Originally Published PMPN December 2005
New Products
Pouch-Handling System
An automatic pouch-handling system features a PLC and a four-station rotary head that uses a heavy-duty indexer. The system takes one or two premade pouches from the adjustable magazine, rotates the pouches for printing, label application, and filling, and then rotates the pouch to a sealer. The system accommodates label, RFID, or bar code application. Products can be filled into the pouches manually or automatically. Data acquisition, optional date coding, gas flushing, or vacuum sealing are possible. The machine is constructed from stainless steel and anodized aluminum. O/K International Corp., Marlborough, MA; 508/303-8286; www.okcorp.com.
Shipping Container
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A shipping container for temperature-sensitive products is prequalified to conform to ISTA summer and winter weather shipping conditions. The TimeSaver 72 is reusable. It uses the company’s Phase 5 material and can maintain the 2–8ºC temperature range for up to 72 hours. Phase 5 is packaged in the company’s panel cube so that no inner corrugate is required when shipping the container. TCP Reliable Corp., Edison, NJ; 732/ 346-9200; www.tcpreliable.com.
Roller Conveyor
A company manufactures a conveyor featuring a motorized roller that powers each segment of the conveyor. IntelliROL can be completely customized. Its frame is designed with the rollers mounted low, and it provides total protection for premounted and prewired electronic components. An optional conveyor shroud encloses the electrical components for additional protection. The motorized zone of the conveyor can be turned on only when needed to conserve energy. Smart driver cards and photoelectric sensors can be configured for transportation, accumulation, and work-in-process operations without the need for additional control processors. The conveyor can handle weights from 1 oz to 40 lb/ft. It can run from 30 to 300 ft/min. Conveyor zone lengths range from 12 to 36 in. Standard widths between the conveyor’s frames range from 16 to 34 in. TGW-Ermanco Inc., Spring Lake, MI; 231/798-4547; www.tgw-ermanco.com.
Color Gloss Measurement
A manufacturer of measuring instruments for the quality control of paints and plastics offers an instrument that measures both color and gloss. Color and gloss can influence the overall appearance of the product. A higher gloss surface appears darker to the human eye than a flatter surface, even if they are the exact same color. The spectro-guide measurement unit measures color (45/0 and sphere) and 60° gloss simultaneously in compliance with ISO, ASTM, and DIN specifications. The unit can measure textured surfaces. Up to 200 standards and 999 samples can be saved in the unit’s memory. BYK-Gardner USA, Columbia, MD; 301/483-6500; www.bykgardner.com.
Replacement Rollers
Replacement rollers are available in polyurethane or silicone for high-temperature applications. Durometers from A20 through D60 are available in solid, finned, cushioned, or drive-roller designs for stud or shaft mounting. The manufacturer can also reverse-engineer rollers from supplied parts with quick turnaround. Recoating of worn rollers is also available. Vi-Cas Manufacturing, Cincinnati, OH; 513/791-7741; www.vi-cas.com.
Shrink-Wrapper
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A multipack shrink-wrapper features an integrated collator/wrapper/tunnel and a small footprint. It is thermostatically controlled and has an energy-efficient heat tunnel. The machine’s production ranges from 2 to 24 packs at speeds of up to 30 wraps per minute. It also has integrated diagnostics and a color touch screen. Infeed guides are adjustable and barriers are retractable. Transfers are controlled with programmable motorized pusher assembly, including acceleration and deceleration modes. Polypack Inc., Tampa Bay, FL; 727/578-5000; www.polypack.com.
Unplugging Device
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A small unplugging device for filling preplugged and presterilized vials is designed for the automated filling of clinical trial materials. The UP20 is an accessory that mounts on the manufacturer’s peristaltic liquid filler system. During operation, the filler system’s feeder places the vials under the UP20 filling device. Sterilizable stainless-steel jaws lift the plug and lower the filling needle into the vial. After filling, the needle is retracted and the original plug is replaced. The unplugging device can accommodate different vials with a change of jaws. Jaws for 020 and 013 plugs are supplied with the system. Custom jaws for other plug sizes can be ordered. Flexicon America Inc., Burlington, VT; 802/ 657-3232; www.flexiconamerica.com.
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