DC Velocity - February 2012

Wireless networking for container yards: Fidelity Comtech Inc. (FCI), a developer of extended wireless solutions for the port, rail, and auto processing industries, offers a new product that extends wireless coverage for vehicle-mounted computer tablets for workers in container yards. The Magnetic Mount Client Bridge (MMCB, model FCI-2600) is designed to provide vehicular access on any IEEE 802.11 wireless network. The MMCB allows multiple IP-networked devices on a vehicle to share a single wireless connection, while simultaneously improving the performance and reliability of the wireless link.

Oftentimes, port operators have attempted to use either a PCMCIA wireless card or the wireless card internal to their vehicle-mounted computers, but the steel of the vehicle cab obstructs the RF signal and reduces network performance. Furthermore, that approach involves using fragile pigtail connectors, which are a constant source of reliability problems. By putting the entire wireless router along with the antennas in a robust, weatherproof enclosure outside the vehicle, the MMCB improves network reliability, the company says.

The interface to the MMCB is a single ethernet connection and the unit is powered directly from vehicle power – either 12V or 24V. The MMCB also includes an embedded GPS device, which enables port operators to monitor the location of their vehicles as they move throughout the yard and map the wireless coverage. (Fidelity Comtech Inc., www.fidelity-comtech.com)

Portable shelving cart: Creform Corp. has introduced a shelf cart that’s designed specifically for warehouse use and low-volume picking in storage or manufacturing facilities. Because the shelves feature a solid surface, they can be used for both packaged and loose parts and components. The carts come with three shelves, but additional shelves can easily be added to the structures.

The cart’s design takes advantage of Creform’s ability to bend its 28mm plastic coated steel pipe. The bent pipe forms the side frames and spans horizontally over the top to hold signage for content identification or hanging items from hooks. When extreme weight is a factor, Creform double pipe can be used, which is 68 percent stronger than single 28mm pipe.

The carts measure 50 inches wide by 32 inches deep and can hold up to 600 pounds. They feature four 6-inch diameter casters, two with locking brakes, for easy positioning or transporting to the point of use. The carts can be made stationary by replacing the casters with feet. (Creform, www.creform.com)

Dock safety barrier: The Overhead Door Safety Guard from Erich Industries increases door safety while eliminating expensive impact repairs. This door protection system provides a highly visible, ANSI-approved reflective safety barrier that blocks the vehicle operator from driving through the opening until the door is completely out of the way. The barrier arm then automatically raises fully open to allow normal use of the doorway.

The heavy-duty unit requires no electricity to operate and installs easily in less than an hour on door openings 14 feet high by 10 feet wide or larger. (Erich Industries Inc., www. DockSafety.com)

H-400/H-600 Series thermal transfer printers: The Tharo Systems H-400/H-600 Series thermal transfer product identification and bar-code label printers, available in 203 or 300 dpi, feature a durable all-metal construction with a cast aluminum center wall for added strength. The large media window allows for easy viewing and monitoring of supplies.

Standard features include a high-speed USB 2.0 interface for super-fast data transfer and a real-time clock for time and date stamping of labels. The standard stripper sensor on the H-400 Series can be used for either strip-and-peel or tear-off applications. Units in the H-600 Series come standard with internal ethernet.

Tharo H-Series printers also ship with a free version of Tharo Systems’ Easylabel Start software for designing and printing labels. And with these printers, no PC is necessary: Users can simply download the label formats to the printer’s 4MB Flash memory, unplug the printer from the PC, plug in a standard PC keyboard, and take the printer to another location and start printing. (Tharo Systems, www.tharo.com) ;