Additional new products released at ProMat 2001 will be featured next month in our New Products section.

The DH Variable Speed Wire Rope Hoist features infinitely variable speed control. It is the first of its kind with off-the-shelf delivery.

The HBK Vertical Balancer is the first in a new series of modular ergonomic lift assist equipment. The rigid load guidance balancer controls movement of loads in the vertical direction, and offers 360-degree rotation.

The Handy Lifter is a compact, portable hoist available in both rope and chain styles. It is operated by infrared control and can be easily set up.

The RC10 Radio Remote-Control Pendant controls cranes and machinery. The hand-held unit is suitable for use in situations where it is not possible for the operator to get near the load.
Demag Cranes and Components Corp.
440-248-2400
www.dematic.com  

Anew intelligent crane device (ICD) attaches to a G-force intelligent lifting device (ILD) to allow the operator to easily lift loads and manipulate objects. Materials handling problems that require quick and precise movement on the X, Y, and Z axis can be safely and effectively solved.
Gorbel
716-924-6262
www.gorbel.com

A new pick-to-light order fulfillment system, DirectPick, combines software controls and easy-to-read light displays to reduce picking time by half and increase accuracy by 80% over manual picking systems.

Also new is a family of high-speed extractor systems for case and tote handling in carousels. The Maxtractor products permit customers to achieve high throughput rates and increase accuracy in cross-docking applications and buffer storage for balancing manufacturing and shipping.

In addition, DiamondWare software now includes PowerPick and AutoPick to provide streamlined implementations in several areas.
Diamond Phoenix
207-784-1381
www.diamondphoenix.com

Managing logistics is at the heart of a new set of Web-centric applications. This software enables supply chain visibility, collaboration, and optimization across facilities, an enterprise, and an extended supply chain. DigitaLogistix integrates with the software providers' existing warehouse, transportation, and labor management solutions.
McHugh Software Int'l.
414-317-2000
www.mchugh.com

With the multi-vehicle system (MVS) fast charger, batteries can be charged while still in the lift truck and the vehicle returned to operation in 20 to 60 minutes. The MVS charges up to 10 batteries at one time with voltages from 24 to 96 volts.

The ELT heavy-duty fast charger is a single forklift fast charger. ELT models 600 and 750 fast charge 48-volt and 80-volt batteries.
AeroVironment
626-357-9983
www.aerovironment.com

An overhead, chain-driven robotic system represents a whole new paradigm in manipulating loads. Totally independent, smart robots move around a closed loop track. Unlike traditional robots, these units are productive throughout a full cycle. Commands sent by infrared signals direct the robots' actions.
Distributed Robotics LLC
518-279-3419

A new live roller conveyor, Whisperflex, is designed to reduce noise pollution. Even at speeds of 300 feet per minute, the Whisperflex typically produces noise levels of 60 to 65 decibels. A unique round belt concept greatly reduces noise levels because it minimizes contact on the rollers. Minimal product weight restrictions are another feature of the conveyor.
HK Systems
262-860-7000
www.hksystems.com

A new, easy-to-use interface for customization of warehouse management systems consists of views based on objects that they represent. This results in a flat hierarchy that makes the functionality of the system complete, but simple to use, for faster operation and reduced training time.
Westfalia Technologies
717-764-1115
www.westfaliausa.com

A high powered, tubular plate technology battery has been added to the company's line of flooded, industrial lift truck batteries. Users can experience longer lift truck run times resulting in fewer battery changeouts and improved productivity. The battery is designed for use with every popular lift truck in Classes I, II, and III.
GNB Industrial Power, a division of Exide Technologies
800-872-0471
www.gnb.com

In comparison to conventional steel wheels used in storage systems, a new engineered thermoplastic wheel is wider, lighter, and stronger. Designed for gravity flow storage systems, the 1-1/8 inch wide wheel is manufactured with a crystalline-based resin combined with several lubricating ingredients.

The new design is reinforced with a proprietary 5/16 inch steel axle infused with a high temperature coating, enhancing pallet flow.
Creative Storage Systems
770-514-0711
www.creativestorage.com

The Glide 'N Pick pallet cart limits injuries caused by straining to reach cartons at the back of the rack. It makes order picking quicker, easier, and more comfortable for warehouse employees.

When full, the cart is locked in position. When the cart is only half full, the lever can be activated so workers can reach the product in the back. The cart releases and pulls product forward on large, smooth rolling wheels.
Frazier Industrial
908-876-3001
www.frazier.com

The Defender frame is intended to resist and reduce the amount of forklift damage on the rack. It can be applied to new installations as well as existing installations in need of repair.

With the new design, the front column is moved back 9 inches from the aisle, reducing the amount of forklift contact. The bottom front column is made of tubular steel with a 3/16 inch thick wall, resisting more abuse than an ordinary rack.
Interlake Material Handling
630-245-8843
www.interlake.com

The MDS Robopicker completely automates the slow moving stock keeping units of the distribution center. It provides the capability to pick items as small as single eyeline pencils and lipsticks as well as 2 inch by 3 inch cases.

The company also has a new shoe sorter capable of sorting up to 8,000 orders per hour. The sorter can run as part of a conveyor system operating at speeds of 350 feet per minute.
Knapp Logistics Automation
770-383-3358
www.knapp.com

The STAR software package creates a shipment record that can be tracked throughout the entire delivery route for transportation management companies, third party logistics providers, and shippers with private fleets.

An order networking and traffic planning system called ROC ON is designed for a multi-site distribution environment. It coordinates the arrival of product before it is delivered to a facility and manages all aspects of outbound deliveries.
Radcliffe Systems
416-493-3844
www.radcliffesystems.com

A next generation suite of integrated logistics software for manufacturers, distributors, and third party logistics providers is IristaFulfill 8. It is comprised of the latest releases of iristaWarehouse for warehouse management, IristaTransport for transportation management, and IristaVision for fulfillment network visibility and event management. These combined applications provide visibility, flexibility, and control over the fulfillment process.

The suite is based on a publish-and-subscribe transactional backbone called IristaLink.
Irista, an HK Systems company
262-860-7000
www.irista.com

A new inverted power-and-free conveyor transports loads weighing up to 750 pounds. The modular system provides stable movement of products throughout manufacturing.

The revolver rotator system is designed for the rotation of inventory as it moves along a line. The modular system is flexible and reduces process costs.

The company's new controls systems are based upon a concept of singularity. All portions of the product line share the same controls.
Richards-Wilcox
630-897-6951
www.richardswilcox.com

A narrow-belt right-angle sorter relies on a series of narrow belts, each with individual take-up, that enables the system to track product as it reaches specified divert points.

The narrow belt 30-degree angle sorter also uses a series of narrow belts with individual take-up. High-friction divert wheels move the product onto a spur conveyor.

The new motorized-roller conveyor can be programmed to selectively deactivate conveyor zones when not carrying product.

For sortation speeds of up to 200 sorts per minute, the company has introduced a bi-directional sliding shoe sorter.
Ermanco
231-798-4547
www.ermanco.com