Specialized devices inspect products with speed and precision.
Pressure Points
A sensor film reveals weak spots, channels, and wrinkles at the sealing surface. It also verifies and records pressure distribution during equipment setup, preventive maintenance, and product changeover for various form-fill-seal, deposit-fill-seal, and CAP/MAP systems. Finally, it is useful in package drop-test measurement. Each Pressure Point sensor film comes prepackaged in a ready-to-use blister-sealed pouch. They are available in sizes ranging from 0.3–1 in. diameter. The pouch has a clear window on one side for viewing the pressure film, and pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back enables the sensor to be quickly and easily affixed to any surface. When force is applied, the sensor film changes color. The intensity of the color is proportional to the amount of force applied, allowing the user to quantify the stress characteristics across the contacting surface. Sensor Products Inc., East Hanover, NJ; 973/884-1755; www.sensorprod.com [3].
LionEye Sensor
A photoelectric sensor can be used for ordinary label-sensing applications. The LionEye features a response time of 50 µS, a switching frequency of 10 kHz, and an operating temperature of 40° to 120°F. A simple, one-button interface makes the sensor easy to operate. One click sets the sensor to normal operation, while two clicks set it to high sensitivity for low-opacity labels. It has short-circuit and overload protection. Lion Precision, St. Paul, MN; 651/484-6544; www.lionprecision.com [4].
HC-IS Indexing Scale
An indexing scale incorporates a revolving star-wheel design weighing system, which provides automatic product indexing as well as greater sample control and accuracy. It fits over existing conveyors, eliminating the need to cut the line and allowing for a simple, economical installation at any desired point. The electromagnetic forced-compensation weighing technology that the company uses provides good accuracy, linearity, and response time while performing 100% inspection of product by weight. Suitable for cylindrical bottles and cans. OCS Checkweighers Inc., Snellville, GA; 678/344-8300; www.ocs-cw.com [5].
Ezweigh Checkweigher
A checkweigher provides accurate weights for a wide variety of cartons, bags, pouches, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products up to 300 mm long and 200 mm wide, at speeds of up to 250 packages per minute. Standard features include a color 10.5-in. touch screen interface; servomotor-powered infeed and weigh conveyors; stainless-steel construction for easy washdown; storage capacity for up to 1000 product setups; and air blast rejecter. Options include a servomotor-powered discharge conveyor; tripod-mounted mechanical push-off rejecter; height-adjustment legs; remote mounting of controls; and Ethernet communication capability. Hi-Speed Checkweigher Company, Inc., Ithaca, NY; 607/257-6000; www.hispeedcheckweigher.com [6].
