May 24, 2005
Protonex Names Phil Robinson VP of Engineering and Manufacturing
Protonex Technology Corporation, a leading manufacturer of high performance fuel cell power solutions, announced that it has named Phil Robinson to the position of Vice President, Engineering and Manufacturing. In this role, Mr. Robinson will be responsible for managing the product development and manufacturing of the company’s complete line of power solutions.
Southborough, MA (PRWEB) May 24, 2005 -- Protonex Technology Corporation, a leading manufacturer of high performance fuel cell power solutions, announced that it has named Phil Robinson to the position of Vice President, Engineering and Manufacturing. In this role, Mr. Robinson will be responsible for managing the product development and manufacturing of the company’s complete line of power solutions.
The hiring of Mr. Robinson results from the success Protonex has achieved accelerating the commercialization of its patented fuel cell technology into specific applications. “I am delighted to add Phil to our management team,” said Scott Pearson, President and CEO of Protonex. “His proven ability to build and lead world-class technical organizations will play a critical role in our company’s growth and product development strategy.”
“Protonex’s innovative approach to fuel cell design and fabrication is poised to revolutionize portable power systems for both military and commercial applications,” added Mr. Robinson. “I am thrilled to help Protonex’s team deliver industry leading products and technologies to the market place.”
Mr. Robinson has over 20 years of start-up, technology and senior management experience with a particular emphasis on product and strategy development. Prior to joining Protonex, Mr. Robinson served as Vice President, Engineering at Amperion Inc. He has also served as Vice President of Engineering for LAN Access and NetVantage, and has held several senior management positions for 3Com including CTO of its Consumer Products Division as well as CTO and R&D Director of its Cable Access Business Unit.
Mr. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has been awarded eight patents by the USPTO.
About Protonex Technology Corporation
Protonex is a privately held, venture-backed company based in Southborough, MA. The company manufactures high performance, long duration fuel cell systems for portable and remote applications. Protonex provides complete power solutions in the 10 to 500 Watt power range to OEM customers for off-grid applications underserved by existing battery, generator, solar and other power technologies. The company's innovative fuel cell products also complement existing power technologies and are utilized in hybrid designs for customer applications.
For more information about Protonex, please contact:
Protonex Technology Corporation
153 Northboro Road
Southborough, MA 01772-1034
Phone: (508) 490-9960
Email: e-mail protected from spam bots
www.protonex.com
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:38 AM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2005
SMC Introduces Energy-Saving Pneumatic Products
SMC Corporation of America, the world’s largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products supports innovations in energy-saving production systems.
Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) May 18, 2005 -- SMC Corporation of America, the world’s largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products supports innovations in energy-saving production systems.
Because the main air compressor is thought to comprise 20% of a plant’s entire electricity consumption, energy savings depend on controlling air flow. SMC offers a wide range of digital air flow sensors to aid in measuring and controlling air consumption to promote energy savings in pneumatic systems.
Series PF2A inline air flow sensors feature an integral or remote digital display that shows cumulative or real-time flow rates, and digital & analog outputs provide on/off and accumulated flow pulses for remote monitoring. Install PF2A sensors in the main and branch air lines from 1/8” to 2” in diameter to monitor flow rates and detect leakage. The flow rates range from 1 ~ 12,000 liters/minute (420cfm). Series PPA digital hand-held manometer is also available to measure workpiece collision pressure, and to calculate flow rates for continuous system optimization.
SMC Corporation manufactures high quality actuators and cylinders, airline and air preparation equipment, high-purity products, vacuum components, instrumentation, and a host of fittings and accessories applicable to the pneumatic automation industry. SMC has a total of 14 production facilities, 3 of which are in North America –Indiana, California, and Ontario, Canada. SMC’s global presence enables it to provide quality customer service in any part of the world.
For more information on SMC’s line of energy-saving products, request catalog E02-21, and catalog ES100-54 for complete digital flow switch information, or visit our website at www.smcusa.com.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:42 AM | Comments (0)
Digital Control Systems Launches the New Model 90 PID Controller
The newest PID controller from Digital Control Systems. An ideal control for OEM Equipment Manufacturers servicing the global marketplace. The Model works from 80 - 280 VAC without modification, and can accept multiple inputs, including RTD probes, and thermocouples.
(PRWEB) May 18, 2005 -- Ideal for Equipment Manufacturers the Digital Control Systems, Inc. Model 90 PID Controller is the latest evolution in the Multistat series of temperature controls. Designed for the global equipment market, the Model 90 PID Controller can operate from direct or alternating current power mains from 80 to 280 volts, so it can be used anywhere in the world without modification or adjustment. “We developed the Model 90 in response to our customers who sell to the international market and who had to juggle the logistics involved with the various voltage requirements around the world -- in addition to flexible load and voltage requirements, the Model 90 is robust and reliable,” said Mike Mueller, President and founder of Digital Control Systems, Inc.
This single-channel PID controller will accurately control single electrical loads of up to 15 Amps. All of the Model 90 control electronics and the user interface are built on a compact (13.5 x 6 cm) circuit board for easy mounting and integration into medical, laboratory, and industrial equipment. Large bright LED digits make the display easy to read from across the room.
Recognizing the considerable safety benefits to be gained from reducing high voltage wiring, Digital Control Systems, Inc, designed the Model 90 to feature a second smaller power module that can be located near the output. This eliminates the need to run high current wiring to the front control panel. As an additional benefit, this power module is connected to the main circuit board with a low voltage cable. A second power module can also be added to control an auxiliary load.
The Model 90 offers more options than similar controls in the Multistat™ family of temperature controls. The extensive options available for the Model 90 make it easy for equipment manufacturers to differentiate similar products. Options such as an audible alarm, two pole alarm relay, RS-232, or a timer can be added individually based on application requirements. The optional RS-232 interface feature enables remote operation and data logging. “Rather than bundle all of the available features, we prefer to offer our customers options on a one by one basis, this way they aren’t paying for features they aren’t going to use”, adds Mike Mueller.
The Model 90 temperature controller works with a variety of inputs. For direct temperature control the Model 90 can be used with economical IC sensors (for operation below 100 °C), RTDs, or type ‘J’ and ‘K’ thermocouples. A direct voltage (5 volts Max) input configuration is also available for control of parameters measured by external sensors such as humidity or CO2.
Digital Control Systems Inc. is based in Portland, Oregon and has been designing and manufacturing a wide array of temperature controllers, motor speed controls, CO2 Sensors and Custom Products since 1984. The DCS family of products includes, the AirSense CO2 Monitor, Laboratory CO2 Sensor solutions, the Servomax DC Motor Speed Control, and the Multistat line of Temperature Control products. Technical information and brochures for the Model 90 and all of the Digital Control Systems products can be accessed online at www.dcs-inc.net.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:38 AM | Comments (0)
Hi-Capacity, Compact 5 Port Solenoid Valves
SMC Corporation of America, the world’s largest manufacturer of pneumatic products and filtration equipment has announced the release of the their New style Series SY - 5 port solenoid valves for use in all industries, including semiconductor, packaging, machine tools and automotive.
Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) May 18, 2005 -- SMC Corporation of America, the world’s largest manufacturer of pneumatic products and filtration equipment has announced the release of the their New style Series SY - 5 port solenoid valves for use in all industries, including semiconductor, packaging, machine tools and automotive.
The pilot valve (Series V100) used on the new series SY valves has a standard power consumption of 0.35W. With optional built in power saving circuit, the power consumption is as low as 0.1 W. By use of stainless steel body cover these pilot valves offer better mechanical strength over the conventional valves, which use resin material for body cover. The use of Fluoro rubber seal material offers better ozone and chemical resistance.
The series SY- 5 port solenoid valves are available in four sizes in both body ported and base mounted type, with Cv ranging from 0.11 to 2.2. The response time of these valves range from 10mS to 35mS, depending on the size of the valve.
The SY valves are available in various manifold configurations, including bar stock type, stacking type and cassette type, with the electrical connection option of individual wiring, flat ribbon cable or connector box.
The type 45 Plug -in style SY manifold offers compact installation with ease of modifying the manifold at site and comes with additional D sub connector electrical connector or Serial communication module, compatible with industry standard Device Net, ProfiBus and CC Link communication protocols.
These new valves and manifolds are assembled at SMC’s Indianapolis, Indiana and Tustin, California factories to serve the customers needs across the nation.
For more details about the SY valves and manifolds and how this product can help achieve your goal, contact one of the 24 SMC sales offices spread around the country.
SMC Corporation also manufactures actuators, airline and air preparation equipment, high-purity products, vacuum ejectors, instrumentation, and a host of fittings, tubing and accessories applicable to the machine tool, general machinery and automation industry. With their online product specification tool called E-Tech, customers can specify products, validate part numbers, use sizing calculators and download native CAD files to help select suitable products, and verify selection. Subsidiaries and joint ventures of SMC Corporation have been established in 38 countries, with sales having grown to a 20% share of the world market, earning it the acclaimed “Global 500” industry rating. SMC has a total of 14 production facilities, 3 of which are in North America –Indianapolis, IN, Los Angeles, CA. and Mississauga, Ontario. SMC’s global presence enables to provide best customer service in any part of the world.
For more information on SMC’s line of 5 port Series SY solenoid valves, request catalog CAT.ES11-83A. For complete information, visit our website at www.smcusa.com, or contact Product Manager Balaji Rao at extension 14848.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:36 AM | Comments (0)
Compact Manifold Regulators
SMC Corporation of America, the world’s largest manufacturer of pneumatic products and filtration equipment has announced the release of new Compact Manifold Regulators series ARM10/11. These regulators provide maximum space efficiency when multiple units are used.
(PRWEB) May 18, 2005 -- SMC Corporation of America, the world’s largest manufacturer of pneumatic products and filtration equipment has announced the release of new Compact Manifold Regulators series ARM10/11. These regulators provide maximum space efficiency when multiple units are used.
Developed to combine regulators in to a compact manifold configuration, the regulators save space, piping connections and enables mounting of a number of units in a control panel or on a DIN rail for maximum space efficiency.
The space saving ARM10/11 regulator has a built in pressure gauge and the option of two pressure ranges. Available for ports of various sizes, it also enables ports to be run out of the top or bottom for versatility, in difficult or confined spaces. The regulator banks can be made to suit the requirements of the OEMs and end users, in any industry including food, pharmaceuticals, automotive and semiconductor.
Other features include push in fittings, both straight and elbow type, and an integral isolation valve for maintenance purposes without affecting other systems, and an integral pressure switch to monitor the inlet pressure to the regulator manifold
The regulator manifolds ARM11 can either have a common supply pressure for all regulators or individual supply for each regulator, and the control knobs of the regulators can be positioned to face Top, Front or Bottom of the regulator as required.
The compact arrangement enables all regulators to be viewed together and adjustments and maintenance to be carried out from one location, thus saving operator time
The ARM10 single unit type regulator has same basic functions as ARM 11 manifold type regulator, and is ideal for panel mounting, available with top or front facing control knobs.
Non-relieving and oil free versions of these regulators also available from SMC, upon request.
The ARM regulator manifolds are assembled at SMC’s Indianapolis, Indiana factory. For more details contact one of the SMC’s 24 sales offices, near you.
SMC Corporation also manufactures actuators, airline and air preparation equipment, high-purity products, vacuum ejectors, instrumentation, and a host of fittings, tubing and accessories applicable to the machine tool, general machinery and automation industry. With their online product specification tool called E-Tech, customers can specify products, validate part numbers, use sizing calculators and download native CAD files to
help select suitable products, and verify selection. Subsidiaries and joint ventures of SMC Corporation have been established in 38 countries, with sales having grown to a 20% share of the world market, earning it the acclaimed “Global 500” industry rating. SMC has a total of 14 production facilities, 3 of which are in North America –Indianapolis, IN, Los Angeles, CA. and Mississauga, Ontario. SMC’s global presence enables to provide best customer service in any part of the world.
For more information on SMC’s line of manifold regulators, request catalog CAT.ES40-43B. For complete information, visit our website at www.smcusa.com, or contact Product Manager
Balaji Rao at extension 14848.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:35 AM | Comments (0)
SMC Expands Field Bus Offering on Series SY & VQC - 5 Port Solenoid Valves
SMC Corporation of America, the world’s largest manufacturer of pneumatic products and filtration equipment is now offering ControlNet and CANopen compatible network adaptors on Series SV and VQC solenoid valves/manifolds.
Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) May 18, 2005 -- SMC Corporation of America, the world’s largest manufacturer of pneumatic products and filtration equipment is now offering ControlNet and CANopen compatible network adaptors on Series SV and VQC solenoid valves/manifolds.
The ControlNet and CANopen serial communication protocol offering from SMC complements, previously released, DeviceNet, Profibus-DP, CC-Link an As-i protocols.
The compact IP67 (Non-IP65/IP67 for ControlNet) compliant network adopter series EX250 integrates with SV and VQC manifolds and discrete input /output modules in one easy to install package. It has been designed for use in industries including automotive, food and beverage, water treatment, material handling, packaging, electronics and chemical processing.
The EX250 serial network adaptor has been designed to reduce the need for wiring between conventional serial interface units and valves installed in confined spaces. The integrated assembly of the unit comprises a serial network adaptor and a user defined number of solenoid valves mounted on a manifold.
The unit can drive 32 (24 for VQC) solenoid valve outputs and 32 sensor inputs, and is UL/CSA/CE compliant.
The EX250 network adaptor is fitted with advanced self-diagnostics function that include monitoring of solenoid valve voltage and sensor power supply over current cut-off, with status information sent to master PLC.
All piping and electrical connections of the valve manifolds are aligned on one side of the unit to keep design dimensions compact.
Each solenoid valve incorporates an LED on/off status indicator, surge protection to prevent back EMF and a flush mounted manual override button for testing of pneumatic circuit functions
The SV and VQC manifolds are assembled at SMC’s Indianapolis and Tustin facilities. For custom design manifolds please contact one of the 24 SMC sales offices near you
SMC Corporation also manufactures actuators, airline and air preparation equipment, high-purity products, vacuum ejectors, instrumentation, and a host of fittings, tubing and accessories applicable to the machine tool, general machinery and automation industry. With their online product specification tool called E-Tech, customers can specify products, validate part numbers, use sizing calculators and download native CAD files to help select suitable products, and verify selection. Subsidiaries and joint ventures of SMC Corporation have been established in 38 countries, with sales having grown to a 20% share of the world market, earning it the acclaimed “Global 500” industry rating. SMC has a total of 14 production facilities, 3 of which are in North America –Indianapolis, IN, Los Angeles, CA. and Mississauga, Ontario. SMC’s global presence enables to provide best customer service in any part of the world.
For more information on SMC’s line of Serial Network adopters and valve manifolds, visit our website at www.smcusa.com, or contact Product Manager Balaji Rao at extension 14848.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:32 AM | Comments (0)
May 12, 2005
Visidot Installs Unique Ford F150 Chassis Identification AIDC System
ImageID Ltd., a leader in Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technology has successfully installed a Visidot AIDC System at the Ford F150 plant in Dearborn to improve production speed and increase plant efficiency. The installation was implemented in conjunction with Visidot partner Wireless & Barcode in Michigan.
Tel Aviv, Israel (PRWEB) May 11, 2005 -- ImageID Ltd., a leader in Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technology has successfully installed a Visidot AIDC System at the Ford F150 plant in Dearborn to improve production speed and increase plant efficiency. The installation was implemented in conjunction with Visidot partner Wireless & Barcode in Michigan.
The Ford plant, which produces Ford F150's, uses a fully automated Build Order system to produce its trucks. With multiple frame types to choose from, the company was looking for the most efficient way to expedite verification of the chassis type as it was being placed onto the production line. In December 2004, the company decided to install the Visidot system at the frame entrance to the plant to identify and verify the correct selection of the chassis type before it reached the conveyor belt inside. The newly installed Visidot reader captures a 2D Data Matrix label affixed to each chassis and confirms, in real-time with Ford’s production line controller, that the chassis is correct and can enter the assembly line. Since installation, the system accuracy has been perfect - 100%.
Ford considered other options before selecting Visidot. The particular conditions at the plant meant that the right system would need to meet several criteria. First, due to the size of and position of the chassis, the system had to be able to capture a label from a distance of more than 20 feet and encompass a large field of view of over 3 feet wide. Secondly, the company needed to find a solution that would not incur up-charges from parts suppliers. For this reason, RFID would have been cost-prohibitive whereas the price of adding the 2D Data Matrix symbol to the existing paper label is practically zero.
Rami Kopelman, VP Sales & Marketing for ImageID, commented, “The Visidot installation at Ford has demonstrated the product’s unique advantages over other automatic identification technologies, such as RFID and linear barcode. We are very glad to work with Ford and I am pleased that the plant is already experiencing greatly improved accuracy."
About ImageID Ltd.
ImageID, the provider of the Visidot™ solution (http://www.visidot.com), develops and markets advanced multiple-asset Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) solutions. Based on imaging technology and sophisticated algorithms, the Visidot solution is capable of identifying and decoding hundreds of unique standard barcodes simultaneously in a single read, with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The Visidot solution is being used in retail supply chains, automotive manufacturing and reusable assets pool management operations to provide per-asset visibility and to increase operational efficiencies. ImageID is a multinational company with R&D facilities in Israel and direct sales and partner networks in the US and Europe.
About Wireless & Barcode Inc.
Wireless & Barcode Inc. is a Systems Integrator specializing in Data Collection and Data Capture solutions for Warehousing, Distribution, and Manufacturing environments. Wireless & Barcode provides hardware and software solutions that interface with ERP, MRP, WMS, and any existing systems to create efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings in operations. Wireless & Barcode is proud to be a Visidot certified System Integrator since 2003 and has provided Visidot solutions in Pallet Recycling as well as in the Automotive Industry.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:44 AM | Comments (0)
New Catalog of Precision Automation Components
New 220 page catalog detailing precision Automation Components. Product lines include Angular and Parallel Grippers, Linear Slides, Thrusters, Escapements, Rotary Actuators, Transfer Devices, and Pick-and-Place units.
TERRYVILLE, CT (PRWEB) May 11, 2005 -- R&I Manufacturing Company, a manufacturer of Precision Part Placement devices for the automation industry since 1968, announces the release of it new 220 page catalog detailing its complete line of Precision Automation Components.
The extensive product line includes Angular and Parallel Grippers, Linear Slides, Thrusters, Escapements, Rotary Actuators, Bi-directional Transfer Devices, and Pick-and-Place units. All products are pneumatically driven and have been time-proven in the automation industry as extremely durable and precise.
All products are designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA allowing R&I to produce it’s automation components to a very exacting standard. “Quality and durability have always been job 1 at R&I” says Bruce Czaplicki, president of R&I.
The new catalog includes detailed technical specifications, operating principles and loading information for each product. This information is targeted toward design engineers in the automation industry. The catalog also details R&I’s unique capability to provide customers with custom product design based on their application requirements. The complete CAD library is included containing both 2D drawings and 3D solid models for direct placement into design.
The new catalog is available for request on www.rimfg.com in paper form or CD.
R&I Manufacturing has been providing the world wide Automatic Assembly industry with precision part placement devices for over 30 years. R&I has worked hand-in-hand with the leading names in the automatic assembly business.
R&I Manufacturing
118 Napco Drive
Terryville, CT 06786
PH: 800-588-0174
FAX: 860-589-6235
www.rimfg.com
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:43 AM | Comments (0)
May 06, 2005
FlexLink AB Acquired by ABN AMRO Capital
FlexLink AB, a global leader in factory automation systems for the fast moving consumer goods, pharmaceutical, automotive, electronics and telecom sectors, announces its acquisition by ABN AMRO Capital, one of Europe's leading private equity providers.
Göteborg, Sweden (PRWEB) May 6, 2005 -- FlexLink AB, a global leader in factory automation systems for the fast moving consumer goods, pharmaceutical, automotive, electronics and telecom sectors, announces its acquisition by ABN AMRO Capital, one of Europe's leading private equity providers. FlexLink was acquired via a management buy-out from EQT, the private equity funds group that had originally acquired a 90% interest in FlexLink from AB SKF in 1997.
Under EQT’s ownership, FlexLink underwent comprehensive development, which resulted in FlexLink becoming a leading supplier of industrial automation equipment to production facilities in the global manufacturing and assembly industry. FlexLink today has a large and well-diversified customer base and has developed from a supplier of components to offering complete automation solutions for production processes.
FlexLink, founded in 1980, has 540 employees, with head office in Göteborg and business activities in 50 countries, including its own sales offices in 21 countries. In 2004 FlexLink achieved EBITDA of EUR 18 million in 2004 on turnover of EUR 125 million.
Johan Bjurström, Nordic Head of ABN AMRO Capital, said the company had prospered under its previous ownership but had further potential for geographic growth and to lead consolidation in its sector - key investment criteria for ABN AMRO Capital. "FlexLink is well positioned for future growth, as factory automation systems continue to develop in sophistication in response to the increased use of robotics and the growing need for flexibility in manufacturing," he said.
Fredrik Jönsson, FlexLink’s CEO, stated, "After FlexLink’s strong development during EQT’s time as an owner, I am convinced that with ABN AMRO Capital as new owners we will have the best possible preconditions to continue our growth during the coming years. We have built a platform for continued strong growth consisting of a leading range of products for the global market."
ABN AMRO Capital is the global private equity business of ABN AMRO, with teams operating in 10 countries worldwide including the Netherlands, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden and Australia.
Netherlands-based ABN AMRO is a leading international bank with total assets of EUR 608.6 bln (as at 31 December 2004). It has over 3,000 branches in more than 60 countries and territories, and has a staff of about 100,000 full-time equivalents worldwide. ABN AMRO is listed on the Euronext and New York stock exchanges.
EQT is a group of private equity funds that manages just below EUR 6 billion in equity in 7 funds. EQT Partners, acting as investment advisor to all EQT funds, has offices in Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Frankfurt and Munich. In total EQT has invested in 37 companies, with a combined enterprise value of approximately EUR 13 billion.
For more information, visit www.flexlink.com; or contact Mats Nilsson, Corporate Communications, Tel. +46-(0)31-337 12 20, E-mail: e-mail protected from spam bots. In the United States, contact Paul Jarossy, Marketing Manager, at FlexLink Systems, 6580 Snowdrift Road. Allentown, PA 18106, tel. +1.610.973-8200, fax +1.610.973-8345.
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:11 AM | Comments (0)
April 28, 2005
$30 Billion Fluid Power Industry Validates LatchTool Group's Contention
The National Fluid Power Association petitions Government to fund development of compact and efficient hydraulics.
Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) April 27, 2005 -- The National Fluid Power Association announced last month that it had received a favorable response from the National Science Foundation for its proposed consortium of University Research Centers to develop compact and efficient fluid power.
The group comprised of prominent universities in close cooperation with the $30 billion fluid power industry seeks $18 million to fund research to integrate components into unified systems that will minimize the weight and volume of fluid power systems. They expect to expand fluid power from its current use for heavy equipment to portable and self-powered applications such as wearable tools and rescue robots.
Over the past nine years, the LatchTool Group has quietly pursued this quest for smaller, lighter, more affordable hydraulic systems that could be integrated into tools, prosthetics and a plethora of industrial and consumer products.
The Company introduced its technology at an American Society of Mechanical Engineers event last November where it showed its PowerCylinder™, a mechanical force amplifier that uses encapsulated hydraulic circuitry. The device weighs ounces, yet leverages pounds into tons. Last month, the PowerCylinder was picked a best product of 2004 by Design News, a Reed Business Information publication for mechanical and design engineers.
Monday, the LatchTool Group announced that it has integrated a simpler version of its encapsulated hydraulic circuitry directly into a locking type of pliers. For the first time, women, the elderly and infirmed can have the hand strength equal to a man's. The prospects for miniaturized compact hydraulics are huge, just as the LatchTool Group contends, and now the NFPA and its more than 400 members assert.
LatchTool has multiple patents both issued and pending that covers its developments in valves, hydraulic circuitry and systems integration. The Company has offered to make its PowerCylinders available to the proposed consortium should the NSF decide to go ahead with the funding proposal.
Contact:
Sean Fry
LatchTool Group
719-360-0977
e-mail protected from spam bots
www.latchtool.com
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:47 AM | Comments (0)
April 05, 2005
Protonex Raises $9 Million in Second Round - Portable Fuel Cell Company Adds Global Design/Manufacturing Partner
Protonex Technology Corporation, a manufacturer of high-performance fuel cell power systems for portable and remote applications, announced that it has raised $9 million in a second round of institutional funding. The financing was led by existing investors Conduit Ventures Ltd., SAS Investors, Solstice Capital and Commons Capital. New investors are Parker Hannifin Corporation, Contango Capital Management and the Massachusetts Green Energy Fund.
Southborough, MA (PRWEB) April 5, 2005 -- Protonex Technology Corporation, a manufacturer of high-performance fuel cell power systems for portable and remote applications, announced that it has raised $9 million in a second round of institutional funding. The financing was led by existing investors Conduit Ventures Ltd., SAS Investors, Solstice Capital and Commons Capital. New investors are Parker Hannifin Corporation, Contango Capital Management and the Massachusetts Green Energy Fund.
Scott Pearson, CEO, Protonex, states that the funds will be used to further develop Protonex’s patent-pending fuel cell technology, to commercialize and launch products, and to expand the company’s operations. "The high level of interest we received from venture capital funds and industry leaders is very gratifying because it provides strong evidence of our market leadership. Protonex has demonstrated fuel cell prototype systems and is focused on creating high-value products for specific applications. The addition of a world-class manufacturing partner, Parker Hannifin, further strengthens our position and will enable us to achieve economies of scale in a much shorter period of time."
Protonex’s high performance portable fuel cell systems are compact, lightweight and durable, and provide customers with a better solution than shorter term and/or heavier power sources such as batteries and generators. A soldier on a 3-day mission, for example, currently carries 13 primary batteries weighing over 29 pounds, whereas Protonex’s fuel cell system will provide the same amount of power while weighing less than 10 pounds (including all required fuel). In addition to its military efforts, Protonex also intends to adapt its product line to address a wide range of commercial applications.
Parker Hannifin Corporation sees its financial investment in Protonex as a natural extension of the existing strategic partnership between the companies. According to Akbar Naderi, Group Vice President, Parker Hannifin, “Parker has been successfully working with Protonex on joint product development, engineering, design, manufacturing and sales initiatives related to fuel cell products. Together, Parker and Protonex helped Vectrix Corporation deliver the world’s first high-performance fuel cell/electric scooter, and are actively engaged in developing other products. We look forward to leveraging the strong synergies between Protonex’s fuel cell systems and Parker’s industry-leading component design and manufacturing technologies.”
John Butt, Managing Partner, Conduit Ventures added, “As a worldwide fund specifically focused on fuel cells, we understand this market, and it is clear to us that Protonex is well ahead of competition in its power range. Conduit and our fellow investors feel that this funding, combined with the company’s strong military traction, positions Protonex for long-term success.”
About Protonex Technology Corporation - www.protonex.com
Established in 2000, Protonex manufactures high performance, long duration, portable and remote power systems. Protonex provides complete power solutions in the 10 to 500 Watt power range to OEM customers for off-grid applications underserved by existing battery, generator, solar and other power technologies. The company’s innovative fuel cell products also complement existing power technologies and are utilized in hybrid designs for customer applications.
About Parker Hannifin - www.parker.com
With annual sales exceeding $7 billion, Parker Hannifin (NYSE: PH) is the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of commercial, mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company employs more than 48,000 people in 46 countries around the world.
For more information about Protonex, please contact:
Greg Cipriano, Vice President, Marketing and Military Development
Protonex Technology Corporation, 153 Northboro Road, Southborough, MA 01772-1034
Phone: (508)490-9960
Fax: (508) 490-8575
Email: e-mail protected from spam bots
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:07 AM | Comments (0)
March 31, 2005
LatchTool PowerCylinder™ Named a Top 100 Product of the Year by Design News Magazine
The LatchTool PowerCylinder™, a mechanical force amplifier that turns pounds into tons, was selected by Design News Magazine as one of the best 100 products of the year in its March 7th issue.
Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) March 30, 2005 -- The LatchTool PowerCylinder™, a mechanical force amplifier that turns pounds into tons, was selected by Design News Magazine as one of the best 100 products of the year in its March 7th issue. Design News is a Reed Business Information publication serving design engineers. This group of engineers defines the $900 million plus U.S. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) market, a group that produces just about every new product that hits the market.
As an OEM component, engineers now have the ability with the PowerCylinder to add the features of hydraulic power to their product designs without the weight, size, complexity and cost of a hydraulic system.
LatchTool predicts their PowerCylinder will find use as a power boost for hand and power tools and the ability to add strength to prosthetic limbs and a variety of uses where conventional hydraulic power is just too heavy and expensive. The National Fluid Power Association has petitioned the National Science Foundation on behalf of its members to fund $18 million in research at select engineering colleges to develop compact and efficient fluid power technology.
LatchTool CEO Bob McPherson says "Clearly, the fluid power industry recognizes that its technology cannot satisfy the insatiable demand for smaller, simpler and less expensive components and products. There is a huge gap between the force and displacement fluid power can deliver and that delivered by electrically driven systems. But the electrical systems are catching up. The PowerCylinder spans this gap, effectively offering fluid power at the end of a wire. Here the company sees a plethora of applications such as automobile breaking, power steering, robotics, automation and aviation.
"A hundred years ago, the Wright Brothers took their first flight and look where we've ended up. The LatchTool PowerCylinder has just begun, but it won't take a hundred years to see how big an impact the PowerCylinder is about to make."
Company Information:
Bob McPherson
LatchTool Group
14760 Cherry Hills Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
USA
Phone: 719-488-8800
FAX: 719-488-0939
www.latchtool.com
Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:12 AM | Comments (0)
March 09, 2005
Protonex and Millennium Cell Deliver ‘Industry First’ to U.S. Air Force
Southborough, MA and Eatontown, NJ--March 9, 2005-- Protonex Technology Corporation, a manufacturer of high performance fuel cell power sources for portable and remote applications, and Millennium Cell Inc. (NASDAQ: MCEL), a leading developer of hydrogen energy systems, announced that they have delivered to the U.S. Air Force the industry’s first fully-integrated 30 Watt portable fuel cell power system fueled by chemical hydride cartridges.
Southborough, MA and Eatontown, NJ (PRWEB) March 9, 2005 -- Protonex Technology Corporation, a manufacturer of high performance fuel cell power sources for portable and remote applications, and Millennium Cell Inc. (NASDAQ: MCEL), a leading developer of hydrogen energy systems, announced that they have delivered to the U.S. Air Force the industry’s first fully-integrated 30 Watt portable fuel cell power system fueled by chemical hydride cartridges.
This portable power system, (referred to as P1), is the first deliverable under a previously announced U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, Dual Use Science and Technology (DUST) contract awarded to Protonex. The system integrates Millennium Cell’s hydrogen energy system into Protonex’s PEM fuel cell platform to provide a fuel cell power source for soldiers on extended field missions.
"The delivery of P1 midway through the DUST program represents a significant milestone in the development of soldier power systems,” said Thom Reitz, Research Leader, Fuel Cells for the Air Force Research Lab. “The Air Force is very interested in evaluating this system as a means for significantly reducing the overall power system weight burden carried by the war fighter. We are looking forward to testing P1 and providing feedback to advance the technology to the next readiness level for the final deliverable due later in 2005.”
The P1 unit represents a substantial improvement in energy density and cost over the batteries currently used by the U.S. Military. Today, to fulfill the requirement for 30 Watts of continuous power for a 72-hour mission, soldiers carry 13 primary batteries weighing over 29 pounds. The P1 system is capable of meeting these power requirements at less than 50% of the weight (including fuel cell platform and snap-in fuel cartridges).
“Protonex and Millennium Cell are delighted to deliver a superior power solution to the U.S. Air Force that provides both performance and cost advantages over incumbent battery technology,” said Scott Pearson, CEO, Protonex. “The P1 units clearly demonstrate the value and utility of our fuel cell systems for portable military applications and keep us on the path for potential deployment.”
”This is an important milestone for both companies,” commented Adam Briggs, Senior Vice President, Millennium Cell. “Later in 2005, we expect to deliver a next generation system to the Air Force that will further reduce the weight of the power system with its cartridges to less than 10 pounds. The benefits of this power solution will also be attractive in many other military and commercial markets that need reliable, long lasting sources of energy.”
About Protonex Technology Corporation
Established in 2000, Protonex manufactures long duration, portable and remote power sources. Protonex provides complete power solutions to OEM customers for portable and remote off-grid applications underserved by existing battery, generator, solar and other power technologies. The company’s innovative fuel cell products complement existing power technologies and are utilized in hybrid designs for customer applications in the 10 to 500 Watt power range. For more information, visit http://www.protonex.com
About Millennium Cell
Millennium Cell Inc. is engaged in the development of next generation hydrogen energy systems for use primarily in portable electronic devices for the consumer, medical, military and industrial markets. These energy systems offer runtime, weight, safety and cost advantages in an attractive form factor versus existing solutions. Millennium Cell is developing this technology in partnership with corporate and government entities. For more information, visit http://millenniumcell.com
Millennium Cell Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements:
This press release may include statements that are not historical facts and are considered” forward-looking” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect Millennium Cell’s current views about future events and financial performance and are subject to risks. Investors should not rely on forward-looking statements because they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from Millennium Cell’s expectations, and Millennium Cell expressly does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the cost and timing of development of Millennium Cell’s hydrogen fuel storage and delivery system; the cost and commercial availability of the quantities of raw materials required by the hydrogen fuel storage and delivery systems; and other factors discussed under the caption “Investment Considerations” in Millennium Cell’s Annual Report on Form 10 K for the year ended December 31, 2003
Posted by Industrial at 05:20 AM | Comments (0)
February 24, 2005
Mechanical Force Amplifier Leverages Pounds Into Tons
LatchTool Group announced today the release of its PowerCylinder™ the first commercial product that mechanically amplifies a linear force multiple times using encapsulated hydraulic circuitry.
Colorado Springs, CO (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) February 23, 2005 – The LatchTool Group announced today the release of its PowerCylinder™ the first commercial product that mechanically amplifies a linear force multiple times using encapsulated hydraulic circuitry. Intended for original equipment manufacturers, the small PowerCylinder™ can now add a hydraulic boost to hand and power tools, robots or virtually any piece of industrial equipment without the expense and bulk of hydraulic systems. Driven by hand or by motor, the PowerCylinder™ offers the speed and heft of hydraulics in small spaces.
Featuring an automatic resistance regulated transmission, the 16-ounce PowerCylinder™ raises the bar for portable power density. A 50 pound squeeze of the handle delivers 1½ tons at the business end.
LatchTool has pioneered the development of the PowerCylinder™; establishing a new product category with its first introduction of a mechanical force amplifier. The LatchTool Group has been formed around the discoveries made by Bill Gallentine and Myron Tupper of a new check valve that permits large unrestricted volumetric flows and of compact hydraulic circuitries. Multiple patents have issued. A team of new business, licensing and new product specialists have combined to launch the technology. Contact LatchTool Group at 719-488-8800.
Media Contact
Bob McPherson
LatchTool Group
14760 Cherry Hills Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
USA
719-488-8800
719-488-0939
www.latchtool.com
Posted by Industrial at 01:10 AM | Comments (0)