities to the family of Sifos Technologies' PowerSync Analyzers (PSAs). This release includes new firmware for the PSA Controller Blade and the PSA Dual PSE Test Blade.

PSA 2.0 is a very comprehensive upgrade that is being released at the same time as Sifos' two new PSA products, the RackPack and the Compact. Customers can use PSA 2.0 with any of their PSAs without the need to change or add any hardware.

PSA 2.0 provides many new testing capabilities which have never been available before for testing PoE.

The power and accuracy of the PSE Conformance Test Suite is increased and more parameters are tested. The user can now test now beyond just the Full 802.3af (PoE) parameter set.

PSA 2.0 improves the ease of use of PowerSync Interactive, the PSAs' GUI. New commands are added to the Tcl/TK command library for use by those using PowerShell, the PSAs' Tcl scripting language.

PSA 2.0 is now more robust than ever. PSA 2.0 can now sort its way through many previously confusing PSE misbehaviors, providing new information to the user for debug and product improvement.

About Sifos:
Sifos Technologies (www.sifos.com) is a privately held corporation, founded in 2003, and is located in Tewksbury, Mass. near Boston. Sifos Technologies is the leader in DOCSIS (cable modems, set-top boxes, cable modem head ends) and PoE test equipment.

Contact:
Chuck Koch
Sifos Technologies
408-782-9465

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:30 AM | Comments (0)

FlowSense Awarded Contract to Supply Air Purification Equipment to the Marine Corps

FlowSense announced today that its industrial services team has been awarded a contract from the United States Marine Corps to provide a state-of-the-art self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) recharging system.

Maple Grove, MN (PRWEB) August 30, 2005 -- FlowSense announced today that its industrial services team has been awarded a contract from the United States Marine Corps to provide a state-of-the-art self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) recharging system.

The award specified both delivery and installation of an integrated air purification system designed as an advanced fill station to recharge SCBA cylinders used in fire fighting and rescue operations. "We're proud and honored to have received this award and to be able to support our military community in a tangible way," stated FlowSense president Paul Smallwood. "This award goes to show that at FlowSense we practice what we preach, which is to help our clients create a cleaner and safer environment worldwide."

Installation and startup for the integrated air purification system will be performed by FlowSense's industrial services team at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia.

FlowSense, LLC is an award-winning veteran owned small business (VOSB) and 8(a)/SDB certified company providing integrated technical solutions in environmental protection systems (air, water, and public health), security technology (biometric access control to address bioterrorism deterrence), and industrial solutions (facilities contracting). FlowSense products and services include engineering, project management, and procurement serving diverse industries including private and public sectors, military, defense, and government agencies.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:28 AM | Comments (0)

FlowSense Announces Appointment of Biometric Solutions Business Development Manager

FlowSense announced today the appointment of Bill Schlueter as Business Development Manager for its Security Technology Team.

Maple Grove, MN (PRWEB) August 30, 2005 -- FlowSense announced today the appointment of Bill Schlueter as Business Development Manager for its Security Technology Team.

Mr. Schlueter will be responsible for expanding business opportunities in the area of biometric security and access controls. He brings to FlowSense a strong background in business development and high technology marketing, and will position FlowSense favorably in the fast growing business of biometric access controls.

Currently, FlowSense offers a number of biometric solutions including iris scan, facial recognition, Live Scan products, fingerprint scan, RFID smart cards, and systems integration capabilities. Installation and support services are also provided by FlowSense.

"We hope to capitalize on a successfully delivered project from earlier this year, in which FlowSense provided a total multi-biometric mobile system at the DoD National Defense University. We offered a turnkey solution through an integrated identification system with cutting edge biometric-based authentication technology that included iris recognition, fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and smart card technology," commented Mr. Schlueter. "The government including Homeland Security, private, and public sectors have enormous interest in accurate identification and verification methods in biometric recognition applications. We intend on being an integral part of this growing opportunity."

"The combination of proven biometric solutions, systems integration and the 8(a)/SDB certification of our company, will make it possible for Bill to develop successful business partnerships with established companies that offer security and access control solutions," noted Paul Smallwood, president of FlowSense. "Furthermore, FlowSense's minority status will help secure government and military 'set aside' projects that our biometric solution partners may not be able to access otherwise."

For more information on FlowSense's biometric solutions, please contact Bill Schlueter by phone at 763.315.9075.

FlowSense LLC is an award-winning veteran owned small business (VOSB) and 8(a)/SDB certified company providing integrated technical solutions in environmental systems (air and water quality management), security technology (biometric access control), and industrial solutions (facilities contracting). FlowSense products and services include engineering, project management, and procurement serving diverse industries including private and public sectors, military, defense, and government agencies.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:28 AM | Comments (0)

August 29, 2005

Braintech Adds Two U.S. Directors to Board

New Directors to chair Audit and Governance Committees.

Vancouver, BC (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) August 29, 2005 -- Braintech, Inc. (OTCBB: BRHI), a leading provider of vision guided robotic ("VGR") software solutions, announced today that Richard M. Torre of California and Dr. Drew Miller of Nebraska have joined Braintech's Board of Directors.

Owen Jones, Braintech's CEO states, "Braintech shareholders are very fortunate to have these two individuals with their extensive business backgrounds join our company as independent directors. Each brings strong financial and business expertise that will help the Board guide Braintech through its initial growth phase. I'm very pleased that both Dick and Drew have consented to act as Directors and look forward to drawing on their expertise and experiences to achieve our objectives."

Following are brief resumes of each Director:

Richard M Torre has over 30 years of diversified national and international finance and business experience in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles and Montreal, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and investment advisory services. Mr. Torre is an active board member for a variety of public and private firms and civic organizations. Presently he is Chairman of Signature Eyewear Inc (OTCBB) and The Hydrogen Fund as well as Vice-Chairman of JLM Foodservices Inc. He is also President of MMT Investors Inc., Managing Partner of Dauntless Capital Partners, LLC, and a member of the Boards of both Airecomm Wireless Inc and Cosco Inc. He has completed terms as Vice-Chairman of Pacific Mercantile Bank (NASDAQ) and as Chairman of Exceed Capital Holdings (CDNX). He is the former Chairman of the highly regarded Forum for Corporate Directors and is currently a member of the Executive Board of the Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Irvine. Additionally he is a member of the Association for Corporate Growth and the Southern California Investors Association. Mr. Torre's corporate career began with Mill Factors Corp. and subsequently included Philadelphia National Bank / Congress Financial and Bank of Virginia in their New York and Montreal subsidiaries. Subsequently he served as senior Vice-President of Heller Financial in Los Angeles, responsible for the firm's factoring and asset based lending on the West Coast, the Orient and Australia. He has been a guest lecturer at Pepperdine University, the US Naval Institute, City College of New York, Woodbury University, the New York Institute of Credit (it's former President) and Melbourne University on a diverse range of topics, principally business finance and strategy and tactics of the Pacific War 1937-1945. Particularly notable has been his commitment to the establishment of the USS Missouri as a National Monument at Pearl Harbor and his support of the National World War II Memorial, Washington D.C. which was commissioned as a National Monument on May 29, 2004.

Mr. Torre will be appointed as Chairman of Braintech's Corporate Governance Committee and will assist with financing and the development of corporate strategy.

Dr. Drew Miller has been the President of Heartland Consulting Group since 1994. He serves on the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of Signature Eyewear Inc (OTC). In past positions he served as President of Financial Continuum, a financial planning firm; Vice President of Planning and Development at Securities America, one of the largest independent broker-dealers in the United States; and President of Global Vantage Securities, an investment banking firm. Dr. Miller is a Certified Management Accountant, Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor, Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Government Financial Manager. Dr. Miller began his business career at ConAgra Inc in their Corporate Planning and Development department after serving as an Air Force intelligence officer. Dr. Miller served in the Pentagon in the Senior Executive Service, and continues to pursue defense analysis work as a consultant with the Institute for Defense Analyses and a Colonel in the USAF Reserve. Dr. Miller is a summa cum laude graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and received an academic scholarship to Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government where he earned a Masters Degree and PhD in Public Policy. He currently serves as a member of the University Of Nebraska Board Of Regents.

Dr. Miller will be appointed as Chairman of Braintech's Audit Committee and will assist with the company's development of new business opportunities in the government and defense industries.

About Braintech (OTCBB: BRHI) – For more information, visit www.braintech.com.

Statements in this document that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and reflect the current views of management with respect to future events and are subject certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. It is important to note that the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as technical difficulties in developing the products; competition from other suppliers of similar products; pricing that may not be acceptable to potential markets; and many other known and unknown factors. Readers should also refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's 10-KSB and 10-QSB Forms filed from time to time with the SEC.

Contact:
Jennifer Summers
Braintech Inc.
#102 – 930 W 1st Street
Vancouver BC V7P 3N4
604-988-6440 x 202
e-mail protected from spam bots

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:56 PM | Comments (0)

The HARGRAVES Magnum Revolutionizes Miniature Solenoid Valve Technology

The Magnum 10mm Solenoid Valve Series, with an effective orifice up to .075” (1.9 mm), features breakthrough engineering innovations that deliver twice the flow, reduced power consumption, and an innovative design that can be configured for optimal application specific performance. This enables engineers to increase system response in actuating pneumatics and to reduce the time to pressurize and evacuate chambers. In addition, the very efficient solenoid design requires about half the power consumption.

(PRWEB) August 28, 2005 -- Hargraves Technology Corporation, www.hargravesfluidics.com, a leading resource in advanced miniature fluidic solutions, is revolutionizing the fluidic delivery and control systems industry by introducing the next generation in solenoid valve technology. The Magnum 10mm Solenoid Valve Series, with an effective orifice up to .075” (1.9 mm), features breakthrough engineering innovations that deliver twice the flow, reduced power consumption, and an innovative design that can be configured for optimal application specific performance.

Pneumatic engineers and fluid power designers are being challenged to achieve greater flow and efficiencies through solenoid valves while not sacrificing system space. Since the Magnum Solenoid Valves have a much larger effective orifice than current technology 10mm solenoid valves, they will achieve twice the flow at the same pressure. This enables engineers to increase system response in actuating pneumatics and to reduce the time to pressurize and evacuate chambers. In addition, the very efficient solenoid design requires about half the power consumption! This has been well received by designers of portable devices, allowing them to operate their products almost twice as long or allow them to spec out a smaller, lighter and less expensive batteries.

Please go to www.hargravesfluidics.com to learn more about the technical specifications of the Magnum 10mm Miniature Solenoid Valve and download the new Magnum Solenoid Valve literature.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:54 PM | Comments (0)

Video Surveillance Solutions Developer ioIMAGE Releases API to Provide Seamless Security Camera Systems Integration

ioIMAGE, specializing in developing video surveillance solutions for the homeland security industry, has announced the release of its Application Programming Interface (API) to be used for the development of customer-specific applications based on its TotalTrack® video motion detection system. TotalTrack® is the world’s most advanced video motion detection system for detecting and tracking of security threats, intrusion detection, illegal car parking detection, theft detection, abandoned objects and object removal detection

Herzliya, Israel (PRWEB) August 29, 2005 -– ioIMAGE (www.ioimage.com), specializing in developing video surveillance solutions for the homeland security industry, has announced today the release of its Application Programming Interface (API) to be used for the development of customer-specific applications based on its TotalTrack® video motion detection system. The API allows system integrators to seamlessly integrate TotalTrack® TRK units into existing command & control centers as well as to enhance the feature-set of existing and future systems.

TotalTrack® is the world’s most advanced video motion detection system for detecting and tracking of security threats, intrusion detection, illegal car parking detection, theft detection, abandoned objects and object removal detection. The TotalTrack system, based on a powerful Video Digital Signal Processor (DSP), is easily and seamlessly integrated with any existing stationary camera, transforming it into a real-time proactive device able to detect and alert on threats. TotalTrack can also be plugged to any Pan/Tilt/Zoom camera and automatically track intruders for wide-areas and at great distances without human intervention.

“Among ioIMAGE main objectives when developing the TotalTrack® system was to offer a suite of development tools to make it easier to integrate TRK units’ built-in VTD™ (Video Threat Detection) technology for adding functionality to existing command and control centers and applications”, said Roni Kass, ioIMAGE CEO. “With this API release we expect to broaden the market for our partners and meet the needs of current and future customer.”.

The TRK-API allows easy interface and extensive control of TRK units over IP networks. Programmers can simultaneously receive video, audio, and security events data from one or more TRK Units. This allows software developers to synchronize inputs among different security systems. The information can be distributed to meet security requirements, whether to a single location or multiple dispersed locations. The API is built as a C++ interface compliant with industry standards and provides a convenient control suite for software developers.

Israeli Parliament (the Knesset), one of the ten most secured sites in the world, has made TotalTrack a key component of their security system, and has been successfully using these features for always vigilant unrelenting security. In addition to this, ioIMAGE received certification from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), one of the world leading organizations in term of implementation of anti-terrorism protection technology and tactics. TotalTrack has proven to be successful in protecting the US Department of Energy (DOE) Sandia Labs, nuclear power plants and chemical plants in United States.

About ioIMAGE
Founded in 2000, ioIMAGE is a leading security technologies company and maker of VTD™ technology, TotalTrack® products, and intelligent video surveillance systems. ioIMAGE focuses on research and development of new innovative product for the homeland security and public safety industry. The company is located in Herzliya Pituach, Israel’s prominent technology valley.

TotalTrack® family of products includes two modules. IntrusionTrack™, an intelligent intrusion detection for fixed cameras, and PTZTrack™, a unique and innovative solution that transforms manually controlled Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras to automatic intruder tracking systems keeping the intruder in focus and centered in the video frame. For more information please visit ioIMAGE website at www.ioimage.com

Media Contacts
Daniel Doron
ioIMAGE, Ltd.
Tel: +972-9-9546003

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:54 PM | Comments (0)

Chief Designer of Motorola RAZR to Speak at MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago

Motorola Chief Designer and RAZR Cellphone Executive Jim Wicks to Speak on Strategic Innovation: How Cutting-Edge Design & Technology Created an Iconic Market Leader.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) August 26, 2005 -- The MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago announced today that Jim Wicks, Motorola's Chief Designer, will speak at their 2005-2006 season premiere on September 13th. Jim will highlight his experience as Director of MOTO's Consumer Experience Design organization, which drove development of the iconic RAZR cellphone and is now working on other products (soon to be introduced) that will build on the RAZR's stunning success.

The speaker's presentation will be followed by a dynamic Q&A session where attendees will be able to pose questions.

ATTENDEES WILL LEARN:

* How cutting-edge design was used to drive technology and engineering innovation
* How the introduction of the RAZR has helped Motorola sharpen its corporate brand recognition
* How creative thinking was harnessed to create an iconic, market-leading product that has already been purchased by nearly 10 million customers
* How an engineering dominated corporation was taught to embrace a radical and innovative new approach to product development, branding and marketing

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Jim Wicks

Chief Designer
Vice President and Director,
Consumer Experience Design
Motorola, Inc.

Jim leads a staff of over 200 employees worldwide that reflects a mixture of right- and left-brain thinking, including sociologists, psychologists, musicologists, engineers, graphics designers and software and colors specialists.

Jim holds a BFA in industrial design from the University of Illinois and a graduate degree in design from Nihon University in Japan. Jim spent many years in Japan, first as a designer for GK Design associates and then with Sony Corporation. He later joined Sony's design group in the US with a focus on personal communications, computing and new audio products, culminating with his establishment of the Sony Innovation and Design Center in San Francisco.

After spending a year with Sapient Corporation as Director of Strategy for their San Francisco office, Jim joined Motorola in 2001 as Director of User Interface Design and Human Factors and served in this role until he was appointed to his current role in 2004.

Jim is the recipient of multiple global design awards and holds over 50 design and utility patents.

EVENT INFORMATION

When:
* Tuesday, September 13, 2005• 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Registration and Cocktail Networking• 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Speaker Presentation and Q&A Session

Where:
* Gardner Carton & Douglas, LLP, 191 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 3700, Chicago, IL 60606

Cost:
* $20 if registering before 5:00 PM September 9, 2005; $25 at the door

Registration:
* Register at www.mitefchicago.org

ABOUT THE MIT ENTERPRISE FORUM

The MIT Enterprise Forum is a non-profit volunteer organization that promotes world-class innovation and entrepreneurship through its executive education programs, workshops and events. The Forum offers provocative new ideas, business cases and professional networking opportunities to senior business leaders while showcasing MIT's contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship in communities around the world. The intent of the Forum is to serve as a focal point for senior business leaders to learn, exchange views, and accelerate their ability to market, acquire and manage technology-driven innovation.

Established in 1983, the Chicago chapter is part of a network of 23 chapters worldwide. articipation and membership is open to the general public.

For more information please visit us at: www.mitefchicago.org

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:53 PM | Comments (0)

Low Cost Solution to Body Voltage and Ground Monitoring

Novx Corporation, a leading supplier of ESC/ESD-related monitoring instruments and Process Environment Monitoring System (PEMS), has just introduced the M200 Operator and Ground Monitor. This new instrument presents a low cost solution for dual-channel operator body voltage and dual-channel ground monitoring based on a digital platform. The M200 is designed to meet the requirements for continuous monitoring and local alarm only. This new product offers “user programmable” alarm set and zeroing capability and requires no calibration or adjustments. The M200 is a stand-alone product with no data output, but does include discernable audible alarm tones and RED/GREEN LED per channel.

San Jose, Calif. (PRWEB) August 26, 2005 -- Novx Corporation, a leading supplier of ESC/ESD-related monitoring instruments and Process Environment Monitoring System (PEMS), has just introduced the M200 Operator and Ground Monitor. This new instrument presents a low cost solution for dual-channel operator body voltage and dual-channel ground monitoring based on a digital platform. The M200 is designed to meet the requirements for continuous monitoring and local alarm only. This new product offers “user programmable” alarm set and zeroing capability and requires no calibration or adjustments. The M200 is a stand-alone product with no data output, but does include discernable audible alarm tones and RED/GREEN LED per channel.

The instrument represents a direct response to strategic customer communication that defines their process requirements for ESC/ESD-related monitoring for today and tomorrow's processes. The M200 represents the first Novx product designed and built specifically to address the monitoring requirements of customers that require sophisticated monitoring in an affordable package with no data output requirements. Low cost / high performance was the objective for the design of the M200 for customers that desire the performance of the latest technology coupled with the affordable pricing of lower level workstation monitors.

Features

* Digital Architecture
* Body Voltage Detection
* Ground Monitoring
* Programmable Alarm Set-points
* Unsurpassed Performance
* Maximum Flexibility

About Novx Corporation
Novx founded in 1989, is the leading provider of workstation/process equipment monitors and process environment management solutions. The company provides products and services to the semiconductor, storage device, flat panel display, electronics manufacturing services, medical and many other industries.

Novx customers use its products and services to monitor electrostatic charge, and the process environment, thereby; improving manufacturing yields, finished product quality, and manufacturing equipment performance. The shrinking geometries of today’s electronic devices place greater importance on knowing what is happening within your processes. Novx hardware and software solutions make this possible, reliable and affordable. Novx assists customers in achieving higher productivity levels by mitigating the adverse effects of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electrostatic Attraction (ESA) from the manufacturing environment. Novx supplies the complete environmental monitoring solution, thereby reducing scrap and improving product quality in any manufacturing environment.

Novx Corporation is headquartered at
830 Jury Court, San Jose, CA 95112
1-800-728-Novx
http://www.novxcorp.com/m200.htm

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:52 PM | Comments (0)

August 26, 2005

Cherry Names Nigel Ball Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Cherry Corporation announces the appointment of Nigel Ball to the position of Vice President, Sales and Marketing for the Cherry Electrical Products Division.

Pleasant Prairie, WI (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) August 25, 2005 -- Cherry Corporation announces the appointment of Nigel Ball to the position of Vice President, Sales and Marketing for the Cherry Electrical Products Division.

Ball will be responsible for the marketing and sales of all Cherry products in North America, South America and Australia. He will report to Robert Terwall, President of Cherry Electrical Products, and has re-located from Cherry UK to the company's Pleasant Prairie, WI facility.

Said Terwall, “As a long-time employee of Cherry UK, Nigel's background gives him strong product and market knowledge in all three of our business units – Automotive, Computer Input Devices, and Switches & Controls. All in all, I find him uniquely qualified to lead our important growth initiatives.”

Ball has an MBA from The Open University, Milton Keynes. He has held positions of increasing responsibility in engineering and sales throughout his 17-year career at Cherry. Since September 2001, he has been the Managing Director of Cherry's UK business, Cherry Electrical Products, Ltd.

About Cherry Corporation

Cherry Corporation manufactures standard and custom electrical switches, sensors, electronic keyboards and controls for the worldwide automotive, computer and consumer/commercial markets. The company is headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, WI and has seven wholly owned subsidiaries in Germany, England, France, Czech Republic, China, Mexico and Australia. For more information, visit www.cherrycorp.com.

Contact:
Janet Killen
Adventive Marketing, Inc.
847-590-1110

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:05 AM | Comments (0)

August 25, 2005

Sifos Technologies Introduces the Fastest PowerSync™ Analyzer, the RackPack PSA, Aimed at High Speed, High Port Count IEEE 802.3af Testing

Sifos Technologies releases the RackPack PowerSync™ Analyzer (PSA). The RackPack, a 48-port PSA, significantly reduces both the time and the cost of testing Power over Ethernet (PoE) for high port count applications such as System Test, Burn-In and Manufacturing. The RackPack can be expanded to test systems with the highest number of ports. As the port count of the system increases, the time required to test per port decreases, reducing the total cost of test.

Boston, Ma. (PRWEB) August 25, 2005 -- Sifos Technologies today announced the addition of the RackPack PSA to its PowerSync™ Analyzer family of IEEE 802.3af - Power over Ethernet (PoE) test solutions. The RackPack reduces the per-port cost of testing IEEE 802.3af compliant Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) where port counts are large (48 ports or more) and fast test speed is critical.

“RackPack is focused on applications where many PoE ports need to be tested, and testing speed and cost of testing are the most important parameters,” said David Lucia, Sifos Technologies President.

The RackPack enables fully automated measurements and analysis. Tcl/TK software scripts are optimized to fully take advantage of RackPack’s measurement resources.

“PSE manufacturers can expect average, per-port testing times on the order of 10 seconds or less per port tested given the capabilities of the RackPack,” said Peter Johnson, Sifos Technologies Technical Director.

Scripts written for any PSA can be directly used, with or without modification or editing, by the RackPack. This allows all engineers from different departments to leverage the work of others, saving significant time in the product development cycle.

The graphical user interface (GUI) software favored by R&D engineers and the PSE Conformance Test Suite (CTS) software, that are standard with the PSA 1200, are not included with the RackPack, but are available as options.

About Sifos: Sifos Technologies (www.sifos.com) is a privately held corporation, founded in 2003, and is located in Tewksbury, Ma., near Boston. Sifos Technologies is the leader in DOCSIS (cable modems, set-top boxes, cable modem head ends) and PoE test equipment.

Contact:
Chuck Koch
Sifos Technologies
408-782-9465

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:27 AM | Comments (0)

How a Bread Maker Improved the Safety of Its Employees

How a bread maker improved the safety of its employees by switching to the Ronningen-Petter DCF Self-Cleaning Industrial Filter.

(PRWEB) August 25, 2005 --

SITUATION

A Canadian bread company was putting a new bagel boiler in its Alberta plant and required a filtering system to clean the recycled boiler water of raisins, sesame seeds, bits of dough, and corn meal. Corn meal can create water quality problems if the temperature is allowed to fall, requiring an expensive and time-consuming water change.

It is critical that the water in a bagel boiler is kept up to temperature, even as it is filtered and recycled.

The company was using duplex bag filters in its bagel boiler process at its Toronto facility. Concerned about employee safety, however, the maintenance supervisor at the company's Alberta plant wanted a filtering system that required less operator intervention than a bag system.

High water temperatures used in the process can be a serious hazard to an operator changing filter bags, especially if the operator is pressed for time during the shutdown process and opens up the filter housing while it is still pressurized.

SOLUTION

Decision-makers at the Alberta plant wanted a filter they could count on, without the hazards occasionally associated with bag filter maintenance. Working with an RPA Process Technologies sales representative, the plant manager, and maintenance supervisor determined that the Ronningen-Petter DCF self-cleaning filter was the permanent solution to meet their business objectives.

Two Ronningen-Petter DCF-800 self-cleaning filters were installed on the bagel boiler water recycle line at the Alberta facility. DCF filters successfully removed the raisins, sesame seeds, and bits of dough that would adversely affect the final product.

Uninterrupted filtering by DCF also ensured consistently high water temperatures required to maintain bagel boiler water quality. DCF performs a self-cleaning action by mechanically scraping collected debris from the filter screen with a patented disc that moves up and down the screen, parallel to the liquid flow. Collected debris is then automatically purged from the collection chamber at the bottom of the filter. This self-cleaning action is performed without halting production, and provides the highest quality filtering under continuous demand. Because the screen is cleaned continuously, without interrupting production, a consistently high flow rate is maintained.

RESULTS

The Alberta facility has completely eliminated the risk of operator injury due to changing filter bags, because with Ronningen-Petter DCF filters, there are no messy bags to remove and media cleaning is automatic.

The Alberta facility's supervisors are also impressed with the unsurpassed filtering of its bagel boiler water with the DCF filters. High water temperature is maintained and water quality problems are avoided. In fact, the company is so happy with the performance of the DCF filters at its Alberta plant, the Langley, B.C. facility is also installing DCF filters on its bagel boiler system — instead of previously planned bags.

CONCLUSION

A Canadian bread company went in search of a safer filtering system and found an RPA Process Technologies solution. Ronningen-Petter DCF Self-Cleaning filters provide the company with unsurpassed filtering, automatic cleaning of the filter media, and a safer work environment for its operators.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Filter model: Ronningen-Petter DCF-800

Type of liquid: Bagel Boiler Water

Pressure: 50 PSI (3.45 bar)

Temperature: 206°F (96.7°C)

Flow Rate: 25-35 GPM (5.7-7.9 m3/h)

For questions about industrial filtration, please visit the Ask Filter Man forum at Ask-Filter-Man-Blog.asp.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:26 AM | Comments (0)

August 24, 2005

Sifos Technologies Introduces the Newest PowerSync™ Analyzer, the Compact PSA, for IEEE 802.3af Testing

Sifos Technologies releases the new Compact PowerSync™ Analyzer (PSA). The Compact, a 2-port PSA, significantly reduces the price of testing Power over Ethernet for R&D, engineering and field test, yet provides the same power and capability as the larger PowerSync Analyzers. The Compact doesn't need a chassis or other test equipment to test for complete IEEE 802.3af compliance.

Boston, MA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) August 24, 2005 -- Sifos Technologies (www.sifos.com) introduces the Compact PSA, the newest PowerSync™ Analyzer for testing IEEE 802.3af - Power over Ethernet (PoE). The Compact is ideal for engineers focused on the functions and parameters of PoE design, and troubleshooting. It eliminates the need to buy a chassis and plug-in blades.

The 2-port Compact will easily fit into the pocket of a lab coat. It weighs less than 1.5 pounds (.68 kilograms) and measures .5” x 4.25” x 9.25” (3.8 x 10.8 x 23.5 cm). The Compact can be powered by AC or a USB cable from a PC. Despite its size, it can dissipate 30 Watts per port.

“Priced under $5000, the Compact shatters the price barrier for PoE testing. A whole new, low cost tier of PoE testers has been created. Engineers can now have a PoE tester without fighting corporate red tape. They no longer have to share their department's PoE tester,” said Chuck Koch, Sifos Technologies Marketing Director.

The Compact uses the same software as all other PowerSync Analyzers. Tcl programming scripts and PowerSync Interactive (GUI) are included with the Compact. The PSE Conformance Test Suite is an option. Tcl scripts can be run directly on any PSA. This allows engineers from different departments to leverage the work of others, saving a significant amount of time in the product development cycle.

“The Compact greatly reduces the cost of PoE test. It creates a new, low priced, high performance tier of test equipment to the PoE market,” said David Lucia, Sifos Technologies President.

About Sifos: Sifos Technologies (www.sifos.com) is a privately held corporation, founded in 2003, and is located in Tewksbury, Ma., near Boston. Sifos Technologies is the leader in DOCSIS (cable modems, set-top boxes, cable modem head ends)and PoE test equipment.

Contact:
Chuck Koch
Sifos Technologies
408-782-9465

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:03 AM | Comments (0)

TEC Helps Organizations with BPM Software Comparison and Selection

Enterprise software analyst firm Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) recently launched its Business Process Management (BPM) Evaluation Center, helping project managers, consultants and decision makers compare the most qualified BPM systems based on their own, unique priorities.

Montreal, Canada (PRWEB) August 24, 2005 -- Software evaluation firm, Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) has created a business process management (BPM) evaluation center to help companies during the challenging process of selecting a BPM software solution.

Business process management (BPM) is defined as a set of activities which organizations can implement to optimize their business processes, or adapt them to new organizational needs. Organizations use BPM to improve the effectiveness of their core operations by coordinating interactions between systems, business processes, and human interaction. According to the BPM Standards Group, core BPM processes include financial and operational planning, consolidation and reporting, modeling, analysis, and monitoring of key performance indicators (KPI) tied to organizational strategy. (http://www.bpmstandardsgroup.org/resources.asp, 2004).

Research and analyst firms such as Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) (http://www.technologyevaluation.com/press) are forecasting that BPM will be one of the most important business drivers of the near future. TEC has tracked significant increases in customer demand for BPM selection projects, with numbers growing seven-fold since 2004. Over the next year, projections suggest that revenue in licensing for BPM will grow from $700.3 million (USD) in 2005 to $1,053.0 million (USD) through 2008.

“Because of the centralization of organizations and the acquisition and mergers of large enterprises, it will be extremely important for companies to have a horizontal, integrated business process that matches the current needs, including the government and regulatory compliance regulations”, according to Hans Mercx, BPM analyst at TEC (http://www.technologyevaluation.com/press).

For organizations seeking business process management (BPM) software, preparation is key.

Before companies approach vendors for a request for proposal (RFP), TEC suggests companies engage in an on-line comparison of the leading solutions under consideration, in order to save time, money, and staffing resources during the selection process.

The TEC BPM Evaluation Center (http://www.bpmevaluation.com/press) enables end users to match their requirements to the functionality provided by a variety of BPM solutions. Organizations can use the center to analyze vendors on approximately 600 criteria covering BPM functionality. Vendors presenting solutions for comparison include BISIL, Chordiant Software, CommerceQuest, Datum International Limited, DynaFlow Modeling and Workflow Solutions, Fuego, HandySoft, Ingenuus Software, Insession Technologies, Metastorm, TIBCO Software, Ultimus, Vision Software, and Whitehill Technologies. The TEC BPM Evaluation Center (http://www.bpmevaluation.com/press) covers a broad range of features from process modeling, workflow engine, design and notification, event triggers, escalation options, business rules and controls to security management and process collaboration. Monitoring and analytics are also included in the RFI.

Research by The Standish Group shows that 52.7 percent of IT projects cost 189 percent of the original estimates. This represents $75 billion (USD) yearly that is spent on failed IT projects in the United States alone (2005). Organizations are losing billions of dollars each year because they select the wrong hardware, middleware, and software, as a result of inadequate vendor information and evaluation processes. Such losses are increasingly apparent within price-sensitive, small and medium enterprises, which require accurate IT information to be collected quickly and cost-effectively during software evaluation processes.

According to TEC, selections for BPM, ERP, ECM, CRM, or SCM solutions may fail to accomplish what customers want, because customers did not begin their selection processes with a good understanding of their requirements. TEC believes that problems arise when customers do not prepare a proper request for information (RFI) to evaluate the pertinent responses from their short listed vendors. However, TEC states that its sophisticated means for performing requirements analysis will ease customers' selection burdens.

About Technology Evaluation Centers Inc. (TEC)

Technology Evaluation Center (TEC) is a leading on-line source for impartial technology and consulting evaluations. TEC has been aiding software selection since 1993 to reduce the cost, risk, and time associated with software selection. It has twenty-two on-line technology evaluation centers, ranging from ERP, CRM, SCM, to business intelligence, that contain thousands of detailed criteria on over 500 technology solutions. TEC receives over 1.5 million unique visitors per month to its sites and millions of page views per month are generated by a global audience of senior c-level and VP executives, technology and functional managers, consultants, and IT professionals.
For more information, see the company's web site http://www.technologyevaluation.com/press.

About the Business Process Management Software Evaluation Center

The Business Process Management Software (BPM) Evaluation Center (http://www.bpmevaluation.com/press) is a new on-line decision support system featuring research on some of the more well-known firms in BPM. The knowledge base consists of more then 600 criteria for analyzing business process management solutions firms. For more information, see the web site at http://www.bpmevaluation.com/press.

Contact:

Lynne Brash, Coordinator, Media Relations
Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC),
740 St. Maurice, 4th floor,
Montreal, Quebec
Canada
H3C 1L5

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:02 AM | Comments (0)

Speedline Technologies Reports Highest Bookings Since 2000; Backlog Up 68% Over Previous Quarter -- New Product Introductions and Process Expertise Support Surge

Speedline Technologies, Inc., today reported that its bookings during the second quarter of 2005 rose 44% over the first quarter and in July reached their highest level since 2000. At the end of July, the backlog had climbed 68% versus the end of the first quarter.

FRANKLIN, MA (PRWEB) August 24, 2005 -- Speedline Technologies, Inc., today reported that its bookings during the second quarter of 2005 rose 44% over the first quarter and in July reached their highest level since 2000. At the end of July, the backlog had climbed 68% versus the end of the first quarter.

“We’ve witnessed a major upturn in business since April as large customers increased capital equipment spending to respond to growth in the consumer electronics and automotive industries,” said Pierre de Villemejane, president and chief executive officer (CEO), Speedline Technologies. “The market has enthusiastically responded to the introductions of our new MPM AccelaTM printer and Camalot XyflexPro® + dispenser with strong order rates.”

In addition, de Villemejane said the trend toward lead-free manufacturing drove healthy global demand for new capital equipment. “Our process expertise in lead-free technology helped support higher bookings for our wave soldering and reflow oven products,” he said.

On a geographic basis, Speedline’s CEO said European bookings surged at the end of the second quarter, after a slow first half. Hungary, Turkey, and Russia remain bright spots as investment continues in those countries’ electronics manufacturing sectors. Germany also showed continuing strength.

“The Americas have been strong since the first quarter, with Brazil making a major rebound and Mexico improving,” he said. “Asia was sluggish in the first quarter, but bookings were strong throughout the second quarter with China leading the way.”

Speedline’s CEO credited the market’s strong acceptance of the Accela printer and XyflexPro+ dispenser to the company’s leadership in process and applications knowledge.

“The Accela printer already has been accepted on Approved Vendor Lists at many worldwide OEMs and contract manufacturers,” de Villemejane said. “We shipped the first Accela systems in the second quarter and are booking new orders at significant levels. We’re also seeing brisk initial order rates for the XyflexPro+ dispenser. These two products will have a substantial impact on results through the remainder of the year,” he said.

De Villemejane reported that Electrovert wave soldering sales were bolstered by winning major competitive evaluations. “We secured preferred supplier status for these products at many of the top global electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers,” he said.

The company said sales also were strengthened by the results of a marketing agreement with Tamura FA that introduced Speedline’s popular AccuFlexTM printer into the Japanese market.

Speedline’s CEO predicted Speedline’s strong performance will continue through the end of the year. “We will see seasonal strength in the third quarter when bookings tend to peak,” he said. “But with the lead-free manufacturing trend expanding, and our exciting stream of new products entering the market, we anticipate robust performance through the end of the year.”

About Speedline Technologies
Speedline Technologies is the global leader in process knowledge and expertise for the PCB assembly and SEMICONductor industries. Based in Franklin, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company markets five best-in-class brands — Accel microelectronics cleaning equipment; Camalot dispensing systems; Electrovert wave soldering, reflow soldering, and cleaning equipment; MPM stencil and screen printing systems; and Protect global services, support, and training solutions. Speedline Technologies is Frost & Sullivan’s “2005 Surface Mount Technology Company of the Year.” For more information, visit: http://www.speedlinetech.com or contact Speedline at:
• Asia: Speedline Technologies Asia Pte Ltd, 150 Kampong Ampat, #05-08 KA Centre, Singapore 368324, Tel: 65-6286-6635, Fax: 65-6289-9411, E-mail: e-mail protected from spam bots.
• USA: Speedline Technologies, 16 Forge Park, Franklin, MA 02038 USA, Tel: 1-508-520-0083, Fax: 1-508-520-2288, E-mail: e-mail protected from spam bots;
• Europe: Speedline Technologies GmbH, Im Gefierth 14, 63303 Dreieich, Germany, Tel: +49 (0)6103/832-0, Fax: +49(0)6103/832-299, E-mail: e-mail protected from spam bots;

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:01 AM | Comments (0)

Why Wet End Industrial Filtration in Paper Mills is Important

Many additives are used in the wet end of a paper mill. These materials are received, stored, and metered into the stock to impart a particular attribute or chemical state. Filters are used to remove particles that can detrimentally affect the quality of the paper or paperboard by creating defects or equipment variability that affects the paper's uniformity. Machines control the addition of additives, and they are not able to compensate if debris passes or if plugging occurs.

(PRWEB) August 24, 2005 -- Any oversized, undissolved solids in an additive stream have the potential to interrupt equipment operation or create dry end defects. Unfortunately, many opportunities exist for solids to be picked up or formed as additives are transported, mixed, or diluted. Consequently, wet end additive filtration can help minimize process variability.

Where filters are used in the wet end depends on the original engineering of the paper machine and is modified as the process and products change over time. Filters are added when particles affect the delivery of the additive or the quality of the end product. Flow rate, media type, particle retention, and the characteristics of the additive and its debris will dictate the type of filter most appropriate for additive filtration.

Continuous multiple tube filters or multiple bag filters are often recommended in the receiving area due to higher flow rates. However, the flow rates are relatively low at an additive point of use. Mechanically cleaned-in-place filters can, therefore, be used as an additive's point of use since they can maintain a low differential pressure and also prevent contamination extrusion through the media.

SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS
It is important to keep the differential pressure low for retention aids, to prevent gel-like contaminants from squeezing through the screen. Mechanically clean-in-place filters clean the filter media before any pressure buildup occurs.

Coarse residue in pigment slurries can result from contamination during transport and storage, from contaminants in makeup water, from inadequate make-down of clay agglomerates, aggregation of clay particles resulting from phosphate degradation and from coarse accessory material not removed during processing.

Filtration helps control in two ways. First, variability is prevented in starch make-down and converting equipment. In steam converted starch operations, filters prevent clogging of steam chamber orifices. Second, proper concentration is maintained by preventing orifice plugging downstream. If an orifice becomes plugged and concentration decreases, off-quality paper will result.

Precipitated calcium carbonate is filtered as it is received from the satellite plant and again just prior to use. Depending on the solids content, it can be critical to keep the slurry moving through the piping system due to the potential for settling.

WHERE TO FILTER
The most common place for an additive filter to be located is just before the additive is used on the paper machine. This is the last opportunity to catch unwanted particles. For many additives, this location is after the pint where dilution water is added.

Normally, the higher the dry solids and the higher the viscosity, the more filter surface area is used. As liquids are diluted, the solids drop and thicker liquids become thinner; so less surface area and a smaller filter are required. At the same particle retention or mesh size, the diluted form of an additive will use a less expensive filter. The dilute form can also filter finer, and less expensively, than the thicker form at the same filtration cost.

In some instances, filtering before the additive is diluted may be the preferred strategy. The best time to remove a particle is when the flow rates are the lowest and the particle size is at its largest. Filtering after dilution may be too late. After pumping, mixing, and storage, particles are made smaller and become more difficult to remove. After dilution, flow rates are also higher, which usually requires a larger filter system.

WHITE WATER DILUTION
If the water source used for diluting additives is clarified white water, then it is necessary to ensure that the filter system can handle the fiber content of the water. Fiber containing additives requires special handling and may restrict the filtrate quality by limiting how fine the additives can be filtered.

By controlling the wet end, a papermaker also determines product quality at the dry end and controls the overall productivity of the process. Wet end filtration removes oversized particles and debris from a variety of additive. This allows manufacturers to minimize equipment plugging and improve the overall product quality.

For questions about industrial filtration, please visit the Ask Filter Man forum at http://www.rpaprocess.com/Ask-Filter-Man-Blog.asp.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:00 AM | Comments (0)

August 22, 2005

Force Gauge and Torque Gauge Designer & Manufacturer Announces Appointment of New Managing Director

John Page has been appointed as managing director of Mecmesin Limited. Mecmesin is the specialist designer/manufacturer of force and torque gauges, and other tension, compression and torque testing instruments and systems, for quality control testing in manufacturing industry.

(PRWEB) August 22, 2005 -- Mecmesin Limited, Europe's largest designer and manufacturer of force gauges has appointed John Page as Managing Director.

Since joining Mecmesin in 1988 John has held a number of key roles within the company including: Application Engineering Manager, UK Sales Director, and Business Development Director. It was during his time in application engineering that Mecmesin established an enviable reputation, not just as a leading manufacturer of force gauges and torque gauges for quality control testing of manufactured products, components and materials, but as a provider of turnkey system solutions designed to meet the specific measurement requirements of particular customers.

John comments that, "Following my involvement with the development of the new instruments and systems which we have been releasing, and shall be continuing to release throughout the year, I find this an extremely exciting time to be taking over. I am also looking forward to meeting the new challenges which lie ahead, as we consolidate our position in our established markets, and build our reputation within those new markets which our new product ranges now enable us to enter."

John takes over from Terry Curran who retired on 19th August.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:55 AM | Comments (0)

Lead-Free Wave Soldering is Focus of Free Web Seminar, Sept. 15, from Speedline Technologies

SMT manufacturers face many misconceptions about the equipment requirements for lead-free wave soldering as they struggle to answer the question: “Is our wave soldering process ready for the transition to lead-free materials?”

Franklin, Mass. (PRWEB) August 22, 2005 -- SMT manufacturers face many misconceptions about the equipment requirements for lead-free wave soldering as they struggle to answer the question: “Is our wave soldering process ready for the transition to lead-free materials?”

To help, SMT manufacturing experts from Speedline Technologies will address the issues involved in a free, live, Web seminar, titled “Lead-Free Wave Soldering,” on Thursday, Sept. 15, from 11 a.m. to Noon, U.S. Eastern time. Topics for the seminar include:
* Wave solder equipment configurations
* Flux chemistries and solder alloys
* Material/Equipment interaction
* Defect reduction

A Questions & Answers discussion will be included.

For more information, and to register, visit http://www.speedlinetech.com/seminars or call 1-508-541-4749.

Future free, live Web seminars – all scheduled at 11 AM to Noon, U.S. E.T. – include:
* Thurs., Oct. 20: Lead-Free Reflow Soldering
* Thurs., Nov. 17: Tin Whiskers
* Thurs., Dec. 15: Fine Pitch Printing

About Speedline Technologies:
Speedline Technologies is the global leader in process knowledge and expertise for the PCB assembly and semiconductor industries. Based in Franklin, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company markets five best-in-class brands — Accel microelectronics cleaning equipment; Camalot dispensing systems; Electrovert wave soldering, reflow soldering, and cleaning equipment; MPM stencil and screen printing systems; and Protect global services, support, and training solutions. Speedline was named as the “2005 Surface Mount Technology Company of the Year” by Frost & Sullivan.
For more information, visit http://www.speedlinetech.com or contact Speedline at:
* USA: Speedline Technologies, 16 Forge Park, Franklin, MA 02038 USA, Tel: 1-508-520-0083, Fax: 1-508-520-2288;
* Europe: Speedline Technologies GmbH, Im Gefierth 14, 63303 Dreieich, Germany, Tel: +49 (0)6103/832-0, Fax: +49(0)6103/832-299;
* Asia: Speedline Technologies Asia Pte Ltd, 150 Kampong Ampat, #05-08 KA Centre, Singapore 368324, Tel: 65-6286-6635, Fax: 65-6289-9411.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:54 AM | Comments (0)

VBox Communications Unveils the USB-S 2230, a New Generation of Satellite DVB-S Receivers

VBox Communications, a global provider of customer-premises receiver solutions for digital TV and data broadcasting networks, today has announced the availability of the USB-S 2230, a new generation of satellite DVB-S receiver, allowing PC's and laptop users receiving efficiently video, audio and IP data being broadcasted via satellites. VBox will be demonstrating the USB-S 2230 at the IBC2005 show in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands (PRWEB) August 22, 2005 -- VBox Communications (www.vboxcomm.com), a global provider of customer-premises receiver solutions for digital TV and data broadcasting networks, today has announced the availability of the USB-S 2230, a new generation of satellite DVB-S receiver, allowing PC's and laptop users receiving efficiently video, audio and IP data being broadcasted via satellites.

The USB-S 2230 is a small stylish device, easy-to-install that is connected via USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. It conforms to the DVB-S standard and provides the flexibility and performance required by TV, Internet and data broadcasting applications. Featuring integrated hardware acceleration for DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) handling as well as state-of-the-art integrated Tuner and Demodulator, the USB-S 2230 is the ideal solution for reception of IP data over DVB (IPDVB).

Commercial applications including ProgDVB and SesamTV when operate with the USB-S 2230 allowing users watch, record and play TV programs. In addition, Software Development Kit (SDK), drivers for Windows and Linux and control applications are available for the USB-S 2230. Samples of the USB–S 2230 is already available for testing.

VBox will be demonstrating the USB-S 2230 at the IBC2005 show (www.ibc.org) in Amsterdam, Netherlands, September 9-13th, at the Optibase Booth number 2.249. The IBC (International Broadcasters Convention) show is the leading international conference for the digital TV industry.

“The USB-S 2230 utilizes our Satellite Express technology and leverage our experience in USB based receivers”, Said Mr. Michael Rosenberg, AVP Sales at VBox Communication. “We believe the small form-factor and high reliability of the USB-S 2230 will enhance our position as a satellite receiver's provider.”

About VBox
VBox Communications Ltd. (www.vboxcomm.com) is a provider of customer-premises receiver solutions for digital TV and data broadcasting networks. VBox is a private company partially held by Optibase (NASDAQ:OBAS), a leading provider of digital broadcast solutions.

VBox's PCI cards and USB boxes provide a whole range of digital TV reception capabilities, including handling of encrypted content for Pay TV services and delivery of high-quality video, audio and data services. VBox also provides routers and gateways for the reception of data and high quality digital content from digital broadcast infrastructures and their distribution over LAN. For further information please visit our website at www.vboxcomm.com

(C) Copyright 2005 VBox Communications, Ltd. Other company and brand names are trademarks of their respective holders.

Contact information:
Michael Rosenberg, AVP Sales at VBox
Email:e-mail protected from spam bots
Tel: +972-9-950-2821 ext 106
Mobile: +972-54-5-55-20-32

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:53 AM | Comments (0)

August 19, 2005

On-Demand Poly Bag Making Machine Can Significantly Reduce Packing Costs

Better Packages offers a rugged poly bag making machine for creating on-demand poly bags, the Better Bagger 900e. Depending upon the needs of the user, the cost of on-demand, custom poly bags with the Better Bagger 900e can average 50 percent less than the cost of purchasing minimum quantities of pre-made polyethylene bags. The manufacturer is offering special pricing on the Better Bagger 900e during the month of August.

Shelton, CT (PRWEB) August 19, 2005 -- Better Packages offers a rugged poly bag making machine for creating on-demand poly bags, the Better Bagger 900e.

Depending upon the needs of the user, the cost of making the exact number of on-demand, custom poly bags with the Better Bagger 900e can average 50 percent less than the cost of purchasing minimum quantities of pre-made polyethylene bags.

Better Packages carries a full line of rolled poly tubing, including clear, black and pink anti-static styles and new metallic static shield poly tubing, available exclusively from Better Packages. When used with the Better Bagger 900e, Better Packages Poly Tubing can be cut and sealed to create poly bags from 2 inches up to 8 inches wide and up to 99 inches long for a multitude of applications and needs. The Better Bagger 900e can also be customized to enable users to produce custom polyethylene bags in lengths up to 240 inches. The combination of the Better Bagger 900e and Better Packages Poly Tubing results in a system that can produce bags to satisfy over 80 percent of marketplace poly bag requirements.

Manufacturers of electrical components, computer components, printed circuit boards and cell tower components use the Better Bagger 900e and Better Packages Poly Tubing to produce bags in the exact size and quantities needed. Manufacturers can eliminate the need to order pre-made poly bags in bulk, thus reducing waste and inventory cost. This bag-making method also does away with the need to manually cut poly tubing with a blade or scissors, which can jeopardize workforce safety.

For more information on the Better Bagger 900e and the full line of Better Packages poly tubing products, and to learn about special pricing on the Better Bagger 900e during the month of August, visit www.BetterPackages.com.

About Better Packages
Better Packages, founded in 1917 and headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, since 1924, is the world’s leading manufacturer of water-activated tape dispensers used for carton sealing. The company also offers poly bag making machines, case sealers, pressure-sensitive tape dispensers, and a full line of dispenser accessories. Its products are sold and serviced in the United States and in 20 countries worldwide. Its systems are used whenever security, strength, efficiency, productivity and a professional image are needed. For more information, please visit www.BetterPackages.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:26 PM | Comments (0)

Gridlogix Receives Digie Award 7th Annual Realcomm 'Digie' Awards

Gridlogix, Inc., a leading creator of enabling interoperable Web services technology announced today that it is the recipient of RealComm’s Digie Award for Most Innovative Technology for the Building Automation industry. Annually for the past seven years, Realcomm recognizes leaders of innovation in the Commercial Real Estate industry with its prestigious Digie Award. This year’s winner, Gridlogix, exemplifies the continued innovation that is taking place in the building automation industry and further advances the creation of “smart buildings.”

St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) August 19, 2005 -– Gridlogix, Inc., a leading creator of enabling interoperable Web services technology announced today that it is the recipient of RealComm’s Digie Award for Most Innovative Technology for the Building Automation industry. Annually for the past seven years, Realcomm recognizes leaders of innovation in the Commercial Real Estate industry with its prestigious Digie Award. This year’s winner, Gridlogix, exemplifies the continued innovation that is taking place in the building automation industry and further advances the creation of “smart buildings.”

“Finding fast changing, exciting, yet tactical new technology is not difficult. However, every once in a while a new idea, technology, concept, comes along that has industry changing potential. It will change the way we work and play dramatically and possibly without us even noticing. The Commercial Real Estate Technology sector over the last couple of years has grown to new heights and is beginning to understand what technology can mean to an inefficient industry. This award focuses on those technologies that will dramatically change the way we live, work and play and ultimately the way we use space”, explains Jim Young, Founder and Producer, Realcomm.

Gridlogix was selected for the Digie Award for its role in the real-time integration of building automation systems with Property Management applications for the Belmar project, a 103-acre mixed-use redeveloped by Continuum Partners in downtown Lakewood, Colorado.

By deploying EnNET®, Gridlogix’s XML Web service middleware application, it allowed the creation of a “utility style” automated meter reading system. The system automatically captures meter readings from the BACnet control network and integrates this real-time information with Yardi Systems’ Voyager property management system. Thereby, providing a direct link between the data from the energy meters and the tenant information maintained in the Yardi Voyager application.

Immediate benefits to the customer include timely and accurate energy consumption information integrated with tenant records and billing information. In addition to, faster billing by property managers to ensure timely and accurate payment by tenants upon move-out. Longer-term benefits include improved tenant relations and reduced energy costs through management’s analysis of real-time energy usage information.

About Gridlogix Inc.
Gridlogix, Inc. is a leading creator of enabling interoperable Web services technology. By delivering progressive products and services, our customers reap the benefits from integration of automation and control systems with enterprise business processes to maximize the value of time sensitive information throughout the organization.

Gridlogix’s management team has more than 75 years of combined experience working with over 500 utilities and private enterprises in more than a dozen countries using the latest technologies to provide integrated solutions for engineering and planning, operations and maintenance, and enterprise management applications.

For more information about the company, see www.gridlogix.com.

EnNET is a registered trademark of Gridlogix, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

©2005 Gridlogix, Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contacts
John Daniel
VP Business Development
314.843.3343
e-mail protected from spam bots

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:25 PM | Comments (0)

ImageID to Feature Visidot AIDC Technology as an 'Alternative to RFID' for Automotive Industry, at AutoTech 2005

ImageID Ltd.'s Visidot™ Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) system is an accurate and cost-effective solution for rapid multiple-asset AIDC and asset tracking for the automotive industry, with application in both manufacturing and shipping and logistics. At AutoTech 2005, ImageID will demonstrate its Visidot system with partner ToolWorx Information Products, Inc. in booth number 328. (www.visidot.com)

-- Applications include Manufacturing, Shipping/Logistics --

Detroit (PRWEB) August 19, 2005 -- ImageID Ltd.'s Visidot™ Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) system is an accurate and cost-effective solution for rapid multiple-asset AIDC and asset tracking for the automotive industry, with application in both manufacturing and shipping and logistics.

At AutoTech 2005, ImageID will demonstrate its Visidot system with partner ToolWorx Information Products, Inc. in booth number 328.

In the Visidot System, assets (chassis, engine racks, totes, etc.) are uniquely labeled with standard 2D Data Matrix barcodes. As assets pass in front of the Visidot Reader, the reader captures hundreds of labels simultaneously in a single read and transmits the information to an image processing system, which decodes the data from each label. This asset data is exported to a data management system in XML or other standard format. Images can be stored in a separate Image Bank, and an easy-to-use Site Management System controls the entire process.

Ford Motor Company: Managing Bulky Assets in Manufacturing

Positioning bulky assets for traditional barcode scanning is often impractical or even impossible, as is RFID scanning involving metal assets or in metal-heavy environments. The Ford Motor Company successfully installed a Visidot AIDC System at the Ford F150 plant in Dearborn to improve production speed and increase plant efficiency.

The Ford plant, which produces Ford F150's, uses a fully automated Build Order system to produce its trucks. With multiple frame types to choose from, the company was looking for the most efficient way to expedite verification of the chassis type as it was being placed onto the production line. In December 2004, the company decided to install the Visidot system at the frame entrance to the plant to identify and verify the correct selection of the chassis type before it reached the conveyor belt inside. The newly installed Visidot reader captures a 2D Data Matrix label affixed to each chassis and confirms, in real-time with Ford's production line controller, that the chassis is correct and can enter the assembly line. Since installation, the system accuracy has been perfect -- 100%.

Tracking & Tracing Reusable Assets

IFCO Systems, a leading supplier of returnable/reusable transport packaging with more than 260 million rentals per year, was looking for a way to track each of its millions of containers throughout its network of over 40 distribution centers in Europe and North America. The Visidot solution is providing IFCO traceability of labeled crates, real-time views of inventory at depots, views of crate cycle times, accurate records of customer shipments/returns, and the foundation for improving customer request response time.

The Visidot system delivers all the inherent benefits of traditional barcode technology, yet far surpasses it in terms of speed and efficiency of code capture -- especially for tracking multiple assets. In addition, at accuracy levels of near-100% in actual installations, the Visidot solution is both more reliable and more cost-effective than RFID solutions.

For more information about Visidot technology, visit ImageID and Toolworx at AutoTech 2005, booth number 328, Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, 2005 at the Cobo Conference Center, Detroit. Or, call toll-free 1-877-VISIDOT (847-4368) or visit the Visidot website at: http://www.visidot.com.

About ImageID
ImageID, the provider of the Visidot™ solution (http://www.visidot.com), develops and markets advanced multiple-asset Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) solutions. Based on imaging technology and sophisticated algorithms, the Visidot solution is capable of identifying and decoding hundreds of unique standard barcodes simultaneously in a single read, with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The Visidot solution is being used in retail supply chains, automotive manufacturing and reusable assets pool management operations to provide per-asset visibility and to increase operational efficiencies. ImageID is a multinational company with R&D facilities in Israel and direct sales and partner networks in the US and Europe.

Note to Editors:
* High resolution images available at: http://www.visidot.com/web/page_01.htm

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:24 PM | Comments (0)

For Hot-Oil-System Users Only: Technical TipSheet

Paratherm Corporation delivers monthly, free, concise technical tips via email and RSS.

West Conshohocken, PA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) August 18, 2005 -- Paratherm Corporation invites subscribers to TipSheet™, an email series delivering technical information for users of heat transfer fluids and thermal oil systems.

On a monthly basis, Paratherm engineers release bits of advice, tips, engineering discussions, and general wisdom about the applications, systems, and fluids.

This month's tip (TipSheet Issue #15 ) an explanation of fluid film temperature and its influence on fluid degradation, begins a three-part series on maximizing fluid longevity in the system. Parts two and three will explore oxidation and contamination.

The TipSheet series is purely editorial. It contains no Paratherm product information, and no marketing content.

Topics of future TipSheets will include startup and shutdown procedures, system contamination causes and cures, problems with water in thermal fluid, fire and other safety issues, and more.

To subscribe to the Paratherm TipSheet (Archives and New Additions), simply visit the TipSheet Archive page at http://www.paratherm.com/tipsheet.asp. There, you can look at archived TipSheets, and subscribe if you wish. Also, if you prefer to subscribe via RSS, the link is at the bottom of the page.

Heat Transfer Fluids (Thermal Liquids, Hot Oils) precisely control temperatures in hundreds of different applications in the processing industries. Due to the variety of applications, types of heating, differing process cycles, and many other variables, the intricacies of these heating and cooling systems can create technical challenges as the systems age, or with design additions and changes.

Troubleshooting and improving processes in partnership with customers since 1988, Paratherm engineers have gained deep expertise in dozens of different industries and applications, and thousands of specific systems.

Paratherm Corporation's product line has grown to seven heat transfer fluids and two high-performance system-cleaner liquids, but the service mission of Paratherm Engineers and Staff has remained the same; to use their thorough knowledge and experience with thermal systems and heat transfer fluids, their relationships with heater and equipment manufacturers, and their focused attention on the needs of customers, to deliver smoothly operating systems and applications, and maximum production, to processors that choose Paratherm.

Contact:
Andy Andrews
Paratherm Corporation
4 Portland Road
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
USA
Phone: 800-222-3611 or (610) 941-4900
http://www.paratherm.com/heat_transfer_fluids.asp

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:23 PM | Comments (0)

August 17, 2005

Concrete Washout Systems, Inc.'s Southern California Expansion Continues

California Concrete Washout Systems, LLC has begun servicing builders and contractors in the greater San Diego market.

Elk Grove, CA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) August 17, 2005 -- Concrete Washout Systems, Inc., announced today that California Concrete Washout Systems, LLC recently began distributing and servicing Concrete Washout Systems (CWS) in San Diego and Southern Riverside Counties of California.

California Concrete Washout Systems is a newly formed company operating under the guidance of Mark Jenkins and Dave Vaccarezza. Mark Jenkins is president of both Concrete Washout Systems, Inc. and Elk Grove Waste Management, a CWS licensee in the Sacramento Valley market and Dave Vaccarezza is president of California Waste Recovery, also a CWS licensee in Central California.

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to represent CWS in the greater San Diego market,” stated Dave Vaccarezza, Managing Partner of California Concrete Washout Systems, LLC. “The San Diego market is exploding with growth and we see ourselves positioned to offer our risk management services to builders and contractors alike with a strong team and an innovative product,” added Mr. Vaccarezza.

“We are very excited to have CCWS as a partner with the experience and expertise their team has to offer,” stated Kevin Mickelson, Vice President of Concrete Washout Systems, Inc. “The San Diego market is developing at a rapid pace and is in need of risk management solutions that CCWS will be offering,” added Mr. Mickelson.

CWS is currently seeking licensed partners in numerous markets across the nation. Licensed partners will own and operate a Concrete Washout Systems business in their designated region where they will be responsible for all aspects of the business. Currently Concrete Washout Systems has licensed partners throughout most of California, Hawaii, Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, Denver, Colorado and Southeast Florida and have recently signed license agreements for portions of Minnesota and Texas.

The patent pending CWS is a portable, self-contained and watertight bin that controls, captures and contains concrete washout material and wastewater. It allows trade personnel to easily washout concrete trucks, pumps and equipment on site and facilitates easy off site recycling of the same concrete materials and wastewater, while protecting the storm drain system from potential illegal discharges. The off site recycling component creates an even more environmentally sound application as concrete material is diverted away from landfills and recycled. This system replaces other outdated washout BMP's, which are costly, unsightly and damaging to the environment since their containment value diminishes, due to inherently faulty material, over use and lack of maintenance.

About Concrete Washout Systems, Inc.
Concrete Washout Systems is a risk management specialist and industry pioneer in concrete washout and wastewater removal, treatment and recycling. The patent-pending Concrete Washout Systems provides a cost effective, environmentally friendly and compliance alternative for homebuilders, contractors, ready mix and pump operators and environmental engineering firms. For more information visit http://www.concretewashout.com

Contact:

Roger Engelsgaard
Concrete Washout Systems, Inc.
Phone: 1-877-2-WASHOUT
Fax: 916-244-0403
e-mail protected from spam bots
www.concretewashout.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:28 AM | Comments (0)

ROI Analysis Moves RFID from Compliance to Corporate Asset

DALLAS – August 15th, 2005 –– Xterprise Incorporated, a leading solutions provider for the “RFID Enabled Supply Chain”, announces the addition of skudynamiX™ to its suite of RFID solutions. skudynamiX™ allows suppliers in the retail value chain to accurately determine which products should be targeted to generate Return on Investment (ROI) from RFID implementation.

(PRWEB) August 17, 2005 -- Xterprise has positioned the new offering for product suppliers with current RFID infrastructure, and suppliers starting to develop RFID solutions. Both can reap the same ROI benefits by using skudynamiX™ , which is empowered by using an application by TrueDemand. TrueDemand is the industry leader in RFID based value generating applications, and recently announced a technology partnership with Xterprise.

Through industry research, Xterprise determined that many suppliers shipping RFID tagged products did not consider ROI or business practices in their rollout plan. The research also shows only a small number of suppliers with current RFID infrastructure are reviewing and using their retailer’s RFID read data. Because of this limited insight, they are not able to use their retailer’s data to create value, delaying the opportunity to improve their supply chain.

“We understand the cost of RFID affects a supplier’s ROI, so we have created skudynamiX™ to allow suppliers to fully utilize their RFID resources and financially improve their supply chain” said Tom Abraham, Director of Solutions at Xterprise. “For customers just starting to define their approach to RFID compliance, we can bring significant value by assisting the selection of products to tag and developing a strategy to get the best ROI from RFID. The combination of our execution and planning solutions will deliver a strategic advantage for suppliers in the retail value chain.”

During the first step of ROI assessment, Xterprise combines use of the TrueDemand application “SKU Analyzer” and Xterprise’s industry leading RFID implementation best practices to provide customers with a roadmap for ROI, focused on value capture. Candidate SKUs are selected and supply chain metrics are reviewed for each SKU to understand if further improvement opportunities are present.

The second step is implementation of TrueDemand applications that provide planning, forecasting and replenishment solutions to generate ROI. Xterprise uses it’s TraX™ retail RFID read analytics application to prepare and present the RFID information to TrueDemand’s demand signaling applications and allow optimized orders and replenishments.

This complete ROI assessment allows a supplier to quantify financial results of changes to their RFID strategy not only for the first year of adoption but also future years. The ROI assessment supports SKU specific decisions such as which items to tag, based on seasonal demand and promotions performance; not just assessments related to the aggressiveness of adoption or RFID.

“Suppliers are starting to go public with information regarding the attractive ROIs they are generating by using the RFID data to better monitor and predict demand of product, some have publicly stated 25% returns,” said Dean Frew, CEO of Xterprise, speaking of firms who have adopted these practices. “We are working with suppliers on maximizing the saleable value of their inventory.”
The company began offering the skudynamiX™ solution to clients in July with pricing based on the number of SKUs to be evaluated and complexity of their merchandising strategy.

About Xterprise - - Xterprise Incorporated develops RFID supply chain solutions and has been chosen by the many of the worlds most respected supply chains and fastest growing companies as an RFID solution provider. Xterprise blends best practices, supply chain processes, material handling, RFID system hardware and application software, enterprise systems integration, data analytics, demand signaling applications and remote solution support. This provides the industry benchmark for system ease of use and lowest cost per case solution in the markets they serve.

Xterprise works with other industry leaders in logistics, RFID, and supply chain management, including Alien Technology, Zebra Technology, Symbol, Apriso, Red Prairie, TrueDemand, DPI and others.

Xterprise is headquartered in Carrollton, TX. For more information, visit www.xterprise.com or call 972-690-9460, ext. 300.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:27 AM | Comments (0)

August 16, 2005

New Affordable Wireless Market Research from WTRS; Summary Reports for Limited Budgets with Qualitative Needs

The new "thrifty" prices on "WTRS FOCUSED INTELLIGENCE SERVICES" will provide much of WTRS industry leading wireless market research available to a wider base - Champagne Services at Beer Prices. Summary reports of approximately 200 pages for $400.

Mtn. View, CA (PRWEB) August 15, 2005 -- Many rapidly expanding wireless technology companies cannot always afford the $3,000 or more needed for our mainline market research reports. Now WTRS has a solution -- a new series of products.

“WTRS FOCUSED INTELLIGENCE SERVICES” which will provide affordable market research to start-ups and other companies with a need for wireless research but limited current budgets. Value pricing is now available for the highest quality wireless market research.

1)We’re introducing new “MARKET INTELLIGENCE BRIEFINGS” on specific technologies like ZigBee, UWB, Bluetooth, Insteon, and Wimax. These major distillations of larger research are priced at only $400.00. This price can be applied to a future purchase of a full Market Report in this technology.

The first of these, the “ZigBee Market Intelligence Briefing," focuses on the potential and overall future of ZigBee, consists of 220 Pages, $400.00, and is based on pertinent material from the WTRS milestone report “Emerging Sensor & M2M Report.”

A complete and thorough analysis of the ZigBee landscape, the briefing report analyzes and forecasts 12 market segments, alliance developments, and evaluates current patent, technology and corporate developments.

The next “Briefing” in this series will be introduced shortly, covering WiMAX, followed in quick order by studies of Insteon, UWB and Bluetooth, all based on our major report sequences which are updated every quarter.

2)The second part of the new “WTRS FOCUSED INTELLIGENCE SERVICES” is a “by-the-slice” option for most of our mainstream report materials so that users can obtain what they need most now. Clients can apply the “slice” price to purchase the flagship report in the future as well.

Now available are: Executive Briefings, Forecast Databases (by sector), Corporate Positioning Profiles, and Patent Databases -- at prices starting at $200-300.00 and up depending upon technology covered.

WTRS provides flagship market research reports in many areas of the wireless application space, and for five years has been a true market leader in accurate forecasting based on proprietary macroeconomic solutions. We know wireless technologies. WTRS, for five years “the place for wireless research”.

For more information on the “WTRS FOCUSED INTELLIGENCE SERVICES”, visit our website www.wtrs.net or call 650 940 1196 or contact e-mail protected from spam bots

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:45 AM | Comments (0)

ESPN Brazil Selects Force’s Model 3762 Digital Broadcast Platform and Model 2990 DBS L-Band Links

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. (PRWEB) August 13, 2005 -- Force Optical Broadcast Systems, Christiansburg, VA, has been awarded a contract to supply ESPN Brazil with a state-of-the-art digital broadcast fiber-based solution.

The Model 3762 Digital Broadcast Platform transports multiple broadcast formats (SMPTE, Baseband, ASI) while providing users a wide range of control options and telemetry information. Offered in a space-saving 1RU optical terminal, Model 3762 will multiplex two channels of digital or analog formats in any combination depending on the broadcaster’s or cable operator’s system requirements. The 3RU Model 2990 offers a high power laser and 18 dB optical loss budget and will transport RF signals from 950-2200 MHZ over single-mode fiber. LNB power can be provided at either +13 or +17 VDC, and no fuses are required since power is current limited. 50 or 75 Ohm options available. The Model 2990 is available as compact, rugged stand-alone unit or as a 3RU