Innovative technology tackles baggage handling issues

2 September 2010

New technology developed by Logan Teleflex could help tackle manual handling issues for baggage handlers at airports. 

The company’s Patent Pending Semi Automatic Make Up Solution (SAMS) device enables an operator to control and position a bag into the cart or dolly using one hand, minimising the risk for handlers to sustain back injuries. The system also includes a telescoping ball conveyor, allowing the operator to orientate the bag to enable hand scanning or precise positioning of bag handles. The flexibility of the solution also means bags can be loaded into carts directly from sorting machines.

Mike Jeffery, Logan’s Managing Director, said:

 “In today’s airports the handling of bags is a highly automated process and there have been many attempts to introduce handling equipment to reduce this manual element. These have ranged from the fully automatic robotic handling systems to the simple hook and chain or vacuum lifters. Both have significant shortcomings, including using up too much space, requiring too much capital outlay and being slow and cumbersome.

“Our solution is a mid-market product that provides a practical and cost effective solution to a long standing problem in the industry, while improving efficiency. With a constant flow of bags the operator can position seven bags per minute. The novelty of the solution is based around the application and flexibility. It can be used to load bags into carts or dollies directly from sorting machines. More importantly, the system addresses growing health and safety concerns about the welfare of baggage handlers. In that respect, the SAMS system delivers benefits to all concerned.”

For the full press release with photographs, please see the Cisionwire website.