One new tool to prepare U.S. Army fighters for Afghanistan deployment is the Improvised Explosive Device Battle Drill simulator. This system uses hydraulics usually reserved for theme-park thrill rides to make soldiers feel as if they are in a Humvee hitting potholes — or hidden mines. Display screens outside the "vehicle" show high-definition Afghan-like terrain down to rocks and individual leaves. The simulator teaches soldiers to stay alert for unusual details that might signal buried bombs or impending ambushes — features as obvious as a speeding truck or as subtle as a pile of rocks. (View video)

VanSeal manufactures a wide variety of hydraulic seals to include high pressure lip seals, piston seals, U cups, and wipers. Our hydraulic components can provide reliable sealing function at 0-4000+ psi in hydraulic and other high-pressure applications. VanSeal also manufactures high-pressure lip seals for a broad range of application conditions.

Hydraulic test stand builders are choosing the Max line of piston and gear flow meters for their 1000 pulse per revolution output and 0.1% repeatability. High pulse counts, in as short a time as possible, gives you a data point with more significant figures and statistical validity. From Max Machinery, Inc.

The Hydraulic Institute seeks individuals and organizations in North America to review the draft of updated Standard ANSI/HI 1.4 Rotodynamic Pumps, covering both centrifugal and vertical types. Invited parties include pump users, specifiers, producers, and government agencies. The document will define a standard format for use when writing installation, operation, and maintenance manuals.

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Scotland's Artemis Intelligent Power merited the 2009 Carbon Trust Innovator of the Year Award for its Digital Displacement technology. Computer-controlled solenoid valves operated by electromagnetic latches replace conventional gearbox mechanisms. The valves open or close on a stroke-by-stroke basis for each cylinder in a piston pump/motor.

Flow Technology of Tempe, AZ, now offers its FT turbine flow meter solution with SAE J1453 fittings for heavy equipment and off-road applications. Reducing the number of potential leak points is critical in such uses, and the SAE fittings are flat-face, male-to-male devices that do not require adapters for off-road hydraulic lines.

Since weight is critical in competitive bicycle racing, Ashima is developing a brake set that tips the scales at 150 g, less than half of standard brakes. A standard lever/cable actuates dual hydraulic cylinders within the brake stem housing. Braking force is then supplied to the clamps enclosing the wheel rim.

Eaton offers a wide variety of different carbon steel adapters for multiple fluid conveyance applications, such as SAE 45 Degree Flare, SAE 37 Degree Flare (JIC), SAE O-ring, and:

• ORS
• Split Flange
• Pipe
• Metric/BSPP/BSPT

Eaton can meet your challenging applications, each and every time.

The Enerpac Synchronous Lift System is a combination of digital control, switching and monitoring. Thanks to specific software, lifting (and lowering) is extremely accurate; the lift system can lift even the heaviest loads with a controlled accuracy of 1 mm.

The hydraulic hybrid beat continues with Eaton's announcement of a kit to fit trash haulers with hybrid hydraulic powertrains. The parallel system installs between the transmission and rear axle and weighs less than half of electric systems. Eaton says operators can expect upwards of 30% fuel savings along with increased brake life and productivity.

Enerpac's RR series of long-stroke hydraulic cylinders are strengthened for use in mining, bridge and roof positioning, and other demanding applications. Hardened, removable saddles protect plungers during operation. Use of extended stroke cylinders requires fewer individual cylinder extensions, each of which requires equipment repositioning — boosting productivity and safety.

Diesel powered-gantry cranes handling container port cargo have both hydraulic and electric hybrid options to save energy. Hydrostatic drives split power among various hydraulic circuits for fast acceleration, thanks to a comparatively low system moment of inertia. Hydraulics don't incur electrical resistance losses, but electric systems can run diesel engines at lower overall speeds.

Choice between two counterweights for stability allows the new Volvo EW230C wheeled loader to be roadable or transported if bigger loads need handling. Also featured is a larger cooling module and a load-sensing hydraulic system with twin pumps — one for driving attachments and travel and the other a closed-loop slew pump. Watch it in action.

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AMC builds and ships standard power units in 2-3 days! Go here to build your own power unit and have a part number and price in one-minute! AMC offers the highest quality products available at a low cost and with quick delivery — Contact AMC for all your power unit needs.

Protect expensive flange surfaces with Caplugs' vast line of flange covers. Our flange covers are designed to remain securely on your flange during storage and transit while offering quick and easy installation and removal. Our standard flange covers are available in sizes ranging from .5 in. to 42 in. in diameter.

In an astute observation, Hydraulics & Pneumatics Editor Alan Hitchcox likened hydraulics systems to a marching band or sports team. Each component provides an essential role and failure of any one, even supporting players such as hoses and filters, can mean a system shutdown or failure. The pump may be the most expensive component and actuators may appear to shoulder all the work. But the popularity award goes to hydraulic fluid because of its relationship with each system component.

The Amplified Mobility Platform suits in the movie Avatar owe much to U.S. Army research into powered exoskeletons. While the film version is "an Apache helicopter with legs," Army units are geared to carry heavy equipment, aid in construction and rescue work, and rehabilitate injuries. "Movies like Avatar are good to get us thinking about the possibilities," notes David Audet of the Army's Soldier Mobility and Mission Enhancement Team.

Avatar Shmavatar?

Will mechanical exoskeletons, like those seen in the movie Avatar, find near-term practical use?