Carton and case stacker

 

Westfalia Technologies Inc. introduced Half Gallon/2 Liter Carton Caser and Hybrid Powered Case Stacker, two new products to the company’s equipment line. The Half Gallon/2 Liter Carton Caser loads up to 160 cartons per minute and uses an air-powered load head. It can pack two 16-quart plastic dairy cases simultaneously in a three-by-three packing pattern. Available options on the machine include extensions to carton and case conveyors, motor controls for incoming conveyors and case conveyors, and 24-quart case loading. The Hybrid Powered Case Stacker operates with a hydraulic lift and compressed air. The machine is capable of stacking 25 cases per minute, and it stacks 16- and 24-quart dairy cases up to six high. Westfalia equipment is offered with a complete service plan. - Westfalia Technologies Inc., 3655 Sandhurst Drive, York, Pa. 17406; 800/673-2522; westfaliausa.com.

 

Hybrid and robotic palletizers

 

Intelligrated Inc. offers the Alvey 950 hybrid in-line palletizer and Alvey robotic palletizing solutions. The Alvey 950 uses one or more robotic arms for pattern forming, and is ideal for handling small finished case sizes, multiple product formats and complex patterns, the company says. It is programmed with the Human Machine Interface, and can handle quick changeover for packaging rates in excess of 100 cases per minute. In addition, the company offers the Alvey robotic palletizing solutions, which use jointed-arm robots for both single- and multi-line applications. Each solution includes design and manufacturing of robotic cell components, including end-of-arm tooling, infeed and discharge conveyor, case unscramblers and PLC programming. - Intelligrated Inc., 7901 Innovation Way, Mason, Ohio 45040; 513/701-7300; intelligrated.com.

 

Infrared sensor

 

Keyence Corp. of America introduced the FT Series digital infrared sensors for non-contact detection of surface temperature. A broad infrared spectrum and wide temperature sensing range from 32 to 2,462 degrees F enable the FT to be used for a variety of applications, the company says. The sensor head can be mounted away from harsh environments because the IR can measure distances up to 3,000 mm. In addition, the sensor is designed for thin, fast-moving targets, including heat seals, hot melts, heat-treated or hot-formed parts. A Display Hold function maintains the maximum temperature reading between analog output signals. - Keyence Corp. of America, 50 Tice Blvd., Woodcliff Lake, N.J. 07677; 888/539-3623; keyence.com.

 

Air compressor

 

Quincy Compressor released 10 and 15 horsepower versions of its Xtreme piston air compressor. The units include specific configurations of two-stage QT splash lubricated or PLT pressure lubed, tank-mounted compressors available in single- or three-phase power configurations. Features of Xtreme include low-noise operation between 64 and 69 dB(A), air-cooled aftercooler for moisture removal, removable front and back panels, axial flow fan for cooling and intercooler for low operating temperatures. - Quincy Compressor, 701 North Dobson Ave., Bay Minette, Ala. 36507; 251/937-5900; quincycompressor.com.

 

Vehicles with natural gas

 

Peterbilt Motors Co. is offering its vocational and aerodynamic vehicles powered by compressed and liquefied natural gas (NG). Model 365 and Model 384 are offered with Cummins Westport ISL G and built at the company’s truck manufacturing facility in Denton, Texas. Model 365 NG is equipped with ISL G, which provides a 320 horsepower rating and 1,000 pound foot of torque. It also is available in both set-forward and set-back axle configurations. Cummins Westport’s ISL G powered Model 384 provides an aerodynamic platform for a variety of customer applications including line, bulk and tanker hauling. - Peterbilt Motors Co., 1700 Woodbrook St., Denton, Texas 76205; 940/591-4000; peterbilt.com.

 

Warehouse performance

 

Swisslog released its sponsored report “Warehouse Operations: Increase Responsiveness through Automation” with the Aberdeen Group. The report is a profile of how best-in-class warehouse performance and capabilities are enabled through automation. According to the report, best-in-class companies are 1.5 times as likely to achieve 95 percent on-time deliveries to customers, and 76 percent are more likely to achieve an inventory accuracy level of 99 percent or above. - Swisslog, 161 Enterprise Dr., Newport News, Va. 23603; 800/783-9840; swisslog.com.

 

New barcode technology

 

Sato America Inc. announced its Sato print engines now support the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB). The IMB is a new United States Postal Service barcode that will expand the ability of the postal service to track individual mail pieces, the company says. It is a height-modulated barcode with four vertical bar types: full, tracker, ascender and descender. The Sato M84Se Series, S84 Series and Lt408 print engines can now print the IMB. The company also announced that its Sato printers and OEM print engines will support the GS1 Composite Symbology – GS1 DataBar. The GS1 DataBar permits marking on small, hard-to-mark items and can provide new barcode information such as weight, price or data codes. It also is capable of adding information such as weight and lot number. - Sato America Inc., 10350A Nations Ford Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28273; 704/644-1650; satoamerica.com.

 

Uninterrupted power supply

 

Siemens Energy and Automation Inc. released the Sitop UPS500S capacitor-based DC uninterruptible power supply. It provides a 24 VDC backup without requiring a connected battery. The Sitop offers time for a controller shutdown sequence based on nine to three and a half minutes for 1-3 amp loads, the company says. Its recharge time is less than half its discharge time. The design uses industrial-grade double-layer capacitors to eliminate the need for periodic battery replacement and the enclosure ventilation for volatile gas emissions from a failed battery. The product comes in 2.5 kw and 5 kw models, both with compact DIN rail mount designs. - Siemens Energy and Automation Inc., 3333 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta, Ga. 30005; 800/241-4453; sea.siemens.com.

 

Two-piece can measurer

 

CMC-Kuhnke introduced Back End Station, a BES-1000 Measurement System for two-piece beverage cans. The Back End Station measures plug diameter, can height, flange width and flange diameter. All measurements are taken automatically by touching a button, and cans are automatically rotated to measure at multiple positions. The measurement system is available as a stand-alone gauging unit with a digital display or for transfer directly into Visionary QC or data acquisition software. The gauge is designed for automatic loading, has a touchscreen interface and an automatic RS232 data output. - CMC-Kuhnke, 1060 Broadway, Albany, N.Y. 12204; 518/694-3310; cmc-kuhnke.com.

 

Addition of particulates

 

SIG Combibloc Inc. North America developed drinksplus, a solution that makes the added value of a product perceptible by adding extras such as pieces of real fruit and vegetables or cereal grains to the drinks, the company says. Products containing up to 10 percent particulates can be filled in aseptic carton packs using standard SIG Combibloc filling machines, with individual bits of up to 6 mm. in length and diameter. The liquid component and the particulates are mixed and heat-treated in one tubular heat exchanger. The method works well in smoothies where the bits are evenly distributed. In addition, the Particulates Upgrade equipment includes special valves and filling nozzles to provide optimal product flows and can be tailored to fill drinks containing particulates. - SIG Combibloc Inc. North America, 2501 Seaport Drive, Chester, Pa. 19013; 610/546-4200; sig.biz.

 

High-speed ink jet printer

 

Videojet Technologies Inc. launched the Videojet 1610 small character continuous ink jet printer. Videojet 1610 is the third release in the Videojet 1000 line of ink jet printers. It can print up to five lines of high-resolution print at speeds up to 960 feet per minute. The printer includes IP65 washdown and dust protection as well as a vapor recovery system, which reduces solvent consumption and allows for longer runs between fluid change. Videojet 1610 also features a clean flow printhead design and uses the Smart Cartridge fluid system. The printer can identify whether compatible fluid has been installed to prevent error in ink types or switching make-up and ink fluids. Off-site control and diagnostics also is available via Ethernet capability through Clarisoft and Clarinet software. - Videojet Technologies Inc., 1500 Mittel Blvd., Wood Dale, Ill. 60191; 800/843-3610; videojet.com.

 

Flexible beverage processor

 

Tetra Pak Inc. introduced a new generation of Tetra Therm Aseptic Drink pasteurizers, a flexible unit for processing a range of beverages. The new generation pasteurizers automatically will identify deviations in process parameters. Automatic notification of every maintenance requirement also is provided. Tetra Therm Aseptic Drink is compatible with the Tetra PlantMaster control system, which enables additional intelligence functions such as traceability, with unit history, batch control and review of all previous actions. A new balance tank, heat exchangers and deaerators reduce water and energy consumptions as well as product loss, the company says. - Tetra Pak Inc., 101 Corporate Woods Pkwy., Vernon Hills, Ill. 60061; 800/806-9675; tetrapakusa.com.

 

Industrial environment connection

 

Cooper Wiring Devices released Arrow Hart LynxPower Industrial Connectivity System, a new family of products designed for use in industrial environments. LynxPower system provides custom connectivity solutions in four types of application packages: SOFTPower, Mini-Line, Micro-Mini & Pico-Line and Industrial Networking. The SOFTPower application is designed for industrial applications in which electrical connections are exposed to physical abuse; Mini-Line is for applications where power or signal connections are exposed to long-term physical stresses and subjected to liquids or oils; Micro-Mini & Pico-Line are meant to be used in low amperage AC or DC control systems in manufacturing environments; and the Industrial Network is designed for data and signal transfer to bridge communication between office and factory floor. - Cooper Wiring Devices, 203 Cooper Circle, Peachtree City, Ga. 30269; 866/853-4293; cooperwiringdevices.com.

 

Turbo diesel engine

 

Ford Motor Co. introduced The 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine. The engine is designed for F-Series Super Duty applications, and is twice as strong as regular gray cast iron, the company says. The diesel engine contains inboard exhaust architecture, which reduces overall exhaust system volume. In addition, the hot exhaust pipes are away from components that need to be kept cooler. The high-pressure fuel system injects fuels at up to 29,000 psi, and the system can deliver up to five injection events per cylinder per cycle. The unit has two compressor wheels driven off one turbine impeller. - Ford Motor Co., P.O. Box 6248, Dearborn, Mich. 48126; 800/392-3673; ford.com.

 

Large-character ink jet printer

 

Markem-Imaje added a new high-resolution large character ink jet printer to its line. The 5800 Hot Melt Inkjet Printer uses TouchDry hot melt ink technology, which is instant dry, solvent-free ink that will not bleed or fade during the life of the case, the company says. Barcodes printed with TouchDry are readable and GS1 compliant. The ink can be delivered on a range of substrates and in environments ranging from 0 to 40 degrees C. It also can print with speeds up to 182 meters per minute. The 5800 printer works as a stand-alone or an integrated unit. It also can be used in conjunction with CoLOS Enterprise software. - Markem-Imaje, 1650 Airport Road, Suite 101, Kennesaw, Ga. 30144; 866/263-4644; markem-imaje.com.

 

Multiple bill vending machine

 

MEI released Cashflow Series 2000 VNR Vending Recycler, which allows vending machines to accept $20, $10, $5 and $1 bills. It uses cash recycling technology to dispense previously accepted bills ($1 or $5) as change. The Cashflow VNR features a modular design and a small cash recycler footprint, the company says. An optional high-visibility bezel with bright, low-powered LEDs informs customers which denominations are being accepted. The MEI 4-in-1 bezel also can be installed, which allows the Cashflow VRN to accept cash, MEI coupons, credit card and contactless payments. - MEI, 1301 Wilson Drive, West Chester, Pa. 19380; 610/430-2700; meiglobal.com.

 

Thin-wall label system

 

Label-Aire launched Inline Series 6200 Front/Back Labeling System designed to apply front- and back labels to thin-walled containers with its airfill capability. The system also has the capability to reject bottles that do not meet a customer’s criteria prior to the containers reaching the filler, the company says. Series 6200 is based on the stainless steel/cabinet based Inline Series 6200 labeling system with a pair of Label-Aire 3125 applicators with 10-inch wide roll label capability to handle the large front and back bottle labels. The system also can inspect the absence of label on product, and can remove the empty container from the line. The company also introduced Trunnion Series labeling system, which wraps labels at high speeds to small diameter products. The Trunnion Series is a stainless steel cabinet based PLC-controlled labeling system designed for heavy-duty wrap labeling applications. It can be built for horizontal, vertical or angled trunnion labeling. - Label-Aire Inc., 550 Burning Tree Road, Fullerton, Calif. 92833; 714/449-5155; label-aire.com.

 

Vacuum conveying

 

Spiroflow Systems Inc. offers the Pneuvac vacuum conveying system, which is ideal for long-distance conveying and where product degradation is a concern. The vacuum can convey up to 6,000 pounds per hour of material at distances up to 300 feet. The system is suited for rapid discharging of material from road or rail tankers into silos or the transfer of product from bulk bags, hoppers or silos to production processes. The vacuum conveyors allow for easy maintenance of a head of material in a process machine hopper, filling blenders, check sieving, feeding mills, loading table presses and conveying material into mixing tanks. Material can be taken directly from bags, drums or kegs. - Spiroflow Systems Inc., 2806 Gray Fox Road, Monroe, N.C. 28110; 704/291-9595; spiroflow.com.