Cooper Wiring Devices’ MediaSync™ Wins Innovative Housing Technology Award
The Cooper Wiring Devices MediaSync ™ line of structured wiring products has won the 2007 Innovative Housing Technology Award (IHTA) in the Suppliers – Home Tech Products: Networking category. Now in its seventh year, the annual awards recognize significant advances and best practices by product manufacturers, integrators and builders in technology development for, and implementation by, the housing industry.
MediaSync, a state-of-the art structured wiring system that offers consumers maximum connectivity, convenience and flexibility, allows the integration of voice, data, audio and video services into a central, manageable distribution center.
The most prestigious housing technology awards in the home building industry, the IHTAs are presented by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and TecHome Builder magazine. The awards are intended to stimulate the development of innovative new products, materials and systems for residential construction by making the process of building and improving homes more efficient, livable and cost effective.
Featuring an inventive modular design, MediaSync makes custom configurations easy. MediaSync offers a variety of service modules to create any type of networked home solution, from cost-effective Value Kits to upgradeable whole-house installations for maximum flexibility. MediaSync’s unique design, with its universal 2-grid mounting system and enclosure with side, top and bottom access, makes a home virtually “future proof” by preparing it for rapidly changing home technologies. Cooper Wiring Devices plans to continue to expand the MediaSync line of products, offering easy-to-install and innovative product solutions.
For more information, visit www.cooperwiringdevices.com.
LENOX® Introduces DIAMOND™ Reciprocating Saw Blades
Patent pending design offers the FIRST effective cast iron cutting blade
LENOX® announces the introduction of the LENOX DIAMOND Reciprocating Saw Blade specially designed for cutting cast iron.
The new blade cuts through cast iron three times faster than carbide grit reciprocating saw blades. This dramatic performance improvement is made possible with the use of industrial diamonds brazed to a narrow blade edge. The LENOX DIAMOND Reciprocating Saw Blade's patent pending design increases the speed of material removal on a cutting application that is notorious for its resistance to conventional separation methods.
"The LENOX DIAMOND Reciprocating Saw Blade is the first effective blade for cutting cast iron," stated Web Shaffer, senior product manager, LENOX. "Most blades require several blade replacements for one cut. The LENOX DIAMOND can cut through cast iron with only one blade which provides users with a much lower cost per cut. The strength of our new blade also produces a straight, clean cut that is much better for joining new cast iron pipe together."
In addition to providing fast, clean cuts, in-house laboratory tests have concluded that the blade will last up to three times longer than other grit blades currently on the market.
Ideal for cutting cast iron, the LENOX DIAMOND blade is also able to cut other tough materials, including fiberglass and ceramic tile, clay pipe, stone, brick, marble, plaster, cement siding board, and laminate flooring.
The LENOX DIAMOND reciprocating blade is available at plumbing, electrical and construction distributors nationwide.
For more information, visit www.LENOXsaw.com.
Thomas & Betts Engineer Wins NEMA Kite & Key Award Engineering Support Services Director George Dauberger Cited for Work with NEMA
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) recently presented Thomas & Betts Engineering Support Services Director George Dauberger with its Kite & Key Award for his volunteer leadership roles in the organization. The award, which “recognizes individuals who have advanced the interests of the electrical industry through active and sustained involvement in the affairs of NEMA,” was presented during NEMA’s 80 th Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., Nov. 11 to 13, 2006.
“Over the last 20 years, George has been consistently someone on whom NEMA and the electrical industry can count to serve as a leader in dealing with critical issues,” said NEMA Chairman Tim Powers. “He’s knowledgeable, reliable, focused and a natural consensus builder.”
Dauberger is currently chairman of Section 5CT (Cable Tray), NEMA Division 5 (Building Equipment Division) and NEMA/NFPA Liaison Committee, and is an active member of other sections and committees. He also served as chairman of Sections 5FB (Conduit Fittings), 5OS (Outlet Boxes), 5PR (Pin and Sleeve) and 5EN (Enclosures).
Dauberger began his career as a design engineer at Midland Ross in 1965, and remained with the company through its acquisition by American Electric in 1988 and Thomas & Betts’ acquisition of American Electric in 1992. In his current position at Thomas & Betts, he is responsible for international product listings, certification and documentation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Point Park University in Pittsburgh.
In his acceptance speech for the Kite & Key Award, Daubeger thanked his wife for her patience with his extensive business travel, three mentors, all of whom were previous Kite & Key Award winners, and Thomas & Betts for supporting his participation in NEMA.
“I’ve been fortunate to have worked for a company that has supported my participation to the fullest extent on committees that have helped formulate the future of our industry,” Dauberger said. “I’m grateful that Thomas & Betts recognizes that you can’t be an influence if you don’t participate.”
Maui High Performance Computing Center Chooses Liebert 
Technology from Emerson Network Power to Safeguard New Supercomputer
Liebert power and cooling solutions supply high-availability, flexible support for critical Department of Defense research
Emerson Network Power recently announced that its Liebert power and cooling technologies were chosen as the mission-critical support infrastructure for a new Terascale supercomputing platform at the Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC), a U.S. Air Force Research Center managed by the University of Hawaii in Kihei, Maui.
Part of the Air Force Maui Optical & Supercomputer (AMOS) Site, MHPCC provides critical computing support for high-priority Department of Defense research such as simulating turbulent flows around aircraft and modeling laser beam qualities. The addition of a 5,120-processor Dell PowerEdge supercomputing cluster increases the center's computational capability to 62 teraflops. In initial testing, the system delivered a clock speed of 42.39 teraflops, ranking it the 11 th-fastest in the world on the November 2006 list of Top 500 Supercomputer Sites (as compiled by researchers from the University of Tennessee and the University of Mannheim) . A planned expansion in 2008 will double its computing capacity to 120 teraflops.
MHPCC built a new, 8,000-square-foot data center to house the new supercomputer. A high availability power system featuring multiple Liebert 610 UPS modules working in concert with Liebert power distribution units provides for the electrical needs of the new supercomputer. Liebert Deluxe precision cooling systems, which distribute air through a 36-inch raised floor, deliver p recise, reliable control of room temperature, humidity, and air flow .
"This acquisition advances MHPCC to the forefront of high-performance computing and re-establishes it among the leaders of the Department of Defense research and development community," said MHPCC Executive Director Gene Bal. "Because our success depends not only on our processing capability, but also on our ability to deliver uninterrupted access to our resources, we needed world-class infrastructure to support this world-class facility."
MHPCC is located in a remote area that experiences frequent loss of commercial power. "We have relied on Liebert technology since 1993 and have never experienced a problem related to power or cooling – even during earthquakes and tropical storms," said MHPCC Facility Manager Carl Shelton. "We continue to build our critical infrastructure on Liebert power and cooling solutions because of their proven track record of providing the reliability and flexibility it takes to keep our facility running smoothly."
The facility’s remote location also created challenges in the area of service. Emerson Network Power addressed those challenges with 7x24, four-hour emergency response in addition to ongoing preventive maintenance services.
“We are pleased to be the chosen provider of the power and cooling infrastructure for an important facility such as the MHPCC,” said Bob Bauer, Emerson group vice president and Liebert Worldwide president. “Our ability to power and protect a facility conducting advanced research related to national defense is a testament to the reliability, flexibility and performance of Emerson Network Power’s solutions.”
For more information, visit www.liebert.com .
Columbia Electric Recognized as a Major Contributor to the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk
Company raises more than $15,000 to benefit cancer research
Columbia Electric Supply Inc. has been recognized for its fundraising efforts during the 18 th annual Boston Marathon ® Jimmy Fund Walk, an annual event that over its 17-year history has contributed more than $40 million to support cancer research and care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Columbia Electric Supply, Inc. was recently listed among companies contributing more than $15,000 to the September 17, 2006 walk, an event that gives participants the opportunity to follow the course of the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon in honor or memory of friends, family, co-workers and patients facing cancer.
Team Columbia, a 17-member group comprised of company employees, represented the Brockton-based company during the annual fundraising walk. This was the second year of Team Columbia’s participation in the Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund Walk. Team members raised funds through sponsorship or direct contribution. In addition, Columbia Electric matched a portion of the amount raised by Team Columbia, bringing the total contribution to more than $15,000.
“We are proud to have been a participant in this important fundraising event and we are also proud of Team Columbia and its commitment to help raise awareness for a disease that impacts so many,” said Geoff Murphy, president of Columbia Electric.
For more information, visit www.columbiaelectric.com.
Pentadyne Power Appoints Richard Newark as COO 
Pentadyne Power Corporation announced that Richard Newark has joined Pentadyne as Chief Operating Officer.
Newark most recently managed the turnaround of U.S. operations at Wolverine Advanced Materials, a global supplier of vibration damping and sealing materials for automotive, consumer electronics and industrial markets. Prior to Wolverine, Newark instituted lean manufacturing systems to produce high-volume (over 1600 per day) automotive transmissions in a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and ZF Friedrichshafen, AG. He also served as Chief Product Engineer and Shop Operations Director at Cummins Engine Company where he launched new engine programs as well as developed new manufacturing processes and systems to meet customer requirements, producing over 200 engines per day in high-volume, lean manufacturing facilities.
"Dick has more than 27 years of operations experience in Six Sigma quality and lean manufacturing processes, new product launches, product development, organizational development and continuous improvement,” said Pentadyne CEO Mark McGough. "Dick is a recognized industry expert and will lead Pentadyne's scaling up of manufacturing operations and continuous improvement processes in cost, quality and delivery performance.”
Newark earned his MBA and a BS in mechanical engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
For more information, visit www.pentadyne.com.
Pass & Seymour/Legrand Receives Second Patent for P&S PlugTail™ Wiring Devices
Pass & Seymour/Legrand (P&S) recently announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 7,189,110. The patent is the second one awarded to P&S for its award-winning P&S PlugTail line of wiring devices, and it protects the design and use of electrical wiring devices that have a receptacle and matching plug connector for termination of the electrical power transmission wires.
Concurrent with the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 7,189,110, P&S filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Hubbell Incorporated of Orange, Conn., in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. In the complaint, P&S alleges that Hubbell is infringing the patent by manufacturing and selling the “SnapConnect” and “Quick-Tech” brand electrical wiring devices. P&S is seeking a court ordered injunction against the manufacture and sale of the infringing products in addition to unspecified damages. An injunction would be effective against Hubbell, as well as anyone in active concert or participation with Hubbell who receives notice of the order, including distributors who resell the infringing devices or contractors who use or install the infringing devices.
P&S previously filed a lawsuit against Hubbell for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,994,585, which also covers the P&S PlugTail line of wiring devices. Although that case was recently stayed pending a reexamination of the patent by the U.S. Patent Office, P&S is confident that the patent will emerge from the reexamination process in due course and the litigation be allowed to proceed.
For more information, visit www.passandseymour.com .
Fire-Lite Broadens Product Availability to Include Electrical 
Contractor Market
Fire-Lite Alarms, part of Honeywell’s (NYSE:HON) Life Safety Group, announces plans to make its complete portfolio of fire system products available through electrical wholesale distribution. This new distribution strategy for Fire-Lite stands to make one of the industry’s most comprehensive and reliable lines of commercial fire alarm systems available to electrical contractors nationwide.
With few fire system options currently available to electrical wholesale shoppers, Fire-Lite looks forward to sharing its complete line of conventional and addressable fire panels, voice evacuation systems and other devices. Compatible peripheral devices (i.e. smoke detectors, horns, strobes, etc.) and power supplies are also on Fire-Lite’s list of available equipment.
“We realize the role of Electrical Contractors has expanded into multiple areas of building systems installation, including fire systems,” says Ray Krickmier, Fire-Lite’s vice president of sales and 24-year industry veteran, who adds, “In addition to providing a well-known, reliable product, Fire-Lite offers something no other manufacturer does – free training.”
For 2007, Fire-Lite will be conducting more than 60 hands-on training sessions in 39 states across the U.S. Visit http://honeywellfire.com/firelite-2007-training.html for a complete schedule and registration information. From a one-day basic fire alarm course to the five-day “Mega Academy” covering design to programming, Fire-Lite’s free courses offer something for everyone. What’s more, the majority of Fire-Lite’s course catalog is accredited with the National Training School (NTS), founded by the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA).
or more information, visit www.fire-lite.com.
Electrical Products & Solutions Applies for BPA Worldwide Business Publication Membership
Electrical Products & Solutions has applied for business publication membership in BPA Worldwide. The magazine is published by ABD Communications, Inc. (Birmingham , AL ).
BPA Worldwide will track circulation for Electrical Products & Solutionsbased on business/distribution, demographics and geographic coverage. The magazine will have 12 months to complete its initial circulation audit.
"The strong growth of Electrical Products & Solutionshas made it a perfect time to apply for membership with BPA Worldwide," said Publisher Danny Salchert . “Our firm commitment to our recipients and advertisers will be enhanced by our future membership in BPA.”
"We are pleased that Electrical Products & Solutionshas applied for membership in BPA Worldwide,” said BPA President and CEO Glenn Hansen. “We applaud the publisher for providing advertisers and prospects with the solid assurance of an independent circulation audit conducted according to our world-respected, uncompromising standards. With a BPA audit, media buyers can be confident that circulation claims are accurate, and that they have the verified data that they need to assess a publication’s effectiveness in serving its market."
About BPA Worldwide
A not-for-profit organization since 1931, BPA Worldwide is governed by a tripartite board comprised of media owners, advertising agencies and advertisers. Headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut, USA, BPA has the largest membership of any media-auditing organization in the world, spanning more than 25 countries. Worldwide, BPA serves more than 2,700 media properties—including over 2,000 B-to-B publications, more than 600 consumer magazines and newspapers, 100+ Web sites, and events, email newsletters, databases, wireless and other advertiser-supported media—as well as more than 2,600 advertiser and agency members. Visit www.bpaww.com for the latest audit reports, membership information and publishing and advertising industry news.
