The Applications Research and Technical Service Labs at SPI Polyols continue to grow and add equipment to meet the needs of its customers. The company recently added food scientists with expertise in confectionery, baked goods, dairy products and beverages. These scientists work with industry and academia to keep abreast of the latest technologies and information. New equipment additions include a UHT/HTST lab pasteurizer with an in-line homogenizer and chiller, and additional freezer capacity. Other new upgrades include a rotating rack oven, three-roll refiner with hydraulics and new microscope system with hot/cold stage and camera. The technical service lab has the flexibility to support product development in many categories including analytical support in HPLC/GC, temperature/humidity changes, water activity, DSC, texture analysis and viscosity profiles. The Applications Research and Technical Service Group works with customers through presentations and product trials and encourages customers to visit and use the lab facilities in New Castle, Del.

O/K International’s Pouchpack is a new automatic pouch-handling system that automatically takes one or two pre-made pouches from a magazine, rotates for printing or label application, for easy filling of the pouch and then rotates to a pouch sealer. Now available with an Allen Bradley PLC Control, the Pouchpack is compact, user friendly and fully validatable.

Delkor has introduced its latest packaging solution — the Flex-Loader™. This system accommodates a variety of products with easy changeover from RSC cases to 4-sided trays to Tray-Pak® and Spot-Pak® packages to dairy cases. Many dairy processors are moving toward an alternate way of packaging tubs that eliminates the cost and inefficiency of handling dairy cases. The Flex-Loader makes that transition easy by providing loading options for existing and future needs.

Nelson-Jameson has announced the addition of FloPac® rotary brushes and accessories to the company’s extensive line of janitorial and sanitation products. Rotary brushes have many advantages over traditional floor-cleaning pads. For example, reaching into grout lines and cleaning uneven surfaces is an easy task for rotary brushes unlike pads, which typically miss spots. The FloPac line includes brushes for stripping, scrubbing, polishing, carpet cleaning, concrete and wood floor preparation, as well as pad drivers and rotary machine and brush accessories. Rotary machines and cleaning chemicals are also available.

Dwyer Instruments has introduced the Model ASG Analog Signal Generator, a lightweight tool for troubleshooting transmitters, transducers, motors and actuators. The Model ASG generates a 0 to 10 VDC signal in increments of 1 volt or a 4 to 20 mA signal in increments of 2 mA. The ramp interval timing function allows users to define maximum and minimum values. An easy-to-read LED bar graph indicates analog signal level. Another feature is an auto shut-off timer from 2 to 20 minutes with 2-minute increments and 6-minute default setting. Operating temperature for the Model ASG is 32 to 122 degrees F.

Presto Lifts has introduced a new hydraulic load leveler for use in the manual loading and unloading of pallets. The P4™ improves worker productivity and reduces fatigue. Its platform lowers to floor level in order for pallets to be placed and removed using a hand-pallet truck. The P4 can be accessed from four sides and equipped with a photoelectric toe guard, which will stop downward travel if the beam is interrupted. With a capacity of 4,000 pounds, the unit is suitable for most pallet loads that can be moved with hand equipment.

Southworth Products has introduced a new line of stainless-steel lift tables designed for use in applications that require sanitary washdowns. Available in 2,500- and 4,000-pound capacities, the units have a passivated finish and are USDA approved. In addition to the table, the motor is washdown rated, and the power unit is fully clad in stainless steel. Controls are waterproof and rated to NEMA 4. The lifts are designed to provide trouble-free service and long operating life with minimal maintenance requirements. The units also feature extra-wide bases for added stability, heavy-duty torque tubes and fully-profiled scissor legs for maximum strength.

Remco Products has introduced the new Food Hoe 2900 made from injection-molded nylon for rigidity and durability. Designed for use in both push and pull applications, it has the strength to move almost any product without breaking under pressure. Available in five FDA-approved colors, the Food Hoe is ideal for environments with stringent HACCP guidelines. It is lightweight and long lasting, and its flat and arched edges make it the perfect tool for use on straight or curved surfaces.

Package line engineers and maintenance and production personnel can realize a greater return on packaging equipment investments by enrolling in Multivac University. The school of packaging machinery education offers intensive “Multi-Skills” training courses that provide strategies for enhancing equipment functionality, streamlining production, increasing package aesthetics and troubleshooting. Developed by Multivac as an extension of after-sale support, these hands-on programs increase attendees’ proficiency in machine safety, operation and maintenance. For 2005, Multivac has added MR Labeler courses in addition to offering its Multi-Skills technical and advanced courses. For a full schedule, visit the company’s Web site. For more information regarding course schedules, availability and registration, contact Brian Key at (800) 800-8552 or bkey@multivac.com.

Case-size variations are no problem for A-B-C’s new Model 49 decaser, which automatically unloads glass or plastic bottles and containers from necks-down reshipper cases, single files the containers and uprights the emptied cases to be conveyed to the case packer at speeds to 75 cases per minute. The new “soft-roller” system transfers cases through unloading and uses an automatic tensioner combined with soft compression rollers to accommodate varying case dimensions and ensure smooth and gentle case transfer. The case turnover offers finger-style grippers that bend to hold cases securely during 180-degree transfer to the overhead discharge conveyor. The fingers “bend” to grip the cases, easily adjusting to cases that are slightly smaller or larger. These features are standard on the new Model 49 case unloader and available as a conversion kit for earlier A-B-C unloader models.

Seepex has introduced a line of “wobble stator” pumps for general and commercial pumping applications. This design significantly reduces the price of progressive cavity pumps and repair parts. Special elastomers and unique design of the stator dramatically increase both performance and longevity. The new design has higher volumetric efficiencies than previous designs. The stators have a dedicated “flexing zone” separate from the geometry. Capacities to 10 USGPM and pressures to 175 psi are offered. AC and DC variable speed close-coupled drives are available options, and pumps and repair parts are stocked.

Design and development of a new, very fast, drop-floor platform delivery system that holds up to 3,000 pounds of refrigerated product to speed multi-stop direct store delivery (DSD) of refrigerated product has been introduced by Johnson Truck Bodies. The drop-floor POWERplatform™ system, an integral part of the refrigerated truck floor, can quickly lower both driver and product to street level for fast DSD delivery. Time savings for a typical multi-stop delivery route are estimated to be more than one-hour a day. As an example, the platform for a typical dairy route can hold up to 66 milk cases.

Advanced Instruments’ new Fluorophos® Test System dramatically exceeds the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (USDA) new pasteurization testing requirements and evaluates samples in three minutes. As of March 1, 2005, dairy lab managers using the Scharer method of visual ALP colorimetric testing no longer comply with USDA testing requirements. New ALP detection criteria of 350 mU (3 micrograms) per liter (0.075 percent raw milk equivalent) is now mandatory. The Fluorophos technology provides sensitivity to 0.003 percent raw milk, and unlike the colorimetric method, confirms the pasteurization of many different dairy products including bovine, sheep and goat milk, flavored and cultured products, and cheeses. The cost per test is low and there is no need to run control samples with each test.

Vacuum Barrier Corp. has introduced the Nitrodose liquid nitrogen injection system. Featuring operation adjustments for many packaging sizes, the Nitrodose Easy Doser is used to pressurize or inert products. The system offers slow, discreet dosing that allows slower capacity product lines to benefit from nitrogen injection, which can enhance package strength and extend product freshness.

Fortress has extended its range of mGard trapped key safety interlocks. The company’s range of modular door locks, bolt locks and key exchange units now come complete with rotary switches for power or control isolation. The mGard class consists of robust modular units that control access to enclosed areas. Available in one- to 10-module versions, Fortress offers a patented sequencing system with up to 39,000 different sequences in a 10-module arrangement. Simple to configure, the units can easily be extended or trimmed down with surplus modules used elsewhere.

Omron Electronics has introduced the F270 vision system, which integrates into one unit two CPUs with as many as four high-speed cameras, two independent triggers and dual real-time position compensation ASICs to capture images in 8 to 16 milliseconds in either field or frame mode. The dual CPUs allow the F270 system to inspect two targets simultaneously with no reduction of production speed. Reaching speeds as fast as 5,000 parts per minute, the F270 is recommended for high-speed processing lines.

Cat Lift Trucks has launched a new series of 3,000- to 6,500-pound capacity cushion-tire lift trucks. The eight models in the series feature three fuel configurations (gasoline, LP and gas/LP) that meet or exceed Environmental Protection Agency standards for reducing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide. The PurePower engines use two-stage fuel injection. The trucks also feature a drive-by-wire throttle control, a three-way, cloth-covered, full-suspension seat and a memory feature on the tilt-steering column.

Weber Marking Systems’ exclusive AlphaRFID smart label encoder-applicator encodes, verifies and applies pressure-sensitive RFID smart labels to items on the production or packaging line. In addition, if an RFID tag embedded in a smart label cannot be verified, the smart label is rejected before application and is retained on its liner. The system, only available from Weber, provides smart labeling that will help users meet the emerging RFID supply chain requirements of major retailers and government agencies.

With International Dispensing’s Fresh Flow™ Valve, liquid product can be dispensed from a flexible bag or pouch without bacteria or oxygen entering the package. Because contents are never exposed throughout the life span of the product, the necessity for preservatives or refrigeration is reduced or eliminated. The tamper-proof closure and air-tight seal enhance product safety. Certified aseptic by the Food and Drug Administration and National Foods Labs, the Fresh Flow valve can be adapted to fit onto any flexible bag, pouch or semi-rigid package while protecting the contents from contamination. It can travel through aseptic fillers and withstand the highest levels of irradiation and steam sterilization required by the food and beverage and medical industries.

Alfa Laval has launched the Foodec decanter centrifuges, a series designed for food and beverage applications with stringent hygienic requirements. This series is available in models for both two- and three-phase separation for use with products to be separated into a liquid and a solid phase or  two liquid phases and a solid phase. The Foodec decanter centrifuges offer a new level of performance with up to 25 percent greater capacity and drier cake resulting in savings in solids disposal. Lower energy consumption means lower operating costs. And no dead band of differential speed means accurate control.

Mettler Toledo has introduced its factory-calibrated Xpress floor scale package. The technology was developed with shipping, receiving and  inventory-control needs in mind. The package is ideal for rapid and accurate general-purpose weighing in demanding environments. The Xpress XFS-XIF floor scale package offers quick connects and factory calibration, allowing it to operate “out of the box” immediately with minimal set up, creating a true timesaving solution.

Videojet provides a complete range of RFID solutions.

Videojet is a leading manufacturer of coding, printing and laser marking products, fluids and accessories for the product identification industry. Market leadership extends also into the graphics and postal markets, where Videojet delivers high-speed addressing, labeling and postal coding equipment to commercial printers, professional mailers, national and international postal systems, as well as in-house and institutional media and mail processors.

As experts in continuous ink jet (CIJ), drop-on-demand (DOD), thermal-transfer overprinting (TTO), array and laser technologies, Videojet has more than 285,000 units installed worldwide.

Videojet small-character ink jet, laser and thermal transfer printers apply small, micro- and high-resolution characters to nearly any surface at virtually any line speed, angle or location on a product or package. Large-character printing products provide superior bar-code resolution on cartons and shipping containers, as well as logos, graphics and alphanumeric images.

As the leaders in variable coding, product identification and data collection with the broadest choices of technologies for the packaging industry, Videojet has partnered with Accu-Sort® Systems Inc. to bring to market an effective RFID solution. The company’s FASTTag™ system is a scalable, economic solution that can incorporate RFID tag application, bar code printing/labeling/scanning, verification and data management including communication with ERP systems.

Videojet is committed to providing a complete range of RFID solutions that can easily integrate into existing packaging operations. With a knowledge of secondary packaging coding requirements from our years of experience as the leader in variable information coding, Videojet is uniquely capable of helping customers meet upcoming mandates.

Sales, service, training, and administrative and application support is provided by direct operations worldwide, with more than 250 direct sales and service personnel in the United States alone. Additionally, Videojet’s distribution network includes over 175 distributors and OEMs, serving 135 countries.

Videojet is owned by Washington, D.C.-based Danaher Corp., a leading manufacturer of process/environmental controls, tools and components. Videojet has more than 80 years of experience in the coding, marking and product identification industry, with Videojet equipment applying codes to more than 1 trillion products each year worldwide.