Test Gear from GE Displayed at Farnborough

GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies (S&IT) put the spotlight on four new products at this year’s Farnborough Airshow. Its new, multifunction Advanced Modular Calibration System, with pressure measurement and generation, allows discrete components to be used as stand-alone instruments. With three basic components, the handheld unit can replace a range of instruments. It has a touchscreen display and can measure and source milli-amps, milli-volts, volts, ohms, frequency and various RTDs (resistance temperature detectors) and thermocouples. The company’s new XL Go VideoProbe (left) is a high-resolution video borescope that weighs just 3.8 lbs (1.72 kg), foregoing the need for a trolly to transport it. It requires no cable connection and includes a tungsten-braided insertion tube with a CCD camera at the end. It has a microphone for talk during inspections and a USB port for additional memory and data transfer.

GE S&IT also introduced its PACE5000 pneumatic pressure controller/indicator for rack-mounting or bench-top applications. It employs digital control to provide high control stability and slew rate. The PACE5000 is based on the Druck DPI 520 (GE acquired Druck six years ago), but it includes the latest-generation of piezoresistive devices. It, too, has touchscreen control.

Finally, the company unveiled its new DPI800 aircraft tyre test case, a handheld instrument with touchscreen. It includes adaptors for both Airbus and Boeing aircraft. GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies, 866-243-2638 or visit www.geinspectiontechnologies.com. — By David Jensen, editor-at-large

Braided Pipe Thermally Insulates

To thermally insulate pipes, Beldam Crossley Ltd., Bolton, UK, has introduced braided insulation that can be applied even after the item has been formed and the end fittings attached. It can be used to thermally insulate various materials. To protect critical components such as wiring harnesses, expansion bellows, hydraulic and pneumatic hoses, the company also can provide a wire and polypropylene overbraid, which can be supplied in sleeve-form for on-site assembly. Beldam Crossley, +44 (0) 1204 675700 or visit www.beldam-crossley.co.uk.

Screwdrivers Feature Ergonomic Touch

Monticello, Minn.-based Bondhus Corp. has released a new line of screwdrivers that conform to a user’s hand. Through its German marketing partner, FELO, Bondhus is offering a wide selection of screwdrivers, all of which feature the Ergonic handle that increases comfort while boosting torque transmission capability. Each screwdriver blade is machined to FELO standards. Bondhus, 800-328-8310 or visit www.bondhus.com.

Parts Washer Gets Upgrades

Guyson Corp. of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. has added a feature to its Orbit 800 rotary table parts washer that incorporates expanded cleaning processes and a touchscreen control panel. The washer has a 750-lb wire mesh basket made of stainless steel and measuring five inches deep and 31.5 inches in diameter. Loading height is 31 inches. Spray bars, which run along three sides of the gear motor-driven rotary table, each have V-spray jets to ensure consistent impingement of cleaning solution on the top, bottom and sides of components. A 12-kilowatt electric immersion heater keeps the aqueous cleaning solution at a preferred temperature up to a maximum of 180 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius). Single or dual cartridge or bag-type filters remove particulates from the wash solution before entering the spray bars, and solid contaminants, including chips and debris, are taken out of the fluid as it returns to the wash tank. Guyson, 518-587-7894, e-mail J.C. Carson at jccarson@guyson.com or visit www.guyson.com.

Soldering Stations Adjust Temperatures

Clawson, Mich.-based American Beauty Soldering Tools has come out with a new line of soldering stations that feature high thermal capacity and adjustable tip temperatures. Bench-top units, the V36G series has detachable stands and dross collection sponges that supply a range of tip temperatures from 175 to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. The product line uses steel-encased Ni-chrome compression heating elements and iron clad copper tires to ensure optimal heat transfer and quick recovery times for soldering multiple joints and overcoming high heat sinking properties. The V36G series comes in 20, 40 and 60-watt power with 1/8, 3/16 and 1/4-inch diameter tips, respectively. Each is available with chisel, diamond and conical tip shapes. American Beauty Soldering Tools, 800-550-2510 or visit www.americanbeautytools.com.

Pivot Fan Functions in Tight Spaces

Big Ass Fan Company, Lexington, Ky., has unveiled its Pivot, a six-foot diameter fan that is intended for narrow and confined workspaces. The fan has two pivot points to provide 73 different hanging positions. An airfoil and winglet combination boosts fan performance and a molded hub allows for smooth operation. Company-designed trim pieces lower noise at connection points and Pivot has a touchpad controller with digital speed and RPM readouts. Pivot works well in mezzanines, narrow aisle ways, around ceiling obstructions and in restricted workspaces, according to the company. Big Ass Fans, 877-244-3267 or visit www.bigassfans.com.