Material Handling Product News articles from November 2003

Material Handling Product News archives from November 2003

Rider sweeper/scrubber.(Editor's Choice)
November 1, 2003... The SC7750 rider sweeper/scrubber from American-Lincoln can be configured to meet facility size and scrubbing needs. The SC7750 removes dirt, grease and loose debris without the need for a separate sweeper. This sweeping system independent from...

Vertical lift module.(Editor's Choice)
November 1, 2003... White Systems, an FKI Logistex member company, has introduced the Power Column 2 vertical lift module (VLM). Precision-designed with a rack-and-pinion drive and a light pointer that directs pickers to the exact location of their item, the Power...

Container tilter.(Editor's Choice)
November 1, 2003... The ERGO-TILT from Interthor positions wire baskets, totes, hampers, and other containers to the most comfortable height for loading or unloading parts. Because lift and tilt are independently controlled, the ERGO-TILT minimizes bending,...

Robotic palletizer.(Editor's Choice)
November 1, 2003... Designed to improve material handling productivity, FKI Logistex Alvey Systems integration of Motoman robotic arms into palletizing and depalletizing systems is a natural extension of Alvey's wide array of palletizing capabilities. Ideally...

Vertical Lift Module.(Editor's Choice)
November 1, 2003... The SMARTdepot Cross-bay Vertical Lift Module (VLM) features a Multi-bay design to maximize storage space and minimize operational complexity. The Multi-bay unit with Cross-bay technology allows for product in any storage bay to be delivered to...

Accelerated product stacker.(Editor's Choice)
November 1, 2003... SWF Companies' AS 100 accelerated product stacker achieves stacking speeds of more than 95 lifts per minute and is easily integrated with most case opening/sealing systems to provide a fully automatic case packer. The AS 100's patented stacking...

Personnel carrier.(Editor's Choice)
November 1, 2003... The Expediter model from COLUMBIA ParCar Corporation is now available in a four-wheel version. Numerous users have expressed a desire for a four-wheeled, highly maneuverable personnel carrier for use in their facilities. Many prefer to utilize...

Overhead door.(Editor's Choice)
November 1, 2003... JetRoll 693 Series door offers many features that eliminate costly repair bills and hours of downtime. The Back-on-Track self-healing feature automatically resets the door after a break-out condition. This feature allows the door to break out...

Laser bar code scanner.(Editor's Choice)
November 1, 2003... The Flic from Microvision, Inc. is a handheld laser bar code scanner that provides true laser scanner ease and performance at the price of a wand of CCD scanner. The Flic is ideal for price-sensitive applications in receiving, manufacturing...

Lever Hoists.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Harrington Hoists has introduced a new and improved line of lever hoists. The new LB lever hoists feature a lightweight, low headroom design. The size and handle lengths have been reduced for ease of operation, transportation and storage. A...

Leak Diverter System for pipes.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... New Pig Corporation offers the PIG Leak Diverter System for Pipes. Designed to protect workers, floors and equipment from leaking pipes, the system features flexible collection funnels that hang from pipes and redirect leaks to floor drains or...

Magnetic Products.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... STRONG-MAG Magnetic Products are designed for a variety of uses including jigging, clamping, positioning, work holding, lifting, moving and gripping. STRONG-MAG magnets are easy to use and eliminate time-consuming, traditional manual clamping....

Industrial stacker.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Advance Lifts has introduced the Advantage line of industrial stackers. This line includes 1100 and 2200 lb. capacity manual lift and manually propelled stackers with a 60" raised height. The line also includes powered lift and manually...

Mezzanine Lift.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Pflow offers the Mezzanine Lift--a self-contained vertical lift designed to service in-plant mezzanines. The unit, which can lift loads up to 5000 lbs., is built with a structural steel frame that features an adjustable threshold to accommodate...

Security storage and transport equipment.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Eagle MHC offers a comprehensive line of full-size and mini-security storage and transport units, allowing for safe storage of valuable materials and items subject to pilferage. The heavy-gauge open-wire construction permits easy viewing of...

Magnetic Grippers.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... These Magnetic Grippers, when suspended from Ergonomic Handling System's ErgoSysRail overhead crane, allow operators to safely and easily move steel object of all shapes and sizes. They are especially well suited to lifting materials with odd...

Urethane sit/stands.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... BioFit Engineered Products has introduced urethane sit/stands that provide ergonomic benefits, durability and easy maintenance in industrial settings. The BioFit GX Series sit/stands provide ergonomic support for workers in material handling...

Custom plastic trays.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Sheltech Custom Trays are vacuum formed and can include features such as cavities in almost any size and shape for holding parts, locating holes for robotic arms, engravings, matching covers, and snap or clamshell closures. Designed to protect...

Vertical Lift Module.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... The MegaLift Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is an enclosed system of vertically arranged trays, an ergonomically designed extraction platform and computerized controls. The Flexi-space feature allows random storage of products to optimize the cubic...

Bar Code Solution.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... The new Trident-powered Bar Code Solution is a three-piece package designed to provide consistent, high-quality bar code printing. It consists of an Ultra Jet II printhead, Automatic Maintenance Module and ScanTrue II Ink. The Ultra Jet II...

Expansion slots for PCs.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Most panel PCs have no expansion slots so they're hard to use for data acquisition or motion control. Now, the FPB series of Panel PCs combines one or two expansion slots with 12.1" or 15" displays and a NEMA 4 sealed front panel. One-slot...

Manufacturing plant for automotive seat systems to open in Warren, MI.(Manufacturing News)
November 1, 2003... Officials at Bridgewater Interiors LLC have announced that the company will open a manufacturing plant in Warren, MI to build and supply automotive seat systems to Ford Motor Company in Michigan beginning in 2004. Detroit-based Bridgewater...

Manufacturing index signals near-term increase in output.(Manufacturing News)
November 1, 2003... The Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI, a business and public policy research group, reports their index for manufacturing has rebounded in September, rising to 68% last month from 60% in June. It indicates that U.S. manufacturing output should...

Program aims to attract students to manufacturing careers.(Manufacturing News)
November 1, 2003... A new program funded by a grant from the Education Foundation of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) will help encourage Grand Rapids Public School students to pursue manufacturing engineering and careers. The $226,332...

New OSHA injury and illness forms available on Web.(Manufacturing News)
November 1, 2003... The revised 0SHA Form 300, Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses is now available on the agency's Web site, www.osha.gov. The forms are required for all employers to use in recording injuries and illnesses, and have changed in several ways...

Carrier to shift some manufacturing to Asia.(Manufacturing News)
November 1, 2003... Carrier Corporation plans to shift manufacturing of its refrigeration and compressor systems to Asia and will layoff 1,200 workers at its Syracuse, NY facility. In a news release, the Farmington, CT-based manufacturer said its decision was...

Distribution center improves supply chain efficiency with loading dock retrofit.(Loading Dock Equipment)
November 1, 2003... In the quest for improved productivity many companies have focused their sights on supply chain logistics as a way to save costs and gain a competitive advantage. And with good reason: there are gains to be made as long as you know what you're...

Lista International Corporation.(2003 Solutions)
November 1, 2003... For over three decades, Lista International Corporation has been providing solutions for a wide variety of material handling storage challenges. Lista was founded in Switzerland in 1945, establishing U.S. operations in 1968. Headquartered in...

An FKI Logistex equipment audit cuts the risk of costly downtime at busy U.S. Distilled Products.(2003 Solutions)
November 1, 2003... Increased productivity requirements, shorter inventory turns and staff reductions have many materials handling customers turning to their suppliers for help. When it comes to service, maintenance and equipment audits, professional solutions...

Dock seal protector.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... Frommelt offers the HeatShield Protector Panel, a product that solves the problem of dock seal burn damage from the heat of swing-out dock lights. HeatShield Panels create a barrier between the dock light and the dock seal, keeping surface...

Floor locks.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... Flexello TLCH Series floor locks are designed to provide a ready means of instantly securing a truck or other mobile equipment in a fixed position without raising it. The TLCH Series floor lock bolts to the underside of a truck with its top...

Aluminum wheel chock.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... Users can quickly remove aluminum wheel chocks from tires with this newly designed handle with warning sign from T&S Equipment Company. With this device users no longer have to bend to pick up or get down on the ground to remove wheel chocks....

Compact Battery Packs.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Generation Custom Battery Packs are engineered to match specific customer power requirements relative to capacity, discharge rates, construction and connectivity. Featuring NiCad, NiMH, LI-ION and LMN[O.sub.2] chemistries, these battery packs...

Indicator/Controller.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Avery WeighTronix has introduced the Model 1310 Indicator Controller, a flexible weighing and process control solution designed to integrate seamlessly into all major industrial networks. With the Model 1310 online, users are able to control...

Bag dump system.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Self-contained, dust-free bag dump system integrates a receiving hopper, dust collector, bag compactor, flexible screw conveyor and explosion-proof electrical system on a caster-mounted frame with hinged operator platform. The bag-dump-station...

Heavy-duty pails.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... EZ Grip handle is compatible with Ropak pails in round, square or rectangular shapes and sizes from 3.5 liters to 6 gallons. The EZ Grip's ergonomic design allows the handle to fit securely in the hand yet roll slightly with the movement of the...

Incline Conveyors.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Smartmove Z-Rex Series Incline Conveyors feature a Beveledge plastic belt (patent pending) that incorporates beveled vertical flights at both edges to safely guide small parts and feed them into tote boxes, barrels or hoppers. Designed for...

Modular safety system.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... PNOZmulti is a new modular safety system that is particularly suitable for safety applications of medium complexity and provides optimum coverage of between 4 and 14 safety functions. Using the PNOZmulti Configurator software program the user...

Powered vacuum lifter/tilters.(Spotlight On Ergonomic Equipment)
November 1, 2003... Anver ETL Series Powered Vacuum Lifters with Powered Tilting are offered in 115 VAC or air-powered models that mount on any hoist and have a remote pendant control. These units allow one person to easily manipulate awkward loads. The...

Pallet trucks.(Spotlight On Ergonomic Equipment)
November 1, 2003... GILLIS Associated Industries offers a line of Premier Pallet Trucks. This line of pallet trucks is available in three styles: Standard (shown) and Low Profile models, each with 5500 lb. capacity and a Four-Way Entry model with 4500 lb....

Portable Drum Lifter/Tilter.(Spotlight On Ergonomic Equipment)
November 1, 2003... The Portable Drum Lifter/Tilter Model GBK from M.O. Industries, Inc. is now available with a scale. Featuring rugged all-polished 304 stainless steel construction, the unit has a capacity of 600 lbs. with a hydraulic cylinder stroke of 40". The...

Lift Tables feature rotating top design.(Spotlight On Ergonomic Equipment)
November 1, 2003... Pentalift offers a new style of rotating top for its Lift Tables. The rotating top is standard on all models of Pentalift's Pro Series Hydraulic and Pro Air Pneumatic Lift and Rotate Tables. The new rotating top features a lower profile, which...

Ergonomic dump wagons.(Spotlight On Ergonomic Equipment)
November 1, 2003... The Ursa family of wagons enables operators to single handedly move and dump up to 500 lbs. of parts, food (resin meets FDA specifications), liquids (integrated drain plug) and just about anything else. The integrated ErgoPivot harnesses basic...

Roll out drawer system.(Spotlight On Ergonomic Equipment)
November 1, 2003... Roll out drawers with dividers in a MegaStation Vertical Carousel provide maximum space utilization. By replacing shelving and drawer systems with automated vertical systems, users can increase the efficiency of storage and retrieval...

AC drive.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Designed for tough industrial environments, Yaskawa's new F7 general purpose AC drive brings precise control and advanced features to industrial applications from simple variable torque pumping to sophisticated networked material handling. The...

Portioning scale.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... IQ plus 2100 is ideal for use in food processing, portion control and general industrial applications. The display has the capability of displaying pound and ounce simultaneously and can be easily read from many angles. Configuration is...

Quad scissor lift.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Designed for the lifting and positioning of heavy loads in high-ceiling warehouse storage applications, a Quad Scissor Lift has been developed by Pentalift Equipment Corp.. The lift is capable of hoisting a 6000 lb. load on a 48" x 96" platform...

Case erector.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Newly designed O/K Superformer meets U.S. flexibility requirements with a simple and easy to use case erector. This unit erects up to 18 case per minute. Standard specifications include automatic box squaring, low taper or box alarm, one turn...

Molded impact traffic door.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... The Quantum door offers an excellent means for safely expediting material flow and personnel movement in retail, commercial and industrial facilities. The bump-open, self-closing door combines advanced panel design and construction with...

Bevel Gear Drives.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... The SK 92072 is a new smaller addition to the NORD Gear family of bevel gear drives. SK 92072 Bevel Gear Drives offer leak-free and maintenance-free operation for heavy-duty industrial applications. They operate at up to 97% efficiency, provide...

Loading dock safety device.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... A safety device designed to prevent forklift roll-off and overhead door damage while increasing productivity is available from Blue Giant. The XDS Extra Dock Safety Series features the Door and Dock Guard. The XUS's raised safety guard protects...

Portable wheel and axle scales.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... Measurement Systems International (MSI) has expanded its line of portable wheel and axle scales with the addition of the new MSI-5400 AxleMAX. Through the use of MSI's AxleMAX weighing system, trucking companies can accurately load their...

Dock lifts.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... Advance Lifts, Inc. has introduced its T2000 Series of dock lifts. The T2000 Series offers ten lift models with capacities from 5000 to 6000 lbs. and platform sizes from 6' x 8' up to 8' x 10'. The 8" lowered height of these units allows them...

AS/RS systems.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... SK Daifuku AS/RS systems can be used as sequencers and buffers that can turn a distribution center from an automated storage rack to an efficient, just-in-time tool that allows flexibility in getting product out the door quickly and accurately....

Paper roll handler.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... The SPIDER is a paper roll handling device that ensures that paper rolls are in complete roundness before the roll is positioned on a high-speed, web fed printing press, thus eliminating the need to stop the press and return the damaged roll....

Portable Drum Stand.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... BASCO now offers a new Drum Stand that allows for single vertical drum stacking of 30 or 55-gallon steel, plastic or fiber drums. These stands are designed with an understructure for transporting drums with either a pallet truck or forklift....

Portable fume and dust collector.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Farr Air Pollution Control has introduced an updated portable fume and dust collector. The "Zephyr II" collector is intended for industrial fume source capture and for plants requiring periodic dust collection at various locations. Applications...

Overhead door reduces facility downtime.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... The JetRoll*692 Series door fits applications up to 32' wide and 24' high. The door reduces facility down time and operational delays with the Spring-Away breakout system, which allows the door to be reset at floor level by one man with common...

Electric pallet trucks.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... Model EME 30 pallet truck has a low profile and low-hinged handle that allows the operator an unobstructed view of the entire forks. The walkie with AC travel drive features an easily accessible emergency stop button and a "deadman" braking...

Transducers.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Setra Systems, Inc. has introduced the Models 546 and Model 547 strain gauge pressure transducers. Rugged submersible or general purpose type enclosures, including optional intrinsic safe explosion protection, and laboratory-type pressure...

Machine vision system.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Advanced Technologies offers its third generation SPECTRUM vision system. The newest SPECTRUM vision system includes eleven 1k x 1k frame buffers for over 92Mb of pixel resolution in gray scale or full color. The dedicated vision engine...

Truck weighing software.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Weigh-Tronix, Inc. has introduced TRUCK WEIGH, a comprehensive scale management software application that automatically captures information on any truck and any load that passes over a compatible truck scale. Easy-to-use TRUCK WEIGH software...

Plastic dollies.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Akro-Mils has introduced a new line of plastic dollies, which are offered with a padded or flush deck to match any application. The high-impact, durable polyethylene construction is a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to wood and...

Desiccant Packets and cylinders.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Sphinx Desi-Pak Desiccant Packets absorb up to three times their weight in moisture and are made from Tyvek, which is flexible, clean, and can be custom imprinted in a variety of sizes to precisely match customer requirements. The packets can...

Movable drum lifter.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Movable drum lifter lifts, tilts and rotates drums easily, safely and precisely. The stainless steel units are ideal for transferring goods to processing or packaging equipment. To ensure cleanliness and prevent cross contamination, all main...

Archival storage company optimizes box storage capacity with rack system.(Applications from the Field)
November 1, 2003... Despite the endless march of advances in digital technology that help the business world store their records of transaction, the need for off-site, archival storage of infrequently used materials seems to continually grow. Legal records,...

Carton flow at 10 below: grocery distribution leader gets "Smart & Final" answer for maximizing use of freezer space.(2003 Solutions)
November 1, 2003... After 128 years of superior service, growth and success in the wholesale grocery industry, you can bet Smart & Final knows a good thing when they see it. When corporate decided it was time to revamp their existing Port Stockton Foods...

Lean manufacturing implementation and vertical lift modules increase productivity.(Applications from the Field)
November 1, 2003... A leading hand hardware manufacturer, Rogan Corporation, turned to a Lean Manufacturing initiative to increase productivity, reduce labor and free up floor space in their Northbrook, IL facility. Taking advantage of their building's ceiling...

Curtains help material handling operations gain more space.(Applications from the Field)
November 1, 2003... The drive in today's material handling is to get more out of every element in the process. That mission is true for equipment as well as for buildings. Previously, as product worked its way through the process it would pass from one room...

Truck levelers.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... Advance Lifts offers seven models of top of ground or surface mounted truck levelers. Truck levelers are used to facilitate truck unloading by raising the rear of a truck to align the truck bed with the raised concrete loading dock. Units are...

Rider pallet truck.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... Sichelschmidt offers EX rider versions of their entire FM certified EX walk behind line. The rider units come with the maintenance-free ASM-AC motor design. The platform has a low step height of only 4.5 inches. The operator platform offers...

Measuring light curtain.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Baumer Electric has introduced the Infrascan line of self-contained measuring light curtains used to profile the size and shape of objects. These precision detection and measuring devices offer resolutions from 1.25 to 50 mm and measuring...

Palletizinq system.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... A special robotic palletizing system allows manufacturers to stack loose-filled bags in overlapping patterns to enhance load stability, while maintaining little or no product overhang on the pallet. Working with a specially designed end...

Powered pallet positioners.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Southworth Products Corporation has added two new models to their line of PalletPal Level Loaders. The units are powered and allow operators to precisely position loads at the most comfortable working height. Unlike automatic level loading...

Hexagonal corrugated drums.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Featuring one-piece construction, Hex Drums erect without tape or glue and store flat to provide a 10:1 space savings over solid-fiber or metal drums. Manufactured from double-wall kraft or white corrugated, these reusable drums are available...

"EverKote" posts.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Buckhorn Custom Molding, a division of Buckhorn Inc., has developed EverKote--a durable new product designed to improve the performance, safety and appearance of fences, decks, docks and more. EverKote was created using a patented process that...

E-Z Slide Conveyor.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Variable speed E-Z Slide Conveyor moves fragile products with a gentle sliding motion. The HMC-18 model uses a counter rotating weight drive system so product remains stationary as it is carried forward, then instantly slides along the tray...

How GM saves $10 million: containers that collapse for the return leg of the automakers' closed-loop distribution system are the secret.(Modern Equipment Report)
November 1, 2003... America runs on the automobile and the automobile runs on reliable replacement parts. To get parts to dealers quickly, ergonomically and cost effectively, General Motors has recently shifted to new metal containers. The collapsible containers...

Containers deliver healthy return: returnable plastic containers saves Duane Reade Drugstores $300,000 annually while improving handling in its distribution center.(Modern Equipment Report)
November 1, 2003... Distributing merchandise to Duane Reade's drugstores in the New York city's five boroughs and northern New Jersey has been much easier since the company switched from corrugated cartons to returnable plastic containers. The move has reduced...

The best of two worlds: an innovative shipping container at medical products supplier DePuy provides better ergonomics while saving $275,000 a year in shipping costs.(Modern Equipment Report)
November 1, 2003... Surgical products manufacturer DePuy wanted the best of both worlds--outstanding handling er-gonomics and low-cost packaging. Finding that new balance wasn't easy, but an innovative returnable container design accomplished both goals. The...

Trailer stand.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... TMI Inc. offers a trailer stand called the "Auto Riser." The Auto Riser prevents spotted trailers from tipping over due to landing gear collapse. This new trailer stand compiles with OSHA regulations and keeps the loading area safe and accident...

Area Detection System.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... Rite-Hite Doors offers the I-Zone Area Detection System--a safety device for high-speed doors. This system utilizes infrared (IR) Technology to sense pedestrians before they are in the door opening and prevents a door from beginning to close...

Telescopic forklift.(Applications & solutions: loading dock equipment)
November 1, 2003... The Teletruk is a 6000 lb. capacity industrial pneumatic tire forklift truck that incorporates telescopic boom technology instead of a vertical mast design. The advantage this provides is forward reach. The Teletruk can reach over and lifting a...

Parcel receiving management system.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Neopost has introduced NeoTrak, a mailroom and mail center parcel receiving management software that automates the process of receiving and tracking the internal delivery of medium to large numbers of inbound parcels. By tracking the status of...