Briggs & Stratton extends engine life
 The AVS is available on the one-cylinder ELS and on the completely redesigned Intek engines that provide 10.0, 11.6, and 13.0 kW (13.5, 15.1, and 17.5 hp). |
Briggs & Stratton has introduced a new line of Extended Life Series (ELS) OHV engines available in one-cylinder models that provide 11.6 and 13.0 kW (15.5 and 17.5 hp) and ELS V-twin models that provide 13.4, 14.9, 16.4, and 18.6 kW (18, 20, 22, and 25 hp). "The ELS series of engines are positioned toward the premium consumer market," said Christine Kowalczyk, Manager of Consumer Marketing Communications at Briggs & Stratton. "They offer the advantage of high power and torque with technologically advanced features."
ELS engines come standard with an extended life package that features full pressure lubrication with a premium spin-on oil filter, chrome valves, plasma piston rings, a platinum spark plug, and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated piston. Other premium features on the ELS engines include a premium washable air cleaner and a high-volume cooling fan. The ELS V-twin engines are naturally balanced with a 90° two-cylinder configuration.
 ELS engines come standard with an extended life package that features full pressure lubricatin with a premium spin-on oil filter, chrome valves, plasma piston rings, a platinum spark plug, and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated piston. |
A full pressure lubrication system continuously distributes clean oil directly to critical engine components for maximum lubrication and longer engine life. The spin-on oil filter offers enhanced efficiency and durability by removing over 95% of contaminants, according to the company. Long-life valves include chrome-plated valve stems that "significantly" extend engine life. The low-mass piston is coated with PTFE that is similar to Teflon and reduces wear and friction by as much as 50%, also contributing to an extended engine life. Platinum spark plugs enable longer service intervals.
The one-cylinder engines are equipped with the new Anti-Vibration System (AVS), developed by Briggs & Stratton. AVS incorporates a patented linear balance system that the company claims reduces engine vibration by 80%. This reduction in vibration leads to a smoother, more comfortable ride and quieter operation. The AVS design eliminates side-to-side motion found in traditional counter balancing and rotating balance engine designs through the use of patented linear balance counter weights, a computer-balanced crankshaft, a low mass piston, and a dynamically balanced flywheel.
The AVS is available on the one-cylinder ELS and on the completely redesigned Intek engines that provide 10.0, 11.6, and 13.0 kW (13.5, 15.1, and 17.5 hp).
Galil continues to control motion
 Galil Motion Control has introduced the DMC-1417, a single-axis motion controller designed for the PCS-bus format. |
Nearly 20 years ago, Galil Motion Control became "the first company" to produce a microprocessor-based servomotor controller without tachometer feedback. Now, with over 250,000 controllers installed worldwide, the company has introduced a new addition it its Econo Series, the DMC-1417 single-axis motion controller designed for the PCI-bus format.
Galil's Econo Series motion controllers are typically half the size of multi-axis controllers, though the company claims the compact 107 x 185 mm (4.2 x 7.3 in) DMC-1417 controller includes many features to handle demanding applications. Such features include an extra encoder input for electronic gearing; memory for application programs, variables, and arrays; multitasking for concurrent execution of two application programs; uncommitted input/output; and user-selectable stepper or servomotor control.
The PCI-bus controller delivers various modes of motion, including point-to-point positioning, jogging, contouring, electronic gearing, and electronic CAM. It accepts encoder frequencies of up to 8 MHz for servos and 2 MHz for steppers and provides advanced PID compensation with velocity and acceleration feedforward and integration limits. All connections to the controller are made with a 37-pin D-type cable and Galil's ICM-1460 interconnect module.
Programming the controller is quickly accomplished using Galil's intuitive two-letter commands. The company also offers a complete set of software tools to ease the process, like WSDK for servo tuning and analysis, ActiveX Tool Kit for Visual Basic Users, and a C-programmers Tool Kit.
