Top 10 Products of 2012

Dec. 1, 2012
In 2012, AS&U showcased some of the hottest products in the industry. Following are the 10 most requested, as determined by readers.

1. Lamp Crusher

Air Cycle Corporation. The CFL Premium Bulb Eater is a new version of the lamp crusher, designed to safely crush and store up to 3,000 compact fluorescent lamps prior to recycling. It also can crush tube lamps. The machine crushes lamps into 100 percent recyclable material and captures more than 99.99 percent of mercury vapors in a three-stage filtration system. Recycling spent lamps is simple and convenient, and encourages a high recycling participation rate.

Select the December 2012 issue RSN number 150 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

2. Moving Camera

Bosch. The company has added the first moving camera to its Advantage Line. The VEZ-400 mini PTZ camera offers features more typically found in larger PTZ domes. Among these are a 26x optical zoom for an increased monitoring range, and easier identification of objects and people. The VEZ-400 measures 4.4 inches in diameter, making it less than half the size of traditional pan-tilt-zoom cameras, as well as 20 percent smaller than most other minidomes.

Select the December 2012 issue RSN number 151 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

3. Germ Killer

Permatex. Spray Nine, a brand of specialty cleaning products and innovator of the industry’s first "spray-on, wipe-off" cleaner disinfectant, has three new germ-kill claims that have expanded overall germ coverage, and fast sanitizing and disinfectant capabilities. Spray Nine’s effective uses have expanded to include even more germs that pose a serious health threat. The EPA has asserted that Spray Nine (EPA Reg. No. 6659-3) safely kills Poliovirus Type I, a type of polio, in only 30 seconds, along with a broad spectrum of other viruses. It is also effective against Bordetella Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, and Listeria Monocytogenes, which is associated with food poisoning.

Select the December 2012 issue RSN number 152 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

4. Energy Monitoring

Obvius. Three new Energy Monitoring Kits were created so small- to medium-sized facilities could launch pilot programs to monitor energy as an important step in achieving energy savings. The kits come in three standardized packages—Building Dashboard, Industrial Energy Monitoring and Commercial Energy Monitoring—to provide a low-cost, entry-level solution that can be installed easily.

Select the December 2012 issue RSN number 153 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

5. Efficient Fan

Big Ass Fan Company. Haiku small ceiling fans bring Big Ass Fan air movement to even the smallest spaces. A 60-inch wingspan and lightweight minimalist design make them ideal for rooms with lower ceilings—including group fitness areas and classrooms. They deliver a combination of elegant appearance, energy efficiency, gentle air circulation and silent operation. Controlled by a thin remote, the ENERGY STAR Haiku bamboo fan has 10 settings.

Select the December 2012 issue RSN number 154 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

6. Modular Carpet

Tandus Flooring. Sero design technology, by thinking beyond the square, has revolutionized the way modular carpet is designed. The Sero process begins with the Powerbond platform, then transforms the design into modular. Now with the availability of an 18-inch by 36-inch modular carpet, design is more than just a square. Sero also is a unique and easy solution for installing large-scale patterns to create a unified modular floor design: unidirectional.

Select the December 2012 issue RSN number 155 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

7. Contemporary Floor Weave

Amtico International. In Satin Weave, Spacia creates a silver-grey, cross-hatched surface with soft metallic sheen. The subtle and inviting resilient pattern projects a natural aesthetic and offers versatility for education environments. The abstract luxury vinyl tile adds an unexpected twist to traditional interiors. Use Satin Weave alone for a streamlined monochromatic scheme, or mix and match with the line of 89 resilient flooring designs for more intriguing effects. The luxury vinyl flooring is available in 18-inch by 18-inch tiles, as well as a cross-grain design in 7.25 inches by 48 inches.

Select the December 2012 issue RSN number 156 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

8. Wi-Fi Solution

Motorola Solutions/Extreme Networks. The Altitude 4511 wallplate access point, in conjunction with Motorola Solutions, is a mobility solution that provides powerful Wi-Fi for college campuses and multiple dwelling units such as residence halls and medical facilities. Its modular design and innovative form factor eases installation, snapping into place in minutes instead of hours. Built on operational and architectural flexibility, the Altitude 4511 AP provides high-performance and powerful coverage, as well as scalable deployment options that can lower costs.

Select the December 2012 issue RSN number 157 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

9. Learning Tables

Steelcase Education Solutions. The company has launched Verb, a table-based collection of classroom furniture that creates an integrated learning space with personal-sized, one-of-a-kind whiteboards throughout the classroom for instantaneous collaboration. The easy-to-access whiteboards provide a note-taking surface for students during group projects. In addition, the whiteboards serve as space dividers during test time to ensure privacy. The whiteboards are made of e3 ceramicsteel, a patented material that is smooth, prevents ghosting and is virtually indestructible.

Select the December 2012 issue RSN number 158 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

10. Top-Fill Soap Dispensers

Bobrick. Two new chrome-finish automatic, top-fill soap dispensers are available for open-market, non-proprietary bulk liquid and bulk foam soap. Top-filling eliminates undercounter servicing cost and inconvenience. Bulk soap reduces soap costs by 80 percent compared with proprietary cartridges at locked-in prices. Unique Activation System defines a precise "dispense zone," eliminating hand waving and false dispensing. Portion control adjustment from 0.4 ml to 3 ml lowers soap usage. Post-consumer waste is reduced by 57 percent compared with cartridges.

Select the December 2012 issue RSN number 159 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

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