| Power Transmission Engineering Magazine

Medical Modifications

December 1, 2010

Maxon upgrades tissue removal system for Interlace.

Medical Pumps with Uncommon Sens(ors)

December 1, 2010

New generation sensors are improving our quality of life.

A Present State and Future Vision of Motor Drive Technology

December 1, 2010

One of the driving forces behind the industrial revolution was the invention—more than a century ago—of the electric motor. Its widespread use for all kinds of mechanical motion has made life simpler and has ultimately aided the advancement of humankind. And the advent of the inverter that facilitated speed and torque control of AC motors has propelled the use of electric motors to new realms that were inconceivable just a mere 30 years ago. Advances in power semiconductors—along with digital controls—have enabled realization of motor drives that are robust and can control position and speed to a high degree of precision. The use of AC motor drives has also resulted in energy savings and improved system efficiency. This paper reviews the development and application of inverter technology to AC motor drives and presents a vision for motor drive technology.

Development of an Actuator for Ambient to Cryo Application

December 1, 2010

During the qualification campaign of the NIRSpec (near-infrared spectrometer) instrument mechanism, the actuator could not achieve the expected lifetime that had been extended during the development phase. The initial design could not be adapted to the requested number of revolutions during that phase. Consequently the actuator needed to be modified so that the function of the mechanism would not be endangered or, by extension, the overall function of the NIRSpec instrument. The modification included a change of the overall actuator design—internal dimensions, tolerances, materials, lubrication and assembly process—while keeping the interface to the mechanism, mass and function.

Product News

December 1, 2010

The complete Product News section from the December 2010 issue of Power Transmission Engineering

Industry News

December 1, 2010

The complete Industry News section from the December 2010 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

AWEA to Wind Supporters--Do Not Panic

December 1, 2010

Despite posting its slowest quarter since early 2007, AWEA remains optimistic that the wind industry can and will work successfully with the revolving doors in Washington.

Calendar

December 1, 2010

The complete technical calendar from the December 2010 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Urban Mobility--Reinventing the Wheel

December 1, 2010

Suggesting a bicycle is environmentally friendly is stating the obvious. But the Copenhagen Wheel, unveiled at the 2009 COP15 United Nations Climate Conference, is taking green technology and cycling in a new direction.