Carbon dioxide purification

Domnick Hunter, a division of Parker Hannifin Corp., has developed a range of carbon dioxide purification systems that are designed to act as quality incident protection units to help in protecting the final beverage from possible flavor defects and hazards, the company says. Its Maxi and MPlus systems, which offer plant-scale protection, operate as vapor polishers to remove potential carbon dioxide impurities. Manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001:2000 and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 Food & Drug standards, the purification systems offer five stages of carbon dioxide purification plus an optional validated sterile gas filter in a compact, modular design, the company says. The units come with a 10-year housing guarantee as well as worldwide sales and support. 

• Parker Hannifin Corp., 6035 Parkland Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio 44124; 216/896-3000; parker.com.

Free thermal imaging rentals

Wahl Instruments Inc. launched a free rental program for its z30 and z50 series Heat Spy thermal imaging cameras. Through the program, customers at qualified companies in the United States and Canada can test and evaluate the Heat Spy cameras in their facilities for up to seven days for only the cost of shipping. Each Heat Spy unit comes pre-configured and is ready to use straight out of the box. Customers also can choose to add wide-angle or telephoto lenses to the cameras for an additional fee. For more information, visit wahlheatspy.com or call the number listed below.

• Palmer Wahl Instrumentation Group, 234 Old Weaverville Road, Asheville, N.C. 28804; 800/421-2853; palmerwahl.com.

Next generation inverter

Hitachi America Ltd.‘s Industrial Components & Equipment Division launched its next-generation inverter, the NE-S1. The inverter is designed to be ultra-compact to meet the needs of both original equipment manufacturers and system integrators and to function in the range of 0.5 to 3 horsepower. The NE-S1 frequency drive comes with pre-configured and simple default settings for immediate use and also allows for the use of remote mounted speed potentiometers, contacts or switches, and preset speed selections without any parameter changes, thus saving time during the installation and integration process, the company says. The unit is equipped with three-wire start/stop compatibility, built-in logic and time delay functions, an RS-485 Modbus RTU, energy-saving functionality, CE/UL/cUL/c-Tick approvals, loss of signal protection, and sink or source input compatibility. An optional field-installed operator display, an optional door-mounted display and a variety of keypad options also are available, and additional ProDriveNext software can be downloaded to configure the inverter for further flexibility, it adds.

• Hitachi America Ltd., 50 Prospect Ave., Tarrytown, N.Y. 10591; 914/332-5800; hitachi-america.us.

Stackable and lockable bottles

BTC Concept launched BottleClips, a line of stackable, lockable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. The bottles are designed as space savers to help consumers and distributors optimize storage space. The prototype 500-ml bottles are designed to stack three bottles high to form the size of a typical 1.5-liter bottle, but the BottleClips system can accommodate other volume sizes and other bottle shapes as well. 

• BTC Concept, 5 rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris, France; +33 (0)1.53.45.27.17; btcconcept.com.

Accessory bag

Magline Inc. released its Magliner CooLift Accessory Bag, a tote designed for attachment to CooLift carts and ideal for holding organizational necessities like hand-held computers and printers. The CooLift Accessory Bag consists of two 8.5-inch by 9-inch pockets made from durable denier textured nylon and can be affixed to the back of a CooLift cart with heavyweight polypropylene webbed straps. The Accessory Bag makes it easy for delivery personnel to transport logistics electronics safely between the truck and the delivery point.

• Magline Inc., 1205 W. Cedar St., Standish, Mich. 48658; 800/624-5463; magliner.com.

Density meter

Sciam Worldwide introduced DM3, an in-line, continuous slurry density meter. The DM3 calculates density by measuring direct mass over a known volume within a flow tube, giving an accurate measurement of density, rather than an estimation, the company says. Suitable for water and waste, paper manufacturing, and food and beverage processing applications, the DM3 also can measure abrasive media thanks to its high-resilient gum-rubber-lined flow tube with customization options for high pressure and extreme temperature applications.

• Sciam Worldwide, 7380 Sand Lake Road, Suite 500, Orlando, Fla. 32819; 407/505-4513; sciamworldwide.com.

Lightweight cap feeder

Simplimatic Automation has developed a new cap feeder that can reduce the downtime required for retooling lightweight PCO 1880 bottle caps, the company says. The new Simplimatic Cap Feeder Model 1900 incorporates new features that reduce or eliminate the need for change parts, allow simple modification of the hopper size in the field, and eliminate reliance on factory-compressed air through the use of an internal blower system, it says. Made of a stainless-steel washdown construction, the machine includes a Lexan bin and elevator covers, an adjustable 20- to 40-cubic-foot hopper with a baffle adjustment lever, stainless-steel air piping manifolds and adjustable foot pads, left- or right-hand discharge and an optional high-efficiency particulate air filtration system, an ionized air de-dusting device, 30- and 40-cubic-foot bin sizes, a stack light system, and a jam detect system. The machine can run different cap sizes of similar styles on the same machine without the need for belt, cleat or hopper modification parts in most cases, and it can be adjusted while the machine is running, thus shortening the changeover time to as little as 15 minutes, it adds. For a 28-mm beverage cap size, the cap feeder can achieve speeds of up to 1,800 caps a minute, but the speed varies based on cap size, it says.

• Simplimatic Automation, 78 Corporate Way, Evington, Va., 24550; 434/385-9181; simplimatic.com.   

Gas treatment system

Linde Material Handling-North America Corp. offers a new method for controlling pH, biological oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved organics and odors. Its oxygen, ozone and carbon dioxide gas dissolution systems can improve treatment process efficiencies while helping customers meet environmental requirements at a relatively low cost, the company says. The Solvox process, which decreases BOD, dissolved organics and odors, is an effective supplement to forced air systems and also can save energy required for compressors in high-volume aeration systems, it says. Linde’s Solvocarb process is a fast and economical way to neutralize alkaline wastewater with a high degree of control using carbon dioxide, it says. When dissolved in water, carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid to quickly reduce pH to appropriate levels for discharge.  Plus, carbon dioxide provides a safe alternative to hazardous and corrosive mineral acid treatments, it adds.

• Linde Material Handling-North America Corp., 2450 W. 5th North St., Summerville, S.C. 29483; 843/875-8000; lindelifttruck.com.

U.S. export data 

Zepol Corp. developed a database that allows users to view a list of companies that export from the United States along with the products they send and the countries of the world where the shipments are headed. TradeIQ Export contains U.S. export Bills of Lading for four major carriers and represents all electronically available export data since 2010 from the automated export system (AES) of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The program’s interface offers multiple search fields, Excel downloads, easy-to-understand trend information and more to allow subscribers to make informed decisions, it says. TradeIQ Export also makes it easy for subscribers to generate new sales leads, analyze the marketplace and see competitors’ trade activities, it adds. A free trial of the database is available at zepol.com.

• Zepol Corp., 7455 France Ave. South, Suite 409, Edina, Minn. 55435; 612/435-2191; zepol.com.

Angled storage

Akro-Mils introduced its Lean Panel, an angled louvered panel that combines the convenience and strength of a louvered panel with the utility of an inclined pick rack, it says. The panel’s 15-degree angle provides improved visibility and access to parts and supplies stored in AkroBins, InSight Ultra-Clear Bins and ProHanger bins by Akro-Mils, it says. The panels are wall mountable or can be used with single- and double-sided floor racks. The double-sided floor rack also can be mobilized with the 30653DOLLY kit to create a mobile, high-density storage system, it adds. Made of 16-gauge steel with 20-gauge end caps, Lean Panels can hold up to 90 pounds and feature a durable powder-coated finish.

• Akro-Mills, 1293 S. Main St., Akron, Ohio 44301; 800/253-2467; www.akro-mills.com.

Management and project analysis software

Vacava Inc. released two new software applications for management and process/project analysis: Specifi and RapidAnalysis. Specifi is a precise specification management tool that can be used in the manufacturing and packaging industries for purchasing, quality, supply chain management, logistics and more to streamline costs and improve processes, the company says. It features full-function search, automatic time-stamped history, standardized templates, electronic routing and approval as well as extensive permissions for access/security control, which can be applied for both internal and external users. The Web-based software is cloud-based, so it can be used to manage specifications for finished goods, packaging materials and raw materials from multiple locations. RapidAnalysis is a Web-based precision software tool used to benchmark, track and improve business processes and other activities. It allows users to quickly assess and measure against specific criteria and metrics, which are fully customizable to allow users to ensure precise outcomes in quality, productivity and accountability, the company says. RapidAnalysis is ideal for use by general managers, buyers, quality control and quality assurance professionals, lean process consultants, production managers and many others as a substitute for spreadsheets and printouts, it says.

• Vacava Inc., 3131 Superior Drive N.W., Rochester, Minn. 55901; 877/582-2282; vacava.com. 

Actuator software

Tolomatic Inc. offers a new online electric actuator sizing program that can simplify the design and specification of electric motion control projects, the company says. The online software allows precise specification of either rod-style or rodless electric actuators based on their motion profile, orientation, loads and forces. Using a six-step process, the software allows engineers to define the workload, establish motions, match actuators, select a motor, add features such as mounts or switches, and view the results.  Application and sizing details, along with a 3-D CAD file, can be saved, printed and shared electronically. The software is accessible via most devices, as it is hosted online, and saves the user from having to download and install the programs and features to a device that is compatible with the software.

• Tolomatic Inc., 3800 County Road 116, Hamel, Minn. 55340; 763/478/8000; tolomatic.com.

Stocking up on carafes

Graham Packaging launched its new stock 59-ounce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) carafe, designed to help brand owners create a differentiated shelf presence for juices, teas, lemonades, fruit punches and other products in the refrigerated ready-to-drink category. To create a more aesthetically pleasing package, the company selected a square base, which also creates filling line stability and allows for easy labeling, it says. The shatter-resistant bottles also offer excellent grip to make pouring easy, and the flat sides add a billboard promotional dimension to help the carafe stand out on the shelf, it adds. For increased sustainability, the carafe has a 38-mm finish, as opposed to the typical 43-mm option, to reduce the amount of resin in the container.

• Graham Packaging Co., L.P., 5000 S. Major Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60638; 708/594-4955; grahampackaging.com. 

Return rollers

Elite Roller Manufacturing released its new rubber disc return rollers with four tapered roller bearings, which offer smooth, true operation, the company says. Made with universal shafts, three-quarter-inch bearings and a standard shell thickness of three-sixteenths inch or one-quarter inch, the rollers are available in 5-, 6- or 7-inch diameters and can fit into most manufacturers’ brackets, it says.  An inner support tube ensures that hubs are independent of each other for a smooth operation and a long life, it adds.  They also are ideal for abrasive and corrosive environments and are available for belt widths of 18 inches to 96 inches, it says. Elite’s design also guarantees longevity, the re-use of the axle assembly and quick, easy replacement of damaged parts, it says.

• Elite Roller Manufacturing, 4286 Wade Mill Road, Fairfield, Ohio 45014; 513/738-3000; eliterollermanufacturing.com.

Motor controllers and disconnects

Cooper Wiring Devices introduced its line of X-Switch Motor Controllers and Disconnects. These National Sanitation Foundation certified products have NEMA 4X stainless steel enclosures that are designed to prevent the penetration of external contaminants, including extreme temperatures, chemicals and corrosive environments, while still delivering dependable motor control. They also include a high-visibility red handle that can be padlocked to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lockout and tagout requirements. Available in 30A, 40A and 60A switch options, which include a variety of input/output options, including breather drains and pre-drilled holes, X-Switch Motor Controllers and Disconnects have a compact size and footprint for installation versatility and are designed to ensure the needs of safety and reduce downtime, the company says. 

• Cooper Wiring Devices, 203 Cooper Circle, Peachtree City, Ga. 30269; 770/631-2100; cooperwiringdevices.com.

Label inspector

BBull Technologies USA released BBull EK, a new label inspecting component with up to five sensors to detect the presence and verify the correct label using a bar code or data-matrix code on multiple labels. The BBull EK can work as a stand-alone label inspector, as part of a turnkey solution for installation into most manufacturers’ rotary labeling equipment, or as an original equipment manufacturers package to integrate with new products, the company says. The BBull EK works with BBull’s software, which includes all the necessary controls to track parts within the labeler through to the exit conveyor and onto a rejection or distribution device to remove faulty containers from the line, it says.

• BBull USA, 260 Scarlet Blvd., Oldsmar, Fla. 34677; 813/855-1400; bbullusa.com.

A new can size

Crown Beverage Packaging North America debuted a new 10-ounce beverage can for specialty beverages designed to meet the growing popularity among consumers for cans that are smaller than the typical 12-ounce size, the company says. The new addition marks the first time that a 10-ounce beverage can has been produced in its 58-mm diameter line, providing increased flexibility for brands, it adds. For beer brands, the new line can drive growth and profitability because a case of 10-ounce cans can serve as a viable retail price alternative between a 12-pack of beer and a full case of 12-ounce cans, it says. Crown’s cans are 100 percent recyclable and can be further enhanced with Crown’s SuperEnd beverage end technology, which reduces metal use by 10 percent, it adds.

• Crown Holdings Inc., 1 Crown Way, Philadelphia, Pa. 19154; 215/698-5100; crowncork.com.

Collapsible drum

Buckhorn Inc. introduced its collapsible, 60-gallon plastic drum. The 40-inch by 24-inch by 20-inch recyclable drum is designed for use in the food-, powder- and liquid-handling industries. All parts are designed with offset surfaces and interlocking flanges so that no cracks exist in the joints, which minimizes the potential for contamination, the company says. The inside and outside surfaces of the sidewalls are smooth for easy cleaning and also are hinged in the center for a one-way inward fold, allowing the drum to fold flat in seconds, it says. Buckhorn’s 60-gallon drum offers 25 percent better cube utilization thanks to its rectangular design, which allows four assembled drums to interlock into a 48-inch by 40-inch pallet. In addition, 480 collapsed drums can fit in a 53-foot truck, resulting in a three-to-one return ratio.

• Buckhorn Inc., 55 W. Techne Center Drive, Milford, Ohio 45150; 800/543-4454; buckhorninc.com.

Container-tracking software

Container and Pooling Solutions (CAPS) enhanced its proprietary container tracking software, CAPS-TRAC, to enable users to capture, store and report on newly added data points. In addition to tracking individual container IDs and contents, customers now have the ability to track critical, quality-related data throughout the supply chain including product temperature, weight, safety seal numbers and more, the company says. The CAPS-TRAC system resides in a secure cloud environment and is available from any Internet-accessible device. Data can be captured via mobile scanning devices or radio-frequency-identification-enabled portals. The data is automatically transmitted and processed and is immediately accessible for review by all relevant supply chain partners through the program, it says. 

 • Container and Pooling Solutions Inc., 12866 Richfield Court, Livonia, Mich. 48150; 734/542-9150; usecaps.com.