DC Velocity - March 2011

Twists and turns: Ryson International introduces its new high-capacity spiral conveyors with multiple entry capabilities. The new spirals offer double the capacity of Ryson’s regular spirals, and they ship in one piece, which drastically reduces the time and cost of installation. The load capacity is 75 pounds per linear foot of conveyor for speeds of up to 200 feet per minute. The total weight capacity in the spiral at any one time is 3,600 pounds. Only one drive motor is required, resulting in substantial savings in energy, controls, and systems integration.

The high-capacity spiral conveyors can be configured to allow loads to enter the spirals from several different elevations. A new high-speed induction conveyor provides controlled spiral entry.

Ryson spiral conveyors need less floor space than conventional conveyors and are faster and more reliable than elevators or lifts, the manufacturer says. The spirals can be delivered in powder coated carbon steel, stainless steel, or washdown versions. (Ryson International Inc., www.ryson.com)

Thinking big: Fox IV Technologies introduces the Model 5422 next-off print-and-apply labeler for printing and applying larger labels. Designed for 24/7 operation in the most demanding environments, the Model 5422 utilizes Fox IV’s exclusive Uniwall design that mounts the Zebra 220 Xi4 printer components to a rugged industrial center wall. Screen-printed label and ribbon paths and user-friendly keypad and menus make the Model 5422 easy to operate and maintain, the company says.

The Model 5422 print-and-apply system features print speeds of up to 10 ips, print widths from 4.0 to 8. 5 inches, label lengths of up to 14 inches, and print resolutions of 203 dpi or 300 dpi. The Model 5422 comes standard with a 12-inch OD label supply roll.

Linear and 2-D bar codes supported by the labeler include Code 39, Datamatrix, PDF417, UCC/EAN Code 128, and UPC/EAN. The Zebra-based 5422 system supports both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing technologies. (Fox IV Technologies Inc., www.foxiv.com)

Take it for a spin: Sapient Automation now offers the Avenger vertical carousel. The Avenger features a double reinforced arm and forging assembly that’s designed to eliminate a major failure point on carousels.

Historically, vertical carousels use one location on the chain to support two carriers. If there is any disturbance or pressure on one of the arms, that arm will typically bend and destroy multiple arms in a cascading effect. To avoid that problem, the Avenger vertical carousel’s arms mount to the chain in their own exclusive position. If there is any pressure or stress, it is not passed through to the other arms. This eliminates the potential for any cascading effect and unit failure.

The new Avenger vertical carousel has also been designed to use 45 percent less energy by incorporating state-of-the-art components. (Sapient Automation, www.GetSapient.com/Avenger)