• Packexpo.com
• Suppliers
• By Category
• IMA North America Inc.
• What's New

Nova Packaging Systems, formerly known as DT Packaging Systems, is introducing its newest electronic tablet counter, the SP 200, at the company’s booth #S-866 in the South Hall of McCormick Place during PMMI’s Pack Expo International 2004 in Chicago, November 7-11. The new counter doubles the maximum throughput previously possible.

The company is also announcing the availability of its revolutionary new technology for Merrill slat counters, TruCount FST [Flexible Scanning Technology], as a retrofit on existing machines. When first introduced at Pack Expo Las Vegas last year, TruCount could only be ordered on new machines.

Nova is also demonstrating the economical Swiftpack Quantum electronic counter, Kalish Filltronic Liquid Filler, A300 belt and hook unscrambler (feeding the new SP 200 tablet counter), Swiftcheck benchtop count verification system and Kalish Fillit semi-automatic liquid fillers.

New SP 200 high-speed electronic tablet counter
The new SP 200 machine effectively doubles the throughput previously available for electronic counters having a comparable footprint. Using Swiftpack’s proven infrared counting system to ensure the highest counting accuracy, the new SP fillers count tablets at a rate of 100 plus bottles per minute in a single-lane configuration (SP 100) or a top speed of over 200 bpm in a dual-lane configuration (SP 200). Previously, electronic counters had a maximum speed of 180 bpm, achievable only in a quad configuration, using four counters.

Helping the new counter attain its speed are advanced controls making it self-tuning. As tablets feed, the counter looks at the space between the tablets and adjusts vibrator speeds to deliver more or fewer tablets to maximize throughput. SP tablet counters are designed to meet cGMP standards to minimize cleaning time and also 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, using an industrial PC. The recipe-driven machine is easy to set up. All parts can be quickly and easily removed and reinstalled without the use of tools to minimize changeover time and maximize production uptime.

High-speed TruCount Technology for slat fillers available as retrofit
Pharmaceutical packagers with existing Merrill slat fillers can now retrofit their machines with Nova’s revolutionary sensing technology, TruCount FST, to achieve the highest accuracy at speeds up to 40,000 tablets per minute. Trucount was originally offered only on new Merrill slat fillers.

A new controls interface includes the latest CTC HMI and Allen Bradley PLC. Installing TruCount as a retrofit can be done with minimal downtime, and existing slats can be used to keep investment costs low.

Economical Quantum electronic counter
For lower-speed applications (up to 50 bottles per minute), the Swiftpack Quantum electronic counter offers ease of use and accuracy at an economical price, as well as quick delivery. This compact 12-track machine has no change parts, and for cleaning purposes, all contact parts can be quickly removed without using tools. Swiftpack’s proven optical counting technology eliminates miscounts and provides a user-friendly interface, including touchscreen and memory storage of product parameters, making setup and operation easy.

Kalish Filltronic with PLC controls and touchscreen interface
For liquid filling up to 180 bpm, the Kalish Filltronic was recently upgraded with flexible PLC controls and touchscreen interface. Positive displacement pumps handle a broad range of consistencies, from water-thin to syrup and even chunky liquid products. The menu-driven touchscreen provides easy setup and the ability to customize all parameters for every product recipe.

Nova Packaging Systems, formerly DT Packaging Systems, offers a wide range of packaging machinery under the Merrill, Lakso, Kalish, King and Swiftpack brand names for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and personal care applications, as well as project management, integration and validation services. As of March 9, 2004, the company is independently owned and operated. For more information, contact Nova Packaging Systems, 7 New Lancaster Road, Box 929, Leominster, MA 01453. Telephone (978) 537-8534; fax (978) 840-0730. E-mail sales@novapackagingsystems.com.