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January 31, 2006

Warehouse Management: New In-Motion Dimensioning System Can Save Millions in Shipping and Distribution

Numina Group’s Cube-3 Dimensional Pick Verification System references and updates SAP software, bolstering material handling and shipping to the tune of millions of dollars in savings.

(PRWEB) January 31, 2006 -- The need to get shipments to customers expeditiously is becoming mission critical for businesses. Incorporating intelligent logic and measurement technology to new or existing warehouse management and material handling systems can ensure accurate order contents and optimize shipping transportation methods for manufacturers and distribution centers.

Improving shipping and warehouse space utilization and capturing accurate carton weight and dimensional data are critical operation needs. Real-time use of this information alleviates shipping logjams, help retain customers by verifying order picking, and trims waste that occurs when the wrong transportation method is chosen for a customers order.

“Thanks to our cube verification systems, we are able to choose the most practical way to handle overnight orders at our nationwide distribution centers,” says a manager at one large health-care products distributor.

Using weight and dimensional data integrated to warehouse management systems enables forward-thinking companies to select from various shipping methods. Enabling this process is The Numina Group’s Cube-3(TM) carton dimensioning and barcode data collection system, which provides real-time dimensional measurement and order validation of outbound conveyed cartons. Numina Group, a leading software development and warehouse management automation integrator, developed the Cube-3 to accurately measure and audit carton cube/weight and provide real-time control decisions to eliminate picking and shipping errors. Cube-3 software is a module within Numina’s Real-Time Distribution Software, so it can easily integrated the data to most warehouse management systems.

Companies that manage over 100,000 SKUs have been able to eliminate the error-prone and labor-intensive tasks of manual data collection. Advanced software such as Cube-3 helps distribution centers audit and verify the weight and dimensions of an ongoing stream of cartons and cases. This helps catch mis-picks in orders, but also affects everything from when the product comes into the building, to how it is staged and stored (floor rack, bin, pallet rack, etc.). Knowing how best to cube out trucks helps distributors determine whether to ship via parcel service, commercial carrier or private fleet. This kind of transportation management in turn ensures customer satisfaction and savings based on accurate and timely shipments of orders.

“The storage and cube utilization of a warehouse, the sizing of the facilities, and the selection of the best mode of transportation can all be optimized using our Cube-3 system,” says Dan Hanrahan, Numina Group CEO. “In addition, the Cube-3 provides an on-line material handling automated quality by identifying carton irregularities, such as an open flap or damaged carton, thus improving warehouse management while preventing damaged cartons from being shipped without corrective actions.”

For more information contact:

Dan Hanrahan
The Numina Group
60 Shore Drive,
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone: (630) 323-0110
Web site: www.numinagroup.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:14 AM | Comments (0)

Hummingbird to Resell Silanis Electronic Signature Software in North America as an Optional Component with its Enterprise Content Management Solution

Silanis Technology Inc. today announced that its electronic signature software will be resold in North America as an option with Hummingbird Enterprise™, Hummingbird’s enterprise content management solution. With the addition of the company’s ApproveIt™ Desktop software, Hummingbird customers will be able to maintain an electronic process throughout the entire content management system, including processes that require signatures in compliance and legal documents.

(PRWEB) January 31, 2006 -- Silanis Technology Inc. today announced that its electronic signature software will be resold in North America as an option with Hummingbird Enterprise™, Hummingbird’s enterprise content management solution. With the addition of the company’s ApproveIt™ Desktop software, Hummingbird customers will be able to maintain an electronic process throughout the entire content management system, including processes that require signatures in compliance and legal documents.

“Customers turn to Hummingbird for three main reasons: to mitigate business and legal risks, to reduce costs, and to gain a competitive advantage by maximizing their data assets and employee productivity,” said Andrew Pery, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of Hummingbird Ltd. “By substituting paper-based, signature approval processes with Silanis’ electronic equivalent, our joint customers will receive added value.”

Silanis’ electronic signature platform bridges the gap between enterprise applications by enabling secure and auditable, end-to-end processes involving signatures to become 100% paperless. The company’s desktop solution integrates seamlessly with Hummingbird Enterprise™ to provide electronic signatures in a legally enforceable and compliant manner in all common native formats, including Microsoft Word™, Microsoft Excel™, Adobe PDF™ and IBM Workplace Forms.

By capturing signature approvals electronically, organizations will significantly decrease their cost of doing business. Paper, shipping, handling, data verification, scanning and data re-keying will be lowered, and in many instances eliminated entirely. Moreover, by removing the time delays caused by paper-based approval processes, organizations can dramatically improve their operational efficiency and revenues.

For example, the US Army, as part of its enterprise contract, expects to save $1.3 billion annually in paper-related costs using Silanis’ solution, while the efficiencies realized by deploying the company’s electronic signatures across GMACCM has enabled the commercial mortgage lender to reduce per-loan service costs by more than 50% and increase its loan portfolio by nearly 50% to $110 billion in the past five years without the need for additional staff.

Organizations can convert their existing, enterprise documents into electronic signature-enabled files with minimal effort. Further, as a plug-in for Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Adobe PDF, and IBM Workplace Forms, signing icons are added to the tool bar of each application making it intuitive and easy for users to add their electronic signature, verify the authenticity of the data, and review the document’s audit trail. The software also supports hybrid signing processes; that is, both a print and electronic signing process at the same time. An electronically-signed document can be reverted to paper at any time in the process and shared with departments who have not yet rolled over to electronic signatures.

“We are extremely pleased to have entered into a partnership agreement with the industry’s leading content management solution provider,” said Richard Warren, chief executive officer of Silanis Technology. “By adding Silanis to the mix, Hummingbird’s customers will be able to unleash the full potential of their enterprise investment, while knowing that the electronic signature technology is also compatible with Silanis’ Web-based and XHTML solutions and can grow with their B2B and B2C needs.”

About Hummingbird Enterprise™
Hummingbird Enterprise provides an integrated platform for enterprise content management that provides global organizations with solutions to manage business interaction information such as documents, records, virtual deal room exchanges, discussions, e-mail or financial data - linking business processes, information and people. Hummingbird solutions are designed as modular applications that are fully interoperable with each other, enabling customers to incrementally build an enterprise content management solution to meet their evolving information needs in a cost effective manner.

About Hummingbird
Hummingbird Ltd. (NASDAQ: HUMC, TSX: HUM) is a leading global provider of enterprise software solutions. The Company's enterprise software solutions fall into two principal categories: enterprise content management (ECM) solutions, and network connectivity solutions. Hummingbird's ECM solutions enable organizations to manage the lifecycle of enterprise content from creation to disposition, thereby enabling organizations to address critical business needs, such as information management, business continuity, compliance and risk mitigation. The network connectivity solutions provide a comprehensive set of core network technologies that enables the enterprise to connect to any type of legacy system.

Founded in 1984, Hummingbird employs over 1,500 people and serves more than 33,000 customers, including 90% of Fortune 100. Hummingbird solutions are sold directly from 40 offices worldwide and through an Alliance Network of partners and resellers. For more information, visit http://www.hummingbird.com

About Silanis
Founded in 1992, Silanis Technology Inc. is the largest and most experienced provider of electronic signature solutions. More than 1,100 government and commercial organizations, representing two million users, depend on Silanis' solutions to accelerate operations, improve service, and reduce costs. The company's solutions not only eliminate the inefficiencies of paper, they provide reliable and auditable business records needed to demonstrate compliance with applicable laws, standards, regulations and policies. For more information, visit http://www.silanis.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:13 AM | Comments (0)

NOVAtime’s Payroll Interface with QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Enterprise Helps Small Businesses Save Time and Money

NOVAtime announces its new payroll interface with the latest release of QuickBooks® from Intuit.

Monterey Park, Calif., January 31, 2006 — NOVAtime, (www.novatime.com), an industry leader in providing organizations with state-of-the-art time and attendance solutions that is fully integrated with various time clocks and data collection terminals announced successful deployment of its payroll interface with direct data exchange with Intuit’s QuickBooks® 2006 Pro, QuickBooks® Premier Edition, and QuickBooks® Enterprise Solutions.

NOVAtime’s latest release of the payroll interface allows direct seamless, do-it-yourself data conversion with QuickBooks® Pro, Premier and Enterprise, which provides small businesses a total punch to paycheck solution. This exchange of critical data, such as employee name, pay rates and departments will help small businesses who use both products to manage their business more efficiently - saving them valuable time, money, and resources.

“NOVAtime offers solutions to organizations of all sizes. We believe the data exchange with QuickBooks® provides small business owners a simple to use interface that allows them to spend more time focusing on their core competencies, and less time tracking employee hours and processing payroll,” said Brian Rice, NOVAtime’s Director of Sales and leading time and attendance expert.

NOVAtime also supports the QuickBooks® Enterprise editions, versions 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0.

“NOVAtime has been a member of the Intuit Developer Network since 2002 and has many QuickBooks® customers taking advantage of this data exchange with QuickBooks® Pro and Premier Editions, ranging from 2002 through 2005. We have found tremendous value in being involved with the Intuit Developer Network and are ecstatic to offer a data exchange with the QuickBooks® 2006 editions of Pro and Premier,” states Frank Su, NOVAtime’s President.

NOVAtime’s data exchange with QuickBooks® allows businesses to share their employee hours with QuickBooks® payroll, eliminating the need to manually key the hours. Automation eliminates the error prone task of calculating employee hours and can reduce payroll preparation time substantially.

“The sharing of data between applications such as NOVAtime and the QuickBooks® Financial Management Software products helps small businesses avoid having to manually enter the same data in both applications, which takes a lot of time and can result in data entry errors,” said Ed Schaffer, business leader of the Intuit Developer Network. “NOVAtime is a perfect example of how Intuit Developer Network members are successfully using the QuickBooks® SDK to bring valuable applications to Intuit’s small business customers. The Intuit Developer Network will continue to help members like NOVAtime to address small businesses’ needs for easy-to-use products that are integrated and customized for their specific business requirements.”

About NOVAtime Technology, Inc.
NOVAtime is a leading developer of time and attendance and workforce management solutions based in Monterey Park, CA. NOVAtime provides organizations with tools to help them better manage their human capital and add to their bottom line. NOVAtime is dedicated to providing dynamic, scaleable, and high quality workforce management solutions. NOVAtime is a member of the Intuit Developer Network. For more information on NOVAtime, please visit www.novatime.com or call 877-486-6682.

Intuit Trademark Statement
Intuit, the Intuit logo, Quicken, QuickBooks, QuickBooks® Pro, QuickBooks® Premier, Turbo Tax, ProSeries, and Lacerte, among others, are registered trademarks and/or registered service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other parties' trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners and should be treated as such.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:12 AM | Comments (0)

FreelineUSA introduces "Survivable VoIP” at Dow Jones Network Ventures Conference 2006

FreelineUSA, Inc. has developed a unique architecture to address the need for low cost, and fully survivable, corporate voice networks. The Company will highlight real-world applications of its IP Centric product lines at this year’s Dow Jones Network Ventures Conference.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) January 31, 2006 -- FreelineUSA, Inc. presents “FreelineUSA Technology for What’s Next in IP Communications” at the Dow Jones Network Ventures Conference 2006

FreelineUSA, Inc. has developed a unique architecture to address the need for low cost, and fully survivable, corporate voice networks. The Company will highlight real-world applications of its IP Centric product lines at this year’s Dow Jones Network Ventures Conference. A truly unique architecture developed at FreelineUSA, Inc.; co-existing in a proprietary and standards based environment, allows the FL-USA 800 Series to interoperate between 200 locations or more— without any centralized point of failure, such as a gatekeeper or softswitch. Operating simultaneously on a mesh, and point-to-point basis, the system permits “point-to-point VPN encryption” of sensitive corporate communications. What does this mean to end users— voice networks that stay up, with no single point of network failure, permitting secure, low cost voice communications that are as reliable as the internet itself.

FreelineUSA sees the Dow Jones Network Ventures Conference 2006 as a world-class venue to highlight the real world capability being delivered today to our business and government clients. FreelineUSA offers “Business Class VoIP phone calls at coach prices”— enabling a seamless and reliable transition from the circuit switch voice infrastructure we have today to the high-quality and reliable IP centric voice and video networks of the future.

“VoIP, the exciting voice technology enabled by convergence of faster processors and broadband access is going main-stream in American Business, driven by global competition to lower operations costs. VoIP now looks like a keeper,” said Robert Simkavitz president and ceo of FreelineUSA. “When hard dollars are involved, reliability of these new business networks is critical, network resiliency is paramount. These new VoIP networks must match or exceed the quality and reliability we have come to expect from the traditional telephone network.”

Founded in 2003 FreelineUSA, Inc. is a privately held U.S. corporation headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, led by the president and ceo Robert Simkavitz. For more information about FreelineUSA and our leading VoIP, IP Video, and Gig-a-bit optical access technologies please visit us at http://www.FreelineUSA.com.

Company Contact: Deborah Stange
FreelineUSA, Inc., Vice President Marketing
9457 S University Blvd., Suite 166
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Direct: (303) 791-1405 x102

Jessica Hine, Dow Jones – Private Equity Analyst,
VentureOne, VentureWire
201 California Street, 10th Floor
San Francisco, California 94111
Direct: (415) 439-6654

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:11 AM | Comments (0)

Micro/sys Releases OPTO I/O Card That Empowers PC/104 Users With I/O: Flexibility and High-Voltage Isolation

The new Micro/sys OPTO104 expansion card accommodates eight industry-standard digital or analog OPTO plug-in modules plus any PC/104 CPU or I/O cards that are needed to make a rugged, compact industrial controller. Any combination of digital or analog I/O modules can be plugged into this 4.53” x 6.50” EPIC sized board that is designed for rugged environments and extended temperature ranges of -40 to + 85 degrees C operation. These features provide a solid platform upon which I/O intensive systems can be built.

Montrose, CA -- The new Micro/sys OPTO104 expansion card accommodates eight industry-standard digital or analog OPTO plug-in modules plus any PC/104 CPU or I/O cards that are needed to make a rugged, compact industrial controller. Any combination of digital or analog I/O modules can be plugged into this 4.53” x 6.50” EPIC sized board that is designed for rugged environments and extended temperature ranges of -40 to + 85 degrees C operation. These features provide a solid platform upon which I/O intensive systems can be built.

When the application demands even more I/O, up to four of the OPTO104 boards can be connected together in a slave configuration using a 26-wire ribbon cable. This makes available 32 slots for OPTO 22 G4 modules for AC or DC digital I/O, and/or Grayhill G5 modules for analog I/O. All of these modules offer opto-isolation up to 4000 volts.

Additional system-level features of the OPTO104 include watchdog timer, rotary encoder input, onboard temperature sensor, and interfaces for a character-based LCD, keypad, CAN bus, and Dallas iButton Probe. These features, when combined with the users’ favorite off-the-shelf plug-on PC/104 CPU boards, provide the unique system features required in industrial applications.

The board operates at 5V ± 5%, or, a selection of DC-DC converter options allows an input voltage range from 9V to 75V. A user-selectable jumper can bleed off common mode leakage current to the negative inputs or to safety ground in order to reduce susceptibility to ESD. On-board or off-board contrast adjustment for the character LCD is also provided. A flexible I/O base address range and 16 bit pass-through connector makes the OPTO104 an ideal board for high-voltage isolation applications.

The OPTO104 is $375 in single quantities. Significant OEM discounts are available. In addition, Micro/sys offers cables, breakout boards and related products that can minimize prototype efforts and improve time to market.

Contact Technical Sales Dept., Micro/sys, Inc., 3730 Park Place, Montrose, CA, 91020, phone (818) 244-4600, FAX (818) 244-4246, email: e-mail protected from spam bots, URL: www.embeddedsys.com.

Micro/sys has been manufacturing OEM industrial microcomputer products since 1976, including board-level products and integrated computers. Micro/sys embedded computers are specified by OEMs in semiconductor processing, medical, mail handling, pharmaceutical, industrial marking, process control, and many other industries.

Lauren Dowden
3730 Park Place
Montrose, CA 91020
818-244-4600

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:10 AM | Comments (0)

Manufacturers & Vendors Identify Equipment Lease Funding Sources Online

Equipment Leasing Network Celebrates 10 Years Online.

ATLANTA, GA (PRWEB) January 31, 2006 –- The Lessors Network enters its 10th year of providing equipment manufacturers and vendors online access to equipment leasing & finance resources for customers purchasing their equipment. Now a comprehensive vertical marketing network serving a global equipment leasing & finance community, the Lessors Network was originally founded by to facilitate the funding of commercial and municipal leasing obligations.

1) The Funding | Syndication Network

The Funding | Syndication Network enables equipment vendors seeking financing for their customers to advertise each opportunity for viewing by registered funding sources on the Lessors Network Web site. Competing funding source representatives view the ads from the Lessors Network Web site and contact the vendor from the information included with each ad. Advertisements are free and the Lessors Network does not receive a commission for transactions completed using the innovative online utility. Over $6 billion in asset based funding opportunities have been advertised to date.

2) The Yellow Pages Directory

The Lessors Network also features the equipment leasing and finance industry’s only online Yellow Pages Directory, where equipment vendors can search a database of funding sources advertising their funding profiles and important contact information.

3) Annual Showcases at the Ritz

Eight years ago, the Lessors Network began producing high-profile, professionally intimate showcases from the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead in Atlanta, enabling equipment vendors to quickly identify and evaluate prospective funding sources and their representatives. Online promotion of the showcase includes sponsor promotion for funding sources and an abbreviated description of their current funding strategies.

The unprecedented success of these events is attributed to the professionally intimate event culture the Lessors Network delivers by pre-screening and limiting the total number of showcase registrations to no more than 150 attendees.

Vendors don’t get lost in a maze of exhibit booth hype, rather they sit comfortably in a General Session while alternating funding source representatives deliver presentations describing their companies, credit culture and asset based funding strategies.

Private face-to-face meetings with funding source representatives are facilitated through out the day in the Networking Suite, a comfortable lounge with residential seating and refreshments, and the evening Networking Reception. It’s about quality over quantity.

The next Annual Lessor Resources Showcase is scheduled this fall and has historically attracted the “A” List from the commercial and municipal equipment leasing & finance markets including: Bank of America, Caterpillar Financial Services Corp., Chase Equipment Leasing, CIT, Citigroup, Inc., Daimler Chrysler, De Lage Landen, Dell Financial Services, Deutsche Financial Services, GATX Capital, GE Capital, GMAC Commercial Finance, IBM Global Financing, John Deere Credit, Key Equipment Finance Group, Oracle Credit Corporation, Pitney Bowes Financial Services, Siemens Financial Services, Textron Financial Corporation, Toyota Financial Services, US Bancorp, Wachovia Leasing & Equipment Finance and Wells Fargo Equipment Finance.

Sponsor/Exhibitor/Speaker registrations are currently open to members of the Lessors Network. Remaining space will be available to non members around 2/15/06. Details will be updated frequently and published on the Lessors Network Web site – http://www.lessors.com.

ABOUT THE LESSORS NETWORK
From www.Lessors.com, the ultimate Internet address for Lessors, the Lessors Network facilitates vertical market networking for companies, products and services targeting the equipment leasing and finance markets. Additional information can be viewed at www.lessors.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:09 AM | Comments (0)

The Easy to Use Better Pack® 500 Automatic Water-Activated Tape Dispenser from Better Packages, Inc. Improves Efficiency in Medium- to High-Volume Packing Environments

Better Packages, Inc., the number-one trusted name in water-activated tape dispensers and carton sealers for nearly 90 years, introduces the Better Pack 500. This rugged tape dispensing machine offers straightforward operation and one-touch dispensing of reinforced and non-reinforced water-activated tape, significantly improving efficiency and speed of packaging technicians in medium- to high-volume packaging environments.

Shelton, CT (PRWEB) January 31, 2006 -- The new Better Pack 500 automatic water-activated tape dispenser from Better Packages, Inc., is engineered for durability, ease of use and reliability. With steel side-frame construction covered in durable ABS plastic, it is a tabletop workhorse that stands up to rough handling and rugged conditions in most work settings, while maintaining the consistent performance expected from the Better Pack brand. Its smooth-touch tactile keypad is preprogrammed with 14 preset lengths from 6 to 45 inches. A simple press of the 2X key doubles any preset length, and custom lengths up to 120 inches can be dispensed by pressing and holding the random length key. When fast tape output is important, the Better Pack 500 dispenses tape at 45 inches per second, greatly reducing the amount of time needed to process and seal cartons in medium- to high-volume packaging settings.

Design features of the Better Pack 500 tape dispenser maximize the performance of the water-activated tape used to seal the cartons. For example, a smooth-dispense tape guide and unique urethane feed wheel eliminate damage to the tape caused by metal feed wheels commonly found in other dispensers. The unit’s adjustable top heater warms the water that activates the tape’s adhesive, thereby optimizing the tape’s integrity and bonding properties. The top heater, which is a standard feature of the Better Pack 500, is especially useful in work environments where cold temperatures can adversely affect the performance of any tape. When reinforced water-activated tape, such as BetterSeal Secure® Tape from Better Packages, is applied with the Better Pack 500, the end result is a seal that is consistently secure, tamper-evident and professional looking.

Optional accessories further improve both the machine’s and tape’s functionality and enable the packaging technician to work most efficiently. The optional tape aerial accessory holds tape in an upright position when dispensed, allowing easy access to the tape and freeing up bench top workspace. The CodeTaper® 6 imprinting device allows printing directly on the tape as it is dispensed for added security, tracking or branding with printed codes, date stamps and logos.

The Better Pack 500 tape dispenser is built for optimal operator and electrical safety and meets or exceeds UL, CE and CSA standards. Standard safety features include a safety interlock switch, which disables the cutting mechanism when the cover is open. In addition, a thermal cutoff switch and low voltage requirements protect the motor from overheating.

The Better Pack 500 is available in 115v and 230v models. To learn more, contact Better Packages at 800-237-9151 or visit www.BetterPackages.com to locate the Authorized Better Packages Distributor near you.

About Water-Activated Tape
Water-activated tape, or gummed tape, offers security and strength benefits that other sealing methods do not. For example, unlike plastic pressure-sensitive tape, which can be easily removed and replaced leaving little or no trace of tampering, Water-activated tape bonds with the carton and produces a tamper-evident, secure seal. Manufacturers, food and drug companies and government agencies, including the US Postal Service and the FBI, recognize the benefits of using water-activated tape as a simple, cost-effective means to help protect the contents of their packages from tampering and thievery. Water-activated tape also reinforces the strength of cartons containing heavy or bulky items.

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 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.

© 2006 Better Packages, Inc. Better Packages, Better Pack, BetterSeal Secure and CodeTaper are registered trademarks of Better Packages, Inc.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:07 AM | Comments (0)

January 30, 2006

COBIT 4 Now Available on 7 RuleSphere Platforms

The rush is on for companies worldwide to increase their information technology governance (IT) practices due to regulatory compliance pressures. The leading IT best practice framework for this purpose is COBIT. Now COBIT 4 is advancing the state of IT governance practices. It supersedes the current COBIT 3 framework. RuleSphere International is licensed to automate the framework under a worldwide distribution agreement with ISACA and ITGI organizations. RuleSphere leads the industry in automating best practice frameworks and is introducing 7 separate enterpise-class software platform products for all aspects of COBIT automation.

Harvard, MA (PRWEB) January 30, 2006 -- RuleSphere International today announced the availability of the new COBIT 4.0 best practice framework release for information technology (IT) governance, on seven separate RuleSphere application software products. Also announced today is a new RuleSphere COBIT 4 Service; The IT Governance Readiness Assessment. Under this announcement, RuleSphere products include COBIT 4.0, which is used by permission of the IT Governance Institute (ITGI). ©1996, 1998, 2000, 2005 IT Governance Institute (ITGI). All rights reserved. COBIT is a registered trademark of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the IT Governance Institute.

COBIT 4.0 is licensed as embedded content on the following RuleSphere Agile Enterprise Management (AEM) platforms:

1. AEM Vault – An enterprise-class system-of-record repository for managing compliance and governance information and COBIT 4.0 control objectives and reference documentation used in support of both business and IT roles.

2. Decision Factor AEM – Collaborative decision-making environment for COBIT 4.0 project portfolio and COBIT-related resource allocation. Decision Factor also supports other IT governance decision making, IT risk assessment, and IT best practice framework self-assessment.

3. Performance Factor AEM – Ideal environment for managing the comprehensive measurements which drive the COBIT 4.0 performance assessment in addition to other IT performance, governance, and compliance metrics.

4. AEM Dashboard – Used to display COBIT 4.0 measurements, metrics management, and internal controls reporting requirements.

5. AEM Scorecard – An enterprise-class scorecarding solution used to manage and display measurements for any financial or operational area.

6. AEM Process Modeler – A comprehensive modeling suite that supports a wide range of process modeling requirements including the documenting of IT processes, including those within the COBIT framework.

7. AEM Business Process Manager – An enterprise-class business process workflow execution solution with advanced Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) capabilities. This solution manages the flow of work in 4 key areas; person-to-person, system-to-person, person-to-system, or system-to-system process integration.

For additional information contact:
Dave Wassel, SVP Business Development
RuleSphere International, Inc.
North American Inquiries 1(877)438-0742 Ext. 777
International Inquiries 1(630)357-2474
www.RuleSphere.com

Founded in 2001, RuleSphere International, Inc. is the global leader in providing integrated Performance Management, Governance, and Regulatory Compliance (PGC) software and systems for the multi-national enterprise. RuleSphere’s PGC solutions ensure bulletproof regulatory compliance, and 360° management oversight across functions and operational practices. RuleSphere is headquartered in Harvard, Massachusetts with primary or affiliate offices in the following locations; Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fayetteville, Houston, Jacksonville, London, Mumbai, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Tampa.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:38 AM | Comments (0)

CoroWare to Merge with Innova Holdings

Robotics innovator to join forces with automation technology group to accelerate the mobile service robotics marketplace.

Bellevue, WA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) January 30, 2006 -- CoroWare Inc., an innovative systems integration firm and mobile service robotics specialist, today announced it has signed a letter of intent to merge with Innova Holdings Inc. of Fort Myers, Florida.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2006, subject to the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement, approval by Innova Holdings’ Board of Directors, and customary regulatory approvals. Under terms of the agreement, CoroWare and its CoroWare Test Labs subsidiary will operate as wholly owned subsidiaries of Innova Holdings.

"The combined strengths of Innova Holdings and CoroWare will help us tap into significant mobile service robotics market opportunities," said Lloyd Spencer, president and CEO of CoroWare. "Innova Holdings’ strengths in industrial automation and its relationships with defense and homeland security customers complement CoroWare’s strengths in mobile service robotics software development and testing, and its ability to bring robotics into an enterprise through its systems integration practice."

"CoroWare's advanced development on the Microsoft Windows Embedded platform, its focus on open standards and off-the-shelf hardware and software, and its team of veteran developers make CoroWare an ideal fit for Innova Holdings," said Walt Weisel, chairman and CEO of Innova Holdings. "With CoroWare’s expertise and years of experience with Microsoft, our company can begin offering enterprise-wide factory solutions worldwide.”

About CoroWare
CoroWare is an innovative systems and mobile service robotics application integrator that delivers forward-looking solutions and services to help customers and communities realize their IT and business goals. CoroWare’s experienced team of professionals delivers integrated solutions based on Windows, Unix and embedded systems platforms. CoroWare has depth of knowledge and breadth of experience in robotics integration, embedded/mobile system integration and market development. For more information, please visit www.coroware.com/.

About CoroWare Test Labs
CoroWare Test Labs is a CoroWare subsidiary whose mission is to provide impartial, objective conformance testing to ensure interoperability and communication standards compliance among intelligent, mobile service robotics applications. CoroWare Test Labs, the first robotic standards conformance organization and the sole commercial developer of test services and products for JAUS (Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems) compliance, is located in Pittsburgh, Penn., a leading center for robotics research and development in the U.S. For more information, please visit www.corolabs.com

About Innova Holdings, Inc.
Innova Holdings, Inc. (IVHG:OTCBB), Fort Myers, Florida, builds shareholder value by developing and acquiring technology-differentiated solutions with extraordinary potential for profitable and sustainable growth. Innova is chartered to continue expanding its growing suite of technologies through acquisitions and organic growth.

Product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward-looking statements such as "believe," "expect," "may," "plan," "intend," etc. contained herein are within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's beliefs and assumptions it made using information currently available to it and which reflect current views concerning those future events. Actual results could differ materially. Therefore, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, since they apply only as of today's date, and accordingly, reference should be made to the Company's periodic filings with the SEC.

Press Contacts:
Steve Genova
CoroWare, Inc.
425-765-4555
www.coroware.com

Sandra L. Brooks
INCOMM International Inc.
904-636-5085
www.incomminternational.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:38 AM | Comments (0)

ABC Office Receives Dealer Of The Year Award From MBM

ABC Office was recently awarded the prestigious MBM dealer of the year award for service and excellence.

Kaysville, Utah (PRWEB) January 30, 2006 -- ABC Office recently received the prestigious MBM dealer of the year award. MBM is a world-known manufacturer of Destroyit document shredders and makes advanced finishing equipment for the graphics and print industries. MBM has been manufacturing state-of-the-art paper handling equipment for over 60 years. ABC Office is excited to be a recipient of this award and is continually working to better itself and work harder to provide customers with the equipment and products they need to keep their businesses running.

MBM Products are known for their quality and reliability. They are best known for their line of Destroyit paper shredders. Reliable, fast and easy to use, Destroyit shredders have set the world standard for over 45 years. Unlike shredders purchased at office super stores, Destroyit shredders are industrial grade, precision-engineered machines built to provide years of reliable and efficient operation. With data and identity theft on the rise, effectively disposing of your company’s confidential data is more important than ever. More powerful and reliable than machines from office super stores, the smallest Destroyit desk-side models are built with the same industrial-grade components as the largest high-volume shredders. (http://www.abcoffice.com/shred1.htm)

MBM also manufactures a line of paper cutters under the name of Ideal and Kutrimmer.
Manufactured in Germany, Triumph paper cutters and Kutrimmer paper trimmers lead the world in performance and safety. Their line of guillotine trimmers can cut through hundreds of documents at once. The Kutrimmer line of paper trimmers can precisely cut paper down to any size needed. (http://www.abcoffice.com/cut1.htm)

MBM manufactures paper folders, collators and bookletmakers. All this equipment is designed to help companies save money by bringing outsourced projects back into the office. Businesses can save a lot of money by doing their own shredding, paper cutting, folding and more. All the products manufactured by MBM are designed to streamline the office, be easy to use and operate at fast speeds. (http://www.abcoffice.com/paper1.htm)

ABC Office is excited to continue its partnership with MBM and strives to be the best source for all MBM products.

For further information, please contact David Stuart, Marketing Supervisor of ABC Office, 1-800-658-8788.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:37 AM | Comments (0)

Permabond Gasketmaker Allows Repair Without Damaging Soft Metal

Permabond® Engineering Adhesives has formulated LH197 to remain soft and flexible, allowing easy removal for applications that require regular disassembly or for applications involving soft metals such as brass and aluminium.

Somerset, NJ (PRWEB) January 29, 2006 -- Permabond LH197 completes a full line of Gasketmakers with its very flexible and easy to remove characteristics. This property makes it ideal for applications involving flexible metal assemblies including aluminum surfaces. LH197 provides complete surface contact, filling the areas where no contact can occur due to irregularities in the metal, thus eliminating potential leak paths.

Metal-to-metal contact ensures appropriate bolt tension throughout the life of the assembly, eliminating the need for re-torquing. Gasketmaker LH197 forms an instant, low to moderate, pressure resistant and leak-free seal, and allows for approximately 5 minutes of adjustment after assembly. After complete cure, the resulting seal is resistant to pressures up to 5000psi. Permabond LH197 form-in-place gasket cures at room temperature, contains no solvents, is suitable for high-speed production and is easy to remove.

Permabond is a global manufacturer of engineering and industrial adhesives and sealants for manufacturing, assembly, repair and maintenance. Permabond's commitment to quality assures reliable solutions for the most demanding applications. Permabond offers a complete line of adhesive technologies, technical service support, and custom formulating.

For technical information or for a local distributor, please contact Permabond by mail: 20C World’s Fair Drive, Somerset, NJ 08873; phone: 800-640-7599; fax: 800-334-3219. You may also visit our website at www.permabond.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:36 AM | Comments (0)

Zimmer Appointed to Battle Creek Headquarters of Geislinger Corporation

North American sales growth in the capital goods markets is good for privately held U.S. manufactrurer in Battle Creek Michigan. Addition of personnel is necessary to handle expanded distribution opportunities.

Battle Creek, MI, (PRWEB) USA, January 4, 2006 – Geislinger Corporation announced today that Timothy M. Zimmer has been appointed as Director of Sales for their North American operations. He will be based out of their recently commissioned 15,500 sq. ft. Battle Creek facility reporting to President Michael Krenn.

“Tim brings over 20 years of experience with industrial products and damping devices as well as a solid marketing & sales background to the manufacturer and dealer sides of the marketplace”, advised Michael Krenn, President for Geislinger Corporation USA. Zimmer is a graduate of Canisius College.

Geislinger is an original equipment manufacturer of proprietary products for applications in powertrain systems of the Marine, Construction Equipment, Power Gen, Military, and Locomotive sectors such as oil tankers, cruise liners, container ships, fast ship and ferries, as well as excavators, train sets, power stations and drilling rigs. For additional information about products, applications, service, additional capabilities or distribution contact Timothy Zimmer at 269-441-7000 or visit our web site.

Media Contact:
Timothy Zimmer
Geislinger Corporation
269-441-7000

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:35 AM | Comments (0)

The CHA SMART Store Powered by The SMART Group Takes Industry Education to a New Level

The Craft and Hobby Association, in conjunction with The SMART Group, unveils the first CHA SMART Store powered by The SMART Group at the CHA Winter Show in Las Vegas, NV. The purpose of the store is to help both retailers and manufacturers improve business practices. On Wednesday, February 1st at 4 pm PST, the store – fixtures, POS System, merchandise, and signage – will be given away to one lucky retailer in the CHA Theater at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Last Vegas, NV (PRWEB) January 28, 2006 -- The Craft and Hobby Association, in conjunction with The SMART Group, unveils the first CHA SMART Store powered by The SMART Group today at the CHA Winter Show in Las Vegas, NV. This is a 3500 square foot retail store that is the result of years of research, hard work, commitment and coordination between The SMART Group, CHA and SMART Group member sponsors. The purpose of the store is to help both retailers and manufacturers improve business practices. On Wednesday, February 1st at 4 pm PST, the store – fixtures, POS System, merchandise, and signage – will be given away to one lucky retailer in the CHA Theater at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Scrapbooking, the craft of creating beautiful pages to share family history and life’s milestones, is a $2.6 billion industry, according to CHA. As with any hobby industry, scrapbooking has both independent and chain stores that cater to users. Independent stores help the industry to stay fresh, creative and build the community of crafters. The scrapbooking industry is in a transition. “Independent retail stores are failing at an alarming rate,” said Dennis Conforto, CEO and President of A-Z Media Group and The SMART Group.

Conforto states that research from The SMART Group and Scrapbooking.com Magazine shows that scrapbook retailers are passionate about scrapbooking as a hobby. “Many of the store owners were scrapbookers who thought they could continue to enjoy their beloved hobby of scrapbooking all day by opening a retail store. Retailing is one of the hardest businesses out there, and it takes time, resources, and dedication to make an independent retail store survive.” Until now, there was no place for an independent scrapbook retailer to learn about good business practices, including how to build stronger relationships with manufacturers.

The SMART Group, The Scrapbooking Manufacturer And Retailer Trade Group, was created to support the scrapbooking industry as a whole. Members include manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and service providers, who are working together to help the scrapbooking industry grow. The CHA SMART Store powered by The SMART Group was developed out of member-driven committees a year ago. The goals of the store are to include information on manufacturer-retailer partnerships and loyalty programs; to expand the industry; to open new markets for the scrapbooking industry; to share information on retail store design and displays; and to provide education on pricing signage, merchandising, and marketing. The Store is supported by 14 classes taught by Conforto throughout the CHA Winter Show in Las Vegas.

Of the 14 classes, eight were sold out weeks before the show’s start. “It is clear that there is a need for these classes and this sort of education. Many retail store owners have focused on sharing the craft and taking make and take classes, but true ‘how to’ retail education has been lacking in the industry. As a result, business owners have been unable to gain the tools necessary to grow their businesses,” Conforto states.

Since 2003, the scrapbooking industry has seen the number of independent stores in the US decline by approximately 15%. The SMART Group estimates that there are now 3700 independent stores serving scrapbookers throughout the United States. Conforto said, “We are seeing a decline in the number of stores out there, because new stores are not opening at the same rate as the stores are closing. The SMART Group is trying to change the passion about the hobby into passion about running a profitable retail business. By pulling together both retailers and manufacturers, The SMART Group is showing how cooperative programs can help the entire industry to thrive.”

One of the goals of the SMART Group is to increase the reach of the industry. The target market for scrapbooking is women aged 15 – 64. Currently only 4.5% of this group is involved in the craft. The SMART Group believes that the potential for industry growth is as high as 40.5% of this population. Through programs like cooperative media buys, business to business opportunities, and loyalty programs, the industry is, for the first time, working together to build its base and to grow market share.

The CHA SMART Store is a 3500 square foot retail store that is the result of years of research, hard work, commitment and coordination between The SMART Group, CHA and SMART Group member sponsors. These groups have donated time, dollars, fixtures and merchandise to this program with one goal in mind - to help make the scrapbooking industry more profitable. The retailer’s first year of business will be followed by The SMART Group and will be reported at the 2007 CHA Winter Show in Anaheim, California.

The store will be given away to a retailer on Wednesday, February 1, 2006, at 4 pm PST in the CHA Theater at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Media are invited.

Stop by The CHA SMART Store or Booth 4945A for more information.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:34 AM | Comments (0)

Madvac Inc. Increases Litter Capacity by 33 Percent to the Madvac 101 Vehicle

The new high capacity 80-gallon litter container results in less handling and higher productivity.

(PRWEB) January 28, 2006 -- Designed to meet the needs of high volume litter collection in today’s busy streets, Madvac introduces an increased 80-gallon litter container to the Madvac 101 vehicle. The Madvac 101 vehicle can vacuum up approximately 120 gallons of uncompacted litter through its patented vacuum compacting system into the new 80-gallon litter container.

This new added feature allows for fast, efficient, and economical litter collection. Operators can pick-up more litter in less time and have fewer bags to change, resulting in higher productivity. Moreover, it entails very little trash handling for the operators and labor-intensity is reduced.

Consistent with its tradition of innovation, the Madvac 101 is the ultimate in versatility, and offers unmatched maneuverability while disposing of litter. Madvac’s self-compacting system can efficiently pick up glass, metal, bottles, cans, cardboard, plastic or any debris, wet or dry that fits into its hose.

Features of the Madvac 101:

·Patented straight through suction
·80-gallon capacity litter container
·28 hp Kubota Diesel, liquid cooled engine
·8” diameter suction hose
·Power Assisted Vacuum Arm
·Available in Gasoline, Diesel, and Liquid Propane

Madvac background: Allianz Madvac Inc has a worldwide customer network of 100 stocking distributors in over 50 countries. Madvac designs and manufactures vacuum litter collection vehicles since 1986, and has unquestionably become the leader in its field on the world market. It delivers total quality vehicles for airports, highways, amusement parks, cities & municipalities, federal & state properties, industrial & commercial complexes, landfill sites, parks, campgrounds, schools & universities, shopping centers & parking lots, streets and underground garage applications.

Contact Information
Name: Andre Pollmueller
Tel: 1-800-862-3822
Tel: +1-450-616-8100
Fax: +1-450-616-8103

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:33 AM | Comments (0)

TekSoft and Lantek Sign Distribution Agreement

FABWorks powered by Lantek provides TekSoft customers with industry-leading CAD/CAM software for sheet metal applications.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) January 28, 2006 -- TekSoft and Lantek have signed a software licensing and distribution agreement. Under the terms of this agreement, Lantek grants TekSoft distribution rights for Lantek sheet metal software through TekSoft's international VAR network. The software for punching, laser, waterjet, plasma and oxyfuel machines will be marketed under the FABWorks name.

TekSoft, a leading provider of CAD/CAM applications since 1981, develops and markets CAMWorks, which is available for machining centers, turning, mill/turn, multiaxis and wire EDM applications. CAMWorks is a SolidWorks® Certified Gold CAM Product that provides state-of-the-art machining capabilities seamlessly integrated into SolidWorks 3D mechanical design software. FABWorks also provides an integrated interface between the SolidWorks® design environment and the FABWorks machining environment. Parts that are designed in SolidWorks can be automatically unfolded and transferred directly to FABWorks for machining.

The benefits of this agreement were clear to both companies and negotiations were concluded quickly.

“TekSoft has over 20 years of experience in developing and selling CAD/CAM software through a large VAR network. When they decided to expand their product range to include sheet metal software, they investigated the fabrication systems available in the market and talked to our competitors," stated Alberto Martínez, Lantek's Managing Director. "In addition to Lantek's best-in-class CAD/CAM software, our international reputation as a leading software company in the sheet metal industry made their decision an easy one.”

According to Mike Coleman, President and CEO of TekSoft, “We seek out the best-in-class solutions, we negotiate and we license. This allows us to provide a full suite of established and proven CAM solutions while offering ongoing enhancements. The agreement with Lantek enables us to quickly offer our customers a product that is at the forefront of the sheet metal software industry. ” Coleman also stated that TekSoft is offering FABWorks at a significant discount to its existing ProCAM fabrication customers to encourage them to make the transition.

About TekSoft, Inc.
TekSoft, Inc. develops and markets CAMWorks, which is available for machining centers, turning, mill/turn, multiaxis and wire EDM applications and ProCAM, a stand-alone CAD/CAM product. TekSoft sells its products through 140 resellers in 40 countries and has an installed base of over 33,000 licenses. TekSoft is a subsidiary of Geometric Software Solutions Co. Ltd. (GSSL), a leading PLM services provider with over 20 years of experience in CAD/CAM/CAE, PDM and MPM. Based in Mumbai, India, GSSL has business development headquarters in Merrimack, NH, USA, and sales offices in Germany, Singapore and Japan. GSSL is publicly traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange in India. For information about CAMWorks, visit TekSoft’s website (www.teksoft.com), or call 480-367-0132.

About Lantek
Lantek develops and sells CAD/CAM software for the sheet metal industry. Lantek CAD/CAM software product range includes punching and cutting software for oxyfuel, plasma, laser and waterjet machines as well as software to drive press brakes, tube cutting machines and production management software. Lantek is one of the leading software companies in the sheet metal industry with distributors worldwide and branch offices in Spain, France, Germany, Italy, UK, USA, Japan, South Korea, India, and Czech Republic. Lantek is a recognized provider of sheet metal software with more than 5,400 customers in 76 different countries. You can learn more about Lantek at www.lanteksms.es.

SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:32 AM | Comments (0)

January 27, 2006

PharmaManufacturing.com Named a Finalist for Best B2B Web Site in the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Awards

PharmaManufacturing.com has been named a finalist for best B2B Web site in the 2006 Jesse H. Neal Awards. The site serves as a resource and guide to operational excellence for drug manufacturing and scaleup professionals.

(PRWEB) January 27, 2006 -- PharmaManufacturing.com, the global pharmaceutical manufacturing community web site affiliated with Putman Media, LLC's Pharmaceutical Manufacturing magazine, has been named a finalist for "Best B2B Web Site" in American Business Media's 52nd Annual Jesse H. Neal Business Journalism Awards.

The web site and its electronic newsletters, PharmaManufacturing.com e-News, Process Analytical Technology Insider, and Pharma Track and Trace, were launched in 2005. Their goal is to share the best practices that are helping to reduce drug manufacturing costs and improve product quality. They also serve as communications tools and career resources for professionals who work in drug scaleup and manufacturing.

In the past, drug manufacturing had been considered a "stepchild" and received relatively little attention. However, within the past few years it has become recognized as costly and wasteful, accounting for $90 billion in spending each year, long cycle times and rework rates that would be unacceptable in other industries.

As the regulatory climate changes from a "command-and-control" approach to one that stresses manufacturers' self-regulation, process control and process understanding, drug industry professionals are in need of "best practices" to help them adapt to initiatives such as FDA's 21st Century GMPs and Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) Guidance. PharmaManufacturing.com's mission is to encourage more drug industry professionals to share best practices with their peers around the world, through case histories and articles.

Like Pharmaceutical Manufacturing magazine, which was launched as a quarterly in 2002 and is now published 10 times per year, PharmaManufacturing.com and its newsletters focus exclusively on manufacturing, from the pilot plant or scaleup stage through to final packaging.

The growing web site features weekly e-newsletters, a library of white papers and case histories as well as product information and an online "Ask the Expert" department. The magazine and Web site launched a "Team of the Year" award last year to recognize manufacturing teams that are achieving the greatest improvements in efficiency and quality at their facilities.

"We are truly honored to have been selected as a Neal finalist this year," said Editor in Chief Agnes Shanley. "I'm privileged to work with such a great editorial team, including Managing Editor Paul Thomas, Digital Managing Editor Heidi Parsons, Contributing Editors Dr. Angelo De Palma and Doug Bartholomew, and the distinguished experts working in the drug manufacturing community, government and academia who contribute to our publications."

PharmaManufacturing.com's e-newsletters focus on operational excellence, including the use of Lean, Six Sigma and OEE, as well as the application of process analytical technologies (PAT), radiofrequency identification (RFID), barcoding, and other technologies.

The Neal Award winners will be announced by American Business Media on March 23 at a luncheon in New York City.

Putman Media, LLC, based in Itasca, IL, publishes magazines and digital products, including web sites and e-newsletters, that focus on automation and the process industries. Putman's other print publications include Control, Control Design, Chemical Processing, Plant Services, Food Processing and Wellness Foods magazines. Putman also owns and operates a custom publishing business for industrial clients that include Rockwell Automation.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:58 PM | Comments (0)

Surfboard Makers Still Seeking Foam Blanks

Surfboard blank suppliers are still scrambling to fill the void created when Clark Foam unexpectedly shut down operations six weeks ago. At last week's Surf Expo in Orlando old and new vendors offered blanks made in USA, Argentina and South Africa. However, at this moment there is still an estimated shortage of thousands of blanks per month and the need continues.

Orleans, MA (PRWEB) January 27, 2006 -- Industry buzz at Orlando's Surf Expo Jan. 13-15 surrounded the closure of Clark Blanks and possible alternative sources to alleviate a presently gaping hole in blank production for the upcoming summer '06 season.

Board builders were focused on how the huge gap left in blank production could be filled in time for this summer. Gary Linden and Walker Foam were in attendance to reinforce their commitment towards addressing this issue (http://walkerfoam.com). More alternatives to polyurethane/polyester (PU/PE) blanks were on hand this year than in the past and even balsawood suppliers were well-represented as shapers shopped around for blank vendors to fill their existing spring orders. Blank manufacturers from Argentina and South Africa were writing orders non-stop. But some questioned whether deliveries would occur on time and voiced concerns about quality control with suppliers half a world away.

Buffalo Boards Inc. (http://buffalosurf.com), a US-based start-up headed by industry veteran Dave Rubin has developed a blank production technique that uses less toxic MDI (methyl diisocynate) foam instead of the traditional but environmentally toxic TDI (toluene diisocynate) foam that was offered by now-defunct Clark. Rubin says that his MDI foam blanks have been very well received by both longboard and shortboard manufacturers. Buffalo will begin deliveries in February.

On the whole, fewer shapers were present as exhibitors during this year's show. Several notably absent regulars were Scott Anderson, Renny Yater and Lance Carson. Ricky Carroll shaped a MDI foam blank out in his portable shaping trailer behind the Volcom ramp on Saturday. Some larger board builders have an existing stock of blanks to draw from for a little while until the real shortage begins mid-spring. What appears to be the trend is that within about 6 months, there will be enough blanks in circulation to make up for about 3/4 of the current post-Clark production loss.

MoreBeach.com (http://morebeach.com) a beach information portal will offer regular updates on the current blank crisis during the months ahead.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:57 PM | Comments (0)

Protecting America's Competitiveness

Competitive Intelligence Analysts are worried at the rate of decline in America's Competitiveness and proposed new legislation, supported by President Bush signals serious concerns and the desire to stop the decline. Focus and Intelligence needed to prevent wasting taxpayers money.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 27, 2006 -- For many years Communication Links, Inc., which tracks political and technology intelligence around the world, has been warning of the decline in the US competitive edge, manufacturing leadership, and the increase of global competitors, particularly China. In response to this looming threat the Senate, supported by President Bush has now introduced legislation to boost the competitive edge of American industry. Known as the Protecting America’s Competitive Edge (PACE) Act it seeks to slow the exodus of jobs, manufacturing and technological innovation from the United States.

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) a cosponsor of the PACE Bill stated, “We’re now playing in a tougher league. China and India are competing for our jobs. The best way to keep those jobs in America is to maintain our brainpower edge in science and technology. We asked the experts who should know exactly what we should do. They’ve told us. Now we should do it.”

Many US Research and Development companies are moving to China and India seeking to utilize their huge pool of highly motivated and qualified talent, a trend which threatens the future prosperity of America. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) stated, “The whole foundation of American culture and economy is based on the concept of discovery and innovation. When you look at what has made America a superpower, it’s our innovation and our technology. We have to look at where the new ideas are going to come from that are going to generate the new products for the 21st century. The PACE Act will help to set the framework and creates the building blocks that we need for a smarter America.”

Communication Links, Inc. recently announced the OSINT Center, for Open Source Intelligence which monitors key technologies, as well as provided resources and training for corporations across America and Europe. ComLinks has also developed The National Energy Center for research, analysis and dissemination of information on energy and alternative energy technologies, as well as geopolitical threats to our energy supplies.

The ComLinks team are working closely with corporations, trade associations and economic development organizations to spread the word about the value of competitive intelligence and maintaining the competitive edge in a hostile world. In Washington, DC a major part of their work is political intelligence, defining the regulatory and legislative environment in which new technologies have to operate.

Alan Simpson, President of Communication Links, Inc. commented, "Without the benefit of focused competitive intelligence new innovation will not be directed at the areas of need, and benefit. Piling more taxpayer money on an unfocused educational and industrial base will hasten the demise of our competitive edge, not improve it. We must ensure that US Industry has the benefit of the same level of economic intelligence as enjoyed by our competitors."

The United States lags behind other industrialized nations in supporting economic intelligence and OSINT Centers for the private industrial and commercial base, instead sinking hundreds of billions into classified military intelligence. The consequence will be that the US will eventually lose it's industrial and commercial base essential to supporting a viable military. That could occur as early as 2020 if new competitive initiatives are not introduced and an effective private OSINT network supported to guide industry towards the most effective technologies and markets.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:56 PM | Comments (0)

Electrophysics® PV-320™ Series of Infrared Imagers

Featuring unique broad spectral response and covering a wide range of infrared imaging applications.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) January 27, 2006 -- Electrophysics is proud to offer its PV-320 series of infrared imagers. Underscored by a host of state-of-the-art features, the PV-320 is one of the most technically advanced line of infrared imaging solutions available and is suitable for a variety of applications including temperature analysis, laser beam profiling, NDT, medical imaging and metrology. Among several other systems and new introductions, Electrophysics will be demonstrating the PV-320 at Photonics West 2006, in booth number 1439.

A number of interchangeable lenses and filters are available for the PV-320, which further allows users to optimize the camera for specific applications. The PV-320 comprises three distinct models, in the A, T and L series. The A series features a diffusing chopper and is ideal for high dynamic range or wide ambient temperature environment application, including outdoor surveillance. The T series features factory calibration for temperature readings up to 500°C while the L series features an opaque chopper. Users can select either a standard window or ZnSe window that has been wedged to minimize fringing when directly viewing lasers between 1 and 16 microns.

“Unlike other uncooled sensors such as microbolometers, the PV-320’s uncooled ferroelectric focal plane array offers a unique set of attributes that allows the camera to be used in applications outside the traditional 8-14 micron response window,” said Chris Alicandro, Director of Sales – Infrared Products for Electrophysics. “Users also benefit from the PV-320’s plug and play capability as the USB 2.0 digital output allows the camera to be effortlessly interfaced with any laptop, PC or computer system.”

With 0.08°C of sensitivity and 2% accuracy, users can rely on the PV-320 to identify the finest thermal details giving them the ability to make steadfast, intelligent decisions based on their object measurements. The PV-320 is also the only broadband, uncooled imaging system available to professionals worldwide. Like all Electrophysics imaging solutions, the PV-320 is backed by Electrophysics’ knowledgeable and dedicated customer service support staff.

Each of the PV-320 imagers boasts a compact [14cm (L) x 11.4cm (W) x 11.4 (H)], rugged, all-metal alloy chassis and incorporates L3’s 320x240 (76,800 pixels) BST uncooled focal plane array running at video rate and delivering 80mK sensitivity. End users can also take advantage of the PV-320’s USB 2.0 real time 14 bit digital output for direct connection to any PC or laptop. Software drivers for LabView™, C++ and Visual Basic are available to system developers to facilitate the integration of the PV-320 into a wide range of existing systems. In addition, Electrophysics also offers Velocity™, a real time image capture and analysis software package capable of time verses temperature plotting, data export and sequence .avi movie file creation. Three versions of the software package are available to meet very basic camera control and computer display of real time thermal images to a full radiometric analysis suite of functions.

Headquartered in Fairfield, New Jersey, Electrophysics develops advanced near infrared, night vision and thermal imaging systems for use in a host of imaging applications. Since 1969, Electrophysics has maintained its focus on delivering products that reflect the company’s exceptional engineering capabilities to meet specific real world demands while keeping pace with rapidly evolving imaging technologies. The Company has realized exceptional growth as a result of its customer-centric philosophy and remains firmly committed to continually innovating its products in order to enhance the experience of end-users. Electrophysics is vertically integrated with expertise in complex signal processing, optics, embedded software, PC software applications development and hardware design.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:55 PM | Comments (0)

Precision Swiss Machining Company Updates Web site to Feature More Extensive Look at Capabilities and Machine Technologies

Micro Precision Components Inc. announces the launch of its newly re-designed Web site, www.gompc.net, providing visitors with a more comprehensive overview of their machining services including a complete guide with sample drawings and pictures detailing their extensive machining capabilities.

Victor, NY (PRWEB) January 27, 2006 -- Micro Precision Components Inc. announces the launch of its newly re-designed Web site, www.gompc.net, providing visitors with a more comprehensive overview of their machining services including a complete guide with sample drawings and pictures detailing their extensive machining capabilities. The updated Web site also allows visitors to request a quote for machining services right online.

“MPC is committed to providing an informative website to all our customers, not just the customary machine shop photos,” said Sally Coupal, owner of Micro Precision Components Inc. “The Web site will continually evolve and we will provide our visitors with new information on our machining capabilities and the machining industry on a regular basis.”

Micro Precision Components is located just outside of Rochester, NY providing Swiss machining services for customers nationwide and internationally. The Swiss screw machining company is well known for its high precision machining capabilities and can now produce components up to 1.25” in diameter on high speed Swiss cam and CNC machines. Micro Precision Components’ machines primarily produce large volume quantities (25,000 pieces and up), but can run smaller quantities (500 pieces)

The Web site at www.gompc.net also features an exclusive Material Machinability chart, outlining a list of various materials and their make-up for assistance in determining the material that would be best suited for various machining needs. Micro Precision Components will also consult with customers directly to determine the best materials to use for a particular machined part. For more information, call 585-742-2560 or request a quote online at www.gompc.net.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:54 PM | Comments (0)

Kepware Distributor Agreement Extends Reach of LOOP-PRO Product Suite

Control Station Added to Select Group of Authorized Distributors of Industry Leading OPC Technologies

TOLLAND, CT (PRWEB) January 27, 2006 -- Control Station today announced the formalization of a distributor and joint marketing agreement with Kepware Technologies. The agreement authorizes Control Station to resell Kepware’s OPC software products and it supports market expansion through collaborative sales and marketing. Kepware’s OPC products fully complement the LOOP-PRO Product Suite and provide Control Station customers with comprehensive data capture and performance monitoring capabilities.

“Kepware shares our vision of empowering customers with easy-to-use, high impact technologies,” commented Bob Rice, Control Station’s Director of Solutions Engineering. “Their server software products integrate seamlessly with our OPC Inbox module, providing our customers with a valuable single source solution.”

“Our continued success hinges upon successful alignment with other best-in-class solutions providers,” shared Kepware’s Channel Sales Manager, Eric Dellinger. “Through collaboration with Control Station and other leading suppliers, we can continue to invest in our core technologies while servicing the broader needs of our customers.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Control Station will resell Kepware’s OPC server products, including the KEPServerEX which is the company’s latest generation of innovative server technologies. These server products are easily integrated with existing control systems and provide user’s with rapid access to valuable controller data. They will be bundled with Control Station’s OPC Inbox, a software module that supports the real-time collection, analysis, and monitoring of process data. Kepware’s server products extend the value of Control Station’s LOOP-PRO Product Suite by providing ready access to business-critical controller data which can be used to optimize both plant performance and profit potential.

The two companies have also agreed to collaborate on product marketing and sales. In addition to cross-product training, Control Station and Kepware will implement lead referral, product development, and joint advertising programs.

About Kepware Technologies
Kepware Technologies delivers industrial communication products that are known worldwide for their quality and reliability. Our dedicated focus on OPC server technology allows us to provide ensured compatibility combined with unparalleled reliability and ease of use. We are committed to continually improving the features and performance of our products utilizing the latest technologies. And with the breadth of over 90 of the most commonly used communication protocols available, Kepware Technologies continues to deliver a single consistent solution for the OPC connectivity needs of the industrial automation market.

About Control Station, Inc.
Control Station, Inc. is a leading provider of automatic process control solutions, including easy-to-use software technologies, practical training services, and structured methods. The Company's LOOP-PRO Product Suite offers robust and easy-to-use software tools, making for fast solutions and optimal process performance. Practical Process Control is Control Station's portfolio of hands-on training workshops that highlight best-practices for optimizing PID controllers. Control Station supports the process control needs of leading companies across the process industries.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:53 PM | Comments (0)

Lake Shore Cryotronics Expands Their Family of DSP Gaussmeters

Lake Shore Cryotronics has introduced the Model 455 Digital Signal Processing Gaussmeter. Ideal for demanding industrial and research magnetic measurement applications, the Model 455 combines performance and versatility at an affordable price.

Westerville, OH (PRWEB) January 27, 2006 -- Lake Shore Cryotronics is pleased to introduce the Model 455 gaussmeter, the latest addition to their family of DSP gaussmeters. Available for immediate shipment, the Model 455 is designed with ease of use and functionality in mind. Features including digital signal processing (DSP) technology, DC to 20 kHz AC frequency response, peak field detection to 50 µs pulse widths, DC accuracy of 0.075%, 5¾ digits of display resolution, and temperature compensation give it the performance capabilities required to address demanding industrial and research applications. A wide range of measurement, instrument probe, display, and interface features add to the versatility of the Model 455 gaussmeter.

High performance is coupled with ease of use, as frequently used functions are conveniently accessible via one or two keystrokes from the front panel. The easy to read message-based display exhibits the probe temperature, as well as frequency when operating in RMS mode. The Model 455 combines performance and versatility at an affordable price. For added functionality and value, the Model 455 includes a standard Lake Shore Hall probe. Custom Hall probes are available and a Lake Shore expert can assist with design specifications.

For more information on the Model 455 DSP gaussmeter, contact:
Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc., 575 McCorkle Boulevard, Westerville, OH 43082;
Tel: (614) 891-2244; Fax: (614) 818-1600 or visit us online at www.lakeshore.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:52 PM | Comments (0)

Rescott's New IT Support Methodology Saves Organizations Time, Money, Headaches - and Now Includes Trend Micro Antivirus

Rescott offers top-class IT services and a sophisticated set of IT management tools, previously available only to Fortune 1000 firms, to organizations of all sizes around the world. Priced competitively with varying levels of support, Rescott provides 24x7x365 desktop, server, and network device support at fixed monthly fees. Now, with all Classic desktop plans or better, Rescott includes Trend Micro Antivirus free.

(PRWEB) January 27, 2006 -- Rescott Group, a leading network services provider in the United States, offers top-class IT services and a sophisticated set of IT management tools, previously available only to Fortune 1000 firms, to organizations of all sizes around the world. Priced competitively with varying levels of support, Rescott provides 24x7x365 desktop, server, and network device support at fixed monthly fees.

Rescott helps minimize the hidden costs of desktop ownership, which can be considerable. Rescott also minimize the daily hassles involved with using and managing technology, so business owners can get on with their business.

Here are the facts regarding IT Support and Rescott Services:

--SMBs report an average of over 50 hours of lost productivity each year per employee caused by IT problems.

--Over 80% of 1.2 million small and medium businesses are looking to or already outsourcing IT service management and IT security functions to a Provider such as Rescott.

--Service Providers such as Rescott are driving a $30 billion shift in IT spending from enterprises to the SMB market.

--93% of IT problems with our clients can be proactively addresses via remote administration before they turn into performance problems, downtime, loss of data, or security breaches.

--Over 90% of the IT problems experienced by our clients are resolved in 22 minutes or less.

Broadly speaking, for a few predictable dollars each month, Rescott can manage nearly everything related to desktops, networks and servers. RESCOTT MANAGED SERVICES provides specialized SQL database monitoring, e-mail protection and management, network management, server maintenance, desktop support, performance monitoring, patching, anti-virus updates, vulnerability analyses, software deployments and much more. They have teams of certified engineers and technicians delivering high levels of IT support from their Network Operations Center, 24x7x365.

Rescott is offering a couple of promotions to encourage organizations to try Rescott Support:

--Desktop support, called Workstation Promo, starts at just $9.95 per month.

--The ServerCare packages now include the $150.00 Vulverability Analysis, a 20+ page analysis into the security of the client's network.

--There is no long term agreements, just three months, and then the agreement is month-to-month.

--Rescott is offering the first month free (with signed three month agreement) to a select number of clients.

For an overview on "How it Works", download the brochure from PRWeb, or from the Rescott Services web site www.StressFreeNetworks.com.

Rescott's President, Toby Reeves, has also prepared a more detailed White Paper on how Rescott's services works as well as a 44 second "tongue-in-cheek" video on the benefits of managed services, which are available on the web site.

For more information on Rescott's $9.95 promo or any of the network services, visit the Rescott Network Services link at www.stressfreenetworks.com, or call a representative directly toll-free at 877-368-4320 ext 862.

About Rescott Group: Rescott Group Services provides internet and information technology solutions to the US market. Since 1997.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:51 PM | Comments (0)

January 26, 2006

Energy Investment Guru Explores the Challenges Facing an Oil Dependent World in "A Thousand Barrels A Second"

In his book, "A Thousand Barrels A Second", energy guru Peter Tertzakian explores the coming oil break point and the challenges facing an energy dependent world - by 2006, world oil consumption will for the first time exceed a thousand barrels a second.

Calgary, AB (PRWEB) January 26, 2006 -- In his book, "A Thousand Barrels A Second", energy guru Peter Tertzakian explores the coming oil break point and the challenges facing an energy dependent world - By 2006, world oil consumption will for the first time exceed a thousand barrels a second.

The winter heating season is here. Oil prices are up. Natural gas rates are increasing. Wood stoves are flying out of the stores. What’s going on? How high will prices go? How long will it last?

The answers to these questions and many more can be found in energy expert Peter Tertzakian's brilliant new book, "A Thousand Barrels A Second"....and you can find out all the details you need by visiting the newly launched website www.1000barrels.com.

“…Beginning now and over the course of the next five to ten years, increasingly volatile energy prices are going to affect how you live and what you drive, not to mention the economy, the environment, and the complexity of the geopolitical chess match being played out for the world’s precious energy resources. We’re on the verge of a tipping point in oil…a break point.”

Tertzakian, Chief Energy Economist and Director at ARC Financial Corporation, one of the world’s leading energy investment firms, confronts the coming break point with pragmatic and balanced arguments. The price of oil is on the rise as it becomes more difficult and costly to produce the oil that the world increasingly desires. Slowing down our global addiction to cheap oil will be disruptive and painful for global economies and for individuals. The bad news is for the first time in the history of energy consumption, there is no “magic bullet” offering an immediate, large-scale alternative. The good news is forward-thinking nations, corporations and individuals can anticipate and navigate the coming break point. History has shown that it’s happened before, and it will happen again.

Over the past few decades many of the biggest news stories in our world have been linked, one way or another, to the issues concerning global oil production and consumption. Today, this is true more than ever. And it is those who have a solid, in-depth understanding of the issues who will be able to get to the heart of upcoming major stories more quickly and incisively. "A Thousand Barrels A Second" is primed to become a key source of background and context for those who want to understand the events unfolding on the world stage now and in the future.

Suitcase Interactive, a leader in interactive branding, is your access point for the information that gives you the edge. Come and see what other industry leaders have said about the book, read some of the book yourself, and get to know more about the author. We have also provided you with instant professional insights into the major questions many of us have to ask today about the issues facing us with global oil production, from the real value of American drilling in ANWR (the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) to the effectiveness of the new hybrid automobiles. Learn about the energy cycle and have an overview of historical milestones in energy at your fingertips. The website also provides an access point for Peter Tertzakian himself,. should his expertise ever be required for a media interview. Visit www.1000barrels.com today.

Ann Pryor
McGraw Hill
Publicity Manager
Telephone: (212) 904-4078
Email: e-mail protected from spam bots

www.1000barrels.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:20 PM | Comments (0)

ISO 11607 Revisions Will Impact Packaging Compliance Requirements - Package Testing Expert, DDL, Offers Advice to Packaging Pro’s

Package Testing Lab, DDL, explains how revisions to the current ISO 11607 standard will impact compliance requirements for packaging manufacturers and engineers.

Minneapolis, MN, January 26, 2006 – http://www.testedandproven.com – DDL, a leading package, product and material testing services laboratory, is offering advice to packaging professionals as to how ISO 11607 revisions will affect their business.

DDL COO, Patrick Nolan, is involved in the AAMI/ANSI/ISO Sterilization Packaging Working Group, which is responsible for drafting the Technical Information Report (TIR) for the ISO 11607 revisions.

“It is really important that packaging manufacturers and engineers understand just how the ISO 11607 revisions will affect compliance requirements for their packaging,” said Nolan. “Even small changes to sample size requirements can significantly impact the package validation process.”

The proposed revisions will affect the following aspects of package testing and validation:
• Sample requirements
• Testing methods used
• Requirements for validation
• Documentation
• Labeling

DDL Package Engineers are offering a free PackAdvice consultation service to their package testing customers to ensure that they understand the compliance implications of the revised standard.

“Many manufacturers find the package validation process confusing as it is,” said Nolan, “DDL plans to make the change in compliance requirements as smooth as possible for its customers, while making sure they clearly understand how their business will be affected.”

DDL will be available to discuss the ISO 11607 revisions at its booth # 2051 at the MD&M West tradeshow, January 31 – February 2, 2006, Anaheim, CA.

DDL will also be hosting a free webinar on the ISO 11607 revisions on four dates during March 2006. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.testedandproven.com/11607-webinar.html

About DDL
DDL offers expert package testing, product testing and material testing services including shock testing, vibration testing, tensile testing, leak testing and validation. DDL package testing clients find value through its growing suite of PackServices: PackAdvice, a zero-cost package testing consulting service, and PackReview, a DDL approved certification to demonstrate compliance with ISO 11607 (clause 7). DDL Testing Services maintains full service testing labs in Minnesota and California. http://www.testedandproven.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:19 PM | Comments (0)

SwiftCD Launches Individual, Dynamic Color Mailers for On-Demand Disc Orders

Lightweight, Customizable Individual Mailers for Discs a First in On-Demand

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) January 26, 2006 -- SwiftCD (www.SwiftCD.com) announces another milestone in on-demand technology, enhancing its manufacturing and fulfillment services with its latest media delivery option: lightweight, customized on-the-fly color mailers. Each mailer is made-to-order, branded for the SwiftCD customer, and includes the customer's on-demand CD or DVD. Dynamic text elements on the mailer itself can be used to deliver license keys, personalized messages or other order-specific information.

The new mailers add no extra cost, and are offered in addition to SwiftCD’s existing ‘heavy’ mailer, which offers added flexibility for inserts and multiple CDs as well as extra protection for important media delivery. The new, lighter mailer means that companies utilizing SwiftCD for physical delivery of their software or media product can deliver it in a sturdy yet lightweight, visually attractive, wholly customizable mailer envelope (perfect for most single-disc orders).

Customers using the new mailer will not only receive a CD customized to their own specific, individual orders, but an instantly recognizable mailer as well, and at no extra cost to either company or end user. This means that a person who purchases a physical copy of a software CD from NextUp.com, for example, will be able to instantly identify both the company and the product received through a simple glance at the package exterior upon delivery (where the NextUp logo and product box shot can be plainly seen in full color). It's a logical next step for SwiftCD, a company that already provides software and media companies worldwide with a seamless partner for manufacturing, output, warehousing, and shipping of their products.

The new mailer is fully integrated into the various SwiftCD APIs, including SwiftCD’s XML APIs (posting or Web Service (SOAP)). The customer provides SwiftCD with the necessary graphics or logos and can then send dynamic text to be included on each order’s mailer via the XML interface.

"We’ve raised the bar on the delivery aspect of custom CD and DVD manufacturing. These new dynamic, custom color mailers are an important part of SwiftCD's commitment to supporting and enhancing our customers' brands with those who order their products," comments Jason Foodman, Chief Executive Officer of SwiftCD.com. "Now the entire experience, from the CD label, to the content, to the mailer itself, can be branded and personalized for our customer’s customer.”

About SwiftCD

A division of DigitalSwift Corporation, SwiftCD (www.SwiftCD.com) is the leader in manufacturing and fulfilling on-demand, dynamic and build-to-order CDs and DVDs. With no sign-up fees, setup fees, minimums or exclusivity requirements, SwiftCD provides its customers with a technology, reliability, scalability and dependability found nowhere else. Over 8,000 software companies worldwide depend on SwiftCD for the daily receiving, manufacturing, packing and shipping of their products.

SwiftCD.com continues to expand its services, thanks in part to its introduction of the patent-pending 'on-demand', built-to-order manufacturing concept into the world of downloadable software and music -- a concept it combines with a highly effective and attractive "pay as you go" business model. SwiftCD's physical delivery services provide companies with a more cost-effective way to get their software and media to customers – and provides them with a brand-new revenue source, as well.

Every CD at SwiftCD (as well as every mailer) is individually produced to order with custom label and contents, and SwiftCD handles all aspects of order fulfillment including online tracking, reporting and customer service to perfection.

For more general information or background materials on SwiftCD.com, please contact publicist Angela Mitchell at (904) 982-8043 -- or visit www.SwiftCD.com.

SwiftCD is a registered trademark of DigitalSwift Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:18 PM | Comments (0)

Klinedinst Announces Promotion of Six New Shareholders

California-based Klinedinst PC announces the addition of six new shareholders. The newest shareholders, who work in the law firm's San Diego and Sacramento offices, all come from very diverse legal backgrounds. However, each has demonstrated an incredible commitment to their clients, excellent work ethics, and superior legal skills. Klinedinst welcomes these six attorneys as shareholders of the firm.

San Diego, California (PRWEB) January 26, 2006 - Klinedinst PC is very pleased to announce that David N. Bregman, Dayna L. Chmelka, Mark H. Nys, Maurine P. Travis, Natalie P. Vance, and Gabe P. Wright have been elected to become shareholders of the firm.

"We are incredibly pleased to announce the addition of these six shareholders," noted John D. Klinedinst, CEO and Founder of Klinedinst PC. "I have had the good fortune of working closely with our newest shareholders. Each of them demonstrate a tremendous work ethic, providing superior legal counsel to our clients. They truly represent our core ideals of diversity, high legal skill, and integrity. On behalf of the firm, we welcome them as our newest shareholders."

David N. Bregman has been involved in all areas of General Civil Litigation. Mr. Bregman has represented clients in a wide variety of complex matters including business litigation, construction payment disputes, real estate matters, personal injury defense and the defense of developers, general contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers in construction defect litigation. Located in the firm's San Diego office, Mr. Bregman has tried to verdict personal injury, complex business fraud, and construction defect matters. In addition, he has arbitrated over 50 matters, and has extensive experience mediating complex cases to resolution.

To learn more about Mr. Bregman, please visit:

www.klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/davidbregman/

Dayna L. Chmelka defends subcontractors and general contractors in claims involving construction defect, contract disputes, environmental issues, complex class-action lawsuits involving property damage, personal injury, and mold exposure. In addition, Ms. Chmelka represents companies in employment litigation. She counsels employers on affirmative action compliance, and helps draft employment policies. Ms. Chmelka has also litigated professional liability, products liability and general liability disputes.

To learn more about Ms. Chmelka, please visit:

www.klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/daynachmelka/

Mark H. Nys counsels corporations concerning business disputes, contract negotiations, and environmental litigation. Much of his experience is in the construction industry, defending developers and contractors against residential and commercial construction defect litigation. Mr. Nys' practice includes defending large California-based automobile dealerships in lemon law and auto financing disputes. Mr. Nys also defends homeowner's associations and mobile home parks in a variety of legal matters. In addition, he has experience on transactional matters and intellectual property disputes, and is licensed to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

To learn more about Mr. Nys, please visit:

www.klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/marknys/

Maurine P. Travis handles a variety of construction-related litigation matters in state and federal courts, including complex class-action lawsuits involving property damage, personal injury, and mold exposure, as well as claims for breach of contract and foreclosure of mechanic's liens. Her practice focuses primarily on the defense of various subcontractors and general contractors in connection with alleged construction defects, construction site accidents, contract disputes, environmental and real estate issues. Ms. Travis also litigates creditor's rights in bankruptcy court in both the Southern District and Central District of California, among others, and she recently won a case by defeating a debtor's preference claim, securing a dismissal for the client.

To learn more about Ms. Travis, please visit:

www.klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/maurinetravis/

Natalie P. Vance is the managing shareholder of the Sacramento law office of Klinedinst PC. She originally opened the office in Northern California back in 2004. She has experience in professional liability, general liability, employment litigation and insurance coverage matters. She also counsels clients with legal malpractice matters and provides sound legal advice to ensure that clients' legal and business needs are met. Ms. Vance has experience in jury trials, binding arbitrations and mediation. She was a freelance writer and a producer of human resource training films before joining Klinedinst.

To learn more about Ms. Vance, please visit:

www.klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/natalievance/

Gabe P. Wright has a broad range of civil litigation experience. His practice involves litigation and trial of complex disputes, commercial matters, and real estate related issues. Mr. Wright's experience includes contract review and negotiation, as well as defense litigation for clients in the construction industry, representation of real estate brokers and property owners in residential and commercial non-disclosure and real property litigation, and representation of homeowners associations in D&O litigation and enforcement of CC&Rs. Mr. Wright also handles professional liability matters involving real estate and insurance, as well as trade secrets and business disputes. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Mr. Wright earned his B.A. in history and government and his M.A. political science at Lehigh University before attending law school at Washington & Lee University.

To learn more about Mr. Wright, please visit:

www.klinedinstlaw.com/profiles/attorney/gabewright/

With the addition of these six new shareholders, Klinedinst PC now has 24 shareholders spread out across four offices throughout California. To learn more about the shareholders of the firm, please visit:

www.klinedinstlaw.com/about/shareholders/

About Klinedinst

Klinedinst PC has achieved the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards by Martindale-Hubbell. The full service firm is engaged in litigation and transactional law practice throughout the State of California, and serves clients from offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, and Sacramento. For more information about the firm, please visit our "About" section online at www.klinedinstlaw.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:17 PM | Comments (0)

Notch Novelty Corporation Obtains Financing to Fund Organic Growth

Notch Novelty Corporation Obtains Financing to Fund Organic Growth

(PRWEB) January 27, 2006 -- Notch Novelty Corporation (NHNV) announced today that the company has received funding from American Business Finance to further. The financing comes in the form of an inventory line which will enable the company to hold more inventory and increase sales. We will also be working on the expansion of Notch’s product line. Notch Novelty’s Fuzzy Fun has been a great success, and we are excited to now have the capital available to fund our organic growth, our additional product lines, and sales force.

About Notch Novelty Corporation (NHNV) Notch Novelty Corporation manufactures and distributes unique sign products and novelty items to the Extreme Value industry in the United States and Canada. Notch leads this industry in sign products for resale and also develops novelty items for sale to major distributors and retailers offering goods at the $1 price point. Products are manufactured at contracted factories throughout Mainland China at the lowest possible cost and most efficient turnaround times possible. Fuzzy Fun is one of Notch’s best sellers and immediately after its’ debut we began working on expanding the product. Fuzzy Fun is also available as a Disney licensed product. Disney Fuzzy Fun is a creative art product for kids developed in conjunction with National Design of San Diego. The item is one of the highest-value $1 retail items available today, with the great benefit of a Disney license. You can see the item on-line at www.notchcorporate.com or by visiting high-value retailers in your neighborhood starting October 1, 2005.

Please visit the company website at www.notchnovelty.com for more information.

Safe Harbor Statement Except historical matter contained herein, matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect assumptions and involve risk and uncertainties, which may affect the Company's business and prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

For more Information or questions please contact:

Premier Funding Service (480) 649-8224 Office (480) 898-0406 Fax
Kelly Black, President, e-mail protected from spam bots
Heather Kerwin, Investor Relations, e-mail protected from spam bots

Scott Sieck (407) 448-0100, e-mail protected from spam bots

SOURCE Notch Novelty Co.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:16 PM | Comments (0)

Datalis Solutions Strategic Partnership Launches Quick Reaction Capabilities for Manufacturing

Datalis Solutions Corporation and Instrumentation Engineering, partner to provide Quick Reaction Capabilities for Manufacturing for Companies who need fast turnaround for ATE, Test Racks, Test Benches, Cables, ITA’s and associated equipment and support documentation.

Montvale, NJ (PRWEB) January 26, 2006 -- Datalis Solutions Corporation and Instrumentation Engineering, both of New Jersey, have established a strategic partnership in which their respective strengths in ATE Hardware Design and Manufacturing and Engineering/Supportability Services will allow businesses to outsource work which they need fast, while not interrupting their primary manufacturing flows and processes.

Developed jointly, the partnership deploys Quick Reaction Capabilities, (QRC) for Manufacturing centering on Test Benches, Test Racks, ATE, ITA’s, Cables, OTPS’s, TPS, full-training and documentation support.

Through a QRC initiative, the partnership provides companies with a fast and reliable process for design, manufacture, repair and validation; ensuring that the client’s principal manufacturing programs continue on schedule. It is these sometimes small manufacturing efforts that can burden company resources and delay their mainline programs.

This QRC partnership will give clients the flexibility they need for a primary or second source company to help them with hardware and software challenges and still maintain overall program schedules and cost control.

Datalis Solutions and Instrumentation Engineering will continue to pursue business opportunities separately as well as jointly through this agreement. Underscoring this agreement is their ability to move quickly to support client needs, offering additional resources and capabilities to deliver quality, service and value—results not possible when working with individual suppliers. This speed-to-market gives Datalis Solutions and Instrumentation Engineering a distinct advantage over other ‘flat organizations’ in terms of delivery and client satisfaction.

About Datalis Solutions
Datalis Solutions Corporation is a leading global provider of Engineering/Supportability Services--providing Training,
Technical Publications, Hardware/Software Validation and Verification and Engineering Software Support. Datalis Solutions is an ISO 9000 Certified Company authorized by the Department of Defense to process and manage sensitive information. Clients include Aerospace and Defense Corporations in both the U.S. and abroad plus companies in the Medical Manufacturing and Commercial Industries. Datalis also possesses several long-term commitments for engineering supportability services for the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force.

Business Contact:
Datalis Solutions Corporation
John Ferrari, 201-505-0833 x 103

Press/Public Relations Contact:
Legere Solutions, Inc. for Datalis Solutions Corporation
Anne Hardy, 978-855-1996

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:16 PM | Comments (0)

Longmont, Colorado Releases 2005 Job Growth Data

The Longmont Area Economic Council has released a summary report on job growth in Longmont for 2005. The results, the city's best in six years, reveal that the Longmont area added jobs at a rate two-and-a-half times the job growth rate of metro Denver, and more than twice that of state-wide job growth in Colorado.

Longmont, CO (PRWEB) January 26, 2006 -- The Longmont Area Economic Council (www.longmont.org) has released a summary report on job growth in Longmont for 2005. The results, the city's best in six years, reveal that the Longmont area added jobs at a rate two-and-a-half times the job growth rate of metro Denver, and more than twice that of state-wide job growth in Colorado.

"We're ecstatic about the job creation numbers for Longmont in 2005," stated John Cody, President and CEO of the Longmont Area Economic Council (LAEC). "With the jobs added this year and the upcoming opportunities we're aware of for 2006, we look forward to a continuing improvement in the local economy."

LAEC's fourth quarter economic report notes that 631 net primary jobs were created in 2005, exceeding the organization's goal of 450 new primary jobs. This job growth was the result of 10 new companies that moved into the Longmont area, along with the expansion of 88 existing employers.

The new companies are diverse, ranging from advanced technology products such as Earthmap Solutions (remote sensing), encryptX Corporation (digital security software) and Optware Corporation of America (holographic data storage) to manufacturing firms such as Advanced Fabrication and MoJo Labs.

During 2005, LAEC worked with 62 new prospects. In the organization's 2005 Existing Industry Report, survey results indicate the potential for 981 new jobs, $88.4 million in capital investment and use of more than 625,400 additional square feet of space over the next three years. The technology sector accounts for 53 percent of the estimated new investment, and the percentage of companies planning growth (59 percent) continues to increase annually.

For more information, including the organization's complete 2005 Existing Industry Report and fourth quarter economic report, visit www.longmont.org.

Additional Positive Economic News from Longmont
Commercial Real Estate Vacancy Down
Longmont's vacancy rate for primary employer space declined in the fourth quarter of 2005, to 18.4 percent, down from 19.6 percent a year ago. The area's vacancy rate continues to decline from its high of 24 percent in the third quarter of 2003. With a number of prospects in the pipeline, LAEC is hopeful that net absorption will continue to grow in 2006.

Cornice Expands with Huge Capital Investment
Cornice Inc., an innovator in consumer storage solutions, has secured $97 million in venture debt and equity financing. The equity round includes the company’s major previous investors and brings on a new lead investor, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. The Company has also entered into a new lending relationship with Hercules Technology Growth Capital for structured mezzanine debt capital.

About the Longmont Area Economic Council
The Longmont Area Economic Council exists for the sole purpose of keeping the Longmont area economy strong. This is accomplished specifically by "actively supporting the creation and preservation of quality primary jobs." Primary employers are those who sell the majority of their goods and services outside the region. LAEC is a public/private partnership, governed by a Board of Directors made up of representatives from primary employers, the City of Longmont, and the business community at large. For more information, call (303) 651-0128, or visit www.longmont.org.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:15 PM | Comments (0)

Entrepreneur Lesson: Start Ups Should Avoid Time Management in Favor of Multiplying Customer Benefits

While Moses was away for forty days receiving the Ten Commandments from God, Aaron bowed to popular pressure and created a golden calf for the Hebrews to worship. As a result God became angry and decided that the Hebrews would wander in the wilderness for forty years before reaching the Promised Land. Likewise, entrepreneurs launching start ups today are finding that popular time management techniques encourage entrepreneurs to work on the wrong tasks, rather than spending whatever time is needed to complete the tasks that will lead to the promised land of entrepreneurial success. As a result, entrepreneur start ups fail to succeed more often, are smaller and less profitable, and take longer to establish.

Weston, MA (PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- Entrepreneur start ups seeking to create billion dollar businesses should focus all their attention on the right tasks rather than allocating their time to what they think is important based on a new study.

Time management experts argue that you should split your day into a variety of tasks, emphasizing the most important ones according to your goals. Such a process would never have allowed Moses to spend forty days with God on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. Instead Moses would have been spending part of every day (except the Sabbath) reorganizing the distribution of manna, planning for the deployment of scouts to look for the Promised Land and practicing his technique for bringing forth water in the desert. Perhaps Aaron had, in fact, taken such a time management course and had an objective to keep people satisfied with their religious practices according to their own preferences. If so, he clearly was working on the wrong task.

The Billionaire Entrepreneurs’ Master Mind, http://billiondollarbusiness.blogspot.com/, a global learning organization that helps entrepreneurs create billion dollar businesses from start ups headed by Donald Mitchell (co-author of The 2,000 Percent Solution http://www.2000percentsolution.com/, The Ultimate Competitive Advantage and The Irresistible Growth Enterprise http://www.irresistibleforces.com/), examined the large companies that had the fastest growth under one CEO from 1989-2002 which had been founded as entrepreneurial ventures. This study determined that

The entrepreneurs focused their start ups on 7 key tasks, regardless of how long it took to accomplish the tasks:
― Creating a major new market or expanding an old one by 20 times
― Reducing the costs of customers and beneficiaries to use the start up’s offerings
― Adding customers 20 times faster than competitors at low cost
― Improving the start up’s business model at least every four years
― Employing a business model that didn’t require much external equity capital
― Building a management team deep in innovation, operations, finance and marketing
― Searching to find out what they didn’t know that they didn’t know.

This focus reminds many entrepreneurs of the way that Moses stayed with God on Mount Sinai until he had the Ten Commandments. It took forty days, but it was well worth the wait.

Donald Mitchell noted: “Entrepreneurs may be setting themselves up for failure when they set rigid deadlines for launching their offerings. If a delay means greatly adding to customer benefits, vast realms of opportunity will be opened up by being flexible rather than efficient in the venture’s use of time. Time management techniques can create a false illusion of progress while directing attention away from what’s really important to future success. Unsuccessful entrepreneurs usually are focusing on only one, two or three of the key tasks which creates the appearance rather than the reality of entrepreneurial progress.”

Mitchell cited the example of Tellabs which experienced a long delay of several years in producing its first telecommunications switch. But the company’s entrepreneurial leader, Mike Birck, was patient in order to ensure that the resulting product would be unstoppable. It was the right decision. After the product was launched, Tellabs experienced more sustained revenue, earnings and stock price growth than any other manufacturing company of its size in North America.

A media tele-conference will be held at 2 p.m. EST today, January 25. Please dial 1-712-580-7706 (passcode 16474222#) to join this tele-conference.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:09 AM | Comments (0)

A Bright Future Predicted for Skateboarders with SunRiser Skateboard Headlights and Tail-Lights

Skateboarders are now able to ride at night safely and legally with a headlight and tail-light no larger than a standard skateboard riser pad.

Bend, OR (PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- Thousands of skateboarders can now be seen at night thanks to a surprisingly small invention. The SunRiser skateboard headlight and tail-light are no larger than the standard 1/4" thick riser pad currently being used on skateboards, but project a powerful light from 3 LED lamps, 2 replaceable cell batteries, and an on/off switch.

Skateboarders have been finding out the hard way that most US cities require skateboards to meet the same lighting regulations as bicycles for night riding, a forward facing white light and rear facing red light.

SunRisers easily install on any current skateboard. Simply unbolt the trucks (axle) from the deck (board), slide a headlight or tail-light in place, and rebolt. The polycarbonate case can withstand enormous impact and is unobtrusive to skateboarding tricks.

SunRisers are available through the company website and local skateboard shops for $24.95 each, or a $49.95 set which includes a headlight, tail-light, and new hardware.

Visit skateboardheadlights.com for more information.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:08 AM | Comments (0)

New Search Engine for Industrial Buyers Debuts

Out of frustration of broad-based search engines providing many non-relevant search results and industry specific directories charging companies for submissions, a new search engine has been born.

(PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- Out of frustration of broad-based search engines providing many non-relevant search results and industry specific directories charging companies for submissions, a new search engine has been born. Targeted specifically to industrial buyers and suppliers, Industry2Industry.com is a free-to-list search engine providing only results from websites offering industrial goods and services. By removing the listing fee barrier and providing only relevant sites offering industrial goods and services, Industry2Industry.com hopes to become the “search engine of choice” for the industrial community.

While industry2industry.com may seem like just another online industrial search product, there are some major differences. Most online directories and portals charge a fee for listing – this limits the size of their database since site owners have limited ad budgets and have to choose which directories they can afford to list with. By removing this barrier industry2industry.com hopes to build the largest, most comprehensive database of industrial suppliers.

It has a simple search interface with targeted results. Since this search is limited to only industrial web sites, the results are more accurate for the industrial buyer, engineer, or specifier. In addition, online directories and portals are excluded from the results so site owners don’t have to compete with them for ranking position and the results send the searcher directly to a supplier’s site, not another portal.

Searcher input is available. Site searchers can rate a web site listed in the results and give them a recommendation based on their experience with the company’s web site or the company itself.

Industrial companies offering goods and services are invited to list their site at industry2industry.com. All submissions are edited by a staff editor, please allow up to 7 days for inclusion.

Media Contact:
Web-Kare, LLP
P.O. Box 959
Raymond, NH 03077
603-895-5503

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:07 AM | Comments (0)

L-com Announces Expansion of its U.S. Manufacturing Operations

L-com, Inc., of North Andover, MA, is pleased to announce the expansion of its manufacturing operation into a second building. The acquisition of the 13,000 sq/ft facility, is a result of the phenomenal increase in sales over the past few years.

North Andover, MA (PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- L-com, Inc., of North Andover, MA, is pleased to announce the expansion of its manufacturing operation into a second building. The acquisition of the 13,000 sq/ft facility, is a result of the phenomenal increase in sales over the past few years.

These changes are part of a structured growth plan for L-com that focuses on improving customer expectations and product availability. The additional facility is located a quarter mile from the home office and allows for:
· Improved material and product flow
· Additional space for manufacturing engineers
· Additional space for future product line expansion and custom capabilities

According to Thomas Barczak, L-com's quality manager, "This is an exciting event because it allows us to gain needed floor space and, more importantly, to improve how we manufacture." The new facility features state-of-the-art lighting, composite flooring, improved computer systems, and a more efficient layout design, all of which have had an immediate effect on employees and product yield.

"We've already seen how much happier and more productive our manufacturing staff is in the new space," said Al Contarino, President of L-com. "We are committed to manufacturing here in the Merrimack Valley region of New England, which is why we invested in the new space."

The warehouse has also benefited by gaining an extra 8,000 sq/ft. This will allow L-com to stock more of its best selling items and further fulfill its long-held policy of same-day shipping for all stock items. Furthermore, the higher availability of components and more space for machinery will eventually improve on custom product turn-around.

About L-com Connectivity Products
L-com Connectivity Products, Inc., based in North Andover, Massachusetts, has been designing and manufacturing copper and fiber cable assemblies, interconnection adaptors, connectors and cable test equipment since 1982. In addition to a vast inventory of standard products, L-com has extensive custom product design and manufacturing capabilities. L-com's employees pride themselves on being able to provide friendly customer service, informative tech support, and same-day shipping on stock products. The company web site is packed with free technical tutorials, engineering drawings, CAD models, and more, providing simple, one-stop shopping. For more information, please visit http://www.l-com.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:06 AM | Comments (0)

Cell Phone Case, iPod Case and Blackberry Case Manufacturers See Shift in Consumer Focus

Consumers shift focus to high quality cases to protect their investment in consumer electronics. This trend is seen as a serious commitment towards protecting initial investments in portable electronics.

Riverside, CA (PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- Consumers have notably shifted their focus on cell phone cases, iPod cases, blackberry cases and cases for other portable consumer electronics to higher quality cases than ever before. This marked shift in consumer behavior is directly tied to consumers making a concerted effort to protect their investment in electronic equipment.

As consumers change their buying patterns, manufacturers of these cases have also shifted their focus and now are producing high quality cell phone cases, iPod cases and a complete line of cases for portable electronics.

Manufacturers such as Krusell™ that historically have made high quality cases applaud this trend in consumer behavior. Tony Croucier, President and CEO of KaseIT Corporation; North American Distribution Arm for Krusell™ Sweden has noticed the change in consumer behavior. PCS-Ltd.com a licensed retailer of high quality cases from Krusell™ is the largest world retailer and subsidiary franchise of KaseIT “Retailers have reported a large increase in activity for some of our finest cases like the Classic Multidapt® Blackberry 7100i; the Motorola SLVR L7; the Treo 650 and the Razr V3,” he explains”.

“Consumers clearly want to protect their investment. These pieces of equipment are important to their business and personal lives and they don’t want to risk them being damaged,” Croucier further explains. “Krusell™ cases are considered the best because of their quality, design and value, but also because they do not hinder the functionality of the equipment,” Croucier continued.

As the electronics industry continues to advance technology and the prices of consumer electronics continue to increase, high quality cell phone cases, iPod cases, Blackberry cases and cases for other electronic equipment will remain in demand.

Krusell™, considered the class of the industry, has protected its name and reputation by only licensing certain retailers to sell their cases. Retailers like PCS-LTD, have benefited from this relationship as they offer these high quality cases that are in demand from consumers.

Busy executives, students and men and women around the world are buying consumer electronics in higher numbers than ever before. Unlike previous trends, however, consumers are also focusing on protecting this equipment more than before.

“I use my Blackberry for work so I wanted to make sure nothing happened to it,” David Casey, 32, New York, stated. “I bought a Krusell™ case because everyone says they are the best. It’s a great case and it doesn’t block the features like the last case I had,” he explained.

Generic equipment cases, poorly designed and poorly made cases that sold in enormous quantities just two years ago are quickly being replaced by higher quality cases in consumers minds and the trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

Consumers have clearly demanded that manufacturers start producing the highest quality cases for their electronics equipment and manufacturers like Krusell™ have answered the call. This trend in consumer behavior may be just the tip of the iceberg in consumer behavior towards protecting their investments.

About PCS-LTD
Pride Communication Services (PCS-LTD) is an online retailer of cases for electronic equipment, including a complete line of Krusell® cases. PCS-LTD is a subsidiary franchise of KaseIT Corporation.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:05 AM | Comments (0)

How Manufacturing Companies Can Generate Less Waste

The filtration of process water can play a critical role in optimizing production lines due to its ability to protect downstream equipment and piping; as well as its role in the quality and value of finished goods. The right filtration equipment can affect a company's environmental impact through the reduction of emissions and waste generation. It can also safeguard employees by minimizing their exposure to hazardous materials. These factors, in turn, affect the company's productivity and bottom line.

(PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- The filtration of process water can play a critical role in optimizing production lines due to its ability to protect downstream equipment and piping; as well as its role in the quality and value of finished goods.

The right filtration equipment can affect a company's environmental impact through the reduction of emissions and waste generation. It can also safeguard employees by minimizing their exposure to hazardous materials. These factors, in turn, affect the company's productivity and bottom line.

Despite its significance, many manufacturing facilities have not realized the benefits of optimized filtration for process water. This is because installing a filtration system -- where none has previously existed -- can be difficult to justify with tight capital budgets. In addition, decision makers face the same challenge when a filtration system is in place and operating. However, a careful look at key cost factors can quickly justify an investment that will generate a significant return -- whether it is a new investment or an upgrade -- with an up-to-date filtration system.

Important: when exploring water treatment filtration options there is a growing area of concern pertaining to water conservancy and water supply -- especially freshwater. When this is combined with an increased emphasis on reducing the environmental impact from waste creation and disposal, it is important that all industries take a second look at their manufacturing processes, and determine if it is time to evaluate newer filtration technology. The cost reduction resulting from a new system may surprise you.

There are two ways to achieve this. One method is to use equipment that requires less fresh water. The second method is water reuse when the amount of water used is mandated by the process requirement. This trend is fueled by several economic benefits that can be broken down into separate and specific areas of cost savings:

• Reduced cost for purchase and treatment of fresh water.
• Reduced cost for heating process streams or money saved through energy recovery.
• Reducing waste treatment costs.

Any decision regarding filtration of water should be weighed against the relative importance of each of these factors.

In addition to minimizing overall maintenance costs, other factors include labor costs, the potential costs of lost production, conversion, and recovery of valuable products during scheduled and unscheduled downtime. While much of this can seem intimidating, there are a few easy methods to determine whether your current filtration system needs an update to a more state of the art filtration system.

by Ask Filter Man

Click on this link for a simple method to determine whether a change is worthwhile for your applications:
http://www.rpaprocess.com/Industrial-Filters-Technical-Information.asp#Bag-Filter-Costs.

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

If you would like to discuss this filtration solution with one of RPA Process Technologies highly-trained Applications Specialists, please contact us at http://www.rpaprocess.com/ContactUs/Contact-Us.asp.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:04 AM | Comments (0)

Microsoft Dynamics EPG Strategy Director, Gery Ellis to Speak at Iteration2 Quarterly Meeting

Presentation will cover Microsoft Dynamics EPG strategy today and in the future.

Irvine, CA (PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- Iteration2 (www.iteration2.com), the fastest growing Microsoft Dynamics (formerly Microsoft Business Solutions) Gold Certified Partner and 2005 Microsoft US Partner of the Year, announced that Microsoft Dynamics Strategy Director for the Enterprise Products Group, Gery Ellis will make a special presentation at the Iteration2 quarterly employee meeting.

Gery has over 16 years of experience working in the ERP Industry starting with Damgaard Data in 1989. Prior to going to work for Microsoft, Gery was involved in numerous Dynamics AX (formerly Axapta) partner startups, including the Aston Group, which later became Tectura. He has project-managed, performed presales engineering, and implemented Dynamics AX products in 32 different countries around the world. In 2005, Gery joined Microsoft Dynamics as Strategic Director within the EPG Group, which represents 13 billion of Microsoft’s 34 Billion in annual sales. As Strategic Director, Gery is responsible for the global sales strategy of 5 product lines at Microsoft.

“We are delighted that Gery could make the time to speak to all our team members at our quarterly meeting” said Mike Gillis, President of Iteration2. “Gery is an industry luminary and a highly sought-after industry speaker, we are very fortunate to have him speak and share experiences with us. Gery’s industry experience and background with Dynamics AX are impeccable. We are all looking forward to learning more about the Microsoft Dynamics EPG strategy and how we can better engage with Microsoft,” Gillis added.

Iteration2 has 4 quarterly team member events per year. At the team events, we sit down to share dinner together while learning more about our company and how we can contribute to its success. We introduce new team members, profile a “Success Story”., and plan how we can all improve and win together. Each area of the company presents their results and strategies and welcomes feedback. Gery will be speaking at the next Iteration2 quarterly meeting on January 26, 2006 in Irvine, California.

About Iteration2
Iteration2 provides its clients with a superior enterprise software implementation experience at an attractive price. This combined with Microsoft integrated technology stack and unsurpassed financial strength provides a platform for today and tomorrow. Iteration2 is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, a leading provider of Microsoft Dynamics – AX (formerly Microsoft Axapta), and the 2005 US MBS Partner of the Year.

Iteration2’s vertical industry expertise, enterprise software industry domain experience, and exceptional technical skills with Microsoft technologies provide their clients with clear strategic business advantage. Iteration2 is based in Irvine, CA and has sales offices in strategic locations throughout the United States. Please visit the company’s website at www.iteration2.com.

For more information:
Greg Sad,
Marketing Director
Iteration2
(949) 789-1020

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:03 AM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2006

New To Market: Innovative Product and Packaging Combine as Mazola Pure Launches in a Shaped Aluminum Design

Pure aroma and pure taste, that’s the message ACH Food Companies wanted Mazola Pure™ to communicate to consumers. Where competitive canola, extra virgin olive oil and natural butter flavor sprays contain silicone or alcohol, Mazola Pure stands apart by containing nothing but pure cooking oil and lecithin. It was critical for the August 2005 launch of this product that its packaging add to this distinction, and why ACH chose CCL Container’s Comfort Hold™ Shaped Aluminum Aerosol Container for the Mazola Pure line.

Hermitage, PA (PRWEB) January 25, 2006 -- Pure aroma and pure taste, that’s the message ACH Food Companies wanted Mazola Pure™ to communicate to consumers. Where competitive canola, extra virgin olive oil and natural butter flavor sprays contain silicone or alcohol, Mazola Pure stands apart by containing nothing but pure cooking oil and lecithin. It was critical for the August 2005 launch of this product that its packaging add to this distinction, and why ACH chose CCL Container’s Comfort Hold™ Shaped Aluminum Aerosol Container for the Mazola Pure line.

Bob Larkin, Manager of Packaging Development at ACH, comments, “Mazola Pure has a Pure™ Taste and Pure™ Aroma. The packaging needed to convey that.”

There has been very little innovation seen in packaging in this category. That is, until Mazola Pure hit the shelves. Mazola Pure’s shapely aluminum can, nozzle and cap, clean graphics, and pearl finish communicate the taste, the aroma, and the expectation of the product.

Kathryn Baker, New Products Brand Manager at ACH, recalls how the team first learned about CCL Container. They noticed the use of the shaped aluminum aerosols in other product categories, and traced it back to CCL. When it was time to start production of Mazola Pure, they knew that CCL was the right company to create the Mazola Pure container.

Says Larkin, “We were looking for a design that would reinforce the product message of pure aroma and taste and have a strong visual impact to break through the clutter on the retail shelf. In a category that has a strong leader plus several competitive brands, we needed something that would capture consumers’ imagination so that consumers would think of our product as unique and different from all other cooking sprays. We also hoped to spur consumers to think differently about cooking spray.” And in just weeks on the market, it has.

According to Baker, consumer surveys have been outstanding. “Many consumers said they would keep Mazola Pure on their countertops simply because it is attractive,” says Baker. That simple action offers Mazola a great branding opportunity.

The Mazola Pure container is, in fact, a marked departure from the conventional steel, three-piece, cylindrical-shaped can that houses the other cooking spray products on the market. Its lightly tinted cap has a pure feel to it, while it still allows consumers to see the spray nozzle, something new to the cooking spray category. The internal components of the valve assembly were also specially designed to work with ACH’s patent-pending product formula.

Consumer acceptance of this innovative product development came to no surprise to Ed Martin, CCL Container’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are extremely pleased to see ACH bring some great package design equity to this product category,” says Martin. “Packaging is doing its job when it contributes to the value proposition of the product like our Comfort Hold ™ design does in the case of Mazola Pure.”

CCL Container is North America’s leading manufacturer of recyclable aluminum aerosol cans and bottles and is a major supplier of barrier systems. The company offers both the piston barrier system and ABS “bag-in-can” technology. The company’s manufacturing facilities are located in Hermitage, PA, Penetang, ONT and Mexico City, Mexico. All facilities are ISO 9002 Registered.

For more information on CCL’s products and services, please contact:

Ed Martin, Vice President, Sales and Marketing
CCL Container
Tel: (203) 354-4523
Fax: (203) 354-4524

CCL Container U.S. Operations:
One Llodio Drive
Hermitage, PA 16148

For further press information, please contact:
Ed Delia
Delia Associates
Tel: (908) 534-9044
Fax: (908) 534-6856

For a downloadable verion of this press release and photo please visit
www.cclcontainermedia.com/pr/pr-Mazola.html

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:36 PM | Comments (0)

Former Thomson Plant Manager Moves On, “Cracks” Open a Bright Future

When Ford Motor Co. recently announced that massive layoffs will result from several plant closings, Randy Bechman of Indianapolis experienced pangs of empathy for the workers facing unemployment. Almost two years ago, Bechman, as management at the Marion Thomson plant, had the unenviable task of notifying the workforce of the plant closing. Today, on the eve of the second anniversary of the shut-down, Bechman can provide words of encouragement for those forced to confront a new phase of their careers.

Noblesville, IN (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) January 24, 2006 -- Randy Bechman was the last employee to leave the Thomson plant in Marion, Indiana. As Human Resource and Site manager, he had the agonizing task of notifying the work force of the plant closing and mass layoffs, then stayed through the bitter process of plant sell-off and shut-down. After 16 years working at the Thomson Marion plant, Bechman, 53, had much to consider when charting the next phase of his career.

His goals: stay in his native Indianapolis area, nurture a business he could eventually turn over to his son, now 29, and maintain ultimate command of his career and future. While investigating options, he fielded several management offers, but still felt they did not give him enough control over his own destiny.

An intensive search led him to franchising. His subsequent investigation into franchise opportunities led him to one company in particular. The Crack Team, St. Louis-based foundation repair specialists, satisfied all of Bechman’s career objectives.

The effect of the Thomson layoffs, and general decrease in US manufacturing, on the local economy influenced Bechman’s choice of franchise opportunity. Economic insecurity continues to play into a “cocooning” trend, where homeowners may likely choose to update their current home rather than spend money on a new home.

With that, homeowners recognize the wisdom of repairing a foundation crack before installing expensive carpeting, drywall or paneling that could be damaged if that crack leaks. “I realize that with an uncertain job climate, people are conservative with their finances,” says Bechman. “The appeal of The Crack Team’s permanent, cost-effective repair with a life-of-structure warranty is one factor that drew me to The Crack Team. It just makes sense to fill a leaking, or potentially leaky, crack before finishing the basement.”

The unenviable position of handing pink slips to over a thousand people understandably had a deep impact on Bechman. The Thomson plant in Marion employed entire families. Generations had retired from the plant, and their relatives expected to do the same. After such a drawn-out, depressing experience as a plant closure, Bechman finds focusing his energy into building the Indianapolis-area branch of The Crack Team rewarding. “It is a positive from the very start. There’s less risk than with outright self-employment. I’m working with the benefit of an established, unforgettable brand and outstanding reputation behind me from the beginning,” he says. “And this is definitely an entrepreneurial endeavor I will be proud to someday hand off to my son.”

The Crack Team, St. Louis-based foundation repair specialists, is now in its 21st year in business. The company has 15 locations in 12 states nationwide. To find The Crack Team that serves your area, visit www.thecrackteam.com/about/locations. For a free estimate, visit www.thecrackteam.com/estimate. Contact Randy Bechman at 866-CRACK-TEAM. For more information about The Crack Team foundation repair services or company mascot Mr. Happy Crack, contact Cary Goldwasser at 866-HAPPY-CRACK or visit www.thecrackteam.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:34 PM | Comments (0)

January 24, 2006

Ford Motor Making the Right Move, Says Editor of Lean Manufacturing and Turnaround Books

To compete with the Japanese, a company cannot conduct business as usual. Manufacturing businesses must move from the traditional managment pyramid to empowered teams, from mass manufacturing to lean manufacturing, and they must continue to find ways to improve efficiency so prices can be lower each year rather than higher.

Richmond, VA (PRWeb) January 24, 2006 –– In the wake of the announcement Ford Motor company will cut 25,000 to 30,000 jobs and idle 14 plants in North America, Stephen H. Martin, publisher of The Oaklea Press said, “This is definitely a move in the right direction. American automobile manufacturers have tried unsuccessfully too long to compete with the Japanese using the old mass manufacturing model. It cannot be done. They need to fight fire with fire and this means adopting the lean manufacturing model.”

Martin is the editor of two books that tell how to successfully compete in the global marketplace: “Lean Transformation: How to Change Your Business into a Lean Enterprise,” and “Billion Dollar Turnaround: The 3M Spinoff that Became Imation.” The former explains how manufacturers can transfrom from mass manufacturers to lean manufacturers such as Toyota. The second tells how a U.S. company, Imation, was able to beat the Japanese at their own game and become world leader in digital storeage media, now with twice the market share of either Fuji or Maxell––its closest competitors––which are both Japanese companies.

Martin said that for a variety of reasons, a lean operation typically turns out higher-quality products than a mass manufacturing cousin. It almost always requires 25% to 40% less direct labor. It uses about half the floor space because no room is required for work-in-progress. Warehousing costs are cut to the bone because finished-goods and parts inventories are normally reduced from several months’ to only a few days’ supply.

Many American manufacturers caught onto this in the early to mid 1990s and have now adapted to the new way. These companies are able to compete in the global marketplace no matter in what country or location their products are assembled. Dell Computer, for example, builds products all over the world, including the United States, as does Toyota.

Martin said that in the last five years more and more domestic manufacturers have begun converting to lean manufacturing, which accounts for sales of more than 50,000 copies of the book, “Lean Transformation.” He said the biggest problem they run into is easy to identify but difficult to overcome. It is often the real reason behind the closure of a plant. People in middle management and in supervisory positions must shift from a “command and control” mentality to that of “team leader.”

Martin said, “If they don’t (change the way they operate), the lean model won’t work. Those who have been operating in the command and control mode all their lives usually find this difficult. For many it may be impossible. Often, top management may find it quicker and easier to scrap a factory and start over somewhere else, perhaps in another country or another state, than to spend time and money teaching old dogs new tricks.”

He went on to say that studies show that workers in a lean enterprise are happier with their jobs than those in traditional businesses. “Why wouldn’t they be?” he said. “They are no longer viewed or treated as unthinking robots. Because the hierarchy has been eliminated and no supervisor is breathing down their necks, they must use their heads, make decisions, and solve problems in consultation with other team members. The only downside––and whether it is a downside depends on your point of view––is that there are fewer of them. When a factory is fully lean and operating at its former capacity, it often will have 40% fewer employees. Unfortunately, this part of the story is all that normally makes it into print.”

The Oaklea Press was founded in 1995 and specializes in books that help executives increase the productivity of the businesses they run. For more information visit http://www.leantransformation.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:38 AM | Comments (0)

Modular Conveyor System Accommodates Production Changeover Without Snares

Crawfish trap manufacturer uses advanced material handling equipment in its injection molding operation.

(PRWEB) January 24, 2006 -- Dan Duchamp, a Louisiana manufacturer of crawfish traps, knows a lot about avoiding the pitfalls of standard conveyor systems, and getting trapped by choosing material handling equipment that’s not well-suited to meet present and future needs.

One of the major advancements in material handling technology occurred just a few years ago with the introduction of the modular conveyor system by Dynamic Conveyor Corp. (Muskegon, MI). These systems are perfect for many light- and medium-duty applications, offering manufacturers the advantages of quick and easy reconfiguration and, thereby, a high ROI as well as the ability to make smooth changeover transitions.

“One of the reasons we bought the modular system is that it is easily moved,” says president Dan Duchamp. “Whether we need to change setups or service the injection molding machine there’s no interference from the conveyor because you can simply slide it out of the way. This is important when we have to change setups or service the molding machine. It’s lightweight enough for one person to move or even lift without a strain.”

Many fixed metal conveyors involve expensive, specialized engineering and possibly costly and time-consuming installation techniques such as welding.

These modular systems offer robust features while eliminating special engineering and installation requirements. Duchamp, whose operation integrates two DynaCon conveyors, extended the belting on one last year, an operation that was simple and inexpensive. “Our DynaCon system was easy to install, easy to reconfigure, and easy to move and easy to maintain,” says Duchamp. “An individual can reconfigure the full unit or just pick it up and move it out.”

With modular systems you can stock a few replacement modules or accessories according to your usage. “An advantage of modular parts is that it’s quite practical for us to store some spare parts,” says Duchamp. “Because the modules are standardized, it is easy for the manufacturer to inventory spares, so you know they’re going to be available.”

The DynaCon modular system offers a wide array of accessories and specialized-application modules that completely integrate with other modules, thereby providing users with added configuration latitude, dependable performance and cost savings.

DynaCon systems offer an exclusive radius turn module that flows flat or on an incline or decline. The system also provides for ascending and descending angles with bowl feeding and walk-under applications. Available electrical accessories include box filling via counting machine cycles, electronic eye for parts counting and placement, as well as electrical controls for indexing and reversing.

Ease of maintenance and uptime for material handling equipment are hand in glove. Both affect productivity and profits. “The cost of a conveyor can be far greater than purchase price,” says Duchamp. “It’s the benefits, the things you can do with it, and the things you don’t have to do, such as maintenance. One of the main reasons we bought a DynaCon system was because it is durable plastic [polypropylene and polycarbonate and non-corrosive.”

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:38 AM | Comments (0)

Dual Input - Dual Output Voltage Regulator Now From Electronic Specialists

Electronic Specialists introduces a dual voltage regulator designed for engineering, development, laboratory and maintenance shop applications.

Natick, MA (PRWEB) January 24, 2006 -- Electronic Specialists introduces a dual voltage regulator designed for engineering, development, laboratory and maintenance shop applications.

Newly developed dual voltage regulator will accept 120 Volts and/or 240 Volts input and deliver 120 Volts or 240 Volts output.
Front panel switches are incorporated, permitting selection of input and output voltages. Panel indicators are configured to show presence of input voltage, or voltages, with further indicator illumination to indicate which voltage is applied to regulator primary windings.
A panel mount NEMA L5-30 twist-type plug connector with cord is the input point for 120 Volt power, while a NEMA L6-20 twist-type panel mount plug is the power entry point for 240 Volts.
120 Volt or 240 Volt output is switch selectable to provide the particular output voltage desired, while a corresponding indicator illuminates at the selected output sockets.
120 Volt is made available through either a NEMA 5-20 or NEMA L5-20 socket connector. Both connectors are active while the 120 volt output mode is selected.
240 Volt connectors are the NEMA 6-15 or NEMA L6-15, both of which are active when the 240 Volt output is selected.
Rated at 2,500 watts, regulator output voltage in either mode is held within +/- 3% over an input voltage range of +9% to -20%.
Augmenting the inherent interference, spike and surge suppression of the ferroresonant regulator design, both the 120 Volt and 240 Volt inputs include a wideband filter-suppressor to further inhibit power line disturbances from affecting delicate and sensitive connected electronic equipment. These bi-directional filter-suppressors also inhibit disturbances generated in connected apparatus from entering power lines, preventing disturbance to other equipment.
Priced at $3,825, the dual voltage regulator ships 3 to 6 weeks ARO.
This product can be seen on the Web at:
http://www.elect-spec.com/dual_voltageregulator.htm?prwebduo
A high resolution photo can be seen at:
http://www.elect-spec.com/klrduo0106x6d.jpg

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:37 AM | Comments (0)

Equipment Leasing “A” List to Meet in Atlanta

Now in its eighth year, this professionally intimate “Ritz-Carlton” showcase enables equipment leasing & finance executives from across the US and Canada to easily identify and evaluate resources for their business.

ATLANTA, GA (PRWEB) January 24, 2006 –- The Lessors Network will host the Annual Lessor Resources Showcase, August 30, 31 from the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead hotel in Atlanta, GA.

Now in its eighth year, this professionally intimate “Ritz-Carlton” showcase enables equipment leasing & finance executives from across the US and Canada to easily identify and evaluate resources for their business.

Commercial lease & finance representatives present their buy/sell investment strategies in the wholesale syndication/securitization markets while vendors pitch technology products and outsourcing services (legal, tax, asset management, etc.) designed to enhance Lessor's origination, funding, wholesale distribution and back-office networks.

This annual Lessors Network Showcase has attracted the “A” List from the commercial and municipal equipment leasing & finance markets. Past showcase attendees have represented nationally recognized lease funding sources including Bank of America, Caterpillar Financial Services Corp., Chase Equipment Leasing, CIT, CitiGroup, Inc., Daimler Chrysler, De Lage Landen, Dell Financial Services, Deutsche Financial Services, GATX Capital, GE Capital, GMAC Commercial Finance, IBM Global Financing, John Deere Credit, Key Equipment Finance Group, Oracle Credit Corporation, Pitney Bowes Financial Services, Siemens Financial Services, Textron Financial Corporation, Toyota Financial Services, US Bancorp, Wachovia Leasing & Equipment Finance and Wells Fargo Equipment Finance.

From the vendor channel, past participants have represented AssetControl Corporation, Burr Wolff LP, Decision Systems, Inc., eCredit.com, ePlus Group, Inc., Experian, Fair, Isaac and Company, Fitch Ratings, Information Leasing Corp., International Decision Systems, KPMG Consulting LLC, RVI Group, SAP America, UCC Direct Services.

An unprecedented marketing opportunity for all companies targeting the commercial equipment leasing & finance markets, this high-profile networking event traditionally sells out early. Invitations to speak, sponsor and/or exhibit are extended to a group of innovative vendors with products and services exclusively enhancing lease origination, funding and back-office “administrative” networks. For additional details, visit www.lessors.com.

ABOUT THE LESSORS NETWORK
From www.Lessors.com, the ultimate Internet address for Lessors, the Lessors Network facilitates vertical market networking for companies, products and services targeting the equipment leasing and finance markets. Additional information can be viewed at www.lessors.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:36 AM | Comments (0)

Vicon Publishing Announces Seminar on Managing R&D Staff Reductions

Vicon Publishing to offer an audio seminar entitled “Managing R&D Staff Reductions: Before, During and After” on April 13, 2006 at 1:00pm EST. The featured speaker will be Dr. John Borchardt, a management consultant with extensive experience at Fortune 100 companies.

AMHERST, NH (PRWEB) January 24, 2006 -- Vicon Publishing Inc., a leading B2B media company, today announced that it will be offering an audio seminar entitled “Managing R&D Staff Reductions: Before, During and After” on April 13, 2006 at 1:00pm EST. The featured speaker will be Dr. John Borchardt, a management consultant with extensive experience at Fortune 100 companies. He has authored more than 1,000 articles on R&D management and industrial research career issues.

This audio event will explore how to conduct staff reductions that are as kind as possible to the directly affected employees while minimizing adverse effects on the employer’s business and on the surviving employees.

Topics will include:

-- General principles of designing staff reductions that will minimize adverse effects on the employees losing their jobs, the survivors, the managers conducting the layoffs, the company itself and company customers and suppliers

-- How to conduct discussions with departing employees and surviving staff members. What to say and do

-- Recommended policies regarding departing employees. These have an important effect on staff productivity and retention after a staff reduction.

-- Redesigning work procedures after the staff reduction to maintain productivity

Learn more about this seminar at http://www.viconpublishing.com/audio.asp.

Vicon Publishing is offering other upcoming audio seminars within the next few months, including:

-- February 2, 2006: Congratulations, You’re a Supervisor. Now What?

-- February 14, 2006: Using the Internet to Improve Productivity in Laboratory Environments

-- February 16, 2006: Managing Contingent Workers and Independent Contractors in Your Lab or Controlled Environment

-- March 17, 2006: Training: The Building Block to a Successful Laboratory Animal Program

-- March 23, 2006: Creative Ways to Find Talent for Your Lab or Controlled Environment

-- May 1, 2006: Best Security Strategies and Practices for Labs and Controlled Environments

All audio seminars start at 1:00PM EST, last approximately an hour, and cost $179 per telephone line. For details and registration information, visit www.viconpublishing.com/audio.asp or call R.D. Whitney, Vicon’s VP of Business Development, at (603) 672-9997, x-103.

About Vicon Publishing:
Vicon Publishing (www.viconpublishing.com) provides timely and relevant information to readers across select industries. The business-to-business media company produces a number of print and online publications, including Controlled Environments Magazine, Forensic Magazine, and Lab Manager Magazine. It also conducts the annual TurnKey Conference, which delivers useful information on technology and trends in facility construction, renovation and equipment.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:35 AM | Comments (0)

Electrophysics® Offers Additional Options for Infrared Imaging With the Silver™ 220S High-Performance Thermal Imaging and Measurement System

At this year’s Photonics West, Electrophysics, a leader in infrared imaging systems, will be showcasing the Silver 220S high-performance, short wave infrared camera. Further extending the Silver family of imaging systems launched at the show, including the 420M and 450M, the Silver 220S is the ideal thermal camera for a wide range of infrared applications, including imaging spectroscopy, laser beam analysis, R&D and target signature analysis.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) January 24, 2006 -- At this year’s Photonics West, Electrophysics, a leader in infrared imaging systems, will be showcasing the Silver 220S high-performance, short wave infrared camera. Further extending the Silver family of imaging systems launched at the show, including the 420M and 450M, the Silver 220S is the ideal thermal camera for a wide range of infrared applications, including imaging spectroscopy, laser beam analysis, R&D and target signature analysis. The launch of the 220S further demonstrates Electrophysics’ dedication to offering the most comprehensive and technologically advanced line of infrared imaging systems for a variety of applications across the entire infrared spectrum.

Silver 220S
Unlike SWIR imaging systems based on the Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) crystal, the Silver 220S’s 320x256 Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) focal plane array provides a broader spectral response ranging from 0.8 to 2.5μm. The broader response, combined with the 220S’s high QE (>70%), is particularly important for users dealing with applications that require excellent sensitivity at infrared wave-lengths to 2500nm, such as the water absorption band at 1.95 microns. Featuring variable “snapshot” integration from 1μs to 10ms, and interchangeable C-mount optics, which give the user the ability to configure the camera for specific target geometries, the Silver 220S is the ideal system for applications such as laser beam profiling and analysis.

Like its sibling the Silver 420M, the Silver 220S boasts a full format programmable frame rate, ranging from 1hz to 100hz. The Silver 220S is also capable of sub-array windowing, with the capability to capture images at up to 400hz in a 320x64 sub-window format.

Silver 420M & 450M
The Silver 420M and 450M utilize an ultra-sensitive, 320x256 InSb focal plane array sensor that offers users sensitivity better than 20mK, while keeping an extraordinary dynamic range and high linearity across the 3 to 5μm mid-wave spectral range. The cameras incorporate an integral 25mm lens, featuring motorized focus and optional extenders that provide the application specific field of view and target geometry.

Users can also take advantage of the 420M and 450M’s ultra-fast, full format programmable frame rates, ranging from 1hz to 100hz for the Silver 420M and 1hz to 400hz for the Silver 450M. Both models also offer user-friendly and flexible sub-windowing modes, which are adjustable in 1 μs increments. In 80x64 sub-window format, users can capture infrared images at up to 1,000hz with the Silver 420M and up to 20,000hz with the Silver 450M. The cameras also incorporate an optional internal filter wheel that accepts up to four separate 25mm OD x1mm filters for viewing sub-spectral ranges.

User Friendly Design
Truly plug-and-play, the Silver series of high-performance IR cameras are among the most user-friendly imaging systems available for thermography applications. With USB 2.0 output for digital video or optional CAMLINK for more demanding users (standard on the Silver 450M), the Silver requires no proprietary frame grabber cards. The Silver family also features low noise 14-bit digital electronics, which with user performed calibration, provides fully-radiometric IR imagery at any selected integration setting. The Silver is also designed to interface with ALTAIR™, Electrophysics’ powerful image-capture and analysis workstation featuring a wide complement of tools including radiometric measurements.

Like all Electrophysics imaging solutions, the Silver family of high-performance IR cameras is backed by Electrophysics’ knowledgeable and dedicated customer service support staff.

Headquartered in Fairfield, New Jersey, Electrophysics develops advanced near infrared, night vision and thermal imaging systems for use in a host of imaging applications. Since 1969, Electrophysics has maintained its focus on delivering products that reflect the company’s exceptional engineering capabilities to meet specific real world demands while keeping pace with rapidly evolving imaging technologies. The Company has realized exceptional growth as a result of its customer-centric philosophy and remains firmly committed to continually innovating its products in order to enhance the experience of end-users. Electrophysics is vertically integrated with expertise in complex signal processing, optics, embedded software, PC software applications development and hardware design.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:34 AM | Comments (0)

Epicor Accelerates Enterprise Learning with IntraLearn XE Over 160 Online Courses Created and Deployed to Employees, Partners, and Customers

IntraLearn Software Corporation, the world’s leading supplier of Microsoft technology-based e-Learning software applications, announced today its agreement with Epicor Software Corporation (NASDAQ: EPIC), a leading provider of industry-specific enterprise software solutions for midmarket companies.

Northboro, MA (PRWEB) January 21, 2006 -- IntraLearn Software Corporation, the world’s leading supplier of Microsoft technology-based e-Learning software applications, announced today its agreement with Epicor Software Corporation (NASDAQ: EPIC), a leading provider of industry-specific enterprise software solutions for midmarket companies. In July 2005, Epicor selected the IntraLearn XE Learning Management System to deploy their custom eLearning content as well as the registration platform for classroom based training.

“Epicor’s growing international presence over the past three years has accelerated the need for a flexible, dynamic learning solution,” said Epicor’s Kerry Williams. “IntraLearn’s XE product fit that need perfectly, offering the ability to consolidate our educational offering across all the product families in the company.”

The Education team at Epicor has created over 160 online courses since the implementation. In addition, Epicor’s choice of IntraLearn’s Learning Event Module (LEM) allows Epicor the ability to manage all classroom training registrations, attendance data, reports, and instructor assignments. In just this month of January, Epicor is hosting 50 different classes at six different training facilities around the U.S.

“The introduction of the LEM has greatly improved the efficiency of the registration process and allows companies to send data through web services to other applications for reporting purposes,” said Evan Lenson, IntraLearn Software Corp.’s Vice President of Business Development. “Thanks to its flexible architecture, Epicor has been successful in integrating its existing CRM system to the XE product, allowing a dynamic exchange of information about customer subscriptions to flow to the learning management system—a welcome benefit in managing thousands of user accounts.”

In the last quarter of 2005, Epicor handled over 12,000 separate classroom and online course registrations within the XE system. In addition, the system has been rolled out successfully to all Epicor staff and partners through Epicor’s SharePoint Portal EpicWeb. EpicWeb allows Epicor to fully take advantage of the Web Parts that IntraLearn has developed for SharePoint.

About Epicor Software Corporation
For 20 years, Epicor has been a recognized leader dedicated to providing integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM) software solutions to midmarket companies around the world. Epicor leverages innovative technologies like Web Services in developing end-to-end, industry-specific solutions for manufacturing, distribution, enterprise services automation, and hospitality that enable companies to immediately drive efficiency throughout business operations and build a competitive advantage. Epicor's worldwide headquarters are located in Irvine, California, with offices and affiliates around the world. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.epicor.com.

About IntraLearn
IntraLearn Software Corporation of Northboro, MA is the leading provider of turnkey e-Learning applications for the corporate enterprises, academic institutions and non-profits. Along with operations in the UK, Brazil, Singapore and India, IntraLearn software is distributed worldwide through authorized IntraLearn resellers and Learning Service Providers to more than 1,500 major organizations in 17 international languages. IntraLearn is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner with both ISV and Microsoft Business Solutions proficiencies. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.intralearn.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:33 AM | Comments (0)

January 23, 2006

Do You Know of an Outstanding Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Team? Give Them the Recognition They Deserve

Nominations for the 2006 Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Team of the Year awards will be accepted until February 6, 2006. The award recognizes the unsung heroes whose efforts are reducing manufacturing costs, and will ultimately lower drug prices and improve the quality of drugs reaching the consumer.

(PRWEB) January 23, 2006 -- Launched in 2005, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Team of the Year Award recognizes teams that have achieved the most significant results in improving drug manufacturing, both on the bottom line and in less tangible areas such as empowerment and morale.

Teams at any pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility of any size — located anywhere in the world — are eligible.

Last year, teams from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Baxter Healthcare, Pfizer, Novartis, Wyeth and other major manufacturers were honored.

If you know of a team that has reduced reject rates, cycle times, equipment downtime; boosted customer service and product quality and consistency; improved staff training and overall morale, or all of the above, please nominate them.

Nominations can come from colleagues, consultants and vendors who have worked with the teams they nominate. And of course, teams are welcome to apply. All teams will be judged impartially on their own merits, with any references to company name or facility location removed, by a panel of experts on Lean, operational excellence and drug manufacturing quality, including our editorial advisory board.

Winning teams will receive a commemorative crystal trophy and other prizes at their manufacturing facilities. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing will report on finalist teams in April's cover feature and announce the winners in May

Need examples of last year's award-winning teams and their activities? Search “Team of the Year” on PharmaManufacturing.com to read the 2005 finalists' stories. Visit PharmaManufacturing.com for a link to information and application materials. The deadline for entries this year is February 6, 2006.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:33 AM | Comments (0)

Minco Enhances HVACR Product Suite with New Relative Humidity Sensor - Offers Building Automation Industry One-Stop-Shop & Greater TCO

Minco launches its Relative Humidity Sensor as the third addition to Minco’s growing suite of building automation products and establishes a cost effective one-stop-shop for customers’ entire sensing needs.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) January 23, 2006 -- http://www.minco.com - Minco, a designer and manufacturer of critical components for critical applications, is broadening its building automation product offerings with the launch of its new Relative Humidity Sensor.

The Relative Humidity Sensor is designed to guarantee system accuracies of +/- 1% in a previously unavailable economical manner. Since Minco is also a temperature sensor manufacturer, it is able to offer its customers a more comprehensive sensor package than its competitors.

“Relying on one vendor for multiple sensing parameters eliminates costly sourcing exercises and the cost of issuance of purchase orders,” said Marty Knutson, Minco Marketing Manager, Sensors Division & HVACR Industry. “One-stop shopping also allows lower transactional costs, lower installation time and greater reliability, which all add up to ideal total cost of ownership.”

The launch of the Relative Humidity Sensor not only enhances Minco’s building automation product offering, but it also establishes Minco as a sensor product one-stop-shop that offers both customer ease and cost efficiency.

“Minco has found that customers that require temperature sensing, oftentimes require humidity sensing as well,” said Knutson. “Minco is now in a position to offer customers a full-service sensor package that ultimately saves them money.”

Minco will be showcasing its suite of building automation products at the AHR Convention, January 23 – 25, 2006, McCormick Place, Chicago. Minco HVAC products being showcased include:
-Relative Humidity Sensor
-Thermal Vial Sensor
-Chill-Out Sensor

For more information on any of Minco’s building automation products, please contact Marty Knutson, Minco Marketing Manager, Temperature Sensors Division, at 763-586-2904.

About Minco
Minco designs, manufactures and markets critical components for critical applications. The company is unsurpassed in its ability to integrate and assemble flexible Thermofoil™ Heaters, Flex Circuits, Sensors and Instruments into a single component for greater efficiency. Minco helps companies minimize the risk of product failure by providing highly reliable components and expert design services.
http://www.minco.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:32 AM | Comments (0)

New Plant Monitoring System to Improve Quality and Efficiency

The UK's largest sawmilling business is investing in a state of the art production monitoring system for all its UK sawmills to maximize operating efficiency.

Billingham, UK (PRWEB) January 23, 2006 -- BSW Timber, the UK’s largest sawmilling business, is investing £220,000 in a state-of-the-art plant monitoring system for all its UK sawmills.

The cutting-edge technology will automatically monitor the flow of product through BSW's mills in Fort William, Boat of Garten, Newbridge, Petersmuir, Carlisle and Senghenydd. The system will continuously calculate operating efficiency and provide reports and analysis on key performance indicators (KPI’s) including downtime, throughput, scrap, OEE etc.

The plant monitoring system will be implemented by Tascomp using Prodigy industrial automation software. Chosen after a rigorous selection process involving several leading suppliers, Tascomp will also provide full training for staff, follow-up support and ongoing maintenance.

Paul Barham, Chief Executive of BSW Timber, said: "BSW Timber is committed to providing our customers with the best possible service levels. We already enjoy world-class efficiency levels at all our mills, but these can still be improved by installing an automatic monitoring system which will improve the flow of product through each mill.

"By investing in new cutting-edge technology, we are continuing to take our timber production on to new levels of quality and efficiency - benefits which will be passed back to our customer, both in the quality of the end product and in its value for money. The new automated systems will also improve levels of sustainability at all our mills through greater operating efficiency.”

Tascomp Managing Director Paul Everington added “BSW Timber's demanding selection process provides an object lesson in choosing and implementing the right system for the job and Tascomp are pleased to be associated with any company with such a professional approach."

This investment follows the recent announcement by BSW that the company is investing around £2.75 million in new state-of-the-art online planing facilities at its sawmills in Newbridge-on-Wye, Carlisle and Fort William in a major drive to increase its share of the growing market for added-value timber. The new ultra-modern planing systems will allow BSW to triple existing production rates of its Easi-Edge, high quality machine kiln dried and strength graded construction timber, across the group.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:31 AM | Comments (0)

ProGrade Tools Today Announced “Win A Generator” Drawing for 7200 Watt Generator

The “Win A Generator” drawing is an exciting opportunity to introduce the ProGrade Tools product line to the world. Anyone over 18 years is eligible to win (see official rules on www.progradetools.net/winagenerator.hmt ). The drawing will take place on June 30, 2006. Odds of winning will be based on the number of entries.

(PRWEB) January 23, 2006 -- The “Win A Generator” drawing is an exciting opportunity to introduce the ProGrade Tools product line to the world. Anyone over 18 years is eligible to win (see official rules on www.progradetools.net/winagenerator.hmt ). The drawing will take place on June 30, 2006. Odds of winning will be based on the number of entries.

So who is ProGrade Tools? They are the tool company kicking the bull out of the competition. ProGrade Tools was founded on the belief that you expect the very best and that you deserve it.

You work hard for your money - you want every penny to work for you. But, superior products don't have come with a name brand label attached. Or the hefty price tag.

Why pay for the name on the pocket?

That's the philosophy of ProGrade Tools, Inc. We have created our items to be "THE" new name brand within the power tool and generator industries. Tools are supposed to work for you not make you work for them. Tools are the way you make a living - they're not a status symbol. They don't create a lifestyle.

We expect you will find our products reliable, dependable and up to the most strenuous of tasks. ProGrade Tools have been manufactured with the expectation they will be used by the construction trades. No other test could be more demanding than a full day on the jobsite. Our line of tools will surprise you with their durability and functionality.

Our portable generators with oversized wheel kits are easily maneuvered around the worksite, and with 3 models available, you can get the one that best fits your needs.

Our top of the line saws (with laser guides), cordless drills, and nailers are sure to impress. Each item has been manufactured to give you what you want - a quality tool that offers a lot more than a name - it performs.

Our tools are tough and whether on the site or in your garage, our tools will kick the bull out of the competition.

Visit our website: www.progradetools.net for products and information.

Direct sales rep and distributor inquiries to:
Kaitlyn Murray
863-229-1168
ProGrade Tools, Inc.
950 US Hwy 441
Kenansville, FL 34739
407-436-4633
407-436-1405 (fax)
www.progradetools.net

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:30 AM | Comments (0)

Challenges of 0201 and 01005 Component Assembly Are Focus of Free Webcast Seminars on February 16th

Speedline Technologies experts will tackle issues involved the 0201 and 01005 component assembly process in free, live webinars on Thursday, February 16, 2006 designed for OEM and CEM process engineers. Visit http://www.speedlinetech.com/seminars.

Franklin, Mass. (PRWEB) January 23, 2006 -- Speedline Technologies experts will tackle issues involved the 0201 and 01005 component assembly process in free, live webinars on Thursday, February 16, 2006 designed for OEM and CEM process engineers.

The continuing demand for smaller, lighter portable products has escalated the use of miniature components throughout the electronics industry. Two packages, currently being used for resistors and capacitors, are the 0201 and 01005 chip component packages. Assembling these components present a number of challenges for an electronic manufacturing operation.

Speedline Technologies will host the free one-hour Internet seminars to explore these challenges on Feb. 16th. Two live sessions are available: the first at 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. U.S. EST (2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Singapore Time), and the second at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. U.S. EST.

The webinars will consist of an educational presentation, discussion of new technologies and techniques, practical how-to advice, and a Q&A opportunity. Specific areas of discussion will include:
* Printed Circuit Board Pad Design
* Solder Paste Printing
* Solder Paste Selection
* Component Placement
* Reflow Soldering
* Inspection
* Questions and answers

To register, go to http://www.speedlinetech.com/seminars or call 1-508-541-4749.

Each month, Speedline Technologies hosts a free one-hour Webcast tackling the SMT industry’s most pressing manufacturing challenges. The schedule throughout 2006 as follows:
* Thursday, March 16: Lead Free Reflow Soldering
* Thursday, April 13: Adhesive Printing
* Thursday, May 18: Pin in Paste (Intrusive Reflow)
* Thursday, June 15: Lead Free Wave Soldering
* Thursday, July 13: Challenges of High Speed Underfill
* Thursday, August 17: Lead Free Printing Process
* Thursday, September 14, 11:00 a.m. ET: Practical DOE and SPC for Electronics Assembly
* Thursday, October 19: Cleaning Lead Free Residues
* Thursday, November 16: MicroDot Dispensing
* Thursday, December 14: 0201 and 01005 Component Assembly Process

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

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:
* 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 04:29 AM | Comments (0)

New Software Provides Topical Design Reference at Your Fingertips

ETI’s Digital Design Dictionary explains over 200 design topics, with ASME Standard references, in one affordable and convenient package.

Westland, MI (PRWEB) January 23, 2006 -- Effective Training Inc., a leader in the field of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), announces a valuable new on-the-job resource for design professionals. The Digital Design Dictionary is a convenient, affordable computer-based reference tool that can be installed on a PC or laptop to provide instant access to explanations of hundreds of engineering design topics. The software was created by GD&T expert Alex Krulikowski, a design professional with over 30 years of industry experience. It was released January 15, 2006 for the low introductory cost of $49.

“The Digital Design Dictionary is an exciting new tool that’s an indispensable resource for designers, engineers, and anyone else involved in product design,” said Krulikowski. “The software features hundreds of definitions of concepts used in product design and in geometric tolerancing. Detailed, colorful screens help users visualize important topics. References to the various ASME standards help in understanding topics in relation to the standards. It’s an excellent product design resource in one affordable and convenient software package.”

Each page of the Digital Design Dictionary displays a term and definition. Many definitions include graphic illustrations and/or ASME paragraph references. Terms can be easily selected from a list and by using the user-friendly search options. The software runs Windows 98se, 2000, ME, and XP operating systems. More details, including screenshots and ordering information, are available at Effective Training's website: http://www.etinews.com/digitaldesign.

Effective Training Inc. (ETI) is a world leader in the field of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. The company is an international supplier of GD&T training and design reference software, books, videos and teaching materials. ETI founder and president Alex Krulikowski is a renowned GD&T expert with a degree in industrial vocational education and over 30 years of industry experience. To find out more about ETI products and services, call 800-886-0909. To view a complete catalog of products, or to sign up for their free online newsletter, visit their website, http://www.etinews.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:28 AM | Comments (0)

The Marble and Granite Indutsry in Pakistan Working to Upgrade the Through Innovation and Competitiveness for Poverty Alleviation

The Strategy Working Group (SWOG) on Marble and Industry comprising of industry leaders, relevant government officials, academia, and NGOs, are working together to develop a strategy for upgraded production. Through the strategy, the group is identifying investments in human resources, infrastructure, technology, and management required to produce higher-quality products.

(PRWEB) January 21, 2006 -- The Marble & Granite Strategy Working Group (SWOG) supported by the USAID funded Pakistan Initiative for Strategic Development and Competitiveness (PISDAC) project, the Ministry of Industries, Production & Special Initiatives and SMEDA managed by USAID’s contractors J.E Austin Associates, Inc. presented their sector strategy to Mr. Owais Ahmed Ghani, Governor Balochistan. Other participants were the Provincial Secretary for Mines and Minerals, Provincial Secretary Industries, SWOG chairman Mr. Ihsanullah Khan, Mr. Sultan Tiwana and Mr. Bakhtiar Khan from SMEDA and Mr. Sikander Jogazai, Dr. Nasir Kasi, Mr. Ashfaq Khan from the Balochistan SWOG.

In the meeting with the governor, chairman of the SWOG Mr. Ihsanullah Khan and a few local stakeholders informed the governor of SWOG’s efforts. They explained that the SWOG comprising of industry leaders, relevant government officials, academia, and NGOs, are working together to develop a strategy for upgraded production. Through the strategy, the group is identifying investments in human resources, infrastructure, technology, and management required to produce higher-quality products.

The Governor seconded the importance of the marble & granite sector and agreed that the sector could play a critical role in Balochistan’s development. Mr. Owais Ghani appreciated the SWOG’s efforts and extended his full support to the initiatives outlined in the SWOG strategy. The governor offered full cooperation of Khuzdar engineering college and other local institutions in terms of incorporating SWOG recommended training courses for the Marble & Granite sector. The Governor also offered 1 acre of land at Gadani for sector specific initiatives for the sector’s up gradation and a building in Hub for the purpose of the SWOG proposed Common Facility and Training Center.

Mr. Owais Ghani proposed that for Balochistan specifically up gradation of quarries should be started immediately. He further stressed that marble & granite sector has immense potential for growth and thus should not be neglected. He encouraged the SWOG to carry on the good work they are currently engaged in work with the provincial and federal governments to get this strategy off the ground.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:27 AM | Comments (0)

January 20, 2006

GTES Announces Release OF V1.2 Of SHERLOC™ Location Services

GTES has released the latest update to the SHERLOC™ Hosted Location Services (www.sherlocgps.com). With V1.2 SHERLOC™ customers tracking their high-value goods in transit or mobile assets will find the same powerful real-time location capabilities updated with a simpler and more intuitive map navigation interface.

Custer, WA (PRWEB) January 20, 2006 -- GTES is pleased to announce today that it has released the latest update to the SHERLOC™ Hosted Location Services (www.sherlocgps.com). With the release of SHERLOC™ V1.2 customers will find the same powerful location capabilities updated with a simpler and more intuitive map navigation interface.

“In discussions with our customers we identified several new features related to tracking screen navigation that would simplify the user experience and better map into existing work flows” stated GTES Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Mark Pocock. “We’re confident that both our cargo security and vehicle or mobile-asset tracking users will find the updated interface provides easier and more intuitive access to the powerful tracking and management features of SHERLOC™.

In addition to the user interface updates, SHERLOC™ V1.2 expands the report generation capabilities and implements several server-based modes of operation to unify capabilities across all device types. “Using server-based geofences, continuous tracking, and scheduled tracking, SHERLOC™ can provide these services even for wireless GPS tracking devices which do not inherently support these capabilities” said GTES Vice President of Engineering Peter Carr. “To the greatest extent possible, we strive to provide a unified feature set across different wireless networks and for both standalone battery powered and vehicle powered devices.”

The principal new features in SHERLOC™ V1.2 include:

· Zoom bar for control of zoom levels
· Single click on map re-centres display around selected point, with option to zoom one level at the same time
· Pan control simplifies panning up, down, left, right, and at 45 degrees.
· Click on map balloons zooms on the selected device
· Click on device icon from device list zooms on selected device
· Home (default) map can be defined by user, and map can be reset to home map with one click on Home button
· Added Airport maps – tracking maps will now show airport areas and runways.
· Enhanced Reporting capabilities (User Defined Reports). Allows users to select fields to be reported, and filter reports based on ranges of dates, values, etc.
· Server Based Geofence
· Server Based Continuous Tracking
· Server Based Scheduled Tracking
· Location Accuracy now reported in feet or meters on selected devices
· Map Display of Geofence from Geofence setting screen

For further details on the application of SHERLOC™ to enhancing the security of high-value goods in transit or the management of mobile assets please contact Brooks Marsden at (770) 754-1668.

About GTES
GTES has historically focused on providing support for Glenayre wireless messaging infrastructure and software. Recently, however the company has expanded its development activities to include wireless location technologies, a market that analysts forecast at $3.6 billion by 2010. In support of this new strategic direction, GTES has developed SHERLOC™ (www.sherlocgps.com), a complete one-stop wireless location service, which provides support for multiple tracking devices including the latest generation utilizing Assisted GPS technologies. Targeted at business customers who need to improve security or efficiency by tracking their high-value goods in transit or field assets, SHERLOC™ is a hosted application that combines configuration flexibility with ease of use.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:50 AM | Comments (0)

New Otec Machine Model Simplifies and Improves Secondary Deburring of Precision Parts After Grinding and Honing

To meet stringent industry demands for smooth surfaces of workpieces subject to mechanical stress in miniaturized assemblies, Otec Precision Finish, Inc. is introducing a new type of centrifugal disc finishing machine to the US market. Applying tribology, the study of friction, lubrication and wear on surfaces, OTEC engineers developed a secondary deburring process that preserves the precise measurement tolerances achieved by final grinding and honing processes and that also offers increased protection to delicate work parts.

(PRWEB) January 20, 2006 -- To meet stringent industry demands for smooth surfaces of workpieces subject to mechanical stress in miniaturized assemblies, Otec Precision Finish, Inc. is introducing a new type of centrifugal disc finishing machine to the US market. Applying tribology, the study of friction, lubrication and wear on surfaces, OTEC engineers developed a secondary deburring process that preserves the precise measurement tolerances achieved by final grinding and honing processes and that also offers increased protection to delicate work parts.

The CF-oil system replaces the traditional water/compound mix technology that produces excellent results for larger parts. Using commercially available grinding and honing oils in combination with oil-resistant, low abrasive media (such as sintered ceramic chips), the new OTEC CF-Oil machine is aggressive enough to remove micro-burrs on work pieces without compromising the dimensional integrity achieved through final grinding. The PLC automated process takes just minutes to generate small edge radii and smooth surfaces, while eliminating the possibility of corrosion. As workpieces are protected from rusting, they no longer require three steps: degreasing before processing, drying after processing and subsequent re-greasing, thereby saving production costs.

Using oil means almost no wear and tear on the processing media. Media is recirculated, keeping consumable costs low. A specially designed separator allows workpieces and media to be sorted easily and quickly. Also, the grinding oil can be reused, extending its estimated service life by up to six months and possibly longer if filters are used, by connecting it up to a central filtration system.

OTEC CF-Oil machines with flow-optimized process containers are cost effective to integrate into a production line. No water connection or other complicated logistics are required. Occupying only a square meter of surface space, it can be used, for example, as a dedicated secondary deburring cell next to a grinding or honing machine. The unit can be connected to upstream grinding or honing equipment to save costs. Unlike water/compound solutions for finish grinding that require complex filtering of the media, there is no need for centrifuge or microfiltration units with CF-Oil processing.

The CF-Oil is highly effective for a range of smoothing tasks in high-tech aerospace and diesel fuel injection manufacturing processes. The CF-Oil machine and oil/abrasion-resistant chip method is non-aggressive. It is designed to smooth polished workpiece surfaces and to maintain precision tolerances, while simultaneously increasing productivity and reducing costs.

Otec is pleased to advise on the best CF-OIL configuration and media/oil mix to maximize productivity and consistently yield the desired results. The company processes sample parts on request by contacting +1-401-398-0045.

More information: Ed Pastore - General Manager
OTEC Precision Finish, Inc. 44 Cross Park Avenue, North Kingstown, RI 02852
Tel: + 1-401-398-0045 Fax: + 1-401-398-0056 E-Fax: 1-419-818-0519
Web: www.otecusa.com

High res image can be downloaded from: www.clickintopr.com/editors/articleDetail.asp?pjID=235

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:49 AM | Comments (0)

With the 370 & 375, There's Always a GSE Counting Scale to fit Your Needs

Developed to satisfy the demand for basic, portable counting scales at an economical price, the Model 370 and 375 Counting Scales are an entry-level addition to the Parts Counting product line. It has the same heavy duty cast aluminum construction and design elements as the very popular Model 675 Counting Scale.

Sanford, NC (PRWEB)January 20, 2006 -- Central Carolina Scale is introducing two additional digital parts counting scales for 2006. Both are manufactured by GSE. GSE Scale Systems is the global leader in programmable weight indicators and parts counting scales. GSE products are ideal for simple weighing or counting of anything from gold dust to freight trains.

Developed to satisfy the demand for basic, portable counting scales at an economical price, the Model 370 Counting Scale is an entry-level addition to the Parts Counting product line. It has the same heavy duty cast aluminum construction and design elements as the Model 675 Counting Scale.

Standard Features of the 370 / 375 series includes: Simple One Button Operation, Keyboard Calibration, Programmable RS-232, Computer/ Printer Port, AC Power Transformer, Heavy Duty Cast Aluminum Construction, & Large 0.8 LED Display

For more information:

http://gse.centralcarolinascale.com/375.htm

http://gse.centralcarolinascale.com/370.htm

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:48 AM | Comments (0)

Arcoa Announces New Litter Line

Arcoa Industries, in keeping with its "Our Business is Picking Up" tag line announces a new line of clean up tools.

San Marcos, CA (PRWEB) January 20, 2006 -- Arcoa Industries, Inc. of San Marcos California is pleased to introduce the E-Z Litter Stick Deluxe. The new Arcoa E-Z Litter Stick Deluxe is the ultimate tool for litter collection.

Users can quickly and safely pick up litter and debris without painful bending, and easily unload it with the handle-controlled trash ejection/head cleaning system -- no touching trash again. A multi-point head design picks up more trash than ever. Users work more quickly, efficiently and safely with this heavy duty tool.

The Arcoa E=-Z Litter Stick Deluxe features heavy duty no-rust construction with a 12 point head design that picks up more trash than other designs. Trash is easily ejected from the pickup tines by a quick push on the spring loaded ejector head. The E-Z Litter Stick Deluxe is a convenient 36 inch length to eliminate repetitive stooping and bending.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:47 AM | Comments (0)

New Plant Monitoring System to Improve Quality and Efficiency

The UK's largest sawmilling business is investing in a state of the art production monitoring system for all its UK sawmills to maximize operating efficiency.

Billingham, UK (PRWEB) January 20, 2006 -- New Plant Monitoring System to improve quality and efficiency.

BSW Timber, the UK’s largest sawmilling business, is investing £220,000 in a state-of-the-art plant monitoring system for all its UK sawmills.

The cutting-edge technology will automatically monitor the flow of product through BSW's mills in Fort William, Boat of Garten, Newbridge, Petersmuir, Carlisle and Senghenydd. The system will continuously calculate operating efficiency and provide reports and analysis on key performance indicators (KPI’s) including downtime, throughput, scrap, OEE etc.

The plant monitoring system will be implemented by Tascomp using Prodigy industrial automation software. Chosen after a rigorous selection process involving several leading suppliers, Tascomp will also provide full training for staff, follow-up support and ongoing maintenance.

Paul Barham, Chief Executive of BSW Timber, said: "BSW Timber is committed to providing our customers with the best possible service levels. We already enjoy world-class efficiency levels at all our mills, but these can still be improved by installing an automatic monitoring system which will improve the flow of product through each mill”.

"By investing in new cutting-edge technology, we are continuing to take our timber production on to new levels of quality and efficiency - benefits which will be passed back to our customer, both in the quality of the end product and in its value for money. The new automated systems will also improve levels of sustainability at all our mills through greater operating efficiency.”

Tascomp Managing Director Paul Everington added “BSW Timber's demanding selection process provides an object lesson in choosing and implementing the right system for the job and Tascomp are pleased to be associated with any company with such a professional approach."

This investment follows the recent announcement by BSW that the company is investing around £2.75 million in new state-of-the-art online planing facilities at its sawmills in Newbridge-on-Wye, Carlisle and Fort William in a major drive to increase its share of the growing market for added-value timber. The new ultra-modern planing systems will allow BSW to triple existing production rates of its Easi-Edge, high quality machine kiln dried and strength graded construction timber, across the group.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:46 AM | Comments (0)

Exapro Exports French Used Machines Towards the Whole World

Exapro s.a.r.l., has been publishing two Web marketplaces (www.exapro.com and www.texapro.com) for 5 years, helping professionals of the Industry to buy and sell all their used equipments. With more than 35 000 unique visitors and 150 000 pages viewed each month, these websites are now recognised by the professionals as the solution for their need of second hand machinery. Exapro, it is 3000 offers of machines regularly updated.

(PRWEB) January 20, 2006 -- Exapro has witnessed a true export sale explosion of used machinery during the year 2005. Half of the sales have had for origin France towards Europe (22%), Asia (17%) or Africa (4%). The Central and Eastern Europe is the new privileged target for its sales force. It is there that it makes most of its best sales. The entry of some of these countries in the E.U. greatly facilitates collaboration with these promising markets. The opening of a local branch is being studied. Many major partnerships have been settled with local actors.

International request ratio for second-hand industrial machines is fast growing and proves that the www.exapro.com marketplace is not only internationally viable but it is growing globally. The two portals Exapro (general Industry) and Texapro (textile) have been partially translated in Spanish, and Czech. It will soon be available in German (January 2006). The International team speaks seven languages which brings an added value to all its customers.

In conclusion, the Exapro’s objectives for 2006 are now to reach 65% of export sales as well as growing from the European marketplace it actually is to a worldwide reference.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:45 AM | Comments (0)

E&E Engineering Appoints Executive Vice President

Warren, Mich. manufacturer and supplier of tooling components and material handling products promotes Bill Reagan.

Warren, MI (PRWEB) January 20, 2006 -- E&E Engineering, Incorporated, a manufacturer and supplier of thousands of tooling components, material handling products and ergonomic systems for the automotive and manufacturing tooling community announced that William (Bill) Reagan has been named executive vice president of the 62-year old company. The announcement was made this week by E&E Engineering’s president and chief executive officer P. Matthew Hirzel. Reagan previously held the position of sales and marketing manager at E&E Engineering.

“Bill’s proven ability to grow our customer base while attracting new technology applicable to our customers needs is but one of the many strengths exhibited over his 20 years with the company,” stated Hirzel. “In addition to managing his department, overseeing 17 national sales distributors and six international sales agencies, Bill has demonstrated true professionalism in addressing the challenges that industry faces today. Bill’s promotion reaffirms to our employees and customers alike our commitment to support the tooling communities that we have served since 1943, and not abandon them or our principals during these difficult times.”

Reagan studied mechanical engineering at Lawrence Technological University and Central Michigan University. A resident of Highland, Mich., Reagan is a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

E&E Engineering recently obtained its ISO 9001:2000 certification to demonstrate its commitment to bringing quality products and services to manufacturing companies while improving their production effectiveness. E&E Engineering provides manufacturers from various industries with tooling components, machine accessories, workholding and handling needs. They also carry over 30 different manufacturing lines. To receive a free electronic catalog of products, call 1.800.854.3577 or visit www.eeeng.com.

About E&E Engineering, Inc.:
Founded in 1943, E&E Engineering manufacturers and sells thousands of material handling and machine tooling products across thirty product lines to a wide variety of markets including automotive, aerospace, appliance, agricultural, furniture, food processing, and pharmaceutical. E&E Engineering manufacturers their own line of products and serves as a manufacturers’ representative for thousands of tooling components, machine accessories, and ergonomic workholding systems. E&E's powerful product support network involves numerous distributors across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The ISO 9001: 2000 certified company hosts its office, manufacturing and warehousing operations at its 45,000 square foot facility in Warren, Mich. For more information, visit www.eeeng.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:44 AM | Comments (0)

TekSoft Releases CAMWorks 2006EX Featuring New Multiaxis Machining Module

TekSoft, Inc. has released CAMWorks 2006EX, the latest release of its SolidWorks Certified Gold Product for manufacturing/CAM. This release features a new module for Multiaxis Machining and over 50 new performance enhancements, improvements to the intuitive user interface and cutting strategies to meet the machining requirements of diverse applications.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) January 20, 2006 -- TekSoft, an industry leader in developing advanced manufacturing software, has released CAMWorks 2006EX featuring a new module for Multiaxis Machining that allows a wide variety of shops and manufacturing facilities to take advantage of 4/5-Axis machines that provide greater productivity, equipment flexibility and quality.

CAMWorks 4/5-Axis simultaneous machining allows the user to create toolpaths across complex shapes that could not be machined on 3-Axis machines. This includes high-performance automotive port finishing, impellers, turbine blades, cutting tools, 5-Axis trimming, and undercut machining in mold and die making. CAMWorks 4-Axis simultaneous machining is designed for complex rotary applications such as camshafts, extrusion screws and blades.

After being acquired by Geometric Software Solutions Co. Ltd. (GSSL) in January 2005, TekSoft implemented an aggressive product development schedule that leverages GSSL's world leading CAD/CAM/CAE/PDM software expertise to enhance TekSoft's technology offerings. CAMWorks 2006EX, which is the third major release in less than a year, reflects the combined strengths of TekSoft and GSSL by delivering a powerful set of over 50 new performance enhancements, improvements to the intuitive user interface to make CAMWorks even easier to use, plus features and cutting strategies to meet the machining requirements of diverse applications.

Significant performance enhancements include:
• The file size has been reduced by more than 40% for parts with large volumes of Advanced 3-Axis toolpaths.
• For Advanced 3-Axis operations, improvements in the calculation speed from 20-50% have been measured in benchmark testing.
• The amount of memory required to display toolpaths has been reduced substantially.
• The time to start the simulation for parts containing large volumes of toolpaths has been decreased noticeably.

New features and cutting strategies in CAMWorks 2006EX include:
• Automatic creation of Perimeter features based on the boundary of the part model in Mill and Wire EDM.
• Rough Mill high speed machining options for generating toolpaths with round corners and S curve links.
• Finish Mill options for final cuts based on the final cut amount and spring passes, plus numerous new bottom finish options.
• New Mill toolpath method to optimize features in pocket in and pocket out patterns.
• Pencil Mill strategy for 3-Axis rest machining that machines steep and shallow areas in a single toolpath using a reference cutter to determine where to machine.

According to Mike Coleman, President and CEO of TekSoft, "CAMWorks 2006EX is the result of leveraging a strong, shared foundation in CAM technology that allows TekSoft to use the combined resources of TekSoft and GSSL to increase its innovative edge in delivering CAM solutions and compete more successfully in the expanding market for solids machining. We will continue to act aggressively to improve our product to meet the needs of the mold making and machining industries."

CAMWorks is a SolidWorks® Certified Gold CAM Product that has provided state-of-the-art machining capabilities seamlessly integrated into the award winning SolidWorks 3D mechanical design software since 1997. The combination of the latest innovations in CAMWorks 2006EX and SolidWorks' excellence in design continue to make CAMWorks a premier CAM and mold machining solution. CAMWorks can be purchased to run with the full version of SolidWorks or as part of a cost-effective package that includes a discounted OEM version of SolidWorks.

About TekSoft, Inc.
TekSoft, Inc. develops and markets CAMWorks, which is available for machining centers, turning, mill/turn, multiaxis and wire EDM applications and ProCAM, a stand-alone CAD/CAM product. TekSoft’s heritage of product innovation and ease of use is acknowledged by customers worldwide. TekSoft sells its products through 140 resellers in 40 countries and has an installed base of over 33,000 licenses. TekSoft is a subsidiary of Geometric Software Solutions Co. Ltd. (GSSL), a leading PLM services provider with over 20 years of experience in CAD/CAM/CAE, PDM and MPM. Based in Mombai, India, GSSL has business development headquarters in Merrimack, NH, USA, and sales offices in Germany, Singapore and Japan. GSSL is publicly traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange in India. For information about CAMWorks, visit TekSoft’s website (www.teksoft.com), email e-mail protected from spam bots, or call 480-367-0132.

SolidWorks is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:43 AM | Comments (0)

Glass Alchemy, Ltd. Releases Sno White and Four New Frit Colors

Glass Alchemy, Ltd. releases an opaque borosilicate white, 9995 Sno White, and adds four new colors of frit to the borosilicate palette, 4646 Paris Green 6, 559 Neptune Sparkle, 9749 Raven and 9995 Sno White.

Portland, OR (PRWEB) January 20, 2006 -- Borosilicate artists have been asking for it, and after years of research and trials it is finally ready: an opaque white from Glass Alchemy. 9995 Sno White is a cool, vibrant white. It should be worked like a Crayon color—further out in a neutral flame. Sno White is rich, super-saturated, non-refractory, easy to apply, fully compatible, non-cracking, and great for stringers and inside-out work. Plus, it features the level of quality customers have come to expect from Glass Alchemy. Sno White is currently available in 7mm rods for $50/lb. MSRP and as a frit (see below).

After asking customers and distributors what new frit colors they would like, Glass Alchemy releases four new frit colors: 4646 Paris Green 6, 559 Neptune Sparkle, 9749 Raven, and 9995 Sno White. These colors add depth to the Boromax® frit color palette by incorporating a dark transparent green, an opaque sea-green sparkle, and both black and white opaque frits. Boromax® frits are available in 4 oz. and 1 lb. jars in all five grades—25, 38, 70, 82, and 100. Prices vary by color.

To see all Glass Alchemy Boromax® frit colors, visit http://www.glassalchemyarts.com/Boromax/Frit.html. To find a supplier of Glass Alchemy Boromax® near you, go to http://www.glassalchemyarts.com/suppliers.html or call 503-460-0545 if you are interested in becoming a supplier.

About Glass Alchemy:
Glass Alchemy, Ltd. produces Boromax® colored borosilicate glass rod and frit. This low expansion, heat resistant glass is used by industry and artists. Glass Alchemy, Ltd. is a young and growing company founded in December 1999 by Susan Webb and Henry Grimmett. Through the combination of their knowledge and passion for investigative science and the arts, they have established Glass Alchemy, Ltd. as a leader of innovation in the art glass industry.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:42 AM | Comments (0)

January 19, 2006

More Industrial Directories Launched

Additional directories are being launched as part of www.IndustrialDirectory.com

Easy sourcing of industrial products and services is available with Direct Navigation Search industrial directories. Approximately 10% or more of search traffic simply types in the product or service they are searching for with a ".com" after it - ie someone searching for expansion bolts will simply type in their browser expansionbolts.com to find expansion bolts - and in this case will find a directory of expansion bolts manufacturers and distributors.

A few of the fastener directories being newly launched are sheet metal fasteners, threaded fasteners, panel fasteners clevis pins, taper pins and marine fasteners.

Hinge manufacturers can be found at aluminum hinges and stainless steel hinges

Directories for more industrial sourcing can be found at stainless steel nuts, jam nuts, cap nuts, sheeet metal screws, and socket head cap screws, and sems screws.

Conveyor sourcing is made easier with conveyor directories including foundry conveyors, automatic conveyors, and parts conveyors to name a few.

Industrial castings can be found at automotive castings, zinc castings, and hardware castings, and other castings directories.

Posted by Industrial at 11:58 PM | Comments (0)

Toughquip Locates High Quality Work-Ready Equipment

Toughquip embarks upon locating high quality, work-ready equipment for searching customers at no additional cost to the customer.

DALLAS (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) January 19, 2006 -- Toughquip, LLC announces a new, easy-to-use heavy equipment locater service based on customer requirements at no additional cost.

Equipment locating can include high quality, work-ready; backhoes, dozers, excavators, graders, scrapers, loaders, off-highway trucks, paving equipment, compactors, skidders, pipelayers, diesel powered generators, equipment and on-highway truck engines – construction, earthmoving and mining equipment.

Toughquip, publisher of the Caterpillar® Equipment Buyer Information Guide, evaluated more than 100,000 of their website visitors and found that 78%+ were searching for specific equipment. As a result, Toughquip embarks upon locating high quality, work-ready equipment for searching customers at no additional cost to the customer. Searching customers can view a limited number of machines and specifications online www.findconstructionequipment.com/Heavy-Equipment-for-Sale.htm for immediate purchase. Customers will simply email desired requirements to Toughquip. Information should include; equipment make, model, year, number of hours, special attachments etc. Toughquip will review requirements and endeavor to locate the equipment that best fits their needs. Once the equipment has been located Toughquip will forward photos, specifications, condition, special notes and many times TA reports on the specified equipment.

When Toughquip locates the desired equipment, in most cases, the customer can view all areas of the equipment from their office with a Live-Cam. This allows the customers to check the undercarriage, tires, buckets, blades etc. before purchasing. This locating service and Live-Cam availability is offered worldwide.

For searching customers that desire to locate their own equipment Toughquip provides many links to equipment suppliers online. Online linked suppliers include; new equipment, used equipment, new parts, used parts, engines, engine parts, equipment service, equipment finance, equipment attachments, equipment auctions and heavy equipment associations.

The Caterpillar ® Equipment Buyer Information Guide can be viewed at www.toughquip.com and the equipment locator site can be viewed at www.findconstructionequipment.com/Heavy-Equipment-for-Sale.htm .

Caterpillar® is the registered trademark of Caterpillar, Inc. and is used for reference purpose only. Toughquip is not associated with, nor is it a licensed representative of Caterpillar Inc.

CONTACT:
Jeff Moore
Toughquip
820 S. MacArthur Blvd
Suite 105-325
Coppell, TX 75019
PHONE 866-681-4636
International: 972-745-6563

http://www.toughquip.com

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

Commercial Painting Company Paint Platoon USA Unites with Mirrco, Inc. to Provide Nationwide Industrial Painting Solutions

Paint Platoon USA, a professional commercial painting company, has teamed up with Mirrco, Inc., a provider of industrial coating solutions, to provide nationwide commercial and industrial painting solutions.

(PRWEB) January 19, 2006 -- Paint Platoon USA, a professional residential and commercial painting company, has teamed up with Mirrco, Inc., a provider of industrial coating solutions, to provide nationwide commercial and industrial painting solutions.

This joint venture between Paint Platoon USA and Mirrco, Inc. will focus on commercial and industrial painting, specializing in the application of protective coatings for chemical plants, manufacturing, commercial facilities, utility plants, waste water and other industrial facilities that are engaged in a continuous struggle to preserve their assets from deteriorating.

"Most industrial structures have special coating and maintenance requirements," said Scott Kuperman, Owner of Paint Platoon USA. "Whether the surface must endure a harsh environment, withstand frequent cleaning, or if its coating must be free of impurities, we have the expertise and precision to handle the demands of almost any industrial painting project. Our team of industrial painters is constantly training to become certified on the newest and latest techniques and technologies to protect industrial structures."

Paint Platoon USA and Mirrco, Inc. together can provide the most novel, efficient, and safe solutions for industrial or commercial painting needs, including:

* Coatings for Manufacturing Facilities and Warehouses
* Industrial Maintenance Painting Programs
* Linings for Interior Storage Tanks of all types
* Exterior Building Painting
* Sandblast Surface Preparation
* Epoxy Floor systems
* Much more

To see why Paint Platoon USA and Mirrco Industrial Coating Solutions is the ideal industrial and commercial painting company for any situation, or to learn more about Paint Platoon USA and Mirrco, Inc., visit www.PaintPlatoonUSA.com and Mirrco.com. A joint venture website is under construction.

About Paint Platoon USA
Paint Platoon USA is a professional commercial and industrial painting company. Owner Scott Kuperman said knowing their customers’ needs allows Paint Platoon USA to satisfy the customers’ desires. This philosophy has carried Paint Platoon USA for twenty years and has helped to establish them as one of the most qualified commercial and industrial painters in the Illinois area. Paint Platoon USA is a proud member of the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) and other professional organizations, guarantees all of their work, and insures their employees with both Workers Compensation and Liability Insurance.

About Mirrco, Inc.
With over 30 years of experience in all Phases of commercial and industrial coatings, Derek Mirr (President) has the experience to complete any coatings project with safety, quality and within budget. Based in Munster, Indiana (Chicago land and Northwest Indiana area), Mirrco conducts business in all 50 states as well as the Caribbean islands. From the top of the Sears Tower (antenna project) to a major production facility in the Deep South, Mirrco provides truly well rounded services to its customers.

Contact:
Scott Kuperman
Paint Platoon USA
800-499-3321 toll free
http://www.paintplatoonusa.com

Derek Mirrco
Mirrco, Inc.
219-789-5191

Search Engine Marketing and Press Release Writing by Xeal Inc.

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

Quickparts Extends Next-Day Manufacturing for Stereolithography Rapid Prototypes

Quickparts, the leading provider of custom-manufactured plastic and metal parts, today announced the extension of its Next-Day Manufacturing Service for SLA Rapid Prototypes. Quickparts’ customers can now place orders online for next-day manufacturing of SLA rapid prototypes up to 5pm EST.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) January 19, 2006 -- Quickparts, the leading provider of custom-manufactured plastic and metal parts, today announced the extension of its Next-Day Manufacturing Service for SLA Rapid Prototypes. Quickparts’ customers can now place orders online for next-day manufacturing of SLA rapid prototypes up to 5pm EST.

“Product designers come to Quickparts because our quick turnaround for prototypes can’t be matched. Reducing our lead times and expanding our prototyping capacity are crucial drivers to meeting our customers’ prototyping needs.” said Mark Mackie, Executive Vice President at Quickparts.

The extended 5pm deadline for next-day manufacturing of SLA prototypes is now enabled on Quickparts’ website. For comparison purposes, Quickparts provides SLA prototype buyers with four lead time options: Next-Day Shipment, Two-Day Shipment, Standard (3-5 days), and Economy (7-10 days) in a simple, easy-to-understand table format as part of the company’s patent-pending QuickQuote® process.

QuickQuote enables product designers to get instant online price quotes simply by uploading their 3D CAD models and defining the project specifications (process, material, finish, etc.). Quickparts customers can then order their custom-manufactured parts online and track the status of their orders in real-time from production to delivery. To date, Quickparts has delivered over 175,000 instant quotes for over 28,000 registered users.

Quickparts’ manufacturing services include: Rapid Prototypes (SLA, SLS, FDM), Cast Urethanes, QuickTurn Injection Mold Tooling and Parts, Sheet Metal Parts, Metal Castings, and CNC Machined Parts.

To find out more about Quickparts, please visit www.quickparts.com or call 1-877-521-8683.

About Quickparts
Quickparts, an Inc. 500 company, provides custom manufacturing services for product designers looking to build plastic and metal parts from 3D CAD models. Founded in 1999, Quickparts uses its proprietary QuickQuote® geometric analysis software to provide an easy-to-use website with ‘instant online price quotes’ for custom manufactured parts. Quickparts’ manufacturing services include: Rapid Prototypes (SLA, SLS, FDM), Cast Urethanes, QuickTurn Injection Mold Tooling and Parts, Sheet Metal Parts, Metal Castings, and CNC Machined Parts.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:27 AM | Comments (0)

Metalcraft and A2B Tracking Partner to Provide Complete UID Solution

Metalcraft and A2B Tracking have teamed up to assist DoD contractors in becoming UID compliant. Metalcraft provides the permanent UID nameplate and A2B Tracking provides the software program needed to register the information.

MASON CITY, IA (PRWEB) January 19, 2006 -– Metalcraft, a leader in the identification products industry, has partnered with A2B Tracking to provide a complete solution to Department of Defense contractors looking to comply with new government requirements for unique identification of parts.

“Metalcraft and A2B Tracking will offer an excellent package which provides a complete solution for any DoD contractor,” said Steve Doerfler, Metalcraft Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “We are pleased to be working with A2B in assisting contractors with UID compliance.”

“Metalcraft is a key partner in our UID compliance solution,” says A2B President Peter Collins. “We have a great deal of respect for the company, their products and their market position, and we look forward to working together.”

The Unique Item Identification mandate requires items that are valued at greater than $5,000 or requires serialization be uniquely identified with a 2D DataMatrix bar code, and subsequently tracked and reported at key events during their lifecycle. Metalcraft specializes in the production of customized nameplates and labels for harsh environments including UID compliant products. A2B Tracking has developed a UID lifecycle management system which simplifies UID compliance by providing an economical approach to submitting UID data easily and accurately to the WAWF and UID Registry web sites. Metalcraft nameplates and labels working with A2B Tracking’s UID Comply!™ Validator software offers government contractors a comprehensive solution to meet UID identification requirements.

For more information contact Metalcraft’s Customer Service Department at 800-437-5283 or visit www.idplate.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:26 AM | Comments (0)

Worldwide Laser Introduces the LP8010 10 Watt Sealed Beam RF Excited Co2 Laser System

Worldwide Laser Services Corporation introduces the LP8010 10 Watt Sealed Beam RF Excited Co2 Laser System. The system is designed for laser marking, laser etching, and laser cutting.

Gilbert, Arizona, (PRWEB) January 19, 2006 -– Worldwide Laser Services Corporation announced today the introduction of the new LP8010, a 10 watt sealed beam RF excited Co2 laser system. The LP8010 10 watt Co2 laser system includes a sealed off RF excited Co2 laser, a galvo head for beam steering, the Worldwide Laser proprietary Zap-IT laser controller software, a mounting rail, a dust cover, and a choice of different focus length final focus optics. Also included in the system is a computer for laser control or the option of a Zap-Alone controller allowing laser operations with no computer.

The LP8010 10 watt Co2 laser system is ideal for laser marking, laser etching, and laser cutting. Worldwide Laser has expert engineers that can couple the LP8010 10 watt Co2 laser system with parts handlers, robotics, assembly lines, vibratory bowls or stand alone completely enclosed laser stations. Standard configurations of the LP8010 laser system are designed for static or stationary laser marking, laser etching or laser cutting. Options exist for ‘on the fly’ or laser marking, laser etching, and laser cutting while the product is moving.

Expected operating lifetime before recharge is 30,000 hours of operations. Therefore, if a plant operates 24/7 for 50 weeks per year then approximately 3.5 years of laser marking or laser cutting is possible before a recharge is required. The LP8010 laser carries a warranty of 24 months on the laser tube.

The new LP8010 Co2 laser system from Worldwide Laser is priced below $15,000.00 for the complete system. Prices for the LP8010 10 watt Co2 laser system drop to below $14,000.00 for purchases of multiple units.

The LP8010 10w Co2 laser system can be viewed on the Worldwide Lasers home page www.wlsc.com. The picture of the LP8010 10w Co2 laser system links to a second page which includes complete system details along with viewable and downloadable installation drawings.

For additional details and information on the LP8010 10w Co2 laser system please contact Worldwide Laser 480.892.8566 option 5 or visit http://www.wlsc.com

About Worldwide Laser
Worldwide Laser was founded in 1986 and the company has evolved into a respected major laser marking systems manufacturer. They have also developed an impressive list of national and international service and parts clients. Worldwide currently has active clients in ten countries on three continents. Worldwide has developed a major service organization for TEA CO2, CWCO2, and ND-YAG based laser marking products. They provide one of the largest inventories of spare parts in North America. Their own products include the LP2000 series of TEA Co2 lasers, the LP9000 series of diode & flash lamp YAG lasers, and the LP8000 series of Co2 lasers. Worldwide Laser has established a major laser marking job shop with TEA CO2, CWCO2, Diode, and flash lamp ND-YAG laser marking systems. For further information call (480) 892-8566 or visit their website http://www.wlsc.com

Other Press Releases by Worldwide Laser
Worldwide Laser Introduce Zap-Alone Laser Controller Option for LP8000 Series of Co2 Laser Systems
Worldwide Laser Introduces the LP2000 Series of TEA Laser Marking Systems

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:25 AM | Comments (0)

Thomas Global Register Launches Redesigned Website

Thomas Global Register, LLC, a leading online provider of Internet sourcing and marketing solutions for international industrial buyers and sellers, announced today the launch of a newly redesigned website at thomasglobal.com. By combining the content of the former Thomas Global website, tgrnet.com, with other Thomas international Websites in Europe, India, China and Japan, the new site will enable management, specifiers and purchasers to source – from one site – the industrial products and services of more than 700,000 qualified global companies. This makes thomasglobal.com one of the largest online industrial directories in use today.

New York, NY January 10,(PRWEB) January 19, 2006 -– Thomas Global Register, LLC, a leading online provider of Internet sourcing and marketing solutions for international industrial buyers and sellers, announced today the launch of a newly redesigned website at thomasglobal.com. By combining the content of the former Thomas Global website, tgrnet.com, with other Thomas international Websites in Europe, India, China and Japan, the new site will enable management, specifiers and purchasers to source – from one site – the industrial products and services of more than 700,000 qualified global companies. This makes thomasglobal.com one of the largest online industrial directories in use today.

“We are pleased to introduce this greatly improved sourcing tool for our customers,” said Jay Lindsey, President of Thomas International Publishing Co. “Thomasglobal.com is the result of an extensive process of listening to feedback from both users and advertisers, researching market needs, and redesigning our site to meet the highest standards. Our goal was a one-stop B2B industrial site that continued the Thomas tradition of efficiently bringing buyers and sellers together. Thomasglobal.com harnesses the global reach of all our data within a single comprehensive search and sourcing tool.”

Besides a new layout, thomasglobal.com offers advanced features and functionality to enhance the user experience. ThomasGlobal.com users will enjoy simplified site navigation, a more powerful search engine, and will be see more robust product information early in the search process. Users will still have access to different company contact features such as RFQ, RFD, and email and will also be able to view product catalogs and multilingual product descriptions.

Advertisers will benefit from ThomasGlobal.com’s new design that features them prominently at the top of search results, with more content than free listers. Advertisers will also be able to take advantage of Thomas Global’s streamlined advertising packages and priority of positioning which allows them to purchase ranking points to increase visibility.

ABOUT THOMAS GLOBAL
Since 1898 Thomas Publishing Company, LLC has been offering regionally specific buying guides such as the Thomas Register of American Manufacturers®, the bible of American industry. As restrictions in international trade have lessened, the opportunity to find more competitive suppliers in foreign markets has become a reality. As a result, the need for information on those suppliers has become critical. For this reason, Thomas Publishing Company, LLC combined its global presence and created ThomasGlobal.com.

ThomasGlobal.com fulfills the need for detailed product and company information in major industrialized countries and can open up foreign markets that are hard to access due to language barriers. Sourcing agents can navigate quickly through ThomasGlobal.com's simple, easy to use interface -- with 9 languages to choose from, they can search in the language of their choice. Users can select from more than 700,000 global industrial suppliers, organized within 11,000 product categories across 28 different countries.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:23 AM | Comments (0)

Thomas Global Register Launches Redesigned Website

Thomas Global Register, LLC, a leading online provider of Internet sourcing and marketing solutions for international industrial buyers and sellers, announced today the launch of a newly redesigned website at thomasglobal.com. By combining the content of

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 19, 2006 -- Thomas Global Register, LLC, a leading online provider of Internet sourcing and marketing solutions for international industrial buyers and sellers, announced today the launch of a newly redesigned website at thomasglobal.com. By combining the content of the former Thomas Global website, tgrnet.com, with other Thomas international websites in Europe, India, China and Japan, the new site will enable management, specifiers and purchasers to source – from one site – the industrial products and services of over 700,000 qualified global companies. This makes thomasglobal.com one of the largest online industrial directories in use today.

“We are pleased to introduce this greatly improved sourcing tool for our customers,” said Jay Lindsey, President of Thomas International Publishing Co. “Thomasglobal.com is the result of an extensive process of listening to feedback from both users and advertisers, researching market needs, and redesigning our site to meet the highest standards. Our goal was a one-stop B2B industrial site that continued the Thomas tradition of efficiently bringing buyers and sellers together. Thomasglobal.com harnesses the global reach of all our data within a single comprehensive search and sourcing tool.”

Besides a new layout, thomasglobal.com offers advanced features and functionality to enhance the user experience. ThomasGlobal.com users will enjoy simplified site navigation, a more powerful search engine, and will be see more robust product information early in the search process. Users will still have access to different company contact features such as RFQ, RFD, and email and will also be able to view product catalogs and multi-lingual product descriptions.

Advertisers will benefit from ThomasGlobal.com’s new design that features them prominently at the top of search results, with more content than free listers. Advertisers will also be able to take advantage of Thomas Global’s streamlined advertising packages and priority of positioning which allows them to purchase ranking points to increase visibility.

About Us:
Since 1898 Thomas Publishing Company, LLC has been offering regionally specific buying guides such as the Thomas Register of American Manufacturers®, the bible of American industry. As restrictions in international trade have lessened, the opportunity to find more competitive suppliers in foreign markets has become a reality. As a result, the need for information on those suppliers has become critical. For this reason, Thomas Publishing Company, LLC combined its global presence and created ThomasGlobal.com.

ThomasGlobal.com fulfills the need for detailed product and company information in major industrialized countries and can open up foreign markets that are hard to access due to language barriers. Sourcing agents can navigate quickly through ThomasGlobal.com's simple, easy to use interface -- with 9 languages to choose from, they can search in the language of their choice. Users can select from more than 700,000 global industrial suppliers, organized within 11,000 product categories across 28 different countries.

Contact Info:
Jeffrey Baker,
Thomas Global Register,
5 Penn Plaza New York, N.Y. 10001;
Phone: 212-629-1181;
www.thomasglobal.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:22 AM | Comments (0)

It is Projected that the Production of Synthetic Adhesive Materials in China Will Increase to 6.3 Million Metric Tons in 2009

Dublin (PRWEB) January 19, 2005 -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c30983) has announced the addition of Chinese Markets for Adhesives to their offering.

China's demand for adhesives has grown at a fast pace in the past decade. In the next five years, both production and demand will continue to grow. This new study examines China's economic trends, investment environment, industry development, supply and demand, industry capacity, industry structure, marketing channels and major industry participants. Historical data (1994, 1999 and 2004) and long-term forecasts through 2009 and 2014 are presented. Major producers in China are profiled.

This report contains China's macroeconomic trend, business environment, adhesive industry structure and capacity, adhesive production and demand, end-use markets outlook, distribution channels, and major adhesive industry participants. The report contains tables and charts. Key producers are listed and/or profiled. Key research institutes and trading companies are also listed in the producer directory section

In order to understand the market information, government policy and industry situation, all primary research was done in China in order to obtain up-to-date government regulations, market information and industry data. Data was collected from Chinese government publications, Chinese language newspapers and magazines, Chinese chemical industry associations, including Chinese adhesive industry associations, local government chemical industry bureaus, adhesive industry publications, and in-house databases. Interviews were conducted with Chinese industry experts, university professor, and adhesive producers in China.

Historical data includes 1994, 1999, and 2004, long-term development trends are projected to the years 2009 and 2019. Economic models and quantitative methods are applied in this report to project market demand and industry trends. The metric system is used and values are presented in either yuan (RMB, current price) and/or US dollars. The exchange rate for 2004 is based on the annual average rate (8.3 yuan per US dollar). The word "demand" is used interchangeably with "consumption".

The Chinese government has given a high priority to the increase of synthetic adhesive production. In the last 20 year, the Chinese synthetic adhesive industry has achieved great progress by technology research, product development and the introduction of advanced technology and equipment. In 2004, China's output of synthetic adhesives has exceeded 3.8 million metric tons, advancing 12.7% per annum since 1994. It is projected that the production will increase to 6.3 million metric tons in 2009. However, China's synthetic adhesive output cannot fully satisfy the domestic demand, especially on high grade and high-performance adhesive products. Therefore, the country will remain a large importer of synthetic adhesives through the next decade.

Major end use markets for synthetic adhesives include construction, wood processing, automobile, packaging, textile, footwear and etc. As two of the fastest growing sectors in China, the construction and automobile industries will continue to be the major drivers to fuel the demand for synthetic adhesives and to lead the industry in growth. Through the next decade, the Chinese synthetic adhesive industry will focus on the development of high-performance and environmental friendly adhesives.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c30983

Laura Wood
Senior Manager
Research and Markets
Fax: +353 1 4100 980

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:21 AM | Comments (0)

January 18, 2006

Icovia Offers Clients Improved Functionality with the Release of Icovia Business Edition Version 3

Icovia makes their space planning software even more robust and user friendly with the just released upgrade to Icovia Business Edition Version 3. The new version, which is more feature-rich and user-friendly with an improved user interface and new options like print to scale and UNDO, performance enhancements and the addition of many new icons, is free to all existing Business Edition users and will be automatically rolled out to clients in mid-January.

Londonderry, NH (PRWEB) January 18, 2006 -- Icovia, the #1 online space planner that is launched by more than 10,000 consumers daily, makes their space planning software even more robust and user friendly with the just released upgrade to Icovia Business Edition Version 3. The new version, which includes many new features and improvements, is free to all existing Business Edition users and will be automatically rolled out to clients in mid-January.

“Icovia is the leader in online space planning due to ease-of-use for customers on the front-end as well as the powerful sales and marketing intelligence on the back end. Icovia has become the Planning Tool of preference for over 80 leading companies such as FurnitureFind, Storehouse, Nautilus and La-Z-Boy,” says Steve Street, President of Hookumu, the company behind Icovia. Street adds, “Icovia increases the velocity of the sale by answering a key question consumers ask when buying furniture…’will it fit in my home?’ The new version will make it even easier to help answer that question”

Icovia Business Edition users will find the updated space planning software more feature-rich and user-friendly with an improved user interface and new options like print to scale and UNDO, performance enhancements and the addition of many new icons. Best of all, the application is easy to use, without software to install or time-consuming downloads. This ease of use and robust functionality is providing huge returns to Icovia users.

In a December interview with Furniture Today, Icovia customer Ken Kwit, President of FurnitureFind, said, "A scalable room planner [Icovia was added six months ago and is paying huge dividends in increasing the percentage of shoppers who are converted into purchasers.”

“It's bumped up our conversion rate quite a bit. It's also given us a gold mine of information on what people are adding to their rooms and other marketing information that has made us smarter retailers. Sales, of course, are up dramatically as well," Kwit said.

For Business Edition clients like FurnitureFind, Icovia offers much more than a space planning solution. In order to save or print room plans, customers enter contact information which is fed into a customer preference database. Using Icovia reporting tools, users pull detailed reports including customer profiles and room preferences as well as what furniture has been viewed. This makes Icovia an invaluable sales and marketing tool, as well.

Icovia solutions are used by many different types of retailers and manufacturers including furniture, game rooms, gym equipment, and outdoor furniture. Custom Icovia solutions can even be created for specialized design needs.

Hookumu Incorporated is a software development company behind the Icovia® space planning product line. The privately held firm builds branded online applications and has grown Icovia (www.icovia.com) from its first deployment at Bose.com, into a line of products and custom solutions for a variety of industries. Hookumu is headquartered in Londonderry, NH, and can be found at www.hookumu.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:52 AM | Comments (0)

Informed Buyers, Increased Awareness and Preference, Vigorous R&D Program, Industry Leading Support, Life Cycle Aspects Drive Inpro/Seal To Record Results

Inpro/Seal reports record sales. Attibutes it to an installed product/installation base fast approaching two million; direct customer feedback; a vigorous R & D program; an engineering data bank of over 58,000 designs that assures same day delivery at no extra charge; and an “educate and inform” marketing approach that has lead to a dramatic increase in acceptance for for the Inpro/Seal brand.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (PRWEB) January 18, 2006 -– Inpro/Seal Company, the Rock Island, IL, based manufacturer of bearing isolators reports record sales for calendar year 2005. In addition, the company reports that advance orders, shipments and projections are far ahead of last year.

Dynamics
Though a number of factors come into play, the firm attributes much of this extraordinary success to: an installed product/installation base fast approaching two million; direct customer feedback; a vigorous R & D program; an engineering data bank of over 58,000 designs that assures same day delivery at no extra charge; and an “educate and inform” marketing approach that has lead to a dramatic increase in acceptance for for the Inpro/Seal brand.

Product Enhancements From A Very Active R & D Program
Their R & D program, conducted from the worlds largest campus devoted to bearing isolation technology, continues to develop new products and enhancements to existing products that increase plant productivity with measurable bottom line results. To illustrate how active their R & D is, these are a few examples announced during 2005:
- MGS Motor Grounding Seal - a revolutionary new product that stops the damaging effects caused by destructive residual shaft currents on AC motors. Specifically developed for VFD controlled motor applications, the MGS prevents pitting, fluting, fusion craters and eliminates catastrophic motor failure while permanently protecting bearings from contamination.
- Articulating Powder Seal - Inpro/Seal now offers two sealing solutions the Air Mizer™-PS and the Articulating Air Mizer™- PS™ that provide a positive seal in applications were dry particulates, powders and bulk solids are handled, processed, packaged and stored.
- Oil Mist – significant enhancements and improvements were made to their tried and proven oil mist bearing isolator, renaming it the OM 32 Oil Mist Bearing Isolator Series. The OM 32 is the only known method that solves housekeeping issues to contain and keep stray most from entering the environment.
- VBXX-MT™ Series Bearing Isolators – offers machine tool users protection from coolant, chips, humidity and heat, that can cause spindle malfunction and expensive, unscheduled downtime. The highest performance is assured with a reverse interface that avoids direct impingement of coolant and chips.
- Plus –the only product that protects rolling element bearings on paper machines from the wet end to the dry end; IEEE-841 motors that use bearing isolators as part of their specification and the standard for bearing protection; ad hoc designs for gear boxes, axial shaft movement and one of a kind projects and more.

Important To Educate And Inform
According to David C. Orlowski, President and founder of Inpro/Seal Company and considered by many as the “father” of bearing isolation technology, “More and more lip seal users at the plant maintenance level (and above) have learned that there are misconceptions when it comes to sealing devices and that contact seals are not the only option when it comes to protecting bearings.”

Orlowski continued, “Over the last couple of years, we have conducted extensive research into the use of bearing protection on a market-by-market, application by application basis and found that people wanted to know more about bearing isolators. As a direct result, in 2005 we published a brochure entitled Introduction To Bearing Isolators……A Short Lesson In Bearing Isolation which has become the most successful literature we have ever developed.”

Maintenance People Are Fast Becoming Converts To Bearing Isolators
Orlowski went on to say that, “When lip seals were first introduced more than 70 years ago, they were the only kind of sealing device available. Convenient and inexpensive, they went on to capture a 99% market share. Today, lip seal manufacturers state that at best, they have a median, average life cycle of 1,844 hours or 77 days of operation, though some may survive up to 3,000 hours. This means that, in the real world, lip seals are not meant for heavy duty, industrial applications where rotating equipment is designed to run, uninterrupted for five years. Once end users find out that bearing isolators provide levels of protection unavailable in any kind of bearing protection device with bottom line implications, they get fed up with the 70-year-old technology they had been using and quickly become an Inpro/Seal convert. Another in-demand brochure, Are Lip Seals Obsolete?, provides more in-depth information.

Energy Aspects
Orlowski concluded, “When engaged with a rotating shaft, each contact seal, (lip seal and face seal) consumes, on average, 147 watts of power while operating. To show how significant this is, a plant with 600 operating pumps, can run up annual costs in excess of $117,000 for energy to drive the lip seals. Add to that the costs associated with downtime and you can again see why more and more end users are switching to Inpro/Seal bearing isolators.”

More On Motors
Since the Federal mandate for the use of premium efficiency motors (EPAct) was put into effect, more and more end users have opted for a significantly more reliable IEEE-841 Motor, developed by the Institute of Electrical Engineers. The IEEE-841 standard was written to establish additional guidelines to improve motor reliability, efficiency and performance. A very important feature of these motors is bearing protection. Realizing that the most economical motor is one that runs reliably and the avoidance of a single motor failure more than pays for the entire motor, the IEEE-841 Motor has become an industry standard.

VBXX-D, The Next Generation
When Inpro/Seal introduced their original VBX™ series fifteen years ago, it provided end users with a way to eliminate the root cause of premature equipment failure – contamination entering the bearing environment – while increasing productivity and reliability in the process. Since then, hundreds of thousands have been installed in plants around the world. Today, the VBXX-D the next generation in bearing isolators has taken hold offering the latest and best non-contacting labyrinth sealing technology to improve plant uptime and reliability with an ROI that more than doubles previous results with levels of bearing protection previously unavailable.

Industry Leading Internet Support
Inpro/Seal has also invested heavily into web sites dedicated to the education of bearing isolation technology with much downloadable information. When an end user visits www.inpro-seal.com or www.bearingisolators.com they will find a wealth of information related to both Inpro/Seal and bearing protection, including: specific applications, case histories, data sheets, facts and questions, specifications and more. Interactive spreadsheets include a Cost Justification Worksheet and Contact Seal Energy Consumption Calculator. Simply to complete, an end user merely fills in the blank to calculate ROI and benchmark repair costs.

About Inpro/Seal
Inpro/Seal Company is the originator and the world’s number one manufacturer of bearing isolators, used to protect motor and pump bearings, machine tool spindles, turbines, fans, gear boxes, paper machine rolls and many other types of rotating equipment. Additional applications include the sealing, handling, processing, packing and storage of dry particulates, powders and bulk solids.

Nearly two million of Inpro/Seal’s original bearing isolator designs are in operation in process plants worldwide, where end users continue to report significantly reduced operating costs with increased productivity and reliability. Protected bearings have proven to run 150,000 hours (17 years) or more, eliminating the need for costly maintenance and repair. Documented cases show that a plant can more than double the mean-time-between failure (MTBF) and reduce maintenance costs by at least half, with users reporting an extremely high ROI.

As the recognized global leader in bearing isolator technology, Inpro products are marketed to the aerospace, automotive, petroleum, refining, nuclear, power generation, metalworking, food processing, grain processing, chemical, water, wastewater treatment, metalworking, hydrocarbon processing, HVAC, pulp and paper, mining, mineral, ore processing and general industrial markets.

Signoff
For more information on Inpro/Seal Bearing Isolators, including “Introduction To Bearing Isolators”, “Are Lip Seals Obsolete?” or a complete CD interactive package, contact: Terri Hageman at: Inpro/Seal Company, P.O. Box 3940, Rock Island, Illinois 61204. Phone numbers are: (800) 447-0524 or (309) 787-4971. Fax number is: (309) 787-6114. Website: www.inpro-seal.com or www.bearingisolators.com

Inpro/Seal®, the Inpro/Seal logo and other Inpro/Seal marks are registered® names owned by Inpro/Seal. Air Mizer™- PS; Air Mizer™- PS; Articulating Air Mizer™- PS; Motor Grounding Seal (MGS) ™: OM 32™; STS™; VBX™; VBXX ™; VBXX-D™; VBX-S™; VBX-H™; VBXX-D™ and other trademarks are the property of Inpro/Seal. For more information about Inpro/Seal and its products, visit the Company's web site at www.inpro-seal.com or its companion site www.bearingisolators.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:51 AM | Comments (0)

Enterprise Logix, LLC Announces Introduction of Logix/Great Plains Interface

Enterprise Logix, LLC has implemented what is believed to be the world’s first real-time, seamless interface between a full featured ERP application and Microsoft Great Plains Accounting.

Melbourne, FL (PRWEB) January 18, 2006 -- Enterprise Logix, LLC announces introduction of Logix/Great Plains interface.

Enterprise Logix, LLC has implemented what is believed to be the world’s first real-time, seamless interface between a full featured ERP application and Microsoft Great Plains Accounting. The solution has been in use for six months at GlobeCast NA headquarters in Miami, FL.

The Logix/Great Plains interface provides seamless transaction processing between all supply chain and logistics transactions within Logix and the sales, purchasing, and general ledger modules within Great Plains.

*The Challenge*
GlobeCast NA provides scheduled broadcast services to corporate customers who need to push video communications to geographically dispersed employees and agents. They also provide the installation and maintenance of remote receiving hardware and provide event broadcasts via satellite.

GlobeCast faced the challenges of tracking inventory, in-house and in the field, dispatching third-party field service technicians and tracking their activities, scheduling and performing multiple broadcasts simultaneously, and at the end of the process, managing vendor invoices and invoicing their own customers. These challenges were compounded by their use of multiple databases of information that were not linked, resulting in significant manual and redundant transaction processing.

*The Solution*
GlobeCast turned to Enterprise Logix to implement the Logix ERP solution. GlobeCast also contracted with a Great Plains VAR (Value Added Reseller) to implement Great Plains Accounting.

The Logix implementation went live March 15, 2005, meeting the promised implementation schedule. Because of the exemplary performance in the implementation of Logix, Enterprise Logix was subsequently selected over the Great Plains VAR to develop and implement the interface between Logix and Great Plains.

The Logix/Great Plains interface automatically transfers all sales order, purchase order, and inventory transactions from Logix to Great Plains. Customer invoices, credit memos, purchase vouchers, and journal entries recording all purchase variances and inventory transactions are automatically created in Great Plains for review prior to posting.

From start to finish, the interface was designed, developed, tested, and implemented in less than 90 days.

Tom Reiss, Senior Vice President of GlobeCast NA, had this to say about Enterprise Logix’ performance -

“Please allow me to extend a heartfelt appreciation for implementing Enterprise Logix’ systems at GlobeCast. Your enthusiasm and ability to motivate people has resulted in a significant increase in our productivity and our customers’ satisfaction. We want you to know that we are very pleased with the quality of service your company provides and we sincerely appreciate your responsiveness and the way you conduct business. We look forward to doing business with you for years to come.”

About Enterprise Logix

Enterprise Logix provides best-in-class ERP solutions to small and mid-size manufacturing, distribution, and service management companies. Enterprise Logix intends to revolutionize the ERP market through an unrivaled combination of price, functionality, and total cost of ownership (TCO).

Contact:

Frank Hamelly, Director of Sales & Marketing
Enterprise Logix LLC
321-726-9210
www.enterpriselogix.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:50 AM | Comments (0)

MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago Presents Compelling Panel Discussion On How Technology and Innovation Will Shape the Future

Nationally-Recognized Technology and Innovation Thought Leaders Captivate Over 170 MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago Attendees as They Present Their Vision of the Future of Chicago and the World 2006-2010

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 18, 2006 - More than 170 technology, research, business government and finance professionals attended the MIT Enterprise Forum’s 6th Annual “Innovation and Technology Forecast 2006-2010” to learn about emerging technology innovations that will soon be a part of our daily lives. The January 10, 2006 event was held at the law offices of Gardner Carton & Douglas LLP, and was co-sponsored by the Chicago Micro/Nanotechnology Community (CMNC).

The theme of the evening was separating hype from reality, and taking a pragmatic view of the future. Some of the more provocative pronoucements made by the panelists included: companies will engage in “efficiency Darwinism,” the Loop will have a “smarter” Block 37, light bulbs will last more than a decade and all of our children will be learning Mandarin Chinese. The panelists included Chunka Mui, Geoffrey Kasselman, Dan Ratner and Jerry Mitchell.

Chunka Mui is chair of DiamondCluster International's global network of external advisors, world famous futurist and co-author of the digital strategy best-seller "Unleashing the Killer App" with Larry Downes (published by Harvard Business School Press, 1998). Dan Ratner is chairman of the Nanotechnology Alliance and co-author of Nanotechnology: A Gentle Introduction To The Next Big Idea and Nanotechnology And Homeland Security. Geoffrey Kasselman is president of Op2mize and a nationally recognized expert on digital and "smart" buildings. Jerry Mitchell is president of Jerry R. Mitchell & Associates and the founder of the Midwest Entrepreneur Forum.

Michael Krauss, managing principal of Market Strategy Group, LLC, moderated the panel discussion. His “Tech Matters” column appears weekly in the Chicago SunTimes and he also serves as executive co-chairman of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s Council of Technology Advisors.

“Biotechnology will have more scientific breakthroughs over the next five years, but information technology is poised for mass adoption and value extraction,” Chunka Mui said. “We will reap the benefits of what we’ve been talking about over the last five years.”

To illustrate his point, Mui pointed to the OnStar communications service offered by General Motors. OnStar enables drivers to contact emergency and customer services at the push of a button with the added benefit of OnStar knowing their exact coordinates. It even monitors the vehicles status and can generate a monthly email containing detailed information about the condition of the vehicle's major systems and oil change interval.

Mui pointed out that OnStar is a useful product that has made the driving experience safer and more satisfying to the mostly GM drivers who subscribe to the service. Every month, OnStar fields approximately 15,000 calls for emergency services. He said that OnStar is in the black and is offered as a standard service on more than half the vehicles sold by GM.

The lesson was that OnStar didn’t reinvent the driving experience but it has profitably made it better. This innovation has lead to an “efficiency Darwinism” in the automobile industry that requires GM’s competitors to match and enhance their own automobile communication services.

To “make things better” is not just a slogan of BASF but also the modus operandi of nanotechnology pioneers like Dan Ratner. Ratner, the son of renowned Northwestern University chemistry professor Mark Ratner, believes the next five years will bring “radical nanotechnology innovation”.

According to Ratner, the economic driver will be the ongoing sustainability of Moore’s Law. Espoused by Intel’s Gordon Moore, this law says the rate of technological development doubles every 18 months. Sooner rather than later, Ratner says, the cost of chip production will be unsustainable and solutions within the arena of molecular electronics will emerge. He added that molecular electronics will engineer a revolution in how images are displayed via an emerging form: organic light-emitting diodes (OLED). Ratner believes OLED will replace the current liquid crystal display (LCD) standard and presumably will lead to cheaper and clearer television sets (or however we get our media five years from now). This will also mean new ways to display images on walls, clothing and virtually anything. Ratner believes an OLED-powered bulb will last 10 years.

Jerry Mitchell stated, “The 2008 Olympics in Beijing will drive a lot of things. Americans will want to get their news and video from there.”

Whether it be multibillion-dollar software incubators, a laser-like focus on western business ideas or international events like the summer Olympics in China, Mitchell commented that we will continue to grow as both a consumer market as well as a center for innovation. Accordingly, entrepreneurs can no longer afford not to have a global point of view. He added that all the start-ups I’m running into are global. High-speed knowledge creation makes things competitive.

Competition driven by globalization has also affected the real estate market, according to Geoffrey Kasselman, whose firm manages the DuPage National Technology Park. He added: “We are immersed in a full-scale economic revolution. There is increasing competition for everything in America. Real estate is not excluded from that.”

A byproduct of competition and technological development is the emergence of smart, mixed-use buildings that operate around the clock. Basic wireless access in urban settings will have a tangible effect on how we perceive space and location.

“Imagine the world as a hot spot,” Kasselman said. “When you can do anything with anybody, it changes how you spend your time and that changes and drives real estate.”

The audience included leaders of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Information Technology Association, Chicago Microtechnology and Nanotechnology Community, Licensing Executives Society, Nano Business Alliance, Innovate Illinois, Community Ventures and TMA. Also in attendance were leaders from the University of Illinois, Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Wisconsin, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory.

About the MIT Enterprise Forum

The MIT Enterprise 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 enhance their ability to manage technology-driven innovation. Established in 1987, the Chicago chapter is part of a network of 25 chapters worldwide. Participation and membership is open to the general public.

For more information, please visit www.mitefchicago.org

Acknowledgement: The MIT Enterprise Forum thanks Brad Spirrison and Adam Fendelman, editors of ePrairie, for their contributions to preparing this release.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:50 AM | Comments (0)

Minco Launches Thermal Vial™ Temperature Sensing System - Responds to Industry Need for Advanced-Capability Building Automation Systems

Minco launches the Thermal Vial Temperature Sensing System in response to a growing need within the HVAC industry for building automation sensor systems with advanced capabilities.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) January 18, 2006 – http://www.minco.com - Minco, a designer and manufacturer of critical components for critical applications, has launched its Thermal Vial™ Temperature Sensing System to provide accurate measurement and documentation of freezing, process and storage methodology.

Designed and manufactured for the HVAC and building automation markets, the Thermal Vial Temperature Sensing System builds on existing Minco sensors with additional options such as vial size, multiple thermowell configurations, loop powered indication and three levels of calibration accuracy to ensure that customer requirements are always satisfied.

“Minco recognizes that facilities with critical environments and processes are in need of building automation systems with advanced capabilities,” said Marty Knutson, Minco Marketing Manager, Sensors Division & HVACR Industry. “Facility managers and systems engineers are looking for something that will provide more accurate monitoring, alarming, logging, and control. Standard HVAC sensors do not have the capability to perform to these advanced standards.”

The Thermal Vial System not only ensures that processes and storage temperatures are accurately measured and controlled, but it also removes the need for in-house calibration and simplifies the validation process.

The Thermal Vial System also includes a unique feature which sets it apart from other HVAC industry sensors and allows real time verification. “The Thermal Vial Sensor encompasses a wire-wound element capable of -200 degrees C operation,” said Knutson. “The probe does not contact the vial material, which prevents spillage and contamination.”

For more information please go to www.minco.com/thermalvial/ or contact Marty Knutson, Minco Marketing Manager, Temperature Sensors Division, at 763-586-2904 or email e-mail protected from spam bots.

About Minco
Minco designs, manufactures and markets critical components for critical applications. The company is unsurpassed in its ability to integrate and assemble flexible Thermofoil™ Heaters, Flex Circuits, Sensors and Instruments into a single component for greater efficiency. Minco helps companies minimize the risk of product failure by providing highly reliable components and expert design services.
http://www.minco.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:48 AM | Comments (0)

As USERRA Deadline Hits, HR.BLR.com Poll Finds Majority of Employers Not Ready for New Military Employment Rights

The first comprehensive regulations ever issued describing the employment and reemployment rights of military service members under federal law become effective for all employers today. A HR.BLR.com poll finds that almost half of employers are unprepared.

Old Saybrook, CT. (PRWEB) January 18, 2006 -- Only one-third of employers are fully prepared for important new regulations that become effective this week governing the employment and reemployment rights of military service members, according to a poll at HR.BLR.com.

Final regulations under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, as amended (USERRA) were issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) in December of 2005. These are the first comprehensive regulations ever issued describing the employment and reemployment rights of military service members under federal law. The final regulations become effective for all employers on January 18, 2006.

Asked “How prepared are you for the new USERRA regs that become effective January 18?” just 33 percent of HR.BLR.com visitors responded that they were “Completely prepared” for the regulations. Another 24 percent responded that they were “Somewhat prepared.”

Meanwhile, over a quarter (26 percent) of respondents said that they didn’t know whether they were prepared and 17 percent said they were “Not at all prepared” for the regulations.

The early January poll on the Business & Legal Reports (BLR) website drew responses from 324 human resource professionals.

Almost half are unsure – or unprepared – for important new military reemployment rights changes.

“Nearly half of respondents confessed to either not knowing whether they were prepared or being flat out unprepared,” said Chris Ceplenski, HR.BLR.com editor. “With the deadline now here, these results indicate many employers have their work cut out for them to ensure their policies and practices regarding employees serving in the military are in compliance.”

USERRA Resource Center
To help employers understand USERRA’s legal requirements, BLR offers a USERRA Resources Center. The Center includes the text of the regulations, a downloadable “USERRA Rights Notification” poster (issued in conjunction with the new regs) as well as news articles, white papers, and sample policies. Visit BLR’s USERRA Resources Center at http://hr.blr.com/collection.cfm/collection/9/source/PRS/effort/812

About BLR
Old Saybrook, Conn.-based BLR produces plain-English compliance and training resources for HR, compensation, safety, and environmental managers. For more information, call 800-727-5257 or visit www.BLR.com.

Contacts:
BLR: Chris Ceplenski
860-510-0100 x2211

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:47 AM | Comments (0)

Compact USB 32-Channel Optically Isolated Input/Relay Output Module Ideal for High-Speed Digital Control

ACCES I/O Products is pleased to introduce its latest embedded digital I/O board packaged in a small, rugged, industrial enclosure - Model USB-IIRO-16. Featuring 16 electromechanical relays and 16 optically isolated digital inputs, the unit is a very dense, portable, embedded solution for digital monitoring and control in any PC or embedded system with a USB port.

SAN DIEGO, CA (PRWEB) January 18, 2006 -- ACCES I/O Products, Inc. is pleased to introduce its latest embedded digital I/O board packaged in a small, rugged, industrial enclosure - Model USB-IIRO-16. Featuring 16 Form C (SPDT) electromechanical relays and 16 optically isolated digital inputs, the unit is a very dense, portable, embedded solution for digital monitoring and control in any PC or embedded system with a USB port. The unit contains an internal, removable screw termination board with onboard removable screw terminals to simplify wiring connections. The USB-IIRO-16, like the PC/104 and PCI versions from ACCES I/O, is excellent in applications where on-board relays are required and inputs must be isolated such as in test equipment, instrumentation, and process control. The OEM version provides just the board without the enclosure and internal screw termination board and is ideal for a variety of embedded OEM applications.

What makes the OEM option unique is that its PCB size and mounting holes match the PC/104 form factor (without the bus connections). This allows our rugged digital board to be added to any PCI-104 or PC/104 stack by connecting it to a simple USB port usually included on-board with embedded CPU form factors such as EBX, EPIC, and PC/104 — especially important since many newer CPU chipsets do not support ISA and have plenty of USB ports. Future stacks will be using the extremely fast PCI Express bus which is essentially overkill for simple digital monitoring and control. The USB-IIRO-16 OEM board can also be added into many pre-existing standard PC/104 based systems and enclosures while the standard unit with its tiny enclosure and cable-less screw termination board provides portable connections to laptops for the mobile test market.

Key features of the USB-IIRO-16 include:
• High-speed USB 2.0 device, USB 1.1 compatible
• 16 optically isolated inputs
• 16 Form C electromechanical 1A relays
• Internal, removable screw terminal board for easy wiring
• Small (4" x 4"x 1.25") rugged industrial enclosure
• Custom high-speed function driver
• PC/104 module size and mounting compatibility
• Eight input/output version (USB-IIRO-8) available

The industrial I/O market commonly uses electromechanical Form C relays due to their robustness and ability to withstand unexpected surge currents allowing for increased flexibility in switching capability. These relays are also used where small reed relays are inadequate due to their susceptibility to contact damage. The USB-IIRO-16 is fully compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 ports. The unit is plug-and-play which allows quick connect or disconnect whenever you need additional I/O on your USB port. The module utilizes a high-speed custom function driver optimized for a maximum data throughput that is 50-100 times faster than the USB human interface device (HID) driver used by many competing products. This approach maximizes the full functionality of the hardware along with capitalizing the advantage of high-speed USB 2.0.

The USB-IIRO-16 is supported for use in most operating systems and includes a free Linux and Windows 98/2000/XP/2003 compatible software package. This package contains sample programs and source code in Visual Basic, Delphi, C++ Builder, and Visual C++ for Windows. Also incorporated is a graphical setup program in Windows. Third party support includes a Windows standard DLL interface usable from the most popular application programs. Embedded OS support includes Windows XPe.

ACCES I/O Products, Inc. supplies an extensive range of analog, digital, serial communication, and isolated I/O boards and solutions. ACCES also offers complete systems, integration services, and enclosures with a quick turn-around on custom projects including software. ACCES products are designed for use with PC/104, PCI, PCI-X, Low Profile PCI, EBX, EPIC, USB, Ethernet and ISA, as well as distributed and wireless I/O. All hardware comes with a 30-day, no-risk return policy and a three-year warranty. For further information, visit the company’s web site at www.accesio.com.

Price: USB-IIRO-16 - $349.00
USB-IIRO-8 - $269.00
OEM and volume pricing available, consult factory
Availability: Now
Delivery: Stock to two weeks ARO

Acquisition Control Communication Engineering / Systems

Contact:
ACCES I/O Products, Inc.
10623 Roselle Street
San Diego, CA 92121
Website: http://www.accesio.com
Telephone: (858) 550-9559
Fax: (858) 550-7322

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:47 AM | Comments (0)

Zunch Communications, Inc. Selected by Trident Resources for Search Engine Optimization

Industry leader to provide company with online positioning solutions.

DALLAS, Texas (PRWEB) January 18, 2006 -– One of the world’s leading search engine optimization, website design and Microsoft Certified application development companies, Zunch Communications, Inc., announced today that it will provide search engine optimization solutions for Trident Resources LP.(www.tridentresources.com), a global sourcing company that provides metal, plastic components and assemblies at a low cost.

“Online orders have the potential to dramatically increase the size of Trident Resources,” said Zunch Chairman & CEO John Sanchez. “Our search engine optimization team is excited and ready to help this company improve its online presence.”

The Zunch Communications, Inc. SEO team will be working to increase the number of search engines and directories in which in the Trident Resources website is listed and to improve upon the current rankings for the site. It will also analyze the current search engine strategy employed by Trident Resources and update this information based on keyword and a thorough website analysis.

About Trident Resources LP.
Trident Resources LP. is a global sourcing company that provides quality products and services to the North-American continent. Trident Resources provide low cost metal and plastic components and assemblies including: compression, rubber and injection molding. It also provides metal stamping, investment, sand, aluminum and die casting plus much more. This is accomplished through strategic relationships with manufacturing companies in Asia.

About Zunch Communications, Inc.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Zunch Communications, Inc. (http://www.zunch.com) is a search engine optimization, website design and Microsoft Certified application development company dedicated to achieving measurable results for its clients. Top-ranked worldwide in search engine optimization; Zunch Communications is a member of DFWIMA, SEO Consultants, seopros, DFWSEM, topseos and a Circle Member of SEMPO. Zunch also maintains offices in San Francisco, Chicago, Shanghai and Mumbai.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:46 AM | Comments (0)

Accent On Quality Lighting Gives Deli Cases That Extra Eye Appeal

Understanding that Americans shop with their eyes challenges deli managers to pay closer attention to display case lighting. And to those businesses who have made the switch to specialty lighting, the pay off is an increase in company profits.

Shawnigan Lake, BC (PRWEB) January 18, 2006 -- Understanding that Americans shop with their eyes challenges deli managers to pay closer attention to display case lighting. And to those businesses who have made the switch to specialty lighting, the pay off is an increase in company profits.

Today specialty lighting is the fastest growing trend in deli retailing because of it's ability to preserve shelf life while giving deli products some great eye appeal. Promolux specialty lamps produce such spectacular color, they make things look as they naturally should. Color renderings are so good, the products just jump out at you with freshness.

In fact, the company states the lights are designed to enhance various shades of red specific to each cut of deli meat, while illuminating the pure white of fat and skin. Moreover, low UV radiation emitted by a Promolux light source keeps a longer bloom on red meat, reduces drying of sliced deli items and increases overall shelf life.

It is not uncommon to find a light source placed just inches away from deli product. Every deli manager knows regular lamps warm up merchandise and discolor meat slices to a dull gray while increasing the drying of cheese slices. You really notice this in fresh meat, shaved deli, roast beef and fresh sausage. Promolux doesn't do this because it produces 87 per cent less radiation than regular lamps.

The reason regular lighting fails to perform well in deli display cases is a standard 40 watt lamp results in 60 per cent of the energy being converted to UV radiation or approximately 24 watts. However, only 21 per cent of this energy or 8.5 watts is transformed into light. The remaining 39 per cent of the UV energy and a total of 77 per cent of the total energy used by the lamp is transformed into heat, infrared and radiated energy. Only 23 per cent of the total lamp wattage is actually transformed into visible spectrum of light.

In deli displays, ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure from general-purpose lamps encourages bacterial growth, enzymes, dehydration and oxidation which break down product appearance.

In any given week a deli manager will typically experience lunch meats drying out and cheeses will get that dried look and will continually have to be topped. There is a good deal of throw away. Wastage has been confirmed in test situations, particularly in deli and even more particularly if the lights are close to the product. Sometimes the lights are only inches away. There's been documentation of a substantial reduction in shrink, that offsets the cost of the lights very quickly.

"Many deli departments discard as much as 5 to 10 pounds of product each day due to drying and discoloration. This quickly adds up when continually resurfacing deli loaves and cheeses, trimming shaved deli meats, skimming the surface of salads and other prepared foods. By using Promolux lights, retailers typically experience from one to three days of extra shelf life, depending on the sensitivity of the deli item exposed to UV from regular lamps."

A decrease in premature spoilage or shrinkage and a boost in profit margins in a deli department are easily achieved by replacing display case light bulbs with Promolux. These lamps are specifically designed for specialized areas such as displays of perishable foods. They provide a perfect balance of color output to reveal the highest contrast for each and every shade of natural color that exists in deli display. Promolux lamps are also approved in writing by health officials for applications such as meat display, according to the company.

Deli managers consider Promolux an ideal investment since in many cases extended shelf life alone will pay for the bulbs in less than three months. An individual store might spend $7,000 to $10,000 more a year on lighting but because of the prices they are charging for their products, and the quality of their products, and the importance of shrink - which applies to all grocery companies.

Promolux lamps are multi-coated with rare earth phosphors that are most often found in television picture tubes coating. It is a more expensive coating process than used in making fluorescent lamps. Additional special coatings are used to control UV radiation and to protect the lamps from changing their faithful color reproduction.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:45 AM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2006

1st Commercial Credit Expands Receivable Financing to Mexico

U.S. based manufacturers, distributors and service providers can now easily finance accounts receivables in Mexico.

El Paso, TX (PRWEB) January 17, 2006 -- 1st Commercial Credit Corporation announces the expansion of their accounts receivable financial services to Mexico. In the past, a Letter of Credit or cash in advance was required to meet traditional payment terms. Due to global competition and new methods to capture market share in the region, U.S. manufacturers and exporters are staying competitive by offering attractive credit terms to Mexican importers. The offering of open credit terms in Mexico has reached an all time high and is expected to continue to grow. The average collection period was 90 days on an average net 60-day credit term agreement.

Economic indicators reveal that Mexico is currently experiencing an economic rebound. Inflation continues to fall and the Mexican government announced that in 2005, spending in machinery and equipment rose to 10.2%. According to the latest survey provided by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in 2006, Mexico’s economy is expected to grow by 4%.

U.S. manufacturers that specialize in exporting to the Mexican market are anticipating spikes in equipment orders that may result in negative cash balances on their financial statements. 1st Commercial Credit can help U.S. companies by providing receivable-based funding during these uneven sales patterns and long-term collection periods.

According to Raul Esqueda, president of 1st Commercial Credit: “We are proud to announce the expansion of our services to Mexico. We are well positioned (with the best institutional providers) to handle credit analysis, process due diligence and provide the technological infrastructure to expedite funding to our clients in a timely manner. This service provides instant working capital for U.S. businesses selling on credit terms to Mexican companies without generating liabilities or other indebtedness on their balance sheets. It is important for a business to keep existing credit lines liquid for future growth and inventory fulfillment. Our international financial service is an alternative way to tap into working capital by using foreign receivables as collateral without encumbering domestic receivables or other collateral. Service related industries will also benefit because this financial program can provide payroll funding and still offer credit terms to international clients.”

What makes this financial service different from other U.S. factoring companies that fund international receivables? Some factoring companies offer international receivable finance in the U.S. but require the client to factor domestic receivables to balance their risk factor. Usually, they will not allow the value of the foreign receivables to exceed the domestic receivables. This requirement is difficult for a company to comply with if its export sales are expected to exceed domestic sales. 1st Commercial Credit can facilitate 100% of foreign receivable (non-recourse) financing with credit protection on a per transaction basis.

1st Commercial Credit’s financial program is non-restrictive to the origin of the products, which may be drop-shipped from any country. For example, a U.S. based company, importing a product from France may deliver directly to customers in Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Each customer is billed in local currency and funding is complete within 72 hours (with verification of delivery and acceptance by the account debtor).

1st Commercial Credit offers products that can accommodate attractive payment terms for large equipment orders. A U.S. company selling large ticket items can offer 12-18-24 month payment terms to their customers. This puts clients at a competitive advantage because most exporters require letters of credit or extend only up to 60-day payment terms.

In addition to traditional export financing (which involves a manufacturer or a distributor that exports tangible products), 1st Commercial Credit can provide receivable based financing for U.S. service providers including (but not limited to) staffing companies, I.T. consultants and engineers. Financing service-related industries in the U.S. is a fairly new practice (first offered by non-traditional factors). Since it involves more risk, service companies usually do not have the assets (such as inventory, real estate or equipment) to pledge as additional collateral. This financial product will usually encumber the international receivables.

Besides offering accounts receivable financing in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, 1st Commercial Credit offers export trade finance to clients in every major world market and can convert receivable finance transactions in 17 currencies.

For more information:
www.1stcommercialcredit.com
US and Canada Tel 1 800 450 9653
United Kingdom Tel 0 800 404 9669

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:20 AM | Comments (0)

Empresa Solutions Announces Latest Release of Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks as a Silver Sponsor of SolidWorks World 2006 in Las Vegas

Empresa will be previewing new features of Kinnosa® Workflow for PDMWorks® Release 2.1.

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) January, 17 2006 -– Empresa Solutions, Inc., a global provider and industry leader in collaborative data and process management solutions, today announced plans to unveil the latest release of Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks during their Silver Sponsor participation at this year’s SolidWorks World 2006 International User Conference and Exposition from January 22 – 25 in Las Vegas. Participants can visit Empresa at booth #217 in the Partner Pavilion to see the latest features of Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks Release 2.1.

“We are very excited about our participation in the show this year, “said Bruce Sherman, Product Manager for Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks. “We will reveal some highly anticipated features that have been driven by direct customer input. We have updated the user interface and added other important features to the product that facilitate efficiency gains in the engineering change management process.

Sherman added, “Adding Workflow capabilities PDMWorks really opens the door for the SolidWorks user community to be able to manage their changes in an effective and affordable manner.”

New features in the Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks 2.1 release include the following:

• New User Interface
• Enhanced PDMWorks standalone integration
• Enhanced user security management
• Enhanced reference management for change package routing
• Streamlined application installation

Kinnosa Workflow offers automated engineering change management to PDMWorks users – capabilities that were previously only accessible through custom programs or migration to larger, more expensive systems. As a result, PDMWorks users can leverage Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks to realize drastic improvements in overall design change visibility, efficiency, and accuracy.

Kinnosa Workflow is available now for purchase through authorized resellers.

About Empresa Solutions, Inc.
Empresa Solutions is the leading developer of enterprise software solutions that improve efficiency and workflow processes worldwide. Lockheed Martin, Hewlett Packard, Ford Motor Company, and Procter & Gamble are among the many customers gaining significant value from Empresa’s software solutions. For the latest news and information or to see a demonstration of the product, visit the Empresa Solutions web site at www.empresasolutions.com or call 1-480-785-8334.

About SolidWorks Corporation
SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systèmes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for mechanical design, analysis, and product data management. It is the #1 supplier of 3D mechanical design software for the mainstream market. SolidWorks leads the market in number of users in production, customer satisfaction, and revenue. For the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company’s Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).

Kinnosa is a registered trademark of Empresa Solutions, Inc. SolidWorks and PDMWorks are registered trademarks of SolidWorks Corporation.

Media Contact:
Empresa Solutions, Inc.
Media Relations
480.785-8334

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:18 AM | Comments (0)

QSI Offers Qlarity™ Objects Allowing Their Graphic Terminals to Communicate with Mitsubishi FX-Brand PLC Controllers

QSI Corporation, manufacturer of rugged operator interface and mobile data terminals, has created a Qlarity™ library of objects to communicate with Mitsubishi FX-brand PLC controllers with serial communication modules. This new object library allows Mitsubishi customers to utilize QSI’s Qlarity family of graphic operator interface terminals. QSI has compiled an application note to assist in configuring the controllers.

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) January 17, 2006 -- QSI Corporation, manufacturer of rugged operator interface and mobile data terminals, has created a Qlarity™ library of objects to communicate with Mitsubishi FX-brand PLC controllers with serial communication modules. This new object library allows Mitsubishi customers to utilize QSI’s Qlarity family of graphic operator interface terminals. QSI has compiled an application note to assist in configuring the controllers. To obtain this documentation and support files, please visit http://www.qsicorp.com/appnotes.html.

“With the new Mitsubishi FX library, a graphical interface for an FX controller can be created in a short period of time using a variety of objects and display options,” said Ron Lloyd, Application Engineer for QSI Corporation. “This is a great enhancement to our product line, benefiting both Mitsubishi FX PLC users and QSI.”

Modules using the FX communication protocol include: FX3U-232-BD, FX2N-232-BD, FX1N-232-BD. QSI’s Qlarity library for the Mitsubishi FX-brand PLCs uses the FX communication protocol commands: Batch Read of Bit Device (BR), Batch Read of Word Device (WR), Batch Write of Bit Device (BW), and Batch Write of Word Device (WR). Once the controller is configured using Mitsubishi’s GX Developer, it can communicate with the serial module using the FX communication protocol.

Qlarity™ (pronounced Clarity) is an object-based terminal programming language used on QSI Corporation’s graphic terminals (QTERM-G55, QTERM-G70, QTERM-G75 and QTERM-Z60). Designing a simple control panel interface or a complete stand-alone application has never been easier. The ability to use pre-defined objects, edit existing objects or author your own objects, provides flexibility to the novice and expert alike. Qlarity Foundry™, a PC-based design tool, provides a Windows® environment for screen creation, application simulation, debugging and downloading to the Qlarity-based terminal. To learn more about Qlarity, visit http://www.qlarity.com. To learn more about QSI’s Qlarity-based graphic terminals, visit http://www.qsicorp.com/qlarity_hardware.html. Graphic images of the QSI’s Qlarity-based terminals can be downloaded from http://images.qsicorp.com.

About QSI Corporation
Established in 1983, QSI Corporation is a manufacturer of rugged handheld, panel-mount and pedestal-mount terminals for industrial OEMs and commercial vehicle systems integrators. QSI’s human machine interface (HMI) and mobile data terminal (MDT) products include character and graphic terminals that are programmable, customizable, CE certified and NEMA 4/12/13 rated. Numerous interfaces are available, including EIA-232, EIA-422, EIA-485, J1708, Ethernet and Power-over-Ethernet. QSI excels at designing and building custom and semi-custom terminals able to withstand high levels of shock, vibration, humidity and other environmental parameters. All QSI Corporation products are manufactured in the USA at the company's headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information contact QSI Corporation at 801-466-8770, Fax 801-466-8792, Web www.qsicorp.com or www.qlarity.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:18 AM | Comments (0)

Skamper-Ramp® Sales Double in 10 Months

Skamper-Ramp®, dba Skamper Industries, LLC announced this week that 2005 sales doubled vs. the previous year, surpassing all projections and expectations. Continued growth is anticipated for 2006.

(PRWEB) January 17, 2006 -- Skamper-Ramp®, dba Skamper Industries, LLC announced this week that 2005 sales doubled vs. the previous year, surpassing all projections and expectations.

The Skamper-Ramp is a piece of lightweight, white plastic that attaches to a swimming pool, pond or most docks and boats. The ramp prevents pets and small animals from drowning in pools and walled ponds. It also enables pets to get back on a dock or aboard most boats without much stress or causing their owners physical strain.

Introduced in late 2003, Skamper-Ramp experienced accelerated growth during 2005, with record sales extending through the end of December. According to James (Jay) Waddell, Managing Partner, the company’s growth was due in large part to enhancing distribution overseas and a new marketing approach, targeting both pet and pool owners equally. “During 2004, we focused our efforts on the pool industry,” Waddell stated. “Under the guidance of Carrie Agnew, our new Marketing Director, we expanded our approach in 2005 to concentrate on pet owners in addition to pool owners.”

The two-pronged effort necessitated attendance at twice as many trade shows--for both pool and pet industries--and a significant increase in the advertising budget. In addition, a strong public relations effort led to national product recognition in articles and features in newspapers across the country and on such nationally televised programs as Good Morning America; The Early Show, and Animal Planet. Another boost came from Skamper-Ramp’s selection as one of the Top 10 Innovations of 2005 by the Charleston Regional Business Journal. The combined effect of these elements was significant in building consumer and retail awareness and credibility in the pool and pet industries.

Recognizing that the pet industry is the third fastest growing in the United States (est. $35.9 billion in 2005), the decision to target pet owners made perfect sense, says Agnew. “Data provided to the APPMA (American Pet Products Manufacturing Association) by Market Research.com and Unity Marketing indicates that pet owners spend more money on their pets than they often do on themselves, since pets are considered ‘family members’ thus propelling industry growth” she points out. Likewise, pool owners make strong Skamper-Ramp candidates since the product prevents animal drowning deaths in general, regardless of whether or not the owner has a pet. This eliminates the unpleasant surprise of finding dead frogs, opossums, etc, in their pools.

Entering 2006, the Company is gearing up for an even stronger year as it supports Skamper-Ramp and Skamper-Ramp Big Dog nationally and internationally. The company's updated, secure website provides consumers and retailers alike easy access to Skamper-Ramp information.

Skamper Industries sells Skamper-Ramp through retailers and catalogues in the United States, Canada, the European Union, Nigeria and South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The company is a member of the APPMA (American Pet Products Manufactures Association), APSP (Association of Pool and Spa Professionals) and an IPG (Independent Pool Group-Canada) associate. Skamper-Ramp is endorsed by veterinarians across the United States and by a large number of SPCA organizations.

Skamper Industries is a locally owned and operated company in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Skamper-Ramp is made entirely in the USA, with much of its order fulfillment handled by the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Center. The company is dedicated to the health and well-being of all pets and animals.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:17 AM | Comments (0)

Contract Packager, Erie Plastics, New Market Leader in Advanced Lid Stacking and Packaging Technology

Erie Plastics, a Top 100 injection molder in the U.S., implements first-of-its-kind, robotic packaging technology.

ERIE, PA (PRWEB) January 17, 2006 -- Erie Plastics, a high-volume contract packager for numerous Global 500s, recently implemented an advanced stacking and packaging system that takes packaging technology to a whole new level.

A first-of-its kind system in the U.S. (possibly the world), the fully automated “work cell” entails high-speed lid stacking from two injection molding presses, while robotic equipment makes and tapes the bottoms of cartons, fills them with stacked lids and closes carton tops.

“Through this technology, we have significantly streamlined lid production, which translates into both improved quality for high-volume products and customer cost savings,” said P. C. Hoop Roche, CEO and Chairman of Erie Plastics.

Ronald Walters, President and Chief Technology Officer at Erie Plastics, indicates that being first to market with state-of-the-art packaging technologies is central to Erie Plastics’ plan to stay “ahead of the curve” through best practice, ultra-lean manufacturing.

“Within months, we will add another first-of-its-kind technology to our new lid stacking and packaging system – downstream robotic equipment that stacks the pre-filled cartons on pallets and shrink wraps each shipment,” Walters said.

Specializing in the custom design, engineering and production of injection molded plastic parts for the food and beverage, personal care, consumer, pharmaceutical and household cleaner/detergent markets, Erie Plastics is also a U.S. market leader in combining 128-cavity molds with advanced, valve-gate, hot-runner systems.

For more information on Erie Plastics and an online virtual tour of their ultra-lean manufacturing plant in Corry, Pa., visit http://www.erieplastics.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Erie Plastics is an award-winning, international firm with 2005 revenues of approximately $100 million. A Top 100 injection molding company in the U.S., it services customers from three production facilities based in Corry, Pa. (headquarters), Westborough, Mass., and Székesfehérvár, Hungary. Call or write Erie Plastics at 844 Route 6, Corry, Pa., 16407-9099. Phone: (814) 664-4661. Web: http://www.erieplastics.com.

CONTACT:

Jane T. Roche
(814) 664-4661
http://www.erieplastics.com

Sandra McVeigh
(724) 776-5279
http://www.spectria.biz

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:16 AM | Comments (0)

High Temperature Thermostats

Fenwal’s Snap Disc Thermostats are suitable for environments up to 500°F (260°C)

Ashland, MA (PRWEB) January 17, 2006 -- Fenwal Controls’ line of individually-calibrated Snap Disc Thermostats can be factory preset up to 500˚F (260°C). These thermostats, available as hermetically sealed stainless steel probes (Series 08-80) or as surface mounting (Series 08-03) models, are designed specifically for high temperature applications. Featuring a precise and repeatable snap-acting bimetallic disc as the actuating element, these rugged devices have silver contacts to assure long life. The thermostats are available with a variety of terminal options, such as lead wires (any length), solder lugs, wiring eyelets and quick-connect style terminals.

“Everything about the Fenwal Snap Disc is customized to the application, whether it is destined for medical-grade sterilizers and incubators, high pressure compressors or food preparation equipment,” says Gordon Swanson, Controls Business Director at Fenwal. “The all stainless steel and hermetically sealed construction means that, unlike commodity brass components, the Probe Style Snap Disc Thermostat is suitable for damp or corrosive environments while accurately and reliably controlling at high temperatures.”

Available with normally closed or normally open switching, Fenwal Precision Probe Snap Disc Thermostats are UL/CSA and CE approved, suitable for a long life of up to 100,000 cycles, and meet MIL-STD-202 for vibration and shock resistance.

Experienced application support, pricing and delivery of production volumes and free development samples are available upon request to qualified OEMs. Contact Fenwal Controls at 1-800-FENWAL-1 or visit www.fenwalcontrols.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:14 AM | Comments (0)

January 16, 2006

Enterprise Logix Introduces Revolutionary Pricing Structure for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software

One of the more frustrating experiences customers encounter when reviewing ERP software for purchase is getting to a quick, easy-to-understand, bottom-line price. “At Enterprise Logix, we asked ourselves ‘Why?’ Why can’t ERP software be priced in a simple, easy-to-determine format that anyone can understand and calculate in a matter of seconds?”

Melbourne, FL (PRWEB) January 16, 2006 -- One of the more frustrating experiences customers encounter when reviewing ERP software for purchase is getting to a quick, easy-to-understand, bottom-line price. For decades, ERP software pricing has been as difficult to decode as deciphering messages encrypted by the CIA.

Frank Hamelly, Director of Sales and Marketing, says, “At Enterprise Logix, we asked ourselves ‘Why?’ Why can’t ERP software be priced in a simple, easy-to-determine format that anyone can understand and calculate in a matter of seconds?”

The answer was – It can. And Enterprise Logix has done just that.

Why did Enterprise Logix do it? Very simply – they decided it was the fair and equitable way to price their products. After years spent on the other side of the negotiating table with ERP providers, Enterprise Logix’ principals decided to do business differently - to the benefit of their customers.

Pricing Mystified

There are several elements that make up the typical ERP system quote –

- The software license fee
- The per-module license fee
- The per-module per-seat license fee
- The per-user license fee
- 3rd party add-on license fee(s)
- The annual maintenance fee
- 3rd party add-on annual maintenance fee(s)
- Technical support fee
- 3rd party add-on technical support fee(s)
- Etc, etc . . .

You get the picture. Pricing can be a challenge even for the provider because a substantial amount of information about the customer’s operation is needed to really understand what modules and 3rd party add-on software they should quote. Getting an accurate quote before extensive discussion with the vendor or Value Added Reseller (VAR) is quite difficult. And dealing with a VAR complicates matters even further because it adds another layer of complexity in the negotiation process.

In many cases the customer is sold more application than necessary because defining the true functional requirements is difficult prior to the Business Process Review stage, which comes after the software purchase. Is it any wonder many ERP systems are never fully implemented or utilized and that customers find the whole experience less than gratifying? Does the customer ever get credit back for unused/unneeded modules?

Pricing Simplified

Enterprise Logix has simplified the pricing issue by offering:

- Flat-rate software pricing. No per-module pricing, no per-seat fees. ALL functionality provided for unlimited users at one low price. No surprises.
- Flat-rate annual maintenance pricing, unlimited technical support for one low price. Again, no surprises.
- Comprehensive functionality with no 3rd party add-ons necessary.
- No dealing with Value Added Resellers.

Let’s hit each of these points in more detail.

Flat-rate software pricing with no per-module or user fees eliminates the need for precise functional requirements definition prior to getting a price quote. That’s because the customer doesn’t have to pick and choose functionality. ALL functionality is included in Logix’ price, as is access for unlimited users. A customer can purchase the entire Logix ERP solution and grow into it as needed, with no penalty, ever. The vast majority of ERP providers charge additional license fees for more functionality and additional users.

Enterprise Logix makes pricing simple and straightforward. They even publish Logix’ pricing on their website www.enterpriselogix.com/pricing.aspx.

Flat-rate annual maintenance pricing with unlimited technical support. Most providers charge annual maintenance fees as a percentage of their LIST price for license fees. Even if a discount is negotiated for the license fees, annual maintenance is still based on the list price. Varying levels of technical support are typically available with pricing based on the level of support chosen.

Logix’ annual maintenance includes unlimited technical support. Simple. No surprises. No penalties for getting the help you need, when you need it.

No need for 3rd party add-on software. Logix includes all the functionality a typical small to medium-size business needs - from A to Z - and all the acronyms in between. PLM, ECO, CRM, SCM, MRP, CRP, SFC, RMA, SPC, QC/QA, BI, and so on. Even barcoding is included.

No dealing with VARs. Enterprise Logix sells only direct to customers. Their customers deal with people who know the software inside and out and have decades of experience in manufacturing and distribution. The added value that accrues from a deep understanding of a customer’s needs and real world experience just cannot be duplicated by most VARs. Also, dealing directly with the provider means customers get answers to their technical questions quickly, in 99% of the cases the same day.

Enterprise Logix’ desire is to truly revolutionize the way the ERP market prices their products and services and to take the mystery out of how those prices are calculated.

To learn more about Enterprise Logix and their solutions, visit www.enterpriselogix.com or call 321-726-9210.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:46 AM | Comments (0)

Ben Trowbridge, CEO of Alsbridge, the Global Outsourcing, Shared Services, and Offshoring Advisory Firm, Presents Webinar on Using SLAs to Manage Outsourced Solutions

Ben Trowbridge, CEO of Alsbridge, the premier global Outsourcing, Shared Services, and Offshoring advisory firm, will participate in a discussion on January 18, 2006 to a webinar group, about the best way to manage these processes. This webinar looks at how service level agreements (SLAs) are emerging as one of the most important factors in managing multi-sourced services. Ben’s speech will include concrete examples from real-world case studies to illustrate best practices in the practical application of SLAs.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) January 16, 2006 -- Ben Trowbridge, CEO of Alsbridge, the premier global Outsourcing, Shared Services, and Offshoring advisory firm, will participate in a discussion on January 18, 2006 to a webinar group, about the best way to manage these processes. This free webinar entitled “Managing Multi-Sourced Services: Challenges and Solutions” will be given at 11:00 a.m. EST along with Mitch Shaw of Digital Fuel. This webinar looks at how service level agreements (SLAs) are emerging as one of the most important factors in managing multi-sourced services.

Ben Trowbridge will address how to manage outsourcing and shared services in a “multi-sourced” environment and how SLAs fit into an overall outsourcing or shared services management program. Ben’s speech will include concrete examples from real-world case studies to illustrate best practices in the practical application of SLAs.

If you’re involved in managing outsourcing or shared services, or want to gain insight about SLA development; this webinar will be time well spent. Please register for this Wednesday’s event at: http://campaigns.digitalfuel.com/StdForm.aspx?cid=27&sid=alsbridge

About Alsbridge
Alsbridge (www.Alsbridge.com) is the premier global Outsourcing, Shared Services, and Offshoring advisory firm with a staff of over 100 advisors with headquarters in Dallas, TX and London, UK. Our consultants average over 15 years experience specializing in Outsourcing and Shared Services transactions, and have served as managing partners and senior executives at leading firms such as Ernst & Young, Capgemini, EDS, Accenture, PwC and KPMG. We provide clients with unmatched experience and in-depth industry knowledge in reducing costs, improving service levels, and maximizing shareholder value through the use of both on and offshore outsourcing and shared services.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:45 AM | Comments (0)

Mecmesin Moves Up a Weight Division

Mecmesin announces the launch of the MultiTest-i range of twin-column universal testing machines. Controlled by new generation Emperor software, the machines have been specifically designed for quality control testing in manufacturing industry.

Horsham, West Sussex, UK, (PRWEB) January 16, 2006 -- Mecmesin has launched two new computer-controlled, compressive and tensile testing machines for quality control testing in manufacturing industry. In quality control laboratories throughout the world Mecmesin single-column motorised test stands have already established themselves as the basis of cost-effective systems for assessing quality by measuring the response of samples to applied loads.

The introduction of the twin-column MultiTest 10-i and MultiTest 25-i materials testing machines now enables quality professionals to specify affordable, high performance Mecmesin equipment for testing significantly larger specimens to loads of up to 25,000 newtons. The new systems are controlled by Mecmesin’s, recently-enhanced and upgraded, ‘Emperor’ software which has been specifically designed for developing sophisticated procedures and analyses for testing manufactured products, components and materials, in tension or compression.

Both machines are driven by twin, pre-loaded, synchronised ballscrews. Each test frame has been designed to deliver unparalleled stiffness – often vital in high load, low elongation testing applications.

The increased load capacity and a 400mm gap between the columns allows much larger samples to be accommodated. To take full advantage of this increased capacity Mecmesin is also launching a new range of grips and fixtures necessary for such applications.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:45 AM | Comments (0)

Katy Spring & MFG., Inc. Creates a New Sales Office and an Updated Website

Katy Spring & Mfg., Inc., an industry-leading spring manufacturer located in Texas has gone through some major changes in the past year. The Katy, Texas spring manufacturing company has opened a new sales office in Minnesota and revamped its website to better serve its customers.

Houston, TX (PRWEB) January 16, 2006 -- By opening a new sales office and updating its website, Katy Spring & Mfg., Inc. has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving its services and keeping the customer at the forefront of the company’s endeavors. “We make it our business to help our customers’ businesses succeed by offering excellent quality, service, and competitive pricing,” said Scott Pitney, president of Katy Spring & Mfg., Inc. For over six years, Katy Spring & Mfg., Inc. has provided meticulous customer service and quality custom and standard springs to its customers.

New Sales Office Opened
To more easily support the north central United States, the spring manufacturer opened a new sales office in Minneapolis, Minnesota this past year. The new location serves Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois. The recently opened addition offers custom manufacturing of compression, extension, torsion, and flat springs in a large variety of materials, alloys, shapes, and sizes.

Updated Website
Katy Spring & Mfg., Inc. has updated its website, katyspring.com, and now offers a large assortment of options to assist customers in choosing the products which are most suitable to their needs. Product descriptions, photos, new technical information, contact information for Texas and customer testimonials are all at the website visitors’ disposal.

The addition of new technical information and full color, detailed photographs of all products on katyspring.com enables a visitor to see and research products before he or she places an order.

The updated technical information is not limited to compression springs, torsion springs, and extension springs. The renovated site also contains fresh information pertaining to hydrogen embrittlement of springs, which is caused by atomic hydrogen being diffused along microscopic grain boundaries in the material. Shot peening springs, which the site describes in detail, is the process that increases the fatigue life of compression. For more information about hydrogen embrittlement and shot peening visit www.katyspring.com.

Katy Spring & Mfg., Inc. is an ISO certified full service custom metal forming company, specializing in compression, extension, torsion, and flat springs. For more information about Katy Spring & Mfg., Inc.’s new sales office or website, or contact Scott Pitney via phone at 281-391-1888.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:44 AM | Comments (0)

Pennine Announces Increased Investment In Re-manufactured VTL’s

To find competitive CNC vertical borer solutions for the demands of the aerospace and turbine industry, Pennine has expanded its VTL Re-Engineering programme.

(PRWEB) December 15, 2006 -- To find competitive CNC vertical borer solutions for the demands of the aerospace and turbine industry, Pennine has expanded its VTL Re-Engineering programme with the addition of 7 off VTL carcasses for its 2006 programme.

The 7 machines are, 3 off Morando VLN-12, 2 off Schiess DE14 and 2 off Schiess DE18.

The Morando type VLN-12 machines are elevating rail, ram machines with 1200 tables (1600 swing) and 12 station Toolchangers.
Schiess DE 14 machines are elevating rail turret machines with 1250 tables (swing 1400). The Schiess DE18 are elevating rail turret machines with 1600 tables (swing 1800). All being supplied with new CNC controls & drive systems (Fanuc) although a particular customer requirement maybe possible.

The re-manufactured stock build programme takes sound machine carcasses, which are subsequently rebuilt, re-engineered & retrofit with the latest CNC technology.

Result large capacity, sturdy accurate machines at a reduced cost (compared with new) having as new accuracy and performance. These machines are then sold with full warranty

John Ginley Pennine’s MD explains, ‘Typical parts which are produced on these VTL’s are large rings with complex profiles to tight tolerances from exotic materials, such as titanium and nimonic alloys. A significant priority is placed on accuracy, machine rigidity and high torque & power at relatively low cutting feeds & speeds. Re-manufacturing & Re-engineering a sturdy carcass machine, such as the Schiess & Morando variants, provides an excellent base to achieve these priorities.

A re-manufacturing and re-engineering programme starts with a complete assessment of the machine condition, followed by dismantling of the machine for examination, logging and a quality audit of all the major sub assemblies. At this stage, depending on the examination results, a decision is taken on which aspects of the machine will be retained and which will be re-engineered.

Typical areas that maybe re-engineered are:
 Replace the existing axis drive arrangement with the latest digital servo motors, coupled to the ballscrews through torsionally rigid couplings or timing belt drives, to improve positioning response and reduce backlash.
 Replace an existing multi-speed table drive gearbox & fixed speed motor with a 2 speed electric change unit and modern digital spindle motor. This gives infinitely variable speeds, a better power profile, less noise, less driveline backlash and allows the use of constant surface speed control.
 Fit a table encoder to provide screw cutting and feed per rev. operation.
 Replace the axis lubrication system (pump, distributors, piping, etc.) and enhance monitoring to aid precise positioning and to minimise wear.
 Replace the original hydraulic installation with a new compact system to reduce oil capacity, lower power consumption and allow greater monitoring (levels, pressures etc). The more compact tank can often be fixed to the machine carcass, removing the need to disconnect the hydraulics when the machine is moved.
 Fit an enhanced guarding system to meet current health & safety requirements and provide improved coolant & swarf control. The guarding arrangement can accommodate a swarf conveyor if required
 Replace existing wiring with new to meet CE requirements.
 Select a new CNC control to suit machine type with digital control, to provide latest features at the machine and with enhanced communication capabilities to allow connection to customer networks.
 Add direct axis measurement, particular to the X (diameter) axis, for enhanced accuracy and improved repeatability.
 Upgrade the toolholding arrangement to incorporate modern systems, such as Sandvik’s Capto.
 Take advantage of modern compact electrical & electronic equipment to reduce the size of the electrical panels. Where possible these are mounted on the machine carcass to ease maintenance, reduce floor space, remove the need to disconnect the machine when moving and provide a single machine lift.
 Decide on operator station type & position to provide flexible viewing and operation available with new compact CNC controls. Fixed or portable handwheel arrangements can be incorporated to aid machine setting.
 Consider the fitment of tool setting and/or workpiece inspection probing systems.

The same care and attention to detail is applied to the elements of the machine that are being retained.

 After a thorough cleaning of all parts, the slideways are inspected and re-ground as necessary. PTFE-based anti-friction material is fitted to the moving elements to reduce stiction and aid positioning accuracy and repeatability and/or linear bearings replaced or refurbished to return the machine alignments to British Standards for vertical CNC borers.
 Gearboxes (e.g. elevating rail and retained table drive components) are stripped and all bearings and any worn gearing replaced.
 Table bearings are inspected and, if required, replaced with new.
 The table bearing and gearbox lubrication system is overhauled and, where possible, improved and then checked for correct operation.
 Tool holding systems (turrets or toolchangers) are completely overhauled.
 Ballscrews are refurbished or, if necessary, replaced with new. New support bearings are fitted.
 Telescopic steel slideway covers are refurbished, with the fibre bellows type being replaced with steel telescopic units.
 The machine’s moving elements are precisely aligned and adjusted using calibrated granite artifacts, and finally checked with Pennine’s Renishaw laser interferometer.
 The re-assembled machine is now rewired using appropriate wiring, conduits and drag-chains and with due regard to CE requirements.
 Sensors and solenoid valves on the machine are wired directly to the CNC’s distributed I/O, which allows a comprehensive software interface to be written to control the machine and provide the necessary safety interlocking and enhanced diagnostic support.
 In addition to cable routing meeting new CE requirements, the latest cabling, tubing and drag-chains provide a more modern appearance.
 Finally, a suitable enclosed & interlocked guarding system is designed, manufactured & fitted.

At the end of the Pennine re-manufacturing process, the machines are ready to meet the customer’s 2006 production demands.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:43 AM | Comments (0)

DIDCO Launches New “DCB Series” TSP Diamond Products

DIDCO, Inc. introduced its new DCB Series TSP diamond for use in the dressing tool industry.

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 15, 2006 -- DIDCO introduced its new DCB Series TSP diamond for use in the dressing tool industry.

The DCB Series is a thermally stable polycrystalline diamond product that does not include a metal binder affording it with characteristics similar to those of CVD diamond. The diamond crystals are almost fully bonded by covalent bonds yielding an outstanding surface finish after polishing (when required) with very little difference to that of CVD diamond. Wear resistance (G ratio) is up to five times that of conventional TSP diamond while its thermal endurance approaches that of CVD diamond.

The DCB Series is available in both rectangular and cylindrical shapes from 1mm – 3mm in width/diameter and is more affordably priced than its CVD counterparts.

About DIDCO-
DIDCO, Inc. is an independent processor and supplier of natural and synthetic industrial diamonds which includes grit & micron sizes, thermally stable inserts (TSP), compacts (PDC) and CVD diamond products. DIDCO’s North American office/headquarters is located in New York City, NY.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:42 AM | Comments (0)

Snap Lock® Industries Moving Into New World Headquarters

Salt Lake City based Snap Lock Industries, the leader in multi-use modular flooring, is moving into a new, manufacturing, product development and sales headquarters facility in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah. Snap Lock’s 64,000-square-foot building, which sits on over 5 acres, will house a state of the art injection molding plant, complete tool and die, shipping and corporate sales. “We are very excited about the move. It will allow us to continue to create great products more efficiently and offer a higher level of service,” said Jorgen Moller Jr. CEO. The move takes place over three months, starting in January 2006.

(PRWEB) January 14, 2006 -- Salt Lake City based Snap Lock Industries, the leader in multi-use modular flooring, is moving into a new, manufacturing, product development and sales headquarters facility in the heart of beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah. Snap Lock’s 64,000 square foot building, which sits on over 5 acres, will house a state of the art injection molding plant, complete tool & die, shipping and corporate sales.

“We are very excited about the move, it will allow us to continue to create great products more efficiently and offer a higher level of service,” said Jorgen Moller Jr. CEO. The move is taking place over three months, starting in January of 2006.

Snap Lock Industries has seen tremendous growth over the last ten years and has emerged as an industry powerhouse, with leading brands that include RaceDeck® garage flooring, Duragrid® matting and decking, and SnapLock® portable floors. In 2005 Snap Lock Industries was honored with Utah’s prestige award of Top 100 Companies (#39).

“With the incredible growth and success our company has seen, this move is necessary. We will now not only have a new state of the art manufacturing facility, we will also have a dealer training center, research and development lab, in house mold making shop, employee gym and product testing area all under one roof. This facility will set a new standard within the modular flooring industry,” said Moller. With many companies within this industry outsourcing part or all of their manufacturing, it is refreshing to see an American family run company offer a product that is truly ‘Made in the USA’.

"We are a family run company who has been in this industry virtually since its inception. We have grown from just 2 employees in the beginning to now over 124 employees and 100’s of dealers and resellers throughout the world. I feel we have the best products, made by the best people and sold by the best dealers in the world; we are proudly made in the USA. Our family company is a true American success story,” said Moller.

About Snap Lock Industries:
Snap Lock Industries is a leading manufacturer and provider of multi-use modular flooring worldwide. Snap Lock offer internationally leading brands such as RaceDeck® garage flooring, DuraGrid® matting & decking and SnapLock® portable flooring. Snap Lock Industries has a worldwide dealer network offering every level of service. For more information about Snap Lock Industries and any of their products, visit http://www.snaplock.com
http://www.racedeck.com
http://www.duragrid.com

For more information contact
Susan Stroup
801-746-0174

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:41 AM | Comments (0)

Value Metrics Extend Lean Thinking into the Demand Chain

Lean Thinking has been all about eliminating waste in the production of products or services – until now. Recent studies using the metrics of customer value now reveal that many value-adding activities extend beyond production and reside in the distribution of those products and services.

State College, PA (PRWEB) January 14, 2006 -- Lean Thinking has been all about eliminating waste in the production of products or services – until now. Recent studies using the metrics of customer value now reveal that many value-adding activities extend beyond production and reside in the distribution of those products and services. Based on research across both manufacturing and services industries, a new publication from ASQ’s Quality Press, Value-Driven Channel Strategy: Extending the Lean Approach, reveals that Lean initiatives take on a much more strategic quality when extended into channels of distribution, and when driven by the voice of the customer. Nominated for the prestigious Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing, Value-Driven Channel Strategy extends the tools of Lean beyond the supply chain and into the demand chain.

Authors Reidenbach and Goeke challenge the conventional wisdom of Lean Thinking, and argue that it can and should be much more than a tactical cost-cutting tool. According to Reidenbach, “The leading proponents of Lean Thinking, including Womack and others at the Lean Enterprise Institute, have long argued that Lean initiatives should be driven by the ‘precise definition of value.’ The recent availability of sophisticated metrics to understand market definitions and perceptions of value makes that concept an empirical reality.” Moreover, adds Goeke, “Research now shows that much of that value resides in the demand chain, which should be the focus of future Lean activities at many companies.”

Drs. Reidenbach and Goeke provide a template for quantifying the voice of the market, and an 8-step process for using the market’s precise definition of value to enhance the organization’s value-delivery capacity from the point of production to the point of consumption. Marketing executives find the book useful because “it demonstrates a structured approach for defining and weighting the drivers of true value.” Quality professionals like the fact that “The connection of drivers of value and value mapping promote a focused, prioritized way of working on potential improvements that mean something to the customer!” The book includes numerous examples of how Lean Thinking is made more strategic when driven by value and extended into the distribution system.

Market Value Solutions (MVS) is a company specializing in the measurement and management of customer value. MVS has developed a unique and powerful process for driving Lean and Six Sigma initiatives with the voice of the market, releasing the strategic power of both quality tools.

If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Eric Reidenbach, please call Reg Goeke at 814-234-2486, or email via http://www.marketvaluesolutions.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:40 AM | Comments (0)

New Silver Conductive Epoxy Film and Preforms Now Available

New silver conductive epoxy film and preform system features high electrical and thermal conductivity. FL901S has excellent bond strength to both similar and dissimilar substrates and high moisture and chemical resistance.

Hackensack, NJ (PRWEB) January 14, 2006 -- Master Bond Inc., Hackensack N.J. has introduced a new silver conductive epoxy film and preform system called FL901S. This system cures very quickly at moderately elevated temperatures and can be stored in a refrigerator with a 6 month shelf life. The cured polymer features high electrical conductivity.

It also has a desirably high thermal conductivity. FL901S has excellent bond strength to both similar and dissimilar substrates and high moisture and chemical resistance.

Master Bond FL901S features remarkably high resistance to vibration and shock as well as thermal cycling. Its thermal stability is excellent. The low level of total ionic impurities of less than 50ppm makes it the preferred choice for electronic assembly applications.

Master Bond FL901S is available in thicknesses of 2 to 8 mils and up to 16 inches square. Preforms can be laser or die cut to the configuration of any part.

For further information please visit: http://www.masterbond.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:39 AM | Comments (0)

January 13, 2006

"STYLE-ISH" Windows Reflect Record Profit Growth

Yorkshire-based Style Group UK has reported record profit growth for 2004 against industry trends.

(PRWEB) January 13, 2006 -- Against an extremely challenging UK market, Yorkshire-based Style Group UK, Britain’s largest independent replacement PVCu windows and doors manufacturer and supplier, has bucked industry trends and announced a record operating profit of £7.1m for 2004, a 24.6 per cent increase on the previous year’s figure of £5.7m.

The profit growth comes on the back of a consolidated turnover increase of 4.5 per cent and marks the fourth year in succession that performance has improved reflecting the new structures, philosophy and focus being followed by the senior management team. For the second year running sales exceeded £100m.

The underlying profit before tax and dividends shows an impressive and continuous growth for one of Yorkshire’s fastest growing companies from £1.493m in 2001, £2.693m in 2002, £5.691 in 2003 to the latest figure for 2004 of £7.090m.

The Style Group UK is the parent company of three specialised subsidiaries including SAFESTYLE UK (http://www.safestyle.co.uk), the easily recognised retail arm operating on the back of its award winning celebrity-fronted television and radio advertising campaigns, WINDOWSTYLE UK, the constantly developing manufacturing arm and TRADESTYLE LTD, the supplier to the non fabricating retailers and installers market.

Safestyle’s operating profit during the year improved by 4.23 per cent as its brand was further developed. Customer recommendations increased, customer standards improved and a reduction in trade debtors in 2004 confirmed the company is meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

Tradestyle had an excellent year with turnover increasing by 50 per cent taking it to £6m together with a significant increase in profit.

Windowstyle has seen investment continue with the introduction of a glass toughening furnace. The new unit should improve gross margins, shorten lead times and reduce reliance on external suppliers. Glass unit manufacturing equipment has also been replaced and upgraded. The company has increased its profit margin at a time when there is real upward pressure on raw material costs.

John Ross, the Chief Executive of Style Group, outlines the company performance: "Another year of solid progress with the results being achieved against an industry background of uncertainty and reduced consumer confidence. This undoubtedly illustrates the determined efforts of our management team to focus on profit rather than sales".

He continued: "Unlike our competitors, the Group uses television and radio advertising as one of its prime means of securing leads and our success justifies this route to market. We shall continue to grow market share by producing memorable and creative advertising.

"Safestyle is now well established as one of the largest and best known replacement window retailers in the United Kingdom and that has been reaffirmed this year with increased margins, improved efficiency in our manufacturing processes and tighter control of our overheads. The overall trading performance is highly satisfactory and yet the management team has not relaxed its efforts and we can expect improved results in the future."

Mr. Ross looked at the company’s investment projects and commented: "This year also saw increased capital expenditure and we invested £2.8m in new capital projects. By far the largest investment was in the installation of a toughened glass facility at our Barnsley plant and we are confident that this will not only increase our control of the production process by replacing the amount of work undertaken by suppliers but also provide rapid payback and sustainable cost reductions.

"Our Consumer Credit Licence is an important part of our business and in 2004 it was renewed for a five-year term. As part of that application we reviewed our policies relating to product quality, customer service and support facilities for staff, including health and safety training. This has all resulted in significant changes to improve customer service standards and create a better working environment for our staff."

Mr. Ross summed up the year: "The Style Group has always operated a culture of meritocracy by rewarding and promoting our best performers. This year was no exception and a record number of employees advanced their careers. The Group has reached a size where we are creating a large number of career opportunities for top performers in our industry and we continue to attract the best. The Style Group is in good hands and I confidently expect further progress in future years."

About Style Group UK:

The STYLE GROUP UK is the largest independent manufacturer, supplier and retailer of uPVC windows and doors in the United Kingdom. Since its inception in 1992 the Group has continued to expand and now has 40 branches across the country from the South West to the North East serviced by a large in-house transport fleet. It ranks as one of Yorkshire’s fastest growing companies according to a recent Business Insider Top 500 companies survey published in July 2005, rising from 129th to 88th.

The Group incorporates three specialist subsidiaries catering for manufacture, trade supply and retail as follows:-

WINDOWSTYLE UK is the manufacturing arm and its state-of-the-art factory in Wombwell, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire produces up to 10,000 quality assured frames per week. It is also the area’s largest single employer.

TRADESTYLE UK was established in 2002 and supplies exclusively to non-fabricating retailers and installers. It has its own manufacturing facility and has seen demand for its products at a genuine trade price soar way beyond expectations.

SAFESTYLE UK is the best known name within the Group. It is synonymous with quality and affordability and installs domestic window and door frames valuing in excess of £2 million every week. It is renowned for its memorable, celebrity-fronted television and radio advertising campaigns featuring its value-for-money offers.

For further information please contact:
Ashley Metcalfe
CHS Ltd
+44 1132 362000

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:22 AM | Comments (0)

Cardell Finds Success with Airrosti's Approach to Occupational Injuries

The Airrosti Center, a nationally recognized sports medicine company enters the corporate world to treat occupational injuries.

(PRWEB) January 13, 2006 -- To give their company a competitive edge in the market-place, reduce time lost due to injuries, and provide the most state-of-the-art occupational recovery care to their employees, Cardell Cabinetry has entered into an agreement with the Airrosti Center.

"I was amazed at the results and how the employees responded immediately to the treatment. Airrosti focuses on the source of the problem, giving instant relief of pain and immediate recovery of strength and mobility. Airrosti's treatment plan has definitely made a great impact on our occupational program because of the the rapid healing response time being cut in half compared to a normal physical therapy regimen." Rose Dabney, Occupational Claims Administrator.

Airrosti is perhaps the best-kept secret in sports and occupational therapy. With their recent entry into the corporate safety and wellness market, Airrosti insiders speculate that they will save employers 50% to 70% of their annual worker’s compensation cost. Perhaps more importantly, Airrosti services promise to get employees back to work significantly faster, healthier, and happier. This is a welcomed assurance to employers who have been at the mercy of an increasingly costly occupational medicine and physical therapy system.

Airrosti’s Rapid Recovery Rehab is a highly specific hands-on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment that corrects a wide variety of injuries such as: lower back, hips, sprained ankles, knees, shoulders, wrists, pulled muscles, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, post-surgical recovery, etc. The center treats several nationally recognized professional athletes including Priest Holmes, Chris Mihm, Mark Brunell, Laura Wilkinson, Rocket Ismail, Steve McKinney and many others. In fact, Airrosti specialists are often called out of town to fix athletes over-night, who otherwise would miss 4-8 weeks of their season.

For more information on Airrosti and their Rapid Recovery Rehab visit their web site at www.airrosti.com or call their scheduling office at (800) 404-6050.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:22 AM | Comments (0)

"The Brown Informer" E-Newletter Offered Free To Thermoformers

Brown Machine LLC introduces their new e-newsletter, “The Brown Informer,” bringing you the latest in thermoforming innovation, customer success stories, new product development and services information.

Beaverton, MI (PRWEB) January 13, 2006 –- Brown Machine LLC introduces their new e-newsletter, “The Brown Informer,” bringing you the latest in thermoforming innovation, customer success stories, new product development and services information.

The first issue of “The Brown Informer” includes the Duni Corporation success story of how Brown Continuous Thermoforming Systems helped to deliver improved production rates and faster tooling changeovers for their custom clamshell packaging operation. Also included is an article how a Brown Rotary Cut Sheet System met Meyer Plastic’s need for improved machine programmability, set-up, and overall controllability. The first issue also features a story on Brown’s recognition in Plastics Technology for their plastics innovations. The e-newsletter provides easy access to learn more about Brown Machine through topic links such as process engineering, service, tooling, retrofit kits, and spare parts, along with a direct homepage link.

For your free copy of “The Brown Informer,” visit Brown Machine's website at www.brown-machine.com to receive a copy and be added to their mailing list for future issues.

As a global leader of thermoforming technologies, Brown Machine LLC engineers and builds a complete standard line of continuous and cut-sheet thermoforming equipment and related tooling/peripheral equipment. Specialty thermoforming systems suited to a wide range of markets (including automotive, recreational, packaging, appliance and various other industrial segments) can be custom built to exact customer specifications. Brown Machine fully supports the thermoforming industry (Brown machine owners and competitive models, as well) with a full complement of 24/7/365 on-call service and parts support.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:21 AM | Comments (0)

WebDock Releases DataPort 2006! WebDock's PLC/SLC/ControlLogix data colleciton software.

(PRWEB) January 13, 2006 -- DataPort is an easy to use and configure data collection and monitoring software package for Programmable Logic Controllers, such as the Allen-Bradley PLC/SLC and ControlLogix platform controllers. WebDock’s DataPort software package supports RSLinx, Kepware, PLC Direct and Matrikon OPC servers.

DataPort provides a host of tools for collecting, monitoring and reporting on your manufacturing data. DataPort includes:
- Simple 2-step configuration wizard – standard time to add a group of data points and begin collection data is about 30 seconds!
- Support for logging to Microsoft Access and Microsoft SQL server. DataPort does all the database configurations for you. DataPort creates the database and tables. There is no need for you to have any database knowledge.
- Export your databases to Microsoft Excel or standard CSV format for further analysis.
- Real Time data viewer.
- Web Graphing and Reporting see and export your data from over the from any networked computer with any standard web browser.
- Get E-Mail alerts when errors occur such as: processor communications loss, database communications errors and more.
- Database viewer – you do not have to have Microsoft Access in order to use or view you data.
- Quick configuration – the ability to clone existing groups and use them as a template for new groups.
- The ability to easily and quickly Import and Export projects to new computers. Great for OEM applications.
- Use WebDock Widgets to get live data anywhere on the network.
- DataPort also includes standard a built in XML server, which allows you to built complex applications that do not rely on proprietary information or protocols. WebDock even provides demos of real time controls.

You can download the fully functional version of the software from the WebDock website (www.WebDock.net).

At one-third the cost of competing products WebDock’s DataPort is feature- packed and worth a look.
# $80.00 WD-DP-0PREN (20 tag limit)
# $550.00 WD-DP-050EN (50 tag limit)
# $750.00 WD-DP-150EN (150 tag limit)
# $950.00 WD-DP-300EN (300 tag limit)
# $1500.00 WD-DP-1500EN (unlimited tag limit)

Contact Information:
WebDock
Eddie Shultz
865-774-2918
www.WebDock.net

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:20 AM | Comments (0)

January 12, 2006

Paper Industry Pilot Coater Optimized with Ronningen-Petter DCF Self-Cleaning Filtration System--A Real World Documented Case Study

Two Ronningen-Petter Disc Cleaning Filter (DCF) stations help contract paper-coating R&D line increase capabilities, flexibility, and ease maintenance.

(PRWEB) January 12, 2006 -- SITUATION: When a new contract paper-coating pilot plant opened recently, it sought to enhance operational capability, flexibility, and maintenance to better approximate production runs for paper mills and converters who were looking to improved their current products, develop new products, or try new coating methods/equipment.

The coating plant (along with its sister plants) is a strategic R&D resource for the paper and printing industries. Ninety percent of the plants activities -- including coating, papermaking, printing, and recycling -- support their operating budget through contract services within the paper and printing industries.

Because of the variety of coatings and papers involved, proper process filtering of the type found in the actual paper mills was a critical part of enhancing the coating plant's operational capability, flexibility, and maintenance. This would better approximate production runs for paper mills and paper suppliers, and would result in more efficient production and better margins for them.

The coating plant turned to Ronningen-Petter (RPA Process Technologies) for an effective process filtration solution.

After the engineers at RPA reviewed the filtration process, they notice that the coating plant had different flow rate needs depending on the setup configuration of the coater.

Taking into consideration that sometimes one coating would be used, and other times two different coatings would be used, the pilot plant ended up with an automatic filtering system that is used in mill metering size press installations and applications where similar setup needs exist.

SOLUTION:
Two Ronningen-Petter Disc Cleaning Filter (DCF) stations now share the same drain lines and inlet-outlet headers at the coating pilot plant, and are located between the run tanks and the coater.

The beauty of this type of set-up is that if the company needs to use one DCF station for one coating -- and the second station for another -- they close the two butterfly valves installed in the headers that separate the stations.

They can then open these valves when they need both stations for single high-flow rate applications. This allows the filter to act like two filters, and saves the expense of two control systems and piping.

HOW IT WORKS:
With the DCF self-cleaning filter, coatings enter the top inlet of the filter housing and passes through the screen. The screen holds any particles over 75 microns, while cleaning coating exits the bottom outlet of the filter.

A cleaning disc moves up and down the filter screen, removing debris. With the aid of the downward fluid flow and the disc movement, the debris is deposited into a holding chamber at the bottom of the filter housing, and it regularly purged from the housing via a valve at the bottom of the chamber.

RESULTS:
The coating company monitors the DCF filter's differential pressure to see if the cleaning system is being over tasked by a high debris level in the coating.

The good news is that they have not found a coating or dirty base stock it could not handle.

The differential pressure remains steady. Its ability to remove air from a coating is also a great asset for run ability, especially when we are operating the short dwell applicators.

The best part is that the filter is very easy to clean, and they have not found it necessary to open it to remove coating. They simply flush the system with water and have no compatibility problems. This is yet another example where a Ronningen-Petter filter has exceeded our customer's expectations!

--by Ask Filter Man

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

If you would like to discuss this filtration solution with one of our highly trained Applications Specialists at http://www.rpaprocess.com/ContactUs/Contact-Us.asp.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:35 AM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2006

Energy Efficient Direct-Drive Blower Technology for Air Knife Applications Milks Extra Work out of Utility Dollars

The 9-14% improvement in efficiency by using an industrial blower with fewer moving parts can save as much as $1,050 per year with a 25-hp unit.

(PRWEB) January 11, 2006 -- When it comes to wringing maximum utility out of every energy dollar, every little bit helps. In a report sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Energy, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory concluded that, "Industrial electric motor systems account for more than 20% of all electricity used in the U.S.," and, "using new technologies increases energy efficiency...improves profits." For this reason, many commercial and industrial users of air knives and industrial blower systems are turning to JetAir’s innovative direct-drive blower air knife systems.

This new, simple and innovative design improvement in blowers used for air knives improves efficiency by foregoing unnecessary belts, tensioners and spindles. By coupling the blower impeller directly to the motor shaft, parasitic losses are greatly reduced since there are fewer moving parts. The resulting decrease in the consumption of electricity lowers operating costs for industrial and manufacturing facilities that incorporate air drying and cleaning into their processes.

“With direct-drive there is reduced vibration in the system, no axial force on the bearings, and no reduction losses as seen with belts,” says Bernd Strauss, Managing Director of Dietz Motoren GmbH & Co. KG (www.dietz-motoren.de), based in Dettingen, Germany -- a high-speed motor manufacturer working hand-in-hand with JetAir to develop a motor incorporating JetAir’s direct drive technology. “With direct-drive air knives and blowers, the moved flywheel mass is less than with the old belt system. This allows for more efficient operation. The belt systems only have a total efficiency of 78 to 83%; whereas the direct drive units from JetAir have a total efficiency of 92%. The difference is 9-14%.”

Based in Ventura, California, JetAir produces advanced high-speed centrifugal industrial blower and air knife systems to meet most moderate-pressure, high flow applications where efficiency and non-stop performance are critical. JetAir's patent pending Direct-Drive(TM) technology enables their air knife systems to provide several energy-saving advantages to industrial users.

As an example, an efficient air knife only requires 25hp to supply a given air flow rate at a given pressure, versus one with more moving parts that requires 28hp (12% less efficient), the savings in electrical costs quickly yield a positive benefit/cost ratio on the more efficient machine. Using the industry standard average of $.08 cents per kWh, the 3hp difference could reduce electricity costs by approximately $1050 per year.

In addition, the JetAir System is controlled by variable frequency drives (VFD), enabling customers to dial-in exact performance requirements and vary speed automatically. Most systems are turned on at the beginning of a shift and turned off at shift’s end regardless of the amount of product run during the shift. With JetAir’s system, clients can vary output to the amount of production actually run, significantly reducing energy costs.

Direct-Drive technology has already proven itself across several applications including food and beverage processing, integrated chip manufacturing, and the pharmaceutical industry. Energy cost savings provide a competitive edge over plants that still relying on energy-sapping, inefficient belt-drive designs.

JetAir Technologies offers a complete line of air knife, blower, and vacuum systems engineered for demanding applications between 5-40HP and 4-30kW.

For more information:

Dan Snyder
JetAir Technologies, LLC
1884 Eastman Avenue, #112
Ventura, California 93003
USA, 805-654-7000
or visit www.jetairtech.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)

Foreign Competition Viewed as Only One Factor in the Decline of U.S. Manufacturing Jobs

News articles on the elimination of manufacturing jobs in the U.S typically focus on foreign competition in the form of low worker wages. They fail to take into account the effect in recent years of industry moving from mass manufacturing to lean manufacturing.

Richmond, VA (PR WEB) January 11, 2006––According to Stephen H. Martin, publisher of The Oaklea Press and editor of the highly popular book on lean manufacturing, “Lean Transformation: How to Change Your Business into a Lean Enterprise,” news and magazine articles that lament a decline in the number of domestic manufacturing jobs tell only a portion of the story because they tend to focus on jobs leaving the U.S. and heading overseas.

Martin said, “It’s true that in the new, global economy, out sourcing to other countries has become commonplace. What the authors of these articles fail to recognize, however, is that workers’ salaries are only a small part of the manufacturing cost equation. And they overlook that the elimination of jobs isn’t all to foreign countries. You see, the waste inherent in the old mass manufacturing system is enormous. Lean manufacturing simply requires fewer people to produce a like amount of goods. That’s a major reason so many manufacturing jobs have been eliminated.”

For more than ten years, now, manufacturing companies around the globe have been changing the way they work. Most people employed in service industries may have barely noticed, but this transformation has resulted in huge benefits for almost everyone, Martin said. It’s a primary reason labor productivity has been up about 4% annually in recent years and the prices of manufactured goods have remained steady, or even dropped.

So-called lean manufacturers do not build goods to forecast and store them in warehouses waiting for them to be sold, tying up capital and taking up huge amounts of space. Like Dell Computer, they wait until they have an order in hand, and then they assemble a product quickly, using continuous flow, lean manufacturing techniques.

Mass manufacturing typically generates enormous amounts of inventory in the form of work-in-progress––inventory that takes up expensive space and ties up capital. Building to forecast means gambling corporate dollars by making products without being certain someone will buy them. And it requires investments in warehouses to store them. When forecasters are wrong, goods often are sold at a loss––if they are sold at all. Imagine, for example, how much less a product in the electronics industry is worth six months to a year after it is made.

Lean manufacturing eliminates this waste. For a variety of reasons, a lean operation typically turns out higher-quality products than a mass manufacturing cousin. It almost always requires 25% to 40% less direct labor. It uses about half the floor space because no room is required for work-in-progress. Warehousing costs are cut to the bone because finished-goods and parts inventories are normally reduced from several months’ to only a few days’ supply.

Many American manufacturers caught onto this in the early to mid 1990s and have now adapted to the new way. These companies are able to compete in the global marketplace no matter in what country or location their products are assembled. Dell Computer, for example, builds products all over the world, including the United States, as does Toyota.

Martin said that in the last five years more and more domestic manufacturers have begun converting to lean manufacturing, which accounts for sales of more than 50,000 copies of his book. He said the biggest problem they run into is easy to identify but difficult to overcome. It is often the real reason behind the closure of a plant. People in middle management and in supervisory positions must shift from a “command and control” mentality to that of “team leader.”

Martin said, “If they don’t (change the way they operate), the lean model won’t work. Those who have been operating in the command and control mode all their lives usually find this difficult. For many it may be impossible. Often, top management may find it quicker and easier to scrap a factory and start over somewhere else, perhaps in another country or another state, than to spend time and money teaching old dogs new tricks.”

He went on to say that studies show that workers in a lean enterprise are happier with their jobs than those in traditional businesses. “Why wouldn’t they be?” he said. “They are no longer viewed or treated as unthinking robots. Because the hierarchy has been eliminated and no supervisor is breathing down their necks, they must use their heads, make decisions, and solve problems in consultation with other team members. The only downside––and whether it is a downside depends on your point of view––is that there are fewer of them. When a factory is fully lean and operating at its former capacity, it often will have 40% fewer employees. Unfortunately, this part of the story is all that normally makes it into print.”

The Oaklea Press was founded in 1995 and specializes in books that help executives increase the productivity of the businesses they run. For more information visit http://www.LeanTransformation.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:07 PM | Comments (0)

Sacmi Equips a Colossal Production Plant in Iran

Record-breaking order from Apadana Ceram for a plant with a daily output of 90,000 m2.

(PRWEB) January 11, 2006 -- Ninety thousand square metres per day means 30 million m2 a year. That massive output will be equally divided between double firing, glazed granito and technical granito over a floor space of 200,000 m2 (which, once the planned extensions have been completed, will rise to 280,000 m2). The overall site area is 800,000 m2.

This factory, owned by the Iranian company Apadana Ceram, is the most important in the ceramic industry – as the above figures clearly demonstrate. Sacmi has played the key role of main supplier to perfection: it has attentively followed this colossal project for the Gazvin-based ceramic company (200 kilometres from Teheran) and provided innovative technology and cutting-edge solutions.

More specifically the Sacmi Group has supplied eight MTC108 continuous classifying mills, seven spray driers (three ATM110s, two ATM140s and two ATM180s) and 27 presses (ten PH2890s, seven PH4600s and eight PH2090s). A Twin-Press line consisting of a PH2090 and a PH4600 followed by 26 vertical driers (eight EVA793s and eighteen EVA993s) was also supplied.

On the double firing section ten 111-metre glazing lines followed by eight FMP 285/107.1 kilns (four for the biscuit and four for the vitrified product) were installed. For the technical granito section, instead, nine glazing lines plus five FMP 285/126 kilns were supplied, while for the glazed granito section Sacmi installed nine 120-metre glazing lines followed by six FMP 285/126 kilns. Overall, then, 28 glazing lines and 19 kilns have been supplied, making for a total of 3.3 km of glazing lines and 2.2 km of kilns!

Mrs. Elisabetta Dall'Olio
SACMI Group
Via Selice Provinciale, 17/A
40026 Imola BO
Italy
Tel: +39-0542-607111
Fax: +39-0542-642354
http://www.sacmi.com/

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:06 PM | Comments (0)

New Book Reveals Proactive Methods for Measuring and Managing Corporate Exposure to Risk

The Maintenance Scorecard, ISBN 0831131810 (Published by Industrial Press), reveals methods for proactive measurement of the likelihood of safety, environmental or operational incidents, through failures of physical assets.

(PRWEB) January 16, 2006 -- In the wake of the Hatfield disaster court case in the UK, the passage of bill C-45 into applicable law in Canada, rafts of legislation in the USA senate regarding the reliability of the energy industry, and the recent lawsuit against Disneyland following an incident there, risk has never been more at the forefront of the those who own and manage physical assets. Particularly given trends towards individual accountability as well as corporate accountability.

The new book The Maintenance Scorecard, ISBN 0831131810, looks at the area of asset management in layman’s terms as a center for the mitigation of corporate risk exposure.

In particular it looks at the risk of safety, environmental and operational failures of physical assets.

Aimed at assisting asset-centric organizations to extract greater economic value from their physical asset base, this book details several aspects of risk measurement, and recognizes the unique responsibilities that physical asset managers have with respect to managing risk of a safety incident, or of a breach of environmental standards or legislation.

It starts with an overview of what risk is, and how organizations can manage risk in a cost effective manner, taking care to discuss various asset-centric business sectors. Form this point it goes on to discuss how to build the asset management structure to manage this risk, the impact of daily maintenance and operations activities (normally overlooked or seen as efficiency areas only) and then goes on to detail a new approach to measuring risk in a proactive, rather than reactive sense.

Today, many industrial organizations use only measures such as incident rate metrics, frequency of near misses and other such measures. However, as the book points out, these measures are after the event. By the time it shows up on the management dashboard it is far too late.

For this reason measurement of risk is associated with the asset management interventions that are put into place to ensure that risk is managed to a controllable level. Via this method asset managers can ensure that their physical assets are being managed in a way that supports the tolerable risk envelope that they have decided to work within. Furthermore, they are able to see when they are currently facing higher levels of risk based upon the day-to-day activities that normally go unnoticed.

When properly applied The Maintenance Scorecard is a revolutionary way for a company to view its physical asset base and its management. It changes the focus on the area from one of neccesity, to an approach that develops it as a centre for generating strategic advantages. .

Daryl Mather is a specialist in asset management, risk and reliability.

This article is based on his new book “The Maintenance Scorecard” ISBN: 0831131810. He currently assists selected companies to achieve strategic advantages.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:06 PM | Comments (0)

Sourcing Deficiencies Cost Mid-Size Enterprises $134 Billion Annually According to Aberdeen Study Sponsored by Source One Management Services, LLC and WhyAbe.com

New report benchmarks sourcing effectiveness and identifies best practices for strategic sourcing in the mid-market.

WILLOW GROVE, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) January 11, 2006 -- Most mid-size enterprises lack disciplined sourcing practices, category expertise, and spending power to negotiate and maintain competitive supply chains, according to a new Aberdeen Group benchmark report, Strategic Sourcing in the Mid-Market Benchmark: The Echo Boom in Supply Management. Aberdeen estimates that such deficiencies are costing mid-size firms in the U.S. $134 billion a year in missed supply savings opportunities.

Aberdeen’s benchmark of 133 procurement and supply chain executives found that continued pressures to reduce costs and improve spending visibility and control have made strategic sourcing improvements a priority for most mid-size enterprises.

“Mid-size enterprises missed out on the first wave of supply management automation and improvements,” said Tim Minahan, Aberdeen’s SVP, Global Supply Research, and author of the report. “Continued pressures to reduce costs and compete in global markets have made strategic sourcing improvements for mid-size firms not just a priority, but a necessity for survival.”

According to the study, more than half of mid-size companies have either launched initiatives to formalize and improve strategic sourcing capabilities within the past year or will do so within the next year.

Aberdeen recommends the following practices to formalize and improve strategic sourcing:
• Develop and enforce standard sourcing procedures company-wide;
• Hire sourcing and commodity expertise, including consultants;
• Improve access to and quality and analysis of corporate spending;
• Enlist executive support for resources and policy changes; and
• Leverage commercial sourcing management automation.

“Mid-size enterprises that used these strategic sourcing techniques recorded more than four times greater procurement cost savings, better supply performance, and greater profitability than industry peers. Source One and WhyAbe.com have the capabilities and resources to assist companies in achieving best in class status,” said Minahan.
To download a complimentary copy of the report, visit: www.SourceOneinc.com and click on the Aberdeen logo on the right hand side of the page.

About Source One Management Services, LLC
Source One is a Procurement Service Provider that has been assisting companies with their strategic sourcing requirements for over 14 years. Engagements with Source One may include spend consolidation, assistance with statements of work, identification of alternate suppliers, market and supply research, RFP management, price and terms negotiations, and contract recommendations. A small sampling of the categories that Source One has successfully sourced include: Advertising, Benefits, Chemicals, Direct Materials, Freight, Hardware, Insurance, Material Handling, MRO, Packaging, Small Parcel, Software, Telecommunications, Travel, Treasury Services, Uniforms, & Utilities. Clients average 18% savings across all product and service categories. In order to best service their clients, Source One provides flexible fee options for their consulting services. Clients can choose between contingency (gain sharing) based, fee for service or a hybrid. For more information, visit www.SourceOneInc.com or call 215-902-0200.

About WhyAbe.com
WhyAbe.com is an on-demand web sourcing tool that can be used by any organization or individual in any industry. WhyAbe allows buyers to post their specifications in a RFP / RFQ format and invite suppliers to provide quotes. Buyers have the ability to communicate with multiple suppliers at once and view all responses in the WhyAbe dashboard. Registering and using most e-sourcing platforms require a large ramp-up period and/or a large deployment budget. With these platforms, the cost of rollout can often mitigate any cost savings opportunities. WhyAbe’s quote tracking system assists companies reach compliance with Sarbanes Oxley. Obtaining value from WhyAbe is instant. There is no software to install or PC’s to configure. A computer equipped with the latest version of Internet Explorer or Firefox provides immediate access to the comprehensive and user friendly tool. WhyAbe provides a free download of the Firefox software on its homepage. WhyAbe is available immediately for free on the web at www.WhyAbe.com.

About Aberdeen Group, Inc.
Aberdeen provides fact-based research and insights focused on the technology-driven global value chain. Aberdeen’s benchmarking, market and solution assessments, sales acceleration programs, and conferences support Global 5000 value chain and technology executives and the solution providers serving them. For more information, visit www.Aberdeen.com or call 617-723-7890.

For additional information, contact:
Steven Belli
Source One Management Services, LLC
724 Fitzwatertown Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
Phone: 267-913-6264

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:04 PM | Comments (0)

Mecmesin returns to the USA

Mecmesin Ltd, a leading supplier of force and torque measurement systems have set up an American operation, Mecmesin Corporation to market and sell their range force and torque testing equipment direct to the American market.

(PRWEB) January 11, 2006 -- Mecmesin Limited, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of product quality testing solutions and a global organisation have today announced they are marketing their broad line of force and torque measurement products directly in the USA and Canada. The firm sold through their US subsidiary by the same name from 1988 to 1998 but then private labelled under the Quantrol brand for the scale manufacturer Weigh-Tronix until December 1, 2005. The two companies have parted ways and Mecmesin is now selling through a new distributor network.

Mecmesin, with 25 years of force measurement and quality testing experience, will immediately bring several new entries into the US market. These will include their new MultiTest-x range of integral console controlled test systems offering the Quality Assurance sector powerful but affordable alternatives to the high priced systems currently available. Additionally, a set of newly designed, highly featured, yet lower cost digital force gauges will be introduced and a group of higher capacity twin column test frames is planned for imminent launch.

Robert J. Oakley, owner and Chairman of the Board of Mecmesin Limited said “At Mecmesin we have significantly increased our product range beyond our traditional product portfolio i.e. hand held and bench mounted force gauges. With this broader product offering we are looking to control the promotion of these new developments more efficiently and at the same time step closer to the US end user. Mecmesin is dedicated to customer satisfaction and we realise that in order to serve the USA market effectively we need to return with our own people and operations.”

About Mecmesin

Formed in 1977, Mecmesin, is the leading designer and supplier of force and torque measurement solutions in Europe. Thousands of companies worldwide rely upon Mecmesin force and torque measurement systems in a range of industries including automotive, cosmetics, electrical and electronics, food & drink, medical devices, packaging, pharmaceuticals, plastics, safety and textiles to maintain consistency of manufacture, save money in the production process and to comply with relevant standards.

Contacts:

Mecmesin Ltd
Jenny Jones T: +44 (0) 1403 799919

Mecmesin Corporation
Shirl Lakeway T: +001 703-433-9247

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:03 PM | Comments (0)

LOVEJOY Tool Company, Inc. Introduces our NEW XTRF Xtreme Series with OECH inserts!

Springfield, Vermont (PRWEB) January 11, 2006 -- LOVEJOY Tool Company, Inc. introduces a new series of products to make it easier for a manufacturer to select the proper milling tools to solve their machining needs and machine a variety of materials with this all purpose tooling!

Applications: The XTRF Xtreme Series Face Mills use the OECH style inserts for the maximum in cutting edges acheiving 8 times the insert life!

Special Information: The finish that is produced by the XR Xtreme Series Face Mills is extremely good and you can get it all from LOVEJOY Tool Company. This tooling can be used to machine ALL materials with the proper selection of insert grades!

Products: LOVEJOY offers multiple diameter tools for these OECH inserts.
* XTRF Xtreme Series Face Mills - currently offered as a 3 inch dia. only

LOVEJOY Tool Company, Inc. specializes in custom designing and a manufacturer of milling tools, inserts and some accessories for manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, heavy equipment, mold and die, farm and industrial and many more industries. LOVEJOY is known for being a problem solver in the milling industry and we are here to solve your machining needs.

For more information, call (800) 843-8376 or visit www.lovejoytool.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:02 PM | Comments (0)

January 10, 2006

Announcing Design Process Coaching Services to Enable Predictable IC Design Execution

Jorvig Consulting today extends its leadership in the development of high efficiency design teams through the deployment of “Design Process Coaching” services resulting in enhanced predictability during product design execution. Through the coaching experience design teams will gain a hands on understanding of the expanded scope of activities and deliverables that must be identified and managed to enable timely, predictable and accurate project execution from concept to production release.

Chandler, AZ (PRWEB) January 10, 2006 – Jorvig Consulting today extends its leadership in the development of high efficiency design teams through the deployment of “Design Process Coaching” services resulting in enhanced predictability during product design execution.

For many design teams, predictable design execution to the plan is a goal always sought after, although frequently it remains unachieved. Highly effective design teams are those that share a vision to view and manage the design landscape from a broader perspective that goes beyond typical CAD/CAE driver design tasks. Absolute clarity on all tasks must include the supporting non-CAD activities, enabling teams the crisp execution that is frequently unattained by many.

A first step towards attaining a new level of execution comes from a belief that all the supporting tasks for a project will not be known at the outset. The mission must be to find what is not already widely known, looking for subtle disconnects that prevent smooth flow of information through design, from concept to production. Deliverables necessary to feed into later tasks must be considered. The undertaking must also identify the tasks and deliverables that are required to sustain the success of product engineering, test, systems and marketing in their part of the project. Conclusion of these activities produces a design process that must be managed by design.

The “Design Process Coaching” announced today by Jorvig Consulting works with the design team to identify the comprehensive set of tasks and deliverables required. The ability to manage these items to successful closure will be realized through participation in this coaching relationship. Completion of the coaching relationship will yield the following capabilities for the team:
* The use of formal Discovery and Solution to identify and remedy holes in the design process.
* Mechanisms for managing feature creep (scope change)
* Development of comprehensive plans that are aggressive, yet attainable.
* A design team that will meet their commitment to the business; they will be predictable.
* Capability to define design team deliverables that will enable the success of product development members outside of design.

“Skills that focus on management of the design process are typically underdeveloped in teams where the management contribution is largely on the technical engineering aspects of projects” says Jeff Jorvig, President of Jorvig Consulting. “These skills are also immature in newly formed teams, such as those that would be found in startups”. The coaching experience Jorvig Consulting offers mentors design managers and their teams on the development, documentation and implementation of a design process that encompasses the wide range of design activities that must be effectively managed by design.

“Predictability in the execution of design milestones is what our customers attain through the coaching services” says Jorvig. Newly developed design process skills produce a product design organization that is able to exceed the expectations that are based on historic team performance to date.

About Jorvig Consulting, Inc.
Jorvig Consulting provides services to enhance product design team execution. The solutions jointly developed with our clients enable design teams to experience a newfound freedom from surprises during project execution. The business result is a predictable design project that enables the business objectives. http://www.jorvigconsulting.com

Contact Information: Jeff Jorvig at 480-895-0478.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:19 AM | Comments (0)

Assemble Connect, Inc. Signs Global Logistics Arrangement With UPS

Assemble Connect, Inc. has signed a global logistics agreement with UPS and Trade Direct to deliver custom manufactured assemblies worldwide.

St. Charles, ILL. (PRWEB) January 10, 2006 -- Assemble Connect, Inc., a distributor of custom manufactured assemblies, today announced it has signed a logistics arrangement with UPS to use their Trade Direct offering. This agreement supports domestic and international shipping via air, sea and truck and will speed time to market by 5 to 15 working days at lower freight costs to most of the company’s customers.

“A large part of our business involves sourcing overseas,” Eric Wendt, president of Assemble Connect, “We have been using a myriad of different companies to support the many needs of our customers. We have used UPS, but up until now just for small package freight.“

UPS representatives Howard Smith and Mitch Cohn helped create an agreement that covers virtually all aspects of shipping for Assemble Connect.

For Assemble Connect shipments large or small, sea or air, UPS Trade Direct provides labels and materials and direct-to-customer delivery. In addition to the delivery time reductions, the process actually reduces overall freight costs by 10% or more by dramatically reducing reshipment costs for Assemble Connect. The bottom line for the Company is improved customer service and delivery time.

With first deliveries already complete the company is confident that UPS and Trade Direct will meet Assemble Connect’s needs. Mr. Wendt says “Our Company is growing at an incredible rate and freight costs are a substantial portion of our expenses. The agreements with UPS will be a cornerstone of our growth in the future.”

About Assemble Connect, Inc.
Assemble Connect Inc provides custom manufacturing services of cable assembly, wire harness, power cords, PCB assembly and related services to many industries. The company maintains corporate operations near Chicago, IL and has remote warehousing abilities in many locations nationwide. This unique logistics arrangement allows customers to utilize the core competencies of many companies. This provides exceptional service with extremely competitive pricing.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:18 AM | Comments (0)

BioFit Introduces Build Your Own Chair Configurator

BioFit Engineered Products introduces the seating industry's first online Build Your Own Chair Configurator for designing ergonomic chairs to meet customer requirements. Visitors to the BioFit website can use the Build Your Own Chair Configurator to assemble chairs that meet their specific needs. After a new chair is configured online, a customer can email the result to BioFit for a price quote within one working day.

WATERVILLE, OH (PR WEB) January 10, 2006 –- BioFit® Engineered Products introduces the seating industry’s first online Build Your Own Chair Configurator for designing ergonomic chairs to meet customer specifications.

Visitors to the BioFit website (http://www.biofit.com) can use the Build Your Own Chair Configurator to assemble chairs that meet their specific needs. Customers can see how different chair components and options would look and perform in their particular applications. After a new chair is configured online, a customer can email the result to BioFit for a price quote within one working day.

The Build Your Own Chair Configurator covers hundreds of ergonomic chairs available in BioFit’s Ship Now! quick-ship program. Customers can select a performance package for a clean room or static control/ESD application, an upholstery material or urethane for the seat and backrest, the type of chair base and the seat-height adjustment range. Basic chair models also can be customized with a choice of backrests, seats, armrests, ergonomic controls, footrings, casters or glides, and metal finishes.

BioFit’s modular construction enables chairs to be manufactured as designed with the Build Your Own Chair Configurator. Modular construction provides the ability to interchange parts, add options and customize basic models to fit specific needs.

The BioFit Build Your Own Chair Configurator can be used to design seating for industries, laboratories, schools, health care settings, offices, and critical environments. In the quick-ship program, a customer can order up to 15 Ship Now! chairs per day. BioFit ships within two working days (after credit approval). If BioFit does not fulfill this commitment, the company pays the freight on its carrier of choice.

BioFit Engineered Products, located outside of Bowling Green, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of rugged and dependable ergonomic seating. BioFit also manufactures a convertible bench/table system, mobile easy-to-fold tables in six shapes, as well as a patented 10-seat oval cafeteria table and other cafeteria tables with attached seating. For more information, call BioFit toll-free at 1-800-597-0246 (United States and Canada).

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:17 AM | Comments (0)

New FastMaint CMMS 4.5 Maintenance Software Can Help Reduce Maintenance Emergencies

SMGlobal Inc. announces the release of version 4.5 of its FastMaint CMMS software for maintenance management. FastMaint is a computerized maintenance management solution (CMMS) for manufacturing plants, industrial/ commercial facilities and vehicle fleets. A fully functional trial of FastMaint can be downloaded from http://www.smglobal.com.

Apex, NC (PRWEB) January 10, 2006 -- SMGlobal Inc. (http://www.smglobal.com) announces the release of version 4.5 of its FastMaint CMMS software for maintenance management. FastMaint is a computerized maintenance management solution (CMMS) for manufacturing plants, industrial/ commercial facilities and vehicle fleets. It is one of the few maintenance software packages to pass Microsoft’s certification tests.

Maintenance typically consumes a significant portion of most budgets. Equipment failures can impose larger costs in terms of lost revenue, quality issues & customer dissatisfaction. Unfortunately most maintenance departments lack the time & resources to put together a comprehensive preventive maintenance plan that can control & reduce unplanned maintenance. Breaking the vicious cycle to reduce breakdowns & unplanned maintenance while increasing planned & preventive maintenance can be very hard. FastMaint helps organizations take the “baby steps” needed to get started.

"We are very pleased with FastMaint. I am learning more about its versatility each day. I have been able to see a downward trend in equipment break downs and spare parts usage" says David Cook, Maintenance Planner.

FastMaint is designed to be "fast" and easy to install and use so that users can become productive soon. Both planned and preventive maintenance tasks can be scheduled, managed and tracked. An integrated inventory system allows one to track inventory use and when to reorder parts. Maintenance managers can plan ahead and budget work for the week, month, quarter, year or any defined period. One can easily create work orders and collect feedback on jobs done. The multi-user Professional edition provides a way for non-maintenance personnel to submit maintenance requests. Users rights to view or change information can be restricted to protect maintenance data. Many third party tools such as report writers, data extraction utilities, etc. can also be integrated with the FastMaint database. FastMaint can work with Microsoft’s Access or SQL Server database. The new release brings in work order improvements for unplanned work, improved reporting and several other enhancements.

Prices start at US$995 for the single user version. For more information and a free 30-day trial of FastMaint please visit http://www.smglobal.com.

All products mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

Contact: SMGlobal Inc.
Phone: +1 919.647.9440
Web: http://www.smglobal.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:16 AM | Comments (0)

PLANT ENGINEERING Magazine Honors the Electrophysics® HotShot® Industrial Thermography Camera With Product of the Year Award

The Electrophysics HotShot has been named "2005 Product of the Year" by PLANT ENGINEERING MAGAZINE.

Fairfield, NJ (PRWEB) January 10, 2006 -- Electrophysics, a leading manufacturer of thermal cameras, is pleased to announce that HotShot, its cutting-edge thermography camera, has been selected as the 2005 PLANT ENGINEERING magazine Product of the Year. Voted on by the 100,000 Plant Engineering subscribers, the award is a highly prized recognition of design excellence in the field of instrumentation. HotShot combines superior performance and best in class ergonomic design in a low-cost and highly featured package. Electrophysics is honored to be a part of this award that not only encompasses prestige, but is a symbol of quality and innovation in the industry.

Since its first issue in 1947, PLANT ENGINEERING magazine has stood as the leading problem-solving information source for America's industrial plant engineers. It has won virtually every readership study in its field over the past 20 years and well over 100 studies in all. The PLANT ENGINEERING Product of the Year contest is in its 18th year and the awards are among the most sought-after distinctions by manufacturers when establishing new products in the plant engineering industry. The Product of the Year Awards will be presented on March 20, 2006 at a black-tie reception in Rosemont, IL during the National Plant Engineering and Management Show in March 2006.

An entirely new concept in industrial inspection data collection, the HotShot is the world’s first thermography camera with an integrated data logger functionality and icon-based user interface. The camera was designed for industrial inspection of high voltage electrical systems, production machinery and buildings. The HotShot also features a unique rotating thermal camera head that enables a proper perpendicular view of electrical and mechanical systems from floor level to overhead while maintaining an optimal display angle and hand position, even when operating in tight spaces.

The HotShot integrates a high performance micro-bolometer infrared sensor that delivers sharp, highly sensitive thermal images. An easy-to-use joystick control and 3.5” LCD touch screen with on screen control buttons help to facilitate the identification of inspection point locations, incident information and observation details that can later be automatically incorporated into reports. A Compact Flash? accessory port provides an industry standard interface for a wide range of existing and future accessory devices including CF memory cards, a WiFi card and a miniature hands-free viewfinder. The USB port and active sync provides an easy method for downloading data to a computer. In addition, the HotShot is also extremely lightweight, weighing a mere 1.8 lbs and features a low-power design that will run for 4 hours on a single charge.

Headquartered in Fairfield, New Jersey, Electrophysics develops advanced thermal imaging, near infrared and night vision systems for use in a host of imaging applications. Since 1969, Electrophysics has maintained its focus on delivering products that reflect the company’s exceptional engineering capabilities to meet specific real world demands while keeping pace with rapidly evolving imaging technologies. The Company has realized exceptional growth as a result of its customer-centric philosophy and remains firmly committed to continually innovating its products in order to enhance the experience of end-users. Electrophysics is vertically integrated with expertise in complex signal processing, optics, embedded software, PC software applications development and hardware design.

For additional information and full specifications, please visit the HotShot product page at www.electrophysics.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:15 AM | Comments (0)

Storm Water Runoff – Harmful to Humans and the Environment

Become aware of Industrial Storm Water Permitting and Pollution Prevention Plan Requirements by attending Georgia Tech Research Institute’s upcoming course on Managing Environmental Compliance, March 8-10, 2006 at the Global Learning and Conference Center on Georgia Tech’s campus in Atlanta, GA.

Atlanta, GA, January 10, 2006 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) has made storm water runoff a national compliance priority for the upcoming years. Storm water runoff can become a major problem as it can significantly affect water quality. Storm water runoff can pick up chemicals, debris, pollutants and more as it flows to its final destination. These pollutants can initiate in storm water at hazardous waste sites, construction sites, outside of factories or gas stations and anywhere else that contaminants harmful to drinking water are spilled or disposed. Being non-compliant with storm water runoff can have serious impacts on human health and the environment. Make sure your company is not a contributing factor. Become aware of Industrial Storm Water Permitting and Pollution Prevention Plan Requirements by attending Georgia Tech Research Institute’s upcoming course on Managing Environmental Compliance, March 8-10, 2006 at the Global Learning and Conference Center on Georgia Tech’s campus in Atlanta, GA.

Sign up today and help avoid costly fines for non-compliance, network with other professionals involved in environmental compliance and keep up-to-date on new and changing environmental regulations. Call 404-385-3500 to register or visit http://www.pe.gatech.edu (keyword search: EST 6000).

Attendants for this course will earn CEUs (Continuing Education Units) and AIA, HSW Learning Units. This course can also be used for elective credits for Georgia Tech’s Hazmat or OSH Training Certificate Program.

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit applied research arm of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA. Our approximately 1,200 employees perform or support more than $100 million in research yearly for more than 200 clients in industry and government. To learn more about GTRI, visit http://www.gtri.gatech.edu.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Katie Pyner–Marketing Specialist
Georgia Tech–Distance Learning Professional Education
Phone: 404-385-3544
www.pe.gatech.edu

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:14 AM | Comments (0)

Online Users Can Now Buy, Sell and Trade Power Tools on Newly Launched 2buytools.com

Every tool in the garage, from air tools to welding equipment can now be bought, traded and sold on the new 2buytools.com, bringing to “tool time” a whole new meaning.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) January 10, 2006 -- Midav Enterprises announces its newest addition, www.2buytools.com, a one-stop location to buy, sell or trade a wide array of power tools for both work and hobby.

2buytools.com,launched to provide tool users a better way to outfit and update their tool kits, now offers breakthrough technology that enables them to acquire the power tools the need in their line of work or may use everyday for hobbies and projects. Online users can find everything they may need and want from a diverse selection of categories including leading brands, makes and models in Tool Accessories, Air Tools, Automotive Tools, Cordless Tools, Handheld tools, Jobsite and Storage tools, Outdoor Equipment, Power Tools and Welding Equipment.

Michael Davis, president of Midav Enterprises, 2buytools.com’s parent company, states, “We wanted to bring an E-commerce site to the market in a way that provided tool users an economical way to purchase and sell the tools that they need and use so often in order to be productive both on and off the job. We also know that many of us have garages full of tools we may have bought just for one purpose and now don’t need anymore. We wanted to provide away to offload some of those tools, so we incorporated a sell and trade function into the site as well.”

2buytools.com provides a wide range of choices in tool types and brands while having the ability to offer thousands of them at great prices. Not to mention, the same great service and selection often seen at brick and mortar stores can be experienced in an online store.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that Midav.com just offers a tool site. Midav.com brings the world of Internet users unparalleled shopping, travel and business services, a never-ending selection of merchandise at discount pricing and a wealth of information on many topics such as Investing to Health and Fitness.

Midav Enterprises owns and operates Bigado.com, Biganet.com, BigEnable.com, Big-Markets.com and TheInfoSource.com with 140 domains wholly owned and operated by Midav. Along with approximately 2500 affiliate websites, visitors can take a peek at the latest in watches and jewelry at www.watchesandjewels.com, book a relaxing vacation at a fraction of normal rates with www.travelsource.net, grab a deal on software and hardware at www.computers-source.c.com or even buy sell or trade top names tools and hardware atwww.2buytools.com.

For more information or to become a part of the network, log onto, www.midav.com or call 817-917-0219.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:13 AM | Comments (0)

Silverlake Technology Announces Strategic Partnership with SourceCode Technology Holdings, Inc.

Silverlake Technology Expands it’s solution offerings with Workflow Solution K2.net

Newport Beach, CA (PRWEB) January 10, 2006 -- Silverlake Technology, Inc., a leading providers of Business Intelligence solutions, announced today that it has signed a strategic partnership with Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and leading enterprise Business Process Management software developer SourceCode, designer of award winning workflow solution, K2.net. Under the terms of their agreement, Silverlake Technology will resell and implement K2.net into its existing and future clients.

K2.net enables the rapid and efficient processing of complex workflow processes across and throughout the enterprise using the latest Microsoft .NET technologies. K2.Net’s Business Process Management rules can unlock unsurpassed productivity levels, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and maintain compliance efforts across the enterprise.

“K2.net has grown to an industry leader and we’re very excited to now be a part of their community,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Terry Baldwin. “We expect this partnership to benefit our customers by assisting us in delivering innovative & cost effective business process solutions. We also expect this relationship to help us expand our business intelligence solution offerings,” added Baldwin.

“Silverlake Technology is a premier solution provider in the Business Intelligence marketplace" said Adriaan van Wyk, CEO of SourceCode. "I am confident our partnership will help extend our market penetration and bring best-of-breed solutions to our clients. BI is fundamentally about reliable and timely data. K2.net is the ideal complement to Silverlake solutions as it is used to ensure repeatable and consistent processes which ultimately yield high data integrity. We look forward to working with Silverlake Technology."

About Silverlake Technology
Silverlake Technology is headquartered in Newport Beach, CA, and provides their clients with complete end-to-end Business Intelligence solutions built on the latest Microsoft .NET technologies. Silverlake specializes in building solutions which are easy-to-use, cost effective, flexible, and deliver quick business results and ROI for their clients.

Silverlake Technology has offices in Newport Beach, California, Toronto, Canada and Johannesburg, South Africa. Please visit the corporate website at www.SilverlakeTechnology.com

For more information, contact:
Terry Baldwin
Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Silverlake Technology
(949) 260-2076

About SourceCode
SourceCode Technology Holdings, Inc. develops the award-winning K2.net® 2003 enterprise workflow offering. K2.net® is the leader in business process management for .NET through its enablement of rapid solution assembly to optimize interactions between people, systems and process. Customers derive significant value from their Microsoft investments by leveraging K2.net’s® powerful, proven and seamless integration across a range of products including: Microsoft Office 2003, Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003, SharePoint Portal Server 2003, Microsoft Office Project Server 2003, Microsoft Content Management Server 2002, Live Communications Server 2005, BizTalk Server 2004, Exchange Server 2003, and Visual Studio.net. In conjunction with its global partner network, solutions have been developed to help manage and monitor processes that are designed to help customers increase profitability, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and maintain compliance efforts.

SourceCode Technology Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Redmond, Washington and has offices across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, Australia, and Singapore.

SourceCode Technology Holdings, Inc. products, K2.net® 2003 components and the K2.net® 2003 SmartForms controls are trademarks of SourceCode Technology Holdings, Inc. All other company, brand and product names are the property and/or trademarks of their respective companies.

Media & Analyst Relations:
Leah Clelland
SourceCode Technology Holdings, Inc.
4042 148th Avenue NE
Redmond, WA 98052
(877) 8 CALL K2 / (425) 894-1847
http://www.k2workflow.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:12 AM | Comments (0)

Keep Abreast of the Advances Being Made in Blow Moulding

Dublin (PRWEB) January 10, 2006 -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c30328) has announced the addition of Practical Guide to Blow Moulding to their offering

Blow moulding is a manufacturing process used to form hollow plastic parts. It evolved from the ancient art of glass blowing and it is used to particular advantage with plastic materials. Celluloid was used first to blow mould baby rattles and novelties in the 1930s, linear low-density polyethylene was used in the 1940s for high production bottles and these days polyethylene terephthalate is used to make anything from soda bottles, to highly sophisticated multilayered containers and automotive fuel tanks in the last decade.

When designing a product it is important to consider aspects such as a material's characteristics, the processing methods available, the assembly and finishing procedures, and the life cycle and expected performance of the product. This book presents the basics of blow moulding as well as the latest state-of-the-art and science of the industry. A key feature is the approach of discussing the 'basics' and then taking the reader through the entire process from design development through to final production.
It is very important for those involved in the manufacturing operation to keep abreast of the advances that are being made. This book will be of interest to those already using the blow moulding process and those who are interested in the potential offered by this versatile technology.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c30328

Laura Wood
Senior Manager
Research and Markets
e-mail protected from spam bots
Fax: +353 1 4100 980

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:11 AM | Comments (0)

Get Your Copy of the New Polymer Reference Book for 2006

Dublin (PRWEB) January 10, 2006 -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c30336) has announced the addition of Polymer Reference Book to their offering

The aim of the Polymer Reference Book is to familiarise the reader with all aspects of the techniques used in the examination of polymers, including chemical, physiochemical and purely physical methods of examination.

This book describes the types of techniques now available to the polymer chemist and technician, and discusses their capabilities, limitations and applications. All types of modern instrumentation are covered including those used in general quality control, research analysis, process monitoring and for determining the mechanical, electrical, thermal and optical characteristics. Aspects such as automated analysis and computerised control of instruments are also included.

The book covers not only instrumentation for the determination of metals, non metals, functional groups, polymer structural analysis and end-groups in the main types of polymers now in use commercially, but also the analysis of minor non-polymeric components of the polymer formulation, whether they be deliberately added, such as processing additives, or whether they occur adventitiously, such as residual volatiles and monomers and water. Fingerprinting techniques for the rapid identification of polymers and methods for the examination of polymer surfaces and polymer defects are also discussed.

The book gives an up-to-date and thorough exposition of the present state-of-the-art of the theory and availability of instrumentation needed to effect chemical and physical analysis of polymers. Over 1,800 references are included. The book should be of great interest to all those who are engaged in the examination of polymers in industry, university research establishments and general education. The book is intended for all staff who are concerned with instrumentation in the polymer laboratory, including laboratory designers, work planners, chemists, engineers, chemical engineers and those concerned with the implementation of specifications and process control.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c30336

Laura Wood
Senior Manager
Research and Markets
e-mail protected from spam bots
Fax: +353 1 4100 980

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:09 AM | Comments (0)

January 09, 2006

Production CNC Machining Company Goes Virtual with New Web Site Offering Machining Services to Companies Nationwide

Hunter Machine Inc. announces the launch of its new website, www.hmicncmachining.com, to provide visitors with information regarding their production CNC machining services and offer a virtual tour of the facility including a look at their state-of-the-art CNC machining equipment.

Victor, NY (PRWEB) January 9, 2006 -- Hunter Machine Inc. announces the launch of its new website, www.hmicncmachining.com, to provide visitors with information regarding their production CNC machining services and offer a virtual tour of the facility including a look at their state-of-the-art CNC machining equipment. Located near Rochester, NY, Hunter Machine Inc. provides machining services for clients nationwide in a wide range of industries including the U.S. government, aerospace, paintball, optical measuring, as well as the IHRA and NHRA drag racing industries

“In the constantly changing production CNC machining industry, we realized the importance in having a presence on the Web,” said John Vouros, President of Hunter Machine, Inc. “Staying on top of industry trends whether through information technology or the newest CNC machining equipment we feel this gives us a competitive edge over other manufacturers.”

Hunter Machine Inc. is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including a Hardinge twin spindle, six-axis CNC turning center, for production runs and complex lathe parts. Hunter Machine Inc. also utilizes HAAS CNC milling machines to produce the highest quality milled parts possible. All of our CNC lathes and CNC mills are fully integrated on a CIMCO communication network utilizing Master cam CAD-CAM programming software.

Hunter Machine Inc. recently introduced a new Hardinge Quest 51 6-axis horizontal machining center with sub spindle utilizing a 2” main spindle capacity along with a 12 foot automatic bar loader. This will give Hunter the ability to machine complex machined parts complete in one operation.

Hunter Machine Inc. offers fast and competitive quotes via email using .PDF, .DWG, .IGES, .DXF, or .SAT files. For more information and a complete guide to the production CNC machining services that Hunter Machine Inc. offers, visit www.hmicncmachining.com or call 585-924-7480.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:26 AM | Comments (0)

Coastal Logic Releases vueLogic 2.0 Batch Printing Solution for ECM and PLM

vueLogic 2.0 Batch Printing with Metadata Stamping now Available for MatrixOne and Documentum customers

(PRWEB) January 9, 2006 -- Coastal Logic, Inc., the leading developer of batch printing solutions for product lifecycle management (PLM) and enterprise content management (ECM), today announced the release vueLogic 2.0, the latest version of its premier print spooling solution.

vueLogic 2.0 is a server-based application that enables users across a network to print over 450 file formats without first opening and viewing or needing the native application installed. This latest version of vueLogic provides administrators with strict control over enterprise-wide batch printing and stamping using XML-based requests. It can be set to run on the same or separate processors while still maintaining completely distinct processing parameters, resulting in significant savings in hardware and administration costs.

New Features of vueLogic 2.0
CoverPage - Metadata inclusive summary report of the print job
DirectNotice - Direct notification to Users via email of print request status
Increased processing speed
XML Data Structure - All parameters, including configuration are XML based for greater functionality and growth
Free Data Manipulation Utility included
Embedded AutoVue SolidModel Pro v19 technology included

Additional Features of vueLogic 2.0
Packetized Printing - combines multiple files into a single print job
Process Log Management – by size, date and quantity
Automatic FIFO printing
Autorun at Startup option
Delete/Suspend/Reposition jobs within the print queue
Resubmit/Delete error causing jobs
Automatic UNC path conversion and Network capability
Enhanced File Processing - allows multiple files to be printed at once
Auto-Save of window parameters and basic settings
ISO Banners in 12 Zones with multiple lines
Automatically Scaled Watermark

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:25 AM | Comments (0)

Fenwal Controls Offering RoHS and WEEE Compliant Products

In order to fully support its global market, many products produced by Fenwal Controls, a leading manufacturer of automatic gas ignition and temperature controls for commercial and industrial OEM customers, are now fully compliant with RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directives.

(PRWEB) January 9, 2006 -- In order to fully support its global market, many products produced by Fenwal Controls, a leading manufacturer of automatic gas ignition and temperature controls for commercial and industrial OEM customers, are now fully compliant with RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directives. These directives from the European Parliament and the Council of 27 January 2003 concern the safe use of hazardous substances, as well as the production and disposal of electrical waste in equipment manufacturing.

“Although most of our supplier base is only now beginning to address these regulations, we are well on our way to achieving full compliance with the RoHS and WEEE,” says James Ligor, Product Specialist, Fenwal Controls. “As a forward-thinking manufacturer, Fenwal also is preparing for the likely development of similar regulations within the United States and is available as a resource for our clients.”

By July 2006, all manufacturers of electronic and electrical equipment sold in Europe must comply with the EU's Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive mandating the reduction of six hazardous substances. The RoHS directive bans, to certain levels, lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, mercury, PBB, and PBDE from products. The immediate repercussions of non-compliance include serious non-entry fines and damaged brand reputations. Fenwal products currently applicable to the directives contain substance levels that fall within the accepted restrictions for industrial control and monitoring products (versus consumer and household electronics).

The WEEE directive states that any company producing electrical and electronic equipment will manage its proper disposal, segregating it from other municipal waste. The WEEE Directive aims to encourage reuse, recycling and recovery of such equipment and to improve the environmental performance of all operators involved. Under the WEEE directive, manufacturers of WEEE are responsible for financing most of these activities; retailers and distributors also assume responsibilities in terms of the take-back of used equipment. Fenwal will be fully compliant with the WEEE directive in accordance with each Member State’s legislation.

For more information about the RoHS and WEEE directives, visit the UK Department of Trade and Industry at http://www.dti.gov.uk/sustainability/weee/.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:24 AM | Comments (0)

Palm Harbor Crafter Going World-Wide

Nautical crafter Bob Gould announces expansion of his custom nautical products line world-wide through a new website.

Gulfport, FL (PRWEB) January 7, 2006 -- Nautical crafter Bob Gould announced today plans through aggressive marketing, along with a new world wide web site expansion of his custom nautical products line world wide.

After many years of displaying his nautical creations at some of the major art and craft shows along with costal sea food festivals, Bob has become a front runner among master craftman. The name of his product line is Nautical Odyssey and has grown in such popularity for the nautical field that he is even amazed at the popularity and the customer base that his nautical creations has produced.

As a youngster growing up in New England Captain Bob learned the art of crafting nautical items from his grandfather. The love and fascination with the sea grew greatly over the years. It has been a lifelong hobby pursueing nautical items. He got serious about his hobby years ago and started displaying his work at seafood festivals and art shows. As people showed more interest he decided it was time to begin Nautical Odyssey as a business. Orders from his craft line have been bought and shipped all over the world.Places such as Lebanon, Canada, South America, Spain, France, England, Australia, New Zealand and even Greenland.

Many of Bob's nautical creations can be seen by visting his now worldwide site at http:nauticalodyssey.com and also on display at Every Thing Under The Moon in Largo. A gentleman from Australia one time asked Bob what was his success of his nautical creations. Bob replied: My creations are handcrafted with a unique theme to please all with precise details while history and heritage for the nautical field drives my life's work.

Many customers have asked if his captains creations product line were available as nautical craft kits. Because of the overwhelming request from customers for craft kits they are now available thru Nautical Odyssey. Bob signs all pieces from his Nautical Odyssey custom product line. For more information contact Bob Gould at 727-686-5503.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:23 AM | Comments (0)

January 06, 2006

Micro/sys Releases Fast Network PC/104 Computer With Low-Power ARM Processor

Based on a high-performance ARM core, the SBC1625 from Micro/sys provides a powerful, network-ready controller in a PC/104 (3.55" x 3.775") footprint that will operate from –40°C to +85°C. The CPU has dual network processing engines to drive the 10/100BASE-T Ethernet. This offloads networking tasks, such as Ethernet filtering, which allows a high level of throughput, while consuming less than 3.8W max at its full 533MHz CPU clock speed. Applications ranging from industrial controllers to protocol converters to gateways can all be implemented on a single board.

Montrose, CA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) January 6, 2006 -- Based on a high-performance ARM core, the SBC1625 from Micro/sys provides a powerful, network-ready controller in a PC/104 (3.55" x 3.775") footprint that will operate from –40°C to +85°C. The CPU has dual network processing engines to drive the 10/100BASE-T Ethernet. This offloads networking tasks, such as Ethernet filtering, which allows a high level of throughput, while consuming less than 3.8W max at its full 533MHz CPU clock speed. Applications ranging from industrial controllers to protocol converters to gateways can all be implemented on a single board.

In addition to its powerful networking features, the SBC1625 also features 24 digital I/O lines, eight readable DIP switches, eight LEDs for application use, and four RS232 serial ports. One of those serial ports can also be configured for RS485 communication. With 128MB of SDRAM, and a 64MB resident flash array, high-performance control or data communications systems with feature-rich operating systems can be developed as single board solutions. The SBC1625 can boot Linux, Windows CE, and VxWorks® from its onboard flash. If more I/O is needed, the SBC1625 allows expansion through its CompactFlash socket, which supports storage devices and I/O devices, such as Wi-Fi cards. Additionally, the SBC1625 has a 16-bit PC/104 bus interface, which allows access to numerous off-the-shelf boards, such as modems, analog I/O, or digital I/O. In its stackthrough version, the SBC1625 is ideal for plugging into a custom OEM I/O card.

The SBC1625 is implemented with the efficient Intel IXP425 XScale processor, which has a super-pipelined RISC architecture. The IXP425 offers speeds from 266MHz to 533MHz, on-chip cache, a watchdog timer, 133MHz SDRAM access, and a USB device controller. A free development kit is provided that includes cables, sample software, and full documentation.

The basic SBC1625 starts at $495 in single quantity. An industrial temperature (-40°C to +85°C) version is also available starting at $555. Optional features are quite cost-effective, as they do not require additional boards. Significant OEM discounts are available. Contact Technical Sales Dept., Micro/sys, Inc., 3730 Park Place, Montrose, CA, 91020, phone (818) 244-4600, FAX (818) 244-4246, email: e-mail protected from spam bots, URL: www.embeddedsys.com.

Micro/sys has been manufacturing OEM industrial microcomputer products since 1976, including board-level products and integrated computers. Micro/sys embedded computers are specified by OEMs in semiconductor processing, medical, mail handling, pharmaceutical, industrial marking, process control, and many other industries.

Contact: Donna Goedhart
Phone: (818) 244-4600
FAX: (818) 244-4246
www.embeddedsys.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:12 AM | Comments (0)

RIBS - the First Retrofittable System for Automating Press Brakes

RIBS - Robotically Integrated Bending Solution - from Automated Concepts is the first retrofittable system that brings a robot into coordinated motion with any brand of CNC hydraulic press brake. With RIBS, users don't have to replace all their equipment in order to update and automated the sheet metal bending processes.

(PRWEB) January 6, 2006 -- RIBS - Robotically Integrated Bending Solutions – from Automated Concepts Inc. is the first retrofittable system that brings a robot into coordinated motion with any brand of down-acting CNC hydraulic press brake. With RIBS, users don’t have to replace all their equipment in order to update and automate their processes. RIBS also features offline programming of the entire process which reduces downtime. The RIBS system uses standard CAD files of a users parts, offers process verification through a virtual 3D interface and provides full utilization of the press brake.

Manually operated press brakes are often underutilized and plagued with inconsistent tooling wear and bend inaccuracies. With RIBS users will have an automated process that reduces the time between bends, minimizes misuse of the tooling, organizes the set-ups and optimizes the bending process.

The RIBS system features SimulEasy software which allows the user to program an entire bend sequence offline and then upload the program into both the press brake and robot. With only a few minutes of setup, the RIBS robot will follow pieces through bends to avoid back-bending and maintain consistent bend angles. The SimulEasy program also assists in the process of tooling selection, robot gripper design, re-grip coordination, cell layout, checks clearances and orders bend sequences enabling users to minimize cycle-times.

Worker safety is another advantage of automated press brake systems. Manual operations tend to require heavy lifting and repetitive motion. But when companies automate their press brakes with RIBS, they will benefit from reduced repetitive motion and lifting strain injuries and reduced costs in workman’s compensation insurance.

For more information about RIBS contact Automated Concepts Inc., 2906 21st Avenue, Council Bluffs IA 51501, phone 712-328-3410, fax 712-328-3630. Or visit us online at www.automatedconcepts.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:11 AM | Comments (0)

Iteration2 Recognized as Technology Pacesetter for Second Consecutive Year

Accounting Today Magazine Names Iteration2 to Select List of Top Technology Companies for 2005

Irvine, CA – January 4, 2006 -- Iteration2 (www.iteration2.com), the fastest growing Microsoft (MBS) Axapta Gold Certified Partner and 2005 US MBS Partner of the Year, announced today that for a consecutive year it has been named one of the country’s top 100 Technology Pacesetters by Accounting Today, Accounting Technology, and Practical Accountant magazines. These publications recognize organizations with strong industry leadership, sales success, and technology expertise in representing unsurpassed, clear business solutions to their customers.

Technology Pacesetters were chosen based proven track record as innovators and leaders in their field by their peers, business partners, and customers. Accounting Today identified Pacesetter candidates by canvassing the top accounting and enterprise software vendors serving the small and midsized business markets, as well direct input by the Accounting Technology editorial staff.

"We are very honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s top technology providers of enterprise software and professional services for a second year-in-a-row," said Greg Carter, Vice President of Iteration2. "This recognition is continued confirmation of our Microsoft Business Solutions strategy and mission to deliver tier-one technologies at a tier-two price and provide clear business results to our customers. “
Carter adds that "choosing the right implementation partner is as important as the right software solution. Iteration2’s solid enterprise software domain expertise, deep technical knowledge, and the most talented team in the industry have allowed us to compete very effectively against SAP and Oracle.”

About Iteration2

Iteration2 provides its clients with a superior enterprise software implementation experience at an attractive price. This combined with Microsoft integrated technology stack and unsurpassed financial strength provides a platform for today and tomorrow. Iteration2 is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, a leading provider of Microsoft Dynamics – AX (formerly Microsoft Axapta), and the 2005 US MBS Partner of the Year.

Iteration2’s vertical industry expertise, enterprise software industry domain expertise, and exceptional technical skills with Microsoft technologies provide their clients with clear strategic business advantage. Iteration2 is based in Irvine, CA and has sales offices in strategic locations throughout the United States. Please visit the company’s website at www.iteration2.com.

For more information:
Greg Sad,
Marketing Director
Iteration2
(949) 789-1020

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:10 AM | Comments (0)

Why Cleanable Media for Industrial Filter Processes is More Environmentally Friendly

Due to the new environmental regulations -- and the costs associated with waste disposal -- the manner in which industries filter to either recycle or eliminate filtration waste will change significantly over the next five years. The question whether to use cleanable media rather than disposable media is treading in to the environmental forum, and with good cause.

(PRWEB) January 6, 2006 -- Due to the new environmental regulations -- and the costs associated with waste disposal -- the manner in which industries filter to either recycle or eliminate filtration waste will change significantly over the next five years.

Selecting filtration equipment is the combined result of many considerations.

In addition to removing undesirable material from a liquid stream, the filtration method selected must also satisfy other requirement.

Installed costs must be weighed against operating costs. Waste disposal costs must be considered. Is continuous flow a requirement of the application, or can the filtration equipment be operated intermittently? Is worker exposure to the process liquid during filter cleaning or replacement a problem?

These and other factors must be weighed when choosing the right filtration method for a particular application.

Today, more than ever, self-cleaning filters (cleanable media) is the better methodology -- and many times the right thing to do -- for many reasons.

With cleanable systems, you enhance employee safety by minimizing worker and workplace exposure to process liquids.

You minimize or eliminate the unlimited cost and inconvenience of media replacement.

You minimize or eliminate the never-ending and ever-rising cost and hassle of media disposal.

You drastically reduce the labor costs to source, purchase, inventory, transport, change, and dispose of replacement media.

You increase the quality and consistence of filter performance and productivity.

To help reduce the confusion when you are evaluating different filtration methods/systems, I have compiled a list of questions you may want to consider:

Factors to Consider:

When selecting a filter for a particular application, the following criteria should be considered.

1. How large is the process volume? What is the flow rate?

2. Is it a continuous or batch process?

3. What are the material characteristics of the solids being removed? How large are the particles? Is the material hazardous? Can the material being removed be recycled back into the process stream at another point?

4. What are the waste disposal costs? How often do bags or cartridges need to be replaced? Can the waste volume be reduced or eliminated by switching to a different filtration method?

5. What are the labor and downtime costs for filter or cartridge replacement? Can downtime be reduced or eliminated by switching to a different filtration method?

-- by Ask Filter Man

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

If you would like to discuss this filtration solution with one of RPA Process Technologies highly trained Applications Specialists, please contact us at http://www.rpaprocess.com/ContactUs/Contact-Us.asp

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:09 AM | Comments (0)

Improved Hump-Back Conveyor Takes The Heat

An innovative Hump-Back conveyor system that is designed to handle hot circuit boards exiting from wave solder machines is being introduced by SmartMove Conveyors of Fall River, Massachusetts.

(PRWEB) January 6, 2006 -- SmartMove Modular Hump-Back conveyors features unique static dissipative snap-link belting with full surface ribs for increased cooling. These conveyors are shipped fully assembled and include 3/8” high vertical flights on 3/4” centers, whisper-quiet variable speed, direct-drive brushless DC motor that can easily synchronize with the wave solder machine speed.

The Hump-Back conveyors have, as standard, 3 stages. The first is an inclined section that can be ordered to match the angle of the wave solder conveyor. The second stage is a gradual smooth radial transition and the third is declined to return the boards to the correct working height.

Hump-Backs can be combined with SmartMove brushbelt conveyor for applications that include assembly, inspection, sorting and testing. The energy saving patented variable speed drive consumes only 25 Watts of power. That’s 10 times less than other conveyors. SmartMove conveyors are offered in a variety of sizes with belting from 6” to 30” wide (by 3” increments), lengths from 2’to 60’, they are easy to order and safe to operate.

SmartMove’s, self-lubricating unique snap-link belting eliminates tensioning and tracking adjustments. Units are shipped fully assembled.

Pricing, videos, cad drawings, accessories, and manuals are available by visiting our website at www.4smartmove.com. For immediate assistance contact us directly at (800) 581-2876.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:08 AM | Comments (0)

January 05, 2006

Dynamic Details, Inc. Selects NMC Partners as Public Relations Agency of Record

Dynamic Details, Inc. (DDi) today announced the selection of NMC Partners, LLC as its public relations agency of record. NMC Partners was chosen because of its experience in technology and its unique combination of strategic and tactical communications programs that move businesses forward quickly and efficiently.

Rolling Hills Estates, CA (PRWEB) January 5, 2006 -- Dynamic Details, Inc. (DDi) today announced the selection of NMC Partners, LLC as its public relations agency of record. NMC Partners was chosen because of its experience in technology and its unique combination of strategic and tactical communications programs that move businesses forward quickly and efficiently.

“NMC Partners’ talented professionals understand how to communicate across the variety of media, analysts and other key audiences to achieve results,” said Carolyn Perrier, director of marketing, DDi. “This new relationship will raise the awareness of DDi and will be a key element in our drive to achieve increased visibility for our company, products and brand.”

“We are very excited to put our experience to work for DDi and deliver a suite of communications services that will move DDi's business forward,” said Mark Burkel, partner, NMC Partners, LLC.

About DDi Corporation
DDi (NasdaqNM: DDIC) is a leading provider of time-critical, technologically advanced, electronics manufacturing services. Headquartered in Anaheim, California, DDi and its subsidiaries offer fabrication and assembly services to customers on a global basis from its facilities located across North America.

About NMC Partners, LLC
Founded in 1996, NMC Partners, LLC is a full-service public relations agency with a wide-range of experience covering a broad spectrum of industries, with specialty practices in technology, sports and fitness, entertainment and non-profits. Central to NMC Partners is its proprietary planning system, Predictive Mapping, which details outcomes through analysis of a company’s business opportunities, objectives and competitive landscape. NMC Partners believes public relations is a strategic communications asset that can be managed and measured, and that effective public relations is the by-product of partnership and seamless performance. For more information, go to www.nmcpartners.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:43 AM | Comments (0)

Industrial Machine Operators Demand "User Friendly" Controls

Even on the industrial plant floor, workers expect user friendly controls. Machine controls now resemble a video game. EMA recently purchased a small company in Pennsylvania to meet this demand.

(PRWEB) January 5, 2006 -- Industrial machine operators have stereotypically been pictured as tough guys, grunting and perspiring as they manipulate huge switches and levers, forcing raw material into a resisting machine.

Increasingly, the reality presents a far different picture. The term Human Machine Interface, or HMI, is commonly used to describe the computer age controls by which operators now control industrial machinery. Touch Screen computers, with color graphics depicting the various machine functions are more reminiscent of a college computer lab, than the traditional controls which have been used for generations.

EMA of Pennsylvania is a small town company in Hazleton, PA. EMA provides electronic motor drive systems, and state of the art Human Machine Interface programming and equipment. Company president Eddie Mayfield acquired the company in late 2005, in order to position his existing motor drive company to take advantage of the growing demand by American industry for HMI controls.

"HMI technology does much more than make life easier on machine operators," says Mayfield, "it provides a way for the plant executives to monitor, in real time, the production of any specific machine, anywhere." "It truly is, a marriage of computer technology, and industrial machinery." Younger operators, raised on video games, are using the new technology to push the ever increasing productivity levels of American industry.

EMA often uses off the shelf industrial computer equipment in order to avoid, what Mayfield terms "the stranglehold" traditional industrial technology companies try to have on their customers. The industry has been known for using equipment and software only available from a single source. Staying as much as possible with generic equipment, and readily available programs, replacements and upgrades are much easier for the customer as technology progresses.

EMA is headquartered in the Atlanta suburb of Norcross, Georgia, and operates other facilities in Buena Park, California, and Cortland, New York. The company website is www.emainc.net.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:43 AM | Comments (0)

Eleven Engineering Introduces "Chipcon Powered" Low Power Wireless Audio Modules Optimized for Headphones and Other Battery Operated Devices

Today Eleven Engineering Incorporated announces the Squeak™ 1C digital wireless audio modules featuring XInC2™ are production ready.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) January 5, 2006 -- Today Eleven Engineering Incorporated announces the Squeak™ 1C digital wireless audio modules featuring XInC2™ are production ready. The modules are optimized for low power operation with Chipcon's CC2400 transceiver and the XInC2 wireless processor from Eleven. In fact on a single charge, a 3.7 V Li-Ion battery with 660 mAh nominal capacity could power headphones with the Squeak 1C module for over 12 hours.

"In addition to its low power operation, a great innovation of Squeak 1C is its ability to support multiple receivers," said John Sobota, CEO of Eleven. "A portable music player equipped with Squeak 1C can deliver HiFi audio to multiple Squeak 1C headphones, communicating with each one using robust closed-loop RF."

"With its high throughput and low current consumption, the CC2400 is a perfect fit for wireless high quality audio application", said Karl Helmer Torvmark, Product Marketing Director, Consumer Electronics at Chipcon, "and we are very pleased that CC2400 has been selected by Eleven to give the Squeak 1C the best wireless performance and audio quality."

The small module, in a WHAM2 package, integrates the CC2400 2.4 GHz, 1.0 Mbps FSK radio transceiver built on CMOS technology and the XInC2 wireless audio processor with 8 hardware threads, baseband, DSP functionality, and low power operation. The modules can easily be configured for either analog or digital input/output. Additionally the receiver module can come integrated with a headphone amplifier. Squeak 1C is available in 10 and 30 meter indoor range options that easily avoid potential sources of interference in the over-crowded 2.4 GHz band using advanced error correction techniques and frequency hopping. Squeak 1C's variable radio output power make it an ideal solution for world-wide distribution including the Japanese market.

The Squeak protocol also incorporates a duplex control channel for transmitting commands to or from the receiver module. For example, the receiver module inside headphones can send track-control commands such as skip, pause, and play to an audio player with a transmitter module built in.

Eleven will be accepting orders for the Squeak 1C mass production modules featuring the CC2400 and XInC2 starting January 31, 2006. Additionally Eleven offers a full line up of evaluation kits, development kits and reference designs to enable manufactures and developers to rapidly deploy wireless audio system

About Eleven Engineering:
Founded in 1992, Eleven Engineering is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in wireless baseband processors and digital wireless audio modules. Leveraging the multithreaded technology of its XInC™ family of wireless processors, Eleven has become a global leader in digital wireless audio. The Squeak product line of digital wireless audio modules ship in the WHAM2 form factor which is small and highly integrated to provide designers, developers, and manufactures with drop-in solutions for a wide range of wireless audio applications. All Squeak products employ Eleven’s unique adaptive frequency hopping algorithm; WFD (Walking Frequency Diversity) to deliver superior audio quality of service (QoS), even in the crowded 2.4 GHz band. Eleven also offers evaluation kits, development kits, reference designs, and engineering services to facilitate easy integration and reduce time to market. More information about Eleven and how to incorporate Eleven’s robust wireless solutions is available online at www.ElevenEngineering.com.

About Chipcon:
Chipcon is a leading international semiconductor company that designs, produces and markets high performance standard radio frequency integrated circuits (RF-ICs) for use in a variety of wireless applications in the 300 to 1000 MHz and 2.4 GHz frequency bands.

Chipcon targets both consumer electronics and home and building automation end markets and has strong positions both in proprietary and standards-based radio technologies.

Chipcon Group ASA is the parent company and holding company that controls the activities of its wholly owned subsidiaries Chipcon AS, Chipcon Inc. and Figure 8 Wireless Inc. Chipcon's products are distributed worldwide and we are represented at 55 locations in 31 countries.

For more information, visit Chipcon’s Web site at www.chipcon.com or call the company directly at +47 22 95 85 44.

Squeak 1C, XInC, XInC2 and their associtated logos are trademarks of Eleven Engineering Inc. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.

Eleven Engineering Contact:
Marc Brulotte, Marketing Manager
Phone: +1 (780) 425-6511 x223

Chipcon Contact:
Vidar Bergli, Marketing Communications
Phone: +47 95 93 95 00

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:42 AM | Comments (0)

Atmel's ATR2406 Equips Eleven Engineering's Multi-Channel Digital Wireless Audio Solution for Wireless Home Theater Applications

Eleven Engineering and Atmel® announced today the availability of a robust Hi-Fi digital wireless audio solution, the Squeak 1A platform.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) January 5, 2006. -- Eleven Engineering, a leader in digital wireless audio, and Atmel® (Nasdaq: ATML), a global leader in the development and fabrication of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced today the availability of a robust Hi-Fi digital wireless audio solution, the Squeak 1A platform. The Squeak platform integrates Atmel's ATR2406 2.4-GHz ISM-band single-chip transceiver and the XInC2 wireless processor from Eleven Engineering providing baseband MAC protocol, audio CODEC, and advanced dynamic error correction algorithms. Squeak 1A provides robust quality of service and outstanding audio fidelity – even in the presence of interference sources such as microwave ovens, 802.11b/g networks, and cordless telephones – at indoor ranges of 15, 25 and 50 meters.

Squeak 1A is available in a low-cost, integrated, mass-production WHAM2-package module for easy drop-in wireless audio solutions where multiple nodes are required. The unique architecture of Squeak 1A allows a single transmitter to communicate wirelessly with up to four independent receivers with selectable end-to-end latency of 15, 16, 18, or 20 milliseconds. Combined with its low cost, this makes Squeak 1A a perfect solution for wireless home theatre and other wireless audio applications.

The ATR2406 has outstanding RF performance: high receiver sensitivity of -93 dBm at an RF data rate of 1.152 Mbps, high adjacent-channel rejection of typically more than 33 dBc, and an RF output power of up to +4 dBm for link ranges of more than 150m in free space. This enables Squeak 1A to achieve a large wireless coverage range with excellent immunity against strong inband interference. The integrated VCO and fast PLL enable the use of Eleven Engineering’s intelligent, adaptive, fast frequency-hopping algorithm which detects if other RF systems (e.g., WLAN) are using the same ISM frequency range and finds free frequencies to guarantee a superior sound quality.

Squeak 1A, a complete solution for wireless audio, integrates the ATR2406 and XInC2 with standard Squeak system software and customizable application software. The modules can be configured for either analog or digital input/output and have available general-purpose input/output for custom user interface features.

“Using the high-performance ATR2406, the Squeak 1A is the most compelling industry solution for high-volume wireless audio applications,” said Matthias Bopp, General Manager and Senior Director of Atmel's BC Communication. “The ATR2406’s specific features such as indoor link range and sound quality will give our customers a competitive edge in the quickly growing wireless audio segment.

“Squeak 1A enables multi-node wireless audio from both the standpoint of technology and that of economics,” said John Sobota, CEO of Eleven Engineering. “With Squeak 1A, virtually all wiring problems with home-theater systems can be eliminated.”

XInC2 is a 16-bit multi-threaded RISC processor with a MAC protocol, audio CODEC, baseband, DSP functionality and advanced dynamic error correction algorithms, streamlined for wireless audio with eight hardware threads handling up to 100 MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second). The Squeak 1A transmitter takes full advantage of XInC2's advanced baseband capability allowing for 2-, 3- and 5-node systems delivering up to four channels of 16-bit, 48 kHz audio samples to four separate speakers.

Squeak 1A is available in mass production module form. To order Squeak 1A modules, evaluation kits, and reference designs, visit Eleven Engineering's website at www.ElevenEngineering.com.

The ATR2406 is available in an ultra-compact QFN32 plastic package (5 x 5 mm) and is manufactured in mass production, having already shipped millions of units in the past months. Pricing for the ATR2406 starts at US $1.80 in quantities of 10K. Various RF evaluation demo boards and complete evaluation kits including manufacturing data can be ordered via Atmel’s local sales offices.

Footnote

CODEC = Compressor/Decompressor or Encoder/Decoder
DSP = Digital Signal Processor
ISM = Industrial, Scientific and Medical license-free band
PCB = Printed Circuit Board
MAC = Media Access Control
MIPS = Million Instructions Per Second
RISC = Reduced Instruction Set Computer
PLL = Phase Locked Loop
VCO = Voltage Controlled Oscillator
WLAN = Wireless Local Area Network

About Atmel
Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry’s broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere You Are®.

About Eleven Engineering
Eleven Engineering Inc., founded in 1992, is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in wireless baseband processors and digital wireless audio modules. Leveraging the multithreaded technology of the XInC family of wireless processors, Eleven has become a leader in quality of service (QoS) for the wireless audio sector. Eleven offers evaluation and development kits, reference designs, and engineering services to facilitate easy integration and reduce time to market. More information about Eleven and how to incorporate Eleven’s robust wireless solutions is available online at www.ElevenEngingeering.com.

2006 Eleven Engineering Inc. All rights reserved. Squeak 1A, XInC, XInC2 and their associated logos are trademarks of Eleven Engineering Inc. Atmel®, logo and combinations thereof, Everywhere You Are® and others are registered trademarks or trademarks of Atmel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other terms and product names may be trademarks of others.

Information:
Atmel's 2.4-GHz ISM transceiver IC ATR2406 product information may be retrieved at: http://www.atmel.com/dyn/resources/prod_documents/doc4779.pdf
Squeak 1A low-cost digital wireless audio product information may be retrieved at:
http://www.ElevenEngineering.com/documents/IS/DO5201.pdf
To order Squeak 1A modules, evaluation kits, and reference designs, visit Eleven Engineering's website www.ElevenEngineering.com.

Atmel Press Contacts:
Dr. Susanne van Clewe, Marcom Manager Communications and Automotive Products
Phone: +49 7131 67-2081
Helen Perlegos, Public Relations – USA and Asia Pacific
Phone: +1 408 487-2963
Veronique Sablereau, Corporate Communications Manager – Europe
Phone: +33 1 30 60 70 68, Fax: +49 7131 67-2423

Eleven Engineering Press Contacts:
Marc Brulotte, Marketing Manager
Phone: +1 780 425-6511 x223

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:41 AM | Comments (0)

Minco Launches HVAC Industry’s First Combination Temperature Sensor - Chill-Out™ Sensor Reduces Installation Time & Effort

Minco designs and manufactures the HVAC industry’s first combination temperature sensor and low temperature cut-out for easier installation and increased operational flexibility

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, (PRWEB) January 5, 2006 -- http://www.minco.com - Minco, a designer and manufacturer of critical components for critical applications, has launched the HVAC industry’s first combination temperature sensor, an air handling system sensor that includes both a low temperature cut-out sensor (freeze stat) and an averaging resistance temperature sensor in one self-contained unit.

Designed and manufactured for the HVAC and building automation markets, the Chill-Out™ Combination Sensor features an entirely solid state design with the relay integral to the tubing.

“In today’s conventional sensors, the relay must be housed outside the air flow system to work properly,” said Marty Knutson, Marketing Manager at Minco. “This means that the entire length of the attached wound spiral tubing must be carefully uncoiled and threaded though a small mounting hole into the air flow area. The Chill-Out Combination Sensor eliminates this process and therefore reduces installation time and effort.”

The Chill-Out Combination Sensor design is also more reliable than conventional sensors. Its solid state design replaces gas-filled capillary tubes, eliminating the risk of kinking during installation or the occurrence of field failures due to leaking.

The Chill-Out Combination Sensor is sensitive to low temperatures in any direction up to six inches, as opposed to 12-18 inches for gas-filled capillary tubes. Unlike gas-filled capillary tubes that must be mounted horizontally, the Chill-Out Combination Sensor can be mounted at any angle, which offers greater operational flexibility.

“The application of sensors for equipment protection has been raised a notch,” said Marty Knutson, Marketing Manager at Minco. “The unique design and capability of the Chill-Out Combination Sensor decreases installation time and cost, while increasing reliability and operational flexibility.”

The Chill-Out Combination Sensor is available in durable 3/8 inch tubing in bendable aluminum and ultra-flex brass armor. For more information please contact Marty Knutson, Minco Marketing Manager, Temperature Sensors Division, at 763-586-2904.

About Minco
Minco designs, manufactures and markets critical components for critical applications. The company is unsurpassed in its ability to integrate and assemble flexible Thermofoil™ Heaters, Flex Circuits, Sensors and Instruments into a single component for greater efficiency. Minco helps companies minimize the risk of product failure by providing highly reliable components and expert design services.
http://www.minco.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:40 AM | Comments (0)

Burkhalter Engineers Biggest Freight Transfer at Kentucky Port

Successful barge offload and heavy haul delivery of JIER mechanical presses to DANA Corporation by Burkhalter Rigging adds significant economic potential to the Eddyville River and Industrial Port Authority.

Columbus, MS (PRWEB) January 5, 2006 -- Burkhalter Rigging, Inc. (http://www.burkhalter.net), the award-winning specialized lift, rigging, and transport professionals who engineer solutions with a major emphasis on safety for heavy industry announce the successful barge offload and heavy haul delivery of JIER mechanical presses to the Hopkinsville auto parts plant of DANA Corporation. An impressive heavy haul, lift, and transport achievement that adds significant economic potential to Eddyville River and Industrial Port Authority.

“This is first time that anything of this magnitude (heavy and large) has come through here,” says Jay Hunt, operations manager for the Eddyville River and Industrial Port Authority. “By being new to us, we really didn’t know what to expect. We were somewhat concerned about how something so big would be brought off the water onto the bank. I was pleasantly surprised by how efficient and smooth Burkhalter made the transfer. We now have high expectations for more heavy-equipment to be offloaded at the Eddyville port.”

Burkhalter Rigging will deliver four presses in all — two that weigh 2,500 tons each, and two that weigh 1,000 tons each. Burkhalter Rigging was chosen by Toledo Press Company to transport and millwright the four metal-stamping presses manufactured by the JIER Mechanical Press Company. The stamping-press components were offloaded from a barge by a self-propelled Goldhofer trailer. Transportation overland was by a Goldhofer, 16-line, 1 1/2 wide, multi-axle hydraulic platform/trailer.

“Our specialized heavy lift, rigging, and haul services often create business and economic advantages that are long-lasting and considerable,” says Delynn Burkhalter, CEO and president of Burkhalter Rigging, Inc. “I am confident that bringing such a heavy cargo through the Eddyville port facility was once thought impossible. Fortunately, we knew that our specialized equipment and engineering would make the port a strategic alternative to a lengthy and expensive overland route. Plain and simple, Burkhalter Rigging lowers costs and speeds deliveries by doing the seemingly impossible—safely.”

According to Barry West, DANA Corporation’s project manager, the presses will stamp frame components for the new model year of Toyota Sequoia, a sport utility vehicle, and Toyota Tundra trucks.

About DANA Corporation

Dana Corporation designs and manufactures products for every major vehicle producer in the world. Dana is focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers who collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles every year.

About Toledo Press Company and JIER Machine-Tool Group Company, LTD

Toledo Press Company of Toledo, Ohio is the exclusive distributor of JIER mechanical presses.

Founded in 1937, JIER Machine-Tool Group Company employs 4,900 employees at its 1.01 million sq. meters manufacturing plant in Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R. China. JIER is one of the largest & leading heavy-duty press and CNC milling machine-tool makers. Its products are exported to 50 countries and regions worldwide.

About Burkhalter Rigging, Inc.

For more than 30 years, Burkhalter Rigging has provided heavy industry with a full range of multimodal capabilities including barge, rail and heavy-haul highway transport. Burkhalter’s extensive capabilities and specialized gantry systems, strand jacks, and lift frames make it a significant leader in the industry. Difficult, heavy, and large lifts are made possible because Burkhalter engineers use time-proven methods and the latest computer modelling to support expert craftsmen who regularly exceed the company’s exacting standards of precision and safety.

For the fifth-year running, Burkhalter has won a Step Platinum Award, the highest national honor for safety by the Associated Builders and Contractors. Burkhalter safely engineers every aspect of lifts, rigging, and specialized transport. Every maneuver is procedurally designed, planned, and executed by a team of engineers, superintendents, and project managers in accordance with Burkhalter’s ISO 9001:2000 Quality System. Telephone: (662) 327-7711.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:38 AM | Comments (0)

Flexible International Finance Available to U.S. Exporters

Finally, small or mid-size U.S. exporters can get the immediate funding they need on international receivable transactions.

El Paso, TX (PRWEB) January 5, 2006 -- Collecting payments from companies in other countries involves risk and requires credit expertise. U.S. exporters, who are reluctant to extend credit to overseas customers, may lose a significant sale to their competitors. In the past, only large corporations had access to competitive financial services and cost effective credit protection, collections and receivables management.

Due to the demand, 1st Commercial Credit now offers finance services to small or mid-sized businesses. These services enable their clients to effectively compete with large corporations around the world. U.S. exporters can now receive timely credit analysis, get credit insurance for just one client or on a per transaction basis, obtain receivable finance in a cost efficient way and request collections in local trade currency.

According to Raul Esqueda - President of 1st Commercial Credit - “Small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) had no way of financing export receivables in a cost effective way. Most banks are unable to evaluate the credit worthiness of international customers, establish credit risk, and determine export receivables to be ineligible against the borrowing base. In addition to the lack of finance, SMEs are also required to pay large premiums for credit insurance. This made the single debtor transaction almost impossible to achieve. Now there is an answer for small or mid-size companies who want to finance and manage their international receivables”.

Unlike most commercial finance companies, 1st Commercial Credit provides funding against the assets that most banks and asset based lending institutions do not consider - the International Receivables. This financial service enables them to help banks and commercial finance companies by facilitating receivable funding for clients who are experiencing growth in international sales. Banks can confidently refer clients to 1st Commercial Credit because they do not compete with their core business.

1st Commercial Credit, headquartered in El Paso, TX, provides accounts receivable financing in the US, Canada, and the UK; offers exporting trade finance to clients in every major world market and can convert receivable finance transactions in 17 currencies.

More on International Factoring
Website www.1stcommercialcredit.com
US and Canada Tel 1 800 450 9653
United Kingdom Tel 0 800 404 9669

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:37 AM | Comments (0)

Plastic Concepts & Innovations, LLC Work Wins Automotive Award

Plastic Concepts & Innovations LLC (PCI) provided the thermoforming consulting services for design, tooling and production resulting in Meridian Automotive Systems winning the Automotive Award at the 15th Annual 2005 US SPE Thermoforming Division Annual Conference held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

(PRWEB) January 5, 2006 -- Plastic Concepts & Innovations LLC (PCI) provided the thermoforming consulting services for design, tooling and production resulting in Meridian Automotive Systems winning the Automotive Award at the 15th Annual 2005 US SPE Thermoforming Division Annual Conference held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The award acknowledged and honored from the development and production of the first full fascia manufactured for an OEM vehicle program using a thermoformed Class A paint film/TPO laminate. The process is revolutionary because it eliminates the need for injection molding and painting. “PCI is thrilled to have played such an integral role in this project and will continue to focus our efforts on other innovations that will inspire and grow the thermoforming industry,” said James (Jay) M. Waddell, Managing Partner for PCI. The front bumper fascia (cover) is commonly used as a decorative covering that conceals the structural steel bumper beam of most passenger vehicles and light trucks.

PCI has a history of developing groundbreaking innovations in thermoforming. It was an integral team member in the development of the first long-term production program using paint film on ABS substrate in the Dodge Caravan window conversion project. Additionally, PCI provided consulting on the design, tooling and production of thermoformed TPO components for the GM HHR vehicle.

Plastic Concepts & Innovations, LLC is the recognized, leading-edge consulting group in the field of heavy-gauge thermoforming, The company is also an expert in the development of Class A finish TPO components for the Automotive, Recreational Vehicle and Marine Industries.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:36 AM | Comments (0)

Japanese Escomatic Machining House Seeks Sales Reps for Marketing in USA and Europe

Shibue Seimitsu has appointed Suwa Precision Engineering in Singapore as its international sales representative and seeks sales reps for USA and Europe.

Suwa, Nagano, Japan (PRWEB) January 5, 2006 -- To extend its marketing into international markets, Shibue Seimitsu Co., Ltd., a specialist in escomatic machining for over 50 years, has appointed Suwa Precision Engineering in Singapore as its sales representative for the overseas markets outside Japan and China.

Established in 1951, Shibue Seimitsu has specialized in escomatic machining of miniature (diameter 0.3 to 6mm) precision complex profile parts with tolerance of +-20 microns parts and burr-free finishes for the electronics and watch industries.

In escomatic machining, as the coil stock is fed through the machine, it is straightened, and then moved into bushings that are the same size as the stock. The bushings support allows the escomatic machine to hold a very tight concentricity for the length of the part. The continuously fed self-straightening coil stock redu