Editor's note: this month's expanded Buyers Mart features a number of items that were introduced at Pack Expo International in Chicago in November. The show filled three halls at McCormick Place and attracted 50,000 visitors, according to organizers.
Hi-Speed Checkweigher
Hi-Speed Checkweigher introduced the Beltweigh/S Combo Checkweigher, at Pack Expo. It features Hi-Speed's new S Series Controller and a Safeline® Metal Detector. The new S Series touch-screen control provides ease-of-operation and improves machine performance while superior accuracy is delivered at high production rates with the servo-driven Beltweigh/S product handling system. The Beltweigh/S can be equipped with Hi-Speed's LogIn Server option to meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. The Beltweigh/S operates at speeds up to 350 feet per minute to handle up to 500 containers per minute while consistently achieving and maintaining accuracies of +/- 150 mg at 2 sigma. This exceptional weighing accuracy is achieved by using a high-performance servomotor and advanced electronics to minimize vibration while the rugged, heavy-duty frame construction provides a stable yet durable foundation. The Safeline® metal detector delivers unparalleled protection against all types of metal contamination.Hi-Speed Checkweigher
800/836-0836
http://www.hispeedcheckweigher.com
Iconotech
Iconotech, a leading manufacturer of digital case printing equipment, debuted its new sidewinder in-line bar code printer for corrugated shipping containers at Pack Expo International. The Sidewinder uses Iconotech's unique computer generated printing stencil, which allows exacting placement of very high resolution print anywhere within the 2"W x 23"L print area. The print quality is sharp and brilliant, even at the maximum rate of 100 feet/minute. The Sidewinder's precision print provides 100% guaranteed readable bar codes, and is suitable for average batch runs of 10,000.Iconotech
860/434-3286
Key Technology
An expanded Iso-Flo® family of vibratory conveyors designed to improve dependability and enhance sanitation is now offered by Key Technology. With the new Iso-Flo conveyors, Key introduces a new stainless steel Iso-Drive® that resists bacterial grown and reduces corrosion in comparison to traditional cast mild steel drives. This stainless steel Iso-Drive is currently available for select applications. With Iso-Flo, Key offers as an option its ITS™ (Integrated Tuning System) with new stainless steel sensors and the ability to monitor all arm angles. ITS self-monitors the conveyor's tuning, reports status at a glance, and alerts the processor in the event of process changes. The machines meet 3A dairy sanitary standards, USDA, HACCP, and FDA requirements.Key Technology
509/529-2161
Loma Systems
A first-ever variable frequency metal detector is now available from Loma Systems Inc. The Cintex Sentry VF offers a higher degree of metal detecting accuracy and flexibility than ever before possible. While previous metal detectors have been designed to operate on a single frequency calibrated to specific product characteristics, and newer models offer two- and three-frequency models and expanded capabilities, this is the first machine that automatically dials in frequencies between 40 kHz and 900 kHz.Loma Systems
630/681-2050
Clearwater
Clearwater Enviro Technologies, Inc. has added seven new ‘industrial'-size models to its UL-listed ScaleBlaster‘ line of electronic descalers. Now shipping worldwide, these new models handle standard diameters of non-steel pipe from 12" to 40" and of steel pipe from 4" to 26". Never actually touching water, all ScaleBlaster' units operate by transmitting oscillating low-frequency radio waves through pipes to the moving water stream inside. These waveforms affect limescale-forming calcium and magnesium carbonates in such a way that they change from adhesive to nonadhesive.Clearwater
800/756-7946
http://www.clearwaterenvirotech.com
Fortress
Industrial safety specialist Fortress Interlocks, Erlanger, Ky., has introduced two robust, modular, mechanical bolt interlocks. BM (bolt module), and stainless steel version BMS, have been designed to interface with devices such as power breakers, valves, and earth switches, indirectly interlocking power sources. Part of the mGard range of modular interlocks, these power isolation devices are designed to ensure that all energy sources are reduced to zero before access to potentially hazardous machinery is possible.Fortress
859/578-2390
http://www.fortressinterlocks.com
Nelson-Jameson
A new soft serve test kit that makes it easy to quickly test for bacteria that indicate contamination has been assembled by Nelson-Jameson. Soft serve products can actually be a growth medium for bacteria. A little contamination coupled with time and temperature abuse will change a delightful soft serve dessert into a sour, potentially hazardous disappointment. With the new Soft Serve Test Kit, you get accurate results for less than $2 per test. The kit requires no expensive laboratory equipment, and can be used to test soft serve ice cream, soft serve mix, frozen custard, and traditional ice cream. Test kit includes everything you need for 50 tests, as well as a step-by-step instruction guide and interpretation guide. Results are obtained in just 24 hours.Nelson-Jameson
800/826-8302
Mettler Toledo
FormWeigh formulation software, from Mettler Toledo, is a simple, operator display driven solution that monitors, controls, tracks and validates every aspect of the weigh dispense process in real time, and can interface directly with existing ERP systems. The system also offers close information flow between warehouse and dispensing systems, automated and secure information flow, full tracking and tracing of weighing and calibration activities, and more.Mettler Toledo
603/435-6479
A-B-C Packaging
A-B-C Packaging Machine Co., Tarpon Spring, Fla., displayed six new machines at PackExpo, including a new, fully automatic servo driven case packer for cartons, several case erector, a Pick & Place Packer/Unpacker and 72A Automatic Palletizer for cases, bags or trays.A-B-C Packaging
800/237-5975
DairyPak
A milk carton with a window was among the products exhibited at Pack Expo by the DairyPak division of Blue Ridge Paper Products. The new Window Gabletop offers the capability of a leak-proof, clear plastic window that has several functions. For flavored milk it's a way to boost shelf-appeal with a splash of color. For white milk it can serve as a gauge of how much milk remains in the carton. The company says this feature is available for all metric and U.S. carton configurations.DairyPak
828/454-0684
Sidebar
Alcan Introduces New Vacuum Packaging Technology
CHICAGO-Alcan Packaging, Chicago, has introduced what it says is the first major overhaul of vacuum packaging technology in 30 years. Alcan unveiled the I-Vac line at Pack Expo with an impressive booth exhibit and a morning press conference.The I-Vac line is a high-speed chamber vacuum that can package up to 45 pieces of meat or blocks of cheese per minute. It features a patented variable vacuum technology that draws a vacuum only when a chamber is full, eliminating wear on vacuum pumps. It is servo driven and features a Kevlar belt drive that offers a higher degree of accuracy than a chain drive. With fewer working parts than competitive machines, it offers easier maintenance and reduced repair. The machines also feature all stainless steel construction.
"The I-Vac is revolutionary," says Frank Kitchel, dir. of marketing Alcan's meat and dairy flexible packaging group. "It provides a true competitive solution to current vacuum packaging equipment in the meat and dairy industries. The I-Vac is 21st Century, cutting edge technology."
The company's marketing material features an image of a vintage home vacuum cleaner accompanied by a message encouraging processors to "clean house" by replacing older vacuum packaging equipment with the new system.
Sidebar
Alfa Laval/HRS Inaugurate New Production Line
Alfa Laval Inc., in collaboration with HRS Process Technology recently inaugurated a new production line and customer test center for manufacturing ViscoLine™ tubular heat exchangers in Newburyport, Mass. The production line consists of state-of-the-art equipment for dimpling and corrugating tubes for multi-tube and double-tube heat exchangers. The new manufacturing line is located in Alfa Laval's Contherm™ scraped-surface plate heat exchanger plant in Newburyport.The ViscoLine is sold and manufactured by Alfa Laval in the United States under license with HRS Process Technology. In June Alfa Laval and HRS signed a five-year agreement for the marketing and manufacture of the ViscoLine Series of corrugated tubular heat exchangers, the new Dynamic scraped-surface tubular heat exchangers and Dynamic scraped-surface tubular evaporators.
The ViscoLine heat exchangers were previously manufactured in Murcia, Spain. The opening of the Newburyport plant will provide a U.S.-based source of supply and complete Alfa Laval's product range for the food industries. Primary target markets for the ViscoLine products will be applications in beverage and viscous food, cosmetics and personal care, agriculture including ethanol production, industrial wastewater and refrigeration.
Danisco Sweeteners
Litesse® polydextrose from Danisco Sweeteners is a highly effective prebiotic because it has a sustained effect throughout the entire intestine and it is well tolerated. An effective prebiotic improves the digestion process by affecting positive changes in the intestinal microflora and by reducing pH. Litesse has a slower, sustained fermentation throughout the intestine from the proximal to the distal portion of the digestive tract. It is not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract and is only partially fermented in the lower tract where Litesse selectively stimulates the growth of beneficial microflora and decreases the amount of detrimental bacteria. The increase in beneficial bacteria leads to the production of important short-chain fatty acids, notably butyric acid, which is thought to reduce colon cancer risk.Danisco Sweeteners
800/255-6837
http://www.danisco.com/sweeteners
Degussa
Degussa is rolling out a new line of organic dairy flavors, with the initial offering including the following cheeses in paste and powder form: Blue, Cheddar, Romano and Parmesan. Degussa's dairy flavors production facility in Waukesha, Wis., is now certified by Quality Assurance International (QAI). Degussa plans to very soon offer a larger range of organic dairy flavors including milk, cream and butter, as well as specialty cheese flavors.Degussa
800/234-2539
Wild Flavors Inc.
Wild Flavors sells the only self-affirmed, generally recognized as safe (GRAS), patented water-soluble Coenzyme Q10 product available in North America. Based on the recommendation of an expert panel, this ingredient is now self-affirmed GRAS for use in beverages, nutritional bars, yogurt and other products. Co-Q10 is a powerful antioxidant and plays a vital role in the production of energy.Wild Flavors Inc.
859/342-3600
Chr. Hansen
ColorFruit™ is a new range of natural red colors that show a significant improvement in stability to light and heat, as compared to current red colors. The ColorFruit products are a blend of anthocyanins derived from edible fruits and vegetables, and are available in four shades: Red, pink, violet and purple.Chr. Hansen
800/558-0802
FMC BioPolymer
New Gelstar® cellulose gel stabilizes beverages with reduced carbohydrate levels. Gelstar provides physical stability and organoleptic acceptance without adding carbohydrate-counting solids. It maintains insoluble components in uniform suspension and prevents serum/phase separation.FMC BioPolymer
215/299-6000
Robertet Flavors
Robertet captures the essence of raspberry in its new line of raspberry flavors, which includes a range of profiles such as fresh, floral, jammy, ripe and seedy. The line includes red, black, blue and sour raspberry flavors.Robertet Flavors
732/981-8300
Jana's Classics Inc.
Jana's Classics introduces a line of crème ice cream inclusions. Smooth, melt-in-your-mouth, luscious and decadent are just some of the ways to describe these tiny mix-ins for frozen desserts. The crèmes come in a variety of flavors including cashew nut, chocolate, citrus, lime, maple nut, white chocolate and white chocolate with chocolate crumbs.Jana's Classics Inc.
800/366-5262
