January 2003

Servers unplugged: For those operations looking to eliminate wires and cables, SATO America Inc. has introduced the SATO Wireless Print Server, which connects SATO printers to 802.11b Wi-Fi compliant networks. With no wired connections, the SATO Wireless Print Server allows the user to locate and/or relocate printers almost anywhere without cables. It provides all of the features of a standard Ethernetconnected print server and SATO’s WPCPlus (Web-Based Printer Control Plus) without wires.

SATO’s WPCPlus offers users of SATO printers an innovative and user-friendly way to quickly and easily control, communicate and configure SATO printers from virtually anywhere. WPCPlus allows for control of printer settings and status, realtime error and status notification, and access from anywhere via the Internet.

The SATO 802.11b Wireless Print Server, which the company says is very secure, is designed as a plug-in interface card with user-friendly installation software and can be field installed in a matter of seconds on all SATO “e” printers that use plug-in interface cards. The wireless settings, as well as the basic network settings, can be configured with WP-Admin, an easy-to-use interface, from a Windows PC. This allows for setup and printing in just a few easy steps.

The SATO 802.11b Wireless Print Server is ideal for applications where running cables is impractical or too expensive or where printers must be frequently relocated. (SATO America Inc., www.satoamerica.com)

Weigh ahead: Intercomp Corp. has introduced a new on-board lift truck scale that is legal for trade. The company says the PW850 scale fits almost any type and size of lift truck, and installs in less than two hours. The scale has capacities ranging from 3,000 to 40,000 pounds and an accuracy rating within one-tenth of one percent of applied load, qualifying it as a “legal for trade” weighing apparatus.

The PW850 is fitted with an inclinometer to automatically correct for loads weighed in an out-of-level condition. The scale, which has no moving parts, uses a system of multiple flexures that transfer the applied force to a single load cell. The load cell and electronics are contained within a hardened steel frame that absorbs the day-to-day constant shock from heavy loads. Safety bolts provide a 5:1 overload margin and notches ensure that the forks are locked securely in place at all times.

Available options include bar-code scanning and parts counting. Customers can choose one of three on-board indicators to fit the job and budget. Each indicator is enclosed in a dustproof and waterproof housing, and is designed to be placed in the cab without obstructing the operator’s view. (Intercomp Corp., www.intercompco.com)

Manifest destiny? Numina Systems introduces the One-Step Fulfillment System, a system designed to reduce the labor and labeling costs on outgoing parcel shipments. By completely automating the application of the packing list and shipping label for high-volume parcel distribution operations, the One-Step Fulfillment System addresses the increasingly significant labor costs associated with manual shipping manifesting systems.

Manual systems require an operator to capture the parcel weight, then generate and apply both the packing lists and shipping labels. The One-Step system, which automates all of these functions, eliminates labor and saves more than $80 per 1,000 cartons, according to the manufacturer.

The system is controlled by Numina Systems’ RDS Trak3 software, which conveys, aligns, tracks, justifies and labels the outbound cartons. Upstream of the applicators, the system reads the carton’s order bar code, looks up the label data in its real-time database and transmits the label data to the applicators. The cartons are tracked at a 1/8-inch resolution along the conveyor belt to the first applicator and the customer packing slip is printed and applied to the side of the carton. The packing slip is verified by a scanner positioned directly following the applicator.

The carton continues on the conveyor to the second applicator and a slightly larger carrier shipping label is accurately applied over the packing slip label. The shipping label is verified by a scanner positioned directly following the applicator. The system is designed to run in a continuous operation and can be operated by a single operator processing up to 1,200 cartons per hour. An optional inmotion scale and scanner can be provided with the system to capture final carton weight for the shipping manifest. (The Numina Group, (630) 323-0110, www.numinagroup.com)

Assault on battery charges: Noting that for most distribution operations, the fuel used in electric forklifts represents the single most mismanaged asset, costing the average DC a half million dollars or more annually, Prophecy Software offers the E-Batt System for managing batteries. The E-Batt System monitors all of the charge cycles, the cooldown period and the run time for each vehicle; indicates when to wash, equalize and water batteries; and tracks every charge cycle and archives the data for comprehensive tracking and reporting.

The software requires a high-end desktop workstation and runs on either Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 or Workstation 2000. It needs 128MB of RAM, two 10 gb hard drives and an Ethernet network adapter. (Prophecy Software, (800) 433-3110, www.ProphecySoftware.com)

It’s totally tubular: Topper Industrial introduces the new Ergo-Tainer container, which is designed to combine the strength of a rigid container and the versatility of a collapsible container with easy ergonomic access. It is available in two models—a steel corrugated version that has a capacity of 4,000 pounds, and a steel wire mesh version, which handles up to 2,500 pounds, stacking five high. Both versions have a rugged tubular design.

This unique container has half-drop gates on two sides to put contents within comfortable reach. The sides are also completely removable. For space-saving storage and to allow users to transport large numbers of these units, the Ergo-Tainer folds to a mere 16 inches high. (Topper Industrial, (800) 529-0909, www.topperindustrial.com)

Reducing exposure: Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc. has added a high pallet pivot gate to its safety gate product line. The high pallet pivot model allows materials up to 80 inches high to be easily loaded and off-loaded from mezzanine ledges, accommodating loads 26 inches taller than the standard pivot model. The unit provides a totally enclosed workstation that prevents exposure to pallet-drop ledges during all phases of material delivery and removal, which the company says will reduce accidents associated with multi-level material handling operations.

The high pallet pivot gate has 14 pivot points that allow the gate to be easily moved over the pallet. The gate configuration consists of two permanently fixed stanchions anchored to the mezzanine ledge, forming a single piece when mounted to the pivot arms. When the rear gate is lifted up, the ledge gate closes automatically, creating a fixed 42-inch tall barrier that extends to the floor.

Pre-engineered units have counterbalanced gates and welded stanchions to maintain structural integrity, and to meet or exceed OSHA requirements. Overall, the units measure 67 inches wide, 64 inches deep and 90 inches high. The clear pallet drop area measures 60 inches wide by 60 inches deep and 88 inches high, with a maximum load height of 80 inches. The gates are designed for use with standard GMA pallets. High pallet pivot gates can also be custom-made to accommodate various depths and widths.

The new high pallet pivot units are available in painted steel, stainless steel or aluminum, allowing for use in hostile environments such as chemical plants or food manufacturing facilities. In addition, the high pallet pivot gates have few moving parts so they can withstand outdoor environments, hot and cold climates, and frequent rinsing.

The high pallet pivot gate can be installed by two people in less than three hours without special tools. Pre-engineered models are shipped factory direct from stock; custom-sized units are built upon request. (Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc., (978) 768-7593, www.MezzanineSafetyGates.com)

Click and track: Thermo King’s Trac-King Web-based global tracking system offers users a way to track asset locations and monitor perishable loads throughout the supply chain. Using the latest technology, the system enables customers to track crucial information from anywhere in the world—all that’s required is an Internet connection.

According to the company, Trac-King, which consists of a global positioning system and satellite or digital cellular communications, can be used to locate trailers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without human intervention. It can be used to locate trailers that are late for appointments as well as provide estimated arrival times. By going to the system’s Web site interface, dispatchers can scan an entire fleet and improve scheduling efficiency by knowing the exact location and operating status of each trailer. (Thermo King Corp., (952) 887-2200, www.thermoking.com)

Cleaning up code: Designed as an affordable alternative to traditional online barcode verification, the Datamax Linear Scanner can be integrated into the Datamax I-Class printer to ensure that all printed labels contain readable bar codes. In operation, the unit is integrated into the printer with the mount secured under the printer’s cover to protect the scanner. As labels pass under the fixed-position head, they are scanned at a rate of up to 700 scans per second. The captured information is compared to the appropriate user-defined label requirements to ensure that the bar code produced has good contrast, correct bar-width ratios and sufficient quiet zones to be decodable. (Datamax Corp., (800) 816-9649, www.datamaxcorp.com)

Keeping a lid on it: IPL Inc. has introduced a series of nestable, attached lid containers called the FlapNest 2115 Series. The containers were designed to exceed all critical specifications—including enhanced security for industry-standard distribution containers.

Features incorporated into the 2115 units include: all-plastic hinges for long life, safe use and increased recycle value; a 5-to-1 nesting ratio that reduce freight costs and storage space requirements; a patented, leak-resistant lid that eliminates contamination of the container’s contents; ergonomic deep-contoured handles that give workers access when the containers are nested; increased strength and durability; and improved compatibility with other brands. The 2115 Series also has improved security features that are designed to significantly reduce loss of the contents within them. The enhancements include builtin features for securing with strapping, tie wrap and snap-in clips, as well as tamperresistant, all-plastic hinges. The IPL FlapNest Series tote is available in heights of 9 inches and 12 inches with optional features such as solid and open bottoms. (IPL Inc., www.ipl-plastics.com)

Cheap chips: Matrics Inc. has announced that it has designed the world’s smallest UHF RFID integrated circuit (IC), which will be embedded in its next generation of smart inlays and labels. The new, smaller chips will be less expensive to manufacture than existing products for a couple of reasons. First, the smaller size means more chips can be produced from each silicon wafer. Second, Matrics produces chips using a standard CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) process, which is the lowestcost silicon fabrication process. More chips manufactured using the lowest-cost fabrication process translates into a significant cost reduction for Matrics’ customers.

Matrics says the new chips will work in the same reader infrastructure as existing, first-generation Matrics chips, and will operate in full accordance with industry standards. The cost savings to end-users of Matrics smart inlays and labels from incorporating the new smaller chips will depend on volume and packaging, but the company says that next-generation chips will cost Matrics significantly less to produce than first-generation chips.

Matrics plans to begin volume production of its next-generation chip by the middle of this year. (Matrics Inc., www.matrics.com)

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