‘Spy’ device wins N.Z. firm award

Press, 22 July 1989, Page 14

‘Spy’ device wins N.Z. firm award

PA Wellington A New Zealand device designed to monitor and record temperature variations in chilled or frozen products during transit or storage has won an award at Britain’s Royal Agricultural Show.

Described by the Trade Development Board’s London office as “a spy that goes into the cold,” the hand-sized device can be placed among products in refrigerated containers, delivery vehicles and cool stores, where maintaining correct temperature is essential to preserve top quality. It records up to 8000 readings and provides print-out information on whether temperatures fluctuated during transit or storage and exactly when changes occurred. The tamper-proof device also records,if and

when any attempt has been made to interfere with the accuracy of the data.

The electronic data logger is manufactured and marketed by Auck-land-based Tru-Test Distributors, Ltd, who developed it in association with the Meat Industry Research Institute.

One use for it is pinpointing the time — and consequently the location — of any temperature fluctuation that may lead to insurance claims for spoilage.

The device won the award for its innovative content and working principles. For Tru-Test Distributors, the latest award completes a double — at last year’s Royal Show the company won a similar award for electronic scales that record animal weights.