DC Velocity - August 2009

Image is everything: Datalogic Scanning unveils the Gryphon I GM4100 linear imager. The GM4100 is a high-performance cordless linear imaging bar-code reader designed for light industrial and retail applications.

The new linear imager enables two-way communications with the host computer through the scanner’s three-button keypad and graphic display. In addition, the GM4100 provides practically continuous productivity with its “Scan-While-Charging” hands-free scanning capability, according to the manufacturer. The GM4100 also works in batch mode, retaining up to 1,200 scanned bar codes when scanning outside the radio range.

The Gryphon I GM4100 features Datalogic’s STAR Cordless System as its communication backbone. Users can create simple to complex narrow-band networks that are free from Wi-Fi infrastructure interference. This offers the ability to connect up to 16 scanners to one base station.

The unit’s radio range covers a wide working area, eliminates the limitations of cabled devices, and provides a safe and efficient work environment, according to the manufacturer. (Datalogic Scanning, www.scanning.datalogic.com)

Now where did I put that? Savi Technology has unveiled a low-cost wireless Real Time Locating System (RTLS) designed to automatically locate assets in facilities or industrial yards. Savi says its new system is less expensive and easier to implement than conventional RTLS systems using Wi-Fi, WLAN, or other wireless data technologies.

Unlike conventional systems, the Savi solution uses low-cost battery-operated “Location Markers,” which can easily be placed most anywhere in a facility or yard. Location Markers communicate their “reference points” to assets equipped with Savi’s new ST-632 active RFID asset tag. The RFID tag collects and transmits its identity and nearby reference point to Savi’s SmartChain software, which calculates that tag’s location and displays it on a site map of the customer’s facility.

The Savi RTLS is designed to perform well in harsh and heavy-metal environments, and is suited for distribution center yards, trucking terminals, defense and government supply depots, and manufacturing plants. It can be used to track trailers, chassis, containers, and other equipment. (Savi Technology, www.savi.com)

Cool idea: Sealed Air has introduced Instapak TempGuard Cold Chain Packaging, a solution designed to keep temperature-sensitive products safe during shipment. Instapak TempGuard allows companies to switch from expensive next-day shipping to much more economical two- or three-day service. The product can also reduce the number of gel packs or amount of dry ice needed, further reducing material and freight costs.

Instapak TempGuard Cold Chain coolers can be custom-designed by Sealed Air’s packaging engineers to conform to a product’s exact dimensions. Coolers can also be designed with cavities customized to hold the right amount of gel refrigerant or dry ice.

Since the foam is not fused to an inside or outside corrugated shipping container, the cooler is reusable. (Sealed Air, www.sealedairprotects.com)

Up-lifting: Positech, a manufacturer of material handling equipment, introduces the Vertical Rail Lifter. The Vertical Rail Lifter is an ergonomic lift assist for reach in and under applications as well as for reaching around obstacles. It offers a lift capacity of 400 pounds along with a vertical lift range of up to 100 inches.

The Vertical Rail Lifter consists of a rigid vertical beam with moving rollers, which creates a stable lifting platform and eliminates swinging of a cable or chain, making for safer and more stable lifts. The compact and lightweight lifter is pneumatically operated with 360-degree rotation at the main post. Customized end-effectors, operator controls, and specialized pneumatic circuitry are available to meet specific customer needs. (Positech Corp., www.positech.com)

Now airing: Air Transat, a Canadian airline specializing in vacation travel and a subsidiary of Transat A. T. Inc., has launched Air Transat Cargo. Until now, Air Transat had been offering cargo service through an outside supplier.

The new offering will provide cargo customers with point-to-point air service, with frequent flights from Canada to Caribbean destinations, including Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Air Transat’s direct flights are especially suited to the transportation of perishable goods, according to the company.

Air Transat is also partnering with Airline Service International (ASI), a general agent specializing in cargo. Reservations and bookings for Canadian exports and imports will be handled through ASI. (Air Transat Cargo, www.transat.com) ;

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