The award-winning XR90 Rheem® Professional Classic Plus® Series Induced Draft Water Heater is small, but mighty. The fan assisted design produces the hot water of a 50-gallon water heater in the footprint of a 29-gallon tank and comes with a powerful 60,000 Btu/h eco-friendly burner. This model is narrow and lightweight for quick installation and Read more
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The award-winning XR90 Rheem® Professional Classic Plus® Series Induced Draft Water Heater is small, but mighty. The fan assisted design produces the hot water of a 50-gallon water heater in the footprint of a 29-gallon tank and comes with a powerful 60,000 Btu/h eco-friendly burner. This model is narrow and lightweight for quick installation and has an integrated self-diagnostic system control for easy servicing. The XR90 is backed by an eight-year warranty.
Elkhart, Ind. – NIBCO INC. announced that it has acquired the valve assets of Webstone Company, Inc. The transaction was finalized on May 23, 2016. The new business unit will be named, “Webstone, a brand of NIBCO.” “The acquisition will complement and enhance existing efforts NIBCO has put in place for superior design, innovation, and Read more
Elkhart, Ind. – NIBCO INC. announced that it has acquired the valve assets of Webstone Company, Inc. The transaction was finalized on May 23, 2016. The new business unit will be named, “Webstone, a brand of NIBCO.”
“The acquisition will complement and enhance existing efforts NIBCO has put in place for superior design, innovation, and stability in residential, commercial, and industrial valves, while continuing to focus on patented engineered technology that meets high industry standards,” explained NIBCO Chairman and C.E.O. Rex Martin. “We are confident that this acquisition will reinforce the unsurpassed product and exceptional service NIBCO is known for.”
Based in Worcester, Mass., Webstone has been a world leader in ball valve technology since 1954 specializing in the innovative design of residential and commercial valves used in hydronic, plumbing, and radiant applications.
Webstone’s designs focus on time and space saving concepts that simplify initial installation and future maintenance of all piping systems. Webstone has filed more than 15 patents and includes highly recognized tradenames such as The Isolator®, Isolator E-X-P™, Hydro-Core™, Pro-Connect™, and Pro-Pal®.
Founded in 1904, NIBCO INC. is a leading provider of valves, fittings and flow control products for commercial, industrial and institutional construction, as well as residential and irrigation markets. NIBCO is headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, and has 10 manufacturing plants located throughout the United States, Mexico, and Poland. Visit NIBCO.com for information on the complete line of NIBCO products.
A few years ago, Mechanical Hub asked the major players in tool manufacturing what was going on as far as tool battery technology innovation. Recently, we caught up with Marcus Borman, RIDGID Global Marketing Manager, to discuss RIDGID’s battery tech. According to Borman, RIDGID takes pride in all of its products, and they see the Read more
A few years ago, Mechanical Hub asked the major players in tool manufacturing what was going on as far as tool battery technology innovation. Recently, we caught up with Marcus Borman, RIDGID Global Marketing Manager, to discuss RIDGID’s battery tech.
According to Borman, RIDGID takes pride in all of its products, and they see the battery performance equally as important as the tool performance. “It does not matter how good of a power tool you have, if the power supply does not work then it is no good to the customer,” says Borman.
RIDGID’s advanced lithium ion batteries provide short-circuit protection, over-current protection, over-discharge protection and cell balancing. Thermal protection shuts the battery down while over-discharge protection eliminates the trickle effect. “This allows our battery to work longer so our customers can do the same,” says Borman.
Here is the Q&A with Borman in its entirety:
Please talk about RIDGID’s dedication to research and development, especially in terms of battery technology? Are you field-testing your tools?
Borman: We engineer tools to meet the highest standards of strength, quality, and endurance. In order for a tool to earn its RIDGID branding, it must pass lab tests, and more importantly it must pass the test from customers using the tool every day.
RIDGID is dedicated to the R&D process in all tools and batteries. We go out into the field at the beginning of the R&D process all the way through the end—from concept research to field testing. We like to think of ourselves as tool experts, but you can only become an expert by learning how/what/why/when your customers are using your tools in the field. As time changes, so do our customers, thus we are dedicated to getting out into the field as much as we can in order to continuously learn from them.
Without giving too much away, if you could let us see the RIDGID crystal ball, what are some things you could share with us regarding the future capabilities of battery technology?
RP 340 Press Tool
Borman: Our tools are always driven to get lighter and better, and batteries are no different. The technology is always evolving, and RIDGID likes to be on the cutting edge of these technological changes. At the same time, we will not blindly move towards a shiny new technology that is not tested; we need to make sure that our tools stay working so our customers can finish the jobs they start.
Anything in the works as far as WiFi incorporated into any of the tools?
Borman: The technology in our everyday lives is constantly changing. RIDGID is always looking to leverage current technologies to make a meaningful impact for its customers; it would be simple to simply add a new piece of technology into a tool, but to become a leader in the industry like RIDGID you must always ask yourself, “How can I leverage this technology so my customer gets the absolute most out of it.” This is how we have RIDGID has grown and evolved since 1923; with the success we have had thinking of the customer first, we have no plan in changing our strategy.
Are some of the batteries backward compatible?
Borman: Years back, when we introduced Lithium Ion to the market, we knew that battery technologies would continue to change and improve; however, we understand that customers do not want to continue to trade in their tools to keep up with the dynamic changes to battery technology. Therefore all tools that accept the 18V Lithium Ion tool interface can use any existing 18V Lithium Ion battery. This backwards compatibility makes it easier for customers to always upgrade to the latest battery and not have to worry about putting a non-conforming battery into their tool.
Do you offer or intend to offer a hybrid corded/cordless tool?
Borman: Previously, RIDGID Press Tools were available in battery or corded tools. However, we know that there are some customers who would love to have both options and do not want to double their inventory of tools. The new RP 340 Press Tool offers users the ability to seamlessly switch between a battery and an available AC Power Adapter. Flexibility for customers means that they can maximize uptime and productivity.
It would seem that the bigger number on the battery means better. Is this always the case?
Borman: The bigger the voltage does not always mean better. Depending on what your tool needs, a 20V battery may just be making your tool heavier and less efficient; however, sometimes your 12V battery is too small and not suited best for your tool.
While voltage usually gets the “top billing” on the side of a battery, voltage is not everything. If you need longer runtimes, you should pay attention to the Amp Hours on your battery. When you multiply the voltage and Amp Hour [V x Ah] you get the total Watt-hours. Without getting into a completely technical explanation: the Watt-hours are more closely related to the run-time you will get out of your battery.
RIDGID currently offers an 18V battery with both 2.0 and 4.0 Amp Hours to help customers choose the right battery for them.
Where do I go for warranty info/customer service?
Borman: For more information on RIDGID products and the warranty/service information you can visit www.Ridgid.com; if you prefer to reach us by phone, you can call 1-800-4-RIDGID (1-800-474-3443).
There are a lot of tool companies that boast that their tool & battery combo is the best. Why RIDGID?
Borman: RIDGID Advanced Lithium batteries are designed, developed, and engineered to work exclusively with RIDGID products. We go through rigorous testing with each tool that we offer to make sure our batteries provide optimal performance for our tools. By designing and testing the products together, we can offer better performance, longer run-times, and maximum productivity.
The Bonomi Group, manufacturer of the first lead-free electric automated shutoff ball valve package, is now offering a more advanced and compact lead-free package in the U.S. and Canada. The new 8E864 Series package meets all requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and is available in sizes 1/4-inch through 1-1/4 inches. The new Read more
The Bonomi Group, manufacturer of the first lead-free electric automated shutoff ball valve package, is now offering a more advanced and compact lead-free package in the U.S. and Canada. The new 8E864 Series package meets all requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and is available in sizes 1/4-inch through 1-1/4 inches.
The new lead-free package is powered by the Valbia® VB008 “Mini” quarter-turn direct-mount electric actuator. The VB008 measures just 4 3/4” long X 2 ¾” wide. It provides the most compact and reliable automatic flow control for a wide range of applications.
The standard 110 VAC motor with Class II insulation meets CE standards and delivers 71 in/lbs. of torque in horizontal or vertical installations. The waterproof IP 65 housing of the VB008 is constructed of flame-resistant plastic with O-ring seals at critical points. A manual override, anti-condensation heater, and a 100% duty cycle motor are standard.
An RB 250N LF full-port direct-mount ball valve completes the package and provides bubble-tight shutoff. It is is built with a forged lead-free brass body made without the addition of bismuth or silicon to replace lead in the brass. Bismuth and silicon, often added by other manufacturers to improve machinability, have been associated with valve failures and installation problems.
NPTF end connections are standard, as are the blowout proof stem, PTFE seats and double O-ring stem seals for leak-free service. Maximum working pressure is 600 WOG or 150 WSP. Maximum operating temperature is 366°F. The 8E864 is 100% factory tested before shipping. The RB 250N LF ball valve is also available separately in larger sizes from 2” to 4”.
Now with Super Bright LEDs, the new Gen-Eye® Mini Self-Leveling Camera from General Pipe Cleaners automatically keeps pictures right side up as it glides through 2” to 4” lines. Super Bright LEDs light up lines with 15% more candle power than competitive models offer – for brilliantly detailed inspections. And monitor images always remain upright Read more
Now with Super Bright LEDs, the new Gen-Eye® Mini Self-Leveling Camera from General Pipe Cleaners automatically keeps pictures right side up as it glides through 2” to 4” lines.
Super Bright LEDs light up lines with 15% more candle power than competitive models offer – for brilliantly detailed inspections. And monitor images always remain upright – letting plumbing pros and customers quickly and conveniently follow the action.
No tilting your head to camera twists and turns – or explaining why the water is on the top of the screen! You enjoy clearer video and brighter images with the powerful little camera’s digital processing system and brilliant illumination.
At just 1.125” in diameter, General’s Mini Self-Leveling Camera is compatible with the light-weight, compact Gen-Eye® GL and MINI-POD video inspection systems.
For details, contact the Drain Brains® at General Pipe Cleaners at 800-245-6200 or 412-771-6300, or visit www.drainbrain.com/geneye.