Coating processes – Measuring – testing – or indicating
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-09
2001-10-09
Edwards, Laura (Department: 1734)
Coating processes
Measuring, testing, or indicating
C118S676000, C118S703000, C118S712000, C118S713000, C118S686000, C118S687000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299931
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an applicator for blanks moving on a conveyor, and in particular, a system and method for setting up, regulating and monitoring such an applicator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Blanks, or work pieces, are treated while moving on a conveyor past an applicator. For example, glue is applied to a carton blank as it moves on a conveyor passed a glue applicator.
To set the applicator to apply the treatment at the desired location, an operator measures the desired location and sets the applicator. This procedure has potential for error, as the operator may incorrectly measure the desired location, or incorrectly set the applicator.
Further, once set, the applicator may apply the treatment in a location other than the desired location due to changes in operating conditions. For example, where the applicator is a glue applicator, glue valve delay, or changes in glue pressure or consistency may cause the glue to be applied to the blank at a location other than the desired location. The operator must measure the applied location of the treatment, and reset the applicator until the applied location matches the desired location. This is a time consuming process as it requires several repetitions, thereby reducing productivity.
Additionally, operation of the applicator results in wear, necessitating that parts of the applicator be replaced. For example, where the applicator is ,a glue applicator including a glue valve, operation of the glue applicator causes wear to the glue applicator valve. To sense applicator component wear, the operator monitors the applicator by observing an applied location of the treatment. A difference between the applied location and the desired location greater than a predetermined value indicates the worn components, necessitating replacement of the worn components. Due to error in the operator's observations, applicator components are often not replaced at the correct time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An example blank is marked at a desired location for treatment of a target blank, and the marked example blank is passed along the conveyor. The mark is sensed, and the applicator is set to treat the target blank at the sensed location.
During treatment of the target blank, an applied location of the treatment is sensed. As the applied location deviates from the desired location, the applicator is adjusted to apply the treatment at the desired location.
A delay is determined between the time the applicator is directed to apply the treatment and the time the treatment is actually applied, where the delay is displayed on a display device. The delay aids the operator in monitoring the applicator as a more accurate determination of applicator component wear is provided.
More specifically, a system and method for setting up an applicator to treat a target blank traveling on a conveyer includes placing a mark on the example blank, where the mark represents a desired location for treatment of the target blank. The marked example blank is passed along the conveyor. The location of the mark on the example blank is sensed, and the applicator is programmed to treat the target blank at the sensed location.
In one aspect, the example blank has a reference point, and the mark is defined by a beginning of the mark, and the step of sensing the location of the mark includes detecting the reference point on the example blank traveling along the conveyor and detecting the beginning of the mark on the example blank. A start distance is determined between the reference point and the beginning of the mark. Further, the step of programming the applicator includes setting the applicator to begin treatment of the target blank at the start distance.
In another aspect, the example blank has a reference point, the mark is defined by an end of the mark, and the step of determining the location of the mark includes detecting the reference point on the example blank traveling along the conveyor, and detecting the end of the mark on the example blank. An end distance is determined between the reference point and the end of the mark. Further, the step of programming the applicator includes setting the applicator to stop treatment of the target blank at the end distance.
Additionally, the applicator may, for example, apply glue to or cut a slit or opening in the target blank.
A method and system for regulating an applicator for treating a desired location of a target blank traveling along a conveyor includes passing the target blank along the conveyor and sensing an applied location of the treatment to the target blank. The applied location is compared with the desired location and the applicator is adjusted to apply the treatment at the desired location.
In one feature, the applied location is defined by a beginning of the treatment and the target blank has a reference point, and the step of sensing the applied location includes detecting the reference point on the target blank traveling along the conveyor. The beginning of the treatment is detected on the target blank, and a begin treatment distance is determined between the reference point and the beginning of the treatment. Further, where the desired location is defined by a desired start distance, the step of adjusting the applicator includes decreasing the begin treatment distance if the desired start distance is less than the begin treatment distance, and increasing the begin treatment distance if the begin treatment distance is less than the desired start distance.
In a further feature, where the applied location is defined by an end of the treatment and the target blank has a reference point, sensing the applied location includes detecting the reference point on the target blank traveling along the conveyor and detecting the end of the treatment on the target blank. An end treatment distance between the reference point and the end of the treatment is determined. Further, where the desired location is defined by a desired end distance, the step of adjusting the applicator includes decreasing the end treatment distance if the desired end distance is less than the end treatment distance, and increasing the end treatment distance if the end treatment distance is less than the desired end distance.
It is an additional feature that the step of adjusting the applicator includes adjusting the applicator to apply a substance on the target blank.
In an additional feature, where the applicator treats a plurality of target blanks, the applied locations of treatment for a plurality of target blanks are determined, and an average applied location is determined. The step of comparing compares the average applied location with the desired location.
A system and method for determining a delay of an applicator for treating a desired location of a target blank traveling along a conveyor is provided, where the target blank is passed along the conveyor, and a treatment is applied to the target blank. The applied location of the treatment is sensed, and a distance representing applicator delay is determined between the applied location and the desired location.
In one aspect, a conveyor speed is sensed, and the distance is divided by the conveyor speed.
In another aspect, the distance between the applied location and the desired location is displayed on a display device.
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patent: 4704603 (1987-11-01), Edwards et al.
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patent: 5375722 (1994-12-01), Leary et al.
patent: 5479352 (1995-12-01), Smith
patent: 5683752 (1997-11-01), Popp et al.
patent: 5732147 (1998-03-01), Tao
patent: 5807449 (1998-09-01), Hooker et al.
patent: 5876502 (1999-03-01), Sugimura et al.
Joerger Carl J.
Leary Kevin C.
Santefort Kenneth W.
Edwards Laura
W. H. Leary Co., Inc.
Wood Phillips VanSanten Clark & Mortimer
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