Safety-rated control panel

Ross Systems and Controls, a division of Charles Ross & Son Co., offers a Single Axis Control System in a National Electrical Manufacturers Association 4X stainless steel enclosure for soft start and variable speed control of a Ross Ribbon Blender. Its 4-inch color touchscreen is mounted on the panel door for control and viewing of agitator speed, load, cycle time and agitator direction. A variable frequency drive, an emergency stop button, a fused rotary disconnect switch, branch circuit protection, interlocking safety circuitry and fan shrouds also are included. This Underwriters Laboratories-rated panel is built to conform to National Fire Protection Association 79 standards.

Charles Ross & Son Co., 710 Old Willets Path, Hauppauge, N.Y. 11788; 800/243-7677; mixers.com.

 

Software upgrades

Noregon Systems released version 3 of its JPro Commercial Fleet Diagnostics 2013 software. This latest version includes coverage for Paccar MX engines, Allison fifth-generation transmissions, and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 07/EPA 2010 Cummins engines as well as coverage and support for all 2013 General Motors (GM) vehicles. In addition, JPro 2013 v3 offers bi-directional tests for 2010-2012 GM Express and Savana full-size vans with 6-liter gas engines, tire pressure sensor tracking for PressurePro tire monitoring systems, coverage and support for Takata SafeTrak lane departure warning systems, and an auto-update feature to prompt installation of important updates. Current JPro license holders with active support agreements can access the update online on JPro’s website. Other interested parties can request a free 14-day trial through Noregon Systems.

Noregon Systems Inc., 7009 Albert Pick Road, Greensboro, N.C. 27409; 336/615-8555; noregon.com.

 

Plant concepts

GEA Filtration now offers beer dealcoholization plant concepts for smaller capacities. Its latest designs are based on the cross-flow membrane filtration process and are available in different versions for capacities up to 5 hectoliters an hour and 10 hectoliters an hour. If required, the plants also can be revamped for a capacity increase, the company says. These plants operate at filtration temperatures of less than 9 degrees Celsius, which helps maintain the aroma and characteristic properties of the beer, it says. The plant designs also are compact and optimized for batch processes, and their partial automation ensures process reliability and low service expenditure, it adds.

GEA Process Engineering; Gladsaxevej 305, P.O. Box 45, 2860 Soborg, Denmark; 011/45-3954-5454; geap.com.

 

Cleaning tools

Union Jack released a full line of professional cleaning brushes and tools from Hill Brush Inc. These cleaning tools are designed to improve and raise the visibility of internal hygiene control, support Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) compliance, and make it easier to maintain hygiene regulations, the company says. Made from U.S. Food and Drug Administration-compliant materials, the brushes and tools are available in eight colors — blue, green, red, white, yellow, orange, purple and black — to help reduce cross-contamination through color coordination, it says. The anti-microbial brushes and tools also use silver-ion technology at a precise concentration to help prevent bacterial contamination including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and E-Coli. In addition, resin-set brushes are designed to prevent loss of bristles and help keep dirt, moisture and bacteria out of the tuft holes.

Union Jack, 657 S. Hurstbourne Parkway, No. 264, Louisville, Ky. 40222; 800/672-8119; unionjacktools.com.

 

Managing costs and cycles

Rutherford & Associates released eoStar route management software. The application is designed to help companies in the beverage and food industries control costs and gain greater management visibility of the sales cycle, the company says. For direct-store-distribution personnel, eoStar offers access to product and inventory information and allows salespeople to process orders quickly and accurately, the company says. In addition, the combination of store-level information with eoStar’s advanced electronic data interchange (EDI) shortens order cycles, reduces the frequency of out-of-stocks, and manages the shelf-life of products in stores, it says. The platform also includes integrated applications to further assist with sales and marketing. Its forecasting chart prediction tool uses widgets to let purchasing employees include factors like inventory, ads, promotions, events and other variables to form a predictive model. A real-time sales analysis tool provides insights by client, region, time frame and other variables to help with decision-making. For product handling, eoStar’s palletization tool helps distribution personnel stack stable pallets while taking into account factors like product weight, and its voice-pick application gives oral directions to distribution personnel so that they can keep their eyes focused on the products instead of their order lists. In addition, eoStar offers an eoTouch version of the application for iPhones and iPads.

Rutherford and Associates, 1009 Productions Court, Holland, Mich. 49423; 800/270-7558; eostar.com.

 

Ozone upgrade

Ozone International offers ozone systems, including self-contained ozone generators, monitors and telemetry, for the bottled water industry. By updating their ozone systems, water bottlers can improve product quality and safety, it says. The ozone service package includes all required maintenance for the entire term plus remote monitoring, data logging and upgrades. In-line monitors and closed-loop control provide safety and efficacy, and work areas are equipped with ambient monitors to ensure precise ozone concentrations. Ozone International also offers a nationwide network of service technicians that are available to monitor the equipment onsite or remotely for optimum efficiency.

Ozone International LLC, 12685 Miller Road NE, Bainbridge Island, Wash. 98110; 888/780-5552; o3international.com.

 

Rugged technology

Intermec, a division of Honeywell Scanning and Mobility, released the CN51 rugged mobile computing solution. The new device offers users the choice of Android or Windows operating systems for versatile use in direct-store-delivery, transportation, logistics, and field service operations.  Its large, multi-touch, outdoor-readable screen provides ample room for application viewing with less scrolling for greater productivity as well as more space for capturing signatures. It also is equipped with smart battery technology, delivering a battery life that lasts through a full 12-hour shift and beyond without interruption to replace or recharge. The CN51 also is available with Intermec’s EA30 or EA31 high-performance imagers for optimal reading of 1- and 2-D barcodes in various conditions, including low-light scanning environments. Its 5-megapixel camera along with Mobile Document Imaging and Remote Deposit Capture applications enable the user to convert full-size paper documents or check payments into electronic files while on the road, transmitting directly from the point of capture to the back-office workflow. For added flexibility, the CN51 also is equipped with a voice-capable Flexible Network radio, allowing the same device to operate on either a code division multiple access (CDMA) or universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) wireless network in North America. With the ability to switch networks on-the-fly, enterprises with large, geographically dispersed workforces can rely on the CN51 to meet changing coverage needs and ensure anytime, anywhere access to business-critical information.

Honeywell Scanning and Mobility, 125 Technology Parkway, Norcross, Ga. 30092; 770/447-4224; honeywellaidc.com.

 

Recyclable to-go cup

Berry Plastics Corp. introduced Versalite, a
fully recyclable to-go
cup for hot and cold beverages. Made of
No. 5 plastic polypropylene, the cup applies thermal management to keep the beverage hot or cold for an extended period of time while also offering environmental advantages, the company says. Versalite cups are available in 12-, 16- and 20-ounce sizes. The company also offers a lid, which is not made of Versalite material, that is compatible with all three of the cup sizes. 

Berry Plastics Corp., P.O. Box 959, Evansville, Ind. 47706; 812/424-2904; berryplastics.com. 

 

Designed for productivity

Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America introduced a new series of 4,500-6,500-pound-capacity electric four-wheel cushion tire lift trucks. Designed to work in a variety of applications, the EC22N2 – EC30LN2 Series includes 36-48 voltage options and features operator ergonomics and enhanced performance levels, the company says. For example, the lift trucks are equipped with three-phase alternating-current (AC) technology to provide enhanced acceleration and lift speeds for increased productivity, the company says. These forklifts also are equipped with separate drive, hydraulic and steer motors that are tailored to deliver the exact performance level required while minimizing overall energy consumption, it says. For operator comfort, hydraulic levels are positioned next to the seat to allow the operator’s arm to rest in a natural, relaxed position while operating the lift truck. It also features increased operator compartment space, a larger floor board, reduced steering wheel size, and a three-way adjustable, full-suspension seat. Optional enhancements such as LED work lights, four-stage quad masts, side-shifters and foot directional control also can be added to meet specific application requirements.  

Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc., 2121 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston, Texas 77043; 713/365-1000; mcfa.com.

 

High-performance shrink labels

Bemis Performance Packaging launched its Titan beverage shrink films and labels. These films and labels are designed to enhance beverage packaging quality, efficiency and brand appeal by using Bemis’ advanced polyethylene shrink technology. The films create vibrant, sustainable shrink multi-packs that replace corrugate, paperboard or plastic rings, while the colorful, form-fitting labels can help products stand out on the shelf, the company says. Multi-packs made with Bemis Titan shrink films reduce material weight by as much as 50 percent and decrease packaging costs by up to 30 percent compared with paperboard, it says. The Titan portfolio also includes line extensions, such as shrink-film multi-packs with optional handles in various configurations; tight-fitting, high-shrink roll-fed labels; Bemis WavePack corrugate-free multi-packs; and Bemis PerfPack tear-away multi-packs, which  are designed to help brands further differentiate and promote their beverage products.

Bemis Co. Inc., 3550 Moser St., Oshkosh, Wis. 54901; 920/527-2300; bemisperformancepackaging.com.

 

Measuring high temperatures

Paul N. Gardner Co. released the Fluke 572-2 High Temperature Infrared Thermometer for use in high-temperature industrial environments for accurate high-temperature and high distance-to-spot measurements. Specifically, the thermometer measures temperatures between -22 and 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit with a 60:1 distance-to-spot ratio via dual-laser sighting, the company says. The Fluke 572-2 has an easy-to-use user interface with six different language modes and soft-key menus for easy operation, it says. Users can navigate and adjust emissivity, start data logging, or turn on and off alarms with just a few button pushes, it says. The thermometer also comes with a tripod mount, 12- or 24-hour clock, a USB 2.0 computer interface cable, FlukeView forms documenting software, and a two-year warranty.

Paul N. Gardner Co. Inc., 316 N.E. First St., Pompano Beach, Fla. 33060; 954/946-9454; gardco.com.

 

Sustainable cans

Novelis released its evercan aluminum beverage can body sheet for the beverage market. The can material has been certified for high recycled content by SCS Global Services, a company that handles third-party environmental, sustainability and food quality certification, auditing, testing and standards development. Novelis initially is offering the aluminum can body sheet with 90 percent recycled content. When combined with the evercan can end, which is made of a different alloy, the complete Novelis evercan will enable beverage companies to market their products in standard 12-ounce aluminum cans as “made from a minimum of 70 percent recycled content.”

Novelis Inc., 3560 Lenox Road, Suite 2000, Atlanta, Ga. 30326; 404/760-4000; novelis.com.

 

Mass-flow spirals

Ryson International Inc. diversified its portfolio of mass-flow vertical conveyors with the release of its 10-inch High Capacity Mass Flow Spiral conveyor. The new spiral conveyor saves space in a warehouse because of its small footprint and can transport bottles, cans, jars and other round containers up to 20 feet high, the company says. In addition, its 1-inch drive chain gives it a 3,600-pound weight capacity.

Ryson International Inc., 300 Newsome Drive, Yorktown, Va. 23692; 757/898-1530; ryson.com.

 

Sugar cane caps

Tetra Pak Inc. launched the LightCap 30, a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) cap made from sugar cane. To form the cap, sugar cane is crushed and its juice is fermented and distilled to produce ethanol. Through a process of dehydration, ethanol is converted into ethylene, which is then polymerized to produce the polyethylene used to manufacture the cap. The bio-based cap can be used to upgrade the environmental profile of a package and reduce a product’s environ-mental footprint and waste, the company says.

Tetra Pak USA, 101 Corporate Woods Parkway, Vernon Hills, Ill. 60061; 847/955-6000; tetrapak.com/us.

 

Compact vision products

Cognex Corp. released two new products — the Advantage 100 vision system and the AE2 Advantage engine — designed for integration into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) devices and equipment. The Advantage 100 vision system is a compact (23 mm by 44 mm by 54 mm) enclosed vision system with customizable optics, lighting and Ethernet communications suitable for integration into large, automated clinical diagnostic systems, it says. The AE2 Advantage vision engine provides a smaller (14.5 mm by 29.1 mm by 20.5 mm) form factor designed for tight integration inside the enclosure of OEM devices, it says. Both systems offer Cognex vision, alignment and code- reading technologies in a product that can be held on the tip of a finger, it adds.

Cognex Corp., 1 Vision Drive, Natick, Mass. 01760; 855/426-4639; cognex.com.

 

Synthetic lubricants

Ultrachem Inc. developed a new line of high-performance synthetic lubricants — the Chemlube Plus Series, which is designed for use in a wide variety of rotary screw and rotary vane compressors. As universal lubricants, the Chemlube Plus Series is fully compatible with most OEM rotary screw compressor oils and can be used to top off and replace existing fluids, the company says. The lubricants are made with a very thermally and oxidatively stable polyol ester blend, which was designed to take advantage of the lubricating properties inherent in polyol esters but also be economical by combining them with less expensive synthetics, it says. In addition, these fully synthetic lubricants are formulated to form less varnish under high-temperature applications and to be more resistant to acidic intake air than the polyalkylene glycol (PAG) coolants, it notes. Under normal operating conditions, users of the Chemlube Plus Series can expect to obtain up to 11,000 hours of lubricant service life in rotary screw compressors, it adds. The line is available in International Standards Organization grades 32, 46 and 68.

Ultrachem Inc., 900 Centerpoint Blvd., New Castle, Del. 19720; 302/325-9880; ultracheminc.com.

 

Measuring taste

C.W. Brabender Instruments Inc., along with Kanagawa, Japan-based Intelligent Sensor Technology Inc. (Insent), offers the Taste Sensing System TS-5000Z for collecting taste data. The system employs the same mechanism as the human tongue through the use of artificial lipid membrane sensors, which imitate the taste reception of food goods and pharmaceuticals and interprets them as numerical data, the company says. The quantification of taste data is handled by original algorithms and can be displayed in various ways through a rich array of graphing tools, it says.  In addition to the evaluation of initial taste, the instrument also measures the richness, sharpness, bitterness and astringency characteristics of aftertastes, it adds.

C.W. Brabender Instruments Inc., 50 E. Wesley St., South Hackensack, N.J. 07606; 201/343-8425; cwbrabender.com.