Tools of the Trade
Compact HID lamp
A high-intensity discharge (HID) work lamp from J. W. Speaker is available in two versions: a 12-V Model 9750 and a 24-V Model 9760. At 6 x 6 x 5 in (152 x 152 x 127 mm), the compact lamp is smaller than most other HID lamps but it offers full HID power. The model features a remote ballast that can be mounted up to 10 ft (3 m) from the lamp for concealment and protection. The lamps, available in flood, trapezoid, and spot patterns, offer daylight color impression with four to five times more light than halogen lamps at equal energy consumption. Start-up time is instant after switch, and the lack of filament prevents breakage from shock or vibration. Service life for HID lamps is up to 3500 h.
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Hybrid sensor
The TDP-100 in-cylinder position sensor from Transducers Direct pairs conductive-plastic and wire-round resistive technologies. The sensor uses high-resistivity conductive plastic bonded to a precision wire-wound element to provide maximum sensor life and reliability. It offers an absolute analog output and 0.15% linearity with no additional electronics required for accurate positioning in off-highway, material-handling, and rock sifting/crushing equipment. The TDP-100 mounts within cylinders pressurized to 7200 psi (50,000 kPa) that use mineral-oil-based fluid. In testing, the sensor provided more than 50 million cycles at 25 mm (1.0 in) stroke length and 250 mm/s (9.8 in/s) speed; it is designed to work in temperatures from -30 to +100°C (-22 to +212°F). The sensor's slide can be removed to simplify installation inside the actuator. Internal and external flange versions are available.
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Fuel gauge
The adjustable SAE 5-hole fuel sender gauge from e-Components International, Inc. is used to measure the quantity of liquid in gasoline, diesel, or kerosene fuel tanks. The gauge can be used in any application where the fuel quantity is displayed with a 2-in (50-mm) receiver located on the dashboard or control panel, such as in agricultural and construction equipment as well as in boats, marine, and stationary equipment applications. The gauges are adjustable to tank depths up to 30 in (762 mm) and are available with either a 240-33 or 0-90 ohm resistance.
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Heat sinks
IERC offers a line of thermal link and fan top heat sinks with 6- to 8-segment fingers for improved retention and a smooth press-fit installation. The thermal links provide a retainer and a thermal path between semiconductor and heat sinks or chassis and offer transistor retention under high-vibration and -shock loads. They can be installed with a rivet or eyelet, soldered to a PC pad or heat sink, and mounted with a single screw or with a threaded stud and hex nut. Multiple insertion or removal will not cause retention loss or finish damage. The thermal links are available for TO-5s, TO-8s, and TO-18s with or without BeO washer and other hardware.
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Leak detection
The Lightning ultra-fast dry leak detection system from Fastest, Inc. has a mass of 10 lb (4.5 kg) and can reduce cycle times by 80%. The detector performs pressure decay leak testing, sensing pressure changes to 0.00005 psi (0.0003 kPa). An automatic calibration system correlates pressure loss to the internal NIST-traceable leak orifice. Self-diagnostic messages and setup procedures can be integrated into an automated system, and test results can then be downloaded on a computer or PDA for analysis. Easy setup and programming capabilities make the system suitable for water-dunk and babble testing.
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