Product News

Aug. 1, 2002
A look at new products in the material handling industry.
WEIGHING IS IN HAND

The MSI-9750 RF Remote Digital Weight Indicator includes all scale features. It can log on to 32 networks to serve up to 32 separate CellScale units. Operation is simple with an alphanumeric keypad that has seven control and six user-programmable keys. Backlight transflective LCD is visible in sunlight. Antenna range is 500 ft indoors and 1,000 ft outdoors. Measurement Systems International; www.msiscales.com; 206-433-0199

CAMERA SENSING

The ICS 100 Intelligent Camera Sensor uses a CMOS sensor that enables the system to inspect very glossy objects without glaring or blooming. The processor operates in 2.5 ms, enabling the camera to see high-speed objects. The sensor uses a variety of algorithms, including pixel sum, minimum pixel sum, multi-area evaluation and shape check. The system can handle pattern matching, presence monitoring, shape verification, position and dimension verification, object detection and completeness verification. Sick Inc.; www.sickusa.com; 952-941-6780

PLACING PRODUCTION IN THE PALM OF A HAND

The Cimplicity PalmView is a handheld personal digital assistant with Cimplicity collaborative production management software and a wireless Ethernet card. It lets operators view real-time graphical automation and production data from anywhere in a plant without additional screen configuration. It’s bi-directional, letting users interact with production systems through the Compaq Pocket PC. GE Fanuc Automation North America Inc.; www.gefanuc.com; 800-648-2001

REUSABLE CONTAINERS

Folding corrugated steel containers store an array of products weighing up to 4,000 lb. When collapsed, they save space. They are designed to work in unison with plastic collapsibles and are available in sizes 45 by 48 by 33 in. and 48 by 63 by 34 in. Standard models have a powder-coat finish. AWP Industries Inc.; www.awpind.com; 800-666-9938

ISLAND OF AUTOMATION

The Universal Workstation provides efficient orderpicking while maximizing cube use. It is a combination of automated storage and retrieval technologies including horizontal carousels, vertical carousels, vertical lift modules, pick-to-light flow racks and shelves controlled by inventory management software. The type and mix of equipment are determined by SKU size, quantity, order velocity and stocking levels. Remstar Systems; www.remstar.com, 800-639-5805

FASTER CONVEYING

The Lanco HFL2002 conveyor system uses MagneMotion QuickStick linear synchronous motors to increase pallet throughput. The motors are installed between the rails of conventional assembly conveyors. They replace conventional belt-and chain-drive mechanisms. With these motors, conveyors can attain transport speeds to 2.5 meters per second. MagneMotion Inc.; www.magnemotion.com, 978-461-5090; Lanco Assembly Systems; www.lanco.net, 207-773-2060

LIFTS HELP AVOID ACCIDENTS

Lift tables let users position components, work pieces and pallets at precise angles and heights. This capability eliminates many ergonomic concerns that can lead to work related injuries. Advance Lifts Inc.; www.advancelifts.com, 800-843-3625

OPTICAL MATCH

The EconoCR optical character recognition software handles identification, matching, sorting, tracking and verification of products as they move through material handling processes. The program automatically reads serial numbers or identification codes machine-marked on printed circuit boards, glass lenses and molds, electronic components and carriers, disk-drive heads, medical devices and instruments and other components and packaged goods. Concepts in Computing Inc.; www.c-in-c.com, 815-624-7765

TILT AND UNLOAD

The Hercules Hydraulic Tilt Table and Container Positioner tilts and positions pallets, crates, boxes or other large containers at comfortable angles, easing emptying and reducing injuries. A 1/60/120-volt, 1 horsepower motor-driven hydraulic system powers the units up and tilts the table to 60 degrees. Gravity lowers the deck to 10.5 in. A “deadman” type foot pedal operates hydraulic power. Dozier Equipment Co.; www.dozier-equip.com, 800-251-1234

FASTER PICKING

The Maxtractor 100 uses motion control, servo systems and software to offer fast robotic insertion and extraction for automation of case or tote handling within carousel staging/retrieval systems. With Ethernet communication, the system can handle products with dimensions of 30 by 30 in., and weights to more than 250 lb. System height can reach to 60 ft. AC motors raise and lower the carriage at speeds over 600 fpm. The AutoPick system runs unattended. Diamond Phoenix; www.diamondphoenix.com, 800-361-0785

NO MORE EMPTY PALLET STORAGE PROBLEMS

The Over-Dock Storage Racks solve the problem of empty pallet storage. The Single-Leg design features an upright frame with an offset leg. It has one single back column high enough to clear the door. It works best with poured concrete since heavy-duty ties are used to stabilize the frame. The ceiling supported design must be worked into architect’s plans to ensure structural stability. Racks include structural channel load beams with bolted connections. Steel King Industries Inc.; www.steelking.com, 715-341-3120

CORRUGATED PALLETS

The Pro-Rap Series pallet line are 100 percent recyclable, environmentally friendly, lightweight, durable and infestation-free alternatives to wood. The line consists of two-way and four-way entry pallets. They are available in stock sizes and can be customized. Protecta-Pack Systems; www.protecta-pack.com, 800-722-1442