ZERO SLUMP ADMIXTURE

Multi-Plast is a multiple-use admixture for improving the appearance of zero-slump concrete products. Plant tests reveal that in packerhead-produced concrete pipe the agent flows and dispenses more freely, while also exhibiting superior wetting action for quicker dispersion of fines and cement, yielding better batch-to-batch uniformity. In concrete block, Multi-Plast facilitates improved feed times into the molds, developers note, which adds to the swiped finish texture on the units.
Krete Industries
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REBAR TOOL

The RB650 ReBar-Tier is capable of tying rebar up to #10 ∞ #10. It ties by wrapping a 16-gauge wire around the tying area once, cuts and twists in less than one second. The RB650 joins the company's RB213 and RB392 rebar tying tools.
Max USA Corp.
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RAILCAR CONNECTOR

The CycloLift has been specifically designed to reduce the time and eliminate spillage associated with mating conventional railcar “boot lift” connectors and hopper gates. Also available for hopper boom trucks, the unit has steel adapter plates that move longitudinally to speed alignment of the boot seal with the hopper slide gate and cut down on railcar repositioning. To elevate the boot from between the tracks and mate it firmly against the hopper slide gate, the CycloLift connector replaces conventional hydraulically activated mechanical linkages with pneumatically actuated lifters.
Cyclonaire Corp.
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BASEMENT HOPPER WINDOWS

Manufacturer of acrylic block products and other specialty window products has introduced a new operable basement hopper window available with either double-glazed obscure acrylic block panels or clear, double-pane insulated glass. The windows feature a seamless, white or tan injection-molded frame creating a smooth, clean appearance. To prevent leakage, rust and corosion, the one-piece frame has no corner welds or seams. Jamb and sill flanges are premarked every ¼ in.; hence, contractors are able to take stock units with them to a location, customize the unit to fit the opening (ranging from 32 to 33 inches wide) and install the window all in one visit.
Hy-Lite Products
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TORQUE ROD

The Ultra Rod Plus is a torque rod replacement option for heavy-duty trucks and tractors. Its 30-in. spacer end provides the capability to trim the torque rod length — just measure, cut and weld. One-piece forging of both the tube and spacer ends eliminates the standard end-hub assembly weld and provides greater structural integrity.
Hendrickson
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RIGGING ATTACHMENTS

Company's new Rig-Master Rigging Attachments catalog introduces seven new products, including Extended Barrier Grabs, Aluminum Pipe Grabs, C-Hook Pipe Lifters, Concrete Housing Lifter, Manhole Sleeve Lifter, Spreader Beam End Fittings, and Lifting Rings. In addition, the Rig-Master product line offers Lucker Plate Clamps, Lifting Magnets, Beam and Girder Clamps, Grabs and Tongs, Pipe and Manhole Handling Equipment, Load Leveling Slings and Positioners, Specialty Lifting/Spreader Beams, Specialty Hooks and Latches, and Synthetic Sling End Fittings.
Caldwell Group
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DRUM MOTOR

A complete line of drum motors is specifically designed for driving conveyor belts in medium- and heavy-duty applications. Each motor is completely self-enclosed; the electric motor and gear drive are enclosed within the outer shell of the conveyor drum motor. The motor rotates two-stage gearing that transmits power to the outer shell through a final gear ring that is fixed to the rotating shell. The parabolic (machine-crowned) outer shell tracks on all points of contact to maximize belt traction, ensuring even belt wear and extending belt life.
Van der Graaf
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Unilock “bound” by new strapping specifications

Toronto-based paving stone giant Unilock Ltd. recently adopted Ridder strapping technology to boost packaging-productivity levels in its Canadian and U.S. operations. The company first opted for Ridder horizontal (at left in photo) and vertical strapping units two years ago with the commissioning of a third plant at the Unilock Chicago Inc. complex in Aurora, Ill.

A fourth plant at the property — the largest paving stone operation in North America and one of nine Unilock Ltd. locations — is scheduled for opening in May 2003. It will feature two horizontal and two vertical strapping units, with one of each mode serving the plant's main and tumbling lines. Unilock officials also plan to overhaul existing equipment with Ridder models.

The new equipment spec follows a change from conventional steel to zinc-coated steel strapping Unilock effected three years ago. The zinc-coated product supplier, Signode Packaging Systems, recently teamed up with Ridder to support the German company's equipment lines in North America. Unilock's product machinery supplier is Masa, represented in North America by CTI Inc. Officials at Masa's home base in Germany cite many European installations combining their big board machinery and Ridder strapping equipment.
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BEST BLOCK TESTS PAN MIXER LINER

Denver-based Best Block Co. has completed a successful test of Rhino Hyde liners in a single shaft Besser paddle mixer. A modified liner — crafted from material similar to that used in tilt drum mixers and other concrete production equipment requiring high abrasion resistance and frequent cleaning — was installed on the charge end of Best Block's mixer.

After six months, the liner showed no visible wear, according to Rhino Hyde manufacturer Tandem Products. Plant operators elected to install the liner material in two sections of the mixer. Tandem, 800/533-0509, 612/721-2911 or www.tandemproducts.com