More power

Charles Ross & Son Co.’s large-scale Ross Ribbon Blenders, which feature as much as 1,000 cubic feet of working capacity, are designed for high-volume production of powder blends, pastes and slurries. These blenders also can function as vacuum dryers and are engineered for fast mixing, convenient discharge, easy cleaning and low maintenance. The 385-cubic-foot Ribbon Blender is driven by a 75HP inverter-duty gearmotor and is equipped with a double ribbon agitator designed for center discharge through a pneumatically-operated dust-tight knife gate valve. Stuffing boxes are packed with braided Kevlar packing and include lantern rings for air purge when handling fine powders or abrasive materials. The two-piece cover features safety switches to prevent operation of the agitator when the cover is open.

Charles Ross & Son Co., 710 Old Willets Path, P.O. Box 12308, Hauppauge, N.Y. 11788; 631/234-0500; mixers.com

End to end perfection

CMC-Kuhnke Inc.’s  can measurement and rating station, the MARS-EMS Fully-Automatic Multiple-Diameter End Measurement Station, provides automatic measurements for every characteristic of the can-end, increasing time savings versus manual gauges, the company says. Featuring automatic end rotation, the industry leading End Measurement Station eliminates operator error thus maximizing accuracy, it adds. The end measurement system is entirely customizable for the user. Through the use of hoppers for multiple can-end diameters and an automated end handling system, the MARS-EMS Fully-Automatic Multiple Diameter End Measurement System measures an unlimited range of different sized lids. The can-ends automatically are rotated with all parameters being measured in up to 50 positions around the circumference of the end, the company says.

CMC-Kuhnke Inc., 1060 Broadway, Albany, N.Y. 12204; 800/689-0661; cmc-kuhnke.com.

Spring cleaning

Zep Inc. introduced Zep Craft Brewing Solutions, a complete brewery quality and sanitation program, which offers products, services and support for every step of the brewing process, the company says. It includes: plant sanitation programs, antimicrobial treatments, microbial control systems, drain maintenance and janitorial-maintenance. Zep’s extensive equipment line offers central foaming and sanitation systems, computerized dispensing equipment, and C.I.P. and C.O.P. systems. Its value-added services include brewery service visits, written service reports, training programs, sanitation procedures and cost-control reports. All of the Zep Craft Brewing Solutions are easy to integrate into existing brewing processes.

Zep Inc., 1310 Seaboard Industrial Blvd. NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30318; 404/355-3120; zepinc.com

Maintaining temperature

CDN Inc.’s ProAccurate Waterproof Thermometer – Long Stem (DTW450L)was designed to assist craft beer brewing, the company says. The product tests temperatures at a variety of depths, providing fast six-second response for readings. Tests show that it is protected against being immersed in water in more than two feet for as long as 30 minutes, which provides the waterproof functionality that home brewers require, the company says. The thermometer features an 8-inch, 304 stainless-steel stem and 2.5-mm tip for easy insertion into bottles, growlers or kegs. A clip also adds to its utility for brewing beer. The CDN ProAccurate Waterproof Thermometer is NSF Certified and includes a wide range of temperatures, a large digital display, a data hold function, minimum and maximum readings and a sturdy construction.

CDN Inc., P.O. Box 10947, Portland, Ore. 97296; 800/338-5594; cdn-timeandtemp.com.

Full coverage

Weber Packaging Solutions Inc.’s Alpha Compact top and bottom labeling system, designed for top and bottom labeling on clamshells, trays and chipboard cartons, uses Weber’s Alpha Compact labeling system combined with a split conveyor for applying multiple labels on various containers at the same time. The system can apply labels as big as 11.8 inches long and 4.7 inches wide or 6.0 inches wide. The system includes two mirrored Alpha Compact label applicators (one above, one below) and a split conveyor system. The labels are presented as the product travels toward the applicators on the conveyor. After receiving a label on top, the container then gets a label applied from below, completing the labeling process in just a few feet.

Weber Packaging Solutions Inc., 711 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, Ill. 60005; 800/842-4242; weberpackaging.com.

Clear measurements

Sensorex’s Smart Aqua Meter (SAM-1) now is globally compatible with Android devices. Already compatible with Apple iPhone and iPad applications for laboratory and field monitoring, the SAM-1 measures and records pH, ORP, conductivity and temperature values. With the release of the Android app, Android smartphone and tablet users can now use this portable water quality meter for accurate analytical measurements. The device plugs into the headphone jack, and the free SAM-1 app instantly recognizes the smart sensor and provides an easy-to-use interface for taking measurements and managing data. Stored data can be transmitted through email and opens in Excel for analysis and reporting, eliminating data transcription errors.

Sensorex, 11751 Markon Drive, Garden Grove, Calif. 92841; 714/895-4344; Sensorex.com.

Anywhere you want to go

UniCarriers Americas Corp. offers the Platinum II Nomad series lift truck. The Nomad series features the flexibility of use both indoors and outdoors. Built on a smaller frame, UniCarriers’ exclusive Nissan Forklift brand Nomad series lift truck rides on solid pneumatic tires, which allow an indoor truck to traverse outside on paved surfaces, the company says. They are available in 3,000-, 3,500- and 5,000-pound capacity models. The series is powered by the company’s K21 industrial engine, which is a low-emission, 2.1-liter engine. The lift truck features precision maneuverability in confined spaces, intuitive operation systems and rugged construction. A variety of optional equipment is available to customize the Nomad series forklifts for specific applications and preferences.

UniCarriers Americas Corp., 240 N. Prospect St., Marengo, Ill. 60152; 800/971-5438; unicarriersamericas.com.

Keeping costs low

The Freightliner Cascadia Evolution showcases Daimler Trucks North America’s aim to reduce real cost of ownership, the company says. The Cascadia Evolution features a number of leading technologies aimed at improving profitability for fleets and owner/operators, it adds. Freightliner Trucks developed RCO to recognize five main factors for the on-highway segment to maximize profitability: fuel efficiency, safety, uptime, connectivity and quality. The Cascadia and Cascadia Evolution are equipped with the Detroit DD15 engine and aerodynamic enhancements, as well as the integrated Detroit Powertrain. The 6-by-2 single drive axle reduces total weight by approximately 380 pounds, and the truck also offers more than 36 optional safety features. Detroit Assurance is a suite of safety systems that includes Active Brake Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and an optional Lane Departure Warning system.

Daimler Trucks North America LLC, 4435 N. Channel Ave., Portland, Ore. 97217; 503/745-8000; freightlinertrucks.com.

Crushing it

Baldor Electric Co. offers a line of crusher duty motors with improved reliability, performance and energy efficiency to lower operators’ total cost of ownership. With higher breakdown and locked rotor torque performance, Baldor-Reliance crusher duty motors meet the demands of the toughest crushing applications worldwide. The crusher duty motor platform is available in frame sizes 180T – 449T and in the power range of 5 to 350 horsepower. The entire product line is available from stock and meets current Premium Efficiency energy standards. Flexibility and ease of use have been optimized to provide a drop-in replacement for all frame sizes. Motors with roller bearings as standard are field changeable to ball bearings and suitable for across the line starting or inverter duty.

Baldor Electric Co., 5711 R.S. Boreham Jr. St., P.O. Box 2400, Fort Smith, Ariz. 72901; 479/646-4711; baldor.com.

More to love

Rexnord expanded its North American Rexnord Conveyor Components now offering to 1,300 products. The 900 new products feature direct interchanges to competitive products in North America and include chain guide, product handling, frame support, and miscellaneous components, to supporting and leveling elements. New offerings are ideal for the beverage and liquid, food, and automotive industries. The complete offering is designed to ensure conveyors in packaging machinery and unit handling applications run smoothly; continuously improves productivity and work environments for customers by increasing uptime, reducing damage to customer products, saving time, improving hygiene, and reducing noise; provides high-speed capabilities; features an entire system of components that work together to assemble, guide, support, and build conveyor systems and products, the company says.

Rexnord Corp., 2400 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, Ill. 60515; 630/969-1770; Rexnord.com.

Easy moving

Yale Materials Handling Corp. offers the ESC030AD three-wheel stand for demanding retail, cold storage and food processing environments. With enhanced ergonomic features and a new Clear View mast, the three-wheel stand allows operators to stack and transport pallets with ease, helping to increase operational productivity. Equipped with a smart ride floor system, the three-wheel stand offers improved comfort by eliminating as much as 65 percent of shock and vibrations transmitted to the operator. The system does not require adjustments for operator weight, and functions in environments with extreme temperatures and conditions like wash-down and food processing. Additionally, the trucks new side-stance control handle with proportional functionality enables precise load positioning, helping further improve operator confidence and productivity.

Yale Materials Handling Corp., 1400 Sullivan Drive, Greenville, N.C. 27834; 252/931-5100; yale.com.

Putting a light on safety

Larson Electronics offers the EPL-48-2L-T8-D, which is an explosion proof four lamp fluorescent light fixture, ideal for areas where flammable petrochemical vapors and pulverized dust exist, the company says. The lamps are protected by heat and impact resistant Pyrex tubes and the fixture is constructed of copper free aluminum alloy. The lamp reflectors are corrosion resistant, heavy gauge aluminum and coated with a high gloss reflective finish. The fixture also is multi-voltage capable and is equipped with an Advance Mark 7 dimming ballast. This fixture provides operators in hazardous locations with a reliable and affordable lighting solution that provides the best explosion proof protection available without sacrificing light quality or fixture durability.

Larson Electronics LLC, 9419 E. U.S. Highway 175, Kemp, Texas 75143; 800/369-6671; larsonelectronics.com.

Efficiency driven

PMI Cartoning Inc. offers the horizontal, wrap-around case packer, which handles cases with inner or outer fifth flaps and trays of products. Custom in-feed and product-handling systems allow the HCP to run at speeds as fast as 30 cases a minute. The all-servo design features Allen-Bradley multi-axis Kinetix servos, allowing for maximum uptime, quick changeovers and easy operation, the company says. Operator-friendly controls from Rockwell Automation include ControlLogix and AB PanelView Plus, it adds. The HCP is Category 3 Safety compliant and available with an optional stainless steel wash down construction.

PMI Cartoning Inc., 850 Pratt Blvd., Elk Grove Village, Ill. 60007; 847/437-1427; pmicartoning.com.

Going robotic

Combi Packaging Systems partnered with Motion Controls Robotics to release a new robotic solution for end-of-line packaging operations. The new RCE Robotic Random Case Erector combines a Fanuc M20iA/20 six-axis robot with multiple case magazines and a bottom flap folder with an integrated 3M tape head. John Fisher, chief executive officer and president of Combi Packaging Systems noted in a statement that the company chose to integrate the system with a robot because of the expanded role robots are playing in case-packing and palletizing operations. He also said that the system is ideal for fulfillment centers and contract packagers who can benefit most from the downtime and changeover time savings and ergonomic issues prevented by removing manual, repetitive tasks. The new robotic case erector also can be paired with vision technology to assign, verify or track lot or serialization numbers to cases.

Combi Packaging Systems LLC, 5365 East Center Drive NE, Canton, Ohio 44721; 800/521-9072; combi.com.

An aerial view

Pinc Solutions recently released its latest solution to many of the supply chain industry issues: the Pinc Air. The Pinc Air drone provides the ability to efficiently and effectively survey a wide area to autonomously locate inventory and assets. According to the company, the beverage industry can use the Pinc Air inside warehouses to read radio-frequency identification tags on pallets to provide cycle counts. The drone also has sensors for GPS and optical identification of trailers or other high-value assets in yards that cannot be read using ground-based vehicles. In addition, it provides push-button asset and inventory checks as well as video capture of the assets being located.

Pinc Solutions, 1851 Harbor Bay Parkway, Suite 2500, Alameda, Calif. 94502; 510/474-7500; pincsolutions.com.

Customized with quality

The Stenner Pump Co. recently added the customizable Econ OEM to its Econ pump line for accurate concentrate, beverage syrup and additive dispensing. The Econ OEM can be designed for a specific application with customizable outputs, voltages and more. Its quick-release pump head also provides more convenient tube replacement by eliminating the need for tools, the company says. Stenner peristaltic pumps are self-priming, easy to operate and low maintenance, it adds.

Stenner Pump Co., 3174 DeSalvo Road, Jacksonville, Fla. 32246; 904/641-1666; stenner.com.