Packaging solutions
Douglas Machine added the Vectra Cartoner to its packaging lineup. The parts and programming of the Vectra Cartoner are compatible and align with the design criteria of Douglas Machine’s Axiom and Invex case and tray packers, the company says. The Vectra Cartoner is a heavy-duty, mid- to high-speed cartoner handling up to 300 cartons a minute. The cartoner’s all servo-driven technology ensures product control in all machine phases from infeed to discharge, the company says. Servo operation at the point of motion ensures overload protection at all machine functions, it says. The live servo-driven flap tuckers and compression offer tuck and glue for a wide range of carton styles. Menu-driven servo adjustments and precise screw adjustments result in more efficient and precise changeovers, the company says.

• Douglas Machine Inc., 3404 Iowa St., Alexandria, Minn. 56308; 320/763-6587; douglas-machine.com.

Stretch wrapper technology
Lantech created a product to reduce film breaks, the company says. Available on Lantech’s SL automatic stretch wrapper, the Load Seeking Clamp 4.0 was created to hold onto the film, which prevents film breaks and releases at the clamp, the company says. At the beginning of the wrap cycle, the Load Seeking Clamp 4.0 goes out to the edge of the load creating clamp to load contact regardless of the width of the load. This eliminates sagging issues and maximizes containment at the bottom of the load. The Load Seeking Clamp 4.0 is standard on the SL Automatic stretch wrapper. Also available as a retrofit on S Series automatics, it is a low maintenance item with no pressure or misalignment adjustments required, the company says.

• Lantech, 11000 Bluegrass Pkwy., Louisville, Ky. 40299; 800/866-0322; lantech.com.

Speed motor innovation
Force Control Industries announced its Two Speed Drive for applications up to 30 horse power that requires a high turndown ratio while maintaining high torque. The drive includes a brake motor with a low-speed drive built in. This provides precise low-speed control with continuous high torque as well as high-speed capability in a compact package, the company says. Additional benefits include the simplicity of a mechanical drive, which is easily maintained by local mechanical maintenance staff, and not affected by electrical line spikes, lightning and other electrical issues, it says. Totally enclosed units are ideal for dusty, dirty and wet environments, even outdoors. Force Control Two Speed Drives can be used for transfer or lift systems, rotary components, car spotters, cranes, winches and more, the company says.

• Force Control Industries Inc., 3660 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, Ohio 45014; 513/868-0900; forcecontrol.com.

New test tools
Palmer Wahl Instruments Inc. debuted its new line of digital pressure test gauges and hydraulic and pneumatic pressure calibration pumps. The Palmer 3PC Auto Ranging Digital Pressure Test Gauge spans ranges from vacuum to 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi). With reading accuracy of 0.1 percent, the 3PC eliminates the need for many different gauges to span this large range, the company says. The 3PC features the flexibility to read in nine different units of measure, including psi, bar, kilopascal, inches of mercury, inches of water, millimeters of mercury, millimeters of water and millibar. Calibration Pumps in both hydraulic and combination pneumatic versions also are available from Palmer Instruments. The Palmer PP10K Hydraulic Calibration Pump uses a patented fully adjustable stroke control to allow for fast priming and filling of test systems, and is compatible with most hydraulic fluids, oils and water, it says. The built-in pressure relief valve and shatter-proof reservoir ensure the user’s safety. For pneumatic applications, the Palmer PP600 Combo Pneumatic Calibration Pump can create a range of vacuum of 28 inches of mercury up to 6,000 psi. This new pneumatic calibration pump allows the user to choose slow and rapid pressure venting, and features a patented protective cage surrounding the vent knob for better control, the company says.

• Palmer Wahl Instrumentation Group, 234 Old Weaverville Road, Asheville, N.C. 28804; 800/421-2853; palmerwahl.com.

Filling transmitter
Emerson Process Management released a new Micro Motion Filling Mass Transmitter, designed for any process that requires high-speed, high-accuracy filling or dosing. Designed with Micro Motion multivariable digital technology, the Micro Motion Filling Mass Transmitter with a Micro Motion Coriolis sensor is ideally suited for a variety of linear and rotary filling machines in the beverage industry, the company says. The Filling Mass Transmitter can handle fast fills (less than one second) and challenging fluids such as those with entrained air, suspended solids or high viscosity. The Filling Mass Transmitter delivers mass, density and temperature process data in one device, supporting continuous monitoring of product quality with a complete real-time view of fluid characteristics. Digital communications provide continuous moni-toring of density and temperature for real-time quality control as well as enable “on-the-fly” changes to fill target or recipe.

• Emerson Process Management, 15 Spinning Wheel Road, Suite 124, Hinsdale, Ill. 60521; 630/286-0883; emersonprocess.com.

De-palletizing system
The newly designed compact Plastic Case Stack De-Palletizing System from Westfalia Deam Systems has been released. The Plastic Case Stack De-Palletizing System de-palletizes three to four pallets (40-inches-by-40-inches) a minute, each with nine stacks of empty plastic cases, for a maximum throughput rate of 180 cases a minute, the company says. Capable of handling stacks that are palletized, unitized or a combination of both, the De-Palletizer design uses a clamp and lift technology. The clamp and lift technology maintains full stack control, which eliminates stack tipping, it says. All components of the system are constructed of stainless steel materials making this compact Case De-Palletizing System ideally suited to the wash-down environments where uniform plastic case stacks are handled, the company says.

• Westfalia Technologies Inc., 3655 Sandhurst Drive, York, Pa. 17406; 717/764-1115; westfaliausa.com.

Expanded functions
Hitachi America Ltd.’s Industrial Components and Equipment Division introduced the L700 Series of Industrial AC Variable Frequency Drives. The L700 significantly expands on the performance, capabilities and functions of its predecessor, the L300P. Hitachi has broadened the applicability of this series by incorporating the improved sensorless vector control algorithm that was first developed for the SJ700 series. This allows the L700 to develop 150 percent torque at 0.5 hertz, which is ideal for a range of applications beyond just fans and pumps, it says. Another upgrade in the L700 is Hitachi’s Easy Sequence (EzSQ) built-in programming function, which provides the functionality of a programmable logic controller (PLC) built into the inverter. In many cases, the need for a separate PLC can be eliminated due to this internal capability. The program is developed on a PC and then downloaded to the inverter, using the EzSQ software.

• Hitachi America Ltd., 50 Prospect Ave., Tarrytown, N.Y. 10591; 914/332-5800; hitachi-america.us.

Label printing system
ID Technology LLC, a division of Pro Mach, has designed an auto-redundant label print and apply system for harsh environments. This system uses two Model 250 Label Printer Applicators for zero downtime on the production line, the company says. When one labeling head is off-line for label and ribbon replenishment, the second head is triggered for immediate operation. A stainless steel cabinet protects both units from harsh or wash-down environments. Each unit is mounted on a swivel mechanism that allows the unit to swing out of the cabinet for easy service and maintenance. To protect the tamp assembly, the cabinet is fitted with removable covers. These covers are stored inside the cabinet doors when units are in operation.

• ID Technology LLC, 2051 Franklin Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76106; 888/438-3242; idtechnology.com.

Wash-down curtain
Zoneworks released the SCW Wash-down Curtain Wall to isolate production lines for cleaning. The flexible fabric wall, which is ideal for use in operations with harsh wash-down environments, also allows users to easily and effectively enclose areas to significantly minimize overspray when cleaning and reduce the potential for cross contamination during routine production processes, the company says. The curtain wall is constructed of durable and cleanable, 18-ounce white vinyl fabric and is specifically designed for use in operations where compliance with federal food regulations is paramount. To virtually eliminate the potential for bacteria to accumulate, the fabric curtain is manufactured without stitched seams and Velcro, it says. The fabric curtain also is embedded with a proven antimicrobial agent. All components and fasteners used to suspend the SCW Wash-down Curtain Wall from ceiling joints and roof decks are made of stainless steel. Additionally, it holds up to wet and harsh conditions that occur when production equipment is cleaned as part of Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points best practices, the company says.

• Zoneworks, 8900 North Arbon Drive, Milwaukee, Wis. 53223; 800/553-4835; zoneworks.com.

Engine upgrade
Peterbilt Motors Co. announces the availability of the PACCAR MX engine Model 389. The PACCAR MX engine provides a long-term proposition through its technologically advanced design made with lightweight materials that achieve performance and leading fuel economy, the company says. The PACCAR MX engine is available with a horsepower range of 380 hp to 485 hp and torque outputs up to 1,750 pound per feet with a displace-ment of 12.9 liters. Using Selective Catalytic Reduction in combination with exhaust gas recirculation, the MX engine meets 2010 EPA diesel engine emissions regulations. The PACCAR MX is available in all Class 8 Peterbilt Models 587, 388, 386, 384, 367, 365 and now the Model 389.

• Peterbilt Motor Co., 1700 Woodbrook St., Denton, Texas 76205; 940/592-4000; peterbilt.com.

Beverage dispensing
Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corp. announced the availability of a new line of beverage dispensing hose and tube products designed to ensure flavor integrity and minimize pungent flavor migration and external contamination. The new Flavor Shield products feature a mirror-smooth, modified polyethylene terephthalate contact layer bonded to a special polyolefin alloy backing. The new products combine the flexibility and ease of installation of polyolefin with the superior barrier characteristics of polyethylene terephthalate, the company says. The products meet NSF-51 and NSF-61 test qualifications with temperature ratings from 10 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and are RoHS compliant, it says.

• Eaton Corp., 9919 Clinton Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44144; 216/281-2211; eaton.com.

Recycle-friendly valve
Aptar Food + Beverage introduced the Swimming Silicone valve to the food and beverage markets. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved, recycle-friendly valve features an active ingredient that gives the valve a different density from PET, allowing it to float as PET sinks in recycling tanks. The Swimming Silicone valve is part of a commitment to drive environmentally sustainable solutions for global beverage markets, the company says.

• AptarGroup Inc., 475 W. Terra Cotta, Suite E, Crystal Lake, Ill. 60014; 815/477-0424; aptar.com.

Task automating technology
Crown Equipment Corp. introduced the QuickPick Remote Advance system. With the press of a button on a wireless transceiver glove, order selectors can remotely advance the truck to the next pick location without having to return to the operator’s compartment. This allows them to remain in the optimum position for picking, the company says. The technology is currently available with the Crown PC 4500 Series center control rider pallet trucks. The QuickPick Remote Advance uses task automating technologies to simplify workflow and improve the picking process, thereby increasing productivity and reducing operator fatigue, it says. For advancing the truck, customers can choose between two different wireless remotes: a transceiver glove or a transceiver trigger. Both remotes feature a thumb-actuated button that operators press to advance the truck to the next pick slot. A wireless transceiver module that snaps into a holder on the back of the glove periodically transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals from an RF tower located on the truck. QuickPick Remote Advance uses lasers to detect obstacles in the path of the truck. If an obstacle is detected, the brakes are applied automatically. The lasers also can detect proximity to racks, enabling the system to use Crown’s Access 1 2 3 Comprehensive System Control to initiate minor corrections to travel path to keep the truck moving down the aisle, the company says.

• Crown Equipment Corp., 44 South Washington St., New Bremen, Ohio 45869; 419/629-2311; crown.com.

Packaging machine
Gerhard Schubert announced the release of its TLM packaging line for shipping cartons featuring an integrated TLM-P4 palletizer. To lower costs and work more effectively, the TLM packaging machine does not place shipping boxes directly onto the pallet, the company says. TLM packaging machines take on checking functions in the operating process and are therefore contributing to an increase in efficiency, it says.

• Gerhard Schubert GmbH Verpackungsmaschinen, Industriegebiet Südost Hofäckerstraße 7, D-74564 Crailsheim, Germany; + 49 7951 /400 0; gerhard-schubert.com.

Additive line extended
Plastics Color Corp. expanded its line of additives and toner packages for modification of polylactic acid (PLA) for food and beverage packaging. The new SoluPLAs line of additive concentrates and master batches deliver significant improvements in clarity and impact, positioning PLA for broader market use, the company says. Plastics Color Corp.’s SoluPLAs additives can be formulated to meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration food-contact requirements, it says.

• Plastics Color Corp., Paxton Avenue and 142nd E. St., Calumet City, Ill. 60409; 800/922-9936; plasticscolor.com.

Higher volume
Dayton Progress announced that New DayLube grease is now available in 5-gallon pails. This new easy-carry and simple-to-use packaging makes DayLube ideal for higher volume applications, especially conveyors as well as the protection of bearings, bushings, cables, cams, chains, conveyors, gears, lifters, machine parts, robotics, slides and wear plates, the company says. DayLube operates in temperature ranges from -40 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, and the nanoceramic particles remain intact up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Dayton Progress, 500 Progress Road, P.O. Box 39, Dayton, Ohio 45449; 937/859-5111; daytonprogress.com.