Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division today announced that it will be attending the 66th IAA Commercial Vehicles exhibition in Hannover, Germany, and showcasing solutions for the control and monitoring of vehicles, including applications throughout the on-highway commercial vehicle sector.
The Industrial division includes a number of established specialist business units with expertise in the design, testing and manufacture of a range of components and sub-system solutions for the safe and reliable operation and control of mobile and static machinery, including on- and off-highway vehicles, heavy trucks, buses, military vehicles and motorsport.
Arens Controls
Arens Controls designs and manufactures a range of operator interface control systems and power management products – including manual transmission shift controls, by-wire shift controls and shift-by-wire systems, power inverters and power distribution modules. Many of these systems can be found in applications for the specialist hybrid vehicle market and on today’s most advanced commercial vehicles including medium and heavy-duty trucks, school and transit buses, recreational vehicles and agricultural and off-highway equipment.
Penny & Giles
The extensive Penny & Giles range of rotary, tilt and linear position sensors offers angle measurements from 10° to 360°and length measurements from 5mm to 2000mm; they have been developed to meet the operating requirements of many position-sensing applications in the automotive and industrial sectors. Using Hall-effect, inductive or potentiometric technologies, sensors are packaged in compact or rugged housings with IP68 and IP69K environmental protections and mountings that give users a wide range of flexible installation options. The company also offers a range of solenoids and solenoid valves that include standard and configurable designs and styles that can be modified to suit specific applications or custom-designed for large scale OEM applications.
Williams Controls
Williams Controls is a global market leader in electronic throttle control systems for commercial, off-road, heavy-duty or recreational vehicle applications. The business also designs throttle systems to meet the most demanding specifications and its ergonomic designs include floor and firewall mounting configurations, optional kick down and customizable treadle covers. In addition, the company manufactures a standard range of electronic throttle controls that can minimize tooling costs for many applications. Williams Controls can also take basic ergonomic, dimensional, electrical and aesthetic requirements from OEMs; and provide a complete custom design service. The design, development and product qualification are all part of the customization process.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division today announced that it will be attending the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo and promoting products from its legacy brands of Arens Controls and Williams Controls.
The Industrial division has extensive experience in designing and manufacturing solutions for the monitoring and control of vehicles, including applications throughout the on-highway commercial vehicle sector.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division today announced the launch of the JC4000, a joystick designed specifically for use in the diverse environments of the Aerial Work Platform (AWP) market.
The robust joystick base and accompanying range of grips – from the Industrial division’s Penny & Giles brand family – provide options for single- or dual-axis operation making the product suitable for both scissor lifts and boom applications. Three dual-axis gates are available – round, square or plus – while the ergonomically-designed grip offers the choice of one or two top switches, as well as a person-present lever, meaning the unit can be used across a wide variety of machines. These carefully-chosen configuration options are designed to offer an optimal combination of performance and cost.
The JC4000 employs a long-life bearing system and non-contacting, Hall-effect sensing technology to achieve an impressive lifespan of over 6 million operating cycles. It is powered from a 5Vdc supply voltage and offers analog output options of 0.5-4.5V or 1.0-4.0V.
Other key features of the JC4000 include:
Commenting, Senior Vice President & General Manager of the Industrial division Kevin Rayment said: “The way we approached the development of the JC4000 was different from previous products. We focussed the specification on a particular industry and its applications, thereby ensuring we achieved an attractive combination of performance and price. Success relied on applying our long industrial heritage and setting ourselves tough targets, in order to offer our customers an industry-leading solution.”
Robust JC1200 single-axis joystick has a long operating life
Curtiss-Wright Corporation today announced its Industrial division has launched the JC1200, a next-generation, cost-effective paddle joystick from the Corporation’s brand family of Penny & Giles.
By using a long-life bearing system and non-contacting Hall-effect sensing technology, the JC1200 has achieved a long operating life of 25 million cycles while providing functionality that is smooth and easy to operate.
Key features of the JC1200 include:
- An under-panel depth of 9mm, requiring minimal installation space
- A spring-loaded return-to-center or return-to-end paddle movement
- Integrated panel seal and IP67 protection – suitable for outside use
- A choice of nine colored paddle ‘Tabs’, which can be factory fitted or supplied separately and added as part of the final customer installation process
The JC1200 launches with a 5Vdc supply voltage and the option for factory-programmable electronics configured to one of two analog voltage output ranges (0.5-4.5V or 1.0-4.0V). The joystick also provides safety functionality via dual outputs, which can be set to positive or negative ramps, or a combination of both. This offers system designers the option to compare the output signals for error checking.
The JC1200 paddle joystick builds on the success of the potentiometric-based JC120 and is ideal for use in control panels and armrests found in industrial trucks, agricultural equipment and construction machinery, where cost-effective, long-life operator controls are essential.
Sales inquiries: Please forward all sales and reader service inquiries to cwig.uk@curtisswright.com.
For more information on Curtiss-Wright Industrial products, please visit www.cw-industrialgroup.com or call +44.1425.271444.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that its Industrial division has launched a new family of non-contact, rotary position sensors from the legacy brand of Penny & Giles. With a low-profile sensor body design and a small footprint, these fully-encapsulated, IP69K-rated sensors offer exceptional performance against water, dust, shock, vibration, and temperature. The NRH271 and NRH272 rotary position sensors are ideal for use by OEMs of on- and off-highway vehicles that are destined for use in challenging environments, and as a cost-effective solution for medium volume applications where a wide range of options or degree of customization may be required.
All variants of the NRH271 and NRH272 rotary position sensors are contained in a 9.5mm housing and use proven, wear-free Hall-effect sensing technology to provide a long mechanical life. The electrical output spans of both models can be set to correspond to rotations of 20° to 360° in 1° increments. Two power supply options are available (5V and 9-30V). Factory-programmable electronics can be set to one of two analog voltage output ranges (0.5-4.5V or 0.2-4.8V) or one of three PWM frequencies.
Connection options are industry-standard AMP Superseal or Deutsch DT04 series connectors, or simple 18AWG flying-leads for customer termination. The sensor can also be supplied with a protective NC10 flexible conduit for the cabling.
For more information on Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial products, please visit www.cw-industrialgroup.com or call +44.1425.271444.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation’s (NYSE: CW) Industrial division, via its Arens Controls branded range of products, is rapidly emerging as a world leader in engineering and manufacturing precision operator interface control systems and power management systems for commercial on- and off-highway vehicles.
Products include by-wire shift selectors for automatic and automated manual transmissions for on-highway vehicles including trucks and buses; and off-highway mechatronic controls including multiple-function operator consoles and hydrostatic lever controls. Key sectors include hybrid vehicle power management systems such as traction inverters, DC/DC converters, DC/AC inverters and power distribution modules.
From the latest on- and off-highway commercial vehicles, to the rapidly developing hybrid vehicle market, Curtiss-Wright engineers are focused on developing bespoke, innovative solutions and next generation technology. This intelligent engineering, from initial concept to finished product, demonstrates the Industrial division’s commitment to providing the advanced control and power management systems demanded by today's commercial vehicle manufacturers.
Power Distribution Modules
A range of power distribution modules (PDMs) that incorporates state-of-the-art, digital electronics technology for use in on- and off-highway vehicles such as medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses and motor coaches. PDMs are also available for construction and agricultural vehicle applications and materials handling and other specialty vehicles.
Traction Inverters for Hybrid Vehicles
Traction inverters for hybrid vehicles are at the heart of today's hybrid drivetrain technology and are designed to maximize the efficient management of high-voltage power between the power source and the drivetrain components. In fact, Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division was one of the first companies to produce traction inverters specifically designed for use in commercial hybrid vehicles and today is leading the industry in the production of automotive hardened traction inverters with power ranges from 30kW to 500kW. These are ideal for truck, bus/coach, agricultural and construction equipment applications, including those where modern, hybrid solutions are being adopted.
Power Converters & Auxiliary Power Modules
This includes a wide range of DC/DC and DC/AC power converters for on-board systems as well as export power needs. Auxiliary power converters provide on-board AC power for work trucks of all sizes and units are available with output up to 25kW and voltages of 120/208/240 in either single- or 3-phase. Its range of auxiliary power converters are ruggedly built to provide years of dependable operation and can be integrated into the electrical system of virtually any vehicle.
Integration of all these converters is now made easier with the Arens Controls branded PowerPac a recently introduced range of power converters featuring special, compact designs that are engineered to fit into vehicle battery boxes. Both air- and liquid-cooled designs are available and all feature the industry's highest power density and surge capacity, CAN communications, cast enclosures and self-diagnostic capabilities.
For further information about other innovative on- and off-highway vehicle solutions available from Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division, please visit www.cw-industrialgroup.com or call +44 (0)1425 271444.
About Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) is a global innovative company that delivers highly engineered, critical function products and services to the commercial, industrial, defense and energy markets. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright has a long tradition of providing reliable solutions through trusted customer relationships. The company employs approximately 9,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com.
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Editor’s Note:
Arens Controls was acquired by Curtiss-Wright in 2013 and, with brands including Penny & Giles, PG Drives Technology and Williams Controls has formed a key group in the Corporation’s Industrial division. These well-established brands are all experts in the design, testing and manufacture of a range of components and systems for the safe and reliable operation and control of mobile and static machinery - especially off-highway vehicles, heavy trucks, buses, military and motorsport vehicles.
Arens products can be found on today's most advanced commercial vehicles, from agricultural equipment to school and transit buses, as well as on a growing number of commercial vehicles for both on-road and off-road applications. In fact, Arens is the established leader in power management for the rapidly expanding hybrid commercial vehicle market.
Looking to the future, Arens is committed to the continued development of technologies designed to improve the operator / vehicle control interface while improving overall vehicle performance and economics as well as operator comfort and safety.
In addition to vehicle control products, Arens intelligent engineering is focused on developing the next generation power management products such as intelligent power distribution modules and high-voltage / high-power junction boxes; DC/DC and DC/AC converters and traction inverters for heavy-duty truck and bus hybrid drives.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation’s (NYSE: CW) Industrial division today announced that it will be attending the 2014 Performance Racing Industry show (PRI2014) in Indianapolis, IN, to promote products from Penny & Giles and Williams Controls.
The Company will be promoting the Penny & Giles range of linear and rotary sensors, including the recently launched NRH275DR. This latest non-contact rotary sensor was originally designed for use on specialty vehicles destined for extreme and hostile environments, but is now proving popular for motorsport applications. The NRH275DR features a slim, low-profile sensor housing and separate permanent magnet assembly and is ideal for throttle position sensing and feedback applications. Because it does not have contacting mechanical parts that are subject to wear, the lightweight and low-profile design of the sensor allows it to be mounted where installation space is limited, e.g. the pivot point of the throttle pedal.
Also on display at PRI2014 will be a selection of throttle control products from Williams Controls, including its electronic throttle pedals which, in an on-going partnership with Polaris Industries are being used on the RZR XP 1000, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) credited as providing the fastest acceleration, highest top speed and flattest torque curve in the industry.
Curtiss-Wright will also be using PRI2014 to highlight the motorsport potential of its range of motor controllers, including the Sigmadrive, from PG Drives Technology.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division is a recognized leader in the production of critical controls and assemblies for specialty vehicles, including sensors, electronic throttle controls and joysticks. For further information about other innovative solutions available from Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division, please visit www.cw-industrial.com or call +44 (0)1425 271444.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that its Industrial division has expanded the functionality of its R-net multi-module control system for rehab-type powerchairs, with the introduction of the R-net Gyro Module from PG Drives Technology.
The R-net Gyro Module adds an extra dimension to controlling a wheelchair by maintaining the desired drive direction irrespective of the external forces acting on the wheelchair.
Commenting for Curtiss-Wright, Senior Vice President & General Manager of the Industrial division, Kevin Rayment says: “High-speed, front-wheel-drive type wheelchairs will benefit most from the addition of the R-net Gyro Module; however the technology also offers vastly improved drive performance on rear-wheel-drive models when used with switch-type specialty controls.”
A particularly difficult issue with some fast, front-wheel-drive wheelchairs is experienced on exiting a turn when, regardless of the joystick’s position, the wheelchair can continue to turn and enter a ‘spin-out’ condition. Existing, software-based solutions have attempted to address this by slowing the wheelchair’s turning speed by a set amount, but this often results in a poor drive feel. The R-net Gyro Module offers a more reactive result by only reducing the turning speed of the wheelchair by as much as is necessary. This results in a more responsive and smoother drive feel, as the wheelchair does not need to be slowed down dramatically to maintain control.
When driving in a straight line, there may be a tendency for the wheelchair to veer to one side or the other, a condition known as fish-tailing. The Gyro Module can effectively eliminate all of these conditions. Additionally, if a wheelchair is driving across a non-level surface – e.g. a camber – the user has to make frequent steering corrections to achieve a straight line driving. This is inconvenient when using a joystick, but becomes increasingly difficult when using a switch-type controlling device such as a switch pad or head array. A further challenge in maintaining straight line driving is presented by obstacles, such as a pavement kerb, or door thresholds, particularly if they are of uneven height. The Gyro Module vastly improves control in all of these situations.
The Module includes two gyro sensors as standard. This means that if one sensor becomes defective the other maintains control. In the event of a complete gyro failure or module disconnection, the wheelchair’s drive speed is automatically limited.
The compact size of the R-net Gyro Module from PG Drives Technology means it can be easily accommodated on any wheelchair. Its ability to be mounted in one of four orientations also means fitting and setup is intuitive and simple. The R-net Gyro Module has also been designed to work with existing R-net Modules; and all Power Modules will be upgraded to support gyro functionality as standard.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division is a recognized leader in the production of critical controls and assemblies for specialty vehicles, including sensors, electronic throttle controls and joysticks. Its PG Drives Technology business has almost 40 years’ experience in sophisticated mobility control systems and is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of these products. For further information about other innovative solutions available from Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division, please visit www.cw-industrial.com or call +44 (0)1425 271444.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that its Industrial division has expanded the functionality of its R-net multi-module control system for rehab-type powerchairs with the launch of Bluetooth Module for iDevices, a Bluetooth-based communications module that enables wheelchair users to control their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch using any of PG Drives Technology’s R-net Input Devices.
Continuing the philosophy of Connect-and-Go, PG Drives Technology’s Bluetooth Module for iDevices has been designed to work with all existing R-net modules without the need for firmware upgrades. It can be operated by any R-net Input Device including hand-, finger- and chin-operated joystick modules and the Omni specialty control interface. It can also be fitted in conjunction with existing R-net Bluetooth modules to allow one system to control iDevices and Android-based smart devices or Windows PCs.
The R-net Bluetooth Module for iDevices works in association with the Switch Control or VoiceOver features in the Accessibility settings of Apple’s iOS 7 operating system. With Switch Control or VoiceOver operation enabled, external switches can be assigned to a list of iDevice functions. As a result commands via R-net Input Devices, such as Speed Up/Speed Down and Joystick deflections, are identified as switch commands and can be assigned to commonly used iDevice functions including Select, Home, Previous or Next.
With Switch Control turned on, normal navigation of the iDevice is unaffected meaning normal touch screen operation is still active. With VoiceOver active normal touch screen operation is modified.
Pairing between the R-net Bluetooth Module for iDevices and any Bluetooth-enabled iDevice running iOS 7 is intuitive and easy to set up. Once configured it remembers paired devices and remains operational within a 5m range of the mobile device.
The Bluetooth Module for iDevices increases the number of R-net communications aids developed by PG Drives Technology for the mobility market, and complements other systems including the R-net Omni for the remote control of home entertainment devices such as TVs, DVDs and HiFi systems.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division is a recognized leader in the production of critical controls and assemblies for specialty vehicles, including sensors, electronic throttle controls and joysticks. Its PG Drives Technology business has almost 40 years’ experience in sophisticated mobility control systems and is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of these products. For further information about other innovative solutions available from Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division, please visit www.cw-industrial.com or call +44 (0)1425 271444.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that its Industrial division has further expanded its VR2 range of wheelchair control systems from PG Drives Technology with the launch of the nVR2, a new addition that consists of a drive-only joystick module and 50A or 60A power modules.
Commenting for Curtiss-Wright, Senior Vice President & General Manager of the Industrial division, Kevin Rayment, says: "When first launched, the VR2 range set new standards of performance and value for mainstream wheelchair controllers and the launch of the nVR2 will help to maintain our position as the leading supplier of wheelchair control systems."
The IPX4-rated nVR2 – which is ideal for small- to mid-range drive-only powerchairs – includes PG Drives Technology's most compact joystick module to date, lending itself perfectly to indoor use by allowing operators a closer approach to tables and minimizing the risk of collision with doorways. The simple and easy-to-access user controls make the nVR2 joystick module an ideal candidate for first-time wheelchair users, those with limited hand movement or children. In addition, its compact design also makes it less likely to sustain impact damage, therefore reducing the need for costly replacements and/or service calls.
The nVR2's power module comes with a 75cm flying lead, which offers an easy disconnection point should the wheelchair's seat need to be removed. The interconnection point between the power and joystick modules is molded from a highly-visible yellow plastic, mimicking other key dismantling points usually found on wheelchairs. The power module motor and battery connectors are also recessed to reduce overall footprint, making it ideal for applications where space is at a premium.
In addition to the nVR2 joystick and power modules, the PG Drives Technology VR2 range comprises multiple alternative modules and configurations, including actuator, dual-attendant and lighting controllers.
Curtiss-Wright's Industrial division is a recognized leader in the production of critical controls and assemblies for specialty vehicles, including sensors, electronic throttle controls and joysticks. Its PG Drives Technology business has almost 40 years' experience in sophisticated mobility control systems and is one of the world's foremost suppliers of these products. For further information about other innovative solutions available from Curtiss-Wright's Industrial division, please visit www.cw-industrial.com or call +44 (0)1425 271444.
About Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) is a global innovative company that delivers highly engineered, critical function products and services to the commercial, industrial, defense and energy markets. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright has a long tradition of providing reliable solutions through trusted customer relationships. The company employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com.
