The Hyster J30-40ZT three-wheel lift truck series, with capacities from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, combines brushless AC technology from Hyster Co. with maneuverability to create a series that makes it easier to get around bulging aisles and congested loading bays. The rugged J30-40ZT series has a long service life due to the Hyster brushless AC traction and steer motors that eliminate motor brushes, commutators and contactors. An optional transistor-controlled hoist motor completes the configuration to reduce time required for maintenance, allowing operators more time behind the wheel.

GBG and Accutech Design Ltd. have partnered to provide load management and pallet-building solutions to GBG’s beverage customers. GBG is a provider of sales and distribution software for direct store delivery of consumer packaged goods in North America. Accutech Design is particularly renowned for its unique pallet layering system, the Q-Tek Bomber. The Q-Tek Bomber’s semi-automated pallet layering capabilities allow distributors to fill multiple orders in less time with fewer injuries while maximizing the productivity of the warehouse. Together with GBG’s Distribution and Delivery Engine (DDE), the Q-Tek Bomber streamlines the loading process for faster more efficient shipments.

Graphic Packaging International (GPI) added an environmentally friendly paperboard clip for multi-packs. In partnership with Missouri-based Eco-Pak Inc., GPI is offering two versions of the paperboard clip:  (1) the plate top, which offers a bold overhead billboard, but is almost invisible from the side and (2) the box top, which has side panels for maximum shelf impact, plus a bottom control panel that allows for secure glass multi-packs. The Eco-Pak clip is especially suited to several important emerging markets, notably: dairy, which is increasingly moving toward single-serve portions; club stores, which prefer a “disappearing pallet” without trays and without high-wall corrugated containers; mass merchandisers, who are aggressively encouraging consumer product goods companies to offer multi-packs; and new age beverage products, such as fruit drinks, that want to highlight their primary container and label in a way that isn’t possible with basket packaging.

Systemate Numafa’s new PWMV-E is an economical alternative for the cleaning of pallets, freezer spacers and slip sheets. The PWMV-E offers effective water circulation, which results in water conservation. At the end of the washing cycle, the washing water also passes through the strainer system into the tank for re-use, reducing water costs. The PWMV-E can be easily adjusted to the correct product size, allowing for smooth product transport. With in-feed and out-feed sides, the PWMV-E is suitable for placing in a continuous transport system. Approximately 50 units can be washed per hour. The washer is stainless steel with the exception of accessories. It features removable stainless steel spraying pipes, stainless steel nozzles and sieve filtration.

Flowserve Corp. launched Limitorque Actuation Systems L75 series of electric valve actuators. The L75 series provides remote control actuation of quarter-turn valves and other rotary devices, including on/off and modulating rotary valve applications. The L75 series adds a new dimension of operational dependability and flexibility to modern processes controlled by computers, programmable controllers and other electric control equipment. Its multi-function capability permits the use of the L75 throughout the process for on/off, throttling, variable-cycle and any analog or digital control.

Linpac Materials Handling has produced a new, eight-page, full-color brochure featuring Ropak reusable container systems in a variety of applications. The Linpac General Industry Solutions brochure details the company’s wide range of service and solution offerings, including dunnage design, repair, leasing, fabrication and recycling. These additional services are available to help users further tailor their container systems to best meet their unique handling, storage and transportation needs.  The brochure features application photography highlighting Ropak containers at work in a variety of industries, for a range of uses.

The Avantis unit of Invensys Process Systems introduced new software that provides manufacturing and executive decision-makers with key role-based maintenance and purchasing analytics via a standard Web portal. The new software, Avantis.DSS, is a decision support solution that transforms transaction data into visible, meaningful and actionable business analytics based on the individual’s specific role in the organization. Avantis.DSS software comes pre-configured to support a comprehensive set of generic KPIs based on best practices in maintenance and purchasing management. Users can, for example, visualize trends in quantity of work requests, work orders or backlog, make improvements, and monitor their success. With the pre-configured KPIs, users can monitor the complete lifecycle of work - incoming work, work in planning, work in progress and completed work. They can also analyze schedule compliance, resource utilization and maintenance costs. Likewise, with the standard KPI package, users can monitor current activities or longer-term trends in spending to meet purchasing requirements and vendor performance.

The Imaje 2000 Print and Apply is simple in design and easy to use with the capability to place labels anywhere on the package. The print and apply uses modular applicators to place labels on the top, sides and corners of packages. The choice of consumables and software allow the user to create and download label formats to pilot printers in a network. Seven applicators come in four categories: tamp, blow, wipe, and articulated arm. All applicators are suitable for stationary packaging, but for moving packages it is recommended to use a tamp, wipe, or blow applicator. The tamp applicator is suitable for labeling the sides and tops of packages. The applicator applies the label by punching it directly onto the package in one motion. The wipe applicator can label the sides, top, and corners of packages. The blow applicator applies the label to any side of the package with a source of air that blows the label smoothly onto the surface. The articulated arm applicator is used when the package is on a pallet and needs a label applied to two different sides. The rolls of labels can be changed without moving other parts of the machine and the feeding path is a straight line from the roll to the feeder.

A new era is beginning in the world of double seaming, one where seam teardown inspections are completed with the press of a button. In November, CMC-KUHNKE Inc. installed the industry’s first automated, conventional double seam inspection system at a major U.S. brewery. Dubbed the Mars-Seam, it completes a full seam inspection in minutes with minimal human interaction.  The result is faster, more frequent and more accurate seam inspections, all while reducing costs.

Developed and built by CMC-KUHNKE in Berlin and in New York, Mars-Seam is the brainchild of company president, Heinz Grossjohann. Much has been written about the recent trials using X-ray technology to measure double seams. What sets Mars-Seam apart is that it uses more conventional inspection methods and simply automates them. Cans come directly from the canning line or from a manually fed conveyor. Full cans go in and minutes later empty cans come out accompanied by an inspection report.  

Mars-Seam is comprised of three stations, all using industry standard gauges and equipment, all linked together by a pick-and-place system. The first station measures external dimensions (seam thickness, seam height and countersink depth.) The second station drains and rinses the can. At the third station, the can seam is cross-sectioned and an image captured. Internal dimensions (coverhook, bodyhook and overlap) are measured and analyzed using award-winning, S.E.A.M.scan database software. Data is stored in an SQL database and inspection results are displayed in “real-time” throughout the computer network.