Biz bits

AutomationDirect, Cumming, Ga., recently cut the price of its Think & Do programming software for their WinPLC processor from $695 to free. Now, customers can download the Think & Do v8.04 Keyless Development Demo package for PC-based control at no charge. It includes the same development software that customers receive when they purchase the full Think & Do development package for $1,895.

Think & Do consists of a development package that runs on a PC, and one or more runtime keys that reside on real-time industrial controller application targets. The free demo package has no development limits, only runtime targets. Even so, these limits don't affect the WinPLC, as it comes preloaded with Windows CE and Think & Do runtime software — so customers can download the demo for free, create software applications with Think & Do, and download these applications to an unlimited number of WinPLC targets. For more information, visit www.automationdirect.com.

Balluff debuts Sensor Technology blog

Sensor Technology is a new blog from Balluff Inc., Florence, Ky., dedicated to the successful use of sensing products to prevent downtime, eliminate errors, and improve the throughput of industrial equipment. The blog has several expert authors contributing posts and commenting on many different technologies such as photoelectric, inductive, capacitive, ultrasonic, and magneto-resistive proximity sensors. Linear position sensing technologies will also be discussed including magnetostrictive linear position transducers, pulsed-inductive position transducers, linear and rotary magnetic encoders, inductive analog sensors, linear inductive analog transducers, and linear magneto-inductive position sensors. Check it out at sensortech.wordpress.com.

KabelSchlepp joins Tsubaki Group

KabelSchlepp Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., and Tsubaki Group, based in Japan, have worked together for more than 40 years. Now, KabelSchlepp is a member of the global Tsubaki Group, which operates three worldwide divisions: KabelSchlepp will lead the cable carrier systems division and now has access to a network of more than 40 international subsidiaries, an expanded product portfolio, as well as synergies in product development and distribution.

Kling to manage Lenze distribution

Chuck Edwards, president of Lenze Americas, Uxbridge, Mass., announces the appointment of Deb Kling to manager of distribution programs. Kling joined Lenze in 2005. She holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. Her motion control career includes positions as a distributor sales engineer as well as in product and marketing management. Lenze Americas manufactures servo drives and motors, clutches and brakes, gears and gear motors, and variable frequency ac motor drives. For more information, visit www.lenze-actech.com.

Means of LORD Corp. presents whitepaper

Jeff Means of LORD Corp., Cary, N.C., will present a whitepaper at the Energy Rubber Group (ERG) Spring Technical meeting, to be held May 20 in Arlington, Tex. Means will address the fundamental practices in manufacturing rubber-to-substrate bonded components within the industry. For more information, visit www.energyrubbergroup.org.

Bison Gear receives AGMA award

The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) recognized Bison Gear and Engineering Corp., St. Charles, Ill., with a 50 Year Membership Award at its recent annual meeting in Tucson, Ariz. George Thomas and Sylvia Wetzel of Bison were on hand to receive the award. In line with AGMA's own objectives, Bison Gear shares a strong commitment to educating the manufacturing workforce. The company has worked with local manufacturers, industry, government, educators, and communities to create the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, which provides paths for workers to acquire skills needed by manufacturing companies.