New Products and Services

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 2/1/2001

Crisplant Unveils Quiet Sortation System

C hicago-based Crisplant Inc. has introduced its new single-tray electric sorter. The S-3000E is an update of the company's S-2000 sorter, which was introduced in 1991. The new sorter moves parcels at three meters per second and operates at 65 decibels - 10 decibels lower than earlier models did.

The new S-3000, which is designed to improve throughput, features an adjustable electrically powered tilting mechanism that can be programmed to tilt between 5 and 45 degrees. Existing S-2000 systems can be retrofitted with the new electric motor as well.

With fewer moving parts than the earlier version had, the S-3000 is easier to maintain. The company has a patent pending regarding the unit's ability to use a PalmPilot or other PDA to upload or download instructions on the tilting device and other maintenance and troubleshooting directions.

For more information, visit http://www.crisplantinc.com, e-mail crisplant@crisplantinc.com , or call (301) 663-8710.

Integrated Suspension/Axle Unit Designed to Offer Smooth Ride

Hendrickson, a designer and manufacturer of suspension systems for the heavy-duty and medium-duty commercial vehicle industry, has announced the release of a new lightweight front air suspension and steer axle, AIRTEK.

AIRTEK is the first integrated front air suspension and steer axle design to offer the opportunity to run on a full air platform, which consists of a trailer air suspension, drive axle air suspension, and steer axle air suspension. According to the manufacturer, this results in a smoother ride than non-integrated models can offer, improves stability and handling, and significantly reduces both weight and maintenance requirements.

AIRTEK will be available on April 1, 2001. Initially, it will be offered on Freightliner's Century Class and Columbia trucks as well as on its new owner/operator vehicle.

For more information, visit http://www.hendrickson-intl.com or call (630) 910-2800.

Kalmar Launches the Shuttle Carrier

Kalmar Industries, a provider of heavy-duty materials-handling equipment and services to ports, terminals, and industrial customers, has introduced the Shuttle Carrier. Developed for use by ports gearing up to meet the challenge of 10,000 TEU to 12,000 TEU container vessels, the Shuttle Carrier operates between a port's ship-to-shore cranes and the container stack and will enable stevedores to increase the speed and efficiency of their ship-handling operations.

The Shuttle Carrier is essentially a smaller, simpler version of Kalmar's straddle carrier design. But because it only stacks two high, its construction is lighter and its running speed higher than a straddle carrier's. A lower center of gravity also enables it to achieve higher cornering speeds safely.

For more information, visit http://www.kalmarind.com, e-mail jari.pirhonen@kalmarind.com or keijo.parviainen@kalmarind.com , or call �3-2658 111.

Palweb Introduces Two-Piece Plastic Pallets

PalWeb Corp. subsidiary Plastic Pallet Production (PPP) manufactures and markets 40- by 48- by 57/8-inch two-piece plastic pallets. Made from post-consumer and post-individual recycled plastics, PalWeb's plastic pallets are more durable and lighter than wood pallets, resulting in reduced shipping costs. In addition, they can be cleaned and re-used for USDA applications.

PalWeb is also offering a new easy-payment plan. On a minimum order of 1,000 pallets, the cost of each pallet is $19 down, along with a payment of $19 per year for the next two years. At the end of the two-year term, PalWeb will purchase the pallets back from the buyer for $19 apiece.

For more information, visit http://www.ppplastic.com or call (214) 698-8330.

New Containers Carry More Weight

LINPAC Materials Handling has enhanced its series of extended-length ROPAK collapsible containers to handle increased weight. The solid sidewall models now hold up to 1,500 pounds, twice the capacity of the previous units. The winged sidewall model's capacity has increased to 1,000 pounds.

The one-piece base now has four aluminum bars molded in across its width for greater strength. The 48-inch-wide containers are available in two lengths, 64.5 inches and 70 inches, as well as five heights, 19, 25, 34, 41, and 50 inches. The units have four-way forklift entry and can be stacked without racking either upright or collapsed. The units also can be specified with up to two hinged drop doors on the 48-inch side (except the 19-inch unit).

The containers are used to replace single-trip paper, cardboard, or metal packaging. They are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and copolymer polypropylene (CPP). The ROPAK product line includes pallets, hopper bottom containers, and collapsible and non-collapsible containers.

For more information, visit http://www.linpacmh.com or call (800) 442-4892.

New Alternative for Pick-Track Systems

Creative Storage Systems has introduced FreeWheelers, a new self-lubricating pick-track system for the warehousing, distribution, and shipping industries. The company, which provides solutions for materials storage, materials movement, and inventory management, sees the FreeWheelers system as an alternative to conventional steel-wheel pick-track systems.

The system uses a rib-reinforced engineered-resin wheel and large-diameter axle that is self-lubricating. The wheel design is two times wider than conventional steel wheels, resulting in less drag and fewer pallet hang-ups than typically result from rusted, bent, or worn-out steel wheels.

FreeWheelers systems are available in two models: 1.9- by 1.25-inch light duty (up to 150 pounds) and 1.9- by 1.25-inch heavy duty (up to 225 pounds). Creative Storage Systems can custom design and install FreeWheelers for any warehouse or mobile pick-track operation.

For more information, visit http://www.creativestorage.com, e-mail sales@creativestorage.com , or call (888) 370-8810.

Electronics Label Film Stands Up to Extreme Temperatures

FLEXcon, a developer and manufacturer of pressure-sensitive films for a variety of labels, has introduced a new film for use with bar-code and serialized data labels applied to integrated circuits and electronic components.

THERMLfilm K 100 White TC-492 V-402 S50K-7 is top-coated for resistance to moisture, chemicals, and heat for top- and bottom-side printed circuit board (PCB) applications. The 1-mil white polyimide film, known as Kapton, withstands the temperature extremes of PCB manufacturing. The permanent adhesive backing withstands high temperatures while adhering to rough printed circuit board surfaces. It was tested for chemical resistance with wave solder and standard acidic solvent.

The film offers high print contrast signal (PCS) for scanning condensed bar codes and anti-static capabilities. THERMLfilm K100 White is available in 4-inch by 150-foot rolls.

For more information, visit http://www.flexcon.com or call (508) 885-8420.

Tracking Devices Designed for Hazmat Cargoes

Satellite tracking company Collect Localization Satellites (CLS) of France and its North American division, NACLS, have introduced several new transmitters using the company's Argos satellite system. The tracking and data transmission systems are designed specifically for tracking railcars, tank containers, or trailers containing hazardous materials.

Railtrax is a multipurpose transmitter than can track railcars and tank containers as well as monitor temperatures. It can also be used as a fleet-management system. The Railtrax unit is powered by internal alkaline batteries that can last up to 2.5 years. The Railtrax-ST model can manage up to five temperature probes, and the Railtrax-STG model has temperature probes plus GPS positioning capabilities.

The AGT is a multipurpose transmitter that can be used for container, railcar, or trailer tracking. It was designed for fleet-management applications when position-only information is required. The AGT is also powered by an internal alkaline battery, which is rated from -20 degrees C (-4 F) to degrees C (ʼn F). For lower temperatures, a lithium battery can be used. The AGT-C is larger to accommodate alkaline batteries for a lifetime of up to 2.5 years (with Basic Tracking service), and the AGT-T option comes with a probe that can transmit information about the temperature of a product like the liquid in a tank container. The temperature rating is from -55 degrees C (-67 F) to Èþ degrees C (� F).

The AGT-G is a transmitter that can be used for railcar tracking. It is similar to the AGT, but it includes a GPS receiver. The ACT-AL transmitter is designed for tank container tracking and monitoring. It includes interfaces for various analog sensors and logical gates. Designed for use with tank containers that are fitted with temperature-control equipment, it comes in two parts, the transmitter and an optional alkaline battery pack (the vehicle's 12V/1A battery can also be used as a source).

For more information on these transmitters, visit http://www.nacls.com, e-mail info@nacls.com , or call (301) 341-1814.

New Sellick Forklift Now Available

Sellick Equipment Ltd., maker of rough-terrain forklifts, has introduced the SD120, a 12,000-pound capacity forklift. The unit is powered by the Perkins 1000 low-emission 4.2-liter 4-cylinder 86 HP diesel engine.

The SD120 is available with high-visibility SEE-THRU masts with lift heights of up to 30 feet, full syncromesh transmission with optional power shift, high-capacity L2 loader tires, wet disc brakes, outboard planetary drives, torque proportioning differential, and optional four-wheel drive.

For more information, visit http://www.sellickequipment.com, e-mail sellick@mnsi.net , or call (519) 738-2255.