Product Focus

Here are some ergonomic products that have recently crossed our editors' desks.

By -- Modern Materials Handling, 7/1/2000

Hydraulic lift tables

Powered by an enclosed motor with a compact hydraulic pump and reservoir, this lift table features a deck-mounted tilter that pivots on the rolling end of the table deck to maximize safety. With platform sizes of 44 by 44 in. or 50 by 50 in., these units handle loads to 5,000 lb.

The sealed cylinder is designed to reduce maintenance. Components are continuously lubricated with oil.

Options include oversized platforms, special height backstops, larger powerpacks for faster tilt speeds, and remote and pneumatic powerpacks.
Pentalift Equipment Corp.
519-763-3625

Parts for workers available at desired height

An over-and-under self-contained workstation, the Ergo Tilt Veyor, requires no external power source to position parts containers and tilt them toward the operator for emptying or loading. As a result, the operator always has a container ready to use with no interruption of work flow. Parts are also available to the worker at the desired height and angle.

The work station is suited to production operations where change is a constant. The unit simply bolts to the floor and is ready for use. It can be customized to fit available production space and to handle a wide range of container weights.
Topper Industrial
800-529-0909

Cart lifts and tilts loads

Transport containers between workstations with a hydraulic lift and tilt cart. Operated by a hydraulic cylinder with a foot pump, this steel unit lifts loads to 600 lbs. on a 19 by 32 in. platform. It has a lowered height of 12 in. and a raised height of 27 in. Maximum tilting angle is 31 degrees.
Vestil Manufacturing Co.
219-665-7586

Dual-position turntables

Intended to enable operators to perform parts handling at the workstation without having to bend or stretch, dual-position turntables outfitted with pneumatic lifts handle 4,000 lbs. per side. The air casters in the turntable enable full racks to be rotated out of the workstation and replaced by an empty rack. The unit lifts to load the bottom, center, and top levels of the racks.
Air Caster Corp.
217-877-1237

Light-duty stationary lifts

Developed to lift and lower loads directly to workers, light-duty stationary lifts feature capacities of 1,000 or 1,500 lbs. and lift travel of either 24 or 36 in. Platforms are available in 24 in. by 36 in., 24 in. by 48 in., or 48 in. by 72 in. The units, which can be lowered to 5.5 in., are powered either by foot pump, standard 110-volt AC supply, or externally mounted 460/575 three-phase AC.
Econo Lift
905-828-1366

Lift and tilt to 2 tons

Lift and tilt tables with in-plant air supplies maneuver and position loads weighing up to 2 tons. These units feature 24 in. of travel and 35 degrees of tilting capability. They are available in three models with a 48 by 48 in., a 54 by 48 in., or a 60 by 48 in. platform.
Advance Lifts
800-843-3625

Ergonomic sit/stand stools

Designed as an ergonomic solution for workers who stand most of their day, these sit/stand stools feature contoured seats and backrests with tilting mechanisms. Instead of a standard chair base, the stools have a metal floor base measuring 17 in. wide by 28 in. deep. An 18 by 8 in. foot plate extends from the base at a 30 deg angle from the ground.

Two models offer different adjustable seat heights: from 25.5 to 35.5 in. and from 28.5 to 38.5 in.
BioFit Engineered Products
800-597-0246

Ergonomic table lowers to floor

The hydraulically operated lift and tilt table features a 45-degree tilt with a 12 in. high retaining plate that lowers to floor level. A flexible polyurethane safety toe guard protects against injuries. Constructed of heavy-duty steel and painted safety yellow, this unit lifts to 6,000 lbs. Available platforms range from 24 to 60 in. wide and 48 to 72 in. long. Lifting heights range to 46 in. with the capability of tilting higher.
Air Technical Industries
800-321-9680

Airbag lift tables

A new line of pneumatically actuated lifting and positioning equipment provides users with many of the benefits of mechanical lifts but at a fraction of the cost. Models include 2,000 and 4,000 lbs. capacity lift tables, tilters, and lift and tilt tables.

They operate cleanly and quietly where shop air is available and require only 80 psi to lift and tilt loads up to 4,000 lbs. Because they use air instead of hydraulics they are extremely clean and the potential for process contamination is eliminated.
Southworth Products Corp.
800-743-1000

Lift tables

The Max-Lift series of lift tables offers built-in safety maintenance bars that are an integral part of the table unlike others that have detached blocks that can be lost. Grease fittings on pivot points allow for preventative maintenance and longer life. Cam rollers instead of throw-away bearings are standard. A lift-lock top traps the top deck in any raised position, and, as an added safety item, the bottom rollers are also trapped. A magnetic backed control box also adheres conveniently to the table side.
Lift Products, Inc.
877-543-8776

Stack loads overhead

To safely pick up and stack products overhead, a line of vacuum tube lifters features a lightweight, stainless steel handle extension. The extension handles-available in 6, 12, 18, and 24 in. lengths, enable operators to safely handle products overhead without harmful stretching or reaching.
Anver Corp.
800-654-3500

Battery-powered elevating cart

Battery-powered carts enable operators to load materials from a table onto the carts and then lower them to be transported. The 20 by 40 in. platform raises 2,000 lbs. up to 39 in. high. On-board battery charger and battery charge indicators are optional.
T & S Equipment
219-665-9521

Software configures ergonomic systems

A software package calculates the vertical and lateral forces created by cantilevered loads. System parameters are input to the program, which then defines the overhead components required for the application. The software also provides hanger spacing and loadings, plain view drawings, vertical and lateral loading values, and specifies end truck combination.
Mannesmann Dematic
810-954-1000

Ergonomic handling systems

Materials handling systems include rail systems, jib cranes, torque tools, manipulator arm systems, end effectors, self-contained vacuum lifting systems, spring balancers, and electric chain hoists.
Ingersoll-Rand
800-347-7047