New Technology

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 1/1/2001

Cognitive Unveils New Printers

Printer manufacturer Cognitive has unveiled two new printer models. Set for release this month is a new two-inch portable thermal printer, the Code Ranger. Weighing only 1.3 pounds, the rugged printer can withstand a six-foot drop to concrete, the manufacturer claims.

The Code Ranger, which runs on an advanced NiMH battery, holds up to 120 feet of media. Optional features include RF 802.11 communications capability, a smart-card reader, a magnetic stripe reader, and memory upgrades.

The other new printer from Cognitive is the Del Sol Thermal model, which is designed for printing heavy-duty tags. The four-inch desktop printer, which can print PCX, BMP, or Raster graphics, can print at speeds of up to 3 inches per second. It can also handle label lengths from 3/8 of an inch to 22 inches.

In a related development, Cognitive has also unveiled new Ethernet printer management software. Called "inControl," the software puts the network administrator in charge of each and every Cognitive Ethernet printer on the network. For information, visit www.cognitive.com .

Intermec Releases New Tag

Intermec Technologies Corp. has introduced an RFID (radio-frequency identification) tag that allows companies to track reusable plastic containers (RPCs) efficiently. RPCs are increasingly used by grocers and retailers for the bulk shipment of food and other merchandise.

The new "Intellitag" is specifically designed to be mounted on an RPC, allowing companies to track the container's location and contents throughout the supply chain. The tag operates at the 915 MHz (UHF) frequency band, with a single-antenna range of up to four meters (12 feet). (The UCC/EAN recently recommended the UHF band as the preferred standard for RFID supply chain applications.) Intellitag products support all existing and emerging standards, the manufacturer says. For information, visit www.intermec.com .

New Tag Lets Users Track Vehicles

The RM 1000g transponder from Mobile Wireless Technologies is designed for automatic vehicle tracking. The tag transmits information on latitude, longitude, velocity, and time. It can issue a notification when entering or leaving a defined zone. For information, visit www.gomobilewireless.com .