Permanent hide identification

The Gibson Bass stamper will give you permanent identification of hides through a series of digits, each of which is comprised of up to seven cuts or segments. Each segment completely penetrates the hide and will be retained through to the finished leather. It can be used on any type of leather: raw, wet-blue, pickle, crust or finished. Each digit is modular, allowing for numbers, letters or logos, and as many as you require can be provided by one stamper. The software is designed by Joe Gibson with industry needs in mind. It drives a plc to generate the number and control the stamping cycle. The stamper design includes extensive electrical and mechanical lock outs that cannot be overridden, preventing the possibility of accidents. It is small enough to hang on a balancer on the kill floor of an abattoir or can be mounted on a conveyor in a tannery. The software can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each customer, with the flexibility provided by the plc control a feature of the device. The machine can interface with a wide variety of networks for communication with factory control systems. The prototype was developed by Joe Gibson during the innovative hide identification and improvement scheme in Australia. Early models are still in operation in the country at companies such as New Wave leathers and Michell Leather. Since then, the new generation of stamper has been installed at Future Beef in the USA. The Australian meat industry withdrew its support for the development programme and Joe Gibson, who had identified a real need, refused to give up. He has now teamed up with Richard Bass, an engineer who makes specialist equipment. Odd items from Bass include salmon skinners and body lifters for morgues. Together they have formed Gibson Bass Hide Systems, PO Box 346, Clayfield QLD 4011, Australia, tel: +61 7 3262 5259; fax: +61 7 3262 5259. Or email joegibson@ozemail.com.au