Los Angeles – SMTCL-Americas officials announced that they have entered in to a partnership with the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California. The written agreement provides a commitment from SMTCL to provide equipment to create a Machine Lab for engineering students to manufacture components for class projects and international competitions.

“Cal Poly Pomona students compete with students from prestigious universities throughout world in designing vehicles,” says Clifford Stover MSE PE, Professor, Engineering Director of California State Polytechnic University – Pomona. “Through the state-of-the-art CNC machines and expertise that we will get from SMTCL, we will not only compete better, but we can help prepare our students for the real world of manufacturing.”

Jerry McCarty, COO of SMTCL, explained that there is also a commitment from SMTCL to hire Cal Poly Students. “We have hired our first Cal Poly Pomona Engineering student as an intern. We will provide him training in CNC Machining and Engineering,” said McCarty. “We hope to hire a student every year and are looking forward to converting some of them to full-time employees when they graduate. This is a commitment to both our industry and the future of manufacturing in Southern California.”

Source: SMTCL

St. Paul – Smiths Medical, a leading global medical device manufacturer, today announced the launch of its Pneupac paraPAC plus ventilator in the U.S. and Canada. The ventilator, cleared by the FDA and Health Canada, has been used clinically since early 2011 in countries accepting CE-marked devices.

The paraPAC plus is the most advanced transport ventilator of the Pneupac range, supporting the basic life-sustaining needs of a patient in respiratory distress as well as the needs of an inpatient receiving CPAP or other high efficiency oxygen therapy. It is compact, measuring 235mm x 165mm x 93mm and weighs less than five pounds, approximately a third lighter than its market leading predecessor, the Pneupac paraPAC . The small footprint fits neatly at a patient's side, on a stretcher or bed, in an ambulance or aircraft, and on an MRI table. The non-ferrous construction allows it to be positioned next to a 3-Tesla shielded magnet affecting neither ventilator function nor MRI scan quality and it is approved for use in a spatial gradient of up to 7.5 Tesla in the MRI environment. It is built with a rugged case that encapsulates internal structures, the intake and output ports, controls, and indicators from the bumps and knocks that come with everyday use.

The paraPAC plus is fully pneumatic while performing essential operations – ventilation and oxygen therapies – without electrical power. An electronic alarm system of visual and audible signals can be powered by a long-life, MRI compatible lithium battery. In addition, the ventilator's Air Mix feature helps conserve precious oxygen supplies when used during lengthy transports.

"We are pleased to offer our most advanced, best-equipped transport ventilator in North America," said Andrew Rose, vice president specialty business. "Globally paraPAC plus has had more than two years of clinical use and we are confident that it is one of the most reliable, resilient and versatile transport ventilators that we have ever produced."

Source: Smiths Medical

McLean, Va. … Officials from AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology announced that its board of directors sent a letter to the U.S. congressional leadership requesting action on a bipartisan manufacturing agenda in 2014. 

The letter urges House and Senate leaders to consider legislation where there is common ground and points to several initiatives with bipartisan support that would strengthen U.S. manufacturing if enacted into law, including reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act; renewal of trade promotion authority; and passage of tax, regulatory and immigration reforms.

“There are plenty of places where Congress can agree,” said AMT President Douglas K. Woods. “The National Network for Manufacturing Innovation bill is one example. It now includes a requirement that the President establish a national manufacturing strategy. AMT has been advocating for exactly that through its Manufacturing Mandate for the past several years.”

The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act (RAMI) recently passed the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The bipartisan bill, introduced by Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), would establish a national network of regional manufacturing institutes modeled after America Makes (NAMII), the pilot institute in Youngstown, Ohio which is focused on additive manufacturing and 3D printing. 

The Administration announced three new institutes earlier this year, including the Digital Manufacturing and Design Institute (DMDI) in Chicago. AMT is a partner in both America Makes and the DMDI.

The Senate RAMI bill includes a provision added as an amendment requiring the President to submit an updated National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing to Congress every four years. AMT’s Manufacturing Mandate calls for a formal national framework to strengthen a public-private collaboration focused on boosting innovation, increasing global competitiveness and building a Smartforce for today’s American manufacturing sector.

“Jumpstarting American manufacturing is the clear path toward sustainable economic growth, improved national security, and building a 21th century workforce,” the board’s letter states. “Congress has the responsibility of ensuring that a competitive manufacturing sector is at the top of the legislative agenda.” 

Woods hopes AMT members will follow the board’s lead and engage their members of Congress on issues important to the manufacturing sector. “There are no better advocates for manufacturing than the manufacturers themselves. The more they are engaged, the louder the industry’s voice will be in Washington regarding what is needed to advance and maintain American manufacturing competitiveness in the global marketplace.”

Read the AMT board letter

For more information on The Manufacturing Mandate visit www.AMTonline.org/mandate.

Source: AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology 

Manchester, N.H – FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a global not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), announced 3M, Google Inc., and United Technologies (UTC), as strategic partners. The three companies support FIRST alongside a strong network of other corporations, foundations, educational and professional institutions, and individuals. Strategic Partners of FIRST are recognized for providing support at the highest level, and giving in a variety of ways such as financial contributions, in-kind donations, and employee volunteerism and mentoring.

“FIRST is proud to have 3M, Google, and United Technologies as Strategic Partners in our mission to inspire young people to become innovative leaders in science and technology,” said Donald E. Bossi, president of FIRST. “Each of these esteemed companies has a long history of supporting FIRST, and we are grateful for their ongoing and impactful contributions.”

3M, Google, and UTC will join 14 other FIRST Strategic Partners as companies that have been recognized for their extraordinary levels of giving. Together, these companies provide significant funding, mentorship time and talent, volunteerism, equipment, and more to enhance the reach and overall impact of FIRST.

Announcing FIRST Strategic Partners:
3M
Since 2003, 3M has provided millions of dollars to FIRST through its cumulative support of annual in-kind donations, resources, technology, training, and employee volunteerism.

The company is also recognized as a Global Program Sponsor for FIRST LEGO League (FLL). Through the collaboration between 3M, LEGO, and FIRST, an estimated 205,000 students in the 2013/2014 FLL competitions worldwide will gain hands-on experience in project-based learning. 3M donates the Dual Lock product to the FLL Field Setup Kits each season.

Additionally, 3M is a Crown Supplier of the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), donating products from 3M Industrial Tapes and Adhesives, Electronic Solutions, Electrical Markets, Occupational Health and Environmental Safety, and Traffic and Security Divisions to the 2014 Kit of Parts. 3M also sponsors the FRC Minnesota North Star Regional in Minneapolis, Minn., and supports 35 teams across the U.S., chiefly in St. Paul, Minn., home of 3M Corporate Headquarters.

Most recently, the St. Paul, Minn.-based company secured prominent space for the FIRST logo and website URL on the hood of the No. 16 Ford Fusion, driven by NASCAR driver Greg Biffle at the Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Race in Brooklyn, Mich. on August 18, 2013. This unique opportunity increased awareness of FIRST among previously untapped audiences.

Google
Google has provided funding for FIRST teams and Mentors for nearly a decade. Over the years, the Mountain View, Calif.-based company’s support has grown significantly, including funding regional FIRST events throughout North America, and providing a generous $3 million grant to fund the FIRST Green e-watt saver, a fundraising program that has enabled FIRST teams to raise over $1M by selling energy-efficient LED light bulbs.

With millions of dollars already committed to FIRST, Strategic Partner status identifies Google ongoing and extraordinary commitment to the organization through its cumulative support of teams, annual in-kind donations, resources, technology, and employee involvement.

United Technologies (UTC)
UTC has been supporting FIRST for more than 18 years. Since 1995, the company has been instrumental in introducing students to the limitless opportunities available in engineering and technology careers through hands-on engagement. Based in Hartford, Conn., UTC has provided continuous financial and personnel support to FIRST, investing millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours in the organization. The company diligently encourages employee volunteerism for FLL, FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and FRC events and teams in the areas surrounding UTC facilities.

Additionally, UTC is officially recognized as a Sponsor of the annual FIRST Championship event, an FRC Team Sponsor, and the Title Sponsor of all Connecticut regional events.

Currently, the company sponsors 80 teams at the middle and high-school levels in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 180 UTC volunteers are mentoring teams and coordinating regional events. UTC has also contributed to the global expansion of FIRST, funding two Regional Competitions in the U.S. and a National Championship in India.

The 2014 FIRST Championship event is taking place now, April 23-26, 2014, in St. Louis, Mo.

About FIRST
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $19 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) for Grades 7-12; FIRST LEGO League (FLL) for Grades 4-8; and Junior FIRST LEGO League (Jr.FLL) for Grades K-3. Gracious Professionalism is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.usfirst.org.

Source: FIRST