Combat Survivability: Is it the Priority it Should Be?

Posted on June 10, 2013 by admin

In combat, the risks and imminent dangers our troops face are beyond numerous. For many of us, they are incomprehensible.  However, is enough being done to prevent injuries and fatalities when possible?  Frequently there are situations where our soldiers could have gotten out alive but did not.

RIX Industries has spoken to wounded warriors who have  returned from battle and shared with us situations for which—had there been an emergency egress system—they would have gotten out in a safe and timely fashion.  Oftentimes all that we hear back home from the media is that injuries or fatalities occurred and a combat vehicle was struck or rolled over. What we are not being told is that an emergency egress system could have prevented those tragedies and that such a system exists.

Recently, the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center’s (TARDEC’s) Ground Systems Survivability Group met with the industry to discuss future technologies to keep combat vehicle crews safe.  Many thoughts, ideas, and goals were shared.  But with current and future budget cuts looming, is this going to be a priority? We at RIX believe it has to be. The message was clear that both the end-user and the OEM ‘s want to see survivability increased.

Within the industry these days, when a new vehicle is enlisted, it does not necessarily come with an emergency egress system.  The current requirements for emergency egress are simply a time limit for all occupants to egress. In most cases for cost savings reasons, a kick out windshield is utilized. Some companies have tried to answer this by making windshields that can be kicked out and climbed through; but a soldier in a Kevlar vest is severely challenged when attempting to fit through a windshield. This egress point is not conducive to increasing survivability.

At RIX, we make an emergency egress system with the direct feedback of soldiers and veterans charities in mind. We simply won’t stop until survivability is increased significantly.  This is our motivation, and our drive as well as our promise to those who count on it.

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RIX Commercial Compressors: Defining State-of-the-Art

Posted on May 6, 2013 by admin

With a history dating back to 1878, RIX Industries’ commercial gas compressors are completely unique, industry-leading products.  RIX is a niche company, providing one of a kind compressors to countless industries.  Typical applications are refinery hydrogen and nitrogen, oil-free nitrogen and air for pharmaceutical plants, oil-free air and nitrogen for food production, oxygen for paper, waste water, and steel plants, and chemical plant applications for ethylene and other hazardous gases.oxygen commercial compressor

What really makes us stand apart is our custom work.  We not only provide custom off the shelf oxygen and nitrogen gas compressors to customers, we also work closely with our clients to provide them with completely custom-made solutions that are unique to their needs.  However, what they all have in common is the quality.  They are built with long-life materials, are thoroughly tested, and are easy to maintain.  Our complete system approach means that the entire gas compressor system, from the compressor itself to the various components, is built to exceptionally high standards.

RIX products include a range of hydrogen systems, nitrogen systems, oxygen compressors, and breathing air compressors.  While uses and specifics such as horsepower (up to 500 is available) and number of stages vary, the long-lasting reliability and superb construction are consistent throughout.

Whatever the need, our engineers will design and construct the perfect solution for you. View the multitude of industries and applications on our website and contact us with any questions you might have.

Posted in Compressors, Department of Defense, High Pressure Oil Free Compressors, High Pressure Oil Free Technology, RIX Industries | Leave a comment

RIX Industries, The Wounded Warrior Project and MVAT

Posted on April 8, 2013 by admin

Inspiration and innovation play a massive part in our day to day operations at RIX Industries. Because of this, it is important to stay iWounded Warrior Projectmmerged in the industries we serve and find a way to give back.

Our Business Development Director, Andrew Schwarz, and our COO, George Wood, sit on the Board of Directors of MVAT (Military Veterans Appreciation Tournament),  an LA based charity that has been in operation for 7 years.  By participating with this charity, they have raised over a half a million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project.

About 6 years ago, Andrew met Norbie Lara, a veteran and now the West Coast spokesperson for the WWP.  Norbie Lara served in the United States Army for eleven and a half years. He was medically retired as a Sergeant First Class after numerous deployments in the Middle East.  The staff at RIX Industries would like to say a special thank you to Norbie, not only for coming to speak with us, but also for his courage in serving our country. As a company that is American built, our patriotism and sincerity for the troops, for freedoms and liberties, is straight from the heart.

Given that RIX makes products for aerospace, Department of Defense and all branches of the armed forces, it seemed only natural for Mr. Lara to come share his story of survival and overcoming great challenges to the employees at RIX.  It is because of stories like his and other brave soldiers that products like the Emergency Egress System were created.

If you would like more information, please visit www.mvat.org or contact Andrew Schwarz directly at 818.324.2331 or aschwarz@rixindustries.com

Posted in Department of Defense, Emergency Egress System, High Pressure Oil Free Compressors, High Pressure Oil Free Technology, Military Veterans Appreciation Tournament, RIX Industries, The Wounded Warrior Project | Leave a comment

Product Spotlight: Central Tire Inflation System and Adjustable Ride Height Control for Ground Vehicles

Posted on March 5, 2013 by admin

With a strong history of working closely with the U.S. Military to design and manufacture Ride Heightcompressed air and gas systems for their vehicles, RIX Industries is proud to showcase two of our latest products designed for ground combat vehicles.  Since military vehicles are designed for extreme conditions, all components must also be able to withstand the rugged terrain they encounter. Our Central Tire Inflation System and Adjustable Ride Height Control for ground vehicles will increase ease of transportation in such environments. With over 134 years of experience in manufacturing the world’s finest high-pressure air and gas compressors, our systems offer innovation and protection to our military personnel while in the field.

Our Central Tire Inflation System enables adjustment of ground vehicle tire pressure to meet varying conditions. This high-flow low-pressure solution for tire inflation ensures maximum vehicle performance over any terrain. To operate, the driver switches the unit on from inside the vehicle. There is no need to exit the vehicle to adjust the tire pressure which would expose troops to potentially hostile environments. The compressors will operate on the fly as well as when the vehicle is motionless.  Once the system is activated it will automatically adjust the tire pressure: if moving from the road to soft sand, the tire will deflate. The tire will inflate again once the vehicle is back on the road.

Measuring 7.0”x 9.5”x 15.0”, the compressors weigh 50 lb and are run via an electric motor. These compressors are designed with the capability to be fully submersed. Meeting the most rigorous of military specifications, these compressors are small enough to fit in very tight spaces with flexibility for mounting orientation.

Another solution to keep our troops safe in unsafe environments is the Adjustable Ride Height Control which provides stability to ground combat vehicles when traveling over rugged terrains. This Ride Height Control System  solution enables adjustment to the vehicle’s suspension when it is on an angle. Supplied with an electric or hydraulic motor, this high-pressure solution for suspension ride height control is operated from inside the vehicle; troops are not exposed to dangerous situations by having to exit the vehicle. The pneumatic system has the capability to store energy so that full functionality will be maintained even if the power is eliminated.

All RIX ground vehicle solutions are supplied as a kit. These systems require minimal integration and meet the most rigorous military specifications.  RIX pneumatic systems feature a lightweight, shatter-proof footprint making it ideal for the harsh environments of combat.

Just what are military vehicles put though in the field? The troops responsible for cleaning them up before they are shipped home can testify to the conditions these vehicles face on a daily basis. Take a look at this news story from Stars & Stripes on how these vehicles are cleaned up for their return to the U.S.: http://www.stripes.com/news/military-cleans-vehicles-to-meet-standards-for-return-to-us-from-afghanistan-1.207247. We are proud that our products are designed to withstand these kinds of conditions.

We value the service of our military men and women and design products with their safety in mind. To learn more about these two products designed for ground combat vehicles, please visit us at http://www.rixindustries.com .

Posted in Adjustable Ride Height, Central Tire Inflation System, Department of Defense, High Pressure Oil Free Compressors, High Pressure Oil Free Technology | Leave a comment

RIX Industries and the US Navy: A Partnership in Excellence

Posted on January 30, 2013 by admin

RIX Industries is a leader  manufacturing high pressure, oil-free compressors, proudly serving many commercial markets as well as the military.  Since our founding by E.A. Rix in 1878, our range of shipboard compressors have been used by the U.S. Navy, helping to maintain excellence in its ships and providing systems solutions.  The Navy has a mission of ensuring superiority of the seas, and our products support the Navy in their role of strategic deterrence, homeland defense, and economic security.

In 1922, the first RIX submarine compressor was used in a U.S. H-class submarine, and by 1955 RIX had bolstered it’s market push so that 62% of our business was military.  In 1955, we also received our first ground support contract.  1972 brought another milestone, when we supplied our first Low Pressure Air Compressor (LPAC) to surface combat ships, Grade A Class 2 Shock.  In 2001 and 2002, we received contracts for MARC-350 units to be installed on carriers, and N-GEN nitrogen generating units for the government, respectively.   We are proud to have been trusted by the military for so long, and we continue to strive to meet military unmet needs with our innovative engineering.

What exactly makes us so qualified for this elite role?  We take over 100 years of naval architecture, science, and design, and combine it with our superior technology, allowing us to create the most advanced compressors and nitrogen-generating systems on the market.  Our Total System Approach and Rapid Technology Insertion ensure the highest levels of innovation and engineering excellence, while reducing total ownership costs.  This allows us to support the Department of Defense objective for “Better Buying Power.”  As a result, RIX Industries’ compressors are currently operating in more than one-third of the Navy’s ships, submarines, carriers, destroyers, and cruisers.  We couldn’t be more proud contributing to shipboard operations worldwide every day.

You can view our line of shipboard compressors on our website.

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RIX Industries: Built on Providing Customers with Quality Products

Posted on December 20, 2012 by admin

Once again, we’ve reached the end of another year.  This is always a great time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, those areas that we want to improve upon, and to thank our customers who have been an integral part of our ongoing success.

With 80% of our sales coming from repeat customers, we are proud that we built a solid reputation for quality products that continually brings customers back to us time and again.  As one of our newest employees enthusiastically let us know after several senior engineers told him about how all the RIX programs that they are working on are going great.  One engineer said, “RIX products are the best in the world, because they will run forever!”

It is our loyal customer’s requests and ongoing needs that drive our innovation and introduction of new products.  Like this past year’s venture into the Ground Combat Vehicle market with RIX’s new products for Emergency Egress, Central Tire Inflation System, and the Adjustable Ride Height Control.  We listened to our customers and meet their needs.

We look forward to 2013 as we move forward with new innovative products, including our new air-cooled 4V4 Oxygen Compressor that was added to our commercial product line. The 4V4 is a 20 HP compressor that can be used for any industrial oxygen application. We’ve already had one sale and look forward to many more next year.

All of us at RIX Industries thank our valued customers for their business and kind words about our products and services.  We look forward to exceeding your needs in 2013 and to adding new company names to our customer list.  We wish you all a very happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Posted in Compressors, Department of Defense, High Pressure Oil Free Technology | Leave a comment

Product Spotlight: Emergency Egress and Door Assist for Ground Vehicles

Posted on November 30, 2012 by admin

RIX Industries is proud of the work we do for the Department of Defense, and even more proud of the work all Warriors do on a daily basis.  We offer a range of products that are used by the military, and one product that we are particularly excited and passionate about is something that will save many lives.

Designed with the sole purpose to increase survivability, our Emergency Egress system for ground combat vehicles is as innovative as it is important.  This system operates using independently stored air generated from our RIX pneumatic compressor.  When a combat vehicle encounters a mishap, IED or rollover accident and becomes overturned or submerged, or is in any situation in which both the hydraulic and electrical power is cut, the troops inside are instantly trapped. As documented by the US Army, 75% of deaths involving ground combat vehicles are directly related to entrapment. With the RIX Emergency Egress system, a single press of a button automatically opens the 300-1400 lb door without the need for physical assistance. The single push button can easily be mounted in any location even on the exterior allowing for first responder access. With the door open the troops can safely escape, solving the often-tragic problem that arises in these situations.  The space restrictions that most ground combat vehicles are challenged by are easily accommodated with our shoe box sized footprint of this compact unit. This kitted turnkey, re-settable solution also incorporates the manipulation of combat locks. The RIX Emergency Egress system is built for the sole purpose of survivability by quickly saving lives in emergency situations.

A similar product we offer is our Door Assist system, which, unlike the Emergency Egress system, can be used on a consistent and daily basis, opening the vehicle doors up to 1800lbs from either the inside or the outside of the vehicle.  While not an emergency-use product, it is one that adds the benefit of convenience to hard working soldiers.

We continue to support our troops through quality products that are built to serve them as they serve us, and we look forward to sharing more with you, our readers, about them all.  Visit our website at www.rixindustries.com for more information on these and other products.

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RIX Industries: Leading the Industry in Quality and Innovation

Posted on October 22, 2012 by admin

RIX Industries is known as a national and international industry leader, providing reciprocating piston compressors for industrial gases and breathing air to a wide range of clients. Specializing in high pressure oil-free technology, we provide custom solutions to many clients in the commercial arena, as well as to the Department of Defense, which makes up about 75% of our business.

The company was founded by Austin RIX in 1878, who began by making pumps for the mining industry.. RIX Industries’ third and current owner is Bert Otterson, who has owned the company for almost 35 years. And while many companies pride themselves on being family-owned and operated, we truly are a family business. About 10% of our current employees have left and returned to work here, and we have many multiple-family-member employees. One family has four members working together for RIX. Our team takes pride in their work and in the business—all of them know and care about the product and the customer.
While our products serve multiple applications for commercial clients and the Department of Defense, the common thread is that we find unique, different applications and develop or modify the products to meet the specific need, using compression and gas generation applications. We engineer, design, and assemble our products to meet clients’ requirements, buying components precisely for their specifications, assembling them, and testing them. Specializing in oil-free high pressure applications, we manufacture oxygen compressors, hydrogen compressors, and natural gas compressors—a unique niche in our industry due to the risk of compression of these gases. Working in our oxygen cleaning room ensures products are ready for oxygen compression and are the safest possible for our customers.
One of the specialties we are concentrating on more and more these days is our work for ground combat vehicles, and therefore we are thrilled to be attending the Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) Annual Meeting this week, October 22-24 in Washington, DC. There we will showcase our combat vehicle applications, which include Emergency Egress, Adjustable Ride Height Control, Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), and Air Assist pneumatic solutions. Visit us at booth 1425, or meet with us in our conference room (located at the booth), and see the CTIS unit up close!
We look forward to meeting current and potential clients at AUSA, and bringing our readers more information on who we are, what we do, and how we can best serve your needs. For more information, please visit us at www.rixindustries.com/index.html.

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