According to the show’s organisers, this year’s ProMat, held in Chicago in February, drew record crowds. More than 42,000 professionals from the materials handling industry, from more than 80 countries, came to see the 680 exhibitors. ProMat, held every other year, is organised by Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

Of the wide range of new lifting industry products on show this year, innovations from US manufacturers were concentrated in the intelligent assist device market. Most of the new hoisting equipment was from European manufacturers. And much of that equipment was actually only new to the US market, having already appeared in Europe. UK manufacturer Street Crane was one exception, however, using the show for the world launch of its CX hoist.

Hardware aside, Mannesmann Dematic used the event to unveil its new name to the US industry, Demag Cranes & Components Corporation. “The Demag brand name is well known in the industry,” said Bill Persch, president of Demag’s operations in the USA.

New hoists

New from Street Crane is a chain hoist, badged CX, which is available in a range of capacities from 250kg to 2t. Intended applications for the IP 55-rated units include engineering, construction and logistics, either indoors or out. Low lifetime cost of ownership is the design aim, and safety, reliability and productivity are key features promoted by the company.

Units are available with eye suspension for fixed position work stations or with trolley units for manual or powered travel on EOTs, jib cranes or monorail systems.

The specification includes fail-safe DC disc brake, asbestos-free linings, foolproof electrical connections and overload protection. Hardened and ground helical gears are permanently immersed in oil to give a long maintenance-free life. Reduced maintenance is also a feature of the brakes which are designed for one million cycles at full load before a first adjustment is necessary. Motors are two-speed 2/8 pole type, available for 50Hz or 60Hz operation in a range of voltages.

The CX, similar in appearance to hoists made by ABM in Germany, is designed on a modular concept. This simplifies the replacement of components and so reduces downtime. Customisation options to suit particular conditions also include choice of chain length and either fixed or variable position hoist limit switches.

The CX broadens Street’s coverage, complementing the established ZX range which extends to 25t capacity. The ZX range, fully designed and produced by Street, was launched three years ago. Completing Street’s range up to 100t capacity will be the TVX series, previewed at Promat and to be launched later in the year. The modular hoist will have a double scroll open barrel to extend rope life and reduce strain on components for lower maintenance and longer life.

A hoist new to the USA from Demag was the DH variable speed wire rope unit with infinitely variable inverter speed control. The integrated inverter controls cross travel as well as hoisting motions. Lifting capacity ranges from 1 ton to 13.5 ton (900kg to 12t) in voltages from 230V to 480V. The future of hoist technology is in variable speed, according to product manager Ruedi van Coppenolle.

Demag also introduced its Handy Lifter to the USA. Rope and chain versions are available of this hoist that was first seen at the Hannover Fair in Germany a year ago. It is aimed at markets new to Demag such as light assembly, construction sites and small workshops.

Lifting capacity of the rope version is 125lb (57kg) and it lifts at between 2ft/min and 46ft/min (0.6m/min and 14m/min). The chain version lifts 225lb (102kg) at between 13ft/min and 52ft/min (4m/min and 16m/min). It weighs 25lb (11kg) and measures 12in x 12in x 8 3/4in (300mm x 300mm x 220mm). Control is by infra-red remote with a 30ft (9m) range.

Morris Material Handling Inc launched its M series of P&H Hevi-Lift wire rope hoists at Promat. Out first are models from 1 US ton to 5 US ton (900kg to 4.5t). In June 10 US ton and 15 US ton models will be made available, and around the end of the year hoists up to 30 US ton are promised.

These hoists are a wholly new design, according to Morris, with new gearbox, drum and frame. They are designed for H4 heavy duty service. Morris will now be able to offer the M series instead of the Redilift hoists that are produced in the UK by the Loughborough factory – what is now Morris Material Handling Ltd (see News). Where the Redilift is a European product, with no mechanical load brake, the M series is designed for the American market. It comes either with or without a mechanical load brake, according to customer preference. It also has no rope guide, unlike the Redilift.

The M series has had significant UK input, however, having been jointly designed by the US and UK ends of the company before the split. Certain components, including the hoist drums, are supplied by the Loughborough factory, and will continue to be so. Morris Ltd will launch a European version of the M series later this year to replace its 400 series. No name has been decided on for the European version yet, but it will have rope guides and shallow groove drum, unlike the American version.

Harrington showed its recently announced RH series of electric wire rope hoists and trolleys (HOIST 13, p7). Target applications of the European-built hoist include fabrication works, paper mills and production lines.

The inline design means that the motor, gearbox and drum are on the same axis to give a low profile and low headroom. Its modular body construction allows deck mounting, lug suspension and standard or ultra low headroom trolley hoist configurations. Standard features include electromechanical load limiter, fan-cooled motor and rubber trolley bumper. Others are an asbestos-free fan cooled pull rotor brake, external limit switches for hook travel and magnetic oil filtration to protect gearing. Two trolley wheels are driven and these are on opposite sides to give better traction. Hinged panels aid access to electrical components.

Ergonomic devices

Cobotics showed what it describes as a new class of ergonomic assist devices. Its patented intelligent assist device (IAD) technology is designed to improve productivity and safety in material handling. IADs can amplify human ability using servo motor technology and are set to become increasingly important as existing equipment reaches the limit of its ability to enhance productivity, Cobotics claims. Development was driven by General Motors, Ford and Visteon, which wanted to reduce injuries to workers and thereby compensation costs.

Demag launched its HBK vertical balancer, the first in a series of modular ergonomic lift assist equipment. The rigid load guide balancer controls vertical movement and there is 360° rotation with an optional pivot assembly. Target applications are where sensitive movement is needed, such as in automotive, glass, sheet metal, and torque reaction applications. HBK is available in two sizes with a lifting capacity of up to 660lb (300kg) and 885ft/lb (122kg/m) torque absorption.

For simple set up, flexibility and adjustment, the aluminium and steel modular components are assembled without welding, either on site from kits or before shipping. Drive is from an air cylinder or cable balancer. Accessories available include standard end-effectors and grippers.

Aero-Motive has expanded upwards its range of LA spring balancers with models between 30lb and 370lb (13.6kg to 168kg) capacity. The new balancers are aimed at heavy assembly applications and have heavy-duty construction features including a cast aluminum housing.

Other assist devices on show included pneumatic and electronic zero gravity balancers from Italian manufacturer Scaglia. The pneumatic Liftronic PN can be mounted on a rigid column, on the roof or rail mounted on a manual or powered trolley. The four model range has maximum lift capacities from 50kg to 160kg.

Accessories and components

Jet Equipment & Tools has expanded its overhead lifting line with below the hook accessories.

The Auburn, Washington-based company now offers industrial quality alloy chain and two-ply polyester web slings to make repetitive lifting jobs easier. The grade 80 alloy chain is coated with a special finish for maximum resistance to corrosion and heat and has clevis grab or sling hooks. Applications include foundries, steel mills and heavy machining operations. The low weight, flat eye, web slings feature heavy-duty, two-ply polyester webbing with red warning yarn and reinforced lifting eyes to resist abrasion.

Aero-Motive has added two new trolleys to its Value Plus line of festoon systems for supporting electric cables and hoses that provide power to moving equipment.

The new 4400 series trolleys are designed for round cable or hose applications and feature a galvanised steel body with steel ball bearing wheels. The new 6500 series I-beam trolleys offer a low cost alternative for flat cable requirements, according to the company, and they have a steel body with polyurethane wheels. Complementary parts are available to increase application flexibility.

In the same line Aero-Motive introduced its Value Plus Reels (VPR). These spring-driven hose reels are intended for applications on mobile material handling equipment, production lines, maintenance and repair facilities and service vehicles. Additional applications include food processing, chemical handling, marine applications, and wash down equipment. The steel reels have brass and stainless steel fluid paths, epoxy powder-coat finish and a containerised mainspring for long service life and easy maintenance. There is also an adjustable guide arm, ratchet lock, four roller guide and easy tension adjustment.

Demag showed its KBK Ergo monorail system which replaces the orange one on sale since the 1960s. In addition to a steel track there are also two sizes of aluminium rail, with a maximum capacity of 1,500lb (680kg). Individual sections can be up to 8m long and turntables will be available, like on the steel version. Despite it being a monorail it is designed to crane DIN specification.

New cycloidal speed reducers were introduced to North America by distributor Hyatt TSC Reducers in Canada. Along with smooth and silent running this type of reducer, branded Transcyko, is claimed to operate without vibration and be able to absorb shock loads in excess of 500%.

Instead of conventional toothed gears the cycloidal teeth transmit torque by rolling from one element to another, without sliding friction. Efficiencies are claimed to be higher than 90% on single stage reducers and more than 80% on two-stage reducers.

Reduction ratios per stage range from 6:1 to 119:1, to a maximum of 658,503:1 with a three-stage reduction. Input power can be between 1/16HP and more than 200HP (149kW) with output torque to more than 500,000in/lb (6,000kg/m).

Electromotive Systems introduced its PulseStar MRT5 hand-held radio remote crane control which complements the PulseStar Junior line of controls. Applications include three motion, two-speed overhead bridge cranes and monorails.

The unit comes with an emergency stop button, a start/horn button and six two-step pushbuttons. Power comes from either two disposable AA size cells or a 3.6V rechargeable battery, available as an option.

Control Chief’s latest development, the Linx hand-held transmitter, was launched at the show. The modular design is for easy expansion and on-site configuration. Low weight is claimed – less than 1.4lb including batteries. And dimensions are 9.4in long by 3.46in wide by 1.85in deep (240mm x 88mm x 40mm).

Launched in a licensed radio version, unlicensed and infra-red variants are to follow. A communication range of more than 1,000ft (305m) is claimed possible with CFR47 Part 90 licensed operation versions. Linx can communicate with Allen-Bradley SLC-500 platforms by using the Control Chief Communicator module. This PLC based control allows ‘unsurpassed levels of flexibility and integration’, Control Chief claims.

The standard configuration has eight three-speed detent buttons, four transmitter status LEDs, an emergency button and an on/off keyswitch for security. Rechargeable 4.8V nickel cadmium or 6V disposable alkaline battery packs provide the power.

Intercomp launched its CS 3000 digital crane scale, available in load range capacities between 500lb and 300 ton. Its NTEP approval makes the CS 3000 legal for trade, Intercomp claims. The 20-bit analogue to digital converter gives accuracy to ±0.1% of applied load.

Keypad setup and digital calibration make for easy operation and radio remote control is an option. The electronics are mounted for shock resistance and contained in a weatherproof cast aluminium case.

Weight readings are taken from a 1in (25mm) LCD readout. Power comes from eight D cells which give up to 400hrs of working, according to Intercomp.

Also on show were Intercomp’s TL 6000 digital tension link scale, available in capacities from 500lb to 500,000lb (250kg to 225,000kg) and the lower capacity range CS200 hanging scale – 25lb to 200lb (12.5kg to 150kg).