Editor's Choice 1929

Digital Load Cell Feeder 
This new line of Digital Load Cell (D-LC) feeders provides high feeding accuracy by incorporating digital technology for the weight signal and temperature compensation inputs. Transmitting these two variables to the D-LC feeders in digital format improves performance as compared to analog devices and provides for protection against the influence of noise on these two signals. The gravimetric feeding accuracy is improved because of the increased internal resolution of 4,190,000 counts for the load cell signal. Temperature changes around the feeder have minimal affect on the D-LC feeders as compared to feeders with analog load cells. These feeders are supplied with the SK-IT System that allows for feeder-mounted controls. Mounting the controls on the feeder simplifies the installation work. External control panels are no longer needed to operate the feeders. This saves on installation space and costs. With the SK-IT System, modification work is minimized when adding additional feeders to an existing line or relocating feeders.
Kubota Corp., Chuo-ku, Tokyo +81-3-3245-3907 www.kubota-feeders.com

Seed and Grain Screener
Capable of processing a variety of seeds and grains for planting and production, the Megatex XD handles feed rates from 2000 to 50,000 bushels per hour. Designed to produce sharp separations and high efficiencies in high-volume applications, the screener can be used for scalping, cleaning, grading, and chaff and fines removal. The design and construction of the screener ensures that it will produce grain separations of a quality that meets or exceeds the dockage testing specifications used by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) at outbound export facilities, as well as at inland terminals. The machine employs an elliptical-linear motion to enable equal distribution of seeds or grains to all screen decks, with even bed depth across the entire surface. This motion also allows for aggressive blinding control with durable mesh cleaning balls and uniform spreading and stratification. The advanced screen frame design of the Megatex XD forces a more random impact for the mesh cleaning balls, producing better blinding control with a reduction in screen fatigue for longer screen life.
Rotex Global LLC, Cincinnati, OH 800-453-2321 www.rotex.com

Box-Type Sifter
The Box Type Tru-Balance sifter is custom designed and built for screening any dry, free-flowing product ranging in size from ¼ in. to 400 mesh. Its gentle gyratory sifting motion provides accurate separations. The machine includes a dust-tight rotating sieve housing mounted in a sanitary tubular steel drive frame. The drive achieves perfect balance and vibration-free performance that is accomplished by straddling the sifter’s center of gravity with counterweights that offset the rotating sieve housing. Depending on the application, the Box Type Tru-Balance sifter can be configured for up to six separations. The sieve box is finished with standard exterior semi-gloss lacquer or optional enamel finish. The interior is lined with stainless steel or plastic laminate for sanitation and abrasion resistance.
Great Western Manufacturing, Leavenworth, KS 913-682-2291 www.gwmfg.com

Bulk Bag Fillers 
This new line of bulk bag fillers automatically dispenses pallets, fills bulk bags, and accumulates filled bags for removal by forklift. The dispenser, which holds up to 15 pallets, is equipped with a powered roller conveyor that removes the bottom-most pallet from the stack, and positions it directly beneath the cantilevered fill head of a bulk bag filler. An operator then connects an empty bag to four actuated bag strap hooks, seals the bag spout using an inflatable collar, and presses a bag inflation button to initiate a seven-step automated filling sequence: 1) start a conveyor to fill the bag at high rate, 2) reduce the feed rate to dribble speed as the target weight is approached, 3) stop the conveyor once the target rate is achieved, 4) vibrate the pallet to densify and stabilize the bag, 5) deflate the spout seal, 6) release the bag loops and 7) release the pallet with newly filled bag (and any previously filled bags) to roll to the furthest of three downstream conveyor positions.
Flexicon Corp., Bethlehem, PA 888-353-9426 www.flexicon.com

Sonic Horn 
The Martin sonic horn is an acoustic cleaner that reduces system downtime, maintenance, and operating costs, while improving performance and prolonging equipment life. In addition to the low cost of ownership, acoustic cleaning helps avoid structural fatigue or damage, prevents dry particulate build-up, and increases system efficiency. Especially effective around pipes and behind obstacles, sonic energy de-bonds particulates with a 360-degree sweep, cleaning inaccessible parts. Sonic horns work by producing a low-frequency, high-pressure sound wave that is created when compressed air flexes a titanium diaphragm in the sound generator. This sound wave is then magnified as it is emitted through the cleaner’s bell. The sound pressure causes dry particulate deposits to resonate and become fluidized, allowing them to be removed by constant gas flow or gravity. Two models are available: the Model D-75 (75 Hz fundamental frequency) measures 92.07 in. long, weighs 190 lb, and has a wavelength of 14.75 ft. The Model D-230 (230 Hz fundamental frequency) features a wavelength of 4.75 ft, is 27.5 in. long, and weighs 54.27 lb.
Martin Engineering, Neponset, IL 800-544-2947 www.martin-eng.com