A variable speed AC microdrive with the functions and communication facilities comparable to larger drives has been launched by ABB. Covering 0.37kW to 2.2kW, 200V to 480V, in single and three phase, the ACS 140 offers Modbus, serial communications, two relay outputs and two analogue inputs. Features include built-in PID control, flying start on a spinning load, seven application macros for fast programming and configuration and dynamic braking for accurate stopping.

Monitor manufacturer Nokia Display Products is just launching the 500Xa, a 15" flat monitor. The screen has an image area of 15.1 ", which is comparable with the active image area of a conventional 17" screen.

Monitor manufacturer Nokia Display Products is launching the 400Xa, another screen using S-TFT LCD technology. The monitor is a follow-up to the 300Xa, which was launched last autumn. The 400Xa has a larger 14.1 " image area but the same physical size as the 300Xa.

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.