--------------- ITEM 1 --------------- Safety, Reliability and Lifetime Cost – Three Themes from Rowe Hankins at InnoTrans 2006 As the world moves to technologies for a more sustainable future, InnoTrans assumed a special importance this year. The rail and traction industry has a significant role to play, countering global warming and supporting acceptable living standards. Rowe Hankins, suppliers of key electro mechanical components for traction, were keen to show systems for improved safety, reliability and lower lifetime cost that contribute by ensuring improved stock availability and network performance. New at InnoTrans was the AC Earth leakage detector. Compact, accurate, tolerant of temperature and easy to install, the systems are increasingly used by main line rail and underground operators throughout Europe. Providing early warning of insulation failure, AC Earth leakage detectors increase railway system reliability by allowing timely preventative maintenance. Acknowledged as world leaders in Hall-effect speed sensors, with over 120,000 devices in use, Rowe Hankins introduced two new variants at the show, the I-Mag Tacho Unit, a speed probe, and a new pulse generator, the Mag-T-su. The Mag-T-su has two variations (Type AS) for fitting to the axle end or (Type MS) for fitting to the motor shaft. Both operate on push-pull principles, using opposing magnetic fluxes generated by movement of permanent magnets past sensors to give a highly accurate and unambiguous digital pulse corresponding to speed. Most applications require both speed and direction monitoring and use twin sensors. The I-Mag Tacho Unit provides accurate speed detection by sensing and, in effect, counting the number of teeth which pass the sensor on a mechanical toothed target disc. The rotation of this disc is directly proportional to the vehicle speed. The disc is attached to a gearbox or axle and is used in combination with one or more sealed Hall-effect sensors. More information can be found at www.rowehankins.com. More information: Toni Hankins, Rowe Hankins Ltd, Tel. +44 (0)161 765 3000 Fax. +44 (0)161 763 1421 E-mail: sales@rowehankins.com Web: www.rowehankins.com High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/rh109/4218rh1a.htm September 19, 2006 --------------- ITEM 2 --------------- The AC Earth Leakage Detector – Increasing Safety Network instability and potential safety issues can arise in high power AC circuits through Earth leakage. Rail safety specialist, Rowe Hankins, showed for the first time at InnoTrans their AC Earth Leakage Detector to monitor electrical cable insulation and circuit stability by giving early warning of faults. Compact and easily installed on existing rail networks or new railway lines, it gives early fault warning, permitting preventative maintenance to avoid unreliability and the possibility of fire. Systems have been extensively tested by network operators and are in use throughout the UK and Europe on mainline and underground lines. Ease of installation, high accuracy and tolerance of a wide range of operating temperatures are key attributes important to the traction industry. Equipment is manufactured and factory tested in Rowe Hankins ISO9001 certified environment. The company work closely with clients in the rail transport industry to develop equipment suited to their particular technical requirements. The company also offer a DC Earth Leakage Detector. More product information can be found at www.rowehankins.com. More information: Toni Hankins, Rowe Hankins Ltd, Tel. +44 (0)161 765 3000 Fax. +44 (0)161 763 1421 E-mail: sales@rowehankins.com Web: www.rowehankins.com High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/rh109/4218rh1a.htm September 19, 2006 --------------- ITEM 3 --------------- Reliable and Accurate Speed and Direction Sensing With over 120,000 Hall-effect speed monitoring devices installed on trains and light rapid-transit vehicles, Rowe Hankins is a world leader in this technology. The company engineers devices for both new-build and existing rail rolling stock. New for the InnoTrans show were the I-Mag Tacho speed probe and a new pulse generator, the Mag-T-su. Both units offer reliable maintenance-free speed sensing because they have no optical components or contact parts. They are exceptionally tolerant of extreme temperature variation, shock, vibration and dust/grease contamination found in all kinds of rolling stock. Mag-T-su units comprise two principal components, a magnetic target, which is fitted to the axle end (Type AS) or to the motor shaft (type MS) and a cover. Both target and cover have in-built magnets to create the push-pull pulses as the magnetic fluxes alternate polarity with movement. The accuracy of speed measurement achieved depends on the number of magnets and sensors incorporated. Most applications require two sensors so that both speed and direction (rollback protection) of rotation can be monitored. The I-Mag Tacho Unit uses a mechanical toothed target attached to the gearbox axle in combination with one or more sealed Hall-effect sensors. A high level of speed and positional accuracy is assured because this can measure over 100 pulses per revolution. Units can be packaged in a wide variety of housings and customised to meet user needs. More product information can be found at www.rowehankins.com. More information: Toni Hankins, Rowe Hankins Ltd, Tel. +44 (0)161 765 3000 Fax. +44 (0)161 763 1421 E-mail: sales@rowehankins.com Web: www.rowehankins.com High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/rh109/4218rh1a.htm September 19, 2006