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September 29, 2007

New Website Supports Case Packer/Erector Joint Venture

A new Web site, http://www.versapack.co.uk, has been established to support a newly-developed compact case packing and erecting machine. Versapack is a joint venture between Quin Systems and Endoline, and is capable of handling 100 picks and 20 cases per minute.

Wokingham, England (PRWEB) September 29, 2007 -- A new Website, http://www.versapack.co.uk, has been established to support a newly-developed compact case packing and erecting machine. Versapack is a joint venture between Quin Systems and Endoline, and is capable of handling 100 picks and 20 cases per minute.

As well as product information and specifications, the new site provides technical drawings, CAD views and a 3D model of the machine. Visitors can view the packaging machine from any angle or perspective, zoom-in on areas of interest and save the model in a cross-platform format. Although Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher is required to view this eDrawings file, it can be viewed on other browsers if configured correctly.

In addition, there are links to the two companies' Web sites, and a contact form enables visitors to enquire further.

Combining Quin Systems' revolutionary RTheta™ high-speed picking head with Endoline's 220 series of case erectors, the new Versapack provides a complete, versatile end-of-line packaging solution inside a small 1800 x 1750mm footprint. It provides new options for high-speed case packing where automation has not hitherto been possible or economic.

The principle of Versapack is simple: an Endoline 220 series case erector frame is used to mount the Quin Casepacker picking head and a product feed conveyor, which results in the extremely compact footprint. Already installed in five production lines in the UK, Casepacker is proving the ideal choice for both single-player and more-demanding multi-layer applications. Its RTheta technology minimises inertia, enabling fast cycle speeds, whilst Quin's advanced motion control algorithms ensure smoother movement, resulting in less product damage, however fast the machine operates.

Versapack offers installers a flexible choice of layout options, from straight in-line, through 90-degree, to reverse case flow, with infeed module options available for rigid and flexible packs. Its versatile design allows a wide range of product types to be packed including shelf-ready packages. Applications range from roll-wrapped biscuits, through flow-wrapped wet-wipes to cartoned ready meals.

The Versapack is marketed in the UK directly by Quin and Endoline, with international sales handled through the companies' European and world-wide distribution networks.

About Quin Systems:
Headquartered in Wokingham, UK, Quin Systems Ltd. was established in 1983 with the goal of bringing expert engineering skills to the field of machine automation. The company's approach brings together the disciplines of mechanical, electronics and software to achieve powerful machine design and control system implementation.
Leadership in this technology is centred on a powerful programming language, researched and developed by Quin to bring real time reliable flexible control to machines. With the ability to dynamically link and unlink many motor axes together via software lineshaft, flexible cam, index and triggers, Quin's programming architecture not only provides a powerful distributed control system, but also provides powerful remote diagnostics and interfaces to factory data systems. As well as technology and products, the company has a strong track record in application engineering, offering support that extends throughout the life of a customer's machine. Quin also works with selected manufacturers of complementary products to provide a wide range of engineering services for the automation industry. These include LinMot linear motors, and HMI display panels as well as SBC motors and drives.

About Endoline:
Endoline Machinery Ltd is the UK's leading manufacturer of end-of-line packaging machines, from semi-automatic case sealers, case erectors, case packers, packing stations and conveyor systems to fully automated packaging lines. Endoline specialises in the automation of packaging for standard cases, trays, crates and shelf-ready cases (SRP) for products including snacks, confectionery, ready-meals, healthcare, pharmaceutical and consumer goods.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:04 AM | Comments (0)

Characterisation of Irradiated Material by Instrumented Indentation

In addition to standard tests, the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe is investigating the concept of characterisation of irradiated material by instrumented indentation. For this reason they purchased a ZHU0.2/Z2.5 modular testing system from the Zwick Roell Group (www.zwick.com) to assist them in their quest to investigate the material's mechanical properties after irradiation and to understand the irradiation damage mechanisms. Zwick was the only manufacturer who could provide a solution for this unique application.

Ulm, Germany (PRWEB) September 29, 2007 -- The Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (www.fzk.de) is one of the biggest science and engineering research institutions in Europe and funded jointly by the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Its research and development program is embedded in the superordinate program structure of the Hermann von Helmholtz Association of National Research Centers and concentrates on the five research areas of Structure of Matter, Earth and Environment, Health, Energy, and Key Technologies.

The Nuclear Fusion Programme bundles the activities of the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe which are related to the development of technologies for a fusion reactor. These activities under the contract of Association between EURATOM and Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe are carried out within the framework of the European Fusion Development Agreement. Fusion energy is associated with the wish to supply a safe and environmentally compatible source of energy that decisively contributes to the supply of mankind's electricity consumption for the next centuries.

The Institute for Materials Research (www.fzk.de/imf) is involved in the development and qualification of materials as well for highly loaded plasma-facing components of the DEMO plant and for the supporting structure of the components. The development aims at high-performance materials that allow for high operational temperatures and coolant pressures under the impact of high-energy neutrons. In addition, the materials should be low activating under neutrons in order to maintain the environmental attractiveness of fusion plants.

Structural materials such as EUROFER 97, for commercial fusion reactors with expected plant lifetimes of about 30 full power years, must allow for higher operational temperatures and coolant pressures and should also withstand high neutron fluences that cause material damage such as hardening, embrittlement, dimensional instability etc.

In addition to standard tests the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe is investigating the concept of characterisation of irradiated material by instrumented indentation. For this reason they purchased a ZHU0.2/Z2.5 modular testing system from the Zwick Roell Group (www.zwick.com) to assist them in their quest to investigate the material's mechanical properties after irradiation and to understand the irradiation damage mechanisms. Zwick was the only manufacturer who could provide a solution for this unique application.

The ZHU0.2/Z2.5 has a load range of 2 - 200N, and a displacement measuring resolution of 0.02m. The system is equipped with a fully automated X/Y table and Rockwell and Vickers indenters. The indentation can be viewed through a microscope fitted with a CCD camera.

The Zwick ZHU0.2/Z2.5 is installed in a gas tight hot cell with 200 mm lead / 500 mm lead glass shielding. It carries out multistage indentation tests (load/unload) with different holding times. Neural networks then evaluate the correlation between these test data and the parameters of a viscoplastic material model, normally acquired from tensile tests.

The unique operation of the indentation tester allows it to carry out precision loading cycles up to various forces and displacements with predetermined holding times during each cycle. testXpert® , Zwick's software platform for materials testing, is used to control the machine and obtain the synchronised force and indentation data. This data is then stored in a special format and transmitted to the neural network system to determine the material properties such as Young's Modulus, Yield and ultimate tensile strength as well as hardening coefficients.

For more information contact Zwick at info(at)zwickroell.eu

About the Zwick Roell Group
The Zwick Roell Group is a global leader in automated materials and component testing systems. With 150 years of testing experience and operating worldwide, it has manufacturing facilities in Germany and distribution and customer support headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and Singapore. As of 2006 the group has 900 employees and sells to 20 different industry sectors through a network of sales and service offices in 56 countries. For more information see www.zwick.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:03 AM | Comments (0)

Marsh Supermarkets to Sell Surplus Properties at Auction Many Offered Absolute

Higgenbotham Auctioneers International Ltd., Inc. ("HAI"), announced today that food retailer Marsh Supermarkets has retained HAI to offer at auction 27 surplus properties throughout Indiana & Ohio. These valuable properties will be offered at auction at 11AM, November 15th in the Holiday Inn Select Grand Ballroom located adjacent to the Indianapolis Airport at 2501 S. High School Road Indianapolis, Indiana. At least 7 properties are to be sold ABSOLUTE to the last and highest bidder. The auction is a cooperative effort between HAI and RCS Real Estate Advisors ("RCS") of New York City, New York and NAI Global ("NAI") of Princeton, New Jersey.

Lakeland, FL. (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- Higgenbotham Auctioneers International Ltd., Inc. ("HAI"), announced today that food retailer Marsh Supermarkets has retained HAI to offer at auction 27 surplus properties throughout Indiana & Ohio. These valuable properties will be offered at auction at 11AM, November 15th in the Holiday Inn Select Grand Ballroom located adjacent to the Indianapolis Airport at 2501 S. High School Road Indianapolis, Indiana. At least 7 properties are to be sold absolute to the last and highest bidder.

The auction is a cooperative effort between HAI and RCS Real Estate Advisors ("RCS") of New York City, New York and NAI Global ("NAI") of Princeton, New Jersey.

The auction inventory consists of 15 retail out-parcels/development tracts and 12 retail buildings. The properties are former supermarkets, retails centers and development tracts.

The properties include:
- 28,671± SF former supermarket located at 936 East Washington Street in Winchester, Indiana
- 35,769± SF former supermarket and a 4,000± SF retail building located at 4005 Wheeling Avenue in Muncie, Indiana
- 39,451± SF former supermarket located at 3919 Madison Avenue in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Three separate 1 acre retail development tracts and a 1/2 acre retail development tract located on Maplecrest Road in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- 5 retail development tracts located at 4900 East Jackson Street in Muncie, Indiana
- 6.59± acre retail development tract located at the southwest corner of 38th and Columbus Avenue in Anderson, Indiana
- 32,176± SF former supermarket with an attached 20,000± SF retail building located at 1021 and 1033 Indianapolis Road in Greencastle, Indiana
- 21,137± SF former supermarket located at 107 West Pickwick Drive in Syracuse, Indiana
- 8,586± SF fully equipped freestanding former restaurant located at 14575 Mundy Drive in Noblesville, Indiana
- 1.32± acre retail development tract located at 14450 Mundy Drive in Noblesville, Indiana
- 46,212± SF former supermarket located at 2424 South Walnut Street in Bloomington, Indiana
- 36,810± SF former supermarket located at 395 Martin Street in Greenville, Ohio
- 2,100± SF commercial building located at 900 East Jefferson Street in Tipton, Indiana
- 11,920± SF commercial building located at 5136 North Franklin Avenue in Lawrence, Indiana
- 14,800± SF commercial building located at 1240 North State Street in Greenfield, Indiana
- 8,800± SF commercial building located at 17 North Lynhurst Drive in Indianapolis, Indiana
- 1/2± acre retail outparcel located at 10679 North Michigan Road in Zionsville, Indiana
- 1.34± acre retail outparcel located along East 300 North (Hartman Road) in Anderson, Indiana
- 1.1± acre retail outparcel located at 843 East Main Street in Brownsburg, Indiana
- 2.37± acre retail development tract located at 702 West South Street in Lebanon, Indiana

"Although these properties no longer fit into the future plans of Marsh, they are located in many prime markets around the region with some of the locations being no more than a few years old and fully equipped" stated John Haney, General Manager of HAI.

Marsh is expected to use the proceeds of the auction to continue its efforts in renovating and upgrading its operating stores.

Assisting with the coordination of the auction is RCS Real Estate Advisors and NAI Global. "We're certainly pleased to be working in cooperation with some of the most notable and effective real estate firms in the United States. With RCS Real Estate Advisors' detailed knowledge of Marsh's real estate and NAI Global's extensive network of real estate professionals throughout Indiana and the world, potential bidders can be assured that they are receiving detailed, accurate information on the properties and will have numerous opportunities to inspect and preview the buildings" stated Haney.

Parties interested in bidding on the Marsh Supermarket properties should contact HAI immediately to receive property, auction and due diligence information, including taxes, zoning, title exceptions, etc. all of which will be made available via mail or by download from HAI's website, www.higgenbotham.com.

About Higgenbotham Auctioneers International Ltd., Inc.
Founded in 1959, Higgenbotham Auctioneers International ("HAI") is headquartered in Lakeland, Florida and specializes in the sale of corporate real estate throughout the United States and the world by utilizing the auction method of marketing. HAI is an alliance partner of NAI Global and enjoys continuing relationships with Fortune 500 clients such as Alcoa, International Paper, Wal-Mart Realty, and Sinclair Oil, as well as many other publicly traded and closely held companies.

About Marsh Supermarkets, Inc.:
Marsh Supermarkets, Inc. ("Marsh") was founded in 1931 with one store in Muncie, Indiana. In 1953,
Marsh went public with 16 stores. Today, Marsh is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and operates 79 Marsh Supermarkets, 19 LoBill Foods, 6 O'Malia's Food Markets, Crystal Food Services, Primo Banquet Catering and Floral Fashions. Marsh employs nearly 14,000 and serves two million customers each week.

About NAI Global:
NAI is the premier network of independent commercial real estate firms and one of the largest commercial real estate service providers worldwide. NAI Global manages a network of 5,000 professionals and 350 offices in 45 countries throughout the world.

About RCS Real Estate Advisors:
RCS Real Estate Advisors (formerly Retail Consulting Services) provides innovative solutions that unlock the potential of retail real estate assets for clients across the United States. Founded in 1981, the firm operates through a unique mix of three practice areas - Growth and Development, Restructuring and Portfolio Optimization, and Investment Advisory and Participation - offering services that include expansions, rent renegotiations, dispositions and equity investments. For more information about the firm and its track record of working as a partner to deliver results for top-name retailers, please visit http://www.rcsrealestate.com

For more information about the Marsh Supermarket properties or other Higgenbotham auctions, please contact John Haney at Higgenbotham Auctioneers (800) 257-4161 or visit their website at http://www.Higgenbotham.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:03 AM | Comments (0)

ThermoSpas Introduces Custom-Built Hot Tubs for Any Budget Tailored to Match the Shape, Needs & Style of Any Body

ThermoSpas, a spa manufacturer and the country's largest hot tub retailer, is bringing the luxury of personalization and customization to America with its introduction of tailor-made hot tubs for any budget. . The company has designed everything from an eight-seat spa with 165 jets, a stereo system, ice bucket and heated towel warmers for a New York City entrepreneur with a very active social life to a minimalist two-person spa with numerous adjustable therapy jets for a recently married athletic couple that works out at the gym daily. Customization is key to a ThermoSpa and the customer dictates the size, style and cost.

Wallingford, CT (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- ThermoSpas, a spa manufacturer and the country's largest hot tub retailer, is bringing the luxury of personalization and customization to America with its introduction of tailor-made hot tubs for any budget.

ThermoSpas believes a hot tub should be a luxurious experience, but should also match the needs and resources of the customer. The company has designed everything from an eight-seat spa with 165 jets, a stereo system, ice bucket and heated towel warmers for a New York City entrepreneur with a very active social life to a minimalist two-person spa with numerous adjustable therapy jets for a recently married athletic couple that works out at the gym daily. Customization is key to a ThermoSpa and the customer dictates the size, style and cost.

"A ThermoSpa is custom-designed and custom-built so that the customer gets precisely what he has dreamed about," said Andrew Tournas, President of ThermoSpas, "In fact, the customer usually ends up spending less money on the spa because he is ordering exactly what he wants and is not paying for features he won't use."

From the look of a marble or granite interior to custom-built wood cabinetry, developing your own ThermoSpas has the feel of designing a state-of-the-art kitchen, but can actually be much more complex. Because a spa offers not only relaxation, but actual proven health benefits, designing the water therapy depends on more than just personal taste.

"The ideal hot tub, like a couture Chanel suit or the bespoke Rolls Royce, is different for each person and entirely depends on his or her color palate, design sense, body type and lifestyle," said Tournas, "Even more so, with a hot tub, you need to take into consideration that person's aches and pains so you can customize their water therapy."

ThermoSpas works one-on-one with its customers in their home to create a unique hot tub that will meet their individual needs. The ThermoSpas design representatives, who are currently in 36 states and expect to be nationwide in the next two years, are fluent in the health benefits of each of the different jets, bubbling systems and massagers. They can help the customer design a spa that will help Mom relax and ease her insomnia, assuage Dad's lower back pain and offer the teen daughter a thorough water aerobics workout. The spa will, of course, also match the family's existing deck; have a built-in stereo system and ice bucket for parties and work via remote control so they can heat the tub from within the house on those chilly winter evenings. Even better, each seat will have its own control system so each family member can use the spa at the same time, but have on different jets and get different benefits.

Once the ideal location for the spa in the home is determined and the customized hot tub is designed, the one-of-a-kind spa is custom-built and extensively tested in the ThermoSpas factory. Approximately eight weeks after the spa is ordered, it is delivered and fully installed by a certified ThermoSpas technician.

Call 800-876-0158 or visit www.thermospas.com to learn more about how ThermoSpas can custom build a hot tub for you.
ThermoSpas

Founded in 1983, ThermoSpas, Inc. is a privately owned manufacturer and retailer of hot tubs, swim spas and outdoor living products. Based in Wallingford, CT, the company is the largest hot tub retailer in the U.S. and also sells in sections of Europe and the Middle East. ThermoSpas is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions including the APSP Inspire Award for spa promotion and innovation, the APSP Eagle Award for commitment to industry advancement, the Consumers Digest Best Buy Award and the Better Business Bureau Consumer Education Award. For more information on ThermoSpas, please visit www.thermospas.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:02 AM | Comments (0)

Kick Up Your Oktoberfest with Sauerkraut

Great Lakes Kraut, a leading sauerkraut manufacturer and winner of ChefsBest™ award, presents Oktoberfest recipes. As summer draws to a close, people are preparing their favorite Sauerkraut recipes for the greatest celebration of German heritage: Oktoberfest.

Bear Creek, WI (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- Great Lakes Kraut, a leading sauerkraut manufacturer and winner of ChefsBest™ award, presents Oktoberfest recipes. As summer draws to a close, people across the country are dusting off their beer steins and preparing their favorite Sauerkraut recipes for the greatest celebration of German heritage: Oktoberfest.

What began as the wedding celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen just outside of Munich in 1810, Oktoberfest is now part of American culture with more than 140 celebrations across the United States. American Oktoberfest gatherings feature traditional German musicians, Marzen beers, German sausages, and of course, Sauerkraut.

"Sauerkraut is a wonderfully tart complement to rich-tasting German sausages," said Ryan Downs, co-owner of Great Lakes Kraut Co. "It cuts through the spiciness of a bratwurst and enhances the flavor. It's the perfect marriage," Downs said.

Traditional German dishes featuring sausages, potato dumplings, and Sauerkraut are standard fare during Oktoberfest. Downs recommends the Savory Sausage and Kraut Skillet paired with your favorite German brew. Made with potatoes, Sauerkraut, and Kielbasa or the smoked beef sausage of your choice, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

For something more contemporary, but still crowd pleasing, try the Bavarian Crostini with melted Swiss cheese and Sauerkraut on pumpernickel bread.

Silver Floss® and Krrrrisp Kraut® Sauerkraut, winners of the ChefsBest™ Award as America's best-tasting Sauerkraut, are manufactured by the world's largest Sauerkraut producer, Great Lakes Kraut Co., LLC, Bear Creek, Wis. With processing facilities in Bear Creek and Shortsville, N.Y. -- the best cabbage growing regions in the world -- the company combines modern technology and four generations of Sauerkraut-making expertise to produce the country's leading brands. Silver Floss canned and jarred Sauerkraut is found in the canned vegetable section of grocery stores in the East, South, and Midwest. Krrrrisp Kraut refrigerated Sauerkraut is located in the meat department at grocery stores nationwide. For more information about Great Lakes Kraut and its award-winning brands, visit http://www.sauerkrautnews.com

Savory Sausage and Kraut Skillet
Ingredients

2 Tbsp. butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 apple, peeled, cored and grated
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. caraway seeds
12 small red potatoes, cleaned
1 1/2 cups Krrrrisp Kraut® Sauerkraut
1 lb. smoked beef sausage or kielbasa

Cut sausage into 3-inch pieces. Melt butter in skillet; add onion and green pepper and cook until tender. Add apple, brown sugar, caraway seeds, potatoes, and Sauerkraut; mix well. Place sausage on top of Sauerkraut mixture. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:01 AM | Comments (0)

Rock Island Manufacturer Shows Process Industry Manufacturers How To Be Green Enough to Save Enough Energy To Fuel 10 Fossil Power Plants

Inventor Of The Bearing Isolator Publishes Article On How Process Plants Can Save Energy And Keep Green In The Process

Rock Island, IL (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 - A Rock Island, IL based company may have the key to energy conservation and may be able to alleviate the need for immediate new power plant construction in the U.S. and increase productivity and plant reliability in the process. In addition, the company has published a document that details how process industry manufacturers can save lots of energy and stay green in the process.

The Company
The company, Inpro/Seal Company, is a leader in the manufacture and application of non-contact, non-energy consumptive bearing protectors that are designed to replace contact sealing devices that have proven to consume electrical energy while operating.

Contact Lip Seals
Contacting lip seals were first introduced over 70 years ago. Convenient and cheap, when it came to protecting bearings, they went on to capture a 99% market share. Today, in the U.S. about thirty eight million of them are manufactured for thousands of industrial applications in the U.S. including: pumps, gearboxes, fans, paper machine rolls and other types of rotating equipment. Most of these can be replaced with non-contact labyrinth style bearing isolators that consume zero power.

Non-Contact Seals
In the 1970's, the bearing isolator was invented by David C. Orlowski (patent #4,022,479). A non-contacting labyrinth seal, it gave the end user the choice of permanent bearing protection and eliminated the need for continual maintenance. Comprised of a unitized rotor and stator that do not come into contact with each other, it operates without contact and thus does not consume energy. Because they never wear out, they can be used over and over for many years. Contact seals have a 100% failure rate.

Lean, Mean & Green
According to Orlowski, "Today, we view the "greening" of the process industries in general, and the maintenance function in particular, as one of the biggest challenges and profit opportunities currently facing our customers. Lean, efficient manufacturing operations are a vital part of the day-to-day concerns we face at Inpro on a daily basis. Though there are a number of ways to be green in the process industries, we fell the installation of energy saving bearing isolators is at the top of the list."

Lip Seals May Not Be So Cheap
Lip seals consume power - lots of it. In fact, it costs more to operate a lip seal than it does to procure one. When effectively sealing and protecting bearings, each lip seal consumes, on average, 147 watts of power. After about 2000 hours of operation (2.7 months), a lip seal will fail, lose contact with the rotating shaft and stop consuming power.

At that point in time they either must be replaced or the rotating equipment operates until the bearings become contaminated or run out of oil. It is something like running your car on a flat tire until it self-destructs. Other contacting bearing protection devices, such as magnetic face seals are also sold to industry. Combined with lip seals, they account for some 6,000 megawatts of power consumption while they are functioning and effectively sealing.

Early Industrial Motors
Since their inception by Edison and Steinmetz back in the 1920's, industrial electric motors were manufactured and put into severe duty services without adequate bearing protection. Until recently, only a close clearance between the shaft and end-bell served to limit contamination ingress into the bearing environment. Reliability suffered as life cycle costs for energy and maintenance had significant negative impact on the process industries' production numbers.

Enter The IEEE-841 Motor
In 1994, Institute of Electrical Engineers introduced their IEEE-841 Motor, an industrial duty motor that was designed to improve reliability, efficiency and performance by establishing simple guidelines. Immediately after its introduction, forward-looking process plants found that by switching to IEEE-841 Motors energy consumption also improved. In 1995, after a process plant switched to 2,000 of these new motors, they directly attributed $5 million in savings in efficiency and enhanced reliability.

Today's Industrial Motors
As part of its specification, all IEEE-841 motors incorporate non-contact Inpro/Seal™ bearing isolators as standard equipment. Recently the newer NEMA Premium motor, which has at least a one point energy edge, has become readily available with Inpro/Seal bearing isolators as a standard option. This kind of permanent bearing protection greatly enhances reliability and reduces MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures). Documentation shows that the investment for enhanced efficiency and reliability regularly yields an internal rate of return of more than 100%.

Failure Is Not An Option
It has been said there are some 40,000,000 industrial-grade electric motors in use in the United States. These motors, on average will last about 5.7 years before they need to be repaired or replaced. This decision is usually based around an energy analysis.

Will a new motor have an energy-saving return on investment great enough to rationalize the capital outlay? The differential cost for power over time is weighed against the cost of a new motor and the benefits of greater efficiency and enhanced reliability. The vast majority of the time, the root cause of electric motor failures have been because of mechanical rather than electrical problems.

Add to that the fact that bearing-protected motors have proven to last at least twice as long as the motors that they replaced since the major, documented cause of motor failure remains bearing deterioration. It has been estimated that the insulation on the windings is good for 130 years because it was designed for severe resistive heating that does not present itself in the modern day super efficient motor.

Technology Can Be A Wonderful Thing
If the thirty eight million contacting lip seals addressed above were replaced with non-contacting, non-energy consuming bearing isolators, the savings would be substantial. The net energy savings in the U.S. would be some 5,586 megawatts or the equivalent of about 10 fossil fueled power plants!

The process industries would save over $3.7 billion dollars per year in electrical power costs. Tons of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas (GHG) that is said to be a major contributor to global warming would no longer be produced.

The bearing isolators would stay in service for at least 20 years, eliminating the duty cycle and replacement expense. Operating costs would stabilize and process industry manufacturers would realize productivity increases and remain competitive on a global basis.

Signoff
For more information, "Green Is The Color Of Money", "Introduction To Bearing Isolators", "Are Lip Seals Obsolete?" is available from Jason Putman 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. In addition, an Excel module: Motor Energy Savings Justification Worksheet and other information can be found at: www.inpro-seal.com or www.bearingisolators.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:01 AM | Comments (0)

Labelmaster's Popular A.I.R. Shipper Manual Now Available For 2008

Book will preview 2009 ICAO changes.

Chicago, Illinois (Vocus/PRWEB ) September 28, 2007 -- Labelmaster, a U.S.-based manufacturer of regulatory compliance products, is releasing the 2008 A.I.R. Shipper™ Air International Regulations for Shippers of Dangerous Goods manual, which will be available October 2007. It is the first shipper-friendly regulations publication to be recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

A.I.R. Shipper™ will help your company stay in compliance with dangerous goods regulations and increase shipping safety, accuracy and efficiency. This publication combines international dangerous goods air regulations with related national requirements, so you have all the information you need to ship safely and in compliance with regulations in one resource.

Following are features that make A.I.R. Shipper™ an outstanding reference for shippers:

Developed in compliance with ICAO standards
Chapter order is logical and follows UN Model Regulations, ICAO and IMO formats
Innovative pricing allows maximum distribution of A.I.R. Shipper™ within your shipping operations
Cost-effective, quality product that promotes safety in dangerous goods shipping
Dangerous Goods List (DGL) is quick and easy to use
"How to Use" appendix helps you get the most out of the unique layout and features
Hazard and handling labels and markings shown in color
Colored borders make finding important sections quick and make text easier to read
Easy-to-use packing instructions include descriptive titles, maximum quantity tables and specific applicable variations
High-quality paper allows highlighting without "show-through"

The 2008 edition contains the following new features:

Preview of the 2009 ICAO changes
Adding 49 CFR Special Provisions to DGL
Easy-to-use reference guides to get all your information in one spot
New format is easier to read

Learn more about A.I.R. Shipper™ by visiting airregs.com
or call 1-800-621-5808.

For more information about other Labelmaster regulatory publications:
Regulatory Combos: www.labelmaster.com/index.cfm?section=store&cataloglevel=18720
Early 49 CFR: www.labelmaster.com/index.cfm?section=store&cataloglevel=17299
MasterRegs™ 49 CFR: www.labelmaster.com/index.cfm?section=store&cataloglevel=17300
ERG: www.labelmaster.com/index.cfm?section=store&cataloglevel=18212

Labelmaster, established in 1967, is a developer, manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of hazardous materials compliance products, including labels, forms, packaging, software, and publications. The company's 40 years of experience in providing regulatory information and products for all transportation modes make it especially qualified as a total compliance resource. Labelmaster's compliance division is located at 5724 N. Pulaski Road in Chicago. Learn more about Labelmaster: www.labelmaster.com.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations created in 1944 to promote safety in international civil aviation. ICAO sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, regularity, and aviation environmental protection. The Organization serves as a forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 189 Contracting States. For additional information, visit www.icao.int.

For a complete version of this release with an image for download, please visit http://news.marketingimages.com/default.asp?nid=302

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:00 AM | Comments (0)

Lisa May Huby Featured Guest On Better Process Innovation Show Podcast

Recently, B2B Marketing Consultant and Copywriter Lisa May Huby was the featured guest of the Better Process Innovation Show podcast, highlighting issues faced by business-to-business marketers such as finding effective business partners, strategies for online marketing and how B2B marketing is overshadowed by B2C activities.

Barrie, ON (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- B2B Marketing Consultant and Copywriter Lisa May Huby was the featured guest for the September 13, 2007 podcast of the Better Process Innovation Show sponsored by Eaton.

Highlights of the show included issues faced by business-to-business marketers such as finding effective business partners, strategies for online marketing and how B2B marketing is being overshadowed by B2C activities.

Another timely topic discussed was B2B search marketing and how prospective business buyers' online search activities differ from consumers. "This just emphasizes the importance of actually having information available through any means possible, especially on a website or through online marketing. This includes white papers, case studies; it could include data sheets or product brochures. Just about anything that is needed to sell to this market. You need to have it readily available to your prospect, or your competition could get in there first."

The Better Process Innovation Show hosted by Ken Rayment and sponsored by Eaton highlights issues faced by the manufacturing industry, focusing largely on small and midsize manufacturers. Guests are experts in their field, and offer sound advice and suggestions to listeners. To listen to the podcast visit http://www.podcasternews.com/programs/87/better-process-podcast/4521/
or www.hubymarketing.com and click on the podcast link.

Marketers and businesses looking for solutions to online marketing dilemmas or feedback on current efforts should visit www.hubymarketing.com, or call Lisa May Huby direct at (705) 812-2979 to arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation. Ms. Huby offers a complimentary e-newsletter with useful tips and information for B2B marketers. Sign up for free at www.hubymarketing.com and join the mailing list.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:00 AM | Comments (0)

Matrikon and Meridian Energy Scoop Prestigious 2007 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards

Matrikon™ Inc. (TSX:MTK) together with Meridian Energy have been honored with the 2007 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards (Newcastle Division) for its innovative Predictive Asset Management (PAM) system.

Edmonton, AB (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- Matrikon™ Inc. (TSX:MTK) together with Meridian Energy have been honored with the 2007 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards (Newcastle Division) for its innovative Predictive Asset Management (PAM) system.

The award winning submission was judged via a rigorous process and was met with high praise from the panel of fifteen senior engineers. Excellence Award judges commented, "This project showed a high degree of collaboration between Meridian Energy and Matrikon which resulted in a very successful project. This is predominantly a software integration project using some off-the-shelf products put together to solve this problem but easily adapted for a variety of other asset management situations."

"I'd like to thank Meridian Energy for their vision and commitment to this project…" says Sam Crisifulli, Managing Director of Matrikon's Asia-Pacific Operations. "…and in particular, Garth Dibley and Neil Gregory; without their unrelenting belief in this project, this would never have been a success."

Having won this divisional award, the PAM system entry will now be judged on a national level. "Finalists in the annual Australian Engineering Excellence Awards are members of an elite group of Australia's premier engineers who have set global benchmarks for best practice in their fields of endeavor and are leaders in the profession, showing world class expertise and innovation in developing and implementing engineering solutions. Engineers Australia congratulates all those that reach this level of achievement". (Engineers Australia website)

About Matrikon
Matrikon is a leading provider of industrial intelligence solutions that enable manufacturing plants to achieve operational excellence by transforming production data into knowledge to predict and prevent problems and optimize operations. Matrikon's customers achieve agile operations through the combination of external market and plant data to make informed, intelligent decisions in real-time. With offices in major cities throughout North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East and a global client base including industry leaders in a wide range of process industries, Matrikon's reach is global. www.matrikon.com

Matrikon is a trademark or registered trademark of Matrikon Inc.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:59 AM | Comments (0)

A.R.T. Furniture Launches FurnishWEB Extranet

Internet Databases, a leading furniture industry web development company, is pleased to announce that A.R.T Furniture has launched the order management extranet FurnishWEB. FurnishWEB is a monthly subscription service that offers powerful sales automation and customer service capabilities in a simple, easy-to-use package.

Blacksburg, VA (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- Internet Databases, a leading furniture industry web development company, is pleased to announce that A.R.T Furniture has launched the order management extranet FurnishWEB. FurnishWEB is a monthly subscription service that offers powerful sales automation and customer service capabilities in a simple, easy-to-use package.

"We are pleased with our new association with the industry web service," said CEO Ed Grund of A.R.T. Furniture, "We see FurnishWEB as supporting our future."

The FurnishWEB system publishes product and order information, stock availability and other reports online in a secure environment which allows A.R.T. Furniture's sales force and customers to proactively answer their own inquiries on orders and inventory, thereby improving response time and accuracy. "FurnishWEB will assist our sales and customer service teams in accommodating our continued growth" said Mr. Grund. "Our sales representatives are very enthusiastic about the order entry and email collaboration aspects of the program. And we're already improving our communication during the sales and order process".

"We are very happy that A.R.T. Furniture chose to implement FurnishWEB", says Barry Welch, President of Internet Databases. "Their sales management and sales representatives have an infectious enthusiasm for improving communications. They have been great to work with".

About A.R.T. Furniture:
A.R.T., a four-year old company with twenty full collections of furniture, appeals to upper moderate to better furniture retailers. The company, headquartered in Ontario, California, has a new 40,000 square feet showroom in High Point and also a permanent showroom in World Market Center in Las Vegas.

About Internet Databases:
Internet Databases of Blacksburg, Virginia is a custom web development company that has been serving the furniture industry since 1999. The internet software provider develops custom solutions that enhance customer relationships through business-to-business transactions, sales force automation, online catalogs, and online order processing. FurnishWEB is an order management extranet targeted at domestic furniture manufacturers and importers. The subscription-based application has features that include online order entry and status; product information and inventory status; photo library and sales and management reporting.

For more information visit www.furnishweb.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:59 AM | Comments (0)

HDP User Group International and ITRI Form Global Partnership

The High Density Packaging User Group International (HDP User Group) and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) announce a partnership to address the technical challenges facing Global Electronics Manufacturing.

Scottsdale, Arizona (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- Two of the major organizations involved in Electronics Manufacturing R&D announced that they are joining forces to tackle the many technical and regulatory challenges facing the Electronics Industry today. The industry is global in nature, and these two organizations have recognized that the best way to resolve problems is by working together through a global approach. The HDP User Group based in Scottsdale, Arizona, with offices in Europe and Japan, will give ITRI access to it's technical programs and international membership; while ITRI, based in Taiwan, will provide an interface to electronics manufacturers and suppliers in Asia by way of HDP User Group's participation in ITRI's Advanced Microsystem & Packaging technology Alliance (AMPA). The relationship will be administered on ITRI's side through the Electronics and Optoelectronics Research Laboratory (EOL) a laboratory within ITRI.

"ITRI brings a wealth of technical knowledge and capability, as well as a strong working relationship with electronics firms in Asia" noted Marshall Andrews, Executive Director or the HDP User Group. "Their participation in our technical programs will help insure both success and faster utilization of the results. All of our Membership welcomes ITRI as our newest member."

"HDP User Group is an international industrial collaborative platform.", noted Dr. Yi-Jen Chan, VP of ITRI and General Director of EOL, "the alliance of AMPA and HDPUG will enable ITRI to participate in HDPUG's projects directly and joint development will be carried out by targeting future electronic technology development roadmaps and applications. ITRI is dedicated to technology innovation and environment issues, and I can foresee the cooperation will lead us to epochal achievements."

About the HDP User Group International Inc.
HDP User Group (www.hdpug.org) is a global research and development organization based in Scottsdale AZ, dedicated to "reducing the costs and risks for the Electronics industry when using advanced electronic packaging and assembly". This international industry led group organizes and conducts R&D programs to resolve the technical issues facing the industry, including design, printed circuit board manufacturing, electronics assembly, and environmental compliance. HDP maintains additional offices in Austin, TX; Stockholm, Sweden; and Tokyo, Japan.

About the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)
The Industrial Technology Research Institute - ITRI - is a non-profit R&D organization engaging in applied research and technical service. It was founded in 1973 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to attend to the technological needs of Taiwan's industrial development. ITRI has played a vital role in the transformation of the economy from an agriculture-based model to an industrial one. By year 2007 it has grown to a 6000 people operation, and served as the technical center for industry and an unofficial arm of the government's industrial policies in Taiwan. Backed by its broad research scope and close industrial ties, ITRI is becoming an increasingly active member in the global industrial R&D community.

The Electronics and Optoelectronics Research Laboratories (EOL) is one of the core laboratories of ITRI. It undertakes research and development in core technologies that are considered essential to the sustaining growth of the overall electronics industry in Taiwan. Research topics include Flexible Electronics, Non-volatile memories & Nanoelectronics, Advanced Packaging, Optical Storage, Digital Imaging and Display, and Optoelectronic Devices and Components. The Advanced Microsystem & Packaging technology Alliance (AMPA), which consists of members from the semiconductor industry, provides a communication platform of industrial technology and market information to the members.

For more information on the HDP User Group, visit HDP User Group on the Internet at www.hdpug.org or contact Darryl Reiner at darrylr@hdpug.org, phone number +1 480-951-1963.

For more information on ITRI, visit www.itri.org.tw or contact Sebastian Liau at scliau @ itri.org.tw, phone number +886 3 591-2957.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:58 AM | Comments (0)

ACOM Solutions, Inc. Adds Ease-of-Use Enhancements in EZContentManager 3.3 Document Management Solution

In EZContentManager Version 3.3, ACOM continues to improve the user experience with streamlined processes and greater flexibility and provide administrators with extended management controls and system oversight capabilities.

Long Beach, California (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- A faster, easier document storage, access, retrieval and distribution experience awaits both rank-and-file users and system administrators as a result of enhancements included in ACOM Solutions, Inc.'s EZContentManager v.3.3, it was announced today by James R. Scott, senior vice president, ACOM Solutions, Inc.

EZContentManager, ACOM's web-based document management system, allows companies to centralize corporate files of any type in a single password-secured data repository, with browser-driven retrieval and distribution engines providing fast and convenient searching and handling under metadata or full-text search. EZContentManager 3.3 is now shipping and is available without charge to customers under maintenance contract.

Key enhancements include:

Multiple file upload from the File Management Screen
Session management tools
Extended file export capabilities
Extended file import capabilities
Multiple process manager capabilities
Extended file status management
Flags column in the File Management window
Additional validation for address book contacts.
Users can now streamline processes through the ability to access, edit and distribute multiple documents simultaneously, as well as create processes in one folder that can be reused in others. In collections processes, for example, when billing documents are brought to screen the operator can also summon associated correspondence in one operation versus bringing up each relevant document singly and sequentially.

Enhancements to the export and import utilities enable users to export reports to Excel, PDF or CSV files on demand and to use metadata to rename files during the import process. Process management enhancements include the ability to use multiple working folders/subfolders in the same process; document class independence, which allows total flexibility in the types of documents that can be assigned to folders; and the ability to indicate distributions to multiple internal and external contacts and distribution lists. A file status management tool enables users to define document status in addition to the defaults provided by the system (draft, approved, etc.).

Using the new session management tool administrators can determine such details as which users are logged into the system, length of time they are logged in and their level of usage. A user that forgot to log out for the day can be logged off, for example; if seen to be inactive for a period of time, a user can be messaged within the system to log out.

"EZContentManager came to market as a solution that was easier to implement, easier to use, easier to manage, and easier to afford," Scott said. "Our focus continues to be on providing the best possible user experience with a productivity tool that is ideally suited to the document management and retention needs of mid-size enterprises or departments and branches of large organizations."

About ACOM Solutions, Inc.

Now in its 24th year of business, ACOM Solutions, Inc. develops and implements advanced modular software systems for document output, document/content management, secure corporate payments, and B2B EDI/XML e-commerce applications, marketing them domestically and through overseas partners. Corporate headquarters are in Long Beach, California; System i Software Division headquarters are in Duluth, Georgia; and regional offices are located in several major U.S. cities. For more information call 800-699-5758, email sales(at)acom.com, or visit http://www.acom.com

CONTACT:
Mark Firmin
Vice President
562-424-7899

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:57 AM | Comments (0)

Backpackshield.com Offers Bullet Resistant Student Backpacks For Students and Computer Users Bullet Resistant Shields Protect Students, Workers and Mothers Discretely

NEW YORK & AUSTIN, Texas (Business Wire EON) September 27, 2007 -- BACKPACKSHIELD Manufacturing today announced a series of Level IIIA bullet resistant portable shields for student backpacks, computer bags, brief cases and other portable cases and bags. Impermeable to most handgun bullets, the shields are portable and can be moved between backpacks and bags, securing the investment and offering years of use.

The patented bullet resistant Dupont Kevlar™ BackPackShield™ is a light weight armor panel insert manufactured with the most advanced and lightest aerospace ballistic composite material available. Manufactured with more than ten layers of bullet resistant Dupont Kevlar™ fabric, which has ten times the tensile strength of steel, the layers are bound and epoxy impregnated into a sheet less than ½” thick and weighing less than a typical textbook. Retailing for $249, for a standard size which fits most student backpacks, the shields are available in more than 10 colors to allow discretion, or personalization. The BackPackShields come with an installation kit with removable Velcro™ which allows easy removal, washing, and portability.
“Unlike weaker level II ballistic curtains that are permanently sewn into bags, BackPackShields are manufactured to a much higher National Institute of Justice (N.I.J.) Level IIIA specification,” said Kerry Clark, President of BackPackShield and defense contractor and supplier AMPTEC RESEARCH Corp. “Level IIIA protection specifications can stop even the hardened full metal jacketed high velocity handgun bullets including 9 mm and 44 Magnum that pass right through a level II bullet-proof liner.“

A full line of shields are available which support common laptop computer carrying cases from most manufacturers, including Dell, HP, Sony and Toshiba. Custom sizes and shapes can also be ordered. Additional information, prices and specifications are available on the company’s web site at Backpackshield.com.

About BackPackShield Manufacturing

BackPackShield manufacturing, located in Austin, TX, was founded by Kerry Clark. Clark is also the President of defense and aerospace supplier AMPTEC RESEARCH CORP. Clark has more than 27 years of experience in developing and designing explosive safety products for safely testing high explosive ordnance such as missile warheads for the USAF, US NAVY, Lockheed Martin and Boeing Company. Inspired while working with the USAF Special Operations, who were lining their MH-53J PAVLOW Attack Helicopters with bullet resistant Kevlar™, Clark realized that a light thin semi-rigid backpack shield that stops virtually every handgun round could be discretely added to student and collegiate backpacks, providing both protection and peace of mind for students and families. Additional information is available at backpackshield.com and AMPTEC.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:56 AM | Comments (0)

Lean Enterprise Training Releases All New DVD Training Material

2002 Shingo Prize Recipient (named after famed Japanese Engineer Shigeo Shingo) Gary Conner and his company (Lean Enterprise Training) have just released an all new four (4) hour training system on DVD.

(PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- Award winning author, consultant, trainer and kaizen facilitator Gary Conner has trained thousands of people in the disciplines of Lean Manufacturing and the Toyota Production System.

As we continue to watch Toyota take market share, surpasing all of the "Big Three" in sales this year, companies large and small are quickly trying to educate themselves about the techniques perfected by Toyota.

First tier suppliers have faced challenges in moving their supply chain along the "Lean" path. Customers often get "push-back" from their suppliers because the traditional "Just-in-Time" template has not met with the same success as in their customers' make-to-stock environment.

Lean Enterprise Training has focused on working with small to medium sized companies. In the past, these "Make-to-Order" businesses have often struggled when trying to apply the same world class techniques adopted by companies like Toyota. By zeroing in on the differences in business realities between large and small companies a hybrid approach has emerged.

It is no secret that there is no "one-size-fits-all" template.

Tools like; Takt time (a means to determine manufacturing pace), One piece flow, and pull systems have for many companies seemed impossible to adopt in a "high-mix, low volume" environment. Therefore many companies give up their efforts to embrace Lean, thinking that this must work only in OEM (original equipment manufacturers) environments.

Through his work with over one hundred and fifty "Job Shop" companies, Mr. Conner and the teams he has worked with have discovered a hybrid approach to the application of the "Just-in-Time" methodology perfected at the Toyota Motor Works

Participants who have attended Lean Enterprise Training's one-day and five-day Lean Leader workshops have gained the knowledge necessary to move their companies forward toward their world class vision.

Recogizing that not everyone can break away for a week at a time, Lean Enterprise Training has developed a four (4) hour DVD. This video workshop will surely help many more people gain exposure to the hybrid approach necessary to modify their current manufacturing practices, bringing them more inline with world class competitors.

The DVD training system comes complete with a copy of the 370 page participant guide used throughout the 40-hour Lean Leader Certificate program.

We are proud to make this announcement and look to seeing this important material provided to our manufacturing neighbors.

Downloadable samples are available by visiting www.leanenterprise.bigstep.com and requesting a link to a download site.

Satisfaction is guaranteed, and the $249 pricing for the four hour DVD and book have been set low in order to make the material affordable for even the smallest companies.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:56 AM | Comments (0)

Newest EPCglobal Networking Standard to Be Demonstrated Live at EPC Connection 2007

EPCgobal and leading technology providers will run EPC Information Service applications in the exhibit hall at EPC Connection 2007--the fourth annual EPCglobal North America conference and exhibition--to be held October 2-4 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

(PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- RFID Journal, the world's leading media and events company covering radio frequency identification (RFID), and EPCglobal North America, a not-for-profit, vendor-neutral, user-driven organization supporting the adoption of Electronic Product Code (EPC) technology, have announced that EPCgobal and leading technology providers will demonstrate real-world EPC Information Service (EPCIS) applications in the exhibit hall at EPC Connection 2007--the fourth annual EPCglobal North America conference and exhibition--which will be held October 2-4 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

EPCIS is an EPCglobal standard for sharing supply chain visibility information between trading partners. It provides a standard method for businesses to capture the "what, where, when and why" of events occurring in any supply chain, and to share this information with internal business applications and external partners. Any business process concerned with the movement of goods or assets can benefit from the increased visibility EPCIS provides.

"Last year, EPCglobal demonstrated interoperability using the network standards," says Ken Traub, a consultant for EPCglobal who set up the demonstrations. "This year, we will be showing actual real-world applications leveraging the standards, enabling companies to see how these standards can be used to improve the way they do business."

During EPC Connection 2007, three live demonstrations of EPCIS in action will be shown on the exhibit floor. These demos will illustrate real-world applications of the standard, including asset tracking, electronic proof of delivery and custody tracing for electronic pedigrees.

Rush Tracking Systems, a leading systems integrator, is assisting EPCglobal in setting up the demonstrations, which will include separate EPCIS applications communicating with each other in real time. Exhibitors participating in the demonstration will include Reva Systems, RSI ID Technologies and Impinj.

"This is an opportunity for those eager to use EPC standards, and even those who might be skeptical of the value of this technology, to come see the standards in action," said Mark Roberti, editor of RFID Journal. "These applications are real, and they can drive business value in a wide variety of industries today."

Companies interested in learning more about or attending EPC Connection can visit www.rfidjournalevents.com/EPCconnection.

About RFID Journal
RFID Journal is the leading source of news and in-depth information about radio frequency identification and its many business applications. Business executives and implementers depend on RFID Journal for up-to-the-minute RFID news, in-depth case studies, best practices, strategic insights and information about vendor solutions. This has made RFID Journal the most relied-upon and respected RFID information resource, serving the largest audience of RFID decision-makers worldwide--in print, online and at face-to-face events. For more information, visit www.rfidjournal.com.

About EPCglobal North America
EPCglobal North America serves subscribers in the United States and Canada fostering the adoption of EPC technology. For more information, visit www.EPCglobalNA.org.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:55 AM | Comments (0)

Order Shipping Goes Green at Frontier Natural Products Co-op

Offsetting Outgoing Freight Emissions Benefits Environment

Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 - Recognizing that it takes energy to ship products as well as make to them, Frontier Natural Products Co-op's distribution center, Frontier Direct, is offsetting carbon generated from shipping in the same manner as it does that from its operational electrical use. By implementing a program to calculate the emissions of its order shipping and purchase offsetting renewable energy credits through Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), Frontier has become one of the first distribution centers to become 100% carbon neutral.

"We have partnered with BEF to offset the carbon emissions resulting from our operations for some time now," says Kimberly Dickey, Frontier's Environmental Sustainability Manager. "We worked with FEDEX, our primary shipper, to determine the energy used to ship our orders and purchased the additional credits necessary to offset the carbon emissions. This year we will offset 343.5 metric tons generated from shipping over 170,000 packages."

Dickey points out that Frontier Direct also uses 100% post consumer waste recycled fiber boxes, soy ink printing, recycled and recyclable packaging that is sourced locally for its shipping operations, meaning order distribution is essentially zero environmental impact.

As a result of Frontier's commitment to renewable energy, the company has qualified to join the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) Green Power Partnership Program (http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/).

"Green power offers us an opportunity to support naturally renewable energy alternatives that reduce the use of non-renewable and toxic fossil or nuclear fuels," says Dickey. "The need to reduce global carbon output is undeniable. It's in all our interests to find innovative ways to help in that process."

About Frontier Natural Products Co-op™:
Founded in 1976 and based in Norway, Iowa, Frontier Natural Products Co-op(TM) offers a full line of natural and organic products under the Frontier, Simply Organic®, Aura Cacia® and Aura Cacia Organics® brands. Products include culinary herbs, spices and baking flavors; bulk herbs and spices; and natural and organic aromatherapy products. Frontier's goal is to provide consumers with the highest-quality organic and natural products while supporting and promoting social and environmental responsibility. For more information, visit Frontier's website at www.frontiercoop.com.

About Bonneville Environmental Foundation:
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 1998 to restore watershed ecosystems and further the development and use of new renewable energy resources. A pioneer in the renewable energy credit industry, BEF developed its program, called Green Tags, in response to the demand for green power when it's not offered through local utilities, or where it's cost prohibitive. Through revenues generated from the sales of green power products such as Green Tags, BEF funds projects that restore damaged watersheds and support new renewable energy products from solar, wind and biomass. BEF pioneered the sale of Green Tags in 2000 and has helped establish national standards for certification and trading. Go to www.b-e-f.org or www.GreenTagsUSA.org to learn more about BEF.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:55 AM | Comments (0)

Advanced Security Concepts Consolidates Security Ventures and Incorporates Under New Name

Advanced Security Concepts has announced that it is incorporating under the name of "AdvanSec Corporation." This move places the company's three security related ventures under one banner.

League City, TX (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- Advanced Security Concepts announced today that it is incorporating under the next name of "Advansec Corporation," according to Kim Bowers, the company's president. "This decision places the company's three security related ventures, Advansec.com, Mediaprotection.com, and TheFileSaver.com under one banner while maintaining the leadership position of each in its respective field of service," according to Bowers.

The company started operations in East Texas in 1984 as a sales and security services organization. When the decision was made in 1997 to make Internet marketing a major emphasis, the company moved into nation-wide security consulting, wholesale and retail marketing of Chubb and Fire King media/data safes, Meilink, Gary and Gibralter security safes and Fire King fireproof filing cabinets, storage cabinets and record safes. Stand-alone digital electronic access controls for commercial and industrial applications were also featured offerings.

AdvanSec Corporation serves national, state and local governments with these products and is a CCR (Central Contractor Registry) contractor. Also among the company's prominent customers are universities, research laboratories, banks, savings and loans, energy companies, law firms, manufacturers, technology manufacturers and integrators, small businesses and individuals. AdvanSec also ships internationally, most notably to Canada, Mexico, China and occasionally to Europe.

Advansec can be found through the company's websites at www.Advansec.com , www.Mediaprotection.com , and www.TheFileSaver.com Its home offices are in League City near the Johnson Space Center, Houston.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:54 AM | Comments (0)

Telogis Inc. Intelligent GPS Location Technologies Ranks No. 70 in the Inc. 5000 Top Companies in Software

Irvine, CA (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- Telogis, Inc., of Irvine, California, has been recognized as one of America’s fastest growing companies in the first-ever Inc. 5000 list, published by Inc., the parent of Inc. Magazine. Telogis, a leader in the GPS fleet tracking market, provides web-based real time vehicle tracking solutions as well as geospatial software for use in a variety of location based service applications. The company’s hardware and software products allow customers to improve productivity by enabling the efficient management of their remote and mobile workers, assets and their goods and services. At 918 on the Inc. 5000 list, Telogis has a three-year growth rate of 318%, is ranked No. 70 in the fastest growing companies in the Software industry segment and No. 49 of the fastest growing companies in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, California, region.

“Telogis has become a platform on which many companies have built market leading fleet tracking and mapping applications,” explains Telogis CEO David Cozzens. “Our profitable, rapid growth has been the result of a committed team of people creating reliable hardware and software solutions for the fast growing location-based asset management market. We will continue to focus on software innovation and web-based productivity solutions on a global scale.”

“The Inc. 5,000 provides the most comprehensive look ever at the most important part of the economy – the entrepreneurial part,” said Inc. 5,000 Project Manager Jim Melloan. “The expansion of the list has allowed us to tell the stories of larger companies, older companies, and a wealth of companies in industries like Manufacturing and Construction that are underreported in the business media.

About Inc.com:
Inc.com, the Daily Resource for Entrepreneurs, delivers advice, tools, breaking news, and rich multi-media to help business owners and CEOs start, run, and grow their businesses more successfully. Information and advice covering virtually every business and management task, including marketing, sales, finding capital, managing people can be found at www.inc.com.

About Telogis Inc.
Telogis is a Location Technology company delivering services and software through two product lines- OnTrack and GeoBase. OnTrack is a GPS Fleet Tracking Productivity and Fleet Management System. GeoBase is a scalable, feature rich, easy-to-use mapping engine that delivers geospatial functionality in a software application. Telogis was established in 2001, and has offices in California, Texas, Washington and New Zealand. Telogis software services and products are used and distributed worldwide. To learn more about Telogis and to download a free copy of the Aberdeen report- “Service on the Move: Driving Profitability via Fleet Management”, visit our website at www.telogis.com or call direct at (949) 646-6637.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:54 AM | Comments (0)

September 26, 2007

Harbor Research Study Shows Widespread Growth in Adoption of M2M Technologies

A new study by Harbor Research shows that product manufacturers are moving quickly to network-enable their products. These new device communication capabilities are broadly viewed as essential for future growth.

San Francisco and London (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- M2M (machine to machine) networking for remote device management is now already well advanced across all major industry sectors, according to a new survey of early adopters just published by Harbor Research Inc., the world's leading provider of strategic consulting and research services for the fast-developing M2M/Pervasive Internet sector.

During July and August 2007, Harbor Research conducted an international, sponsored survey of early adopters of device networking, aimed mainly at product manufacturers. The purpose of the study was to determine how important to their future business they consider network-enabled products. Thanks to the support of its sponsors, the report is available for free download at Harbor Research's website: http://www.harborresearch.com

Some 68% of respondent companies noted Product Manufacturing as their primary activity, substantially business-to-business (B2B). In addition, smaller companies with less than $50m sales made up 34% of respondents, with a further 45% having sales exceeding $1billion.

A very high 77% of respondents viewed the intelligence embedded in their products to be either "Very Important" or "Imperative" for their company in the future. Over 50% of respondents were already supporting and monitoring networked products in the field. In addition, while roughly 37% of the companies today have less than 10% of their product lines network-capable, in three years' time this is expected to fall to less than 12%. At the other end, while just over 36% of respondents today have more than half of their product portfolio enabled, within three years nearly 60% of these companies expect to embed networking capabilities into half or more of their products.

"Given the typical 3 year design cycle, this represents a fast build-up of networked products for these companies and is a very significant finding" said Robin Duke-Woolley, a Principal of Harbor Research who directed the survey program. "It indicates that these companies have recognized the need for speed in being early to market with their network-connected offerings".

The report determines that early adopters of device networking have recognized the strategic implications for their businesses that M2M device networking and remote management represent. They have typically already embarked on significant design programs to embed networking capability into their products and they see both new revenue opportunities from services and strong competitive advantage in being early to market with these game-changing offerings.

The study goes on to conclude that those companies who have not yet investigated and planned for the potential of device networking and remote management on their businesses are missing an opportunity to expand their revenue base and profitability. At the same time, they are clearly risking placing their companies at a significant competitive disadvantage in their own markets in the future.

The survey and report have been researched and published entirely by Harbor Research, an independent analyst and consulting firm that specializes in the Pervasive Internet and serves both the adopter community and technology suppliers. Because this work has been sponsored by a group of technology suppliers to cover the production costs, this report is available free of charge. It should be noted that sponsors have had no influence in any way on either the questions asked in the survey or the content of this report. The content, including all conclusions and highlights, are entirely the work of Harbor Research and are presented as an independent and up to date assessment of the current market situation.

As a result of this sponsorship, this report is now available for free download from Harbor Research's website. To download it at no charge, go to: http://harborresearch.com/harbor/index.php?option=com_papers

Sponsors for this research were drawn from across the M2M solution landscape and are non-competing. They were: Air Products/Skychain (supply chain solutions), Kore Telematics (US-based network provider), Lantronix (LAN, WLAN modules), Maingate (Sweden-based network provider), M2M Alliance (trade association, Germany), O2 (UK-based mobile operator), Orbcomm (satellite operator), Questra (device management software), Sierra Wireless (cellular modems), Tridium (solutions platform), Vianet (UK-based network provider) and Wavecom (GSM/CDMA cellular modules).

More details at www.harborresearch.com

About Harbor Research, Inc:
Harbor Research, Inc. has been providing strategic consulting and research services to clients for more than twenty years. With a reputation as specialists in understanding emergent and disruptive opportunities in high technology, Harbor Research works with clients who seek to establish strategic advantage in changing markets. Harbor Research's ground-breaking Pervasive Internet research is widely regarded as the definitive work on the business impact of integrating networked devices into business processes.

The company also has offices in San Francisco, Boston and London, UK.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:54 AM | Comments (0)

Borden Elliott & Pierce See Increase in Mortgage Professionals Seeking Career Alternatives

According to the well respected career industry organization, Borden Elliott & Pierce complaints from mortgage industry professionals are really expressions of fear for their future in the industry.

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- According to the well respected career industry organization, Borden Elliott & Pierce complaints from mortgage industry professionals are really expressions of fear for their future in the industry.

The Florida based career management firm has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people looking for work from the mortgage industry. According to a company spokesperson, "It's not just sub prime lenders. It's also some prime lenders and a host of people from the residential construction industry." In one office alone they have seen an increase from seeing one mortgage industry professional per month a year ago to seeing as many as six per week in recent months.

Borden Elliott & Pierce say that complaints from mortgage industry professionals involve the massive downsizing of offices and the closing of offices on a wide scale: "In the past anyone in the industry could simply make a move to another company within the mortgage industry. Now those other companies don't exist or they are not hiring."

For the first time in four years there has been a net loss in jobs in the mortgage industry nationwide. The company says that the people they are seeking their help are devastated over their loss and are now looking to change industries. For many it may be the only choice.

According to some reports the nation's largest mortgage lender is laying off 12,000 employees. "With so many layoffs and closings, we feel that the best option for most of these professionals is to look to other career options in other industries."

Borden Elliott & Pierce specialize in helping people who are in career transition: "We are accustomed to helping people navigate through unfamiliar situations. People who have been in one industry for many years have a difficult time envisioning themselves in other industries. If they can't picture themselves elsewhere, they'll never convince anyone else either. They need help for this sort of transition."

The company has offices in Tampa and Orlando Florida, with affiliated offices throughout the U.S. For more information about them visit their website at www.bepcflorida.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:53 AM | Comments (0)

Better and Strong Grating Makes a Significant Step to the Middle East

As a leading grating manufacturer in Taiwan, Better and Strong has successfully developed its business in Middle East market this year. It shows Better & Strong's efforts and credibility is widely recognized in overseas markets.

(PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- With its essential business concept of "great quality, prompt delivery, professional design and competitive price," Better and Strong has built a good reputation as a leading manufacturer in grating of Taiwan. It has worked with construction companies, transportation companies and factories such as Taiwan Rapid Transit Corporation and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation, which are important transportation systems in Taiwan. In order to serve more overseas customers, Better and Strong is focused on making a great start in the Middle East market this year.

For effective production, Better and Strong owns two ISO9001 certificated factories with a floor totaling over ten thousand square meters of space, one for material support and the other focused on products processing. Its processing factory is well-equipped with an electro-forge machine, it carries out steel welding to produce a variety of grating specifications in accordance with the standard of Metal Bar Grating division of the National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM).

Better and Strong asserts that the company does not compromise when it comes to quality, therefore, it takes advantage of its own material factory and also ensures half-finished steel is quality guaranteed by reliable suppliers such as China Steel Company, the largest steel manufacturer in Taiwan.

To service customers better, Better and Strong not only provides stainless grating, but also galvanized grating at competitive price to cater to more customers' needs. All products have been arranged to pass ASTM, BS and AS tests. Their galvanized products have ventilated, explosion-proof, anti-corrosive and anti-slippery characters with no blister, crack, pinhole and scrape appearing on surface. In addition, the determination of zinc content and thickness of grating also reaches international standards.

Better and Strong grating is ideal for catwalks, conveyor and access walkways, handrails, fences and platforms, as well as stair treads on process plants. Better and Strong gratings are lightweight, self-cleaning, easy-to-install, have a strong loading-bearing capacity, show no deformation and allow the passage of air and light. Grating types of bearing bars include flat type, serrated type, I bar and press-locked steel bar grating. Their spacing could also be custom designed and manufactured depending on customers' requirements.

In order to reduce the risk of accidents, especially in wet weather or in plants with high condensation, Better and Strong also provides non-slip strips and nosing designs for different needs.

Compared to other grating suppliers doing semi-finished products and final processing, Better and Strong is able to do steel coil cutting using a CNC machine, which brings more competitive prices to customers. It also achieves higher customer satisfaction for a variety of grating specifications, such as the flat steel with 40 x 3 mm.

Better and Strong specially provides a big chunk of black steel sheet grating without surface treatments for customers doing the cutting and processing on their own.

Another high-value product of Better and Strong is their trench and drainage pit cover. It has been widely used in public construction, mass transportation, streets and playgrounds with frame supports (BT2) and non-frame (BT1) models.

Always looking out for customers' best interests, Better and Strong proposes the most appropriate flooring solution for customers' application requirements. Moreover, fastening components such as setting screws and setting plates can be fully supplied at a good price to reduce installation cost. They also offer chain lockers for drainage cover to protect from stealing.

Better and Strong Prompt Delivery
According to its commitment of prompt delivery, Better and Strong guarantees good delivery within two weeks from material purchase, to grating galvanizing, and final goods delivery, even on special customer's orders.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:53 AM | Comments (0)

Revolutionary Composite Sheet Piling Used for Dike Repair Project in Holland

C-Loc vinyl sheet pile, manufactured by Atlanta based Crane Materials International (CMI), was recently used for a large- scale dike repair project.

Atlanta, GA (Vocus/PRWEB ) September 26, 2007 -- C-Loc vinyl sheet pile, manufactured by Atlanta based Crane Materials International (CMI), was recently used for a large-scale dike repair project. The levee runs along N468 between the towns of Maasland and Schipluiden which is near Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The project was designed by Fugro Engineers B.V. of Breda, Netherlands. Fugro chose C-Loc for its longevity and economical price. The old dike was faced with tropical wood which had become badly deteriorated in less than 20 years. With the wooden seawall failing, the dike was eroding badly which threatened the roadway running along the top. “C-Loc vinyl sheet pile will last significantly longer than conventional materials such as wood, steel or concrete”.

Verboon Maasland of Maasland, Netherlands was the construction company awarded the project. The company specializes in earthworks, small-scale dredging, vertical drainage and sewer systems to name a few. Phase one of the project consisted of installing 1,300 linear meters (4,200 feet) of C-Loc vinyl sheet piling in lengths ranging from 4.5 meters (15 feet) to 8.5 meters (28feet). Installation of the vinyl sheet piling was accomplished using a vibratory plate compactor.

The C-Loc vinyl sheet pile was supplied by Gampet Plastics B.V. of Ulft, Netherlands. Gampet distributes a wide variety of plastic roadway and waterway construction products. “CMI sheet piling was chosen for this project because no other company in the world manufactures as many composite piling products nor does anyone make products this strong”.

Provincie Zuid, Holland is very pleased with the outcome of the project. More phases of dike repair are planned using CMI vinyl sheet piling.

CMI sheet piling products are used extensively in civil applications because of their inherent durability, corrosion and chemical resistance and ease of installation. Additionally, CMI’s sheet piling products are extremely cost effective due to numerous patented design innovations. With sheet piling available in vinyl, aluminum, and FRP composite, CMI also offers a complete line of waterfront solutions including seawalls, docks, piers, and gangways.

Stacy Acton
CMI Waterfront Solutions
800-256-8857 Ext 1132
770-262-0375 Cell
Sacton @ cmilc.com
www.cmisheetpiling.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:52 AM | Comments (0)

BatteryPrice.com Releases Complete Line of Lithium Ion Battery Packs and Solutions

Failure of battery operated equipment in the field can be avoided by choosing a reliable source for batteries. By releasing a new product line that offers replacement batteries and rebuild options for surveying equipment, BatteryPrice.com is saving surveyors valuable time, money, and resources. This extensive line includes replacements for Topcon survey battery and complete battery packs from manufacturers like Trimble, Nikon, and Sokkia.

(PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- Surveyors are continuously investing money to keep their equipment running accurately and efficiently. Surveyors may find their batteries not lasting a full day, which can result in incomplete data. This typically leads to replacing batteries on a regular basis, which increases equipment costs. By choosing a reliable source for batteries, the failure of battery operated equipment in the field can be avoided. To help surveyors save time and money, BatteryPrice.com is now offering a new product line of dependable, high quality replacement batteries and lithium ion battery packs for surveying equipment.

BatteryPrice.com, an online battery superstore, is now also offering battery rebuild services for surveying equipment. By offering these new products and rebuild services, BatteryPrice.com is reinforcing their reputation for presenting competitive prices, superior quality products, and excellent customer service. With all of the surveying batteries being compatible with original equipment, surveyors are able to purchase easily and within their budget.

Brian Kmito, President of BatteryPrice.com, explains, "We offer high quality lithium ion battery packs and replacement cells at very reasonable prices. By releasing this new product line, we are now also offering battery rebuild services. Surveyors and engineers can choose to invest in a replacement for their Trimble, Nikon, or Topcon survey battery that will last for years and save them valuable time and money."

Customers are able to purchase much more than just new surveying equipment batteries; BatteryPrice.com offers consumers a complete line of replacement batteries for all types of personal electronics. BatteryPrice.com also provides extensive knowledge and expertise in properly rebuilding batteries for total stations, data collectors, lasers, and handheld computers. With rebuild services for surveying equipment from top manufacturers like Topcon, Nikon, Sokkia, and Trimble, customers can choose to have BatteryPrice.com rebuild or can be directed to a quality dealer.

In addition, BatteryPrice.com distributes batteries from many of the top industry manufacturers including Energizer, Sanyo, PowerSonic, and Enersys. BatteryPrice.com constructs many battery assemblies in their U.S. based warehouse.

"Our user friendly website saves our customers time, gas, and money when purchasing the items we all use the most, batteries," describes Kmito. "With our easy-to-use cross referencing feature, consumers are able to quickly find the correct battery for their application."

To learn more about surveying equipment batteries like the Sokkia or Topcon survey battery, please visit BatteryPrice.com.

About BatteryPrice.com

With over 25 years of experience providing reliable batteries for portable equipment, BatteryPrice.com and Advanced Battery Systems offers a comprehensive line of complete battery solutions for consumers. As an online battery superstore, BatteryPrice.com carries batteries for most applications including digital cameras, camcorders, motorcycles, alarm systems, UPS, cordless phones, cell phones, PDA, power tools, and now surveying equipment.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:52 AM | Comments (0)

ABC Office Announces The Addition Of The Shredder Shark From Banner American

ABC Office, a leading distributor of paper shredders on the Internet, has just added a new line of paper shredder to its current lineup. The new line is called "Shredder Shark" and is made by Banner American.

Kaysville, UT (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- This month ABC Office added a new line of paper shredders to its Web site. This new shredder line is a series of paper and document shredders from the popular manufacturer Banner American. These new paper shredders are small, compact and designed to be used next to or under a desk. These new shredders can be used at home or in the office. You can see this new line of paper shredders here: http://www.abcoffice.com/banneram.htm#bashredders A total of four new shredders are being added.

Much of the identity theft today is caused by non-shredded printed material. It is a good habit to keep a paper shredder near any location where mail, paperwork and sensitive material is handled and discarded. This could be by a desk, in the kitchen or at the office. Many people think that tearing mail or sensitive material in half is sufficient. What they don't realize is that this material can be easily put back together.

Because the Shredder Shark series of paper shredders are very compact, they can be easily placed around the office or in the home. The Shredder Shark paper shredders are specifically designed to shred personal information of all kinds. All four shredders utilize the more secure cross-cut method of paper shredding.

Once the correct model of shredder has be chosen, purchasing representatives and businesses can order via a secure shopping card over the Internet. This eliminates the need to shop at traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. Once an order is submitted, the shredder is shipped and is usually delivered to the business within five to seven business days. You can see ABC Office's entire line of paper shredders, including Fellowes, by going here: http://www.abcoffice.com/shred1.htm

ABC Office is excited about the new addition of the Shredder Shark For further information bout this line of shredders, please contact Morgan Cloward, Marketing Director of ABC Office, 1-800-658-8788.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:51 AM | Comments (0)

Gerald Seidell Named Director, Supply Chain Strategy at USC Consulting Group

Former president of APCX Solutions tackles new challenge.

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- Gerald A. Seidell has been named director, supply chain strategy at USC Consulting Group, LLC (USCCG). He will be responsible for developing and delivering a variety of supply chain solutions to the operations management consulting firm's clients.

Mr. Seidell, 51, was most recently president of APCX Solutions, a supply chain and logistics consulting firm for the consumer products industry.

Earlier he was vice president for production planning, inventory control, and distribution at Del Monte Foods in Pittsburgh, where he also served as director of operations planning for the company's pet products. For 23 years he was with H.J. Heinz Company, also in Pittsburgh, where he held general manager posts in Heinz Frozen and Weight Watchers brands materials management, as well as in inventory control and logistics for Heinz North America.

According to USCCG President George Coffey, Mr. Seidell's "extraordinary depth of experience in supply chain management and logistics, along with his solid grounding in consumer products industries, extends our already proven expertise in these areas to benefit our clients even further."

Mr. Seidell holds Executive Supply Chain Leadership certification from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, and his Masters degree in public administration from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

About USC Consulting Group (USCCG)
USCCG is an independent operations management consulting firm with nearly 40 years' experience in the area of business performance improvement. It combines extensive subject matter expertise, gained in the course of successfully completing over 1,300 engagements, with enabling technology to drive and sustain superior results. The firm offers an array of services that include Six Sigma, Lean transformation, supply chain optimization, process improvement, project management, value stream mapping, training and facilitation, blended learning solutions, modeling and simulation, and world class maintenance management and reliability services. USCCG is a Microsoft Managed partner headquartered in Tampa, FL. It also has offices in Chicago, Montreal, and Toronto. For more information, visit www.usccg.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:51 AM | Comments (0)

Techsol Product Announcement: TPC-35 Medallion Touch Panel Computer

Techsol is now offering an extremely cost-effective computer with a Color, TFT LCD and Touch panel targeting Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications.

Delta, BC (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- After pestering from our customers for years, Techsol is now offering an extremely cost-effective computer with a Color, TFT LCD and Touch panel targeting Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications. This standard, off-the-shelf, ARM-powered, Industrial-Grade, Single-Board Computer (SBC) features:

QVGA (320x240) 3.5", Color, TFT LCD Panel in Landscape format, with 256,000 colors, adjustable LED Backlight, and Touch panel
To meet changing power requirements, the ARM-920T processor can run at speeds ranging from 12 MHz to 200 or 266 MHz. This processor features 32 kB of cache, 64 MB of Mobile SDRAM for reduced power consumption, and 128 MB (or more) of NAND FLASH, plus a separate NOR FLASH for reliable boot-loader and SW update options
Low-power, passive cooling enables fanless operation
High-quality, 16-bit Audio In & Out (for MP3s, Announcements, etc.)
Low-power, Real-Time Clock (RTC) with Battery Backup included
Memory Card Connector for SD and MMC cards
Full-speed, USB Host port (USB Type A connector)
USB Device (Gadget) port (USB Type B connector)
44-pin header for expansion, including SPI, I²C, UART, IrDA, GPIOs, 8-bit expansion bus, etc.
10/100-BaseT Ethernet interface with RJ45 connector featuring integrated LED status indicators
RS232 serial interface on DE9 connector
16-pin header for your custom power-supply (optional), or just drive it all off a single 5V supply
To reduce power consumption, software can turn the backlight intensity ON/OFF and control the brightness
Ships with the proven Medallion Linux 2.6 plus drivers pre-installed

Dimensions: 4" x 4.25" x 1.25"

GUI options include:

Linux Framebuffer (FB), operating in 16-bit, 65,536-color mode
Nano-X on FB, for a simple, "Windows-like" API
QtEmbedded on FB for a contemporary, appealing visual design and enhanced functionality
X11 (KDrive) on FB for standard Linux/Unix graphics
FLTK on X, for a full-featured, extensible, yet free GUI
GTK+ on X, for full PC compatibility
We've even ported over obscure GUIs, such as EZWGL, for critical control environments where C++ is not allowed (such as food processing lines)

"This computer provides more features at a lower cost than anything else on the market." said Brian Empey, P.Eng., CEO of Techsol. "By putting everything onto a single board, we provide the robustness demanded of our Industrial customers, but at a price-point that even our fiscally-prudent, medical-device customers love!" In fact, this product has been in trials with a number of medical device companies who plan to use it as the HMI for their products. In addition, the design is so flexible that it can be used as a platform for handheld computers too.

Not surprisingly, Techsol has developed many products that use LCDs for its clients. These products range from FDA-approved medical devices to high-volume consumer gadgets. However, Techsol has not had a standard product with a TFT display and touch panel at a cost-effective price point targeting HMI applications until now.
Order Quantity Unit Price (standard 200 MHz speed) Discount
10 $299 base price
100 $269 10%
1,000 $254 15%
10,000 $239 20%

The TPC-35 is available from stock and every unit is tested running Linux before it ships! Single units are available as development kits with full SW development tools and support. Call for pricing.

Embedded Engineering is the same all over the world. Engineers face the same challenges of having too much to do, and not enough time or money to do it with. Techsol's Medallion CPU modules address this issue and provide a solution that extends into the production stages of a product, not just the proof-of-concept stage like most SBCs. We want our technology to be as accessible to engineers in New Zealand as it is in California. It's a challenge, but we are doing what we can.

Techsol's Medallion system is unique in the embedded computer world. Over time, the Medallion Single-board computer product line will encompass many CPUs. However, the pin-out and form-factor will remain the same. There will be one Medallion module that is best matched to your application.

By designing with the Medallion system, you are effectively out-sourcing your CPU design and Linux porting with no up-front NRE fees! That lets your team concentrate on the hardware and software portions of your product that your customers see. The result is that you can create a higher-quality product in a fraction of the time (and cost) of designing everything yourself from scratch! Plus, the interchangeable modules extend product life-cycle times.

Techsol is headquartered in Delta, British Columbia, Canada, where the mighty Fraser River meets the Pacific Ocean.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:50 AM | Comments (0)

Bidding Opens in EARBid™ Online Auction of Semiconductor Manufacturing, Inspection, and Test Equipment

EARBid announced that bidding is open in its online auction of semiconductor manufacturing, inspection, test, and related equipment.

Palatine, IL (PRWEB) September 25, 2007 -– EARBid (www.earbid.com) announced that bidding is open in its online auction of semiconductor manufacturing, inspection, test, and related equipment.

This auction offers over 200 lots of premium wafer processing, coating, sputtering, and CVD; wet processing; slicing, OD, and ID saws; wafer probes and bonders; and inspection and test equipment. Featured assets include an Applied Materials Mark II PLIS CVD ILD System, a Perkin Elmer 300HT Micralign Mask Aligner, a MRL 4-Stack Diffusion Furnace, a Samco PD10M Diamond Light Carbon Coater, a Steag CVD System, PR Hoffman 4800 Lappers/Polishers, a Peter Wolters ALO Double Side Polisher, a TM Vacuum Wafer Annealing Oven, and much more.

Online bidding is open from September 20 through September 27, 2007. Assets are in multiple U.S. locations and are available for virtual preview at www.earbid.com. All auction transactions will be conducted conveniently online. Bidders can participate worldwide, 24 x 7, using a state-of-the-art auction system. Interested bidders can view complete auction details, online bidding instructions, and equipment catalog on the EARBid website at www.earbid.com.

EARBid is accepting consignments for its upcoming semiconductor auction events. Sellers can find more information about EARBid’s auction program and seller support services by visiting Earbid.com.

About Equipment Acquisition Resources
Equipment Acquisition Resources, Inc. is one of the world’s largest suppliers of lappers, polishers, slicers, grinders and dicing saws for crystalline materials. In addition, E.A.R. offers process development and product services and support, and through EARBid, conducts online auctions of semiconductor equipment. For more information, visit www.earbid.com.

Contact Information:
J. Bruce Costello
Director Auction Services
EARBid Online Auctions
A Division of Equipment Acquisition Resources, Inc.
888-327-2430
888-EARBID-0
bruce(at)earbid.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:50 AM | Comments (0)

What is a RED BEAD? New Video Explains Why It is Important and How to Use It

The world is a never-ending supply of problems. Solve one and another comes along. The name red bead is a metaphor for the problems that we experience every day in our life. In 1982, working with the noted consultant Dr. W. Edwards Deming a teaching tool called the RED BEAD Experiment was created that Dr. Deming used in his world wide seminars for almost a decade. When you play the game, each player uses a special metal paddle to draw small red and white colored beads from a