Displaying items by tag: Tilt Sensors

Curtiss-Wright Industrial announces attendance at Agritechnica 2017

12 Oct 2017

Products from Curtiss-Wright's Industrial division will be on Stand B07, Hall 17.

Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division has today announced that it will be using its stand (Stand B07, Hall 17) at Agritechnica 2017 to promote products from its family brands of Arens Controls, Penny & Giles, PG Drives Technology and Williams Controls.

Curtiss-Wright has relationships with many industry-leading OEMs and is highly-experienced in working with agricultural machinery designers to provide safety-critical components and sub-systems that can withstand environmental challenges (e.g. water, dust, shock, vibration and temperature extremes) and are ergonomically-optimized for efficient operator control that reduces fatigue and increases productivity.

For example, new vehicle cab designs have been adopting electronic Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) that replace multiple hydraulic levers and discrete components, with fully-integrated armrest assemblies providing the vehicle operators/drivers with numerous new and existing capabilities.

And for many agricultural applications, Curtiss-Wright is developing vehicle controls designed to incorporate multiple functions that can be operated with the use of just one hand, finger or thumb. These controls typically incorporate push-button switches, rotary thumbwheels and joystick paddles and levers, which variously offer switched and proportional control of the vehicle’s numerous features.

• Arens Controls: Rapidly emerging as a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision operator interface control systems and power management systems for commercial on- and off-highway vehicles. The all-new WTI-Traction Inverter series offers state-of-the-art technology and innovative design for use in hybrid and pure-electric on- and off-highway applications. Other products include electronic and cable-operated shifters for controlling automatic and hydrostatic transmissions; and dual-axis, friction and single-action lever controls that are fully customizable with options including shaft orientation, sensor positions and knob color.

• Penny & Giles: Joystick controls – including its latest JC1210, JC040 and JC050 models – are available in single- and multi-axis configurations and can be specified with multiple handle options to provide proportional control within the HMI for numerous applications. The company’s linear, rotary, tilt and pressure sensors are also suitable for numerous agricultural vehicle applications.

• PG Drives Technology: Small electric vehicles benefit from the use of compact AC and DC motor controllers and systems. The i-Drive is a permanent magnet DC motor controller which is highly cost effective, but provides advanced traction control features for walk-behind machines and small material handling vehicles in the agricultural industry.

• Williams Controls: Products include robust suspended and floor-mounted electronic throttle controls, lever-operated and rotary electronic hand controls and cost-effective non-contact rotary position sensors for high volume applications. The heavy-duty WM-540HD suspended pedal is an example of an extremely durable pedal that provides outstanding performance for agricultural-based applications.

From the latest on- and off-highway commercial vehicles, to the rapidly developing hybrid and fully electric 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 agricultural vehicle manufacturers.

With design and manufacturing capabilities in the USA, United Kingdom, China and India, Curtiss-Wright Industrial is well-placed as a global provider. Its many facilities makes it possible to manufacture products more efficiently and assemble completed units for whenever and wherever they are needed throughout the world. And its manufacturing capability is backed by sales and technical support teams in over 45 other countries, ensuring exceptional levels of efficiency, quality and on-time delivery.

Curtiss-Wright Publishes New AWP Brochure

Published in Curtiss-Wright Industrial

28 Sep 2017

Products from Penny & Giles and PG Drives Technology feature in Curtiss-Wright Industrial's new brochure, which introduces components and systems  designed for mobile elevating work platforms

Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division has today announced the publication of a brochure – available in both English and Chinese languages – that introduces a wide range of products designed specifically for the mobile elevating work platform sector.

The brochure features a representative selection from Curtiss-Wright’s portfolio of robust, MEWP-targeted products – including joysticks, sensors, motor controllers and Human Machine Interface Controls – which are cost-effective and benefit from high-volume economies of scale, aiding both supplier and customer alike. The range also extends beyond simple component supply to address the full electrical system requirements of mobile elevating work platforms.

The company – including its Penny & Giles and PG Drives Technology brands – has established a leading position in the aerial work platform (AWP) market thanks to its highly-responsive commitment to specific customer requirements. Curtiss-Wright’s diverse application knowledge base covers a wide range of machines including vertical mast, indoor/outdoor scissor lifts and both articulating and telescopic booms.

Typical MEWP installations include tilt sensors for monitoring chassis inclination, boom and scissor angle; rotary position sensors for indicating steering position and scissor height; joysticks for controlling drive, steering and platform lift/lower; pressure sensors for indicating hydraulic system pressure; motor controllers for traction drive and lift control; and human-machine interface solutions for operator consoles.

With changing safety legislation in North America, the ANSI standards will incorporate mandatory platform load sensing as a safety feature, meaning that Curtiss-Wright products are ideally suited to comply with these standards through their understanding and compliance with the European EN ISO 13849 standard.

For a copy of the new AWP brochure visit http://www.cw-industrialgroup.com/AWP, email cwig.uk@curtisswright.com or call +44.1202.034000.

Curtiss-Wright to showcase On-Highway Vehicle Solutions in Europe

Published in Curtiss-Wright Industrial

24 Aug 2016

Curtiss-Wright's Industrial division will be showcasing products at the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo

Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division today announced that it will be attending the 66^th 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.

Penny + Giles Tilt Sensors Do Stellar Job

Published in Curtiss-Wright Industrial

07 Feb 2011

Penny + Giles Tilt Sensors Do Stellar Job

Penny + Giles, a business group of Curtiss-Wright Controls and designer and manufacturer of high precision sensing technology, is supplying its STT280 tilt sensors to Stellar Industries for a boom angle positioning application on its range of truck-mounted telescopic winch-line cranes.

Established in 1990 in Garner, Iowa, Stellar Industries was the first North American company to design and manufacture the hydraulic hooklift. Since its inception Stellar has created over forty different single-pivot, double-pivot and sliding jib models and now holds numerous US patents on the Stellar® Shuttle double-pivot hooklift.

The Penny + Giles STT280 tilt sensors are being used on Stellar’s range of service/mechanic truck packages, which feature telescopic winch-line cranes mounted on service truck bodies. These vehicles are typically used by utility and municipal companies and related service industries requiring heavy lifting over long ranges. The truck-mounted cranes offer lifting capabilities from 29,500 foot pounds capacity (capable of lifting 5,000 pounds at approximately six feet) to 82,600 foot pounds, which are capable of lifting 14,000 pounds at five feet. All models feature a boom elevation from -5 to +80 degrees.

Stellar’s 5521 telescopic crane is the first model in the range to feature the Penny + Giles tilt sensors and the first to use Stellar’s CDT™ (Crane Dynamics Technology™) control system. It offers a maximum 5,000 pound capacity at 5’ 9” in boost mode, has a 21-foot reach and offers two options: a ‘one hydraulic/one manual’ extension version and the company’s all-new ‘two hydraulic’ extension version.

Commenting on the choice of Penny + Giles tilt sensors, Stellar’s sales and marketing manager Sean Moran says: “The main reason for specifying the STT280 is the compact design, which allows us to mount them in discreet locations on the cranes. A close look at the company itself also showed that Penny + Giles products are used extensively in defence and military applications, confirming that their products are robust and manufactured to an extremely high quality. This makes them ideal for the arduous operating environments demanded of our telescopic crane systems.”

The STT280 tilt sensors are integral to Stellar’s CDT smart control system. They are used to measure the angle of the telescopic boom, enabling the CDT to calculate the load on the crane and transmit the data from the sensor to a handheld controller. This controller features a graphical user interface that uses multiple sensory indicators (coloured LED lights and pulsating vibrations) to alert operators of increasing loads before an overload situation occurs. The use of cyclical vibrations in the controller ensures that the operator is always aware of approaching maximum capacity, while still being able to monitor the load itself. Before the tilt sensors were installed the only safety system in place was a pressure sensor on the hydraulic system that would shut the crane down as it reached a defined load.

Summarising, Sean Moran says this is the first time this type of telescopic system has used tilt sensor technology to relay crane condition and operation to the operator, which puts Stellar and Penny + Giles at the forefront of service crane technology in the US market.

The Penny + Giles STT280 tilt sensor features a choice of measurement ranges from ±10°, ±20°, ±30° and ±60°, with an output range from 0.5 to 4.5Vdc over the full inclination angle and a nominal 2.5Vdc at 0° tilt. It can also operate from a 5Vdc regulated or 8 to 30Vdc unregulated supply and uses solid state 3D-MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology to measure its inclination relative to earth's gravity. This means the sensor has a low power requirement of less than 6.5mA, and can therefore be used in hard-wired or battery-powered systems. This gives the STT280 significant advantages in reliability, stability and compactness compared to fluid-based electrolytic and pendulum-operated sensors.

Sarclad Specifies Robust Penny + Giles Tilt and Rotary Sensors for its Precision Measurement System

Published in Curtiss-Wright Industrial

06 Sep 2012

Sarclad Specifies Robust Penny + Giles Tilt and Rotary Sensors for its Precision Measurement System

Penny + Giles, a business group of Curtiss-Wright Controls and designer and manufacturer of high precision sensing technology, is supplying its STT280 tilt sensors and SRH280DP rotary sensors to Sarclad Ltd to provide critical measurements for an In-Chain Strand Condition Monitor – a precision, online measurement system used to monitor continuous casting machine rolls used in the steel making process.

The In-Chain Strand Condition Monitor (In-Chain SCM) is permanently installed in the steelmaking process to enable automatic fixed-roll alignment and roll-gap measurements to be performed at the beginning of every casting, without affecting production activities. The Penny + Giles sensors were specified to meet the stringent requirements of a system that is robustly engineered to endure the extremely hostile casting environment.

Commenting for Sarclad, In-Chain SCM manager Richard Cowlishaw says: “With a continuous cast system able to produce in excess of $1million worth of steel a day time is of the essence, so interrupting production to measure the condition of the casting machine could cost steelmakers huge amounts of money. Installing a Sarclad In-Chain SCM system ensures that measurements are taken automatically at the start of every cast, so that costly downtime is avoided and quality of product is maintained.”

The Penny + Giles STT280 tilt sensors are fitted to the In-Chain SCM to measure the fixed-roll alignment of the casting machine using spring-loaded blades that tangent pairs of rolls to measure the angles between them. The data is then processed to identify rolls and segments that are out of position relative to other rolls within each segment.

Sarclad had previously used inclinometers, but specified the Penny + Giles tilt sensor because its compact size and extremely robust construction proved more effective and robust for the application. In addition, because measurements are taken while the continuous cast system is moving, inclinometers were prone to resonate or create a spike output. In contrast, the STT280 tilt sensor features 3D-MEMS technology, which provides a naturally-damped response that is unaffected by knocking or vibration. This feature is especially important for continuous steelmaking operations where accurate measurements are vital, as Richard Cowlishaw explains.

“The steel making process involves pouring molten steel into a caster mould and oscillating the mould to prevent the liquid steel sticking to the sides while it solidifies. The vibrations from the action of the oscillator affects the measurements taken with traditional inclinometers, by producing spiked rather than smooth outputs, which corrupts the measured data.

The caster operates from ninety degrees vertical to zero degrees horizontal, so in order to accurately measure between the two angles it is necessary to measure beyond them. Penny + Giles were able to customise the STT280 sensor to measure between 92 degrees and -2 degrees, providing the calibration points we needed outside the measuring range.”

He goes onto say that Sarclad was so impressed with the Penny + Giles sensors that they have also been installed on its traditional Strand Condition Monitor, which is the offline equivalent of the online In-Chain system.

Sarclad also uses Penny + Giles SRH280DP rotary Hall effect sensors to measure gap displacement on the In-Chain SCM system, replacing the rotary inductive position sensor (RIPS) used in the original design.

Says Richard: “The RIPS were too big, were influenced by forces exerted on the shaft and used a technology that proved to be unsuitable for the application. Axial loads on the RIPS shaft also caused the output to fluctuate even though it wasn’t being rotated.” He adds that potentiometers also proved problematic because the application only needed a small length of track, which meant that the conductive grease degraded prematurely, causing spikes in the signal.

When Penny + Giles introduced the SRH280 rotary Hall effect sensor to provide uniform feedback, Sarclad immediately realised its benefits even though it was only initially launched as a single channel sensor. However, the range was programmable, which allowed the company to get the maximum resolution from the 30 degrees rotation output they required. Sarclad now fits the recently developed Penny + Giles SRH280DP two channel version, which can be configured with both channel outputs increasing with clockwise or anti-clockwise shaft rotation, or one clockwise with one anti-clockwise.

“Being a non-contact Hall effect sensor, any pressure applied to the shaft in an axial direction does not affect the output.” says Richard. “It is also available as a regulated or unregulated version, is very stable and not affected by heat or shock, which is a real bonus for this particular application.”

The SRH280DP is fitted as part of a gap transducer, which has a spring-loaded rotary arm that extends out to contact the caster rolls to provide an absolute measurement for the distance between the pair of opposing rolls.

The IP68-rated SRH280DP sensor provides reliable and accurate rotary position measurement for extreme industrial environments where shock and vibration can occur. It operates from either a 5Vdc regulated or 9 to 30Vdc unregulated power supply and is available with analog (0.5 to 4.5Vdc) or digital (PWM) output signals. The sensor is factory programmable, allowing users to specify the output signal type, the measurement range (0-20° to 0-360° in 1° increments) and the output direction (clockwise or anticlockwise). The two outputs can be used for error checking if they are set up to be opposed (clockwise on the first signal and anticlockwise on the second signal) and the output summed. The sensor also has a 12 bit resolution (0.025%) over the selected measuring range, and operates from -40 to +140°C when powered at 5Vdc.

The STT280 tilt sensor features a choice of measurement ranges from ±10°, ±20°, ±30° and ±60°, with an output range from 0.5 to 4.5Vdc over the full inclination angle and a nominal 2.5Vdc at 0° tilt. It can also operate from a 5Vdc regulated or 8 to 30Vdc unregulated supply and uses solid state 3D-MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology to measure its inclination relative to earth's gravity. This means the sensor has a low power requirement of less than 6.5mA, so can be used in hard-wired or battery-powered systems. By using this technology, the STT280 provides distinct advantages in reliability, stability and compactness over fluid-based, electrolytic and pendulum-operated sensors.

Penny + Giles IVT Lift Truck

Published in Curtiss-Wright Industrial

02 Apr 2012

With a legacy spanning more than 50 years, Penny + Giles is a recognised leader in the design and manufacture of joysticks, sensors and industrial solenoids. It has extensive experience in providing solutions for monitoring and control under extreme operating conditions and its range of joystick controllers and position sensors are used throughout the off-highway industry, from agricultural vehicles and backhoe excavators, to lift trucks and powered access platforms.

Joystick Controllers

Penny + Giles’ range of finger- and hand-operated joystick controllers are designed and developed for smooth, precise control of critical functions where a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is required. Available in single-, dual- or multiple-axis configurations and with ergonomic handle styles to enable superb proportional control, each model has a range of selectable options for the most comprehensive joystick-to-application matching.

An option that is proving increasingly popular with many OEM’s, and one that Penny & Giles believes has become the benchmark for joystick controller sensing technology, is the use of contactless, Hall effect sensors to monitor the joystick lever position in multiple axes. These sensors not only provide reliable and accurate output signals and benefit from a second output to enable error checking of system integrity but also, for example, triple the operational life of the company’s JC6000 from an already impressive five million operations, to more than 15 million!

A relative newcomer to the JC6000 range is a heavy-duty, single-axis version. The new higher-strength, return-to-centre joystick is ideal for use in arduous conditions or applications including heavy agricultural machinery where high ‘Across-Axis’ loads can be an issue.

The increased strength of the heavy-duty JC6000 is achieved by redesigning the body casting, which the company claims has increased across-axis fatigue life by a factor of five. The heavy-duty version also uses a new gaiter to accommodate the increased strength of the body casting.

The heavy-duty JC6000 is available with long-life potentiometer track sensors with auxiliary contacting directional switch tracks; single/dual non-contact Hall effect sensors (or a combination of both); Can (J1939) and Can-Extended input interfaces; and is designed to share all standard JC6000 handles and grips.

Another recent introduction is the single-axis JC1500, which has evolved from the JC6000 and is designed for heavy duty applications such as specialist off-highway vehicles and aerial work lifts and platforms, especially where reliability and strength are required.

The rugged, low-profile design of the JC1500 (53mm under-panel depth) complements the existing JC150 range of potentiometer-based joysticks. In addition, for easy and modification-free replacement or upgrade, the JC1500 uses the same panel mountings and is designed to share the same range of handles and grips, as JC150 and JC6000 models.

Penny + Giles is also developing a new heavy-duty joystick controller – the JC8000 – with all-round, high-strength features that will make it ideal for applications such as skid-steer loaders, where operators typically use hydraulic joysticks. This new model will be more compact than equivalent strength electronic joysticks and will include Hall-effect sensing technology, with under-panel electronics fully protected to IP69K.

Contactless Rotary Position Sensors

The company’s extensive range of rotary position sensors offer angle measurements from 10° to 360° and use Hall effect, inductive or potentiometric technologies, all packaged in compact or rugged housings, with environmental protections to IP68 and IP69K. Its dual-output, contactless range has been specially developed to meet the operating requirements of many industrial position sensing applications in the general engineering, automation and process control sectors.

Designed with 21st century applications in mind, Penny + Giles contactless rotary position sensors use the latest advances in 12bit Hall effect sensing technology and are factory-programmed to provide OEM’s with a variety of previously unavailable options. These include single- or dual-redundant outputs, clockwise or anticlockwise rotation and measurement angles from 0-20° to 0-360° in 1° increments.

Most models can withstand operating temperatures between -40°C and +140°C (+170°C for 72 hours for NRH/TPS models); are tested to resist severe shock and vibration; and have an EMC immunity of 100V/m.

The sensors are designed to operate from a 5Vdc regulated or 9 - 30Vdc supply; and outputs can be PWM or analog voltage (nominal 0.5 - 4.5Vdc) over the measurement range, with clockwise or anticlockwise shaft rotation. A choice of 341 different electrical angles from 20° to 360° are possible and 12bit resolution (0.025%) is available over the selected measuring range with a non-linearity better than ±0.4% and temperature stability better than ±50ppm/°C. The sensor’s analog output option has a very low output noise level of less than 1mV rms.

Contactless Linear Position Sensors

Penny + Giles’ comprehensive range of linear position sensors also use Hall effect, inductive or potentiometric technologies and cover measurement ranges from 10 to 5000mm. A choice of models and mounting configurations, including embedded in-cylinder linear transducers, suit a wide range of hostile industrial applications.

The company’s SLT190 is designed to provide reliable, fit-and-forget position sensing (up to 500mm) within a compact transducer size for the most arduous operating environments. It can withstand operating temperatures from -40 to +150°C, has been tested to withstand shocks to 10,000g and, with EMC Immunity of 100V/m, the SLT190 is suitable for the harshest of applications.

To minimise size and the impact on the overall system, separate signal conditioning electronics (EICT or EICTM) are housed in rugged IP66 or IP68 rated enclosures. The electronics module can be located up to 10m from the transducer, away from any hostile conditions (vibration, mechanical impact, temperature) that the position transducer may encounter during operation. The result is a more reliable transducer solution, easily installed and adjusted and more flexible in the choice of outputs - including voltage, current and digital PWM.

The Penny + Giles SLH100 has been specifically designed to provide precision, cost-effective position sensing using the contactless Hall effect principle, with the sensing system comprises only two parts: the sensor and the magnetic activator. As a fully encapsulated electronic device it is intended to compete with sealed potentiometers and inductive sensors.

This robust, maintenance-free and easy-to-fit sensor can be used for a variety of control applications and its durable design and absence of mechanical linkages makes this sensor attractive for use in harsh environments - where particles, moisture, temperature and vibration can be present.

Contactless Tilt Sensors

The company’s STT tilt sensor range uses solid-state 3D-MEMS technology to measure the sensor's inclination relative to earth's gravity. By using solid-state system-on-chip technology, the STT series provides distinct advantages in reliability, stability and compactness over fluid-based, electrolytic and pendulum operated sensors. For maximum flexibility this new range has a low power requirement of less than 6.5mA, so it can be used in hard-wired or battery-powered wireless systems.

The IP68-rated STT280 is supplied in a compact 28mm diameter corrosion-resistant body with crush proof inserts in the mounting flange. The larger STT500 is supplied in a rugged, marine grade cast aluminium housing with a protection rating of IP69K.

Both sensors can withstand operating temperatures from -40°C to +125°C and have been tested to withstand a 3m drop onto concrete (maximum 20,000g). They are available with a choice of measurement ranges from ±10°, ±20°, ±30° and ±60° and can operate from a 5Vdc regulated or 8 – 30Vdc unregulated power supply.

Sensor in Action

For a recent application, Penny + Giles is supplying its STT280 tilt sensors to Stellar Industries for a boom angle positioning application on its range of truck-mounted telescopic winch-line cranes.

The STT280 tilt sensors are being used on Stellar’s range of service/mechanic truck packages, which feature telescopic winch-line cranes mounted on service truck bodies. These vehicles are typically used by utility and municipal companies and related service industries requiring heavy lifting over long ranges. The truck-mounted cranes offer lifting capabilities from 29,500 foot pounds capacity (capable of lifting 5,000 pounds at approximately six feet) to 82,600 foot pounds, which are capable of lifting 14,000 pounds at five feet. All models feature a boom elevation from -5 to +80 degrees.

New levels of sophistication

The latest developments in sensing and control system technology are bringing a whole new level of sophistication to vehicle controls, resulting in much more efficient operation. Highly reliable signals from the latest joystick and sensor developments, combined with intuitive control system software, mean that off-highway vehicles and their equipment can be tuned to optimise performance to individual applications. At the touch of a few buttons, routine operations can be performed at high speed with minimal fatigue, delivering considerably better productivity from both vehicle and operator.

Involving component suppliers such as Penny + Giles at the earliest possible stage of vehicle development often produces the most cost-effective solution in the shortest possible development time. This is achieved by combining Penny + Giles’ vast experience of the type and layout of equipment controls with the more subjective input of OEM engineering and marketing departments.

Curtiss-Wright Industrial announces attendance at Agritechnica 2017

Curtiss-Wright Publishes New AWP Brochure

Curtiss-Wright to showcase On-Highway Vehicle Solutions in Europe

Penny + Giles Tilt Sensors Do Stellar Job

Sarclad Specifies Robust Penny + Giles Tilt and Rotary Sensors for its Precision Measurement System

Penny + Giles IVT Lift Truck

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