Optical Sorters maximize food safety and product quality
Source of Article: http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/821792
November 24, 2008 - Facilitating
tracking and control of foreign material, optical sorters with FMAlert(TM) feature capture digital images of every
object identified as foreign material, allowing processors to identify
quality problems and take corrective action. Software can be customized to
capture images of objects that match specific criteria for size, shape, and
color, and, if sorter is equipped with Raptor or FluoRaptor
laser technology, differences in objects' structural properties.
Original
Press Release
Key Technology Introduces FMAlert(TM)
Capability to Maximize Food Safety and Assure Product Quality
Process Expo Booth
W-17025
October 28, 2008 - Key
Technology introduces its new FMAlert(TM) feature
for all G6 optical sorters. As the first company in the world to offer this
enhanced quality monitoring capability on its sorters, Key puts a powerful
new tool in the hands of food processors and packers looking to maximize food
safety and assure product quality by improving the tracking and control of
foreign material (FM).
Key's FMAlert enables G6 optical sorters to capture and save a
digital image of every object identified as foreign material. Armed with
these images, processors can quickly identify critical quality problems and
take corrective action. For example, if conveyor belt pieces are found in the
product stream, the processor can quickly check upstream equipment conditions
and correct the problem.
The new FMAlert can be installed on any new or in-the-field G6
sorter, including Optyx®, Tegra®,
Manta(TM) and legacy sorters upgraded with Key's G6 electro-optical
foundation, whether the sorter is using Raptor laser technology, FluoRaptor(TM) fluorescence-sensing lasers, or color or
Vis/IR (visible infrared) cameras to detect and remove defects and foreign
material.
Key's new FMAlert captures and saves images of all objects
identified by the sorter as "unclassified" or "other" or
specifically trained foreign material so the system's hard drive isn't filled
with images of the objects identified as non-critical defects. Capturing only
the images of foreign material keeps the system focused on collecting the
more critical data. Key can customize the software to capture images of
objects that match specific criteria for size, shape, color, and, if the
sorter is equipped with Raptor or FluoRaptor laser
technology, differences in the objects' structural properties such as the
absence of chlorophyll.
"At Key, we're
focused on enhancing the value of our technology by looking for innovations
that address our customers' needs," noted Richard Hebel,
Chief Technology Officer. "With our new FMAlert
capability, we're taking sorting to the next level."
About Key Technology,
Inc.
Key Technology, an
ISO-9001 certified company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of process
automation systems, integrated electro-optical inspection and sorting
systems, and processing systems. Key® systems help processors to improve
quality, increase yield, and reduce cost. With worldwide sales
representation, the company maintains demonstration and testing facilities at
its headquarters and manufacturing divisions in Walla Walla, Washington,
USA, and at Key Technology BV
in Beusichem, the Netherlands. The company's common
stock trades on the Global Market tier of The NASDAQ Stock MarketSM under the symbol: KTEC.
Contacts:
Marketing:
Anita Funk Corporate
Communications Manager
USA
Phone: 509-529-2161
FAX: 509-527-1331
 E-mail
this person
Public Relations:
Kinetic Communication
Sandra McBride Managing
Director
5 Arastradero
Road
Menlo Park CA 94028
USA
Phone: 650-926-9852
FAX: 650-926-9853
E-mail
this person
Company
Information:
Name: Key Technology, Inc.
Address: 150 Avery St.
City: Walla Walla
State: WA
ZIP: 99362
Country: USA
Phone: 509-529-2161
FAX: 509-527-1331
http://www.key.net
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