Material Handling & Transportation Spotlight - September 08

Railcar Discharge Vibrator

The HCP portable railcar vibrator is used in dovetail brackets and in pockets on hopper cars. Unlike similar hydraulic, pocket, and clamp-on vibrators, the HCP does not damage the railcar. Benefits include reduced unloading time and carryback; low air consumption, which saves money; and reduced material buildup at the outlet opening of the railcar, which eliminates damage to the hopper car from sledge hammering. The unit eliminates dangerous scraping of interior walls on top of the railcar. The company manufactures several vibratory products that are specifically used to load and unload dry bulk materials in bottom-dump hopper-style railcars and trains. All products are designed for heavy-duty industrial applications and have internal Teflon coating for durability and long life.
NAVCO, Houston, TX 800-231-0164 www.navco.org

Pallet Inverter

The PalletPal inverter is a fast, safe, and easy way to rotate fully loaded pallets. It is ideal for replacing broken pallets, switching to or from in-house/shipping pallets, transferring loads to slip sheets, and replacing damaged goods at the bottom of a load without the need for manual restacking. The unit can handle loads measuring up to 48 × 48 × 60 in. with capacities up to 4400 lb. The clamping mechanism features user-adjustable pressure control to ensure that lighter loads will not be crushed. Loads rotate a full 180º on a massive antifriction turret bearing and can be stopped at any point during rotation.
Southworth Products Corp., Portland, ME 207-878-0700 www.southworthproducts.com

Mechanical Forks

RollerForks are mechanical forks that are designed to reduce costs through palletless handling. They are ideal for FIBCs, slip-sheeted goods, and corrugated bundles, as well as for regular pallets. The forks help reduce costs by allowing companies to ship or receive goods without pallets. They help reduce loading and unloading times and provide excellent operational versatility because they can also be used as standard lift-truck forks. A series of dual-roller cartridges allow the forks to place and retrieve heavy loads quickly and easily.
Reachable Solutions LLC, Chesapeake, VA 757-548-4142 www.reachablesolutions.com

Vacuum Tube Lifting System

The UniMove vacuum tube lifting system allows one operator to pick up and move items weighing up to 1000 lb effortlessly and precisely. Constructed of standard stainless steel and featuring 360º rotation, the system can handle a large variety of products, including metal, plastic, and fiber drums and bags, as well as corrugated boxes. With its patented valve design, the system automatically adjusts for uneven, flexible, rough, and porous surfaces.
UniTech Industries Inc., Palmerton, PA 610-826-7855 www.unimove.com