Thermo Electron Sets New Benchmark for Metal Detection Performance


Thermo introduces its new APEX(TM) High Performance Metal Detector, setting a new industry benchmark by improving metal detection sensitivity by up to 20% over the previous generation of products.

Minneapolis, MN - July 27, 2006 - Thermo Electron Corporation, an industry leading producer of analytical and process instrumentation, today introduced its new APEX(TM) High Performance Metal Detector, setting a new industry benchmark by improving metal detection sensitivity by up to 20% over the previous generation of products. With more than 50 years of experience providing advanced instrumentation and cost-effective contaminant detection systems in the food, pharmaceutical and beverage industries, Thermo Electron once again raises the bar for real-world metal detector performance.

Utilizing new "multi-coil" technology (patent pending), Thermo's APEX system increases the effect of the magnetic field in the aperture by more than 1.5 times, enabling the detector to target and amplify signals from much smaller pieces of metal. The APEX platform also incorporates a new shielding technique that dramatically reduces the unwanted effects from hard to handle, wet or conductive products. The combination of these two design innovations, along with totally new digital signal processing (DSP) software, allows customers to achieve previously unattainable sensitivity levels.

"To ensure food safety, our customers are constantly demanding more performance from their metal detectors. Too often however, they can't meet the new, more stringent specifications because their current metal detectors aren't sensitive enough," said Bob Ries, product manager for Thermo Electron. "This is why we designed the APEX system for the future. We believe our design innovations meet the needs of tomorrow's, as well as today's, most demanding customers."

Key features and benefits of the APEX metal detector include:

o Unique, universally understood icon-driven interface which minimizes training time and user interface language barriers

o Food grade, IP66 rated ABS control panel with totally integrated electronics that simplifies installation and is suitable for moderately harsh environments

o Reduced stainless steel case size minimizes line footprint requirement, making installation easier

o Comprehensive Quality Assurance Test (QAT) and patented AuditCheck features go beyond simple go/no-go tests and verify detector performance on-line

o Thermally stable, environmentally tested blue epoxy aperture lining makes cleaning easy and the APEX system watertight and mechanically robust

o Standard dual frequency operation provides greater application flexibility

o Available DSP3 mounting conversion kits to facilitate migration to the APEX platform

o Complete Thermo Electron conveyor systems, designed to a customer's local specifications are also available

Backed by the extensive worldwide Thermo Electron service network, the APEX allows customers to fulfill their regulatory obligations for food safety and protect their brand value by preventing metal contaminated products from reaching the customer. For more information on the APEX High Performance Metal Detector, please visit: http://www.thermo.com/apex.

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