Product showcase
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 11/1/2006
RFID case receiving line for efficient processing
An RFID case receiving line, the EasyInbound, efficiently and accurately processes both RFID labeled and non-RFID labeled cases. As the boxes move down the line, the conveyor's zones control spacing between boxes, allowing for proper separation. The box then passes through a lightweight RFID conveyor portal that is framed with RF-reflective mesh screens and over RF-transparent conveyor rollers for bottom-reads, resulting in highly accurate RFID receiving read rates. EasyInbound is shipped as a kit for quick and easy on-site installation.
BlueBean. 574-255-5400. www.bluebeanrfid.com.
Safe, efficient self-adjusting tilt carts
A cart's self-adjusting tilt speed control system offers a speed control with a metering valve and flow control assembly. Regardless of load weight and center of gravity, tilting occurs at the same speed. A self-adjusting valve compensates for load weight, eliminating the risk of accidents.
Topper Industrial. 800-529-0909. www.topperindustrial.com.
Inventory management software
FastPic4 inventory management and control software works with the Activant Prophet 21 warehouse management system to provide increased throughput and improved picking accuracy. The software gives users access to real-time inventory and order status through detailed management reports. It manages shelving and rack, pick-to-light, horizontal carousels, and vertical storage devices.
FastPic Systems. 800-987-8379. www.FastPicSystems.com.
Touch-screen weight-recording system
With large font sizes and touch-screen navigation, WinVRS-Touch weight-recording system features a plasma touch-screen display without the need for a separate keyboard. When a user enters into any WinVRS-Touch window with input prompts, an on-screen keyboard appears. The software, optimized for Windows 2000 and XP, keeps traffic moving over the scale by providing fast, accurate collection of data.
Cardinal Scale Manufacturing. 800-441-4237. www.cardinalscale.com.
Light-directed picking system mounts easily
The Econo-Pick picking system features a snap-in design and onboard diagnostics. It can operate in zoned or zoneless mode so all pickers can pick at maximum capability while maintaining accountability. The light-directed order fulfillment center is easy to install, reconfigure and maintain. A three-conductor BUS is integrated into a durable plastic extrusion that can be mounted to any type of flow rack or static shelving. The contacts are a wiping design and continually reseat themselves with use.
Innovative Picking Technologies. 262-567-6525. www.ipti.net.
RFID enabled Stretchwrapper
An RFID-enabled stretchwrapper provides real-time, case-level visibility of loads. The Q-300 stretchwrapper has a Symbol Technologies XR400 RFID reader and wireless bridge mounted inside the mast and Symbol AN400 area antennas on adjustable brackets attached to the roll carriage. The load rotates past the antennas multiple times during wrapping to provide reliable read points. The reader is active only when the machine is wrapping and wireless transmission of tag data from the wrapper to the warehouse management system.
Lantech. 800-866-0322. www.lantech.com.
Upgraded ERP software saves time, costs
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software SX.enterprise 5.1 allows customers to consolidate invoices by customer, order, ship-to or customer purchase order to reduce transaction processing and mailing costs. Users can create a ship-to record from within job management. New search functions make jobs easier to locate and maintain. The software is loaded onto a central networked PC that communicates directly with clients to allow electronic payment transactions to be sent via secured Internet connections.
Infor. 679-319-8000. www.infor.com.
Pallet made of 100% recycled paperboard
Made with Enviroplank, a recyclable paperboard, Envirapallets are reusable, recyclable and biodegradable. Because there is no solid wood in the pallet for bugs to feed, it is exempt from the ISPM codes for regulated wood packaging material in the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures. Envirapallets are also exempt from worldwide shipping restrictions.
Trius Industries. 866-458-7487. www.triusindustries.com.
Coating for paper substrates repels insects
BugBan 9000 is a cost-effective, water-based repulpable coating for paper and paperboard substrates that reduces the liability associated with insects found in packaging. BugBan 9000 repels insects, but also eliminates insects before they can penetrate the package. The EPA has approved its use for the outside of corrugated surfaces, folding cartons, wood and corrugated pallets used in transporting food.
Michelman. 800-333-1723. www.michem.com.
Vertical reciprocating conveyor lifts loads at 118 feet a minute
Incorporating economical modular construction, Valu-Lift continuous vertical reciprocating conveyors have a unique platform for efficient high-speed construction, low maintenance and simplified assembly. The platform consists of simple, lightweight interlocking molded polymer flights with steel connecting pins, lifting at a maximum speed of 118 feet a minute. The light-duty, four-strand vertical conveyors can be furnished with up, down or reversible operation. Standard net lifting heights range from 8 feet to 14 feet. The maximum unit load is 26 inches long by 17 inches wide by 22 inches high with a weight of 50 pounds.
TKF. 513-241-5910. www.tkf.com.
Anti-static vacuum cups available as small as 2 mm
Vacuum cups made from anti-static materials are available as small as 2 mm in diameter and fit nearly any type of vacuum equipment used for the placement of parts. The vacuum cups are designed for handling electronics parts and components, as well as applying labels, pick-and-place operations, packaging applications and more. Many sizes and styles are available, custom designs from customer-supplied drawings or reverse engineering from customer-supplied cups are also available.
Vi-Cas Manufacturing. 513-791-7741. www.vi-cas.com.
Ergonomically lift and position heavy loads
With precise and repeatable positioning and alignment, Aero-Lift tables move heavy loads safely and ergonomically. The scissor lift tables combine Aero-Caster positioning precision with a scissor lift table's vertical adjustability, offering operators continual movement during assembly or repair projects. The lift tables have a pushing force of 3 to 5 pounds per 1,000 pounds on a smooth and level surface. Aero-Caster operation cushions the load during operation and can be used as vibration isolation in some applications.
AeroGo. 206-575-3344. www.aerogo.com.
Make and confirm carrier schedules over the Web
Web-scheduling for SmartDock.NET allows carriers to log-in to a secure portal hosted by BGI Web-Services, enter load information and desired date of delivery. That information can then be submitted directly to the SmartDock.NET user as a pending Web request. Without using the phone, dock scheduling users can view the request, make the appointment and confirm the time with the carrier quickly and efficiently.
BGI International. 913-829-7900. www.bgiweb.com.
Conveyor handles loads to 300 pounds
Designed for operations needing to move large or heavy parts, the Brute 2550 conveyor moves loads up to 300 pounds. The conveyor can be designed as an oval or "L" shaped configuration and works in highly abrasive environments. The Brute 2550 allows a host of line components to operate as one unit (non-synchronous part flow) for maximum throughput. The conveyor features removable track covers for easy access to embedded automation components and soft-start variable-frequency drive systems.
Arbor Automation. 800-816-9661. www.arborautomation.com.
Ergonomic pallet truck
Durable, versatile and easy to use, the economical Gillis MELP55 pallet truck has an ergonomic design for handling loads to 5,500 pounds. The 180 degree handle pivot provides maneuverability in compact areas and comes standard with polyurethane wheels and rollers for rolling ease. The pallet truck features robotic welds throughout, grease fittings at all pivot points for easy maintenance, and is offered in safety yellow powder coat finish.
Leggett & Platt Storage Products Group. 888-541-6400. www.leggettspg.com.
Pack non-round containers easily at high speed
Designed for high-speed packing of non-round containers, the Versatron APT packs reverse tapered, locking shape, trigger and unstable bottles, flasks, and other containers that are traditionally difficult to handle. Powered by a high-speed servo motor, the Versatron's APT technology pulls products into the packing area, eliminating line pressure and avoiding jams in the packaging process. The machine is equipped with a unique beaded lane guide to eliminate friction as containers are carried along the conveyor belt, helping to avoid locking or shingling. The sensors detect the number of bottles to ensure each case is packed properly.
Standard-Knapp. 860-342-1100. www.standard-knapp.com.
Handheld computer takes the cold
Rugged enough for the frozen storage space, the 7530 UHF RFID compatible handheld computer, operates at temperatures as low as -22ºF making it ideal for freezer operations. The Windows CE .NET-based device combines the features of the 7530 with the RD7950 UHF RFID reader—a Gen 2 compliant 900 MHz RFID reader. The handheld computer can operate in condensing environments between 5% and 96% humidity and can withstand multiple drops to concrete from 6.5 feet.
Psion Teklogix. 800-322-3437. www.psionteklogix.com.




















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