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Laboratory research and development

Brand-Rex approves LanTEK® II cable certifier from IDEAL INDUSTRIES

Brand-Rex, a leading global supplier of structured cabling systems for data networks and a niche provider of high performance cables for extreme environment applications, has approved the LanTEK® II series for certification of the installed performance of Brand-Rex 10GPlus, Cat6Plus and GigaPlus structured cabling systems in channel, permanent link or CP link configurations against the published international standards.

Ken Hodge, R&D Manager at Brand-Rex Ltd commented: "The new LanTEK® II cable certifier is a significant advancement in test technology. In our tests, the LanTEK® II proved reliable and consistent in the measurement of both screened and unscreened cabling systems."

The LanTEK® II cable certifier series provides certification to TIA, ISO and IEC LAN cabling standards. In addition, IDEAL's FiberTEK® FDX fibre optic modules enable the LanTEK® II to certify multi-mode and single mode fibre to TSB Tier 1 standards.

The three new LanTEK® II models (frequency ranges of 350MHz, 500MHz and 1GHz) offer faster test speeds, a 10.5cm widescreen display and improved Lithium-Ion batteries, with up to 18 hours of field use. The range makes use of  IDEAL's patented measurement system, which provides reduced cost of ownership by eliminating expensive permanent link adaptors. The unique DUALmodeä test function enables the user to test a copper link against two different standards with a single Autotest, making it easy to test a link to current standards, as well as measure the performance margin against future standards with higher performance requirements; while adding only one second to the Autotest time.

The new FiberTEK™ FDX modules for certifying fibre links or backbones simply plug into the adapter bay of the LanTEK® II certifier. The unique full duplex capability of the FiberTEK® FDX makes fibre certification as easy as copper certification. A single strand of fibre connected between the handsets is tested at two wavelengths and in both directions at once. Fibre length is accurately measured as well. Never before has it been possible to measure a single strand of fibre and report the length and all four insertion loss tests without swapping test instruments or connectors!

Gilbert Owens, Sales Manager at IDEAL INDUSTRIES (U.K.) LIMITED comments: "Brand-Rex began testing our LanTEK® II series back in July 2009, when we launched it in the UK. The approval demonstrates the high reliability and performance of the LanTEK® II, which is now the most technically advanced package available for copper and fibre certification - at a very competitive price."

For further information, view the "What's New" section on: www.idealindustries.co.uk or e-mail: ideal_UK@idealindustries.com   Refer to page 231

Create your own colors: BASF and X-Rite
break new ground in color coating of tablets

BASF and X-Rite open up an easy to handle on-site approach to color coating tablets by combining the latest tablet color determination device with BASF's Kollicoat® IR Coating Systems. With ColorEye XTH, X-Rite offers a portable tool for tablet color determination. The tablet color is then easily translated into BASF's Kollicoat IR Coating Systems recipe, matching the desired color shade perfectly. This collaboration is part of the ongoing trend towards immediate availability of results without any outsourcing activities.

 "This unique, systematic and easy-to-apply approach to color matching draws on the expertise of both BASF and X-Rite to provide a solution that responds to the specific challenges faced by pharmaceutical formulators today. This solution goes beyond anything else currently available," says Dr. Kathrin Meyer-Böhm, Pharma Ingredients and Services, BASF SE. Within minutes the color of a tablet can be determined by ColorEye XTH and translated into a Kollicoat IR Coating Systems recipe that can be formulated easily on-site. This approach replaces complex logistic processes and ensures that in-house formulation knowledge remains confidential.
 
"Through this collaboration with BASF, we can reach out to customers in a wider scope, from technical aspects to manufacturing and development sectors. We see this as a successful collaboration and expect good business to follow," adds Francesco Tomasello, Vice President Marketing & Sales EMEA, X-Rite.
BASF's Kollicoat IR Coating Systems are an innovative modular system of seven base colors. The base colors are designed to combine easily to produce instantly recognizable tablets in hundreds of different shades. Kollicoat IR Coatings Systems, with excellent flow properties, quick re-dispersibility and very low viscosity, allow a shorter spray process because they accommodate high concentrations of solids over a wide temperature range. These unique characteristics result in high quality film coatings and cost-effective coating processes.
 
X-Rite's XTH ColorEye Handheld Spectrophotometer is a practical device that accurately measures tablet and capsule colors. The ColorEye XTH precisely measures the colors of contoured and textured opaque parts in a wide range of sizes, taking into account how the human eye responds to surface effects. The instrument has different apertures to accommodate a wide range of tablet sizes and shapes.
 
This unique on-site approach to color matching for pharmaceutical applications is part of BASF's ExActCoat+ coating events. Upcoming ExActCoats+ are planned for the US and Asia in the fall of 2011. For further information please contact the BASF coating experts at coatingsystems@basf.com.

X-Rite in profile
(NASDAQ: XRIT) X-Rite Incorporated is the global leader in color science and technology. The company, which now includes design industry color leader Pantone, Inc., develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite's expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical.

For further information, view website: www.xrite.com 
Refer to page 223
 
BASF Pharma Ingredients & Services
BASF produces and markets a broad range of generic active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients, as well as exclusive synthesis services for the pharmaceutical industry. These products are made using the latest technologies, to the highest quality standards and in compliance with cGMP guidelines. Further information can be found at:: www.pharma-ingredients.basf.com
 
BASF in profile
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and agricultural products to oil and gas. As a  reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of about €63.9 billion in 2010 and had approximately 109,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN).

For further information, view website: www.basf.com or in its Social Media Newsroom at: www.newsroom.basf.com 
Refer to page 223

Latest innovations in automotive testing systems

Moog's new Integrated Test Suite software which simplifies set-ups and lets users run a large number of basic and sophisticated tests quickly. It operates with both electric and hydraulic test systems and its unique architecture allows test data to be centrally accessed. "Test it your way" says it all; the Integrated Test Suite can adapt to the test requirements of users through the availability of extra modules as operator expertise develops.

Moog's latest test controller called the Modular Test Controller is intended for simple and complex tests on components, materials and vehicles including shock absorber, single-axis systems, vibration and performance evaluation tests. Featuring advanced control loop technology it is accessible from the operator's desktop while also allowing for easy integration into test machines on a network.

For further information view website: www.moog.com/industrial 

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