Category: Uncategorized

By: Luke Frey

Unity is something that is currently lacking in our country. We’ve become so divided that protesting has become a daily news story. Unity is essential for progression. Whether it’s your country, family or workplace, moving forward towards better things can only be accomplished when a majority has been united with a purpose in mind. If I had a formula for making this happen, I would be making millions. Unfortunately I don’t. However, we can take a look at simple ways to unite those in a workplace.

1. It all starts with Management. Great management at the top is key. Why? Because great leaders find a way to take care of their workforce. For both the betterment of the people and the company.
2. Make people feel important. There are two ways I see this being played out. The first way is by investing in their lives, even if it means something as simple as knowing their name. It shows them that they matter. The second way is by showing them that their work matters. Provide feedback and rewards for job performance. No better way to motivate than with desirable incentives.
3. Work towards a goal. This idea can also be correlated with idea number 2. Why? Because people take pride in their work when they can see that it is attributing towards a larger purpose. So make a company goal and, along the way, share with your employees the progress that you are all making TOGETHER. United. As one. Moving towards something bigger than themselves. Sports teams do this all the time and there’s no reason that same philosophy can’t be applied to the business world.
4. Last but not least, make work fun. Nothing brings people together quicker than FUN – humor, laughter, entertainment, whatever is plausible.

Bottom line is this: Division does more harm than good. Unity produces results.

By: Jena Stuckey and Luke Frey

Rees has been manufacturing control switches since 1929. While push buttons were initially our main focus, cable switches came in to play shortly after and have made a splash in numerous industries. It is my hope that by providing a clearer understanding of the cable/rope switches Rees provides that we will be able to better assist you by helping you pinpoint which products will fit your needs.

Rees has one style of a broken cable detection switch. With this, the cable is stretched tightly until the shaft end is flush with the indicator hub end. The switch will trip and latch if the cable breaks, comes loose or is pulled. The blue booted reset button is pushed to reset contacts back to their normal operating configuration. These switches have been designed to reduce “nuisance tripping” from cable expansion and stretch often associated with taut cable switches. It also has the option of a pilot light or a blue button guard to protect the reset button in high traffic areas. The maximum recommended cable length is 200 feet with a maximum interval support of 10 feet. These switches are typically found on process applications such as conveyors, transfer machines or assembly lines within the automotive, machine tool, foundry and pharmaceutical industries.

Our standard cable operated switches have a slack cable style with positive break features. This makes the manual reset styles particularly competent for use in Emergency Stop applications as well as for ordinary circuit control. They are offered in both manual and automatic reset configuration. On the manual reset switches, the cable is connected on one end, and the t-handle on the other side is pulled to reset the switch. On the automatic version, the contacts return to original state once the cable is released. Rees also offers a food grade option that is coated a special white paint in order to withstand chemical wash-down. The maximum recommended cable length is 200 feet with a maximum interval support of 10 feet. These switches can be found on automated transfer machines and on various conveyor installations, with a heavy presence in material handling.

In the case that an indicator flag is preferred to see which switch has been tripped, we offer options for this! These are slack cable style switches that can be used in emergency stop applications, and are offered with single or double flag indicators.  The independently operating red indicating flag rotates 90 degrees when tripped. Manually returning the flag to its normal position resets the switch. The maximum recommended cable length is 200 feet with a maximum interval support of 10 feet. These devices can be found on various conveyor installations.

Our bi-directional cable switch is a slack cable style that is activated by pulling the cable on either side. To reset the switch, the blue button on the cover is pushed. The maximum cable recommended cable length is 200 feet on each end with a maximum interval support of 10 feet. This switch can be found anywhere there is a conveyor and is often used in material handling situations. Just as with the broken cable switch, we offer a button guard to give extra protection in high traffic areas.

Our rope operated sequence switches are slack cable style with slow-make contacts. The switches are not positive transfer and they do not latch in any position. They should NOT be used for any emergency stop applications. The action of these devices is that when the switch actuating arm is pulled by a cable the switch contacts will change state, that is, the NO will be closed and the NC will go open. When the force on the cable is removed from the actuator arm, spring pressure will return it to its normal position, while the contacts are held in position through a ratchet mechanism. The next time the cable is pulled, the action is repeated with the contacts returned to their original state. The total maximum cable length recommended is 200 feet with a maximum interval support of 10 feet. These devices can be found on various conveyor installations as well as other stations that require the pull-on, pull-off function that this being provides.

If you’re looking for a cable switch that can be used vertically as well as horizontally, we offer options for this as well! These switches are a slack cable style with slow-make – slow-break contacts, making these NOT suitable for emergency stop applications. The function of these switches is such that a device that is listed as NO uses a NC contact Block which is held open by a spring in the switch body. Pulling of the ring eye collapses that spring, allowing the contact block to close and actuate the circuit it is connected to. Releasing of the rope then allows the spring to expand thereby opening the contacts. The momentary version can most often be found being used with a rope hanging down for control of an overhead door. The maintained style requires that resetting take place at the switch so access must be considered when installing it. The maximum recommended rope length is 33 feet with a maximum interval support of 10 feet when horizontal.

By: Joel Jepson – GM at Rees, Inc.

As we move forward and hopefully out of the COVID-19 pandemic your friends, relatives, and business associates may tell you to “Support Local Small Businesses.” I would like to share with you some reasons why I believe this is incredibly important, especially under the current circumstances.

One of the greatest benefits when buying products from a small business is service. When we call upon a business, we hope to speak to a person. Someone who can immediately direct the call or answer a specific question we have. Many times this is something that a machine will not understand. This is much more likely to occur when contacting a small business. We can get to know the people behind the products we’re buying, whether it’s a manufacturing component or a sandwich from the local deli.

Another benefit of working with small businesses is the effect it has on the community. Small businesses employ nearly half of the private sector workforce. When we do business with these small firms, money trickles down and into our communities instead of being sent overseas. This trickle down funds many things we take for granted. It may be keeping our favorite barbershop open, funding a local park or library, or even putting food on our neighbor’s dinner table.

Doing business with local small businesses can also be financially beneficial to us. Small businesses may have lower overhead costs reflecting in the price of their products, reduced shipping costs due to their proximity to us, and potentially higher quality products that reduce the need for replacement over time.

Our team here at Rees Inc. does the best it can to source our components from local small businesses. This has allowed us to build great relationships with reputable and reliable companies that do their best to meet our needs. Being a small business ourselves, we are proud to manufacture all of our products in Fremont, Indiana. You can rest assured that when you call us you will get to speak with one of our knowledgeable inside sales representatives who can immediately answer your questions. We hope you take this into consideration when searching for your next supplier!

Owning a shop full of large machines can cause many issues if the machines break or if something happens while they are running and they can’t be turned off. This is where an emergency stop button comes into play.

WHAT ARE EMERGENCY STOP BUTTONS?

The purpose of an emergency stop button is to have a way to turn off any given device in an emergency. Typically these buttons are used on larger machines such as presses in shops. Having an emergency stop button is a very important piece of equipment that provides highly important safety features to all.

FEATURES

Emergency stop buttons look similar to a general push button, but still have some differences. The largest difference is the purpose of the two buttons. A general push button is used for normal operation of the machine – for example turning it on and off. Whereas an emergency stop button is used in the event of an emergency to immediately stop the machine to attempt to resolve the emergency.

Other differences between the two include the look and components of the buttons. A general push button is a sleek look that provides the options of turning the machine on and off. It does not have an open mechanism to show how the button works inside as the emergency stop button does. General push buttons also do not contain the NC contact feature used to prevent damage to the button and allow it to work in an emergency situation.

USES

Typically these buttons are used for heavy machinery, such as presses in a shop. It’s important to note that the majority of these buttons will have a red, mushroom-like button on top of a yellow base to show it is an emergency stop button. This is an important feature because it allows the button to be easily stopped in the event of an emergency.

This button also contains a lock out feature that is designed to keep the machine shut down during and after an emergency in case of any repairs necessary to be performed before running the machine again. It’s important to understand the uses of this button and its lockout feature to ensure you are using it properly.

CONCLUSION

When purchasing an emergency stop button for your machinery, it’s vital that all employees know how to properly use and lock out the button in the event of an emergency to ensure they are not being misused or improperly locked out.

If your company is in need of an emergency stop button, contact Rees, Inc. for more information on how to get an emergency stop button. They are also happy to assist with any questions or concerns you might have about installation and use of the buttons.

Sources:

https://blog.se.com/machine-and-process-management/2018/04/06/the-abcs-of-emergency-stop-buttonsa-simple-concept-that-can-get-really-complicated/

http://www.omron-ap.com/service_support/FAQ/FAQ02455/index.asp

https://catalog.reesinc.com/viewitems/single-plunger-push-button-switches/2-25-inch-mushroom-plunger-with-spring-latch

https://www.reesinc.com/contact.html

Each of these types of buttons is unique in its own way. Many do not know the difference or why the differences are so significant.

PUSH BUTTONS

These buttons are a general purpose button that provide a stop/start feature for machinery. They are designed to fit the machine and can be used on just about any devices, including casino machines and fitness machines. These buttons are typically designed for the machine they are ordered for and can look any way the customer is seeking.

They are a very generalized version of a button and provide a multi-purpose use. These buttons can be inset or stick out, depending what the customer is seeking to use the button for. As a more all-purpose button, this button provides the diversity of being used for almost anything. The only way this button is not able to be used is as an emergency stop button.

EMERGENCY STOP BUTTONS OR E-STOP BUTTONS

An E-stop button is more of a focused use. This button is designed for emergency situations and is meant to stop a machine in the event of an emergency. It’s important to note that this button can be made to look like a general purpose push button and may not be as easy to detect in the event of an emergency.

The E-stop button is designed with the safety of employees in mind as it will immediately stop the machine and allow any concerns or emergency situations to be rectified before turning the machine back on.

As the top grade emergency button, this option is very important for machines. It is made to show it’s meant for emergencies with its red, mushroom-like top and yellow base. This button also has a specialized lockout feature to keep the machine off while it is being repaired, should an emergency occur. Most companies seek out these types of buttons for their machines as they will provide the most safety and security for employees.

CONCLUSION

Moving forward with your button choices, seek out the perfect button for your needs. Feel free to do your own research and find the button that works for you. It’s important to know exactly what the button will be used for and what it should look like before moving forward with the purchase.

If you’re still questioning the buttons and which one is best, contact Rees, Inc. for further help. The professionals can help you determine the best choice in buttons for your needs. Let them help you find the right button for you and ease your frustrations when it comes to choosing the perfect button or buttons for your company needs.

Sources:

http://www.grayhill.com/products/pushbutton-switches/

https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/r/rafi/emergency-stop-switches-E-stops

http://www.omron-ap.com/service_support/FAQ/FAQ02455/index.asp

https://www.reesinc.com/contact.html

Many mechanical devices use, or have capabilities for, some form of a push button system, but many people don’t know what a push button system – or even just a push button – is.

WHAT IS A PUSH BUTTON?

Push buttons are devices that are created for use on heavy machinery, typically presses in a shop. They are used for the following applications:

• Security Systems
• Industrial Manufacturing Equipment
• Casino Gaming
• Audio/Video Equipment
• Avionics
• Fitness Equipment
• Test and Measurement Equipment

These devices, and more, are examples of the customized buttons that can be created in the push button category.

HOW THEY ARE USED

While you can see from above that these buttons are used in many ways, this is a generalization of how push buttons can be used. Some can be lighted to find them in the dark or to show when they are on or off. Others can be inset in a machine (such as buttons on fitness equipment) to provide a flush look without multiple buttons sticking out across the device.

Each button can also be customized to fit the needs of the purchaser. The following customizations are the most common:

• Custom Caps and Legends
• Custom Detents (clicks) and Tactile Feel
• Multiple Termination and Cabling Options
• Custom Electronics

DESIGN

While the above shows an array of uses and customizations, there are also many ways to design push buttons. Each design is unique and helpful to the company purchasing it:

• Single Plunger Push Button Switch
• Double Plunger Push Button Switch
• Mushroom Plunger with Swing Latch

Each of these designs are important to the use of the button. Depending on the application it’s used for, the customizations the company wants, and the design of the button is the determinate for the use and need of the company. Many companies seek a basic single plunger push button with no customizations to use on large presses in a shop or something similar.

It’s very rare to find someone wanting specialty buttons for casinos or fitness equipment as most of the buttons are now flush to the machines to create ease of access and cut down on the injuries to the person using the machine. Safety is one of the biggest factors in creating a push button system.

CONCLUSION

All of this information is very important when it comes to having a push button system and creating the proper push button for the job. One thing that creates the biggest concern, but it’s also the easiest to fix, is finding what the customer wants. It’s important to have all your details before ordering so the production team can ensure to provide exactly what you want.

Customer satisfaction is important, but in order to satisfy the customer, the production team must have all the details. Ordering a push button system can be easy. Contact Rees, Inc. for more information or to order your system today.

Sources:

http://www.grayhill.com/products/pushbutton-switches/

http://www.ia.omron.com/products/category/switches/push-buttons_indicator-lamps/index.html

https://catalog.reesinc.com

https://www.reesinc.com/contact.html

By: Luke Frey – Sales Manager at Rees, Inc.

The term Emergency Stop Switch may have several different formal definitions, depending on what resource or standard to which you are referring. I would summarize those various definitions by providing the following definition: An emergency stop switch is a device that, when actuated by an individual, performs an immediate shutdown of the equipment to which it is wired/programmed. Pretty basic concept, right? Things go wrong, people get worried, BOOM. Switch is activated, equipment is stopped, and crisis is hopefully fully averted. So how does Rees fit into the picture?

Rees manufactures push buttons, some of which fulfil the requirements of various Emergency stop switch standards. Some of these requirements may change based upon the equipment that is being used, so it is very important for users to know which standards apply to their intended use. Based upon the most common uses we see for our buttons, these are the most common requirements we come across:

• Must have a yellow background
• Actuator itself must be Red
• The Contacts must be maintained – Meaning that when the switch is activated, it must be able to remain in that position until it is manually reset by an individual. (There is usually a button or handle on the switch that allows this to be done.)
• The achievement of Normally Closed contact separation is the direct result of a specified movement of the switch actuator through non-resilient members. (example: NOT dependent upon springs)

There are other features that some of our customers prefer as well, such as:

• Lockable Buttons – The ability to, once the device has been actuated, use a padlock, hasp, or some other form of locking device on switch in order to assure that it cannot be reset until the locking device has been removed.
• Various Trip Forces – The determined amount of pressure, in weight, that it takes to actuate the switch.

In conclusion, I hope that this provides you with a more thorough knowledge of common e-stop requirements, as well as how Rees fits into the equation. If you have further questions about how Rees products may be used as e-stops on your equipment, please reach out to us and we will be happy to help you as best we can. If we are unable to fully understand the application or provide an answer, we have Sales Reps across the Midwest that will be happy to help as well. Be safe and thanks for choosing Rees.

By: Luke Frey – Sales Manager at Rees, Inc.

Rees, Inc. is proud to announce that the company has named a new General Manager. Joel Jepson, from Coldwater, Michigan, has spent the last 11 months in management training and officially moved into the position of Rees General Manager on April 1^st, 2019. Joel takes over a role that Debra Kolbow has held for many years, as Debra plans to ease into retirement. Debra will remain on staff as President and will still be involved in decision making processes over the course of the next couple years, while Joel will now oversee Day-to-Day operations. We’re excited to have Joel in this position and look forward to what the future holds for Rees, Inc.

By: Luke Frey – Sales Manager at Rees, Inc.

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Or so the expression goes. But unfortunately all play and no work leaves Jack unemployed, unproductive and potentially homeless. Certainly not ideal. I am a firm believer that there is a time for humor, casual conversation and laughter within the workplace. The key is balance. Work and Play, when properly blended together, can provide an enjoyable environment that increases company morale and in-so-part increases productivity.

It’s the little things that make a difference. In order to foster a positive work environment, Managers and co-workers need to take time to invest in those they work with. Get to know those around you. During your coffee/lunch breaks, learn about their families, their lives, where they’re from, etc. I understand that this is difficult to do in a big company, but pick and choose to do so with those you work closest with. Of course, this all starts from the top. Management needs to establish a set of principles based on Integrity and implement those by taking care of their workers. That is what brings us to my favorite part… work fun.

People are motivated and more focused when they are in a more laidback environment. We at Rees, Inc. take our role in the Industrial sector very seriously. When an issue arises, we do our best to resolve it properly and timely. We make sure and do our best to serve our customers best we can. We do our homework on our products: How they operate, how they’re used, how/if they can be improved, what industries they serve. We know our stuff. We take pride in that. However, our workplace is no boot-camp. Our break room is filled with tasty treats, reading material and a can-crush contest that is sure to bring out anyone’s competitive nature. (Current Champ right here, folks ;)) We also celebrate ALL employee birthdays, bringing in the dessert of their choosing for everyone to indulge in. Like I said, it’s the little things. While these little things make up VERY small parts of our day, you can assure that when we return to our desks to focus on the task at hand, we do so with a smile and a go-getter mentality. Bonding, Fun, Efficiency, Productivity, Company Morale: All intertwined. What can you do within your company to promote unity? Something to think about.