The Alvey bumpless case turner from FKI Logistex is designed to rotate fragile products requiring higher-speed case turning when moving into a palletizing operation. It is now available as an upgrade to most of the Alvey palletizer line, including the high-speed in-line continuous-flow and low-speed row-forming models.

Because it eliminates the physical impact encountered with conventional case-turning methods, the unit provides an ideal solution for case handling of bottles, paper goods, and food products during palletizing. It is also a suitable solution for the beverage, paper, and meatpacking industries, which often require "label-out" or "bar code-out" case turning for retail display, particularly in "big box" retail environments.

The bumpless case turner employs patent-pending technology to create a speed differential under the cases that is capable of selectively and accurately generating negative 90, positive 90, 180, and 270 degree case-turns. With a maximum throughput of 72 cases per minute, the manufacturer says, it is a faster, more cost-effective solution than traditional case-turning alternatives, such as sequential bump turners, right-angle transfers, and lift-and-turn equipment.

Among the bumpless case turner's other features are a patent-pending auto-correct function with two laser sensors to ensure accurate case turning, and a design that is easier to maintain than competing solutions that employ servo motors.

FKI Logistex 877-935-4564 www.fkilogistex.com

Weber Marking Systems has released its Model 5200rfid smart label printer-applicator, which rejects non-verifiable tags prior to application. The unit makes it easy to print, encode, verify, and apply pressure-sensitive RFID smart labels to cartons and pallet loads in one operation.

The unit offers a selection of print engines that utilize thermal and thermal-transfer technology to produce smart labels with text, bar codes, and graphics at 203 dpi. As labels are printed, digital information is encoded on thin, ultra-high frequency (UHF) tags that are embedded in the label material.

That encoded information immediately is verified by the system, which then applies the smart label to the top or side of a carton or pallet load as it moves by on a conveyor. If an embedded tag cannot be verified, it is rejected before it can be applied. Labels up to 5 inches by 6 inches can be dispensed at up to 12 inches/second and are applied using the tamp-blow method.

Labels are formatted using Weber's proprietary Legitronic Print-Apply software, a PC-based package that combines label design, editing, and printing with RFID encoding to create readable smart labels.

Weber Marking Systems 800-843-4242 www.webermarking.com

Vastera has upgraded its suite of TradeSphere global trade management solutions for importers and exporters.

The TradeSphere Exporter 7.5 module now delivers enhanced export management and compliance capabilities. Support for AESDirect VPN Service gives exporters a secure and easy-to-implement method of directly filing export declarations. TradeSphere Exporter's new Document Repository capability provides improved management of electronic images of shipping documents. This module also features enhanced Canadian export compliance capabilities, and improved processes for export declaration generation and encryption report submission.

The TradeSphere Importer 3.3 module provides new capabilities to provide accurate information to a company's network of brokers through the Consolidated Rated Invoice functionality. This release also adds functionality to manage reconciliation processing with Customs.

Finally, it provides integration with TradeSphere Customs Manager U.S. for complete entry processing control, including ABI (Automated Broker Interface) filing.

Vastera Inc. 800-275-1374 www.vastera.com

Multiton MIC Corp. has released a low-profile, lightweight hand pallet truck that comes with a 5-year warranty. The 5,500-pound capacity TM55 truck is especially suited for moving heavy loads in distribution centers.

The truck features a "Fast-Lift" hydraulic pump with non-leaking seals that virtually eliminate oil seepage, a design that ensures long service life and nearly maintenance-free operation.

The M55 also boasts C-shaped forks for extra strength. With three simple strokes of the ergonomically designed handle, loads are lifted up to five inches. The two 8-inch steering wheels and two single-load rollers allow the operator to easily move any palletized load. The handle is designed to facilitate pushing, pulling, and pumping of heavy loads, minimizing operator effort. In addition, the handle has a patented nylon-resin lever that allows the operator to use either hand to perform normal functions.

All M55 trucks feature Teflon-coated joints and bushings, eliminating the need for time-consuming lubrication. The trucks also have a durable, safety-yellow, powder-coated paint, providing great visibility and a long-lasting finish.

Multiton MIC Corp. 804-737-7400 www.multiton.com

ThingMagic has released an RFID reader designed to work in a number of handheld devices. The Mercury4h reader is credit card-sized and less than 155mm thick. As a result, it can fit in portable data terminals, personal digital assistants, portable scanners, and other wireless data equipment.

The device reads any RFID tag available, including ISO 18000-6B, EPC Class 0, and EPC Class 1. It has a Texas Instruments digital signal processor running ThingMagic firmware with a processing speed of 600 million instructions per second.

The reader has 512KB of on-board flash memory that allows ample room for future expansion and protocols. It has support for one or two antennas in either single transmit/receive-antenna or separate transmit/receive-antenna configurations. Such flexibility allows handheld device manufacturers to provide a variety of powerful antenna configurations, offering excellent read and write performance regardless of tag orientation, for any type of tag.

ThingMagic LLC 866-833-4069 www.thingmagic.com

The "Boot Buddy" heated, portable rubber mat is a welcome addition in warehouses where employees must stand for long periods in cold conditions, such as at packing and shipping stations near dock doors.

Made of waterproof, sealed, and insulated rubber, the Boot Buddy can be plugged into any standard 110v AC outlet. The rubber mat comes in two sizes: 14 inches by 21 inches or 16 inches by 36 inches.

Indus-Tool 800-662-5021 www.indus-tool.com

The TKO Jr. WelterWeight is a knockout dock door for use in warehouses that employ forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and manual loading equipment. This heavy-duty door features spring-loaded steel guidance pins and a wooden core that provides a flexible barrier against forklift impacts.

The Jr. WelterWeight offers a range of options, including a bottom panel with a two-year performance warranty, a vision panel, bump lock, anti-drift-down lock, pilfer-proof cable lock, and a choice of power operations or manual chain hoist.

TKO Doors 972-323-6730 www.tkodoors.com

The Liftomatic model LD-2 drum lifter slides directly onto the forks of any lift truck, with no tools required. Liftomatic's exclusive "Parrot Beak" clamping system automatically engages the top lip of steel, fiber, or plastic drums, assuring a safe and reliable pick-up.

The LD-2 is equipped with a chain-retention system to safely keep the unit being lifted on the forks of the lift truck at all times. It features rugged, all-steel construction and carries an 18-month warranty against any defects in parts and/or workmanship.

Liftomatic Material Handling Inc. 800-837-6540 www.liftomatic.com

The Model 112XD walkie pallet truck from The Raymond Corporation offers improved pallet entry and exit with its extended-tip forks, which are enclosed from underneath to provide smoother travel over bottom boards and reduced fork thickness for better clearance.

The Model 112XD travels at speeds of 6.4 mph loaded and 8.8 mph unloaded. It also has significantly enhanced acceleration in the coast mode for faster order picking.

Its four-point lift system eliminates urethane rings and snap lift pins, increases reliability with elimination of the horizontal loading of lift cylinders, and offers easier servicing of lift rams. The shock-dampening brushings absorb impact loads from dock plates. The pallet truck also has a component-free undercarriage, quick-change drive tires, adjustable heavy-duty casters, and solid steel pull rods.

The Raymond Corp. 800-235-7200 www.raymondcorp.com

Symbol's DC 400 is the first EPC-enabled turnkey RFID portal design for industrial dock doors. The ruggedized design of the DC 400 was created specifically for the harsh conditions of a warehouse.

The easy-to-install portal allows distribution centers to read Class 0 (read only and read/write) and Class I RFID tags at shipping and receiving points. The portal solution includes multi-protocol RFID readers and high-performance antennas for reading RFID tags on cartons and pallets as they move in and out of trucks and containers.

The reader infrastructure, based on Symbol's multi-protocol AR 400 with Ethernet connectivity and advanced SNMP and remote management capabilities, can be upgraded as new standards evolve in the marketplace. The DC 400 also comes with an API set for standard and customized integration with management systems for performance monitoring and operational visibility.

Symbol Technologies 800-722-6234 www.symbol.com

The MtP 400 series of four-inch, mobile thermal printers from Printek are designed for label and receipt printing. The MtP 400 comes in three different base configurations. One such configuration is designed to print on roll-fed receipt paper.

Another offers enhanced memory and graphics features for roll-fed label printing. The third configuration is a slim-line version that utilizes a convenient, drop-in cut-sheet paper cassette with a 100-page capacity. The cut-sheet feature minimizes paper curl, resulting in a printout that has a professional look.

The printers are 802.11b, Bluetooth, and IrDA capable for wireless operation. They are designed with shock-absorbing housing that will withstand repeated four-foot drops. The MtP400 will print approximately 500 six-inch labels or receipts per battery charge at a speed of 3.3 inches per second. An onboard fast battery-recharge system can recharge the lithium ion battery pack in about two hours.

The MtP 400 will retain up to 10 different form definitions for easy recall, making it possible to switch between label or document formats at the push of a button. The printer can be equipped with up to 2MB of RAM and 2MB of flash memory, allowing flexibility for storage and updating of templates, logos, fonts, and character sets.

Printek Inc. 888-211-3400 www.printek.com

The Xpress Crane Scale line can handle all sorts of jobs ranging from 250 to 10,000 pounds. It boasts 360-degree movement for working loads as well as a wireless remote control.

Two scales are currently being offered: the Economy Crane Scale and the Standard Crane Scale. Both offer such design features as a super power-saving mode, waterproof construction, anti-scrape screen, and an easy-to-read, five-digit LED display.

Mettler Toledo 614-438-4511 www.mt.com/us

The 7530 handheld computer from Psion Teklogix is designed for cold environments such as refrigerated warehouses and container yards. With its IP 67 and 5-96 percent RH condensing ratings, the 7530 can operate at temperatures as low as –30 C (–22 F) and withstand drops to concrete from 6.5 feet (2 meters).

The 7530 is an ultra-rugged, Windows CE .NET-based computer capable of displaying client/server, Web, and enterprise resources. The unit can be equipped with the Psion Teklogix Digital Narrowband radio. This compact and lightweight digital 403-512 MHz radio maximizes battery life and signal clarity.

The manufacturer also offers the rugged 8525 vehicle-mount model, which offers similar features and characteristics.

Psion Teklogix 800-322-3437 www.psionteklogix.com