Case/Tray Packer
Douglas Machine Inc. released its new Continuous Motion Axiom DL case/tray packer. The machine’s compact design features all servo functions to maximize flexibility and also includes large size ranges, repeatable changeovers with minimal change parts and walk-in accessibility for maintenance efficiency. The Axiom has fewer parts for lower operating and maintenance costs. In addition, it has patented pin-less metering for stable product handling, direct product loading and operates at speeds up to 55 cases or trays per minute. — Douglas Machine Inc., 3404 Iowa Street, Alexandria, Minn. 56308; 320/763-6587; douglas-machine.com.
Flexible, stand-up pouch
Ampac Flexibles launched PureFlex, a new clear stand-up pouch for water and other taste- and odor- sensitive beverages. The pouch has a seven- to nine-layer proprietary coextrusion with organoleptic sealant layer, nylon and optional ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer layer for additional oxygen barrier. PureFlex will be available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from 175 ml. to 1000 ml., and can be customized with a variety of spout options. — Ampac Flexibles, a unit of Ampac Packaging LLC, 12025 Tricon Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246; 513/671-1777; ampaconline.com.
One click titration
Mettler-Toledo introduced its new Titration Excellence line featuring One Click Titration for simple, efficient and secure titration. Available in three configurations, the line offers multiple efficiency options for daily laboratory tasks. Short cuts can be set to start manual or automated processes with one keystroke. Burette, burette drivers, sample changers and balances are automatically recognized and configured upon recognition. Secure titration is provided by the reliable monitoring of resources, including titrants, sensors, standards and blank valves. The machine also allows for personalized home screens for as many as 30 users. — Mettler-Toledo, 36 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, Mass. 01730; 781/301-8808; mettler-toledo.com.
Palletizers
FKI Logistex announced the new GS100 family of low-price, entry-level palletizers. The GS100 series provides cost effective, fully automated palletizers that can process at speeds up to 30 cases per minute and offer heavy-duty construction, flexibility and reliability. The series is available in three models: GS120 for manual pallet handling, GS130 for semi-automated pallet handling and GS140 for fully automated pallet handling. All three models feature metric designs, pattern utility and layer-edition functions. — FKI Logistex, 9301 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, Mo. 63132; 877/935-4564; fkilogistex.com.
Distribution sales software
Intervolve Inc. released Distribution-Suite Sales Analysis software that delivers innovative new market intelligence and performance analytics. The software enables beverage wholesalers to gain new market views and insights into sales performance. DistributionSuite provides customers with real-time market data to help plan, execute, measure and adjust to dynamic market conditions. The newest release gives performance analytics, new reports and enhancements across existing reports to help the company gain new insights on product performance. — Intervolve Inc., 319 West Martin Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27601; 919/828-5727; intervolve.com.
Unpacker/case packer
A-B-C Packaging announced its Model 360 unpacker/case packer, which can automate unpacking empty containers from reshippers and repack filled containers. The machine’s servo-operated robotic-style transfer head performs both uncasing and case packing. With every cycle, two separate actions occur simultaneously: filled bottles are packed as empty bottles are gripped for unloading. Empty bottles are then deposited onto a conveyor for filling and additional filled containers are picked up for packing. The Model 360 operates at speeds up to 15 cases per minute, is compactly designed and can be programmed to pack or unpack multiple cases per minute for increased volume. — A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp., 811 Live Oak Street, Tarpon Springs, Fla. 34689; 800/237-5975; abcpackaging.com.
Packaging innovations
The Sidel Group featured numerous packaging innovations at recent European industry trade shows. At Brau Bevaile, Nuremburg, Germany, the company launched Actis 48, equipment for PET bottle barrier treatment. The Actis 48 meets market demand for high-speed PET packaging of beer, carbonated soft drinks and oxygen-sensitive beverages. The company also showcased innovations with Simonazzi, which it merged with recently. In Paris, at Emballage, Sidel unveiled a newly designed and patented system for dry decontamination of beverage containers, Predis. The Predis system is applicable to extend the shelf life of dairy and fruit juice beverages. — Sidel Inc., 5600 Sun Court, Norcross, Ga. 30092; 678/221-3000; sidel.com.
Internal gate release adaptor
Fortress Interlocks introduced an Internal Release adaptor for its amGard range of modular safety gate switches. It provides an internal release function for safety and access key installation and is compatible with a Fortress Stop, a non-solenoid gate switch that will switch off safety circuits. The company’s amGard range has both trapped key and gate switch technology to control access to equipment protected by safety guarding. The adaptor provides a means of escaping potentially dangerous areas by allowing an operator to unlock the door from the inside. — Fortress Interlocks, 21 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger, Ky. 41018; 859/578-2390; fortressinterlocks.com.
Small vehicle mount computer
LXE Inc. introduced the VX3X vehicle mounted computer. The half VGA, Windows CE .Net-driven computer is smaller, more economical vehicle-mounted computer suitable for smaller warehouse vehicles such as pallet jacks, walkies, pickers and narrow lift trucks. It has multiple options for data entry, including touch-screen, full QWERTY keyboard or attachable scanner. The VX3X also includes a radio, is equipped with LXE’s Tough-Talk voice recognition technology and an internal, isolated power supply. The company also announced its MX7 and MX3X handheld computers have been certified for Cisco Compatible Extensions Version 3. — LXE Inc., 125 Technology Parkway, Norcross, Ga. 30092; 770/447-4224; lxe.com.
Water analysis photometer
Palintest introduced a new portable photometer for water analysis. The 7100 model replaces the Palintest Photometer 5000 and enables advanced instrumental analysis of water tests. The waterproof machine floats, is easy to use and provides accurate test results for any onsite testing application. The Photometer 7100 is fully integrated with the whole range of Palintest water tests and uses light to measure color changes in water samples treated with a reagent. — Palintest USA, 21 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger, Ky. 41018; 800/835-9629; palintestusa.com.
Kink, crush-resistant hose
NewAge Industries announced its kink- and crush-resistant Vardex hose for pressure and vacuum applications. The hose is made of clear PVC with steel wire reinforcement and is suitable for either fluid or air transfer. The reinforcement allows the wire to resist kinking, crushing and collapsing even at full vacuum or in applications with bends and turns. Vardex eliminates the need for extra attachments. Nine stock sizes and custom options are available with permanently crimped-on fittings, cut-to-length pieces, special sizes, formed shapes and thermal bonding to other PVC tubing and hose. — New Age Industries Inc., 145 James Way, Southampton Pa. 18966; 800/506-3924; newageindustries.com/vardex.asp.
Anti-wick seal
AdvantaPure has made available anti-wick seals for flexible braid-reinforced, platinum-cured silicon hose. The APSH with anti-wick seal prevents liquid absorption within the hose walls. Wicking, or liquid absorption, is prevented by molding silicone material to the cut end of the hose to seal in the polyester yarn braid. ASPH is also available in color tracer braid in red, blue, yellow, green and purple in addition to a double braided white option. — AdvantaPure, 145 James Way, Southampton, Pa., 18966; 888/755-4370; advantapure.com.
Pump control system
Flowserve Corp. introduced IPS Tempo, a pre-engineered intelligent pump optimization, control and protection system. IPS Tempo can improve performance, lower total cost of ownership, reduce power consumption up to 50 percent and improve time between repairs. The system can be programmed to respond to process and condition variables to protect pump equipment against adverse operating conditions. IPS Tempo adjusts pump operations for flow, pressure, temperature and fluid level changes in addition to monitoring process variables and pump power. Also incorporated are variable frequency drive technology, pump-specific optimization software, industrial-grade electric drive and menu-driven user interface. — Flowserve Corp, 5215 North O’Connor Boulevard, Suite 2300, Irving, Texas 75309; 972/443-6500; flowserve.com.
Vehicle mount computer
DLog Logistics Inc. announced the new DLog MPC6 vehicle mount computer. The fanless, mobile touchscreen can be mounted on indoor and outdoor forklifts or construction machinery. DLog MPC 6 includes 1Ghz Intel CPU processor with 1 GB and CompactFlash memory, and comes equipped with either Windows XP Professional, XP Embedded or a Linux operating system. Multiple optional features are also available, including highly visible touch-screen, heating capability, internal storage battery and automatic switch-off feature. — DLog Logistics Inc., 332 140 Village Road, #148, Westminister, Md. 21157; 410/840-1982; dlog-logistics.com.
Multivariable flowmeter
Krohne Inc. launched its new Optiswirl 4070 C flowmeter, a multivariable instrument combining a vortex flow sensor with built-in temperature compensation. An integrated pressure in a two-wire configuration is available as an option. The Optiswirl 4070 is an all-in-one product that delivers accurate measurement of volumetric and mass flow of conductive and non-conductive liquids, gases and vapors. The machine features a stainless steel structure resistant to corrosion, high pressure and temperatures. In addition, it features an Intelligent Signal Processing System to allow for stable flow readings while eliminating noise and frequencies in the process. — Krohne Inc., 7 Dearborn Road, Peabody, Mass. 01960; 978/535-6060; krohne.com.
Auxiliary power unit
Carrier Transicold has improved its ComfortPro Auxiliary Power Unit. The improved unit has a 1,000 hour service interval, R-134a refrigerant and powerful 60-amp alternator. The ComfortPro APU is an anti-idling solution for the trucking industry that provides air conditioning, heating and household electrical current for a truck sleeper cab, battery charging and truck engine warming. The new alternator provides 50 percent more power than the original. Other improvements include a new condenser with a proven fin-and-tube design, thermostatic expansion valve and low-pressure sensor. — Carrier Transicold, a unit of United Technologies Corp., One Carrier Place, Farmington, Conn. 06034; 860/674-3000; corp.carrier.com.
Beverage closure
Alcoa Closure Systems International introduced the 28-mm. Xtra-Lok mini, a beverage closure specifically designed for carbonated soft drinks. The Xtra-Lok mini can deliver cost savings by reducing closure and PET bottle finish weight in addition to increasing product fresheness. The closure has a lightweight, two-piece design with a short height bottle finish. The interior has a new closure design using Alcoa’s CSI high-performance CT liner to maximize seal integrity and product freshness. — Alcoa, 201 Isabella Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212; 412/553-4545; alcoa.com.
Water sanitation system
Pall Corp. announced its Pall Aria SA water filtration system, designed to meet sanitation requirements, is now available. The new system combines stainless steel components with proven microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane modules. It treats water from municipal, surface or ground sources in custom configurations. The system can help beverage processors meet water quality standards and reduce total cost of operations. Automated air scrub, enhanced flux maintenance processes and semi-automated clean-in-place processes promote efficient membrane recovery. — Pall Corp., 2200 Northern Boulevard, East Hills, N.J. 11548; 866/905-7255; pall.com.