Hydraulics News

A Design News column points to a sustained ramp up in U.S. industrial production — including automation, controls, and materials. Those folks in industry who were bemoaning the state of business around a year ago pumped up production for several months at the end of 2010. The biggest spike in orders has come from the U.S. itself, thanks to federal stimulus, factory updating, and an up-tick in exports. The only negative is that domestic suppliers to these manufacturers can't fill orders quickly enough — because they are serving larger Asian customers first.

Formed eXtreme Duty Hose (Parflex XDH Hose) is ideal for repeatable hydraulic applications and are an effective way to eliminate hard metal tubes, which are heavy and difficult to install.

Hydraulic flanges and components from Parker Tube Fittings. Featuring the four-bolt flange, a proven leak-free connection, especially suited for larger sizes.

HDA 8000 series pressure transmitters combine excellent technical specifications with a compact design. It was specifically developed for severe mobile applications. Based on thin film technology, it is a robust, long-life transmitter. Many pressure ranges, multiple electrical outputs, and numerous connection styles make it ideal for the mobile market place.

Ultra Clean Launchers and Projectiles are capable of cleaning Hoses and Tubes from 1/8 in. through 4 1/2 in. I.D. A specially formulated Ultra Clean Projectile removes the internal contamination. Ultra Clean has the Clean Seal System for Sealing and Capping the end connections after the Ultra Clean Projectile cleaning process.

Monarch-McLaren offers the finest in leather "U" packings in the industry. These packings are designed to seal reciprocation pistons, plungers, or rams. Custom manufactured sizes are available to meet your specifications, from 1 in. to 8 in. (standard) or larger.

The latest chapter in the e-book Fluid Power Circuits hosted by Hydraulics & Pneumatics covers servovalves. These directional valves for rapid, precision control are four-way, three-position spool valves with all ports blocked when in the center position. Servovalve spools, unlike on/off or proportional valves, have no overlap in center condition for a quick response.

If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to the GlobalSpec e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Valve Technology.

The linear-axis closed loop differential pump from Germany's Voith Turbo H+L Hydraulics has a closed oil circuit for easy system integration in both new and old installations. Only a power connection is needed for the integral servo motor that drives an internal gear pump. The compact arrangement provides a system with high energy density and efficiency.

The KST booster from Bosch Rexroth economically cools lubricants in internally-cooled machine tools. With an additional linear pump, the booster generates pressure up to 120 bar with a flow up to 50 l/min, eliminating a separate motor-pump cooling line — which reduces energy used for lubricant cooling up to 88%.

The more robust stainless steels and structured rivets used in the automotive industry, both in manufacture and for repairs, require more substantial hydraulic-driven hand riveting tools. Most available products are geared for the do-it-yourself market, opening up an opportunity for assembly-line quality tools that are well designed and tested for long-term use.

A new series of Ultra High Pressure fittings and ports. The fittings are able to handle 3000 bar max (43511 PSI) All parts are Black Zinc plated steel for easy identification. Call for availability.

SL Series linear position sensors can now be deployed in extremely harsh environments. Operating in temperatures up to 300 F and pressures to 8,000 psi, these Extreme Sensors bring position sensing to applications where it was not previously possible. No core drilling for hydraulic cylinders, ideal for accumulators, telescopics.

While exoskeleton development for military uses is making headway, improvements in component efficiency, especially hydraulics, will be needed to field the devices, says Raytheon VP Fraser Smith. An operational system could be realized in five years but current power consumption of 3.5 kW will need to drop to about 1 kW for practical systems.

A new type of hydraulic-enabled hybrid vehicle has been proposed for use in the city of Victoria on Canada's Vancouver Island. This "bus" uses public roads as usual and is also equipped with hydraulic cylinders that lower railway wheels to enable operation on tracks used by light- or commuter rail trains.

Among the features on Caterpillar's new D Series of mini excavators is a two-mode auxiliary hydraulic system, which can be switched between single- and bi-direction operations to accommodate various work tools. The load sensing system's "low-effort" pilot controls and updated valves enhance control and reduce job cycle times.

For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Construction Tools & Equipment.

JCB's new line of seven skid steer models uses a single PowerBoom located on the centerline at the front of the vehicle — eliminating side booms that restrict cabin access. Switching to any of 30 attachments is facilitated by an optional hydraulic "quick hitch," and O-ring face-seal hydraulic fittings cut parts count and ease servicing.

Designed for water and corrosive liquids, these new PVC filter monitors measure differential pressure to check the health of filter media in filtration equipment. Low-cost, smaller size, they can save hundreds of dollars over the life of a system. Check out product details and specifications now.

In the mobile construction industry, inexpensive cartridge pressure switches are often used to control hydraulic applications in construction vehicles. As a supplier to the mobile hydraulic sector, Danfoss provides the MBS 1350 — a two-in-one transmitter and switch that outlasts any mechanical switch, improves machine capabilities, reduces costs, and more.

Main Manufacturing Products, Inc. manufactures an extensive line of Hydraulic Flanges to SAE, ISO, DIN, JIS, other standards. Stocked with a wide variety of porting; many butt-weld schedules, socket-weld, ORB, NPTF, ISO 6149, and BSPP(T) in carbon, 304L, 316L with some cupro-nickel, Hastalloy, Monel, and Inconel stocked or manufactured quickly.

Cat hose products exceed industry standards. For example, Caterpillar impulse tests its hose up to 2 ½ times the number of cycles required by SAE. These rugged requirements help Cat hose deliver reliable performance and long life in a wide range of applications.

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It will take you an average of three years to secure a U.S. patent for an invention. But a recent Machine Design article gives nine suggestions to tip the process in your favor and save time. These include hiring a competent practitioner to spearhead the effort; emphasizing a few, rather than many, key independent claims; and trying for a Green Technology Program application, which are being given priority these days.

Fitness facilities geared to women are increasingly using hydraulic-based equipment to aid in fighting the battle of the bulge and maintain wellness. The Curves chain of gyms prefers hydraulics since no pins must be removed and replaced to change machine resistance, as when changing weights in a stack. Workout resistance is tailored automatically to effort exerted and machines won't "slam" if grip is lost or relaxed.

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