A weekly look at new products, innovations

Editor's Note: Each week, Rubber & Plastics News will take a look at some of the rubber industry's new products and innovations on www.rubbernews.com. Does your company have a new product or new innovation? To be considered for inclusion in this recurring feature, email [email protected]

4JET Technologies GmbH, a Germany-based technology company, will launch T-Sort, a laser-based sensor process for the automated recognition of information molded on tire sidewalls at the Tire Technology Expo in Cologne, Germany, Feb. 10-12.

A laser based sensor process captures more than one million distance measurements on the tire sidewall, 4JET said. The data is converted into an image that is then processed by a powerful algorithm to look for specific alphanumeric or graphic content, 4JET added, and in a matter of seconds it is possible to capture information even from slightly deformed or oily surfaces or surfaces with intricate and small font sizes, the company said.

The system addresses two tasks in tire manufacturing and logistics, according to 4JET:

• First tire check: After every change of a tire mold or its mold inserts, a complete inspection of the sidewall is required to assure the completeness and accuracy of the information. 4JET said this manual process is labor intensive and error prone, and shipping mismarked tires eventually can lead to an expensive recall. Using T-Sort allows the inspection process to be automated.

• Logistics and traceability: Another challenge tackled by T-Sort is automated recognition of DOT codes, the company said.

The T-Sort hardware is based on a rugged platform used in dozens of tire laser engraving installations, 4JET said. Additionally, combination systems, including a laser marking option for serial codes, QR codes or other information, are available. Short image capturing and processing times and the very compact line footprint allow integration into existing material flow systems. Versions for PCR and TBR tires are available.

For more information, go to http://www.4jet.de/en/.

AirTrim Inc. has released its Jumbo Venturi pneumatic conveying system.

AirTrim said its pneumatic conveying systems are an environmentally friendly alternative to open conveyers in the recycling industry. Pneumatically transferring materials from the collection area either to staging in the baler area or directly onto the baler's conveyor belt eliminates the use of vehicles, carts, drays and other devices to transport cans and plastics, the company said.

The Jumbo Venturi design maintains sufficient air flow from intake to receiver, AirTrim said, providing high throughput for bulky, heavy and odd sized waste products such as No. 10 cans, gallon milk jugs, large detergent bottles and other cumbersome materials.

The Jumbo Venturi systems are designed to provide transmission and containment optimized for that particular location/application and are available in 16 inch to 32 inch diameters. Complete installation and/or start up assistance is optional. AirTrim pneumatic conveying systems with the adjustable inducer / venturi are proven in recycling installations worldwide, AirTrim added, as well as on applications such as label matrix removal, edge trim removal in paper or film, dust removal and more.

For additional information visit www.airtrim.com or write AirTrim Inc., 1940 S. Yellow Springs Road, Springfield, OH 45506.

Best Process Solutions Inc. has designed a full line of heavy-duty rotary-electric vibrators and drives that is designed for bins, hoppers, chutes, screeners, vibratory feeders, conveyors, tables and other vibratory applications. All provide continuous maximum-force operation—from 30 pounds to more than 40,000 pounds, the company said.

BPS said these dust-tight, splash-proof motors provide excellent field performance in harsh environments including dirt, rain and snow. Heavy-duty construction, including ductile-iron castings, steel end covers and high-alloy fasteners, assures long life, the firm claimed.

Motors from BPS are available in 3600-, 1800-, 1200- and 900-RPM models, from 1/50th to 17½ horsepower. All units can be mounted horizontally or vertically.

For more information, visit www.bpsvibes.com or email [email protected]