Endress+Hauser’s inventors is celebrate new patent applications. Four innovations that improve product flexibility and reliability have been recognized with awards.

Endress+Hauser applied for 230 patents last year. More than 240 innovators from across the Group gathered at the 2013 Innovators' Meeting held at the 'Rhypark' hall in Basel, Switzerland, to introduce their developments and share their experiences with their colleagues. Four highly-successful patented solutions received awards. Three teams were also recognized for significantly improving business processes.

"Our capacity to innovate continues to grow. Since 2000, the number of patent applications has increased fourfold," says Michael Ziesemer, the Group's COO and deputy CEO. "The 230 filed patents in 2012 send a strong signal to our customers that we are growing with and for them." To recognize granted patents of particular commercial importance, four Patent Rights Incentive Awards, each worth 15,000 euros, were given to innovators from the production centers of Endress+Hauser Wetzer in Nesselwang, Germany, Endress+Hauser Flowtec in Reinach, Switzerland, Endress+Hauser in Maulburg, Germany, and Endress+Hauser Conducta in Waldheim, Germany. CEO Klaus Endress and COO Michael Ziesemer presented the award certificates and trophies.

The Siemens Industry Automation Division offers the Simatic PM1507 load current supply in two versions to suit the Simatic S7-1500 controller. The two power supplies provide all the system components of the new Simatic controller, such as the CPU, the communication module and the input/output modules with 24 volts. In addition, sensors (such as proximity switches or position encoders) and actuators (such as valves or contactors) can be provided direct with a stabilized 24-volt supply via the Simatic PM1507. Depending on the number and current requirements of the connected components, the load current supply is available in a version with 3 A of rated output current, and one with 8 A. For connecting loads with high inrush current, both power supplies provide up to 150 percent of the regular rated output current for five seconds each minute if required.

Due to its high efficiency, the new load current supply generates only low thermal losses. This means the slim modules (only 50 mm (3 A) and 75 mm (8 A)) can be mounted beside the other components on the S7-1500 system rack without gaps. Fast connection to all single-phase 120 and 230 V AC power systems is enabled by the voltage input with automatic range switchover, and the system connector. The status "power on / error / stand-by" is signaled via a three-color LED. The Simatic PM1507 is configured together with the other components of the Simatic S7-1500 via the TIA Portal.

The Siemens Industry Automation Division is offering a new modular oven and a new operator panel with a color display for its Maxum Edition II gas chromatographs. Siemens is offering a small modular oven with space for an analysis module as well as a larger version designed for a combi-module or two small modules. This modular approach increases the average availability of the gas chromatograph, while at the same time reducing maintenance overhead and operating costs. The new operator panel has a large 10-inch color touch display, which makes it much easier to use the analyzer. It is backward compatible and can also be retrofitted to older systems.

The new graphical interface provides significantly improved and intuitive menu navigation. This makes it simple and transparent to operate the Maxum Edition II, especially with regard to routine tasks. For example, users can enter data more easily in large pop-up dialog boxes, and all frequently used functions can be reached directly by additional navigation points. Chromatograms are easy to edit using the touch screen. The new operating structure is based on the familiar menus of the previous black and white displays, so personnel trained on the Maxum Edition II can convert easily. As previously, the user can still also operate all analyzers connected within the network with no restrictions using the new operator panel. The touch screen is also certified for use in hazardous areas according to CSA Div. I and ATEX Zone 1.

Further information on Maxum Edition II can be found at www.siemens.com/maxum

Brooks Instrument, a world-leading provider of flow measurement and control instrumentation to the microelectronics industry, will launch the GF135 pressure transient insensitive (PTI) mass flow controller at SEMICON China, March 19-21 at Shanghai New International Expo Center. In its first year at SEMICON China, Brooks will showcase the GF135 and its high-performance digital solutions for flow, vacuum and pressure measurement with partner SCH Electronics at booth 5505.

The GF135 improves yield and uptime with real-time integral rate-of-decay flow measurement and advanced diagnostic capabilities to verify accuracy, check valve leak-by and monitor sensor drift without stopping production. It provides market-leading actual process gas accuracy and ultra-fast flow settling time for reduced process cycle time. Onboard diagnostic data logging, zero stability trending and correction, and early detection of valve corrosion or clogging allow semiconductor manufacturers to achieve tighter tolerances and maintain uniformity in etch profiles and critical dimensions. The combination of these features allows the GF135 to deliver exceptional accuracy and cost savings to the semiconductor industry.