LCM
LCM has announced a new intermediate capacity range of load cells in its RILL and SILL Link Load lines. The company says that these new link load cells may offer a more economic solution for customers in particular applications and, importantly, these new capacities now fall in line with the ratings of industry standard shackle sizes and ratings. The series has also been extended to include load ratings from 1t-500t.

Manufactured from high tensile aluminium, both the SILL and RILL are lightweight, while the shackle holes are steel bushed to ensure they are rugged and hardwearing. Both product ranges are easy to install and can be matched to standard shackle sizes.

The SILL (self-indicating link load cell) has an integral display and the applied weight or force can be shown in t, kg, lb or kN, as selected by the user. A built-in alarm will also warn the operator when an applied level is met.

The RILL (wireless radio telemetry link load cell) uses a license free 2.4Ghz radio and is supplied with a battery powered handheld indicator that displays the load in tonnes. They can be supplied as a simple Link or LCM’s technical engineers can integrate them into more powerful radio systems.

LSI Robway
LSI Robway, formed out of the acquisition of Australia’s Robway by Load Systems International, earlier this year, offers an extensive range of wireless load cells. British division, Load Systems UK, offers the LL series of Load Links with a 1,300m (4,000ft) range, two-year battery life and two-year warranty as standard, users are assured a top performing product with piece of mind for both long and short term weighing solutions. The company manufactures each load cell from High Tensile British Aerospace Aluminum with a 5:1 safety factor.

The LL Series Load Link has a readable range of up to 1,300m without repeaters. This allows users to monitor data without having to worry about distance in day-to-day operations. The devices are fitted with single D-type lithium battery as standard. This offers a battery life of two-years. The built in sensors give a low-power warning three weeks before failure. In the event that an immediate battery change is needed in the field and a lithium battery cannot be found quickly, a standard D-type alkaline battery can be used in place of the lithium battery.

The LL Series Load Links are specifically designed to fit around major shackle manufacturer standards. Load Systems UK has ensured that the load links cannot be used in a shackle lower than their SWL (Safe Working Load). The shackle is +/- 0.2% and comes with a fully traceable calibration certificate.

Magtrol
Magtrol has announced its latest development in its line of load pins. The LE 500 Series Load Pin incorporates strain gauge technology and Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) to allow electrical inline control of the load pin. This new electronic module enables the user to determine the sensor status in relation to its functioning, overload or short circuit.

Redundant or X-Y versions are also available. The introduction of this newest load pin secures our position as a leader in the fields of load and overload control for cranes, hoists and lifts. The LE 500 Series Load Pin has been designed using compact construction complying with the latest requirements in terms of safety, security and EMC/EMI (Electromagnetic Compatibility and Immunity) regulations. This load pin is specifically designed for outdoor applications including lifts, cranes, hoisting gears, winches, offshore and harbor equipment.

Magtrol load pins are available in nine standard models ranging from 5- 1,250kN with strain gauge bridge output (mV/V) or with an integrated amplifier offering a 4-20 mA (2 or 3 wire) or a 0-10 VDC signal. Custom-made special designs (load pins and load cells) are available with a measuring range of up to 5,000kN.

Rayco-Wylie
Rayco-Wylie Systems introduced a new wireless load indicator (W3380) and a wind speed indicator (R180) at Conexpo in 2011. The W3380 and R180 both aim to make the work environment safer by providing essential information such as load on hook, boom angle, length and wind speed.

The leading-edge wireless indicators proved to be very accurate and consistent in the field, Rayco-Wylie says. "The systems use Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) transmission technology, ensuring an enhanced range of operation and better RFI Immunity", said Frank Beardsley, technical director at Rayco-Wylie.

Developed to reduce cost and installation time, the W3380 and R180 are pre-calibrated before shipment. Sensors can be replaced quickly and easily without a complete system calibration.

The indicator’s are pre-calibrated for low cost and easy installation. They are easy to read, with a waterproof display. They can transmit up to 0.5 mile without a repeater. An internal antenna on both the display and sensor, reduces the likelihood of damage and less downtime. Battery life for the devices is up to two years. The devices are fully FCC-compliant.

Rice Lake
Rice Lake Weighing Systems, based in the town of the same name in Wisconsin, acquired Seattle’s Measurement Systems International in the spring of 2012.

MSI has been in business since 1977 providing niche technologies including crane scales, aircraft load monitoring instrumentation and more, that are now sought after and distributed throughout the world. Rice Lake plans to keep MSI manufacturing and operations at its current location, including all existing employees, and use the company’s customer base and product lines to supplement Rice Lake’s existing catalog and clientele.

Rice Lake’s purchase of MSI was a strategic decision, intended to grow portions of the business that are currently underserved. Rice Lake vice president Mark Johnson, Jr., said "We’re always looking for opportunities to fill in the gaps, to expand our product offering and serve customers that we haven’t been able to in the past. MSI is a leader in the industries it serves and this is an occasion where all of the pieces seem to fit together well."

MSI president, Ron Wenzel, added, "Rice Lake and MSI share similar business philosophies and complement each other very well from the standpoint of providing quality products and the highest level of service to our customers. By combining resources, we feel there will be additional value provided to our customers and employees." Wenzel will remain with the company in Seattle.

Rice Lake Weighing Systems is a family-owned, ISO 9001 certified corporation based in the United States. Its headquarters, metrology laboratory and main manufacturing plant are located in Rice Lake, Wisconsin with support facilities throughout the world including North America, South America, India and the Netherlands.