Patents have been granted in Europe and the USA for a plastic coating that can be used in packaging material both for liquid and dry food stuff cartons. Called Ensobarr, the new barrier coating created by Enso Paperboards is said to give packaging board superior protective qualities than conventionalplastic-based barrier layers and has comparable performance to aluminium foil. It is also reported to make the packages easier to recycle than conventional packages made of thick polymer or aluminium laminates1. The coating, now available for a range of packaging applications also meets the latest German monomaterial criteria that suggests a maximum limit of 5 per cent weight of other than the main material2.

A novel, multi-channel, fiber optic infrared thermometer breaks new ground in zoned process heating measurements typical of glass manufacturing and induction heating of metal components. Mikron Instrument Co.'s M680 system combines up to 4 sensors in a single electronic package with expanded temperature ranges in the overall span 150 to 4000 C, and short wavelength sensitivity. According to the company, these features allow temperature measurement in multiple zones at lower cost than several discrete sensors, and over a greater part of the process cycle than previously possible.

An agreement has been reached in which Haegglunds Drives, one of the world leaders in heavy hydrualic drive systems, will become part of Atle AB, the Swedish industrial group.In a deal worth an estimated £25 million, the company's current owner, Incentive, has decided to sell Haegglunds Drives to a group with a strong industrial and engineering focus.

Users can now select the most suitable air-driven gas boosters for specific applications quickly and accurately from Haskel International Inc.'s new electronic catalog. Available free on a computer disk formatted for MS-Windows, the catalog combines complete technical data with a selection guide.

Trelleborg's new fluid hose Scirocco-II is now on show. According to the manufacturer, a unique technical solution enables the conveyed material to float inside the hose.

ABB Control Oy's new range of plastic enclosed safety switches won a prestigious design award at the 1997 Hannover Fair. The SafeLine safety switch range was awarded the highly respected iF (Industrie Forum Design Hannover) Industry Design Award, which recognises industrial products that are distinguished by user friendly qualities.

Packaging frozen food is now facilitated by an extrusion coated lightweightpaperboard. Unlike aluminium containers, the material can be heated in microwave, hot air and conventional ovens. In addition, it is reported to be more environmentally-friendly thanalternative plastic solutions. The material is called Ensoven Performa and has been developed by Finnish Enso Paperboards in Imatra.The packaging is said to be suitable for, for example, ready-cooked dishes, vegetables, fish and ice-cream.

When American astronaut Neil Armstrong announced from the moon that he had taken "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," he was speaking into a headset manufactured by Plantronics, Inc. Today, nearly 30 years later, the same company continues to improve the performance and reliability of its communications headsets. Most recently, Plantronics has introduced the SES Sound Enhancement System, a tone control that allows individual users to select the sound quality they prefer.