Hybrid lift truck

 

Toyota Material Handling U.S.A. Inc. introduced the Geneo Hybrid 8,000 pound counterbalanced lift truck. The truck combines a 2.5-liter diesel engine, electric motor and nickel-metal hydride battery to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 50 percent, the company says. Geneo Hybrid combines a Series Hybrid System for driving and a Parallel Hybrid System for load handling. The nickel hydride battery is recharged by the engine’s operation and does not require plug-in recharging. The lift truck will launch in the Japanese market. - Toyota Industries Corp., 1 Park Plaza, Suite 1000, Irvine, Calif. 92614; 949/474-1135; toyotaforklift.com.

 

High-speed checkweigher

 

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. launched Thermo Scientific Versa 8120, a checkweigher for high-speed weighing applications in the beverage, food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries. Versa 8120 is suitable for cartons, cans, bottles and pouches in dry or wet environments. It can handle weighing, control and reject functions at line speeds up to 700 packages per minute, depending on the application. The design and minimal number of moving parts in the frame reduce vibration. The product is available in a stand-alone pedestal version or with a standard, integrated conveyor. Conversion kits also are available for customers seeking to upgrade controllers in existing 8120 frames in good conditions. - Thermo Fisher Scientific, 501 90th Ave. N.W., Minneapolis, Minn. 55433; 800/227-2315; thermo.com.

 

Liquid nitrogen dosing

 

Vacuum Barrier Corp. introduced 3-D technology, directional dose dispersion and CIP function as options on all Nitrodose liquid nitrogen dosing units, individually or combined. The technology provides a pattern of dose delivery for resting liquid nitrogen on both hot- and cold-fill lightweight PET and aluminum cans. The liquid nitrogen rests on top of the product to eliminate product piercing or splashing. 3-D can handle all line speeds in discrete dosing mode, even during acceleration and deceleration conditions, the company says. The hands-free CIP function prevents moisture from entering the dosing head during high pressure water or chemical clean up. - Vacuum Barrier Corp., 4 Barten Lane, Woburn, Mass. 01801; 781/933-3570; vacuumbarrier.com.

 

Continuous ice maker

 

The Icebell introduced a product with the same name that creates a “volcano of ice” to keep beverages cold, the company says. Filling and re-filling from ice bags is eliminated and no draining or cleaning is needed. The Icebell supports the environment by recycling clean water through its patented filtering system; water is saved and clean ice is created continuously. The product is mobile and available in a variety of colors. - The Icebell, 3342 International Park Drive, Atlanta, Ga. 30316; 877/442-3235; theicebell.com.

 

 

CMC-Kuhnke launched the BBG-1300SH, a sheet gauge for scroll measurement. The BBG-1300SH allows for the repeatable measurements of scroll sheets, and the scroll dimensions are measured by using the included footswitch. Measurement types and parameters are pre-programmed for each sheet type, and measurement results are displayed live on an LCD screen. The gauge also is equipped with four Heindenhain probes and a linear slide. - CMC-Kuhnke, 250 Falls Road, Hudson, N.Y. 12534; 800/ 689-0661; cmc-kuhnke.com.

 

Hybrid tractor

 

Peterbilt Motors Co. added Model 335 medium-duty hybrid electric tractor to its family of hybrid vehicles eligible for federal tax credit. The credit of up to $9,000 from the Department of Treasury’s heavy manufacturing and transportation group can be applied to the Peterbilt Model 335 hybrid Class 7 tractors based on its verified fuel savings gains of up to 40 percent, the company says. The tractor is suited for applications such as beverage and regional-haul deliveries that require a trailer. The system stores energy during stopping through a process called regenerative braking and then reuses it for acceleration. Model 335 also features the in-dash 7-inch PACCAR proprietary Hybrid System Motor. - Peterbilt Motors Co., 1700 Woodbrook St., Denton, Texas 76205; 940/591-4000; peterbilt.com.

 

Replacing lift truck booklet

 

Hyster Co. offers a booklet titled “The Right Time: A Guide to the Timely Replacement of Lift Trucks.” The publication shares information on how to improve productivity, increase uptime and reduce maintenance costs by knowing when to replace older, less efficient lift trucks. According to the company, all trucks have an “optimum economic life replacement threshold” based on four factors: the type of truck and age of its design; the severity of the application; the number of hours it operates per month and per year; and the type and frequency of maintenance it receives. - Hyster Co., Box 7006, Greenville, N.C. 27835; 800/497-8371; hysteramericas.com.

 

Ethernet switch

 

Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. expanded its Scalance X family of industrial Ethernet switches to include Scalance XB. Scalance XB can be used in a line or star topology where plug-and-play connections and low-cost port expansion features are required. The switches are available with up to eight 10/100 Mb/s ports. In addition, the switches offer a IP20 degree of protection in a small, compact design, and are constructed with durable plastic housing, which can be mounted on standard rails. The diagnostics available for the switch include power, link status and traffic data, and all are indicated by LEDs. - Siemens Energy & Automation Inc., 3333 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta, Ga. 30005; 800/468-9503; sea.siemens.com.

 

Truck tracking

 

CarrierWeb introduced a new Web site that adds enhancements to its solutions portfolio. The enhancements are designed to heighten security and increase operational efficiencies for carriers of all sizes, the company says. CarrierWeb’s Always-On Route GeoFencing increases security by sending instant exception alerts when a truck deviates from its defined route. It also allows the customer to establish the route and set the boundaries. CarrierWeb’s Always-On Polygonal Landmarking allows customers to create irregularly shaped boundaries with unlimited points to define a landmark and pinpoint the location of their assets. Fleets are capable of knowing when their trucks are arriving or departing from a specific location. - CarrierWeb, 200 Technology Court, Building 200A, Atlanta, Ga. 30082; 404/762-1995; carrierweb.com.

 

Transmitter and receiver

 

K-Tek Corp. released the DX80 Wireless Transmitter & Receiver, a method for transmitting data between process sensors and higher-level systems, such as DCS or SCADA systems. DX80 is designed for secure communication and includes two devices, a Node that resides in the field and interfaces to K-Tek’s precision measurement devices, and a Gateway that resides in the main control panel and interfaces to a PC or PLC. The product communicates via a Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum radio system that ensures the message is delivered and secure, the company says. DX80 is available in two models: the 900 MHz frequency or the 2.4 GHz. - K-Tek Corp., 18321 Swamp Road, Prairieville, La. 70769; 225/677-5836; ktekcorp.com.

 

Electric reliability service

 

Emerson Process Management increased the scope of its Electric Reliability Services partial discharge testing for electrical cables to include switchgear and other electric assets found in commercial and industrial facilities. The company says this will help companies eliminate unplanned outages due to electrical failures, reduce maintenance costs, increase system reliability and improve worker safety. The Partial Discharge Testing & Monitoring solution encompasses both online and offline testing, as well as periodic monitoring of selected electrical assets. - Emerson Process Management, 12301 Research Blvd., Building 3, Austin, Texas 78759; 614/410-8541; emersonprocess.com.

 

Oxygen scavenging technology

 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Constar International Inc.’s DiamondClear oxygen scavenging technology for PET containers. The FDA first approved DiamondClear technology in 2007, but Constar resubmitted for a new Food Contact Notification (FCN) after developing new chemistry for DiamondClear to enhance barrier performance, clarity and recyclability. As an alternative to glass, DiamondClear is lightweight and has a robust monolayer structure, which eliminates the risk of delamination. The package can be used on oxygen-sensitive products such as ready-to-drink teas, juices, wine and other alcohol beverages. - Constar International Inc., One Crown Way, Philadelphia, Pa. 19154; 215/552-3700; constar.net.

 

Mini refractometer

 

Reichert Inc. launched the Reichert r2mini, a versatile refractometer. The r2mini has an IP65 Dustproof/Water-resistant rating so it can be used in any environment, the company says. Features include a five-digit, full-view screen that displays all measurement data in two seconds, three measurement scales (brix with automatic temperature correction, refractive index with automatic temperature compensated measurements and refractive index at actual temperature), as well as a free lanyard to carry the refractometer. R2mini weighs 3.53 ounces, takes two AAA batteries (included with purchase) and has a one-year warranty. - Reichert Inc., 3362 Walden Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14043; 716/686-4580; reichertai.com.

 

Shrinkable package film

 

Hartness International and RKW announced their collaboration on Grab Pack, a package concept that offers reduced packaging material. Grab Pack is comprised of a pre-formed web of printed, shrinkable polyethylene film. During the application process, the web is opened and applied over grouped containers, which captures container foot and shoulder. Each bottle is contained in its own packet, which eliminates bottle-to-bottle contact, the company says. The printed film web can be pre-perforated to remove individual bottles from the package. - Hartness International, 1200 Garlington Road, Greenville, S.C. 29616; 800/845-8791; hartness.com.

 

Motor control switch

 

Cooper Wiring Devices, a division of Cooper Industries, introduced the Arrow Hart X-Switch, a NSF Splash Zone Certified motor control switch. The X-Switch is designed for complex beverage and food processing environments, and stands up to industrial manufacturing applications where equipment is exposed to frequent washdown. The Type 4X enclosure is made from stainless steel and contains a molded silicon gasket for easy cleaning and protection of electrical components. A high-visibility red handle can be padlocked to meet OSHA lockout/tagout requirements. The product is available with pre-wired SOFTPower connectivity for easy installation and motor changeouts, the company says. X-Switch also is available with stainless steel breather/drain designed to equalize pressure within the enclosure and provide a means for exit of any condensation build-up. - Cooper Wiring Devices, 203 Cooper Circle, Peachtree City, Ga. 30269; 770/631-2100; cooperwiringdevices.com.

 

Fast dispersion line

 

Admix Inc. introduced a new model in the Fastfeed line designed to double inline powder delivery capabilities. The new model offers controlled feed rates from 3 to 400 pounds per minute. The system has the benefits of an inline, skid-mounted dispersion system that feeds powders and disperses them instantly. Fastfeed allows further processors to add dry ingredients to mix vessels in a more ergonomic fashion, which reduces operator injuries and provides the shear required for tougher ingredients, the company says. - Admix Inc., 234 Abby Road, Manchester, N.H. 03103; 800/466-2369; admix.com.

 

Aluminum beer bottle

 

Exal Corp. developed a recyclable aluminum bottle for Boulevard Brewing’s Unfiltered Wheat Beer. The bottle features a neck profile topped with crown finish, a closure that until now has been exclusively used with glass, the company says. Boulevard Brewing Unfiltered Wheat Beer is the first brewing product to be packaged in Exal’s 66 mm. impact-extruded aluminum beer bottle. - Exal Corp., One Performance Place, Youngstown, Ohio 44502; 330/744-2267; exal.com.

 

Thermal transfer ribbon

 

QuickLabel Systems released RDZ, a thermal transfer ribbon for security labeling applications. The RDZ ribbon produces printed text, barcodes and other label content that is only visible under ultraviolet light. The ribbon looks like a standard roll of thermal transfer ribbon, and can be installed on a standard thermal transfer barcode printer. RDZ security ribbon is a clear, resin-based thermal film. It is compatible with synthetic label stocks, including polypropylenes, polyesters and some coated paper label materials. - QuickLabel Systems, 600 East Greenwich Ave., West Warwick, R.I. 02893; 877/757-7978; quicklabel.com.

 

Voice-enabled system

 

Take Supply Chain launched the Gemini Simplified Interface (G.SI) Voice, a voice-enabled user interfacing system that supports the company’s Gemini Oracle Process Manufacutring and Oracle Discrete Manufacturing mobile data collection applications. By using the existing system through common radio-frequency terminal interfaces, Gemini Voice can be implemented in days. It uses speech technology from Voice-Insight, and is integrated to work out-of-the-box for any G.SI transaction. In addition, Gemini Voice supports more than 36 languages and the technology filters out background noise. The information collected is immediately available to Oracle applications. - Take Supply Chain, 6805 Capital of Texas Hwy., Suite 370, Austin, Texas, 78731; 512/231-8191; takesupplychain.com.

 

Hot-melt glue gun

 

Power Adhesives released the TEC 6100, a thermoplastic pneumatic hot-melt glue gun. The TEC 6100 dispenses adhesives to seal labeling bags, pouches, boxes, and it also secures protective foam. It features an enclosed heater housing with silicon rubber nozzle shroud and a power-on warning indicator light. The product is available in high and lower temperature versions and comes with twin 250 watt steel heaters, and up to 500 watts of power. The hot-melt gun is loaded with 1.75-inch adhesive cartridges, and it has a melt rate up to 9 pounds per hour, depending on the adhesive used and temperature requirements. - Power Adhesives, 1209 Lilac Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28209; 704/334-2425; poweradhesives.com.

 

Filling solution

 

Sidel Inc. introduced Combi Predis FMa, a system for blowing bottles and filling sensitive products in aseptic conditions. Within the system, bottle rinsing is replaced with dry preform sterilization at oven entrance, using hydrogen peroxide vapor. Combi Predis FMa combines the Predis solution with Sidel’s Sensofill FMa in a single piece of equipment for blowmolding, filling and capping. Predis dry-solution decontaminates preforms using hydrogen peroxide mix, the company says. - Sidel Inc., 5600 Sun Court, Norcross, Ga. 30092; 800/453-7439; sidel.com.

 

Eyeris design

 

New Belgium Brewing now is packaging Sunshine Wheat in aluminum cans from Ball Corp. The 100 percent recyclable cans feature Sunshine Wheat’s original watercolor artwork with color twists to reflect green and yellow, the company says. The cans are printed using Ball’s Eyeris enhanced printing technology to create the intricate details of the graphic design. The process uses up to six colors, and is available for any beverage can size Ball manufactures. - Ball Corp., 10 Longs Peak Drive, Broomfield, Colo. 80021; 303/469-3131; ballcorporate.com.

 

Rack divider

 

Douglas Machine Inc. released new rack open divider placing technology that speeds production, the company says. The technology maintains control of the divider from the time it is picked from the magazine until it is placed between the products. This increases case packaging production speeds to 60 cycles per minute, depending on the product. Higher speeds can be achieved by adding additional divider placers. When changing product sizes, quick-attach replacement heads are used. The solution carries a 3-year limited warranty. - Douglas Machine Inc., 3404 Iowa St., Alexandria, Md. 56308; 320/763-6587; douglas-machine.com.