A universal construction system integrated in one compact production line. This is the concept behindAcotec Combi, automated machinery for continuous prefabrication of concretewall modules and slabs. The equipment, from Acotec Ltd. in Finland, can be converted within less than 90 minutes to the production of all concrete elements necessary to build a house frame. Only three to four men are required to operate the machinery which has a maximum capacity of 80 m2 concrete elements per hour.

Falling prices and larger screen sizes mean the market for LCD screens is growing. Today it accounts for five per cent of the world display screen market. According to Stanford Resources, that market share will increase by ten per cent over the next four years. Nokia Display Products, which manufactures both CRT and LCD screens, has compared these two types of screen.

Compact hydraulic motor design could combine power with small size and low maintenance with overall control.  Hagglunds Drives AB latest range of hydraulic drives is beginning to make inrods in the construction industry.

The first ever drive system incorporating Direct Torque Control (DTC) inverters on a common DC bus has been launched by ABB.  The ACS 600 MultiDrive uses DTC to give excellent performance with or without pulse encoder on demanding applications, such as rollers and conveyors in the paper and metals industries. This ensures consistent product quality in demanding processes and dramatically reduces waste, according to ABB.

MCS Europe is poised to add a new dimension to global tracking, monitoring and personal communication services in Europe. Through an exclusive license with US-based, ORBCOMM System, European companies will gain full access to affordable, two-way data communication via a system of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Currently 12 of the planned 28 satellites are in place and are undergoing a rigorous pre-operational test programme.

A new homogenizer design from the Nanojet division of U. S. company Haskel International provides savings in both equipment and operating costs over traditional high pressure methods of mixing oil and water based liquids. The patented high/low design homogenizers may be used in both laboratory prototyping and production of fine microemulsions, nanosuspensions and stable liposomes for chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and personal care products.

The next generation of HC fans is now being launched. According to the manufacturer these will set a new standard for centrifugal fans operating in severe industrial conditions. The fan maker, ABB Fläkt Industri AB in Sweden, has made this range more compact and stable, with fewer parts than previous generations. This reduces vibration and the amount of space they take up. To simplify the purchasing process, HC fans are supplied complete with the most commonly used accessories, which also keeps purchasing costs down.

By using fibre derived from the sugar beet in convenience foods like meatballs, hamburgers and meat loaf, a juicier end product with better consistency is obtained.

Tracking and recovery of stolen vehicles and other valuable goods can now be carried out quicker and more reliably with a new wireless positioning system. Using the existing GSM cellular networks, CellPoint Systems' positioning technology is designed for fleet and asset management, security, tracking, rental services, emergency services, insurance applications and more. The system, which is believed to be a world first of its kind, has been in commercial operation in South Africa for more than 20 months. It has now been launched on the world market by CellPoint Systems AB of Stockholm, Sweden.