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Ergonomically enhanced tools can include helpful features, but no matter how impressive a tool’s design is, it’s almost impossible for it to be universally ergonomic. Here are some handy tips.

PLCs have undergone 40 years of convergent evolution, according to an article in the upcoming September issue of Control Engineering. See a graphic with a timeline of PLC development, a market that went from zero to more than $1 billion in a decade.

OPC data integration tools: Softing TechInfo offers ;Easy Connect Suite; PLCopen is working on application specific information models for IEC 61131-3 programming languages within OPC Unified Architecture (UA); and OPC Foundation offers ;training on Sept. 4.

FDT Group will demonstration data integration in a ;series of demos at ISA Expo; ;Lattice Technology upgraded its 3D CAD conversion tools; and ;Rockwell Automation and Cisco offer a report on convergence trends.

Automation Systems Interconnect ;offers ;a new line of DIN-rail mounted IEC terminal blocks. EZ Jump Terminal Blocks are designed around the easy-to-install plug-in circuit jumper PTC.

Control Microsystems introduces the SCADAWave Ultra KR30 data radio; FreeWave offers wireless spread spectrum; and ;ProSoft Technology has ;new industrial frequency hopping serial wireless units.

AutomationDirect presents the PG Series of 120 x 240/12 x 24 V ac HPS Imperator control power transformers as an addition to its 240 x 480 / 120 x 240 V ac MQMJ Series. The transformers meet industrial applications where electromagnetic devices, such as relays and solenoids, are used.

Don W. Allen, Dean L. Henning, and Li Lee
Current tank tests have been performed on two equal-diameter, flexible cylinders in tandem with various end spacings or separation distances. While the cylinders experienced transverse vortex-induced vibration in only the first mode, the test Reynolds numbers were well into the transition range, and … [J. Energy Resour. Technol. 130, 031501 (2008)] published Fri Aug 22, 2008.

Turn a PDA into a HART communicator with this software.

Signals from multiple temperature probes come together at one device, saves over individual transmitters.