Endress+Hauser releases handheld laboratory sensors

Measurement and automation technology producers Endress+Hauser launched five new laboratory sensors. The sensors are compatible with its Liquiline CML18 handheld lab analysis device. The Memosens liquid analytical sensors — CPL53E, CPL57E, CPL59E, COL37E and CLL47E — all amplify Endress+Hauser’s goals of accurate, trustworthy measurement, it says. The handheld sensors also ensure “easy operation for end-users and enhanced good laboratory practice,” it adds. Features of the new sensors include supporting data and quality management, as well as providing immediate and tamper-proof calibration history traceability. They also provide easy data transfer through Bluetooth technology. The sensors are plug-and-play, with support for easily switching output parameters at the measuring point, such as pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity, the company notes. Users can start to take measurements without initial calibration because the Memosens instruments are pre-calibrated, it says. The Memosens 2.0 sensors are suited for laboratory measurement and random process grab sampling, which ensures that online measured values are consistently reliable. Using the same sensor type in the lab as in the process allows for data and quality management in the verification process of online measurements, the company says.

New 19.2-ounce aluminum beverage can from Ardagh Metal Packaging

Ardagh Metal Packaging North America (AMP NA) recently expanded its product line for beverage brand customers with the launch of a new 19.2-ounce beverage can. The product is the first of its kind to be manufactured by AMP in the United States. The product also highlights the company’s sustainability focus, it says. The company expects the can to serve strong growth in the single-serve format, especially because its size is in between the traditional 16- and 24-ounce sizes, it notes. It’s ideal for brands in categories such as beer, ciders, hard seltzers and water, it says. “This is also a clear indication of AMP’s commitment to customers,” said Claude Marback, CEO of AMP NA, in a statement. “We’re enabling brands to further differentiate their product on retail shelves by choosing from a wide array of sizes, graphics and tab and end options. This new 19.2-ounce size is indicative of this commitment, where AMP serves as a one-stop partner in enabling our customers to achieve their brand and bottom line targets.” The cans, which are set to be available by the end of first quarter, will be produced at the company’s Huron, Ohio-based manufacturing facility.

Webstone offering new Multi-Port Transition Tees

NIBCO’s Webstone brand — a designer of commercial valves — unveiled its new Pro-Pal Multi-Port Transition Tees. The tees combine multiple components to save time and space, because the Multi-Port is a compact alternative to installing gangs of tees. The Multi-Port is a “compact alternative to installing gangs of tees” by combining multiple components to save space and time, the company says. A variety of water distribution needs are suited for through patented technology, it notes. The products feature lead-free, forged dezincification-resistant brass. Customers can choose press or press x hose drain runs and F1960 or F1807 PEX branches, in sizes of three-quarter-inch or 1-inch, with or without reduced branches. Additional sizes, connection types and accessories are all available through customization options.

New Intellistat Ion Air Nozzle from EXAIR

EXAIR recently introduced the Intellistat Ion Air Nozzle. The product is the company’s latest solution for static elimination in sensitive processes and is similar to the Intellistat Ion Air Gun. The new nozzle “provides a lightweight solution rated Class 5 for clean rooms and controlled environments per ISO 14644-1,” the company says. Equipped with a mounting bracket, the Ion Air Nozzle can be used hands-free with remote mounting or benchtop assembly. The nozzle also will reduce 1,000 volts to less than 100 in just 0.6 seconds — and up to 24-inches away, it notes. The company considers the nozzle to be “a comprehensive solution for neutralizing static in sensitive processes, like scientific and electronic testing, cleaning medical or pharmaceutical products and packaging, or removing debris from sensitive electronics.” It comes with a compact stainless steel adjustable bracket, allowing for installation into a customer’s process. A LED indicator assures proper functionality while employing EXAIR-engineered air nozzles, maximizing efficiency and meeting OSHA requirements for sound level and dead-end pressure, the company says. Operations that require both hands to package, test or assemble parts now will be static-free thanks to the nozzle, which is made from durable static-dissipative polycarbonate and a non-marring nozzle, it adds.

Red Lion releases N-Tron Series NT500 Ethernet switches

Industrial technology manufacturer Red Lion recently introduced N-Tron Series NT5000 Gigabit Managed Layer 2 Ethernet switches. The NT5000 switches, as well as their gigabit speed, are “designed to improve network security and reliability for industrial organizations of all sizes and environments,” the company notes. Operating performance and system uptime is maximized through seamless integration, advanced management and diagnostic abilities, network redundancy and layered security, it says. The switches also help organizations achieve dependable communication by meeting information technology and operational technology needs. “Clear, comprehensive and fast network management is essential for organizations to achieve maximum uptime,” said Diane Davis, Red Lion’s director of product management, networking, in a statement. “The NT5000’s simple graphical user interface includes a logical view showing active ports, power supply, temperature and contact relay status of the switch and color-coded gauges for port traffic and events to allow administrators to quickly identify and address possible network disruptions in real-time, helping lower total cost of ownership.” Other features of the NT5000 include graphical dashboards, wide shock and vibration tolerance, extensive compliance certifications and port mirroring.

Lucas Systems, Wexford, Pa., announced a rollout of new technologies that promise productivity, comfort and ease of use for Generation Z warehouse workers. The “iGeneration” of workers born between 1997 and 2012 will be served by these new technologies, which promise to reduce worker stress, provide a less physically-taxing work experience and provide on-floor supervisors with tools needed to be more agile, the company says. These technologies include an all-new supervisor management console, new algorithms and machine learning smarts, and a voice-enabled optimization suite.

Heavy-duty casters and wheels producers Caster Concepts Inc., Albion, Mich.,revealed plans for a $2 million expansion at its headquarters in Central Michigan. The 16,000-square-foot expansion will allow for a larger engineering department and additional floor space for product development and testing, as well as room for business acquisitions, the company says. Additional truck docks to accommodate increased orders and deliveries, more office space and a larger manufacturing work area are also in the plans, it adds. “We’re betting on future growth,” said President Bill Dobbins in a statement. “Unlike most companies, we function better with lots of space. We create unique solutions for customers, and that requires more room for testing. We want to be prepared for the next great innovation.”

Material handling innovator Toyota Material Handling (TMH), Columbus, Ind., declared that Billy Byrd and Dan Kossow were promoted to director-level positions. The promotions come as part of the company’s strategic vision for organizational structure “to further support and enhance operations and collaboration between corporate sales teams and its renowned nationwide TMH dealer network,” it says. In a statement, TMH Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jaksa Pejnovic said that the promotions were “a reflection of Toyota’s ongoing commitment to providing customers with world-class service and expertise to meet their unique needs and challenges.”

AMGRAPH Packaging, Lisbon, Conn.,recently appointed Robert Brooks to the position of chief financial officer. Brooks’ responsibilities in this new role includes overseeing aspects of the company’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting and reporting. Prior to joining AMGRAPH, Brooks served as CFO at Capewell Aerial Systems. “I’m excited to get back into the printing business,” Brooks said in a statement. “It’s something I’ve always enjoyed. And I’m especially happy to be joining AMGRAPH.” In a statement, Kenneth Fontaine, president and CEO of AMGRAPH, noted that Brooks “knows the printing industry” and shares the company’s “commitment to sustainability and green operation.”