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Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
On-The-Spot Cooling
March 31, 2010 12:20 pm | Product Releases | CommentsThe Oscillating WayCool evaporative cooler from Schaefer Fan (Sauk Rapids, MN) can provide spot cooling for any indoor location. A 20°F temperature drop is possible at 1/10 of the operating costs of conventional air conditioning. In addition, the WayCool is portable and easy to maintain.
Many-Sided Industrial Airlocks
March 31, 2010 12:19 pm | Product Releases | CommentsThe Airlocks from AIRLANCO (Falls City, NE) are available in customized fabricated and machined models for pneumatic systems, gravity feeds, and volumetric discharge devices. Fabricated models handle dust collection, plastics, feeds, and corrosive chemicals where pressure differentials are 20” of water column or less.
Think For Free
March 31, 2010 12:18 pm | Product Releases | CommentsAutomationDirect (Cumming, GA) has announced that it will now offer its Think & Do programming software for the WinPLC processor for free. The Demo version can be used to create software applications with Think & Do, which can be downloaded to an unlimited number of WinPLC targets.
Prevent Forklift Heists
March 31, 2010 12:18 pm | Product Releases | CommentsKeytroller, LLC (Tampa, FL) introduces a new 215 generation START-SMART keypad ignition system designed for tough conditions. No keys means no unauthorized, no untrained operators, and no “borrowing” of equipment. The START-SMART system replaces the ignition key with a sealed and potted keypad, which can also be RFID-enabled.
GM Commited To Electric Technology
March 31, 2010 11:18 am | Articles | CommentsCNNMoney reporter Poppy Harlow speaks to Bob Lutz, vice chairman of GM, about the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, and why it's such a revolutionary product for the company. Lutz says the Volt is the car he's most proud of in all his automaking years, considering the brand new and "very expensive" technology that has been mated together within the chassis.
Neb. CommScope Manufacturing Shut Down
March 31, 2010 8:17 am | News | CommentsOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — CommScope Inc. has announced it will close its Omaha plant late next year, eliminating about 400 manufacturing jobs. The Omaha plant, operating as a Connectivity Solutions Manufacturing Inc. subsidiary, manufactures parts used in cable networks. CommScope said Wednesday those operations would be relocated to its other U.
Making A World Cup-Worthy Ball
March 31, 2010 6:56 am | Articles | CommentsEagerly waiting for the 2010 World Cup to start in June? If you're an American, that's not likely. I suppose we just don‘t understand fútbol as well as the rest of the world. Whether you prefer good ‘ol American football, or the more global version, you can still appreciate the extensive and precise manufacturing process that goes into making official game balls.
Jay Leno's 1909 Electric Car
March 31, 2010 6:55 am | Articles | CommentsThe automotive industry is all a-flutter with electric cars, but the technology is nothing new. Jay Leno is the proud owner of a 1909 Baker Electric, a fully-electric car that's was certainly ahead of the game. With a range of almost a hundred miles, the Baker could outlast even some of the modern offerings, albeit at a top speed of 22 miles per hour.
Under Pressure, Kraft Slashes Salt
March 31, 2010 6:54 am | Articles | CommentsKraft, the nation’s largest food maker, has promised to cut 10 percent of the sodium from its portfolio of foods. A ten percent cut doesn’t seem like a whole lot, until you consider how big a piece of the pie it really is: 10 million pounds. If you're having trouble watching this video, try downloading the latest version of Flash Player or contacting your IT department.
Kicking The Fossil Fuel Habit
March 31, 2010 6:51 am | Articles | CommentsTom Rand — the engineer, venture capitalist, and self-appointed “philosopher” — thinks the world has every technology and resource it needs to break the bonds of fossil fuels. Why is that so important? Regardless of your stance on global warming, these green technologies can help any manufacturing facility save money.
GM, DOE Partner On Jatropha Biofuel Research
March 31, 2010 4:48 am | News | CommentsDETROIT (AP) — General Motors Co. will spend the next five years working with federal authorities to study whether oil from a weed can become a sustainable source for biodiesel, the automotive company said Tuesday. The partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy will study whether the jatropha plant can be a dependable biofuel crop.
Body Parts Found At Medical Waste Company
March 31, 2010 4:39 am | by Maria Sudekum Fisher, Associated Press Writer | News | CommentsKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Officials in Kansas have been trying to identify several body parts, including six heads, found in a truck at a medical waste company. The body parts were found last week in 12 large red plastic tubs inside a delivery truck at Stericycle Inc., a company that disposes of medical waste.
Feds Investigate Boston Scientific Defibrillator Recall
March 31, 2010 4:34 am | by Tom Murphy, AP Business Writer | News | CommentsNATICK, Mass. (AP) — Investors shrugged off a report Tuesday that medical device maker Boston Scientific could face a fresh wave of regulatory problems thanks to a product recall investigation. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are looking into the recent recall of defibrillators.
Nissan Electric 'Leaf' To Cost $25,000 In U.S.
March 31, 2010 4:31 am | by Dan Strumpf and Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writers | News | CommentsNEW YORK (AP) — Nissan's new electric car will cost just over $25,000 when it goes on sale in the U.S. in December, aiming to bring gasoline-free technology within reach of mainstream drivers. The Leaf, a four-door hatchback, will have a base price of $32,780, but it's eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles.
Ford Enters Luxury Hybrid Market With Lincoln MKZ
March 31, 2010 4:28 am | by Dee-Ann Durbin, AP Auto Writer | News | CommentsDETROIT (AP) — Ford Motor Co. will become a player in the small market for luxury hybrids this fall when it launches its first Lincoln hybrid, a gas-electric version of the 2011 Lincoln MKZ. Ford says the hybrid MKZ — to be introduced Wednesday at the New York International Auto Show — will be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan on the market, getting an estimated 41 miles per gallon in city driving.


