54 DC VELOCITY NOVEMBER 2018 www.dcvelocity.com
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Bidirectional AGV: Creform Corp. has introduced the heavy-duty FH-B50066 bolt-on AGV drive, an automated guided vehicle
(AGV) that transfers unit loads to powered conveyors for automatic load transfers. Featuring standard bidirectional drive, the
AGV includes a single-powered conveyor deck situated at a
14-inch transfer height. Mechanical load-safety stops drop down
when the vehicle pulls into a conveyor station to allow transfers,
then rise up when it leaves to ensure the load is secure for transport. The parts are transferred off both ends of the AGV.
The unit has a 1,460-pound capacity. Each end of the vehicle
follows a magnetic guidepath to ensure accurate and repeatable
tracking in space-restricted areas and accurate conveyor alignment for transfers. The vehicle stops and starts automatically,
and maintains a home position at the upstream process until it’s
released by an associate. It then travels, deposits the load, and
returns.
Photo eyes are used for
load verification while the
AGV is traveling. Any load
shift is detected and will
stop the AGV.
The AGV is PLC (
programmable logic control-ler)-controlled and features an HMI (
human-ma-chine interface) touchscreen for user and maintenance interface.
Operator interface panels include pushbuttons at both the front
and rear of the unit. The vehicle uses floor-positioned RFID
(radio-frequency identification) tags for routing, speed changes,
and obstacle sensor-view changes.
The power pack is a 24-volt system powered by two easy-ac-cess 12-volt TPPL (thin-plate pure lead) batteries, covered, and
with side-mounted opportunity charging to automatically maintain peak performance levels. The opportunity charging system
minimizes the need for the user to change batteries, as the
batteries can be automatically charged by having the vehicle pull
into the charging station positioned along the route. No human
intervention is necessary.
The AGV features complete equipment for compliance to
safety category 3 and includes a safety circuit to cut power, an
audible warning device, a flashing light, E-stops and laser scanners (one at either end), and blue-beam projector lights.
The blue safety lights on either end are like those used on
forklifts. They project a large blue dot on the floor in front of the
traveling AGV and alert associates that the unit is coming. This
projection light lets people know the AGV’s position, direction,
and speed of travel in time to clear the path.
Options include onboard radio for integration into larger
projects with the need for traffic control. (Creform Corp., www.
creform.com)
Virtual reality simulators: Wisconsin Lift Truck and Illinois
Material Handing, a certified forklift training company, has
expanded its safety-training portfolio to include virtual reality
simulators for purchase or rent, to incorporate into customers’
training curriculums. Forklift operators experience realistic forklift
controls, maneuverability, and the challenges of moving pro-duct(s) and pallets, all in a controlled environment with the use of
VR goggles. (Illinois Material Handling, www.imhlifts.com)
Overhead door track: Allied Dock Solutions has updated its
Track Guard. The Track Guard LS is much like the original Track
Guard but with a new design that provides protection for the
overhead door track. In addition, the new Track Guard LS is
engineered to allow for the easy installation of various door limit
switches, which can ensure that the overhead door goes through
the correct sequence of operation and can detect anything that
may be in the operating zone.
The Track Guard LS comes equipped with pre-drilled mounting holes to accommodate a number of different limit switches
and entrapment protection devices. The top taper is designed to
help prevent finger pinching by pushing the hand away from the
unit while the door is closing. The guard was also engineered to
withstand light forklift and pallet impact, while protecting the
overhead door track from damage. The unit, which works on
both mechanical and automatic doors, mounts to both the floor
and the wall, providing extra strength and durability. (Allied Dock
Solutions, www.allieddocksolutions.com)
Container data logger: DeltaTrak has introduced its FlashLink
in-transit real-time mini logger, a device that provides temperature, humidity, and location information utilizing GSM (global
system for cellular communications) technology. Shipments are
tracked worldwide using Delta Trak’s Cold Trak 24/7 cloud service.
Up-to-the-minute information can be accessed securely anywhere with user login and password on a standard Web browser
using a PC or any Internet-ready device.
DeltaTrak offers two models: one for most domestic shipments, with a 15-day logging duration and data uploaded every
10 minutes; and a second model for longer trips, with a 45-day
logging duration and data uploaded every 60 minutes, suitable
for export shipments.
The Cold Trak Web portal gives shippers the option to upload
documentation such as purchase orders or photos for each shipment. Shippers can also customize high/low alarm settings, and
alerts are automatically sent when out-of-range conditions occur.
The single-use FlashLink mini logger is mounted on a visible
shipping card, which makes the unit easy to locate inside a
trailer or container. Each unit comes charged and ready to use.
(DeltaTrak, www.deltatrak.com)
LED scene lights: TVH in the Americas (TVH) has developed
three new LED scene lights: the SYLED-SL5, SL9, and SL13.
Available in a range of sizes, LEDs, and lumens, the new
lights are designed to point downward
at a 40-degree angle to illuminate
anything below them, ideal for
work trucks, utility vehicles, and
trailers, the company says.
All of the lights feature 12
to 24 volts, a flood beam
pattern for wide illumination coverage, strong
aluminum housing, and
a surface mount with
wire leads. The lights are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and come with a guaranteed one-year warranty. (TVH,
www.tvh.com)
