Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division – including its legacy brands of Arens Controls, Penny & Giles, PG Drives Technology and Williams Controls – is a recognized leader in providing components and sub-systems that enable customer specific solutions for a wide range of material handling equipment, including pallet/stacker trucks, reach trucks and counterbalance trucks.
For one application, NRH272 rotary position sensors from the Industrial division’s brand family of Penny & Giles have been specified for use on a range of British-designed and manufactured electric forklift trucks from Nexen Lift Trucks.
The Challenge
To maximize storage space within a building footprint, aisle width in warehouses is being reduced and many lift truck manufacturers are having to adopt the latest technologies to ensure material handling vehicles can operate safely and effectively within these new narrow-aisle environments. Additionally, many lift truck operators are reviewing the environmental impact of running forklifts using traditional internal combustion engines but, until recently, electric-powered vehicles haven’t been able to providesimilarlevelsofperformanceandproductivity associatedwithtraditionalinternal combustion applications.
During its research and development process, Nexen identified the need for electric models and itslatestX-Rangeincludes the three-wheeledFBXT lift truck usingaNexen-designedandmanufacturedaxle; andafour-wheelFBXversionusingapurpose-designedsteeringaxle.
Forbothaxletypes, Nexenneededrotarypositionsensorsthatcoulddetectsteeringposition, withfeedbackfromthesensorenablingcontrolofthetruckspeedanddirection, anddisplayedtotheoperatorviaacabin-mounted Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Commenting for Nexen, technical manager Shaun Bailey says: “We needed a sensor that would combine maximum functionality with a design that was robust enough for our application. Angle range, redundancy, voltage range and versatility were all considered before we chose Curtiss-Wright.”
The Solution
A bespoke version of Curtiss-Wright’s NRH272 has been supplied with a 5V power supply option, 10-90% voltage output, Deutsch DT04 connectors and an electrical output set to correspond to rotations of between 20°and 360°. For added safety functionality, the sensor’s on-board diagnostic functions mean the outputs can enter into safe, pre-defined states should an internal sensor error be detected.
With over 30-years’ experience in the materials handling sector, Nexen has established itself as a reliable and cost-effective manufacturer of high quality, innovative products for the materials handling market. As Shaun Bailey explains, the Curtiss-Wright NRH272 complements Nexen’s reputation: “Much like Nexen, Curtiss-Wright has a reputation for quality and dependability, so when looking for a high quality sensor, it made sense to consider the NRH272.”
The Curtiss-Wright NRH271/NRH272 range of non-contact, rotary position sensors with Hall-effect sensing technology is designed to supply an optimum combination of performance, safety and cost effectiveness. The sensor is accommodated in a low-profile housing with a compact footprint; and its robust design offers outstanding protection from water, dust, shock, vibration and temperature, making it ideal for use in arduous, on- and off-highway vehicle applications. In addition, its incorporated non-contact, Hall-effect technology makes the sensor incredibly hard wearing.
Connection options are industry-standard AMP Superseal (IP68 rated) or Deutsch DT04 series (IP67 rated) connectors, or simple flying leads for customer termination. The sensor can also be supplied with a protective conduit for the cabling.
The Results
Having been designedfromthegroundup, Nexen’s all-electric X-Range lift trucks use integrated technology – including Curtiss-Wright’s NRH272 rotary position sensors – toprovideunprecedentedcombinationsofperformance, productivityandcost-effectiveness, all withoutcompromisingoperator safety and comfort.
The FBX and FBXT models within the X-Range are the latest in the Nexen line-up of electric counter-balanced forklift trucks. They have been specifically designed for the logistics and warehousing sector, whilst being developed to apply the most advanced technology and versatility available. The three- and four-wheel variants allow for a range of applications including the loading, unloading, shunting and storage of raw materials, goods and production materials; with lifting capacities ranging from 1.6 to 2 tonnes and different motors, transmissions and mast options available. Both models are also available in long- and short-wheel-base formats to provide a productive and energy-efficient solution for numerous lifting applications.
Having brought the design, manufacturing, research and development processes back from Taiwan to the UK, Nexen expects the X-Range to be extremely successful in the European market. “We originally handled manufacturing and R&D in Taiwan but, in recent years, have brought it back to the UK. It’s a big step for the company because it gives us much more control over the product and quality; and it gives us the ability to put our forklift trucks in the hands of some of Britain’s top designers and engineers.” says Shaun.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division today announced that it will be attending the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo North America 2017 and promoting products from its legacy brands of Arens Controls and Williams Controls from Booth #1118.
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.
Many of the systems designed and developed by Curtiss-Wright can be found in applications in the 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.
Robust design of new JC050 is ideal for arduous applications in hand-grips and HMI consoles
Curtiss-Wright Industrial division has announced the launch of the JC050, a Hall-effect thumbwheel roller that is suitable for integration within joystick hand-grips and other in-cab human-machine interfaces (HMI) in specialty off-highway vehicles.
Designed by the Corporation’s brand family of Penny & Giles, the JC050 features a low under-panel depth of 23mm and return-to-center functionality over a range of ±37° roller travel. The new thumbwheel roller is rated for 3 million operating cycles thanks to the use of non-contacting, Hall-effect sensing technology. The JC050 roller benefits from a ‘pass through’ design for any liquid or dust contamination. Electronic robustness is assured by sealing of the internal electronics to a rating of IP67.
To ensure safety is enhanced, the JC050’s dual-redundant electronic architecture is constructed using two power supplies and two sensing circuits, the outputs of which can be set to positive ramps, a combination of positive and negative ramps, or full voltage range over half travel from each sensor with constant output in the other half travel.
Other key features of the JC050 include:
The JC050 launches with a 5Vdc supply voltage and connection via 3-, 4- or 6-way flying leads based on input/output requirements.
New model expands joystick range and offers non-contact proportional control for hand-grips and HMI consoles
Curtiss-Wright Industrial division has announced the launch of the JC040, a single-axis, Hall-effect proportional rocker that is suitable for arduous applications in specialty off-highway vehicles.
The JC040 builds on the success of legacy potentiometric versions available from the Corporation’s brand family of Penny & Giles, and uses non-contacting, Hall-effect sensing technology for long-life integrity of the output signal. The IP67-rated JC040 provides safety functionality via dual outputs – which can be set to positive or a combination of positive and negative ramps – and also benefits from independent supply voltages for each of the outputs.
The JC040 rocker is designed for integration within joystick grips and other in-cab human-machine interfaces; and benefits from a ‘pass through’ design for any liquid or dust contamination. Electronic robustness is assured by sealing of the internal electronics to a rating of IP67.
An optional, mechanical over-press feel – that operates at ±20° of travel from center positon – is integrated within the JC040 design to provide additional operator feedback. The electrical output of this mechanical feature can be used in a system to indicate a new mode of operation such as a rapid traverse.
Key features of the JC040 include:
• Return-to-center, ±25° rocker action
• 21mm under-panel depth
• Rated for 1 million operating cycles
• Dual supply, ensuring signal integrity
• Supplied as standalone unit or integrated into the Penny & Giles AMF range of grips
The JC040 launches with a 5Vdc supply voltage and connection via a 6-way flying lead.
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 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.
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that its Industrial division will be attending this September’s REHACARE International Trade Fair & Conference in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Company will promote its PG Drives Technology business, showcasing a range of medical mobility products, including additions to the popular R-net and VR2 wheelchair control systems.
Curtiss-Wright’s 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. As one of four established specialist business units, PG Drives Technology has been designing, manufacturing and marketing sophisticated mobility control systems since 1976 and is now one of the world's foremost suppliers of these products.
On display for the first time at REHACARE is the second-generation R-net joystick module, which sets new standards in user-interfaces. The module contains a large, hi-resolution, VGA display with stylish graphics, as well as mechanical paddle switches for ease of use, a light sensor to automatically set screen brightness and a loudspeaker to provide clear audible warnings.
In addition, new R-net modules for Gyro drive control and Bluetooth control of iDevices will be launched. The Gyro module allows for improved drive-performance and straight-line driving on front-wheel-drive configurations, while the iDevice module permits the R-net system to connect with iPhones and iPads, as well as Windows PCs and Android devices.
To complete this impressive suite of new products, a compact joystick module for the VR2 wheelchair control system is also being shown and, being the smallest available on the market and primarily targeted at wheelchairs for indoor use, allows operators a closer approach to tables and minimizes the risk of collision with doorways.
PG Drives Technology’s modern UK design and manufacturing site is backed by a fully-equipped sales and service facility in the USA and general support offices in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The company also boasts a global network of authorized service centers, systems integrators and distribution partners.
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 products and 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.
