The Leading Source for Design Engineering News & Insight
Astronaut Exits Space Station with Music Video
May 13, 2013 1:34 pm | by Marcia Dunn, AP Aerospace Writer | News | CommentsIn a high-flying, perfectly pitched first, an astronaut on the International Space Station is bowing out of orbit with a musical video: his own custom version of David Bowie's "Space Oddity." It's believed to be the first music video made in space, according to NASA.
Photos of the Day: Yemeni Military Plane Crash
May 13, 2013 1:07 pm | by The Associated Press | News | CommentsA Yemeni military plane on a training exercise crashed Monday in the country's capital, slamming into a residential neighborhood and setting at least four houses ablaze, according to a military official and an Associated Press reporter at the scene.
Military Plane Crashes in Yemen's Capital
May 13, 2013 1:00 pm | by Ahmed Al-Haj, Associated Press | News | CommentsA Yemeni military plane on a training exercise exploded in midair over the country's capital on Monday, killing the pilot and slamming into a residential neighborhood, according to an army official. Fragments of the plane hit buildings on the ground in Sanaa and set small fires in four houses. Three people were slightly injured, according to the official.
Nuclear Authority Not to Allow Restart of Monju Reactor
May 13, 2013 12:56 pm | by The Associated Press | News | CommentsJapan's Nuclear Regulation Authority is considering not allowing the operator of the prototype fast-breeder nuclear reactor Monju to resume operations before its sloppy safety management is improved, sources close to the matter said Monday.
Air-Launched Missile Target Prototype
May 13, 2013 12:54 pm | by The Associated Press | News | CommentsLockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) have successfully tested a prototype air-launched Extended Medium-range Ballistic Missile (eMRBM) target at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
Industrial-Grade LED Message Displays
May 13, 2013 12:40 pm | by PD&D Staff | Automationdirect | Product Releases | CommentsAutomationDirect (Cumming, GA) has introduced the ViewMarq line of industrial-grade LED message displays, utilizing the latest LED and communications technologies to help communicate important information in industrial environments. Used to display preformatted messages or factory floor data, the displays can be controlled from a PLC or any device that uses supported protocols.
M18 Cylindrical Photo Sensors
May 13, 2013 12:37 pm | by PD&D Staff | Product Releases | CommentsOmron Automation and Safety (Schaumburg, IL) has developed a new generation of M18 cylindrical photoelectric sensors that combine simple selection and installation with reliability, versatility, rugged construction and value. The E3FA plastic body and E3FB metal body sensors are suitable for applications in all industries from food and beverage production to material handling and logistics.
EPCOS PFC Controllers with Expanded Functionality
May 13, 2013 12:34 pm | by PD&D Staff | Product Releases | CommentsTDK Corporation has presented two new types of the BR7000 series of EPCOS power factor controllers. The BR7000-T power factor controller offers 15 transistor outputs instead of 15 relay outputs. It is designed for applications that require fast switching operations and enables delay-free switching of thyristor modules, such as the EPCOS TSM series.
Custom-Designed, Gas-Powered Bicycle
May 13, 2013 12:18 pm | by Chris Fox, Associate Editor, PD&D | News | CommentsIn the quiet reaches of Wisconsin, just north of Green Bay, Sunny Hill Cycles is turning heads and making bike aficionados drool. The Sunny Hill Cycles Signature Series bike is a gas-powered, custom designed, DC Lowrider bicycle.
Acoustic Adhesive Vents
May 13, 2013 11:40 am | by PD&D Staff | Gore | Product Releases | CommentsGore’s 300 Series Acoustic Vents are made from an ePTFE material and have been rigorously tested to allow for improved acoustic device performance with excellent sound quality and protection from liquids, dust, and other contaminants.
maxon DC Motor for Fine Rotary Motions
May 13, 2013 11:34 am | by PD&D Staff | Maxon Precision Motors | Product Releases | Commentsmaxon's (Fall River, MA) RE 30 EB precious metal brushed motor ensures low, constant contact resistance over the entire service life, a characteristic that makes control easier. Features include: A low start-up voltage, even after a long period in standstill.
Hall Effect Sensor Coded Switch
May 13, 2013 11:23 am | by PD&D Staff | Elma Electronic Inc. | Product Releases | CommentsElma Electronic Inc. (Fremont, CA) has introduced the X4, the first in a family of new rugged switches based on the latest Hall Effect sensor coding technology. The X4 Series Hall Effect Sensor Coded Switch is designed to meet IP68 (with optional sealing).
One by One, Homes in Calif. Subdivision Sinking
May 13, 2013 10:06 am | by Tracie Cone, Associated Press | News | CommentsScott and Robin Spivey had a sinking feeling that something was wrong with their home when cracks began snaking across their walls in March. The cracks soon turned into gaping fractures, and within two weeks their 600-square-foot garage broke from the house and the entire property — manicured lawn and all — dropped 10 feet below the street.
Spacewalking Repair Halts Station Leak - For Now
May 13, 2013 9:57 am | by Marcia Dunn, AP Aerospace Writer | News | CommentsAstronauts making a rare, hastily planned spacewalk replaced a pump outside the International Space Station on Saturday in hopes of plugging a serious ammonia leak. The prospects of success grew as the minutes, then hours passed and no frozen flecks of ammonia appeared.
America's Cup Fatality Raises Safety Questions
May 13, 2013 9:52 am | by Bernie Wilson and Paul Elias, Associated Press | News | CommentsSailors know the risks and rewards that come with these new space-age America's Cup boats that speed like race cars across the waves. Still, the death of British Olympic champion Andrew "Bart" Simpson during a training session on San Francisco Bay gives fresh urgency as they chase the oldest trophy in international sports this summer.
