Multiple bill vending machine
MEI released Cashflow Series 2000 VNR Vending Recycler, which allows vending machines to accept $20, $10, $5 and $1 bills. It uses cash recycling technology to dispense previously accepted bills ($1 or $5) as change. The Cashflow VNR features a modular design and a small cash recycler footprint, the company says. An optional high-visibility bezel with bright, low-powered LEDs informs customers which denominations are being accepted. The MEI 4-in-1 bezel also can be installed, which allows the Cashflow VRN to accept cash, MEI coupons, credit card and contactless payments. - MEI, 1301 Wilson Drive, West Chester, Pa. 19380; 610/430-2700; meiglobal.com.
 

Thin-wall label system

Label-Aire launched Inline Series 6200 Front/Back Labeling System designed to apply front and back labels to thin-walled containers with its airfill capability. The system also has the ability to reject bottles that do not meet a customer’s criteria prior to the containers reaching the filler, the company says. Series 6200 is based on the stainless steel/cabinet based Inline Series 6200 labeling system with a pair of Label-Aire 3125 applicators with 10-inch wide roll-label capability to handle the large front and back bottle labels. The system also can inspect the absence of label on product, and can remove the empty container from the line. The company also introduced Trunnion Series labeling system, which wraps labels to small diameter products at high speeds. The Trunnion Series is a stainless steel cabinet-based PLC-controlled labeling system designed for heavy-duty wrap labeling applications. It can be built for horizontal, vertical or angled trunnion labeling. - Label-Aire Inc., 550 Burning Tree Road, Fullerton, Calif. 92833; 714/449-5155; label-aire.com.
 
Vacuum conveying
Spiroflow Systems Inc. offers the Pneuvac vacuum conveying system, which is ideal for long-distance conveying and situations in which product degradation is a concern. The vacuum can convey up to 6,000 pounds of material per hour at distances up to 300 feet. The system is suited for rapid discharging of material from road or rail tankers into silos or the transfer of product from bulk bags, hoppers or silos to production processes. The vacuum conveying systems allow for easy maintenance of a head of material in a process machine hopper, filling blenders, check sieving, feeding mills, loading table presses and conveying material into mixing tanks. Material can be taken directly from bags, drums or kegs. - Spiroflow Systems Inc., 2806 Gray Fox Road, Monroe, N.C. 28110; 704/291-9595; spiroflow.com.
 

Infrared spectrometer

Ocean Optics Inc. introduced the NIRQuest Spectrometer, a fiber optic near-infrared spectrometer for online process control measurements from 900 to 2,500 nanometers. Applications for the spectrometer include bacterial detection in beverage and food production, moisture detection in grains and meats, materials characterization of semiconductor components and chemical analysis of pharmaceuticals. NIRQuest uses Indium Gallium Arsenide-array detector in a compact optical bench with thermoelectric cooler and low-noise electronics. The equipment couples to a PC and can operate via USB 2.0 or RS-232. In addition, NIRQuest can be bundled with the Ocean Optics Remora Network Adapter to turn the system into a networked spectral data server, other Ethernet or an existing Wi-Fi connection. - Ocean Optics Inc., 830 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, Fla. 34698; 727/733-2447; oceanoptics.com.


I/O on demand
Emerson Process Management released the DeltaV S-series platform featuring “I/O on demand” and Electronic Marshalling. The release includes enhancements to all the systems’ I/O processing, operator displays, asset management, batch capability and system security. By using Electronic Marshalling, a technology that streamlines design and installation, companies can eliminate two-thirds of the wiring and connections needed for today’s conventional marshalling cabinets, the company says. The DeltaV S-series also has redundant communication, which together with the wireless network can provide high uptime, the company adds. - Emerson Process Management, 12301 Research Blvd., Building 3, Austin, Texas 78759; 512/835-2190; emersonprocess.com.
 

Virtual reality training

Invensys Operations Management announced the commercial availability of its new EyeSim virtual reality immersive training solution. The solution is based on first-principle simulation and augmented reality. It also enables engineers and operators to see and interact with the plant and processes they control, the company says. EyeSim combines virtual reality technologies with high-fidelity process and control simulation, computer-based maintenance and documentation management. In addition, EyeSim technology is geared toward the energy, chemical, oil and gas, and other process industries. - Invensys Operations Management, Portland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E; 020 7834 3848; invensys.com.

Continuous applicator

PakTech launched the Continuous Motion, Multi-Purpose Applicator (MPA60) that runs 60 cycles per minute. The MPA60 uses 5-Axis Fanuc robots to apply TwinPaks, and the change parts allow it to run different handle styles. The Alpha machine has two arms that apply the handles to every other case. In addition, the Integrated Vision System identifies position, orientation and speed of incoming product. The information is fed to the robot arms, which adjust to the location of each case. If a case on a line is askew, the robot arm will sense it and rotate it accordingly. - PakTech, 1680 Irving Road, Eugene, Ore. 97402; 541/461-5000; paktech-opi.com.


Cap closures

Bericap released DoubleSeal SuperShorty closure range for PCO 1881, which offers a weight reduction up to 30 percent, the company says. The company completed its product range for PCO 1881 lightweight neck finish with the development of the LinerSeal SuperShorty, a two-piece closure made from polypropylene with a free rotating EVA-liner. The product range of Bericap for PCO 1881 now consists of the one-piece closure DoubleSeal SuperShorty in different weight variants, the two-piece closure LinerSeal SuperShorty as well as the two-piece and three-piece sports cap variants. All screw caps can be equipped with oxygen-scavenging capabilities. - Bericap USA, California 1671 B Champagne Ave., Ontario, Calif. 91761; 909/390-5518; bericap.com.


Mobile computer

Motorola Inc. introduced the Motorola MC9500-K, its newest industrial-class rugged mobile computer. The 3.5G broadband cellular connection of the MC9500-K supports speeds from a range of networks. The mobile computer allows customers to check warehouse stock, submit an order and create an invoice. It also combines with push-to-talk walkie-talkie style instant voice communications to ensure that drivers can reach and be reached by co-workers, dispatch, supervisors and customers, the company says. A comprehensive training application can be automatically downloaded to all appropriate MC9500-K computers along with an icon on the desktop that indicates the date on which training must be completed. In addition, the computer’s camera provides the features required to support imaging applications that provide as much value as bar code scanning. The MC9500-K also can capture a photograph of a document, complete with legible fine print. - Motorola Inc., 1303 East Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, Ill. 60196; 847/576-5000; motorola.com.


Blowmolding software

Agr International Inc. launched its Process Pilot closed loop blowmolding control software. The Process Pilot control software is a real-time process management system that works in conjunction with Agr’s PETWall Profiler system to automate the management of blowmolder production. The program continuously monitors bottle material distribution data provided by the Profiler measurement system and automatically adjusts blowmolder settings to maintain bottle distribution. The LED-based sensor system can acquire data from up to 32 measurement points. The Process Pilot also uses information to manage the controllable parameters of the blowmolder to provide a stable process, the company says. - Agr International Inc., 615 Whitestown Road, Butler, Pa. 16001; 724/482-2163; agrintl.com.


Packaging and palletizing robots

Kuka Robotics debuted KR 700 PA, KR 470 PA and KR 300 PA, a new line of packaging and palletizing robots at Pack Expo. The new palletizers use large working envelopes, maximize stacking heights and accommodate sizeable end-of-arm tooling, the company says. The units are ideal for palletizing and depalletizing applications. Kuka Robotics provides ways for customers to achieve high throughput rates, the company adds. The palletizers can move products that weigh 40 kg. to 1,300 kg. - Kuka Robotics, 22500 Key Drive, Clinton Township, Mich. 48036; 866/873-5852; kukarobotics.com.


Odor identification

Microanalytics developed a method to identify industrial odor sources and strategies for neutralizing them. The company addressed both parts of the process by developing an improved field gas collection method that includes the Sumo-Bag for immediate collection. The sample is then either sent directly to the laboratory for analysis on Microanalytics’ AromaTrax GCMS-Olfactometry System or transferred to an absorption tube. The Sumo-Bag, made from metalized Teflon fluorinated ethylene propylene film, provides a way to collect actual air samples, the company says. Ideal applications for the technology include industrial waste, animal and feed operations, human waste and any other environment emitting high polar compounds. - Microanalytics, 2011 A Lamar Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78664; 512/218-9873; mdgc.com.


Desktop printer

Datamax-O’Neil introduced E-Class Mark II, a compact desktop printer, and A-Class Mark II print engine. The E-Class Mark II printers have an increased print speed option of 5 IPS, internal Ethernet connectivity and additional emulation capabilities. The A-Class Mark II print engine features a large graphics display, menu navigation, connectivity features and a modular design. Its stainless steel cover addresses the needs of harsh environments, the company says. The A-Class Mark II is available in either 4-inch or 6-inch widths and also is offered in 203, 300, 400 and 600 dpi resolution in right- and left-hand models. - Datamax-O’Neil, 4501 Parkway Commerce Blvd., Orlando, Fla. 32808; 407/578-8007; datamaxcorp.com.


PC-based software

Siemens Energy & Automation Inc. unveiled Simatic WinAC RTX F software, a PC-based control software with integrated safety functions. The software allows standard control logic, as well as office applications to run on the same PC with safety-rated logic. Simatic WinAC RTX F software is scalable for standard PCs or WinXO-embedded PCs. Available for a range of process and discrete automation applications, the TUV-certified software meets tough automation safety requirements and complies with EN 954-1 to Cat. 4, IEC 62061 to SIL 3 and EN ISO 13849-1 up to PL e-safety standards. System extensions are available with an Open Development Kit for data exchange with other PC applications. - Siemens Energy & Automation Inc., 3333 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta, Ga. 30005; 770/871-3845; siemens.com.


Tips to avoid forklift abuse

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks released a list of tips on how to recognize and avoid common forklift truck abuse applications that can create costly downtime for customers. Some of the tips include replacing worn or chunked tires, doing routine fork inspections, only using the inching pedal on the transmission when approaching a rack, and having regular and ongoing training to ensure the equipment is properly maintained. - Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, 2121 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. North, Houston, Texas 77043; 713/365-1000; mit-lift.com.


Verifying calibration

Wahl Instruments Inc. announced the Wahl Heat Spy Portable Calibration Black Body, an ambient temperature black body used for single point calibration verification and checking of Thermal Imaging Cameras and Point Infrared Thermometers. It is housed in a watertight IP67 carrying case, and is shipped standard with NIST Traceable Certificate of Calibration. It also carries a two-year warranty on parts and labor, and includes a user replaceable battery with a three-year operational life. - Wahl Instruments Inc., 234 Old Weaverville Road, Asheville, N.C. 28804; 800/421-2853; palmerwahl.com.


Carton caser
Westfalia Deam Systems, a division of Westfalia Technologies Inc., added the Fractional Quart Carton Caser to its line of case packers. The high-speed and flexible case packs 240 cartons per minute into single cases and uses a four-by-four packing pattern. It has a servo-control load head to adjust to various fractions of quart side cartons and is height adjustable. The Fractional Quart Carton Caser comes with dual in-feed carton conveyors, case conveyor and line breaks. Available options include extensions to carton and case conveyors, and motor controls for incoming conveyors. The equipment is constructed from stainless steel and is ideal for wet environments found in beverage and dairy facilities. - Westfalia Technologies Inc., 3655 Sandhurst Drive, York, Pa. 17406; 717/764-1115; westfaliausa.com.
 

News

Ball Corp., Broomfield, Colo., completed its acquisition of certain Anheuser-Busch InBev U.S. beverage can manufacturing assets. Ball acquired four of A-B InBev’s plants, including associated contracts for $577 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments.

Siemens Energy & Automation Inc., Alpharetta, Ga., announced it will be the only electrical distribution product manufacturer to provide a three-year warranty standard on its lighting panel, power panel, busway and switchboard product lines. This comes as part of its C3 Customer Confidence Certification program.
The company also hosted its third Answers for Industry Event in Minneapolis in October. The events were designed for manufacturers, engineers, OEMs, integrators and end users.

Nomacorc, Zebulon, N.C., won the Gold Medal for Innovation at SITEVI 2009 for its PreSens Fibox 3 LCD, an oxygen analyzer that uses luminescence technology to measure oxygen in bottled wine.


Invengo Technology Corp., Herndon, Va., launched its pan-European operation to focus on developing a new presence in the region, and offer products at market-beating prices. The product range includes fixed and handheld readers with Wi-Fi and cellular General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), inlays and labels, as well as antennae for market sectors.
 

The Supply Chain Consortium, Raleigh, N.C., conducted a survey of top retail and manufacturing related companies, and followed with the Core Benchmarks Report, which stated that distribution center costs as a percentage of revenue are trending downward compared to last year.


Invensys Operation Management, Plano, Texas, signed an agreement with PAS, Houston, a supplier of operations and automation software, to provide Invensys clients a comprehensive suite of system documentation and configuration management tools and services.
 

Sky-Trax Inc., New Castle, Del., partnered with Saddle Creek Corp., Lakeland, Fla., and introduced the first phase implementation of Total-Trax solution in a Saddle Creek facility in Atlanta.


Emerson Process Management, St. Louis, introduced Human Centered Design Institute, a place to make process control technology easier. The goal is to make products that are not only reliable, compatible and cost-effective, but also bring an improvement in ease-of-use and workforce productivity.


People
O-I, Perrysburg, Ohio, named Barbara Owens vice president and chief communications officer. Owens will be responsible for leading O-I’s communication strategy through planning, development and implementation of external and internal communications on a global basis.

Swisslog Logistics, Newport News, Va., appointed AK Schultz vice president, customer support for North America.

Renold Americas, Morristown, Tenn., named Rick Hamilton president of the company. Hamilton is responsible for all sales operations in the United States, Canada and Latin America.


Invensys Operations Management, Plano, Texas, added Ravi Gopinath and Teemu Tunkelo regional presidents for Asia Pacific and Europe/Russia/Africa, respectively.
 

Siemens Energy & Automation Inc., Alpharetta, Ga., appointed Daryl D. Dulaney president and chief executive officer of Siemens Industry Inc., the U.S. affiliate of Siemens’ global industry sector business.