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Nothing new from the company lately. Very light volume.
With the current spot oil & gas prices Texhoma sp should get a pronounced boost imho.
Heading lower bid/ask 4.25/4.26
Yes, very strong. Inch by inch moving up.
Bouncing now between 4.27 and 4.35
Bid/ask 4.31/4.33
Analyst estimate... .05 per share for the qtr
http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=CPSL&t=1y&l=on&z=m&q=c&c=
Heavy selling now -- dropped to 4.30
Huge boost today. Still heading to 31?
Lots of buyers pushing the price up in anticipation of the conference call. Just hit HOD 4.49 or so.
TOU reminder - no vulgarity. Thanks.
Yes, nice move today. Conf call tomorrow.
China Precision Steel Announces Conference Call to Discuss Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2008 Results
Friday May 9, 9:00 am ET
SHANGHAI, China, May 9 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- China Precision Steel (Nasdaq: CPSL - News), a niche precision steel processing company principally engaged in producing and selling high precision cold-rolled steel products, today announced that it will conduct a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 15, 2008 to discuss the third quarter fiscal 2008 results.
Joining Dr. Wo Hing Li, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of China Precision Steel, will be Ms. Leada Li, Chief Financial Officer.
To participate in the live conference call, please dial the following number five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled conference call time: 888-482-0024. International callers should dial 617-801-9702. When prompted by the operator, mention Conference Passcode 863 969 80.
If you are unable to participate in the call at this time, a replay will be available for fourteen days starting on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To access the replay, dial 888-286-8010 and enter the passcode 18376926. International callers should dial 617-801-6888 and enter the passcode 18376926.
This conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties by clicking on http://www.chinaprecisionsteelinc.com . Please access the link at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. For those unable to participate during the live broadcast, a 90 day replay will be available shortly after the call by accessing the same link.
About China Precision Steel
China Precision Steel is a niche precision steel processing company principally engaged in the production and sale of high precision cold-rolled steel products and provides value added services such as heat treatment and cutting medium and high carbon hot-rolled steel strips. China Precision Steel produces high precision ultra-thin (3.0 mm to 0.03 mm) cold-rolled steel products primarily for automotive components, food packaging materials, saw blades and textile needle manufacturing companies in the People's Republic of China. China Precision Steel's operation is currently located in the People's Republic of China. However, China Precision Steel intends to expand overseas into Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, the European Union and the United States in the future.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: business conditions in China, weather and natural disasters, changing interpretations of generally accepted accounting principles; outcomes of government reviews; inquiries and investigations and related litigation; continued compliance with government regulations; legislation or regulatory environments, requirements or changes adversely affecting the businesses in which the Company is engaged; cyclicality of steel consumption including overcapacity and decline in steel prices, limited availability of raw material and energy may constrain operating levels and reduce profit margins, environmental compliance and remediation could result in increased cost of capital as well as other relevant risks not included herein. The information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the information contained in this press release.
For more information, please contact:
Investor Relations Contact:
Mr. Crocker Coulson
President
CCG Elite Investor Relations
Tel: +1-646-213-1915 (NY Office)
Email: crocker.coulson@ccgir.com
Web: http://www.ccgelite.com
Source: China Precision Steel
Is that a good thing?
USA is Europe's shopping mall due to the favorable exchange rate not to mention the fact that NG is one of the leading suppliers for this type of equipment. Great article, thanks for the dd!
Do you think we will win the contract? Lockheed is a very tough competitor but after the tanker loss perhaps BA sharpened their pencil?
I spoke with Bill (the IR rep @ Gulf Coast) a few minutes ago. He had no comment on Force Energy.
pink sheets dot com
Yes, it seems fine but I am rotating some of my portfolio. Do you follow whole sectors or specific stocks or both?
Tyco - New IEC connector filters for high-power applications
Published May 12 2008
Tyco - New IEC connector filters for high-power applicationsAlongside its IEC connector filter packages for standard and medical applications, Tyco Electronics now offers a filter for high-POWER applications. The EJT filter series' two-stage construction, improved HF screening and high-quality components make it an ideal solution for noise attenuation within the high frequency range of up to 1GHz. The components can be used in computer systems, plasma and LCD screens which are connected to mains power using IEC CONNECTORS.
The EJT filter series offers various output connection options and features very compact design. It is therefore suitable for virtually any standard panel cut-out and allows very simple screw mounting, both from the front as well as from the rear of the device on which interference suppression is required.
For current ratings of 1-15A (VDE 10A) the EJT filter series is fitted with an IEC 320/C14 input plug, while for equipment with higher power ratings up to 20A (VDE 16A) an IEC 320/C20 plug is used.
All versions of the EJT filter series are UL and VDE approved and are RoHS compliant. Due to their 'outstanding' price-performance ratio, the IEC connector filters offer an ideal solution for many interference suppression problems, says the company.
http://www.electropages.com/viewArticle.aspx?intArticle=10747
International Paper and RR Donnelley Challenged to Address Climate Ch (2º)
09/05/2008 18:45:00 Business Wire Domini Resolutions on Other Topics Achieve Success Domini achieved success on a number of other shareholder resolutions, including the following: -- Domini s resolution calling on Becton Dickinson to phase out brominated flame retardants received a strong vote of 36% at the company s annual meeting, the highest ever received for a resolution focused on toxics.
-- Domini withdrew a resolution with American Express in exchange for the company s agreement to begin annual public reporting of its political contributions, including certain payments to trade associations used for political purposes.
Domini s resolution with AT&T on the same topic received a vote of 32% after receiving support from RiskMetrics Group, a leading proxy voting advisory service.
-- Domini withdrew a resolution with J.C.
Penney when the company agreed to develop a policy on the use of PVC plastic in products and packaging and begin replacing PVC with safer, more sustainable materials.
Details on all of the resolutions filed or co-filed by Domini are available at the Shareholder Activism section of Domini s website at www.domini.com.
About Domini Social Investments Domini Social Investments manages more than $1.3 billion in assets for individual and institutional mutual fund investors seeking to create positive change in society by integrating social and environmental standards into their investment decisions.
Two fundamental principles underlie the global investment standards that Domini applies to each of its investment products: the promotion of a society that values human dignity and the enrichment of our natural environment.
Domini views these twin goals as crucial to a healthier, wealthier, and more sustainable world.
Each investor should consider the Domini Funds investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing.
Obtain a copy of each Fund s current prospectus for more complete information on these and other topics by calling 1-800-762-6814 or at www.domini.com.
Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.
DSIL Investment Services LLC, Distributor.
05/08
BA is very strong. The production delays are disappointing but not completely unexpected imho.
Diode Laser Module Offers Increased Brightness And High Reliability
May 12, 2008
Santa Clara, CA - Two new fiber coupled diode laser arrays from Coherent, Inc. offer substantially higher brightness than previously available from the company, without any sacrifice in reliability or lifetime. Specifically, the FAP 200 delivers either >50 W at 976 nm or >30 W at 808 nm from a 200 µm core diameter fiber with a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.22. The FAP 400 provides either >40W at 880 nm or >45W at 808 nm from a 400 µm core diameter fiber having a 0.22 NA. Both these high brightness fiber coupled diode laser arrays utilize Coherent's AAA (aluminum-free active area) technology to achieve industry leading MTTF (mean time to failure) and operating lifetime characteristics.
The FAP 200 and FAP 400 are intended to service a variety of applications in materials processing, such as plastics welding and soldering, as well as solid state laser pumping and therapeutic medical uses. For industrial applications, their higher brightness translates directly into increased process throughput. For laser pumping, high brightness enables increased laser system output.
SOURCE: Coherent Inc., Laser Group
ITT selected to contribute to NASA mission
Updated: May 12, 2008 10:21 AM
WHITE PLAINES, N.Y. (WANE) - ITT Corporation announced Monday the company was selected for an award under NASA's Instrument Incubator Program.
In October 2007, ITT was selected as the instrument provider for the CORSAIR (Calibrated Observations of Radiance Spectra from the Atmosphere in the far-Infrared) technology development initiative, headed by NASA's Langley Research Center. This led to the company's contribution to a CORSAIR team proposal for Instrument Incubator funding and the subsequent award announced today, valued at $500,000 for ITT over the next three years.
ITT's role in CORSAIR will be the design, development and testing of spectrometer technology to support NASA's planned CLARREO mission. A key component of the NASA Decadal Study Earth Science program, CLARREO will provide the first comprehensive, well-calibrated measurements of the far-infrared (and infrared) spectrum from space. Collection and analysis of this data will reduce the uncertainty in predictions of Earth's future climate.
"ITT has decades of experience designing space science instruments and associated systems covering much of the electro-magnetic spectrum," said Chris Young, president of ITT Space Systems Division. "Our contributions on the CORSAIR team hold the promise of increasingly accurate climate change measurement."
Additionally, in late February 2008, ITT's Space Systems Division announced it had been awarded seven NASA strategic missions concept studies. The space agency periodically conducts these studies to determine future astrophysics missions and technology-development funding.
ITT's Space Systems Division provides innovative remote sensing and navigation solutions to customers in the Department of Defense, intelligence, space science and commercial aerospace to help them visualize and understand critical events happening on Earth, in the air, or in space in time to take effective action. Leveraging comprehensive capabilities, Space Systems' solutions span from image and data collection through processing and dissemination. Key applications include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; high-resolution commercial imaging; space science; meteorology and Earth sciences; GPS navigation; image and data processing and dissemination; and space control and missile defense. For more information on ITT's Space Systems Division, please visit ssd.itt.com.
About ITT Corporation
ITT Corporation (itt.com) is a diversified high-technology engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to creating more livable environments, enabling communications and providing protection and safety. The company plays an important role in vital markets including water and fluids management, global defense and security, and motion and flow control. ITT employs approximately 40,000 people serving customers in more than 50 countries. Headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., the company generated $9 billion in 2007 sales.
LONG BEACH (Mffais.com) - Ssga Small Cap Fund added the Dionex Corp (DNEX) company to their portfolio, by buying 1,931 shares as shown by filings made public on 2008-05-07.
The stock is currently owned by 214 funds/institutions with a total activity score of 0.41. With 54.63 % of owning funds reported recently buying shares, 13.91 % maintaining existing share level and 31.44 % selling shares. Full details for Dionex Corp (DNEX) available at http://www.mffais.com/dnex.html
Can China Take on Boeing and Airbus?
Despite the mainland's spotty record of building jumbo jets, a new company has been launched to reduce Chinese reliance on Western planes
by Chi-Chu Tschang
Asia
At the Beijing airport. China's government hopes its new company to manufacture jumbo jets will reduce the country's reliance on Airbus and Boeing. LIU JIN/AFP/Getty Images
China hasn't had a good track record building jumbo jets. The first Made-in-China jumbo was the Shanghai Y-10, which had its maiden flight on Sept. 26, 1980. The 150-seat jet was as big as a Boeing 707 and bore a striking similarity to the American plane. The Y-10 flew 130 times, but the Chinese retired it in 1985 because local airlines refused to purchase it, preferring to buy the more fuel-efficient planes from Boeing (BA) and McDonnell Douglas instead.
Two decades later, the Chinese government is hoping for better luck. At a ceremony in Shanghai on May 11, China unveiled its latest attempt to build a jumbo jet—or literally "big airplane" in Mandarin—with the launch of the Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (CACC). The company's mandate: build jumbo jets to reduce the nation's reliance on Western-made planes. There's no shortage of demand. The aviation industry conservatively predicts the country will buy 2,800 new airplanes worth $329 billion over the next 20 years to keep up with China's scorching air travel growth (BusinessWeek.com, 12/6/05). "Obviously, China wants to be part of this perceived profitable airplane making business," says Martin Lin, head of the American Chamber of Commerce in China's aerospace group. "But profits will come only when China will be able successfully to capture international markets."
As the country's failure with the Y-10 shows, that is a big "if." Alarmists say that China entering the ring to manufacture jumbo jets could pose a threat to the Boeing and Airbus duopoly down the road (BusinessWeek.com, 3/22/07). Publicly, Boeing and Airbus have sought to downplay any friction, saying they are willing to work together with China to help build its jumbo jet. "Boeing recognizes and respects the ambitions of other countries and companies to enter commercial aerospace as large airplane manufacturers," a Boeing spokeswoman wrote in an e-mail. "Boeing will continue its legacy of cooperation with customers and suppliers worldwide."
Fuel and Maintenance are Key
Industry experts say that fears about China quickly eating Boeing and Airbus' lunch are overblown. For starters, no one knows when the country's jumbo jet will be ready. The government has set a goal of having a plane that can seat more than 150 passengers, which is smaller than the jumbo jets made by Boeing and Airbus that seat more than 400 passengers, ready by 2020. But in interviews with the Chinese media, CACC President Jin Zhuanglong declined to be tied to a timetable. China's attempt to build a regional commercial aircraft, the ARJ21, has been delayed because suppliers have not had key systems ready in time. The 70- to 90-seat ARJ21 jet is expected to be delivered next year. To be fair, even Airbus and Boeing's new airplanes have also been wracked by delays (BusinessWeek, 4/17/08).
Another big problem: When it comes to building jumbo jets, China's low-cost workforce is not all that significant an advantage. True, the country has lower labor costs than, say, Toulouse, France, which is why Airbus is setting up its A320 assembly line in the northeastern Chinese city of Tianjin. But airlines do not buy airplanes based on cost alone. The price tag of an aircraft accounts for only 3% to 5% of the plane's total operating cost over its 20-year lifetime. More important considerations for airlines are fuel and maintenance costs. "Building an aircraft is not even half the battle. Delivering it and supporting it over a lifetime is what really matters," says Martin Craigs, president of Aerospace Forum Asia, a Hong-Kong-based nonprofit aerospace supply chain industry association.
And while CACC is going to design primarily for domestic airlines, there is no guarantee that Chinese carriers will purchase the planes if they are not genuinely globally competitive. In the 1990s, McDonnell Douglas had a difficult time selling the MD80 and MD90 series aircraft it assembled in Shanghai to Chinese airlines because the planes cost more than what airlines could buy directly from the U.S. Today, most of China's biggest airlines are listed in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and New York, meaning they will be even more likely to base their airplane purchase decision on earning the best possible returns for their shareholders.
Learning from Failure
To be sure, China's aircraft manufacturers have learned from their past failures. CACC's design teams have already reached out to Chinese airlines to solicit their opinions on the jumbo jets' requirements and performance. But they have not included foreign airlines in the initial round of discussions. "Based on our own experience, we have learned that developing a good plane is not necessarily the most difficult," an Airbus spokesman wrote in an e-mail. "What is most difficult is to get the recognition on the world market not only to develop such a plane but also to deliver and maintain it. This is where collaboration can be helpful."
Tschang is a correspondent in BusinessWeek's Beijing bureau.
China May 12, 2008, 7:07AM EST
Big vote on the hill:
Congressional Committee Vote to Impact Jobs in Virginia
House Armed Services Committee to consider funding for new U.S. Air Force
Tanker
WASHINGTON, May 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- This week, the House Armed
Services Committee will vote on legislation that will have a direct
economic impact on the state of Virginia. The committee, which includes
Virginians Randy Forbes, Thelma Drake and Rob Wittman among its members,
will consider funding for the KC-45, the U.S. Air Force's next generation
aerial refueling tanker.
On Feb. 29, the Air Force selected Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:
NOC) to provide that tanker. Northrop Grumman has engaged 230 suppliers in
49 states to assist with the project. Those suppliers will support 48,000
new direct and indirect jobs, including 51 in Virginia, generating $3.8
million in new economic activity in the state.
"We're proud that the people of Virginia will be participating in the
effort to provide the Air Force with the tanker," said Paul Meyer, vice
president of Air Mobility Systems for Northrop Grumman. "We're also proud
that Northrop Grumman can provide an economic boost to Virginia."
Suppliers in Virginia that will participate in the development of the
Northrop Grumman KC-45 include EADS North America in Arlington,
Euro-Composites Corp. in Elkwood and Mecaero Products in Dulles. To learn
more about the impact this program will have on Virginia or the other 48
states that will participate in the program, go to this link:
http://www.northropgrumman.com/kc45/benefits/impact.html
About the KC-45
The KC-45 Tanker aircraft will be assembled in Mobile, Ala., and will
be built by a world-class industrial team led by Northrop Grumman. The
KC-45 team includes EADS North America, General Electric Aviation and
Sargent Fletcher.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company
whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions
in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to
government and commercial customers worldwide.
SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation
Contracts and revenues are different. You made some statements about contracts. The PR mentioned revenues. Is it possible there is a backlog?
By the way, thanks for the dd. I clicked on ENGLISH and the site was translated automatically.
First post on iHub? Welcome. In general, some contracts call for a scheduled delivery imho. GLTY.
See you later dragon man. I am sure our paths will cross again. Take care.
Reminder: Toshiba is an energy stock. Toshiba owns 70% of Westinghouse. Westinghouse is an energy company.
China Organic Agriculture Signs $4.3 million Sales Contract with Beijing Jingu Hengfa Trading Company
Monday May 12, 8:29 am ET
LOS ANGELES & JILIN, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--China Organic Agriculture, Inc. (OTCBB: CNOA - News), a growth-driven agricultural products company leading China's organic foods revolution, announced today that the Company, has entered into a three month sales agreement with Beijing Jingu Hengfa Trading Company, with a value equivalent to $4.3 million.
Beijing Jingu Hengfa is a well respected rice distributor in the Beijing region. China Organic engages in the production and sale of mid to upscale organic and green rice. Jingu Hengfa will be selling organic rice supplied by China Organic which will be packed in cases of six vacuum bags, with each bag weighing up to six kilograms. Jingu Hengfa will sell 1,760 tons of rice valued at $4.3 million over a three month period.
Changqing Xu, CEO of China Organic Agriculture said, “Our rice fields are in a location highly suitable for the growth of organic and green rice, and our close working arrangements with the local farmers serve as an advantage for the Company. With its well established base in the cultivation and processing of organic and green rice, the Company also uses this business core to enhance the development of distribution channels.”
Mr. Xu added “Our goal is to build a national grain market system with a complete business chain which includes grain cultivation, processing, marketing, wholesale, retail, storage, and distribution. This is a new system planned and developed by our Company’s management. The Company decided to choose the high-quality rice production area Wuchang City to implement this new system because the enterprises in this region have well established environmental conditions and food hygiene standards. Thus, the Company can obtain high quality rice supplies at an attractive price and maintain our gross profit rate. We believe the development of our operations will help China Organic take a giant step towards building its own distribution channels as well as profiting from the increase in the price of rice.”
About China Organic Agriculture
China Organic Agriculture is among the largest producers of green and organic rice in China. CNOA controls all aspects of the process from developing seeds to planting, processing, R&D and distribution. The Company has an extensive distribution network, located in the major cities in China.
CNOA has experienced significant growth since its inception in 2002. CNOA has put solid plans in place to markedly expand sales.
The quality of CNOA’s products results in the ability to obtain prices approximately 15% higher than comparable products. CNOA has in excess of 6,260 acres dedicated to the production of green and organic rice. The irrigation system is fed from the Nen River, one of the last unpolluted rivers in China. The Company’s flagship brand, ErMaPao, has won several quality awards, holds the highest organic certification and is one of the most popular brands in the country.
For more information, please visit: www.chinaorganicagriculture.com
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This document includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning estimates of, and increases in, production, cash flows and values, statements relating to the continued advancement of China Organic Agriculture’s products and other statements which are not historical facts. When used in this document, the words such as "could," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Although China Organic Agriculture Inc. believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those set forth in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, together with the risks discussed in our press releases and other communications to shareholders issued by us from time to time, such as our ability to raise capital as and when required, the availability of raw products and other supplies, competition, the costs of goods, government regulations, and political and economic factors in the People's Republic of China in which our subsidiaries operate.
Contact:
China Organic Agriculture, Inc.
Kevin McEnery, 646-200-6302
Managing Director - Finance
kevin@chinaorganicagriculture.com
or
Steve Wan, 310-441-9777
Vice President
stevewan@chinaorganicagriculture.com
or
Winning IR Company, Ltd.
Darren Minton, 212-823-0523
darren.minton@winningir.com
Source: China Organic Agriculture, Inc.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080512/20080512005586.html?.v=1
ITT awarded $26.9M Navy contract for electronic jammers
Associated Press 05.09.08, 5:21 PM ET
WASHINGTON -
ITT Corp. was awarded a $26.9 million Navy contract boost to supply 353 electronic jammers designed to prevent the detonation of improvised explosive devices, the Defense Department said late Friday.
ITT (nyse: ITT - news - people ) Electronic Systems will supply the Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare systems for use in Iraq.
Shares of ITT Corp., based in White Plains, N.Y., fell 25 cents to $64.99 Friday.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/05/09/ap4992882.html
National Instruments to Host NIWeek
Thursday, May 08, 2008; Posted: 04:43 PM
May 08, 2008
NIWeek 2008, the company s 14th annual customer and technology conference, opens Aug. 5 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas, for three days of interactive technical sessions, targeted summits, hands-on workshops and exhibitions on the latest developments for design, control, automation, manufacturing and test. The conference also features keynote presentations and demonstrations that highlight how engineers and scientists can use NI graphical system design to test, measure and fix inefficient products and processes to improve everyday life.
NIWeek provides an exciting opportunity for engineers and scientists to exchange ideas while exploring new technologies and solutions, said Dr. James Truchard, NI CEO, president and cofounder. At NIWeek 2008, we will explore innovation in green engineering and look at how the graphical system design platform is leading to the more rapid design, prototyping and deployment of more efficient systems for automated test, industrial measurement and control and embedded applications.
NIWeek 2008 features nearly 200 technical sessions including hands-on workshops, case studies and panel discussions from companies and universities such as Averna, Cornell University, General Electric, Texas Instruments and the University of California, Berkeley. The sessions will highlight the latest developments in test and data acquisition, industrial and automation, embedded design and software development as well as green engineering. In addition, the conference features technical summits on RF and wireless communications, sound and vibration and vision as well as the first ever Robotics Summit, which explores the use of NI LabVIEW software and the graphical system design platform for robotic and autonomous vehicle applications.
National Instruments helps the way engineers and scientists design, prototype and deploy systems for measurement, automation and embedded applications.
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1524784/
Press Release
Release date: May 1, 2008
Lloyd Instruments Launches Unique PET Intrinsic Viscosity Test Instrument
LARGO, FL-- Lloyd Instruments, a unit of AMETEK Measurement & Calibration Technologies, has launched the Davenport(TM) PETPlus Intrinsic Viscosity Measurement Instrument. This new compact stand-alone instrument offers significant benefits for determining the intrinsic viscosity (IV) of moisture-sensitive PET polymers, avoiding both the costs and the environmental hazard of handling and disposal of toxic solvents. The PETPlus also measures the degradation factor and provides the mean and standard deviation for each batch.
The PETPlus is supplied with a convenient integral nitrogen regulation valve for easy pressure adjustment when testing different materials. Requiring only power and a pressurized nitrogen supply, the instrument can be operated in stand-alone mode or used in conjunction with NEXYGENPlus PET, AMETEK's powerful new dedicated data analysis software package for the IV measurement of PET polymers. A user-friendly training mode is included as standard to simplify operator instruction.
Polymers can be tested by the PETPlus at virtually all stages of the production process to provide greater overall control. Tests can be completed in as little as 20 minutes on incoming resin, powder, dry granules, molten polymer, pre-forms, bottles, films and even re-ground material to eliminate scrap. Rapid testing at the different stages can be carried out using ancillary equipment for controlled sample collection and preparation. The instrument's compact construction occupies significantly less bench space than earlier models and makes it easier and quicker to load samples.
The microprocessor controlled stand-alone system provides high accuracy measurements, temperature control to + 0.1°C and storage of up to 600 test results. A backlit LCD displays instructions for the test in a variety of languages as well as the results. An RS-232 interface allows connection to a computer for downloading of results or for fully automated software control using NEXYGENPlus PET.
The PETPlus Intrinsic Viscosity Measurement Instrument uses a well established unique solvent-free method for routine IV measurement of PET. Molten PET is extruded through a calibrated die by nitrogen gas under pressure, and the LVDT probe movement against time is recorded and displayed. The system measures the optimum flow rate and calculates intrinsic viscosity. The procedure used ensures that reliable, accurate and repeatable results are easily obtained and checked against standard polymers.
A comprehensive range of sample preparation equipment including vacuum pumps and polymer dryers are available to ensure correct sample drying conditions for the instrument. By using the Quick Test Polymer Chip Grinder, the material can be ground to a fine powder to ensure drying within just 50 minutes. A Polymer Chip Transfer Vessel is available to carry dried PET directly from the process dryer to the PETPlus for instant testing.
For more information, contact AMETEK Measurement & Calibration Technologies, 8600 Somerset Drive, Largo, FL 33223. Tel: 727-536-7831. Fax: 727-539-6882 or from the Lloyd Instruments web site, www.lloyd-instruments.com.
Lloyd Instruments is a unit of AMETEK Measurement & Calibration Technologies, a division of AMETEK, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with 2007 sales of more than $2.1 billion.
CONTACT: Rich Brown (518) 689-0222
Contacts:
General Information:
Rich Brown
USA
Phone: 518-689-0222
Company Information:
Name: AMETEK Test & Calibration Instruments
Address: 8600 Somerset Dr.
City: Largo
State: FL
ZIP: 33773
Country: USA
Phone: 800-527-9999
FAX: 727-539-6882
http://www.chatillon.com
http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/544184
SVTC Taps Laetz To Lead New Solar Division
in News Departments > People
by SI Staff on Tuesday 29 April 2008
email the content item print the content item
SVTC Technologies has hired Kurt Laetz as managing director, strategic marketing, to head up its new SVTC Solar unit, which will focus on PV development services from new headquarters in San Jose, Calif.
Laetz, most recently vice president of global sales and marketing at XsunX, will develop services and capabilities specifically oriented toward companies in the solar industry. Prior to XsunX, Laetz was a board member and chief operating and financial officer of Symetrix, an intellectual-property licensing company in Colorado.
http://www.solarindustrymag.com/e107_plugins/content/content_lt.php?content.1278
General Dynamics' Piranha V makes FRES provisional selection
By Tim Ripley
09 May 2008
General Dynamics' Piranha V light armoured vehicle has been provisionally selected ahead of Artec's Boxer and Nexter's Vehicule Blind� de Combat d'Infanterie (VBCI) to meet the British Army's Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) Utility Vehicle requirement.
A written statement from the UK Defence Equipment and Support Minister Baroness Taylor described the Piranha V as the "preferred design" but only a "provisional selection".
Accordingly, questions remain over exactly what work needs to be done to get beyond the provisional selection. A statement from General Dynamics UK noted that the company "will now enter negotiations with the MoD to determine the scope of development work required".
The competition to select a Utility Vehicle Integrator is ongoing and - until that decision is made - questions also remain over the exact build strategy to get the vehicle into service, with teams from Artec, BAE Systems, EADS, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and Nexter are all vying for the role.
As the MoD's announcement stopped short of a production order, industry executives and UK MoD sources told Jane's they feared that the FRES programme had fallen victim to the UK defence "budget crunch".
http://www.janes.com/news/defence/land/jdw/jdw080509_1_n.shtml
COM DEV completes acquisition of Passive Microwave Devices Product Line from L-3 Communications
Company increases 2008 revenue guidance
EL SEGUNDO, CA, May 9 /CNW/ - COM DEV USA, LLC, a subsidiary of COM DEV
International Ltd. (TSX: CDV), today announced that it has closed its
previously announced US$12.2 million acquisition of the Passive Microwave
Devices product line from L-3 Communications.
"This acquisition has established COM DEV USA as the leading supplier of
passive microwave equipment for the US Government space market," said Dan
White, President of COM DEV USA. "We look forward to working with our new
team, who will add depth to our skilled workforce and help us aggressively
grow our US business."
COM DEV International has increased its guidance to 15 to 20% revenue
growth in fiscal 2008, compared to guidance of 10 to 15% growth prior to the
acquisition.
The Passive Microwave Devices product line has been active in more than
100 US satellite programs, producing and designing space qualified components
including multiplexers, filters, switches and ancillary components. Through
the acquisition, COM DEV gains 65 skilled employees and a rich portfolio of
intellectual property, including more than 100 patents cultivated over the
product line's 35-year history.
About COM DEV
COM DEV International Ltd. (www.comdevintl.com) is a leading global
designer and manufacturer of space hardware subsystems. With facilities in
Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, COM DEV manufactures
advanced products and subsystems that are sold to major satellite prime
contractors for use in communications, space science, remote sensing and
military satellites.
COM DEV and COM DEV USA are registered trademarks of COM DEV
International Ltd. This news release may contain certain forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ
materially from results indicated in any forward-looking statements. The
Company cautions that, among other things, in view of the rapid changes in
communications markets and technologies, and other risks including the cost
and market acceptance of the Company's new products, the level of individual
customer procurements and competitive product offerings and pricing, and
general economic circumstances, the Company's business prospects may be
materially different from forward-looking statements made by the Company.
%SEDAR: 00003673E
For further information: Gary Calhoun, Chief Financial Officer, COM DEV
International, Tel: (519) 622-2300 ext. 2826, gary.calhoun@comdev.ca; Dan
White, President, COM DEV USA, Tel: (424) 456-8006, dan.white@comdev-usa.com;
Jeff Codispodi, The Equicom Group, Tel: (416) 815-0700 ext. 261,
jcodispodi@equicomgroup.com
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2008/09/c7119.html
Professional investor sticks with what he knows
LARRY MACDONALD
Special to The Globe and Mail
May 3, 2008
IAN ST. MARTIN
AGE: 43
OCCUPATION: Software engineer turned professional investor.
PORTFOLIO: Astea International Inc., WPCS International Inc., Optelecom-NKF Inc., Ceradyne Inc., Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd., Span-America Medical Systems Inc. and lots of cash. Mr. St. Martin's portfolio is very fluid and may be different from when he described it as of March 31.
The Globe and Mail
INVESTMENT RESULTS
Mr. St. Martin, who resides in Vancouver, has a virtual portfolio on Marketocracy.com that has long been in the top 100 of more than 50,000 portfolios tracked on the U.S. website. Although growth has tapered off in the past year, the portfolio has an annualized return of 32.2 per cent since inception in May of 2001, compared with 2.6 per cent in the S&P 500 over the same period.
HOW HE STARTED
"I started dabbling in stocks in the 1990s, when I started to have some extra income from my job," Mr. St. Martin says. "However, I never took it seriously until after the crash of March, 2000. That event led me to a much deeper investigation of the market. I wanted to see if I could find any rhyme or reason to the seemingly wild gyrations of the market."
HOW HE INVESTS
"My search took me to William O'Neil [the founder of Investor's Business Daily] and his CAN SLIM system. From there, I developed my own style," he adds. The new approach proved to be enough of a winner to help him land a position as chief research analyst with Vancouver-based Asset Logics U.S. Long-Short Equity Fund (until February of this year).
He screens the earnings reports of public U.S. companies daily, looking for strong revenue and earnings growth, increasing margins, robust balance sheets, and modest valuations when compared to peers. For companies meeting his criteria, he looks at their press releases and filings to see if growth is sustainable.
That leaves a smaller number of prospects, all of which go on to a watch list. He'll pounce if he sees a spike in trading volume and an upside price move - especially if valuation is still reasonable.
The decision to buy or sell is also informed by the current state of the market. "I don't try to predict changes in the market trend, but I want to understand where it is right now so that I don't fight the trend," Mr. St. Martin said.
BEST MOVE
"I do not really have a list of best moves per se, since my success has come from a large number of very modest winners."
WORST MOVE
" "Being on margin through March and April of 2000!" The experience did provide the impetus for the investment performance that followed.
ADVICE
The most important thing is to stick with what you know. Mr. St. Martin believes there are ways to find an edge that can provide steady returns, but once "you find it, stick with it." Don't go running off in too many different directions.
He also recommends joining Marketocracy.com: "It's a fantastic platform for tracking your virtual trading, and it is free." There are also some quite useful analytic tools, such as historical data and stock screens.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080503.MKMYMO03/TPStory/Business
Military adds armor to Iraq vehicles as roadside bombs surge
By LOLITA C. BALDOR and CHELSEA CARTER, Associated Press Writers 41 minutes ago
WASHINGTON - The U.S. military is reinforcing the sides of its topline mine-resistant vehicles to shore up what could be weak points as troops see a spike in armor-piercing roadside bombings across Iraq, The Associated Press has learned.
The surge in attacks is putting the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) to the test, and so far they are largely passing. Statistics reviewed by the AP show that while bombings involving the deadly penetrating explosives have jumped by about 40 percent in the past three months, deaths in such bombings have dropped by as much as 17 percent.
Officials attribute much of the decline in deaths to the increased use of MRAPs, pronounced "M-raps." To date, about a half-dozen troops have died in incidents that involved the new bomb-resistant vehicles, and several of those deaths occurred in rollovers rather than from explosives penetrating the armor.
Military officials spoke on condition of anonymity about the statistics because some are classified. Details of specific incidents often are not provided, making it difficult to determine which type of vehicle is involved in each roadside bombing.
Army spokesman Paul Boyce said that commanders are increasing safety training to help troops better learn how to handle the heavy, ungainly vehicles.
"We're emphasizing the limitations of the vehicle's handling and the importance of understanding the lessons learned after some close calls," said Boyce, adding that the training also focuses on how to get out in an emergency. In addition, officials stress the importance of inspecting and using seat belts.
Meanwhile, at Camp Arifjahn in Kuwait, the military is reinforcing some MRAPs with additional side armor — and it shipped as many as 20 of the newly upgraded vehicles to the battlefront in April. An additional 30 are to go into Iraq beginning this month.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. James Hadley, who is overseeing the upgrades in Kuwait, said not every MRAP is getting the additional armor, which increases the vehicle's weight by as much as 5,000 pounds. The extra protection, he said, is being added to vehicles destined for hot battleground areas.
The additional armor is shipped in kits to Kuwait and installed on the MRAPs, which only recently arrived at a facility dedicated to outfitting the vehicles with antennas and equipment before being sent to troops.
Roadside bombs have long been a primary killer of troops in Iraq, and in May 2007 Defense Secretary Robert Gates declared that the speedy purchase of MRAPs was the Pentagon's top acquisition priority. The vehicles have a V-shaped hull and sit about 36 inches off the ground, so when a bomb explodes the blast is directed out and away from the troops riding inside.
Congress has provided more than $22 billion for at least 15,000 of the vehicles the Defense Department plans to acquire, mostly for the Army. The Marine Corps, citing reduced violence in Iraq and the awkward size of the vehicles, has already announced it wants only 2,300 — 1,400 fewer than initially planned.
The vehicles cost between $500,000 and $1 million each, depending on their size and how they are equipped.
"We will continue to improve the quality of the armor protection on the vehicles," Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Speakes said in an AP interview this week. "Our strategy will be a combination of improving the fleet that is already fielded over in combat, as well as putting additional capability on in the factory."
Speakes, deputy chief of staff for Army resources and equipping, was in Iraq recently and got to test drive one of the MRAPs and talk to commanders about their use. Roughly 3,000 of the vehicles are in Iraq now, with thousands more to be delivered in coming months.
Speakes said that Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, told him that using the MRAPs has saved the lives of about 40 of his soldiers. Lynch's troops control a large region south of Baghdad.
"We naturally are conscious of cost, and conscious of how much America has sacrificed to put all that capability in the hands of soldiers," said Speakes. "But when you hear a division commander just say 'thank you ... I estimate you've saved 40 of my soldier's lives,' it kind of puts it all in a different perspective."
Details of deaths related to the MRAPs are not readily available. But one soldier died early this year when his MRAP hit a very large, deeply buried roadside bomb and overturned. The soldier was the gunner, and he was sitting atop the MRAP, so it was not immediately clear whether he died as a result of the explosion or the rollover.
In other instances, one service member who was not wearing his seat belt was killed when a bomb exploded near his vehicle, and two soldiers were killed when their MRAP overturned. No other details were available.
Finally, in what may be the only instance in which explosives penetrated the MRAP, two soldiers were killed last week when the MRAP they were riding in was hit by what appeared to be one of the highly lethal explosively formed penetrators, called EFPs.
One or two other troops may have been killed previously in incidents that involved earlier, less heavily armored versions of the MRAP.
The spike in the use of EFPs can be tied in part to the surge in violence last month in Sadr City and Basra. U.S. and Iraqi troops have been battling Shiite militias there, including many armed with Iranian-made weapons.
According to military statistics, in the past three months:
• EFP incidents in Iraq jumped by nearly 40 percent, while casualties related to those attacks went down by about 17 percent.
• Overall roadside bomb incidents in Iraq increased about 10 percent, while casualties dropped by more than 40 percent.
• Roadside bomb incidents in the Baghdad area, including Sadr City, rose by about 20 percent, and casualties went up 30 percent. Fighting spiked recently due to battles with Shiite militia members in Sadr City.
• In the Baghdad area, EFP incidents increased by about 17 percent, while casualties fell by 43 percent.
Officials said that the bulk of the casualties around Baghdad during April were the result of the armor-piercing explosives.
___
Associated Press Writer Chelsea Carter contributed to this report from Camp Arifjahn, Kuwait.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080509/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/armored_vehicles