Forklift truck: A new global brand of forklift trucks, Utilev, provides an economical, uncomplicated solution for light- to medium-duty operating environments and for customers who use
their lift trucks intermittently during the day or week.
The Utilev UT25-30P range of diesel and LPG fuel forklift
trucks is now available in select U.S. markets in 5,000- and
6,000-pound capacities.
Utilev lift trucks are backed by
a network of experienced and
independent dealers that provide
a range of support services,
Utilev trucks are designed to be easy to service and maintain.
Thanks to the simplicity of the components and specification,
servicing can be carried out quickly and easily, even when PCs,
laptops, or diagnostic tools are not available, according to the
manufacturer. (Utilev, www.utilev.com)
Loading dock curtain: The Wind-Block Curtain from Zoneworks
is designed to keep employees comfortable and safe when load-ing-dock doors are opened. The modular panel Wind-Block
Curtain acts as a barrier to separate open dock areas from other
worker zones, preventing cold winds from reaching employees.
Zoneworks’ wind-block curtains can be configured with a
series of sliding or stationary, insulated or non-insulated panels.
The wind-block curtains are custom engineered to ensure a proper fit around corners and any obstructions. They include galvanized drop pins and floor sockets for stability in high winds.
(Zoneworks, www.zoneworks.com)
Production logistics service: HK Logistics (HKL) has introduced
a new approach to “the logistics of production,” or the process
of delivering supplies to the production line at the right time. The
approach involves advanced automation technology and the creation of a “vested” business partnership that “transcends traditional supplier-manufacturer relationships,” according to HKL.
HKL’s solution uses automated systems, advanced software,
and disciplined process to ensure that each machine and workstation receives the right product in the right quantity and quality at the right time. HKL goes one step further by forming a vested partnership with each customer—giving the company the
ability to adopt the equipment and expertise necessary to greatly streamline the production process.
According to HKL, the company embeds itself into the customer’s business and controls the solution from design through
operation. It even builds capital requirements for the solution
into the life of the contract.
HKL believes that this approach allows manufacturers to more
quickly and accurately deliver supplies and parts to the production line. (HK Logistics, www.hklogistics.com)
Shipment optimizing tool: Varsity Logistics has launched a
new shipment-optimizing tool called ShipOptimizer that enables
companies to accurately predict shipping costs before actually
shipping the product.
ShipOptimizer uses a series of proprietary algorithms that
place items into all combinations of containers, calculate them
for each carrier, and then compare costs for all carriers to get the
correct answer.
ShipOptimizer can be used as orders are taken via the Internet
or at order entry time. The new module requires customers to be
running version 2. 7 of Varsity’s ShipSoft Parcel or ShipSoft Freight
base modules. (Varsity Logistics, www.varsitylogistics.com)
Dolly extensions: Dolly Extensions are a line of attachable
extensions for dolly flat carts that increase the usable surface
area of these devices. As a result, the user does not have to store
or invest in oversized carts that are only used occasionally.
The design intent of Dolly Extensions is to provide a more
user-friendly, less-risky means of transporting a multitude of
heavy items. The extensions add approximately three to five inches to each side of the dolly flat cart. They are rectangular and
made of a durable wood material, which is sheathed in a rubberized or carpeted material to prevent scratches to items being
transported. Heavy-duty straps are provided with the Dolly
Extensions to secure the extensions to each side of a wheeled
conveyance. The modified dolly carts are then ideal for wide and
heavy appliances, such as washers, dryers, entertainment centers, and heavy boxes and cartons. (Invention Resource
International, www.inventionresource.com)
Autofocus technology for bar-code readers: Cognex Corp.
has added liquid lens optics to its DataMan 300 series of fixed-mount bar-code readers. The new accessory allows any DataMan
300 reader to be easily upgraded from
fixed focus to autofocus. Liquid lens
variable autofocus technology is ideal
for applications that require a large depth of field
or refocusing after a product changeover.
The autofocus feature makes adjustment to different
working distances as simple as pushing a button, according to the
manufacturer. The DataMan 300 intelligent tuning feature automatically selects the optimum settings for the lighting and for the
autofocus optics for each application. This tuning process ensures
that the bar-code reader will be set up to attain the highest read
rates possible for one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and direct
part marked (DPM) codes. The liquid lens can also be adjusted with
software or serial commands without having to touch the reader.
For presentation reading, tote scanning, and small-package
sorting applications, the liquid lens can be configured to dynamically sweep through the full focal range of the optics to find and
read bar codes over a wide range of working distances. (Cognex
Corp., www.cognex.com)
Asia-Pacific LTL service: Ceva Logistics has added a less-than-truckload (LTL) service to its existing cross-border road freight
offering in the Asia-Pacific region.
The LTL service will build upon Ceva’s existing cross-border solution, which currently provides full truckload (FTL) services. The new
LTL services will leverage Ceva’s established FTL regional network.
The LTL service will launch with three initial cross-border lanes:
from Shenzhen, China, to Penang, Malaysia; from Ho Chi Minh
City, Vietnam, to Shenzhen in China; and from Singapore to
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ceva intends to expand the number of LTL lanes over the next
two years. (Ceva Logistics, www.cevalogistics.com) ;
