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.

With its new vibration balancing system, Electrolux-Wascator has managed to make its industrial washing machine operate more quietly than an ordinary domestic washing machine.

The SlipOver concept developed by ABB Kabeldon of Sweden, is aimed at simplifying and increasing the quality of jointing, connecting and terminating work for power cable systems.

More and more service companies are looking for tools to help them increase the effectiveness of the services they provide. Reterm has therefore developed ServIT, a comprehensive production management system intended for mobile field service use. According to the company this system makes administration, service technician tasking and vehicle usage more efficient. Completely open and Windows-based, it can utilise links via almost any type of network.