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Press Releases

Longer-Life Probe Cylinders and Valves for Rotary Systems

January 1, 2005

As a result of successful in-house and field tests during 2004, a new design PHD probe cylinder and Mac valve assembly is now standard for all ALPS Model 7385 rotary inspection systems.  The PHD cylinder offers a higher quality, significantly longer life component that can be conveniently rebuilt; compared to the prior style ‘throw away’ cylinder type.  ‘Plug in’ retrofit packages can be purchased to replace assemblies on current machines—please consult ALPS for more specific information and pricing.


New Model SS-100L Single-Station Indexing Leak Tester

December 23, 2004

The Model SS-100L is introduced.  This is a version of the SS-100 designed for larger bottle sizes, suitable for most intermittent extrusion and single-step PET blow molding lines.


New ALPS President

December 1, 2004

Roger J. Tambling is named the new President of Air Logic Power Systems,  Inc. He joins the ALPS and TASI Group with an extensive industrial career, principally with ITW where he led a number of Signode Packaging Products divisions over an eleven year period. Roger has experience and familiarity with the ALPS customer base from industry relevant experience in plastics with ITW and APW.

Roger is a graduate of Drake University. His experience in domestic and global markets, acquisitions, product development and significant operational background will serve the ALPS and Lake Monitors businesses in Milwaukee as well as TASI to achieve corporate growth goals.


‘Close Couple’ Option for Rotary Leak Testers

September 30, 2004

ALPS introduces the new ‘Close Coupled’ program version for the Model 7385 rotary leak testers which enables reduced buffer distances from machines located upstream on the production line.


New Model RS-100S Reciprocating Head Leak Tester

July 1, 2004

The new Model RS-100S is introduced to the market.  This is a size-reduced version of the RS-100 that uses a separate control stand and conveyor-mounted probe and slide assembly.  This configuration results in a more compact and flexible unit that can fit into tight spaces and line configurations.


New Parts Numbering System

June 1, 2004

As part of a new computer system implementation to better service our customers, the parts numbering system has changed.  Please consult ALPS with any questions at the time of order.


Service Manager and Service Coordinator Positions

January 18, 2004

ALPS is proud to announce two personnel changes to ensure industry-leading service for our valued customers.

George Gorski has accepted the Service Manager position.  George has a total of 18 years experience at ALPS including an extensive background in controls, machine building and testing, training and customer support on the phone and in the field.

Jill Shearer is named to a new position, Service Coordinator, to provide a deeper level of customer support with a focus on efficient scheduling of Service Technicians, organization of the department, expediting, and customer service.


Full Market Launch of Model RS-100 Reciprocating Head Leak Tester

January 1, 2004

Full market launch of the ALPS Model RS-100 is announced after extended beta-site testing, resulting in orders, at two customer locations.  This is the innovative new leak tester (Patent Pending) that utilizes a reciprocating head with no tooling requirement.   As part of the new generation STM2-based leak testers, the system offers a unique Guided Set-up through the touch screen interface; and the quickest changeovers in the market.  The very first unit was on display as the “mystery machine” at NPE 2003.


Representation in Brazil

September 1, 2003

ALPS is pleased to announce VDV Ltda., based in Sao Paulo, as the new sales representative for Brazil.  The primary contact is Vicente Della Volpe at (55) 11-6468-0301.


Representation in Mexico

August 1, 2003

ALPS is pleased to announce LaBelle Industrial Sales, Inc. as the new sales representative for Mexico.  LaBelle is based in El Paso, Texas; with offices located in Tijuana, Juarez, Chihuahua, Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City.


NPE Show Declared a Success

July 1, 2003

Thank you to all of our valued customers and prospects that visited the ALPS booth at NPE.  Our demonstration of our new generation of linear leak testers, along with the very latest rotary inspection system technology, created a great deal of interest.  We appreciate your patience as we continue follow-up mailings and phone calls for the numerous leads that developed.

Thanks also to the Graham Machinery Group (GMG) who exhibited an ALPS Model SA-8 eight-station leak testing system integrated within the new GEC-4/600 rotary shuttle blow molder.


Credit Cards Accepted

June 18, 2003

As an added convenience to our customers, ALPS now accepts credit cards for parts orders.  Please have the card in hand and mention the desired payment method at the time of order.


Introduction of Model SS-100 High-Speed Single Station

February 15, 2003

ALPS introduces the new Model SS-100, a single-station leak tester designed to inspect smaller bottles sizes at extremely high speeds. This is the first plastic bottle leak tester specifically designed to inspect bottles down to 3cc in volume.


Vacuum Leak Testing Capability

February 1, 2003

After completion of extensive research, field studies, and machine designs ALPS announced vacuum leak testing capability for up-to-10 station rotary machines (larger units are a future consideration). The primary purpose of vacuum leak testing is to inspect for sidewall collapse in PET containers that are subject to vacuum-packed products.


Completion of First 10-Station Rotary System

January 15, 2003

ALPS introduces its first 10-station rotary inspection system to the Model 7385 product line. This unit offers cost effective testing of containers at speeds up to the 250 BPM range.


Belvac-Integrated Pressure Testers Delivered

December 1, 2002

Through joint development with Belvac Production Machinery (www.belvac.com), ALPS delivers the first rotary leak inspection modules to be integrated with the Belvac plastic bottle trimming machinery platform.


Patent for Integrated Leak and Vision Inspection System

October 29, 2002

ALPS earns Patent #6,473,169 for integration of plastic bottle leak and vision inspections onto rotary platform.


Delivery of First Model XLR-8 Custom Large Rotary Machine

October 1, 2002

The first Model XLR-8 rotary machine is delivered. This unit is custom designed for up to 60 BPM testing of difficult-to-handle 5-gallon rectangular edible oil bottles, using a special handling approach. Potential additional applications for this machine concept include leak testing of large jugs, detergent containers or 5-gallon water bottles.


Custom Controls Project Completed for Model 7385 Rotaries

September 1, 2002

ALPS delivered its first rotary machine with custom controls designed to be slaved to the customer's line-control PLC. This machine is the first of a number of units to be installed in the customer plant, an integrated bottle blowing and filling operation.


Customer Service Engineer Position

August 20, 2002

Paul Karrels has accepted the new Customer Service Engineer position, responsible for customer interactions including machine, parts and service quotations and orders; technical support; and coordination of service efforts.  Paul has 7 years of engineering experience with ALPS including mechanical design with a focus on change parts, and extensive interfacing with the production teams.


ALPS Presentation at PET World 2001

November 30, 2001

Scott Heins, ALPS Sales Manager, will be presenting “Benefits of On-Line Leak Inspection” at the PET World congress to be held in Miami.


Delivery of New GMG Blow Molder Integrated Leak Tester Solution

July 1, 2001

ALPS delivers the first integrated leak testing solution for the new Graham Machinery Group rotary shuttle (vertical) blow molder.  The leak test is combined within the takeout section of the blow molder, and available in up-to-eight station configurations.  The ALPS MCM communication program is integrated within the GMG PC-based control system for convenient set-up and access to station-specific test information.


First CE Marked Rotary Machine Delivered To Europe

Jun 1, 2002

ALPS has completed the CE marking process and delivered its first modern Model 7385 rotary machine to the European market.