Product Press Release

Handling Specialty Designs Lift for Pharmaceutical Deep Freeze

(Niagara Falls, NY  February 26, 2002)  An integrator of specialized material handling equipment approached Handling Specialty for a depalletizing lift capable of functioning reliably inside a high density pharmaceutical freezer.  Temperatures in the freezer are maintained at minus 30° Celsius (minus 22° Fahrenheit).

Part of a robotic depalletizing system, the lift is located in the freezer of a new pharmaceutical facility which requires automated depalletizing as a part of their “quick response strategy” for deploying vaccines.  The lift receives the pallet of product at the lowered position via CDLR and then rises approximately 74".  The lift maintains this position as the robot picks off cases of product until the pallet is depleted.  At this time, the robot grabs the empty pallet and rotates 180° to deposit it on an outbound conveyor.  Now empty, the lift fully collapses to receive the next pallet of vaccines.

Because the lift is part of a “quick response” system, redundancy and quick change-outs in the event of component failure were crucial design considerations.  The system incorporates two mechanical actuators  — should one fail, the other is able to continue to carry the load.  The motor can also be changed-out quickly via a quick change-out mounting interface. 

Special attention with the component and lubricant selection ensures that the lift can operate dependably after extended periods in an extremely cold environment.

Specifications
Model #SA2-80-18	1,800 lb. capacity	Mechanical actuation	54" long, 72" wide	80” vertical travel

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For further information contact:
 
Kelly Chadwick, x244
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
kchadwick@handling.com
1-800-559-8366