DC Velocity - April 2014

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60 DC VELOCITY APRIL 2014 www.dcvelocity.com Dimensioning system: Quantronix Inc. has released a new dimensioning device that can measure both cases and irregular-shaped items.

The CubiScan 225 is an “in-line” device, meaning it is incorporated into a conveyor system. Its infrared sensors measure an item’s dimensions as it moves through a gate on the conveyor.

The device can measure not only boxed and case-pack items as typical in-line dimensioning (or cubing and weighing) systems do, but also small, irregular-shaped parts and components. According to Quantronix, this flexibility makes the dimensioning system good for such challenging applications as on-demand box making.

The CubiScan 225 can measure objects up to 24 by 24 by 60 inches in size with a resolution of 0.05 inches and a minimum required interval between each object of only six inches. (CubiScan, www.cubiscan.com)

Transport system: The new Autocruiser from Schaefer just might make it possible to put a distribution center on cruise control.

Autocruiser is a transport system that may save as much as 30 to 40 percent compared with conventional conveying costs. It is designed for transporting products through work cells and pick stations, or between adjoining warehouses. It is ideal for looped systems, the company says.

The system features small, self-powered wheeled carriages that run on a modular track that can include curves, merges, diverts, inclines, and declines. The carriages can carry totes and boxes weighing up to 30 kilograms, or about 70 pounds.

Small electronic motors in the carriages are battery powered and recharge on the move as they pass over charging strips in the track. The system can make up to 600 transports per hour, and because the carriages only move when there is product to convey, the Autocruiser can also save up to 85 percent of the energy costs of typical conveying systems. (SSI Schaefer, www. ssi-schaefer.us/)

High-frequency charger: Enatel Motive Power, a New Zealand-based company with roots in the telecom industry, is introducing a series of high-frequency chargers that, according to the company, include several features that are unique to its design. The most noticeable difference in the XHF series is the modular design, which has been common in the telecom industry for 25 years but is new to lift truck battery charging, the manufacturer says. The interchangeable power modules can slide in and out of the charger unit; if one should fail, the charger issues an alarm but continues to operate with the remaining modules. Users can properly size the charger for the battery by adjusting the number of modules installed. A filter screen covers the power modules to protect them from dust and dirt.

Other noteworthy features include energy efficiency of up to 95 percent, so that the units use less electricity than comparably sized chargers. The XHF Series is fully compliant with California laws on energy. In addition, the dealer can use the charger interface software to configure for different voltages and fine-tune for specific customers’ needs. DC Power Technologies is the U.S. distributor. (Enatel Motive Power, www.enatel-mp.com/)

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