46) Power and free conveyor
A variation of overhead chain conveyor is "power and free". In a conventional overhead conveyor the carrier is permanently fastened to the drive chain, in the power and free case the carrier can mechanically disengage from the drive chain and essentially idle while the chain continues to move. Power and free conveyors can also be inverted so that they can be mounted to the floor, in which case the carrier or tray rides on top of the guiding rail as opposed to being suspended beneath it.
47) Powered conveyor
Conveyor of any type that's movement is driven by motors and drives. Power may be electrical or pneumatic.
48) Powered wheel diverter
A device on a conveyor sortation system used to move a case/carton/piece off the main line. The device utilizes wheels(skate) that are powered to raise up form the conveyor bed and divert the objects in the desired direction.
49) Principles
A principle is a general rule, fundamental, or other statement of an observed truth. Over time certain fundamental truths of material handling have been found to exist. The "principles" of material handling are often useful in analyzing, planning and managing material handling activities and systems. At the very least they form a basic foundation upon which one can begin building expertise in material handling.
These principles, that serve as a starting point to identifying potential problems and assessing need, are:
1. Planning
2. Standardization
3. Work
4. Ergonomic
5. Unit Load
6. Space Utilization
7. System
8. Automation
9. Environment
10. Life Cycle Cost
To receive a complete explanation for each of these :"Principles", contact the Material Handling Institute at (704) 676-1190 and ask for the document, "The Ten Principles of Material Handling".
50) Programmable logic controller
Serving to replace hard-wire and relays, the PLC can be changed (programmed) without changing wiring and tends to be highly reliable and fast-acting. Industrial environments do not require fans, air conditioning or electrical filters to operate the PLC. The PLC is relatively easy to program or change applications and is reusable and troubleshooting is self diagnosed.
51) Project management
Project management is a combination of project evaluation and scheduling with the additon of project coordination and control. Effective project managment takes into account cash flow and present worth, decision tree analysis, critical resource analysis and critical path scheduling.
52) ProMat
A MHIA International Show and Conference McCormick Place North Chicago, IL USA
Occurs in odd numbered years in Chicago and offers a wide range of exhibits representing the very best in material handling equipment and technology.
Contact the Material Handling Industry of America at 800-345-1815 for more information. Please ask for the ProMat Staff.
53) Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) Industry Group
Protective Guarding Manufacturing Association member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems.
54) Push back rack
Utilizing wheels in the rack structure, this rack system allows palletized goods and materials to be stored by being pushed up a gently graded ramp. Stored materials are allowed to flow down the ramp to the aisle. This rack configuration allows for deep storage a each rack level.
55) Push driver
A computer-controlled arm that can push items at a right angle from a conveyor line to the desired location.
56) Push Pull Equipment
Hydraulic fork lift truck attachment which can be used for palletless handling applications. The pushpull attachment needs to be used in combination with a slipsheets. Another attachment for palletless handling operations are special lift truck forks which contain two layers of rollers.
57) Push type crane
An overhead traveling crane whose horizontal travel is powered manually or by the operator. Often work station cranes are push type cranes. This crane may or may not utilize powered hoist or lifting mechanisms.
58) Push type limit switch
A lever type limit switch that uses the up and down motion of a button as the actuator to detect very small or subtle movement by an object.
59) Quality control
The use of sensors to detect the presence of an object's component part, fill level, or dimensional tolerance for the purposes of providing process quality control.
60) Quick response
A "Just in Time" system that seeks to facilitate the timely replenishment of store stock at the retail level by vendors. Such a system seeks to minimize the amount of inventory retained at the retail store level.