plus 4, Bear Stearns Companies Inc : - CNBC

Bear Stearns Companies Inc : - CNBC
Introducing the BF-Series Brushless Electric Torque Screwdrivers - PR Inside
Supporting Your Family - PC World
Freightliner gives OOIDA board sneak preview of 2010 BlueTec Coronado - The Trucker
New Tuffy Tire Delivers Auto Repair and Service that Others Only ... - PRLog (free press release)

Posted: 28 Oct 2009 01:19 PM PDT

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Introducing the BF-Series Brushless Electric Torque Screwdrivers - PR Inside

Posted: 28 Oct 2009 01:05 PM PDT

2009-10-28 21:03:04 -

/ EIN Presswire / Mountz, Inc. introduces the BF-Series, a new line of brushless electric torque screwdrivers as the premier assembly tool in the Mountz E-DRIV brand of power tool products. Designed for high production environments, the E-DRIV BF-Series feature a high performance brushless motor design that provides durability and reduces the standard maintenance costs for electric screwdrivers.

Additionally, costly mechanical micro switches have been eliminated in the BF series in favor of non-contact magnetic sensors.

In addition to lower maintenance costs, the BF tool is ESD certified, ensuring less than 1 Ohm at the bit tip. ESD management in power tools ensures product quality, cost savings and a reduction in overall ESD failures. Manufacturing engineers involved with microelectronic products are aware of the importance of controlling Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) failures. Lapses in preventing the occurrence of electrostatic discharge can affect production yields, manufacturing costs, product quality, product reliability, reputation and profitability.

Static damage to electronic components can be realized as catastrophic or latent failures. Catastrophic failures are easier to detect and resolve. With this type of failure the part is "dead" and will not function. It may be costly to repair but is easy to manage. With latent failures the problem is much worse as the failure may not be detected in testing but is a "time bomb" waiting to happen. Since this product will get into the field and cause intermittent problems or failure in the field, it can be a much more costly problem.

The BF-Series features an Over Heat Protection (OHP) and Over Current Protection (OCP) that
protects the electric screwdriver from damage or malfunction. The temperature detection powers down the unit and resets automatically when unit restores to acceptable levels. The BF-Series is designed with a LED display that signals the tool's status for the operator to clearly view.

Benefits of the versatile BF-Series are available in five styles for a variety of assembly applications.

The different styles of the brushless electric screwdrivers provide manufacturers flexibility and ability to select the proper tool for their application. The standard BF-Series models are available in "Push-to-Start" or "Lever-Start" configuration with various models covering a torque range of 0.3 - 10.4 inch-pounds.

Mountz offers a BF-Series "Plus" model that features a selectable Double Hit Mode for soft joint
applications and a selectable Soft Start mode. When an electric screwdriver runs down a fastener and the tool clutches off once the preset torque is achieved there can be some joint relaxation that can occur. Joint relaxation is caused by the surface of part(s) embedding or by "soft parts" such as gaskets, plastics or spongy material, which collapses under the clamping force created in a torque condition. The clutch of the BF-Series "Plus" electric screwdriver works twice at the set torque under the "Double Hit" mode. The Double Hit will increase the repeatability accuracy at the target torque by double-checking. The "Soft Start" mode is for applications that require the power tool to slowly ramp-up to its operating speed, perfect for plastic or sensitive applications. There are 3 different time settings for the Soft Start mode, which are (0.2, 0.4 & 0.6 seconds).

The innovative BF-Series "Soft Stop" model is designed for sensitive applications with a low torque specification. Built with a precision "Soft-Stop" clutch these power tools decrease the impact and vibration transmitted in the screw fastening processes. The "Soft Stop" models prevent shock to sensitive assemblies like disk drives, plastics, ceramics and other electronics.

There are two additional BF-Series models. A "Time Control and Auto Reverse" model allows the operator the ability to set the start, stop and operating direction of the brushless electric screwdriver. This power tool model is ideal for installation of helically wound inserts, light tapping or gauging applications. Then there's a "Speed Control" BF-Series model, which let's the operator adjust the RPM directly on the tool. The selectable RPM settings are 300-700 RPM.

Mountz electric torque screwdrivers are designed for precision torque control and have become the state-of-the-art in innovative assembly.

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Supporting Your Family - PC World

Posted: 28 Oct 2009 12:08 PM PDT

I'm the tech support person for my extended family. My guess is that because you're reading this blog, you fill that same role.

My mother has been having problems with her iMac--the onset of horizontal lines on the monitor after running the computer for an hour or so, which strongly hints at a hardware problem. I helped with the purchase of that computer and, dutiful son that I am, told her that AppleCare was a must.

So, two years in, and the iMac gets funky. "No problem," I tell her. "Just call Apple and they'll take care of you. You're far enough away from an Apple Store that they'll surely send you a shipping box for its trip back to the repair depot."

But no. It was off to the Apple Authorized Dealer a few towns away. Fair enough.

Except the next day Mom calls and tells me that the technician declared that the Mac was perfectly fine and she just needed $300 of RAM, which prompted this conversation between me and the store's tech:

Me: Why are you suggesting a RAM upgrade for a computer that clearly has a hardware problem?

Tech: Well, Skype keeps popping up automatically and that uses memory. And she said her Mac was slow.

Me: She said her Mac had horizontal lines that appeared after awhile. RAM isn't going to fix that. And you know you can tell Skype to not auto-launch, right?

Tech: I tested it with Apple's Hardware Test disc and it said it was fine.

Me: How long did you run the Mac?

Tech: It took 45 minutes to run the test.

Me: You ran it for only 45 minutes? Why not run it all day and keep an eye out for the screen issues. This is not an unusual problem.

Tech: Well, I ran it for three hours. I also repaired the iMac's permissions. When you repair permissions you...

Me: I know what happens when you repair permissions, thank you. I also know that repairing permissions doesn't fix hardware.

Tech: What do you want me to do?

Me: I want you to not install any more RAM--particular $90 worth of RAM that costs $300. I also want you to put that Mac in a corner somewhere, turn it on, and leave it on until the screen acts up. If, after two days, it doesn't, you've made a great effort and I'll have my mother pick it up. If it misbehaves again, she'll call AppleCare and tell them that a nearly 80-year-old woman shouldn't be hot-footing it around the desert with an iMac strapped to her back. My hope is that as a result of that conversation a shipping box will appear on her doorstep the next morning.

Sheesh....

Let me make clear that I'm not suggesting that Apple Authorized Dealers are any less skilled than their Apple Store counterparts. And I also understand that intermittent problems are the bane of any technician. Diagnosing this kind of thing can be difficult. However, voodoo solutions such as repairing permissions and throwing RAM at the problem aren't cool.

So, what can you as the family support unit do? Make these suggestions to those you support:

Before calling Apple, call me.

You want to be as sure as possible that a problem really exists before contacting AppleCare. Yes, the tech who answers will run through the steps necessary to determine if there's a real issue, but perhaps you could save that person some trouble by first determining if the computer's plugged in.

If you have AppleCare, don't let anyone sell you anything until you check with me.

The beauty of AppleCare is that you pay up front to save you money should something go wrong later. Should a tech suggest that your problem can be solved with the addition of X, Y, or Z when the computer was operating perfectly well a few weeks ago, be suspicious--within reason.

And within reason means that if you've filled the hard drive to the brim, loaded your Mac down with half a dozen new peripherals, and installed just as many new memory-hogging applications, consider that circumstances have changed and the addition of more RAM or a more expansive hard drive may be valuable advice.

Call me if there's a problem.

One of the burdens you carry as the support person is to talk the talk when things get technical. "Repair permissions" could easily confound a relative, but you know better. Give the tech a call, be as polite as possible, and try to determine exactly what's going on. In nearly every case, the tech is going to know far more about the issue than you will and deserves the benefit of the doubt. And that's something you want the supported to know as well--techs are almost always working for their benefit.

But if they're obviously snowing you, be very clear about what they are and are not authorized to do. If they appear to be ready to give up, urge them to send it to Apple.

Call me afterwards.

How'd it work out? Is your computer happy? Were you happy with the service you received? Do you hate me for recommending that you purchase a Mac?

The answers to these questions may have a real effect on where you spend next Thanksgiving.

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Freightliner gives OOIDA board sneak preview of 2010 BlueTec Coronado - The Trucker

Posted: 28 Oct 2009 11:46 AM PDT

The Trucker News Services

10/28/2009

GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. — Freightliner Trucks gave the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) board of directors a sneak preview of the new 2010 BlueTec Coronado at the organization's headquarters here recently.

Melissa Clausen, director of marketing for Freightliner Trucks, said the new BlueTec Coronado for 2010 is the "perfect blend of form and function," and offers Freightliner's top-of-the-line heavy-duty truck with updated technological innovations, traditional and luxurious styling, revamped comfort features, improved aerodynamics, emissions control and fuel economy.

"The new BlueTec Coronado commands attention on the road. It is ideal for owner-operators who want a truck that not only turns heads, but turns profits," Clausen said.

The BlueTec Coronado was designed with style and efficiency in mind, she said.

"Our goal was to create a traditionally-styled aerodynamic truck that would help owners reduce fuel consumption and increase bottom line profits," Clausen said.

Available with the Detroit Diesel DD13, DD15 and DD16 engines, as well as the revolutionary new BlueTec emissions control technology, the new BlueTec Coronado will deliver a fuel economy improvement of up to 5 percent compared to EPA 2007 engines using an evolution of the selective catalytic reduction technology developed by Daimler, Freightliner officials said.

The 2010 Cummins ISX will also be available on the new Coronado.

The hood of the new Coronado is constructed out of one-piece fiberglass that is robust, yet easy to repair, incorporating parting lines to assist the body shop and reduce repair costs.

The truck's smooth stainless steel grille is ready for years of use, sporting a chrome-plated hood handle designed to enhance airflow over the truck.

The curved two-piece windshield is sloped for better airflow, decreasing wind resistance and further lowering fuel costs. Dual chrome steel intakes come standard on the Coronado.

Clausen said notable features of the new Coronado include a strong, durable cab of high-strength, lightweight aluminum that allows owner-operators to increase revenue by hauling larger payloads.

A new 90 degree hood tilt makes daily fluid level checks effortless and an up-to 50 degree wheel cut — comparable to many set-back axle trucks — helps the Coronado to maneuver easily. New headlights are both stylish and durable, and readily available at any auto parts store for easy replacement without needing special tools.

"Interiors feature Oregon Burl Wood trim and accents, noise abatement materials and double sealed doors and an updated dashboard designed with the driver experience in mind," Clausen said. "The Coronado's sleeper includes strategically placed cabinets to maximize storage, and a stow-away upper bunk provides extra bed space. A pullout writing surface, clothing rack and a separate control panel for heat, air conditioning and lighting complete the interior."

Freightliner Trucks is a division of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, headquartered in Portland, Ore. 8

The Trucker staff can be reached to comment on this article at editor@thetrucker.com.

Follow The Trucker on Twitter at www.twitter.com/truckertalk.

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New Tuffy Tire Delivers Auto Repair and Service that Others Only ... - PRLog (free press release)

Posted: 28 Oct 2009 01:26 PM PDT

PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 28, 2009 – The new Mulberry Tuffy store, locally owned and operated by Robert Harris, is located at 6597 North Church Avenue, in front of Super Wal-Mart. Shop hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

To celebrate the store's grand opening, Tuffy is offering special discounts and incentives including an Oil Change with a FREE Tire Rotation for $16.95. Appointments for this service are recommended.

Tuffy carries all major tire brands and sizes and will always inspect tire pressure, tread depth, and wear patterns on your vehicle for FREE! Be sure to contact the store by phone at 863-425-3444 regarding the Tuffy Tire Advantage. With every tire purchase, Tuffy provides FREE lifetime services of tire rotations, balance checks, and alignment checks.

Today's consumers shop for more than price; they want service and quality too. Tuffy delivers all three! Tuffy technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and in addition to oil changes and new tire service, Tuffy offers a complete list of full service automotive care for all makes and models, both foreign and domestic, including air conditioning repair, tire repair and replacement, general vehicle maintenance, brakes, exhaust, shocks and struts, heating and cooling, and starting and charging. At Tuffy, brake and exhaust inspections are always free!

Tuffy is one of the largest full-service automotive repair franchises in the country. Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Tuffy Associates Corp. operates and franchises over 235 Tuffy Tire and Auto Service Centers in Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Barry Unrast at 419/865-6900 or email at BarryU@tuffy.com.

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