Decagon Devices
Decagon Devices AquaLab 4TE water activity meter has internal temperature control which allows the user to choose a measuring temperature between 15-50°C. Since water activity is temperature dependent, the AquaLab 4TE allows expert management of the internal temperature to precisely measure the water activity of a product. The AquaLab 4 can be used in accelerated shelf-life studies, isotherm studies, studies determining the effects of temperature on a sample aw, evaluation of the effects on a sample when there are large fluctuations in ambient temperature, and meeting of government or company regulations on temperature-specific aw measurements.
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Trackwell ADS
Trackwell ADS, the U.S. subsidiary of Iceland-based TrackWell, released Trackwell Trailer, a satellite-based untethered trailer/asset tracking product. It interfaces with Trackwell ADS’ current Trackwell Fleet office Internet browser and can be used as a stand-alone system or in combination with other Trackwell ADS products. It has a 3+ year battery life and operates with off-the-shelf, user-replaceable, AA batteries. The tracking device is 6.5" long, 3.24" wide and 1" high and is easily and inexpensively installed on any asset that companies wish to track. There are no external antennas or wires, making the device difficult to detect. The device is SAE J1455, MIL STD 810, NEMA 4X / IP68 and ROHS compliant and carries necessary certifications for U.S., Canada and European requirements. It can track any asset globally and can be programmed for a variety of position sending intervals. The company also offers a configuration for tracking temperature of trailer compartments including out-of-range alarms and door-opening monitoring. Email info@trackwellads.com for more information.
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Strategic Diagnostics Inc. (SDI)
The recently improved RapidChek E. coli O157 System of Strategic Diagnostics Inc. (SDI) has earned Performance-Tested Methods certification from the AOAC Research Institute (License Number 070801) for testing composite samples of raw beef including ground beef and boneless beef trim. SDI is a provider of biotechnology-based detection solutions for food safety and life science applications. Reacting to testing and sampling protocol changes in the beef industry, this third-party validation study was performed with the RapidChek E. coli O157 (including H7) test system in composited 375g beef trim and ground beef samples. The results were compared to the USDA FSIS reference method. All samples were confirmed using biochem-ical/serological procedures as listed in the USDA Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook 5.04. RapidChek E. coli O157 was shown to reliably detect E. coli O157 in 375g beef trim samples in as few as 10 hours using a 1:5 sample-to-media dilution factor and in 375g ground beef samples in as little as 12 hours. The study also demon-strated the ability to verify RapidChek E. coli O157 potential positive results with commercially available DNA-based
methods directly from the RapidChek media system followed by further confirmation with biochemical/serological procedures as listed in the USDA MLG 5.04. For more information, visit www.sdix.com/SafeBeef.
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Eriez
Eriez now offers a way to view the performance of an Eriez X-Ray machine live online, eliminating the need for an on-site facility visit, saving time and money. Cus-tomers can "virtually" attend the material test in real time with Eriez’ interactive online X-ray testing via a password-protected Web site. With the online resolution having the same clarity as the Eriez testing facility, participants will see their products pass through an Eriez E-Z Tec X-ray Inspection System to determine its performance for foreign object detection, mass, fill level or missing items. Multiple viewers can watch from different locations and ask questions live to Eriez test personnel. The inspection systems use advanced linear array technology for sensitivity, speed and sophistication. For more information call 888-300-3743 or e-mail eriez@eriez.com.
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Oil Eater
Oil Eater Naturals, a new line of absorbent pads made of natural plant by-products and featuring woven construction, are designed to provide a safer and cleaner workplace while helping users meet OSHA and EPA requirements. Applications include processing plant and maintenance facility floors, loading docks and other areas. Oil Only Pads and Rolls soak up oil and repel water; Universal Pads and Rolls soak up oil, water and other liquids; and Absorbent Socks control larger spills and protect drains. Products are available in various weights and finishes, ranging in roll size from 16"x18" to 28"x150’. They absorb up to 20 percent more than melt- blown polypropylene pads, yet cost less. For more information, visit www.oileater.com or call 800-528-0334.
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MOCON, Inc.
Mocon has established Advanced Pack-aging Solutions, designed as a one-stop approach for the analysis of food, bever-ages, pharmaceuticals, etc. and related packaging from raw material to transport to shelf life. The system provides a single-entry point for virtually any type of testing which can impact shelf life, including barrier analysis, headspace, water vapor, leak detection, burst, creep, hot tack, seal strength, coefficient of friction and vacuum decay. Advanced Packaging Solutions will include food deterioration—determine which factors (water, oxygen, temperature, light, molds, etc.) accelerate shelf life degradation; modeling studies—real time and accelerated determination of product shelf life; microbial studies—mold growth impact on shelf life/food safety issues; accelerating aging studies—product/package evaluations to predict shelf life; chemical and physical analysis—food products and packaging are reviewed for components, presence of contaminants and physical properties; polymer evaluation—detailed analysis of polymers used in packaging materials, including structure and physical property attributes; gas mix optimization—determining the optimum gas mixture to meet modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) objectives; MAP system audits—on-site evaluation of MAP system/equipment; shelf life optimization—in-depth study of product, process, package to help extend/maximize shelf life; sensory panels—trained human testers to evaluate taste, color, aroma, texture, etc.; and transportation testing—vibration, drop and compression testing to simulate shipping conditions.
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METTLER TOLEDO
Mettler Toledo has launched GWP Risk Check for balances and scales. Risk Check is an interactive online assessment tool that provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of balance performance and weighing environment, and interacts with all types of balance. The tool helps quality managers assess the appropriateness of weighing environment and balance test-ing frequency. By plugging in real-world data, quality managers discover if their "weighing risk"—the possibility that poor weighing accuracy or the environment are skewing measurements—is low, or if they need to make changes to help ensure safe, accurate and consistent results. Risk Check also provides advice on adjustments to optimize balance performance and reduce the risk of inaccurate measurements, which can be critical when external auditors test a company’s quality system according to set standards. Risk Check analyses are based on the international weighing guideline Good Weighing Practice (GWP). For more information, visit www.good-weighing-practice.com.
Explore the February 2010 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.
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