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Presents mechanical and power transmission components and materials that give manufacturers an edge in engineering design. Motors from Eastern Air Devices Inc.; Conveyor roller from Interroll Corp.; Controllers from Imo Industries Inc.; Ball slides from Parker Hannifin Corp.; Pulleys from Belt Technologies Inc.; Clutch/brakes from Electroid Co.

The article exhibits several new instruments and products used in mechanical engineering. Isolation mounts from E-A-R Specialty Composites uses highly damped ISOLOSS HD polyurethane elastomer. Mounts effectively control unwanted mechanical energy in a wide range of OEM equipment applications--from 2.5-inch computer disk drives to industrial machinery. Self lubricating bearings from BFM Transport Dynamics Corp. uses Fibriloid, a cloth weaved of Teflon, and Nomex, to line the bearings. It can be used at 40,000 psi under dynamic load conditions, and 120,000-psi static. ConceptStation software series from Aries Technology is a fully integrated software system that is developed for mechanical engineers, not computer specialists.

The article features the Jetstar 500 Bar Code Printing System that combines feeding, stacking, transport techniques with existing optical technology. It reads the zip code from an envelope's address block and prints the corresponding bar code in the bottom right hand corner of the envelope at a linear speed of 120 inches per second. Mechanical Engineering Mario Ricciardi designed the system so that exiting mail actually changes directions before it is stacked. Mail contacts two elastic belts, which take the trailing edge of one envelope and flip it away from the leading edge of the next

The article features the electric snowthrower Toro 1800 Power Curve Snowthrower that can throw snow as far as models weighing three times as much. Weighing only 24 pounds, the new snowthrower uses a motor that operates at speeds between 14,000 and 24,000 rpm. The motor, rated at 2.1 horse power at 14,000 rounds per minute also required the use of a two-step positive belt drive. Floyd Niskanen, engineering program manager for the snowthrower design, along with principal designer Randy Beihoffer, designed the snowthrower for the Toro Co. Home Improvement Division.

The article reports on improvement of tolerances and production of aircraft turbine blades by using abrasive jet machining system. Switching to an abrasive waterjet cutting system improved critical tolerances and increased production of aircraft turbine blades six-fold. An automated system is used in this process, and the finished blade has no stress- or heat- affected zones to reduce its quality. Waterjet cutting heads are mounted on a three-axis servo- driven table with encoder feedback. The water cutting system was developed by engineers at Jet Edge Inc., for a major aircraft engine manufacturer.

The author discusses the components of micromechatronic systems including its design considerations. It explains that micromechatronic technology involves the design and manufacture of mechatronics products with dimensions raging from 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter. The difference between microsystems technology (MST) and nanotechnology (NT) is taken into account.

The author reflects on the ability of design engineer to the growing software and algorithm development. He discusses the JavaBot system used by Roasting Plant Coffee that automatically roasts, grinds, brews and handles the coffee beans. He emphasizes that a design engineer should have enough knowledge on both computer software and hardware for automation.

The article discusses the options in designing a flexible actuator suspension. A concept for a pick-and-place device for mounting chips on a printed circuit board is involved. Block diagram, linear graph and bond graph are the three approaches for deriving the mathematical model for physical model.

The article presents information on modeling in mechatronics with reference to linear graphs and state-equation formulation. Modeling is considered as the single most important design process in mechatronics, with a choice for successful multidisciplinary systems' engineers. It helps the engineers to represent a system structure block diagrams and linear graphs.

The article focuses on the difference between mechatronics' design and conventional design approach. The difference is in the conceptual design step in which a conglomeration of add-on parts is replaced by an integrated system. This integration is compatible with both hardware components and information processing. Mechatronics design helps in replacing bulky complex mechanisms which have cable-connected components with simple, compact mechanisms with bus or wireless communication.

The article presents information on the process of modeling in the mechatronic system design. Modeling is an important activity of mechatronic system design. A physical model can be developed by the application of engineering judgment and by simplifying assumptions. Through modeling an engineer can assess the integrated design concepts early in the design process.

The article features several software design with AutoCAD and Add-ons program for specific applications which includes "AutoCAD 386," program that allows users to work more effectively with large and complex drawing, "EEPD + module," program that allows engineer to produce schematic prints, "Toolbox," provides more than 40 design and drafting utilities for mechanical engineers, "EMT Mechslide," program that allows engineers to accelerate mechanical design.

The article presents an interview with Peter A. Basile, principal at Hightstown, New Jersey-based PA Consulting Group. As director of the company's product development group, he has developed products for many of the firm's client base. The techniques described in the interview are the initial steps of a comprehensive product development technology. Basile argued that technology transfer products are frequently an assembly of existing or proven technologies integrated into a new, higher-performance product.