News

Impulse Embedded, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of industrial and embedded computing and IIoT solutions have been awarded JOSCAR accreditation and been validated for UVDB, extending their business in the Defence and Utilities sectors.

Using their customer-facing Innovations Lab, Impulse Embedded have focussed on these two key markets where the quality of the supply chain is paramount and the systems they deliver are required to fully meet the intended installation environment.

Focussing on the built-in quality of all their systems and processes Impulse Embedded have been validated by Achilles as a member of the UVDB Silver Plus scheme, the utility industry pre-qualification system used across the UK assuring the highest standards of supply chain performance.

Now also fully registered on the JOSCAR supplier accreditation register for another year offers customers in the aerospace, defence and security industries pre-qualification and compliance information when specifying an Impulse Embedded solution for any project.

Impulse Embedded have a passion for delivering forward-looking solutions that can transform operational success for customers across an extensive range of industries and applications. Impulse covers the spectrum of industrial computing, embedded systems and industrial IoT needs – from the supply of devices to solution design, build, configuration and network services.

Impulse Embedded capabilities can create reliable, repeatable, and revision-controlled systems aimed at reducing customers overall project costs and development time. An in-house team of engineers and specialists, all with decades of experience, can provide fully deployable embedded computing solutions straight out of the box.

 For more details regarding Impulse’s Industrial computing and IoT capabilities please call the Impulse Specialists at +44(0)1782 337 or visit www.impulse-embedded.co.uk

Synchronised diving is the art of performing the most difficult dive at precisely the same time as your partner. Here, not only does the talent of the divers and their continuous, intense training count, but also a perfect technique. There is also technology in the diving platforms, which must be positioned to exactly the same height in order to ensure a uniform, fair diving situation. The Leipzig water sports centre relies on precise, robust draw-wire displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon for measuring the lifting height.

Since 1904, various disciplines have lined up under the Olympic term ‘diving’. These include high diving from 5, 7.5 and 10 m, springboard diving from 1 m and 3 m and synchronised diving, which is performed from 3 and 10 m. In free flight, the athletes elegantly and precisely show complicated dive routines. As a water sport, synchronised diving has been an Olympic discipline since 2000. Two athletes must dive at the same time from an identical height in order to prove their diving skills. Each dive is evaluated individually as well as the synchronicity of both dives which should be absolutely identical.

In order to offer exactly the same starting conditions and therefore one of the basic prerequisites for a successful dive, the technology behind the diving board itself plays a key role. This means that hydraulic diving platforms must be positioned with absolute accuracy using draw-wire displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon. These sensors are used, for example, in the water sports centre in Leipzig, where athletes and future Olympic athletes train and test their skills. For optimal training results, training is performed from height-adjustable diving towers. This allows the athletes to perform their routines from variable heights but still from precisely the same height.

Draw-wire displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon ensure that each tower is in the desired position. For this purpose, the height is measured to millimetre accuracy. The desired height can be adjusted via a console positioned at the edge of the pool. 

In addition to precise measurement values, the sensors must also possess certain properties that protect them in the difficult environmental conditions. High humidity is present in the swimming pool areas and the environment also contains chlorine. The sensors must be reliable and complete a high number of working cycles without having to be replaced.

A further use for draw-wire sensors in the swimming pool area is for the control of the depth of the pool itself. Modern pools now include the ability to adjust the pool floor position and thus depth, so that they can cater for a wider range of activities without the need to have multiple pools built. For example, a shallower depth is used for teaching whilst the floor is positioned lower to allow diving to take place. The floor position is monitored using draw-wire sensors.

Synchronisation monitoring with draw-wire sensors in telescopic platforms

The draw-wire displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon are also used in numerous other measurement tasks in which the lifting height must be precisely determined. This also includes synchronisation monitoring in telescopic platforms, such as those used by vehicle  workshops as lifting systems for cars. The telescopic platforms allow free and safe access to the underbody of the vehicles when maintenance, repair or servicing work must be carried out.

Conclusion

Draw-wire displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon can be integrated directly into the systems, as well as retrofitted. In lift height detection, the sensors are used in mobile machinery, cranes, catering vehicles at airports, synchronous lifting systems for vehicles, commercial and rail vehicles, diving platforms, maintenance work on bridges in heavy-duty lifters, training monitoring of rehabilitation sports equipment, modern warehouse logistics, forklifts and medical equipment.

Draw-wire displacement sensors from Micro-Epsilon are extremely robust and flexible. They measure positions and distances between 50 mm and 50 m. Robust housings protect against external influences. Due to their compact design, the sensors can also be integrated in narrow installation spaces. Measurements are performed in a simple way, quickly and with a long sensor service life. Output of measurement values is either analogue or digital, depending on the sensor model. For customer applications, various adaptations can also be implemented at any time. For example, the measuring wire can be guided over deflection pulleys to achieve an ideal measuring situation. Micro-Epsilon’s portfolio of draw-wire displacement sensors includes more than 120 models in different designs and measuring ranges.

For more information on draw-wire displacement sensors, please call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on +44 (0)151 355 6070 or email info@micro-epsilon.co.uk

Computing academics have helped a local tech firm go ‘full steam ahead’ with helping companies manage the data generated by building and structural safety.

It’s vital to keep an eye on the ‘health’ of buildings and other structures such as bridges, dams, and railways. But different structures across different locations have varying ‘health’ requirements, for instance, buildings in colder or warmer regions face different stressors.

These and other factors need to be considered and Northampton-based Dyna-Mo Instruments developed a solution involving sensors to help companies monitor these structures.

With such a large amount of data, Dyna-Mo Instruments needed a little help themselves, which came from a crack team of computing experts at University of Northampton (UON).

The team – led by Dr Triantafyllos ‘Aldo’ Kanakis, Senior Lecturer in Computing – set to work on a Proof-of-Concept engagement to find the right solution to store and record the information and present the data in a user-friendly format for devices suitable to third-party providers.

Aldo explains: “We have been proud to work with Dyna-Mo Instruments over the past few weeks, a project with clear applications to real-world safety and rail efficiency.

“We suggested organising the data in a structured and synchronised Cloud-based data lake (centralised place for data). The data feeds from different facilities can be organised in data lakes, several dashboards and in a user-friendly format for users to compare the data, look for relationships and analyse them.

“We are pleased to report that Dyna-Mo liked our proposal, and we are looking forward to discussing how can we help with the implementation stage.”

Toby Cottam, Managing Director of Dyna-Mo Instruments, adds: “Although most of our clients are engineering, instrumentation and monitoring and surveying companies, they themselves are often required to provide access to project data visualisation to their clients. Their clients need an easy to use, intuitive dashboard to quickly understand the data being presented to them.

“The proposal documentation has enabled us to engage with key development and adoption partners to put the platform through it passes and ensure the end-product serves both the technical and non-technical persons involved in a variety of monitoring applications.

“The support provided by the University of Northampton has been invaluable in determining the feasibility and practicalities of the development of our visualisation platform. We have been able to accelerate our plans and now have a clear path to deliver the first release of the platform in 2023.”

This project was funded through Knowledge Exchange for Better Business which is a Community Renewal funded project managed by West Northamptonshire Council, which helps link business with University expertise.

Leading precision measurement firm Third Dimension has announced the relocation of its headquarters in a move that will support company growth.

In a reflection of Third Dimension’s commitment to sustainability and smart working practices, company CEO Francois Froment has expressed confidence the new base will enable the business to build on last years’ strong overall performance during 2023. 

The Bristol-headquartered manufacturers of the GapGun and Vectro hand-held and robot-deployed non-contact gauging systems is on the move after experiencing strong sales in overseas markets and the new premises will support further expansion. 

Francois Froment, Third Dimension Chief Executive Officer, said: “Operating more smartly is at the heart of everything Third Dimension do, and we are now in a strong position to step up our ability to deliver state-of-the-art solutions for the automotive, aerospace, energy, and consumer goods manufacturing sectors.

“The move is driven by a complete change of work behaviour post-Covid, and by our commitment to sustainability because our new premises will help us to reduce our carbon footprint. While we are only moving next door, this is a statement of intent for us, enabling us to adapt and respond to demand, taking advantage of new opportunities.”

Third Dimension, which is based in the Filton industrial area of Bristol, and counts the likes of Airbus and BAE as neighbours, designs and sells precision measurement tools for manufacturing that help customers deliver the highest standards of quality and safety. 

The re-location follows Third Dimension’s creation of a new Application Engineering team to deepen its technical expertise and strengthen its customer support resource at the new base which is home to assembly, calibration and office functions.

The company, whose products are manufactured in the UK but sold globally, has a long and reputable track record of supplying non-contact optical measurement equipment and services to the largest names in aerospace, automotive and energy sectors worldwide. 

Third Dimension’s GapGun and Vectro products enable OEMs, Tier 1s and Tier 2s to manufacture to tighter tolerances, carry out quality checks quickly and keep an audit trail on all measurements, providing the assurance companies need to advance manufacturing.

TESTA Analytical Solutions has expanded the capabilities of its rapid scanning UV Detector with a new flow cell designed for high temperature operation.

The rugged flow cell employs fibre optic connections to the rapid scanning UV detector to enable it to be safely positioned up to 1 meter way from the high temperature process being monitored. This high-performance UV monitor was originally developed to operate in the heated sample compartment of a high temperature Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC/SEC) system at temperatures up to 210 °C.

The remote flow cell is available in different configurations to enable UV monitoring of analytical to preparative scale processes. This innovative device enables highly accurate remote UV measurements to be made on high temperature process samples that would make direct spectroscopic measurements almost impossible. For further information please visit https://www.custom-chromatography.com/technologies.html

element14, an Avnet community, has announced the Experimenting with Waterproof Connectors Design Challenge, the first community challenge of the new year. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with Amphenol’s waterproof connectors in a watertight enclosure and catalogue their process in a series of blogs.

Many electrical and electronic systems are used in rugged environments where contact with water, sprays, and moisture can impede normal system operation. Ensuring electrical safety and signal integrity when operating in these tough environments requires electronics to be housed in watertight enclosures and interconnected by cables connected to waterproof connectors.

In these environments, panel-mounted waterproof connectors achieve a watertight seal preventing water from leaking into the enclosure. Using a kit featuring waterproof connectors provided by Amphenol CS and Amphenol RF, this competition harnesses the ingenuity of the element14 community to test what they can achieve with waterproof connectors.

“Challenge after challenge, we are impressed by the creativity and talent of our community members,” said Dianne Kibbey, Global Head of Community and Social Media for element14. “We look forward to observing the innovative approaches our members take when using these connectors, as they conduct tests to guarantee electrical safety and maintain signal integrity in rugged environments.”

Applications are open now through March 15. Participants will be announced on March 20. The challenge will begin on March 24. Each participant will receive a customised kit worth over $400 consisting of Amphenol waterproof connectors, a customised watertight enclosure by Hammond and the single board computer LattePanda DFR0418.

The challenge is judged on a point-based system, with four ways that participants can win points:

• Introductory Blog: Write a blog in the first two weeks of the challenge that describes how the participant will experiment with waterproof connectors. Challengers who complete their blogs before April 7 will earn 60 points.
• Final Summary Blog: The most important blog of the challenge. Write a standalone, detailed final summary blog. Within this blog, challengers should restate their experimenting premise, describe their experiments and/or methodology, detail the results obtained, and share any tips and tricks that were discovered. Challengers who complete their blogs before May 24 will earn up to 300 points.
• Extra Credit Blogs: Up to 5 additional blogs will be judged by the element14 team. Each additional blog can receive up to 20 points.
• Forum Participation: element14 Community will review the participation in the forum associated with this competition and award up to 40 points based on a participant’s forum engagement.

Winners will be announced on May 31, 2023.

Each participant will receive a finisher prize of a AKX00026 Arduino Opla IoT Kit, the runner up will receive a MP710079 US CAL Multicomp Pro 3-Output Programmable Bench Power Supply with Calibration and the grand prize winner will receive a Keysight DSOX1204G Oscilloscope.

To learn more, and to enter the design challenge, please visit https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/experimenting-with-waterproof-connectors/

STMicroelectronics has been named a Top 100 Global Innovators 2023. The annual list from Clarivate, a global leader in connecting people and organisations to intelligence they can trust to transform their world, identifies organisations at the pinnacle of the global innovation landscape by measuring excellence focused on exceptional consistency and scale in innovativeness.

“Innovation is at the core of value creation and competitive advantage for our company. It enables us, together with customers and partners, to create unique technologies and products that provide solutions for a more sustainable future,” said Alessandro Cremonesi, Executive Vice President, Chief Innovation Officer, STMicroelectronics. “Being recognised as a winner of the Top 100 Global Innovator Award for the fifth time demonstrates the quality of our R&D, and the excellence of our teams and their creativity.”

In 2022 ST invested 13.5% of its revenues in R&D, has over 9,000 R&D employees, and engages in extensive collaboration with leading research labs and corporate partners throughout around the world. The Company’s Innovation Office focuses on connecting emerging market trends with internal technology expertise to identify opportunities, be stay ahead of the competition, and lead in new or existing technology domains.

Gordon Samson, Chief Product Officer, Clarivate, said, “At Clarivate, we aim to bring clarity to the complex. Our focus is to pore over what humanity knows today and to put forward the insight that explores all possible horizons; that enables transition and transformation. We acknowledge the Top 100 Global Innovators 2023 – companies and organisations that know that innovative ideas and solutions to current challenges not only bring rewards to their businesses but foster genuine improvements in society.”

This year’s report marries insights from Clarivate on inventive activity and scientific discovery to better track the flow of modern innovation – to identify the 50 research organisations most often cited by the Top 100 Global Innovators 2023. These are global institutions whose intellect underpins the design of engineered solutions.

Learn more about Top 100 Global Innovators 2023 and who features on this year’s list here.

Find out more about the latest innovation and technology at ST here.

Do you use sight glasses or optical windows to control key interfaces in your food or drink processes? If you want to reduce waste and save money you should consider using Satron optical sensors.

Sight glasses are a key feature in many food processing industries. They allow operators to see directly into the pipe when there is a change of product or a product/water interface so that they can perform actions, like switching a valve.

Whilst simple solutions have benefits, in food and drink production, using sight glasses can be costly, especially when material and energy costs are increasing:

• Reaction times = Waste. As an example, if a process is pumping a liquid at 10 m3/hour, it means 2.8 litres pass the sight glass every second. Therefore, a 10-second reaction time, which seems small at first, will result either in a loss of 28 litres or 28 litres of the wrong liquid going to the tank with the right product.
• Operator dependence = Waste. Different people will often see the transition between two liquids at different points, and factors like different lighting at night vs daytime make judging the correct time to react to a transition even more variable. For example, to ‘stop pumping when water is visible in this liquid’ depends upon who is doing it, as the ability of the human eye to detect the mixing of one product with another varies greatly from person to person and product to product.
• Not being able to see it = Waste. The human eye cannot see transitions like a 10% addition of water to cream, which a Satron VO optical sensor can detect in real-time, and prevent product losses and quality issues.

Satron optical sensors, available from PLUS Automation, precisely detect the amount of product at every moment of the day, providing a real-time, accurate “super eye” on the process and feeding it back to the automation systems. Satron’s VO sensors are hygiene certified and adapted to a broad range of applications. They are a key tool trusted by food and drink manufacturers t0 improve and standardise processes and reduce losses, with a very short payback time.

Satron makes introducing their optical sensors into an existing manufacturing process easy with an adaptor kit to install it into an existing sight-glass. The adaptor kit helps achieve a payback time of only a few months, with an innovative sensor which is used by many leading global brands.

For monitoring radioactive processes in nuclear power, reprocessing and waste storage plants – Resolve Optics offers a standard range of 6mm, 9mm and 25mm focal length fixed focus lenses.

Designed to provide a focal length of 6mm or 9mm respectively, the Model 214 and 286 radiation tolerant lenses, deliver high quality images with minimal geometric distortion from 400-750nm. Designed for close-up monitoring of radioactive processes, these durable lenses are specifically designed for use with 2/3-inch image format radiation resistant tube and CMOS cameras. Key features of the Model 214 and Model 286 lenses include their wide field-of-view and variable iris control.

However, producing clear, sharp images free of a strong yellow tint has traditionally been a limiting issue when using radiation tolerant lenses on colour CMOS cameras. To provide a solution for this problem, Resolve Optics developed the Model 313 – a 25mm focal length fixed focus lens. Using specially selected cerium doped glasses with the least amount of yellow tint, the Model 313 delivers unmatched high clarity, natural colour images.

Starting from these proven fixed focus lens designs, Resolve Optics also offers a rapid design service to produce a custom fixed focus lens fully optimised to deliver the best results from your radiation tolerant camera or sensor.

For further information on fixed focus radiation tolerant lenses please visit https://www.resolveoptics.com/radiation-resistant-lenses-2/ or contact Resolve Optics Ltd. on +44-1494-777100 / sales@resolveoptics.com.