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FEBRUARY 2006 INDUSTRY NEWS

 

 

ISA Unveils New Member Benefits

On January 1, 2006, ISA introduced three new member benefits. The benefits enhance the membership experience of thousands of automation professionals. Each full dues paying Member now receives a free standard each year of their membership. Each Member also has free access to a library of web seminars and free downloads of technical papers from past ISA conferences.

"ISA helps automation professionals solve challenging technical problems. These new benefits help us continue to do that. They help us keep our promise to give value to our members. We are committed to offering quality, unbiased information that can help enhance the careers of automation professionals around the world," said ISA President Ken Baker.

Free Standards - Members have access to a large selection of standards in several technical areas. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ISA has more than 150 standards, recommended practices, and technical reports. The knowledge base has shaped the automation field for decades.

Free Web Seminars - ISA web seminars provide cost-efficient and fast training. Members now have free access to over 40 online pre-recorded web seminars. Each seminar is 90 minutes long. They covers topics like safety instrumented systems, Ethernet, control systems security, and more.
Free Technical Papers - Over 2,500 technical papers from past ISA conferences and symposia are available at no cost to ISA Members. New papers are added every year. A search system allows retrieval of the papers by keyword, event, date, or author.

Other Member Benefits - ISA Members get free admission to the exhibition portion of ISA EXPO. Discounted rates for conference and training registrations also are provided. ISA EXPO features a dynamic technical conference, an unparalleled training program, and an advanced exhibition. The annual event helps professionals stay ahead in today's marketplace.

ISA Members can also order the Certified Automation Professional (CAP) job analysis study free of charge. Valued at $150, the analysis includes an evaluation of key job tasks performed by automation professionals. The document also includes a number of sample questions on the CAP exam for each task.

"When an automation professional joins ISA, he or she immediately gets the powerful benefit of a personal and professional network. These new benefits complement the value that the Society provides," said Skip Wells, VP of Image and Membership Development.

For more information about ISA visit www.isa.org or contact Jennifer Infantino at (919) 990-9287.

 

Keithley Receives Test of Time Award

Keithley Instruments, Inc., a leader in solutions for emerging measurement needs, announced today that its Series 2400 SourceMeter(R) Instruments have received the Test of Time Award from Test & Measurement World Magazine. The Test of Time Award, which was created to recognize product lines that provide state-of-the-art performance for at least five years after their introduction, was announced at the magazine's awards ceremony on February 9, 2006, during the APEX Show in Anaheim, California.

Introduced in 1992, the Series 2400 SourceMeter Instrument Line has the unique ability to measure current and source voltage simultaneously, or measure voltage and source current simultaneously. In addition, all of the experience accumulated in advancing the Series 2400 has been included in the latest generation of SourceMeter Instruments, the Series 2600 System SourceMeter Multi-Channel I-V Test Solutions.

A SourceMeter Instrument combines three instruments in one: a current source, a voltage source, and a multimeter. Previously, current and voltage had to be measured with separate instruments. Because Series 2400 SourceMeter Instruments measure both parameters at once, programming is much simpler.

Series 2400 SourceMeter Instruments provide the four-quadrant source-measure unit (SMU) capability needed for IV characterization and functional test of electronic and semiconductor components. They are used in applications requiring tightly coupled sourcing and measurement. In these applications, the instruments significantly lower the cost of test for a wide range of electronic component devices, including those produced by silicon and compound semiconductor manufacturers.

Before the Series 2400 was developed, users had to integrate power supplies, DMMs, and picoammeters to build low-cost IV test systems. These systems were difficult for users to integrate and often resulted in subpar measurement performance and test speed. The Series 2400 SourceMeter Line integrates the four-quadrant V and I source with high-precision (5.5 and 6.5 digit) measurement of V, I, and Ohms into a single instrument at a reasonable cost. This dramatically simplifies IV test systems while maintaining low system cost.
The Series 2400 Line initially consisted of a single model. Keithley has since released 12 additional models to provide higher voltage, current, and power capability, as well as support for contact check. Keithley has also developed the firmware capability of the Series 2400 to include more automation capability for high-speed testing.

For More Information. For more information on Keithley's Series 2400 and Series 2600 SourceMeter Instruments and to view a short online product presentation, visit http://www.keithley.com/pr/029.

 

Barbara Hulit appointed president of Fluke Corporation

Barbara B. Hulit has been named president of Fluke Corporation, with responsibility for the Fluke Industrial and Fluke Precision Measurement businesses.

Hulit comes to Fluke from The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she was a vice president and director with responsibility for the firm’s packaged goods sector. As president of Fluke, Hulit will report to Jim Lico, executive vice president for Danaher Corporation, the parent company of Fluke. "Barbara’s experience, business acumen and keen insight will be invaluable as Fluke continues to strengthen its traditional business and expand into new markets," said Lico.

"While at BCG, Barbara has had a long and productive relationship with Danaher and has been an effective business partner in helping drive Danaher’s growth in new market opportunities. Barbara has partnered with many of our senior leaders in strategy and business development, as well as having played an active role in developing our Danaher Business Systems (DBS) Growth Tools initiatives."

Over the past seven years, Hulit has worked extensively with Fluke and was instrumental in the identification of the company’s new indoor air quality and thermography businesses. At BCG, she helped grow the global packaged goods sector by roughly 20 percent annually, leveraging her expertise in uncovering and driving new business opportunities. Her background also includes senior positions in sales and marketing for Noxell Corporation, Frito Lay and Marketing Corporation of America. Hulit holds an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University and a BA in Marketing from the University of Texas-Austin.

To read the full press release visit http://us.fluke.com/usen/new/press/0544__r.htm.

 

 

International Metrology Interoperability Summit (IMIS)

As a key contributor to dimensional metrology, we cordially invite you to attend an International Metrology Interoperability Summit (IMIS) to be held on March 28 - 30, 2006 at NIST in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA. Organizations worldwide with an interest in dimensional metrology interoperability, including Automotive Industry Action Group/Metrology Interoperability Project Team (AIAG MIPT), Dimensional Metrology Standards Consortium (DMSC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), I++, and the International Association of Coordinate Measuring Machine Manufacturers (IA.CMM), are sponsoring this summit.

The goal of the summit is to define a unified "technology roadmap" for dimensional metrology system interoperability, which will form the basis for a more substantive roadmap document, deliverable after the summit. This roadmap will provide a common agenda towards benefiting the entire metrology community and manufacturing as a whole. As part of the roadmap, we plan to work on defining a compelling business case for our interoperability efforts.

The organizations sponsoring the IMIS are united in their desire to reduce the cost of quality assurance by promoting interoperability between components in metrology systems, where interoperability is defined as "the ability of two system components to communicate correctly and completely with each other—with minimal cost to either component user or component vendor—where the components can come from any vendor worldwide." Component-to-component interoperability reduces training costs, allows best-in-class component choices, and provides a more competitive technology provider environment—reducing costs for OEMs, technology providers, suppliers, and consumers.

Corporations and standards organizations worldwide are investing substantial resources toward achieving component interoperability in their systems. There is general agreement that interoperability requires the timely and concurrent development of:

  • Open, non-proprietary, unambiguous, and fully functional interface standards
  • Compliant, worldwide, implementations of those standards
  • Conformance and interoperability tests that ensure and verify compliant implementations

Among the interfaces the IMIS plans to address include:

  • CAD + GD&T (high level planning) to Inspection Planner
  • Inspection Planner to Inspection Plan Execution
  • Inspection Plan Execution to CMM motion controller
  • Inspection Plan Execution to Reporting and Analysis

The summit will also explore interface and standards issues associated with non-CNC CMMs, such as laser trackers and articulated arm manual CMMs.

With your active participation, we are confident that this summit will promote a strong, efficient and productive collaboration. The scope and goals of this summit are ambitious and challenging. Your support and input are needed and valued.

Pre-registration is essential. A banquet, three lunches, and three breakfasts are all part of the low registration fee! If you have any questions please contact, John Horst, the IMIS coordinator and host.

 

Sypris Reports Fourth Quarter Results; Company Generates Record Cash Flow

Sypris Solutions, Inc. today reported revenue increased 9% to $132.1 million for the fourth quarter compared to $121.7 million for the prior year period. The Company reported a loss for the period of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $0.8 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2004.

For the full year 2005, the Company reported revenue increased 23% to a record $522.8 million compared to $425.4 million for the prior year. Net income for the year was $5.3 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, compared to $8.3 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, for 2004.

"The Company's fourth quarter earnings performance was in line with our expectations," said Jeffrey T. Gill, president and chief executive officer. "Although volume softened during the period, we were able to finish at the higher end of our earnings guidance for the quarter. In addition, cash flow from operations reached $24.5 million for the period and $72.6 million for the year, resulting in record free cash flow of $21.0 million and $36.3 million for the fourth quarter and full year 2005, respectively."

"Net orders for the quarter reached $132.1 million and a record $525.2 million for the year, driven by an increase in bookings from our Industrial Group, while backlog of $252.3 million remained at near record levels. The outlook for our markets in general remains positive, although we believe that in the current environment of increasing energy costs and rising interest rates, we must clearly remain dedicated to improving the operating effectiveness of the business."

The Industrial Group
Orders and revenue were slightly better than expected as orders for fourth quarter were $105.6 million and backlog increased 14% to $150.4 million compared to the prior year quarter. Revenue for our Industrial Group increased 15% to $86.7 million in the fourth quarter from $75.3 million for the prior year period, but decreased 8% sequentially from the third quarter of this year. Gross profit for the quarter was $1.6 million as a result of lower volume, increased energy costs and overtime costs.

The Electronics Group
Although orders and revenue in fourth quarter were lower than anticipated as customer delays pushed out requirements, second half orders for 2005 increased 18% over the prior year period and second half revenue for 2005 increased 6% over the final six months of last year.

Orders were $26.4 million for fourth quarter and backlog was $101.9 million. Revenue for our Electronics Group decreased 2% to $45.4 million in fourth quarter compared to $46.4 million for prior year period, and decreased 2% sequentially from third quarter of this year. Gross profit for the quarter increased 42% to $8.9 million compared to $6.3 million for the same period in 2004, reflecting improvements in both business segments of this group.

Revenue for the Aerospace & Defense segment decreased 4% to $33.9 million compared to $35.5 million for the prior year period, while gross profit for the Aerospace & Defense segment increased 39% to $6.4 million from $4.6 million for the prior year period.

Revenue for the Test & Measurement segment increased 5% from that of the prior year period to $11.5 million, while gross profit for the Test & Measurement segment increased 49% to $2.5 million from $1.7 million for the same period in 2004.

Outlook
Gill added, "Even though the first quarter traditionally represents the Company's seasonally lowest period, we expect revenue for the first quarter of 2006 to be in the range of $130 to $135 million compared to $124.2 million for the first quarter of 2005, which represents a 7% increase at the midpoint of our guidance. Earnings for the first quarter of 2006 are forecast to be in the range of $0.04 to $0.06 per diluted share, compared to $0.03 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2005, and are consistent with the assumptions reflected in our December outlook."

"The revenue forecast for the full year 2006 remains unchanged and is expected to be in the range of $555 to $565 million compared to $522.8 million for 2005, which represents a 7% increase in revenue for 2006 at the midpoint of the range. Earnings are forecast to be in the range of $0.45 to $0.55 per diluted share compared to $0.29 per diluted share for 2005, which represents a 72% increase for 2006 at the midpoint of the range."

Gill continued, "We expect 2006 to represent another strong year for cash flow generation, with cash flow from operations expected to be in the range of $50.0 to $60.0 million, and free cash flow to be in the range of $30.0 to $40.0 million. We believe that the continued strength of the Company's cash flow during the coming year could prove to be of significant benefit as we continue to evaluate future growth opportunities."

Sypris Solutions is a diversified provider of technology-based outsourced services and specialty products. The Company performs a wide range of manufacturing and technical services, typically under multi-year, sole-source contracts with major corporations and government agencies in the markets for aerospace and defense electronics, truck components and assemblies, and test and measurement services. For more information about Sypris Solutions, visit its Web site at www.sypris.com.

 

Telecom Meeting to Focus on Emerging Networks

Technology in today’s fast-moving telecommunications industry is all about convergence. The “next big thing” is the so-called Next Generation Networks (NGN). The annual Workshop on Synchronization in Telecommunication Systems, sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), will address issues likely to emerge as NGNs are developed. The three-day workshop will be held March 14-16, 2006, at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Colo.

The meeting also will include tutorial presentations and networking opportunities for telecommunications synchronization professionals at a variety of different career levels. Network operators, strategists, design engineers, system architects and synchronization planners from the wireline, wireless, enterprise and utilities sectors will participate in interactive workshop sessions and panel discussions.

For further information, see http://tf.nist.gov/timefreq/seminars/ATIS.html.

Agilent Technologies Reports First Quarter 2006 Results

Agilent Technologies Inc. reported orders of $1.35 billion for the first fiscal quarter ended Jan. 31, 2006, 15 percent above one year ago. Revenues during the quarter were $1.34 billion, 10 percent above last year. First quarter GAAP net earnings were $2.82 billion, or $5.83 per diluted share, compared with $103 million, or $0.21 per share, in last year's first quarter.

During the first quarter, Agilent sold its Semiconductor Products business for $2.7 billion and its 47 percent share of Lumileds for approximately $1.0 billion. The pre-tax gain on the sale of these businesses was approximately $2.7 billion. Also included in GAAP results are $63 million of charges related to the planned spin-off of Semiconductor Test Solutions (STS) and the reduction of Agilent's infrastructure costs. Excluding these charges and $36 million of non-cash stock compensation expenses, Agilent reported first quarter adjusted net income of $154 million, or $0.32 per share. On a comparable basis, the company earned $71 million, or $0.15 per share, one year ago.(1)

"We are pleased with Agilent's performance in the first quarter of 2006," said Bill Sullivan, Agilent president and chief executive officer. "We successfully completed the semiconductor-related divestitures and a self-tender offer that returned $3 billion of cash to our owners. Operationally, we also performed to our commitments, with revenues and adjusted net income at the high end of our expectations after reflecting fewer shares outstanding during the quarter."

To read more visit http://www.agilent.com/about/newsroom/presrel/2006/13feb-gp06005.html.

ARTEL and Caliper Partner to Enhance Laboratory Data Integrity

ARTEL and Caliper Life Sciences announce a technology partnership to strengthen quality assurance for automated liquid delivery systems used in the laboratory. As a result of this collaboration, Caliper will now conduct in-house testing on its automated liquid handlers, such as the Sciclone and RapidPlate, using ARTEL’s Multichannel Verification System (MVS). Caliper’s customers benefit from third party verification of equipment performance, as well as the provision of an equipment optimization technology and standard method validation tool that can be integrated into their own laboratories. This partnership leverages ARTEL’s expertise in low volume measurement and Caliper’s innovative automated liquid handling capabilities.

A RTEL’s MVS is the only tool that can be used bench-top to accurately and precisely verify automated liquid handling performance in minutes. ARTEL’s partnership with Caliper gives end-users the option to optimize liquid handling equipment using the same methodology as the equipment manufacturer. This provides a standard assessment technology to streamline service visits, facilitate process adjustment and enhance data integrity.

A user-intuitive system, the ARTEL MVS relies on dual-dye ratiometric photometry to verify low volume measurement with a high degree of accuracy and precision. Verifying the performance of each automated liquid handler prior to distribution ensures that Caliper’s customers receive equipment working to specification, allowing for immediate integration and quality assurance.

“Initiatives such as FDA’s Process Analytical Technology program are making the need for stringent, consistent and traceable quality controls more critical than ever,” says Kirby Pilcher, President, ARTEL. “Caliper and ARTEL have teamed up to provide laboratories with an effective and convenient tool to document instrumentation verification from the factory to the laboratory and through the life of the product.”

ARTEL and Caliper specialists are available to provide information to Caliper customers on an equipment optimization strategy tailored to their individual operations. ARTEL provides on-site training and support for customers who purchase the MVS to optimize automated liquid handling performance and ensure method validation.

“This partnership provides life science laboratories with an objective quality assessment and the latest technology for equipment optimization,” notes Pilcher. “This will grow customer confidence in their equipment and in their data.”

For more information, visit www.artel-usa.com.

 

NIST’s FY 2007 Budget Request

The Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is slated for $535 million for its laboratory research and facility upgrades under President George W. Bush’s American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI), according to the FY 2007 budget request submitted to the Congress today.

That budget proposal includes an additional $104 million—more than 24 percent—increase for the NIST laboratory programs and facilities. This would be the largest dollar increase ever for NIST’s laboratory research.

“NIST is positioned to play a key role in advancing our nation’s innovation and competitiveness,” said NIST Director William Jeffrey. “The research initiatives in this budget reflect that and will strongly support the President’s competitiveness initiative.”

NIST is a part of the Technology Administration (TA), below is a more detailed breakdown of the TA budget.

Office of the Under Secretary: $1.5 million
TA will prioritize its analysis and policy development efforts. It will remain an effective advocate for technology within the Department of Commerce, while streamlining administrative and policy operations.

National Institute of Standards and Technology
The NIST budget is divided into three appropriations:

  • $467 million for Scientific and Technical Research and Services (STRS), including $459.4 million for NIST’s laboratory research and $7.6 million for the Baldrige National Quality Program. This category includes a major research initiative with 12 main components:
    • Enabling Nanotechnology from Discovery to Manufacture (+$20M),
    • NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) Expansion and Reliability Improvements: A National Need (+$10M),
    • Enabling the Hydrogen Economy (+$10M),
    • Manufacturing Innovation through Supply Chain Integration (+$2M),
    • Quantum Information Science: Infrastructure for 21st-Century Innovation (+$9M),
    • Structural Safety in Hurricanes, Fires, and Earthquakes (+$2M),
    • Synchrotron Measurement Science and Technology: Enabling Next Generation Materials Innovation (+$5M),
    • International Standards and Innovation: Opening Markets for American Workers and Exporters (+$2M),
    • Innovations in Measurement Science (+$4M),
    • Bioimaging: A 21st-Century Toolbox for Medical Technology (+$4M),
    • Cyber Security: Innovative Technologies for National Security (+$2M), and
    • Biometrics: Identifying Friend or Foe (+$2M).
  • $68 million for Construction of Research Facilities (CRF) including resources for safety, maintenance, repair, and facilities upgrades. The CRF request would fund:
    • Construction and renovations at the NIST Center for Neutron Research, tied in with the parallel R&D initiative in STRS ($12M),
    • Increases for the NIST safety, capacity, maintenance and major repairs (SCMMR) budget to repair aging facilities ($10M), and
    • Building renovations at the agency’s Boulder, Colo., site ($10.1M).

NIST Core (subtotal): $535 million

  • $46.3 million for Industrial Technology Services (ITS) to fund the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. This reduction of $58.3 million from the FY 2006 level would be made in order to address the nation’s most pressing needs in an austere fiscal environment. NIST will focus the FY 2007 funding to maintain an effective network of centers with an emphasis on activities that promote innovation and competitiveness in small manufacturers. The FY 2006 appropriations and estimated recoveries will be sufficient to meet all existing obligations of the Advanced Technology Program and to phase it out; no FY 2007 funds are requested.

NIST Total: $581.3 million

 

Yokogawa Receives Long-term Maintenance Contract for Large-scale Petrochemical Complex in China

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has concluded a long-term maintenance contract with CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited (CSPC)*1 under which it will maintain the instrumentation equipment at CSPC’s Nanhai Petrochemical Complex*2 in Huizhou, China. The contract is for a period of just over four years, from November 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009. Yokogawa will provide round-the-clock support for the Yokogawa products installed throughout the plant, ranging from central control monitoring facilities such as information management systems and FOUNDATION fieldbus™ compatible integrated production control systems to field devices.

Yokogawa recognizes how important the construction of a comprehensive service network is to gaining the confidence of its customers. In addition to the traditional services of after-sales support and supply of parts, we are now exploring new business opportunities involving the provision of advanced preventive and predictive
maintenance services. In line with these initiatives, we moved our Global Response Center, the core of Yokogawa’s service system, to the Tokyo headquarters and installed new facilities there in June 2005. We also newly-established a response center in Shanghai in July 2005.

In China, plant owners usually take responsibility for performing maintenance and rarely ask the manufacturer to play a role in this. However, CSPC elected to conclude this long-term maintenance contract with Yokogawa because of their high estimation of our ability to ensure the stable operation of a plant over its entire lifetime. Proactive efforts such as our opening of a service center in Huizhou at the same time their plant commenced operations also helped improve CSPC’s confidence in our ability to provide a timely response to their requests.

*1: CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited (CSPC): a joint venture between Shell Nanhai BV, a
member of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies, with a 50 per cent stake, and CNOOC Petrochemicals
Investment Limited (CPIL), also with 50 per cent. CPIL is owned by China National Offshore Oil Corporation
(CNOOC) (90%) and Guandong Guangye Investment Group Company (10%), and was founded in December
2000.

*2: Nanhai Petrochemical Complex: a large-scale integrated petrochemicals complex comprising an 800,000 tpa
ethylene cracker, and 10 downstream process units producing up to 2,300,000 tons of chemical products in total.

Yokogawa continues to expand its service business in China and improve the quality of its services in order to gain customer confidence and win more orders. For more information about Yokogawa visit www.yokogawa.com and for information about Yokogawa Corporation of America visit www.yokogawa.com/us/.

 

Symmetricom Reports Second Quarter FY2006 Results

Symmetricom, Inc., a leading worldwide supplier of network synchronization and timing solutions, reported results for its fiscal second quarter ended Dec. 31, 2005.

Fiscal second quarter revenue was $47.9 million, an increase of $3.6 million, or 8.2 percent, from prior quarter revenue of $44.3 million, and a decrease of $0.1 million, or 0.1 percent, from the year ago quarter revenue of $48.0 million. For the six month period ended Dec. 31, 2005, revenue was $92.2 million, a decrease of $7.7 million, or 7.8%, from the prior year period.

Timing, Test & Measurement Division revenue for the quarter was $17.4 million, an increase of $2.9 million, or 20.2 percent from the prior quarter revenue of $14.4 million, and an increase of $1.8 million, or 11.7 percent, from the year ago quarter revenue of $15.5 million. Timing, Test & Measurement Division revenue for the six month period ended Dec. 31, 2005 was $31.8 million, an increase of $2.5 million, or 8.4 percent from the prior year period.

“The support for the upgrade cycle continues to build,” said Thomas Steipp president and CEO of Symmetricom. “We received an initial order from AT&T to replace legacy equipment at 12 central offices and signed an agreement to replace virtually all of its legacy cesium primary reference sources over the next two years,” continued Mr. Steipp. “We also made progress with our other customers, helping them develop and execute their modernization plans. At this point, we have seen some level of activity, although modest, from most of the service providers in the United States and we believe that the overall level of upgrade activity will steadily rise.”

Additional Second Quarter Highlights

  • Received several contract awards in our Timing, Test & Measurement Division for work on military communication satellites and secure mobile communications
  • Introduced new precision timing products for military applications, including the Symmetricom 8130A, a low phase noise rubidium oscillator, and the 9633 accelerometer compensated OCXO, a low g sensitivity military crystal oscillator used in navigation, radar and secure communications
  • Announced successful interoperability testing with modular CMTS products from Big Band Networks
  • Continued to expand international market presence with competitive wins in the C.I.S. and other parts of Asia.

Visit www.symmetricom.com for more information.

NPL Technologies' 2kNm torque machine - the UK's first national torque standard - is now available.

The machine will be used to calibrate transducers and to disseminate the unit of torque within industry. The 2kNm lever-deadweight torque machine is designed with a vertical torque axis and generates a symmetric pure torque via identical weight stacks located at either end of a lever arm.

Both clockwise and anticlockwise torques can be applied in the range 1Nm to 2kNm, with an uncertainty of +/-0.002%. The machine makes use of several novel and innovative sub assemblies including boron fiber tapes and a twin beam carbon fiber lever arm both developed within NPL's Materials area. A turnaround time of two weeks is offered for all torque calibrations.

For more information visit NPL Technologies at www.npltech.co.uk.

 

Krohne Calibration Rig for Supermags in India

KROHNE Marshall India has set up a new calibration rig for magnetic flow meters from size DN 400 to DN 2000 at their factory in Pune. This rig - the largest in India - was set up in a record time of 10 months. The rig is essentially similar in design to those in KROHNE Altometer (Dordrecht, Netherlands) and SGAIC (Shanghai, China) with an added feature of velocity control using a separate feedback meter of size DN 600. All controls including pumps and valves are computerized; data recording and printing of calibration report / certificate are performed online, automatically.

Features of the rig include:

  • An underground sump of 300 m3 capacity
  • Tower of 23 meters. Height, 3.2 meters. Dia. and 180 m3 capacity
  • Telescopic design of the horizontal pipe section which allows creation of gap for any meter size between DN 600 and DN 2000 without removing a single section from the line. For sizes DN 400, DN 450 & DN 500, additional reducers are used
  • All the pipe sections of the horizontal line are mounted on rails to facilitate easy and quick creation of opening to mount units of different sizes
    Max. flow rate of 11000 m3/hr
  • 30 level switches on the tower

As regards the rig accreditation, KROHNE has already got the Reference Standard calibrated and certified by National Physical Laboratories, New Delhi, which is the designated laboratory in the country for all verification and certification of primary standards.

This rig is the largest in India in terms of flow capacity and size of the meter that can be calibrated on it. A number of consultants, end users and contractors have visited this facility and seen the operation. Their opinion has been unanimous for the sheer size of the rig, capacity and the ease of operation even when calibrating large size meters. It is truly a landmark facility and yet another testimony of the fact that KROHNE is truly a trend setter when it comes to flow meters and their calibration.

To read this release and view photographs visit: http://www.krohne-mar.com/Production_facilities_-_India__Pune.8937.0.html.


Keithley Instruments Reports Results for Fiscal 2006 First Quarter
Keithley Instruments, Inc. announced results for its fiscal 2006 first quarter ended December 31, 2005.

Net sales of $35.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2006 were flat compared with net sales of $35.6 million in last year's first quarter. A stronger U.S. dollar caused approximately a three percentage point decrease in sales compared to the prior year, resulting in flat sales. Sequentially, sales increased two percent from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

Orders of $33.8 million for the first quarter decreased three percent from last year's orders of $34.9 million. Geographically, orders decreased nine percent in the Americas, decreased 15 percent in Asia, and increased 19 percent in Europe when compared to the prior year. Orders from the company's semiconductor customers decreased approximately 25 percent, orders from wireless communications customers increased approximately 60 percent, orders from precision electronic component/subassembly manufacturers increased approximately five percent, and research and education customer orders decreased approximately five percent compared to the prior year's quarter. For the first quarter, semiconductor orders comprised approximately 30 percent of the total, wireless communications orders were approximately 15 percent, precision electronic component/subassembly manufacturers orders were approximately 30 percent, and research and education made up about 20 percent. Sequentially, orders decreased 16 percent from a strong fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, primarily due to lower semiconductor and wireless customer orders. Order backlog decreased $1.5 million during the quarter to $16.8 million at December 31, 2005.

"Order levels for the quarter were lower than we had expected, primarily due to the timing of large orders, particularly from our semiconductor customers," stated Joseph P. Keithley, the company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We expected lower orders on a sequential basis from our wireless customers as they typically concentrate on production during the December quarter. Large orders were at a lower level than both the September quarter and the first quarter of fiscal year 2005. On the other hand our smaller orders, which in aggregate comprise more than two-thirds of our business, were higher."

"At the IEEE Radio and Wireless Symposium in San Diego, we introduced the first products in our new RF family, the Model 2910 RF Vector Signal Generator, the Model 2810 RF Vector Signal Analyzer, and the Model 3500 Portable RF Power Meter," stated Keithley. "The Model 2910 will be available in late March, and the Models 2810 and 3500 will be available during the summer. These new instruments employ new approaches to test and measurement that enable users to save time, effort, and money through their ease of use, flexibility, high-performance, and compact size. Our new RF products will be used throughout the design, development, and manufacturing processes, and they complement existing Keithley solutions such as our battery simulation sources, semiconductor characterization systems, and Source-Measure Units."

 

LeCroy Reports 2Q Profit, but Sales Edge Lower

LeCroy Corp., a maker of electronic test and measurement instruments, posted a profit for the fiscal second quarter, reversing a year-ago loss, but it pegged revenue for the third quarter below Wall Street views.

For the quarter ended Dec. 31, net income available to shareholders totaled $2.18 million, or 17 cents per share, compared with a loss of $2.87 million, or 25 cents per share, during the same period a year ago.

Sales totaled $42 million, down about 2 percent from last year's $42.8 million.

Operationally, LeCroy performed well in a very competitive market environment during the second fiscal quarter," Reslewic said. "Underlying demand for oscilloscopes remained stable, and sales of high-end and mid-range products were up modestly year-over-year. We saw slowing orders at the low end of our product range as our customers and channel partners anticipated the Company's impending product introductions in this market space. In terms of geography, sales increased on a year-over-year basis in the United States, Europe, Japan and China, while declining significantly in Korea and Taiwan. LeCroy's total bookings were down 4 percent from a very strong year-ago quarter."

"We made significant advances this quarter in product development and in executing on our strategy to broaden LeCroy's presence in low-end and mid-range oscilloscopes," said Reslewic. "As we announced last week, LeCroy plans to close shortly on the acquisition from Iwatsu Electric Corporation of an entirely new oscilloscope product line, which will be launched during the current fiscal third quarter as the WaveJet(R) family - the first sub-$3,000 product LeCroy will have ever offered. Also during the quarter, we plan to introduce the next generation of our highly successful WaveSurfer(R) family at the low end of the market, as well as a new line of mid-range WaveRunner(R) digital oscilloscopes."

Visit http://www.lecroy.com/default.asp for more information.

 

NIST Force Calibrations Ensure Proper Operation of Aircraft Engines

The NIST Force Metrology Laboratory completed calibration of a secondary standard load cell system consisting of a 222.4 kN (50,000 lbf) capacity load cell and a dedicated indicator for Rolls Royce Canada Limited of Quebec, Canada. Rolls Royce Canada performs numerous jet engine thrust measurements for worldwide customers to verify the proper operation of the engine under test following overhaul or repair. The company provides service for over 123 different types of engines powering commercial and military aircrafts around the world.

The load cell system calibrated at NIST serves as the "master" used to calibrate two other "working" load cell systems that are installed in one of two jet engine test stands in their laboratory. This test stand will service engines in the maximum thrust capacity range of 311 kN (70,000 lbf) which typically are found on a Boeing 747 type of aircraft. To accommodate seasonal weather changes in Canada, the Rolls Royce procedure is to heat the load cells within the test stands by use of a heating blanket wrap around the load cell. The load cells are maintained at 35°C while in use and during calibration in the NIST force deadweight machine. The uniqueness of using this blanket while in use in the test stand helps to minimize any thermal gradients within the load cell which would affect the Rolls Royce specification of ensuring 0.25% repeatability for the overall system.

In the past, Rolls Royce Canada Limited relied on the force metrology laboratory at National Research Council (NRC, the Canadian counterpart to NIST) to perform their yearly force calibration requirements. However due to attrition and cost cutting measures, the NRC force metrology calibration service no longer exists. Thus, based on their high level of confidence that the NIST measurement performance would meet their needs, Rolls Royce Canada chose NIST to continue to provide calibrations that are traceable to a national laboratory.

For more highlights from NIST’s Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL) visit http://www.mel.nist.gov/wnew/hilights/2005/hljan05.htm

 

Integrated Service Solutions, Inc. Metrology Lab Expands Services to Customers

The New Year brings a renewed commitment to meeting customer needs in the Integrated Service Solutions, Inc. Metrology Lab with the addition of three new calibration services: Mass Calibration, High-Accuracy/High-Range Pressure Calibration, and Thermal Air Flow Calibration. Most significantly, bringing these services in-house reduces costs to customers and adds to an already-extensive “single source” menu of services.

Integrated Service Solutions, Inc. will be performing Mass Calibrations for all American Society of Test Materials (ASTM) and National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST)-class weights, from 25 kilograms to 1 milligram. This means that customers’ heavy masses (from 25 kilos) can be calibrated more quickly, without the time and expense of shipping to additional vendors. Limiting the number of vendors saves time and money and fewer vendors’ means less time spent by customers to audit those vendors as well.

The Metrology Lab will be extending the range of pressure calibrated up to 16,000 PSI, and most significantly, this improvement in accuracy (0.008%) will enable calibration of customer’s dead-weight testers. Again, providing a single source for such services will prove time and cost efficient for customers, enhancing equipment uptime and decreasing cost and potential damage in shipment.

The Metrology Lab will measure Thermal Air Flow from 30 to 9,000 SCFM in a standardized wind tunnel. Although the devices calibrated are neither large nor heavy, the time and cost efficiencies for customers are obvious.

Integrated Service Solutions, Inc. is a privately-owned ISO 9001:2000 registered company located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, specializing in technical equipment services to more than 200 pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device customers nationwide. Integrated Service Solutions, Inc., founded in 1998, employs a staff of more than 60 full-time employees including degreed engineers, chemists, trained field service technicians, operations, client relations, business development and customer service. The Company is conveniently located in the heart of pharmaceutical alley and within easy distance to Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware. In the fall of 2006, Integrated Service Solutions, Inc. is relocating to a contemporary, company-owned facility. This 20,000 sq. ft. corporate office is located within a ½ mile of the Lansdale Interchange of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The custom designed facility will house an expanded Metrology Laboratory, customer and technical service departments and a large training facility. For more information visit www.integratedservicesolutions.com.

 

Humidity Measurement Tutorial at the Measurement Science Conference

GE Sensing, a leading provider of precision sensing instruments, systems and services, announces that it will present a Humidity Measurement Tutorial at the Measurement Science Conference (MSC) on March 1, 2006, in Anaheim California. The MSC includes workshops, tutorials, paper presentations and vendor exhibits on the science of measurement and calibration. GE Sensing will also be exhibiting the latest in pressure, humidity and temperature test and calibration instrumentation.

The Humidity Measurement Tutorial provides engineers and technicians as well as those specifying and operating metrology, process, and building automation instruments and controls with an overview of humidity measurement and instrumentation fundamentals. Humidity control is a very important parameter for energy management, process control, product testing and process validation of various parameters such as heat transfer, dimensional stability, emissions control and power management, yet the science of humidity measurement is often very difficult to understand. The tutorial provides a working knowledge of the subject matter and gives insight into the design and calibration considerations and procedures of humidity and trace moisture instrumentation. The workshop includes a CD-ROM resource disk with humidity parameter conversion software, application notes and white papers on the subject.

The Measurement Science Conference was founded in 1970 to promote education and professionalism in measurement science and related disciplines. The conference has grown and matured to meet the needs of dynamic measurement technologies as well as to address pertinent national and global measurement issues. The MSC has attracted experts from around the world as speakers, exhibitors and attendees.

To find out more about the conference and to register, visit the web links below:
http://www.msc-conf.com/msc/tutorials.htmlom.

 

Danaher reports record fourth quarter and 2005 results

Danaher announced it had a record fourth quarter and a record year for 2005.
Fourth-quarter profits were up 20 percent at the D.C.-based company that makes Craftsman hand tools and Fluke electronic-testing equipment. Danaher says some of its gains were the result of acquisitions. It's bought a dozen companies over the last 18 months alone.

Net income increased to $261.6 million from $217.7 million a year earlier. Sales rose 14 percent to $2.26 billion. Last year Danaher bought six companies, including German microscope maker Leica Microsystems for $550 million in the fourth quarter. Sales at businesses held for at least a year rose 5.5 percent from a year earlier.

Danaher said it wouldn't increase its $448 million buyout offer for United Kingdom-based First Technology after Honeywell International put in a bid that was 17 percent higher. First Technology makes gas-sensing and detection equipment.

Visit Danaher at www.danaher.com for more information.

 

AMETEK Achieves Record Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Results


AMETEK Inc. announced fourth quarter and full-year results that established records for sales, operating income, net income and diluted earnings per share.

Fourth Quarter Results - AMETEK's fourth quarter 2005 sales of $403.8 million were up 24% over the same period of 2004. Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $64.9 million, an 18% increase from the $54.8 million recorded in the same period of 2004. Net income in the fourth quarter of 2005 increased 21% to $38.0 million, or $.53 per diluted share, from fourth quarter 2004 levels of $31.4 million, or $.45 per diluted share. Sales, operating income, net income, and diluted earnings per share were quarterly records.

Full-Year Results - AMETEK achieved 2005 sales of $1.43 billion, up 16% from year 2004 results. Operating income of $239.4 million was up 22% from $196.2 million for 2004. Net income grew to $140.6 million, up 25% from the $112.7 million earned in 2004, and diluted earnings per share of $1.99 were up 22% from $1.63 per share in 2004. Sales, operating income, net income, and diluted earnings per share were full-year records.

"AMETEK had a great 2005," noted Frank S. Hermance, AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Solid internal growth in each of our segments and a record year of acquisitions drove the strong top-line growth. Our excellent earnings performance resulted from an improved mix of businesses and our focused operational excellence initiatives."

For the 2005 fourth quarter, Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) sales increased 25% to $230.7 million. Operating income for the fourth quarter was $46.2 million, compared with $40.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2004, an increase of 15%. Operating margins for the quarter were 20.0%, compared with 21.8% in the fourth quarter of 2004.

"EIG sales were up in the quarter on internal growth in our aerospace, power, and process businesses and contributions from the SPECTRO and Solartron acquisitions. EIG margins remained very strong," added Mr. Hermance.

For the year, EIG sales of $808.5 million were up 21% from 2004 sales of $667.4 million. Operating income was $166.4 million for 2005, up 32% versus $126.4 million earned in 2004. Operating margins were 20.6% in 2005, up from 18.9% in 2004.

For more information visit AMETEK at: www.ametek.com.
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