CA1332746C - Dual drive web feed apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract Of The Present Invention A web drive cyclically moves a web a fixed distance. First and second spaced draw roll units include separate servo motors. Separate programmed controllers are connected to energize the servo drives with a time motion profile including acceleration and deceleration periods to move the web in a fixed time period. The one programmed controller generates the profile program each cycle during the execution of program to move the web the next cycle. The generated program is down-loaded to the second controller to duplicate energization of the second servo motor. A
dancer unit between the drive rolls maintains the tension with a change in web length and includes a movable roll unit. A potentiometer sensor is coupled to the roll unit and establishes an output signal voltage proportional to the direction of the web change and to the length thereof. The second controller includes a drive modifying program connected to the sensor and responsive to the signal voltage to change the second drive profile for the second servo motor for the next succeeding web feed and compensates for the change in web length and move the web in accordance with the modified drive profile. The potentiometer sensor is disabled during a continuous or jog run and serves to hold the web tension.

Description

33~7~

DUAL DRIVE WEB FEED APPARATUS AND METHOD
_ckground Of The Present Invention This invention relates to a dual drive web feed apparatus and method Por intermittent moving of a web and particularly for positioning a web in a web working machine such as bag forming machine.
In the formation of successive similar elements from a web of paper, film or other material, a continuously moving web may be intermittently moved to locate successive lengths of the material through a forming machine in a time stepped manner. In one system of the prior art, a drive includes programmed logic controller for producing a very controlled intermittent direct drive of the web. The web fead mechanism includes a draw roll drive with the programmed logic controller which creates a drive profile for each web feed cycle to provide a controlled acceleration oP the drive means to a maximum drive speed followed by a deceleration of the drive means to a stop position within the available drive time, thereby providing for a controlled movement of the web. The programmed controller as disclosed therein processes the necessary input signals based on a previous cycle to establish a motion proPile oE the motor servo drive during each drive period and establishes a highly e~ective and ePficient actuation oP the drive means within the total time available to move the web.

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In various applications, a precise length of material is to be moved each step and a controlled tension is desired in the web during the working oi the web. Various applications may require a constant high, low intermediate tension. In order to create a controlled tension system, an upstream drive and a downstream web drive such as individually driven sets of draw rolls may be coupled to the web and operated in synchronism to simultaneously move the web through the unit and hold the web in place during processing with the required tension on the web. This requires accurate synchronized movement oE the draw rolls and coupling to the web ~o provide precise stepping of the web while maintaining the desired tension. Various prior art systems generally similar to those used in controlling a single draw roll drive have been suggested. Thus, in a known system, two sets of draw rolls are coupled to the web and an electromagnetic clutch and brake system controls the mas~er or upstream draw rolls. A variable ratio cone and pulley drive couples the downstream drive rolls to the upstream drive. A variable ratio setting, controlled either manually or by a dancer unit, changes the drive ratio sli~htly to maintain a constant length o~ web in each in~ermittent stepped drive. Although such systems have been used, the syst~ems have!rather significant commercial implications and limitations as to cost, accuracy and repeatability. Thus, the mechanical components used have a relatively high inertia thereby limiting the response and speed of correction. In addition, the systems present relatively costly maintenance, both as to down time and parts cost associated with such apparatus.
There is therefore a very signifieant need and demand Eor an improved drive system which can ~33~46 provide a rapid response to any change in the web length and pre~erably which will avoid the high maintenance cost~associated with the prior art mechanical drive modification.
Summary Of The Present Invention The present invention is particularly directed to a dual servo drive system including a master drive unit and a slave drive unit mounted in spaced relation and coupled to the web to provide synchronized and controlled web movement with a web characteristic monitored and maintained during the movement o~ the web through the apparatus. A tension control unit may be coupled to the web between the two controlled drive units. The one drive unit is the master drive and in accordance with past practice is generally the upstream drive unit. The stepping parameters are inputed to a master servo positioner unit, pre~erably such as disclosed in the co-pending parent application. The master servo positioner 2~ generates the necessary energizing input to the master motor for creating a pre~erred proile oE the motor output and web motion or moving the web within a fixed web moving period. The second or slave drive unit receives the identical motion pro~ile program ~rom the ~5 m~tqr position~r. Thus, the program is down loaded ~
~rom the master ser,vo positioner into the drive program ! ' ~ ~' ." ' oE the slave positioner, which o course includes the program to execute such drive program. The slave positioner may be a duplicate o~ the master unit such that either drive units such as sets o draw rolls may be used as the master and the opposite set used as the slave. In addition, the dancer, other tension control unit or web accummulating and control unit is coupled to the web between the drive units. Any change in the web length is re~lected in a change in the control unit _4_ ~33~7~6 position, either directly or in a tension control unit to maintain the necessary desired low or other selected tension in the web. A web sensor unit is coupled to the control unit and provides a control signal proportional to any change in the length o~ the web. The output signal of the web sensor unit has a changing characteristic, such as voltage level, ~requency or other parameter in accordance with the change in length of the web. This control signal is read by the slave drive positioner which modi~ies the down-loaded program as received from the master positioner to oppositely and correspondingly modify the slave drive program to compensate for the erroneous length and to change the length of web in the next move to set the proper web length between the drive units at the next cycle of web movement. In summary, the slave drive precisely mimics the index functioning of the master drive, except for any necessary modi~ication i~ the tension control dancer unit or other web monitor signals a change in web length.
More particularly in a preferred constructlon o~ the apparatus particularly where a low web tension is desired, the web monitor includes a very low inertia tenelon control dancer unit or other web take-up unit between the drive units ~or take-up and relea~e o~ web to respond to variation in the tension ~orces and maintain the desired tension. The present invention has been applied to applications~using a tension on the order!o~
one pound or less. The master drive programmed controller and positioner is constructed with the motor index profile calculated by a microcomputer or processor and placed in the master positioner and also down loaded to the slave position through a serial data link.

_5~ 13327~

Between web movement, the microcomputer monitors and reads the inputs as to web length and other modifying signals and calculates the drive acceleration and deceleration profile for the next web feed. The master controller in this system functions in the same manner and in addition down loads such program to the slave positioner. The slave positioner modi~ies such profile program if the length has changed and the tension control dancer unit is not in the precise reference position. In the preferred apparatus, a simple potentiometer is coupled to the dancer unit and monitors the moving component of the dancer unit to sense its position from the set or reference position. The output of the potentiometer is a varying analog voltage precisely indicating the position of the dancer and thereby the length o~ web existing between the draw rolls. Any change in the analog voltage is a control signal corresponding to the change in length and the direction of change. The control signal is then used to modify the slave index profile in relationship to the master index pro~ile such that at the next indexing the length o~ web ~eed is modi~ied to aompensate and remove the o~set as re~lected within the tension control dancer unit. The next web indexing results in location o~ the proper web length between the two draw rolls with the dancer unit returning to its appropriate web length position.
As in the prior system, the master an~ slave drive combinationlcan be operated in a non~index mode with a continuous web feed speed or jogging web movement through the machine, such as during set-up or threading of the web through the machine. In the non-index mode, the dancer unit operates continuously to accumulate and release web between the master and slave nip rolls without changing the drive of the slave unit.

~3327~

Although the slave index profile is preferably provided with an automatic response device such as a dancer potentiometer unit, any other system can of course be provided such as a manually set potentiometer, an analog signal generator or encoder or the like. ~n addition, a non-contact sensing device can be coupled to the dancer unit, other web indicating system such as a loop developed in the web if a tension control is not used or any other change in the web associated with a web length change to monitor its position and thereby provide a suitable output control signal. Various ultrasonic sensing devices, photodetecting devices, thermosensing devices and the `
like are available and can be coupled to the dancer lS unit or web to monitor its position and produce the necessary modifying signal to the slave drive unit.
Additional overriding controls can of course also be introduced. Thus, or example, it may be desired to change the tension and a suitable tension controlled device, such as a load cell or other tension measuring device, may be coupled to the web and provide further modification to establish and maintain a desired tension.
The present invention thus provides a simple, reliable and e;Efective means for maintaining a constant compensation in the drive system ~or any change in the web Eeed as reflected in the repositioning o~ a tension control device or other web accummulating system. The present invention particularly provides a method and apparatus Eor significantly improving the quality of ~-`
the product. Further, the servo drive system with the dancer tension control uses known devices and technology which operate reliably and have a long operating life, well within the requirements of present day technology.

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Brief Description of The Drawinqs The drawing~ furnii~hed herewith generally illu~trate the best mode presently conkemplated for carrying out the invention as hereinafter described.
In the drawings:
Fig. l is a simplified side elevational view o~ a web processing apparatus including a seal assembly and a web ~eed drive constructed in accordance with the teaching o~ the present invention;
Fig. la is a typical drive motion profile;
Fig. 2a is a diagrammatic illu~tration of a nozzle cooling system;
Figs. 2b and 2c are a block diagram illustrating the electronic control svstem for aontrolling o~ the dual drive unit sl~own in Fig~ l and the nozzle cooling system shown in Fig. 2a;
Figs. 3a through 3b are a flow chart illustrating the software program execution for the master drive of a modified control for the system illustrated in Figs. l through 2c inclusive;
Fig. 4 is a flow chart for the software program execution for the slave drive of the sy~tem illustrated in Figs. l through 2c inclusive.
Descriptlon O~ The Illustrated Embo~ 2~
Re~erring to the drawings and partiaularly Fig. l, a ~ag making maahine l similar to that of the parent application is diagrammatiaally illu~trated.
~h~ machin~ 1 inaludes a ~irst ~et of web ~sed draw rolls 2 and a second ~et of web feed draw rolls 3 coupled to move a web 41t~rough the machine and particularly a seal bar unit 5 located between the two sets of draw rolls 2 and 3. The bar unit 5 extends across the ~omplete width of the web and operates to transversely heat the web 4. In accordance with conventional practice, the web 4 is fed intermittently through the machine with variable dwell period during ~3~27~S

which the seal bar unit 5 is actuated. The sets of feed rolls 2 and 3 are intermittently rotated to advance the web 4_a set distance between the operating periods of the seal bar unit. The dual sets of feed draw rolls 2 and 3 are used to move the web 4 with a fixed tension in the web between the rolls 2 and 3 for properly holding the web during the working thereof. A
tension control unit 7, shown as a known dancer unit 7, i.s coupled to the web 4 between the sets of draw rolls 2 and 3. Synchronized operation of the draw roll sets 2 and 3 should maintain a precise web length and tension. As a practical consideration, some slight change in web length may occur and the dancer unit 7 takes up and releases the web to maintain the desired tension.
The bar unit 5 is coupled to a continuously rotating machine main sha~t 8 through a suitable cam unit, not shown, or other suitable mechanism to actuate the seal bar unit 5 between a raised standby position spaced from the web 4 and a lowered seal position engar~3ing the web 4. The bar unit 5 is actuated within a portion oE one revolu~ion of the main shaft ~, and generally onq-half revolution or less. The remaining period o~ the shaft is an available web move period for rotatir~n of ~he draw rolls. A seal position switch unit 11 is couplqd to thq sha~t 8 and provides electrical signals to control rotation of the two sets o~ draw rolls 2 and 3. The draw rolls 2 and 3 are driven by individual corresponding servo motors 12 and 13 which are operatively stopped during the actuation o~ the bar unit 5 and energized during the dwell period o~ unit 5 In accordance with the present invention, the sets of feed rolls 2 and 3 are coupled to a programmed drive control system including a master controller 14 ' 9 ~33 27~

which includes a motor and web positioner unit 15 for energi~ation the master servo motors 12 and a slave positioner unit 16 for energizing the slave motor 13.
The control 14, as in the parent application, generates a profile of the motor output and the web movement during the dwell period of unit 5 and the positioner unit 15 executes the program. The program is also down loaded to positioner 16 to execute the program for corresponding drive of slave motor 13.
Switch unit 11 includes start and end cycle switches 17 and 18 which are coupled to an actuator 19 on the main sha~t 8 and the switch operations identify the beginning and the end of the bar unit cycle, and inversely the start and stop cycle available points in the machine cycle for the indexing oE the sets of feed rolls 2 and 3 and moving the web.
The web moving time period requires that the motor and rolls 2 and 3 are accelerated to a maximum speed and decelerated from such speed for desired moving the web a precise length. A graphical illustration is shown in Fig. la including an acceleration portion 20, a constant velocity portion 21 and a deceleration portion 22, with a registration profile as more fully set forth in the present application, The length o web 4 ~ed to the seal bar unit 5 in the available period OT- each machine cycle is established by a length input unit 24, shown as a three thumb wheel digital input and mounted as a part of the control and accessible to the machine operator. Each wheel sets a switch unit, generating a digit related signal, which is sensed by the controller.
The length signal o~ unit 24 and the time length signals of switches 17 and 18 determine the basic parameters ~or moving the web. In the movement 1 o ~ ~ 3 2 1 ~ ~

of the web 4, the dual set of feed rolls 2 and 3 should provide an appropriate rapid and smooth acceleration to a maximum speed a~nd a similar deceleration for moving of the web with minimum shock loading on the motor and drive apparatus as well as effective and reliable grasping and movement of the web, as shown in Fig.
la.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control system includes the master programmed controller 14 having a processor 25 programmed to detect the time spaced switch signals and the web length signals, and including characteristics and specifications of the motors and interrelated drive system. Based on such information, a master motor drive signal is created and connected to a master motor amplifier 26 for supplying power to the drive motor 12 from an incoming power supply. The drive signal is translated by the amplifier 26 to establish the smooth and rapid movement of the web 4 in accordance with a programmed proile, preferably using the total available time for moving of the web.
~ feedback signal unit such as a resolver or encoder 30 is coupled to the master motor 12 for draw rolls 2. The output of the resolver 30 is a distance feed back signal, corresponding to the movement oE the web ~ and is connected to the master positioner 15 via signal line 31 to form a closed loop servo drive system. The postioner 15 monitors that the appropriate acceleration and deceleration characteristics are being followed to provide the precise movement of the web for the preset length of the bag.
As more fully developed hereinafter, the positioner 15 is programmed to compute the parameters o~ the motor, including the acceleration, maximum speed and deceleration, just prior to the forming of each 3~7~6 bag, and then executes that programmed move during the next cycle. This permits on line variation in the bag length, such that it is not necessary to shut down the rnachine or make any change, other than for the operator to properly change the bag length on unit 24. The processor 25 will then automatically recalculate the motor drive parameter to feed the appropriate web length into the seal bar unit 5 during the dwell cycle of ~he seal bar unit, using the complete available time.
The slave motor is provided with a similar programmed positioner 16 which coupled to the master positioner 15 via a data transmitting link 32. As used herein, the master controller is defined as including the input relay and scanner control system as well as a computer based positioner programmed to calculate the pro~ile 20-22 of Fig. la as well as to execute such program and drive the master draw roll motor 12 to ~ollow such profile. The slave positioner 16 is coupled via the data link 32 to receive the pro~
program and to execute such program, with modificatlon ln accordance with the output o~ the sensor unit 35.
In actual construction, duplicate computer based positioners are pre~erably used ~or positioners 15 and `
16 ~uch that they have duplicate capability. The lnput/output ports ~use plug~in or other similar connectors such that the actual functioning of each is controlled by providing the appropriate connectors and internal programs. The positioners 15 and 16 may be provided with a mode switch unit which sets the `
programs to the desired modes to respond ~he respective . input/output port connections as shown in ~ and more ~ully described hereinafter.
More particularly, the motor 12 and 13 are brushless AC servo motor having the output shafts 13327~6 coupled to the corresponding feed rolls 2 and 3.
Encoder 30 and 30' provide the output corresponding to the movement of the rolls 2 and 3 and thereby the web 4.
If each set of drive rolls 2 and 3 moves the web 4 precisely the same length each web moving cycle, the web length between the rolls 2 and 3 remain constant and at the desired tension. As previously noted, all web feeding apparatus involves some .
deviation from the ideal web movement and the length of web movement in any given cycle may vary slightly.
Although a slight deviation in one length may be acceptable, the error is not acceptable as a continuous variation. Further, accummulated variations in successive cycles may be such as to create an unacceptable length.
With the web 4 passing through the dancer unit 7, the tension is maintained with the variation of the web length. Thus in accordance with well known functioning, the dancer unit 7 includes a plurality o~
spaced sets of rolls 33 and 34 over which the web ~
p~sses, with a moving roll unit 3~ to establish and maintain the d~sired tension on the web by accumulating and releaslng the web as necessary to establi~h and ~5 mai~taln the preset tension. The accumulation or release of web ~ is thus accomplished through the mechanical movement, of the roll unit~34 within the dancer unit 7. The amplitude of the roll unit movement is directly related to the change in the web length between the draw roll units 2 and 3. A position -sensing unit 35 is coupled to the dancer roll unit 7 and particularly to roll unit 34 as shown by dotted li~e 36. The sensing unit 35 generates a proportional control signal proportional to the web length change.
This aontrol signal is used to modify the rnotor drive : ;

-13- 13~27/~

and therefore the web feed to reset the web movement in the next indexing of the web 4 through the machine~
Generally, the motor positioners are similarly programmed by the master positioner and operate at a corresponding identical speed to provide a corresponding continuous controlled rnovement of the web with the constant low tension~
The output of the dancer position sensing unit 35 is coupled to the slave positioner 16 in the illustrated embodiment by a signal line 37 and the control signal is operable to modify the speed and drive profile for the downstream slave roll unit 3 to compensate for any erroneous length of web as reflected in the level of the control signal. Thus, the control signal is fed to the downstream processor 16 and modifies the down loaded program, and the related motion profile to either increase or decrease the web feed by the slave draw rolls 3 during the next indexing cycle. The change in web feed returns the tension control unit to its reference position, with the proper length of web 4 located between the upstream and downstream draw roll un~t~ 2 and ,3. ~.
S '~b~ C
' Referring to ~ , draw roll ampli:Eier ~G
connects the motor 12 to the appropriate power supply 3a through a suitable contactor assembly 39 which preEerably includes main contactor contacts and soft start contactor contacts, not shown. The amplier 26 is coupled to the programmed controller 14 which includes the programmed positioner 15 providing the controlled and timed energization of the AC servo motor 12. The draw roll drive control circuit 39a is provided for operating of the motor contactors and operating of the feed rolls in the indexing mode, or alternately in a jog mode or continuous mode for threading the web in a stepped or continuous manner -14- ~ 3327~ ~

through the bag making machine. In the setup mode, the seal bar unit 5 and the dancer control signal circuit as well as similar working apparatus is disabled.
The master controller 14 is provided with the initial position of the drive motor 12 identifying the location of the draw rolls 2 and 3 and the web 4. Each incremental movement of the master servo motor 12 and encoder 30 establishes a corresponding and related movement of the draw rolls 2 and 3 and the web 4. The program generated control signal supplied to the motor amplifier 26 demands that the motor 12 move at a predetermined rate and establish a continuous new position. The output o~ the resolver 30 is compared to the demanded position dictated by the command signal and, if any deviation is detected, the positioner lS
calculates and establishes a new demand signal to ,correct such deviation.
The mo~or 12 and draw rolls 2 and 3 accelerate with an increasing smooth accelerated movement of the web 4 frcm the stop position to maximum rated speed to produce a most efficient movement o~ the web and then decelerates to gradually decrease the feed rate to move the web 4 the desired length at or near the ond o~ the draw roll available time.
The ~otion profile may vary between an inverted V-shaped profile to the more truncated or trapezoida'l profile illustra~ed in Fig. la ~or longer bags.
More particularly, the draw roll drive , co ~ ~o,l circ~it is shown in an across-the-line diagram b~ ~c ~,IB in ~ig. 2-. ~ main motor contactor relay 40 is connected to a main power supply lines 41 in series with a set of normally open contacts 42 of a motor amplifier stablizing relay 43. The relay 43 is shown connected to an output port of the motor amplifier .

26. When the motor amplifier 26 is powered up from the controller, a predetermined time delay period is provided during which the amplifier stablizes and then an output of the output port energizes the relay 43 to close its contacts 42 and provide power to the contactor relay 40. The circuit is shown completed through a set of normally open contacts 46 of an emergency relay, not shown, which is connected to the main bag machine drive system and operated in any suitable manner in case of an emergency condition~ It may for example be actuated through a manual input, not shown. A timing relay 47 is connected in parallel with the main contactor rely 40 and actuates a set of nor~ally open contacts 48 which are time closed to actuate a relay 48a to actuate contacts 34. In start up, the main contacts of contactor 39 close upon energization of relays 40 and 43 and provide power to amplifier 26.
A continuous run switch 50 is connected in series with a return to index switch unit 51 and a run relay 52 across the main power supply circuit. A set of sychronizing contacts 53 of a control sychronizing relay 54 are connected in the circuit to provide sychronization between the completion of an indexing cycle and conversion to a continuous run mode. The contacts 53 are normally open contacts and are closed only if the draw rolls are not moving indica~ing completion o~ an indexing cycle previously established~ Tha continuou9 mode is thereEore only established with the main indexing drive motor off.
Energization o~ the run relay 52 closes a set of interlocking contacts about the sychronizing contacts 53 and the manual start switch 50. The relay 52 also closes a set of contacts 56 connected in circuit with a continuous mode relay 57 across the main incoming power , -16- ~3~27~6 lines of the control circuit. The circuit of continuous control mode relay 57 includes a set of normally closed contacts 58 coupled to the main bag drive machine for driving of the main shaft. Interlock contacts 59 are connected in parallel with the control relay contacts 56 and thus maintain the continuous mode until the machine contacts 58 open to reset relay 57.
A second set o~ contacts 60 of the relay 57 and contacts 61 relay are connected in parallel with each other and a jog switch 62 to provide a control signal to the servo positioner 15 which establishes a continuous run signal to the amplifier 26 for establishing a continous operation of the servo motor. When in-line with an extruder, not shown, the web must be continuously fed from the extruder. The continuous run mode is particularly used in the event of a "jam" condition down stream of the web feed. The seal unit 5 is disabled and the drive units as well as other web transport drive units, not shown, are operated to remove the web with the potentiometer winding 130, forming a p~rt o~ the dancer potentiometer unit 35, as more ~ully set forth hereinater, o~ dancer unit 7 operating to trim the web. In this mode, the potentiometer winding 132 of unit 35 is inoperative and both draw roll units 2 and 3 operate with other web ~eed roll units in the line to clear the web Erom the extruder. ~hus, this mode is normally operated ~or a ~hort period and the wasted web is acceptable to avoid the expense of shut down o~ the extruder or rethreading o~ the machine line.
As shown in Figs. l and 2a, air nozzle units 63 and 63' are generally provided at the seal bar unit 5 with low pressure solenoid air valves which are actuated during the indexing cycle to supply low pressure air to the seal bar and assist in web ~3~P~

processing. In the continuous run mode, nozzle units 63 and 63' are connected to a high pressure supply via a solenoid valve 64 to blow the web ~rom the seal bar unit and insure the necessary continuous web flow during the jam removal period. Thus, as shown in Fig~. 2b and 2c, relay 52 actuates contacts 63a which actuate the solenoid valve 64 to switch nozzles 63 to a high pressure source of air, as shown. As shown in Fig. 2a, the illustrated system includes separate low pressure supply valves 65 and 65' for the respective nozzles 63 and h3l. Each va]ve is solenoid operated during the indexing and includes a low pressure input which is coupled to an output port to supply a regulated pressure to the nozzle 63 and 63'. An exhaust port 65a is connected to khe high pressure solenoid valve 64 and when solenoid is operated, the high pressure source is coupled directly through the exhaust port to the output port and the nozzle 63 and 63' to positively remove any jam at the seal bar using continuou~ web flow to clear the line.
~0 The jog mode provides for synchronized jog or independent job movement. In the independent mode, both wlndings of dancer potentiometer unit 35 are inoperative and the operator can separately actuate each draw roll unit, and by visual monitoring the web, position the web.
In a synchronized mode, the trim potentiometer winding 130 is operative to take-up and release web as the web is fed through the machine~
A manually control jog switch 62 and the relay contact~ 60 and 61 provide ~or applying a signal to establish the "jog" mode, or the "continuous-run" mode.
A speed adjustment relay 66 is connected in parallel with the relay S2. Relay 66 controls sets of normally closed contacts 66a and sets of normally ~ .

- -18- ~33~

opened contacts 66 connected respectively to a jog speed contro~ potentiometer 67 and a continuous run speed control potentiometer 68. The relay 64 is actuated with the run relay 52 and provides for disconnection of the jog potentiometer 67 and connection of the con~inuous run speed potentiometer 68 in circuit under continuous run mode, and otherwise maintains the jog speed control potentiometer 67 in circuit.
The drive motor amplifier 26 is any suitable motor controller connected to a three phase power supply by the contactor assembly 34 and a 120 volt output for powering other parts of the apparatus. The internal relay 43 provides the output signal to the drive motor control circuit to insure stabilization and continued satisfactory operation of the motor amplifier during the machine operation. A bank of inputs lncludes a first set of input ports 72 connected to a logic and control power supply via connecting lines 72a. Line 72a includes a set of normally open contacts 73 of the relay 48a for contactor assembly 34 and a set Gf fault relay normally closed contacts 74 connected in the circuit ~o control the powering of the ampliEier.
~ ~econd set of input ports 75 connect the motor amplifier 2~ to the servo positioner via lines 75a to receive the motor drive signal in accordance with the programmed profile for energization of the roll motor 12 and draw rolls 2 during the web Eeed cycle. The amplifier 26 translates the position control signal and energizes the motor 12 in accordance with the programmed profile. ~ commutating feedback signal from the motor 12 to the amplifier 26 via a line 76 stablizes the motor operation.
The programmed controller 14 and positioner lS is a computer or processor based unit and includes a ; -19- :L332~6 plurality of different plug-in inputs and output ports for providing the various operating mode including the indexing mode.
The control input for the `'continuous" and "jog" modes are connected to an input unit 77. A fault control output unit 78 is connected to a fault relay 79 which is activated when a fault condition is detected by the indexer control. For example, if the web position movement is less than a preset tolerance or ~ollowing error and does not respond to the increasing demand signal, relay 79 is energized. The relay 79 has the contacts 74 in the supply lines 72a to amplifier 26 which shuts down the drive in response to a fault. A
fault reset unit 80 is connected to the control signal voltage in series with a reset switch 81 and serves to clear the fault condition and reset relay 79. If the ~ault persists, relay 79 is again actuated.
A main of~on draw control switch 82 connects the positive logic voltage supply to the indexer start and stop ports 83 and 84 connected to cycle switches 17 and 18. A photoscan sensor port 85 is connected to respond to the ou~put o-~ a photoscanner 16, i.~ in circuit, and plain web lnput unit 86 is connected to respond when the photoscanner 16 is not activa~ed, as more i?ully described in the parent application.
~Jpon initial machine turn on, the indexincJ
mode o~ operation is set with the draw switch 82 closed.
. .
The proce~sor positioner 15 then execlltes the 3b program as shown in ~ including housekeeping to reset the distance and timer registers as shown at 95. The resolver 30 is read and stored as at 96, and the power amplifier 26 is enabled, as shown at 96a.
The positioner 15 continuously monitors the index switches 17 and 18 coupled to the unit 5, as at 97 and -20- ~ 3 32 7~ 6 when switch 17 sends a signal, a timer operates, as at 98 until the switch 18 is actuated, as at 99 to record the available time ~or web 4 movement. The move time is calculated and stored and the maximum machine rates is calculated, as at 100.
The master controller 14 waits for a second index cycle or pass sensed by actuation of switches 17 and 18, as at 101, and reads and stores the bag length, as at 103. As shown in the parent application, an alternate bag length feature can be provided and set at this point in the program, for subsequent execution as disclosed herein. The controller 14 then calculates the acceleration and deceleration rates as well as a top speed of the draw rolls 2 and 3 based on the machine rate as previously calculated in the first pass and the total distance of web traveled for the inserted bag length, as at 104. The indexing program then includes all of the necessary information with respect to the web movement including a preferred acceleration characteristic, maximum operating speed and the like to create the proper web motion proEile.
The program as described requires two initial dry runs~ that is, without ~orming a web to develop the motor drive program Eor working the web. During ~he second pass, the controller is executing the first pass program ~or the next web movement to be made. When executing the programlto work~ the web, a second pass program is executed for the second or next web movement and a ~irst pass program is executed for the third or the next following web movement to be formed.
The master controller 14 and partic~larly the processor positioner 15 executes the specific program or indexing the motor 12 and rolls 2 to move the web 4 ~nd thereafter moves the web in a continous intermittent sequence, at each operation oE switch 17, :~L 3 32 Pl~

as at 105.
The executed program first resets a reverse timer 106 for spacing the web from the bar unit 5 at the last cycle in a run when a selection switch 106a (Figs.
3a and 3b) enables the reverse cycle program. The program otherwise steps immediately back to the cycle indexing.
The index program in response to the index ~tart signal in addition to resettiny the timer 106 essentially instantaneously starts a cycle timer as at 109 which times the third or following bag cycle. After the timer is started, processor 5tep8 to the next program step shown as a continuing web reverse subroutine 110 selectively inserted by a switch llOa (Figs. 3a and 3b).
If the routine is not inserted, the program bypasses the reversing sequence and directly steps to drive the motor 12 in accordance with the programmed profile. The drive signal is thus transmitted to the motor amplifier 26 which tran~lates the position signal from the controller to a high level output to drive the motor 12 and feed rolls 2, as shown at 113. Resolver 30 generates a continuous position related feedback signal which is fed back to the indexer positioner 15.
The motor 12 is driven until the end o~ the index cycle as established by the processor based on the available time and the particular setting o~` the several modifying and control inputs. Determination is made a~
to lnclusion of the p~lotoscanner 16, as at 11~ and i~
not, the input unit removes the mark search period and automatically move the program forward, a~ at 115.
The programmed controller steps to the motor stop ~unction 116 and thereby ends the basic index cycla. As previou61y desaribed, the timer 109 was enabled a~ter the resetting of the reverse timer and -22- 13327 ~

continues until the stop switch 18 is actuated. The time is then recorded, as at 121. This establishes the end of th cycle as at 122.
At the end of the cycle, the program controller proceeds to read the distance and time ~or the next index and based on the setting of the timer 109 which reflects the initial two passes and times stored at 100, and based on the setting of length switch unit 24 calculates the next index motion pro~ile parameters, as at 123. If this is the last bag formed, a reverse drive subroutine 124 is executed to reverse the motor rotation and withdraw the web 4 slightly from the seal bar unit 5 so as to prevent welding of the web 4 end to the seal bar platen of unit 5. The subroutine 124 is a continuously monitored subloop. If an index signal is received, the reverse timer is reset and cannot time out and as set at the decision step 125, the monitoring of routine 124 continues. If the timer has not timed out, the reverse motor drive is created for fixed time and distance move as at 126 during which time the motor reverses drive rolls 2 and 3 a predetermined number of revolutions and stops. The distance moved and the motor position i5 stored in the program at 122 ~or initiating the ~irst indexing ~5 cycle. Thus, upon start up, the web 4 must be moved the wab length distance as set by the length input unit 2~ plus ~he additio'nal length created by web~ !
withdrawal.
When the next index cycle is generated by the rotating arm actuating of the start switch 17 at the end o~ a seal bar cycles, the index signal initiates the execution of the new program and moves the web 4 accordingly.
By recalculating of the index movement during each operation of the seal bar unit 5 and prior to the ~ 33~7~6 next index cycle, the operator can change the system on-line by merely resetting thumb wheel switch unit 24.
The slave motor 13 is driven in synchronism with motor 12. As shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, at the end drive program execution and the calculation of the profile for the next cycle, the profile and drive program i~ down loaded to the memory of the slave positioner 16, via the data link 32, as shown at 127 in Fig. 3~
As shown in Figs. 2b and 2c, the slave drive sy~tem includes a completely separate programmed positioner 16, but may and has been constructed with a computer or processor which is a complete duplicate of the system shown for the master controller 14 to allow reversal of the master and slave assignments.
The slave positioner in the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 4 does not execute the multiple passes of the program for calculating the acceleration rate and the like as shown at 95 through 104 of Figs. 3a and 3b~ Further, the program to be executed would not necessarily include the section for reversing of the bag and the like. The program execution is the same as in Figs. 3a and 3b and corresponding primed numbers are used in Flg. 4 for simplicity and description, with th~
variation required by the web length adjustment described, a5 shown in Figs. 1, 2a, 2b and 4.
The ~lave positioner is connected to the jog and aontinuous feed circuit to receiving corresponding ~ignals, as ~hown in Fig. 4. A trim drive ~ide tension potentiometer 130, ~orming a part o~ potentiometer unit 35, i8' connected in parallel with the signal portion of the jog and the continuou~ run potentiometers of the master positioner 15 to provide a balance signal input.
The potentiometer 130 com-pensates ~or positioning o~ an infeed-dancer unit and potentiometer ;~i.fU :L~ .f' ~3~7~

unit mounted to the infeed side of the feed rolls 2.
The potentiometer 130 is connected in the circuit of slave positioner 16 in the continuous run mode.
The slave positioner 16 further includes a separate profile modifying input port 131 connected to the tension potentiometer 35 of the dancer 33. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the potentiometer 35 includes a potentiometer winding 132 connected to the servo positioner port in series with appropriate resistors 133 connected to the opposite side of the potentiometer. The signal lead 134 of the potentiometer 35 is connected directly as an input to the servo positioner and introduces the analog voltage signal~ With the tap 134 at the center of th~
a~ c .potentiometer winding 132, as illustrated in ~ a zero or reference voltage signal is applied to the servo positioner 16 indicating a proper web length exists between the draw rolls 2 and 3. The slave motion profile for motor 13 is then the duplicate of the profile generated by the master servo positioner 15. If the dancer unit 35 moves to take up or release web, the reference roll unit 34 moves ~rom its re~erence posi~ion with a corresponding movement oE the potentiometer tap 134. Thus, i the web length increases, the potentiometer tAp move in one direction, Eor example, upwardly, on the potentiom~ter winding and propor~ionatel~ changes the analog voltage si~gnal to the slave positioner. The slave positioner in reading the voltage detects the change in value as corresponding to a proportionate length. The direction of change is also detected by the direction of the voltage change. The control signal information is that the web length has increased and that at the next index, the draw rolls 3 move a greater length of the web 4 to provide the desired positioning of the new web at the proper length between the draw rolls.
' -25- ~3~2~

Conversely, if the dancer has released web material thereby reducing the length from the preset length, the potentiometer tap moves in the opposite direction providing a corresponding proportional analog signal indicative of the reduced length to the slave positioner. At the final program step 123', the positioner 16 calculates the modified profile to automatically compensate for such reduced length and changes the profile to decrease the length of material moved by draw rolls 3 thereby resets the length of web between the nip rolls 2 and 3 to the proper length.
More particularly, with reference to Fig. 3, the only change in the master program includes the step 127 of down loading the calculated next profile program 1~ to the memory unit of the slave positioner 16, which is executed after calculating the next index profile.
The slave drive flow chart in Fig. 4 thus mimics the mas~er drive chart and if the proper length of web is present between the master draw rolls and the slave draw rolls executes the identical drive program. If there is any change in the web length, either longer or shorter, the output of the dancer potetltiometer 35 provides a modifying signal to the slave motor positioner 16, as shown in Fig. 4.
Referring to Fig. 5, the positioner 16 reads the set~ing o~ winding 132 poten~iometer unit 35 via the ~ignal line 37 ~Fig. 1), as at 135, and then proceeds to calculate and store the required distance or length o~ web change required, if any, as at 136. If any change is required, the positioner 16 calculates the next index top speed and acceleration and deceleration rates, as at 137 based on the modifying information from step 136 and the down-loaded information at step 138 which includes the web length and time for the next index as down-loaded from the master positioner 15.
:

., ~ . ~ , . . . . . . .

11 3327~6 The down-loaded index profile length is thereby directly modi~ied by the slave positioner 16 in accordance with the output voltage control sig~al of the dancer potentiometer 35.
The slave program maintains an identical start step 105' responsive to switch 17 but changes the profile within the available time to adjust the web length moved by the slave draw rolls 3 in relationship to the master draw rolls 2 so as to adjust the web length and reset the dancer position on the next subsequent index. Returning to the dancer potentiometer to the re~erence position on the next subsequent index resets the system such that the master positioner and the slave positioner duplicate programs such that the slave drive precisely mimics the indexing of the master servo drive.
The master positioner and the slave positioner can be set in the jog or thread position through the master switches, as previously described.
ln the illustrated embodiment of the invention, modifica~ion of the slave index pro~ile is shown responsive to the dancer potentiometer. Any other means of control including a manual input can be provided, in addition to or in place of the dancer potentiometer. Similarly, an analog signal yenerator or any other suitable voltage or other electrical control signal system can be incorporated for purpose~ oP
controlling the web ~eed in accordancQ with a change in the length of web between the two spaced draw rolls or other drive units.
Thus,~a non-contac~ sensing device can be coupled to the web to respond to the change in length. For example, a loop in the web can be created, the length of which will vary with the length of the web between the nip rolls. A non-contacting sensing devlce such as an ultrasonic sensor, a photodetector or even a thermosensor can be used to detect the location -27- ~3327~

o~ the loop and generate an output control signal to the slave positioner. In addition, a suitable tension measuring device can be coupled to the web between nips of the the draw rolls 2 and 3 or other drive units with a selection control to permit running with more or less tension than that set by the illustrated dancer unit Although shown in a web length control, the apparatus can be operated to establish and maintain a constant tension in the web. Thus~ if a web tension load cell is coupled to the web, the feed back signal can be applied to the web feed draw roll unit to vary the drive to maintain a particular tension on the web independent of t~le length of the web. Further, any other web characteristic could be monitored and used to lS control the web feed to maintain such characteristic in the dual web feed system.
Further, the dual drive system with the programmed positioning units may, by appropriate computer based systems, provide for direct communication between the positioning units such that the designated master positioning unit can monitor slave ~unctioning of the slave unit to insure proper drive of the web material by the otherwise two independent drlve.
Although the illustrated system also provides modification o~ the slave profile, the system by appropriate programming could provide modi~ication of either or both profiles. In addition, by use o~ a high speed computer based system, the drive units could be modified during the executed drive cycle in addition to or in place of the next cycle modification.

Claims (17)

1. A multiple drive apparatus for transport of successive predetermined lengths of a web, comprising a first and second drive units coupled to the web in longitudinally spaced relation for moving said web, separate control units for establishing a timed drive.
profile of the drive units including an acceleration and deceleration period to sequentially and cyclically move said web within a selected web moving period, a web length monitor unit coupled to said web between said first and second drive units to sense any change in the length of said web between said drive units, said monitor unit establishing an output signal proportional to the direction of the change and to the length of said change, at least one of said control units including a drive modifying unit connected to said monitor unit and responsive to said output signal to change the drive profile of the connected control unit for a subsequent succeeding web feed to compensate for the change in web length and move the web in accordance with the modified drive profile.

2. The multiple drive apparatus of claim 1 wherein said drive units include first and second web draw roll units coupled to the web is spaced relation, said separate drive units including a first servo drive unit connected to said first draw roll unit, a second servo drive unit connected to said second draw roll unit, said separate control units connected to the corresponding draw roll unit.

3. The drive apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first and second control units include programmable positioners having an output connected respectively to said first and second servo drive units and including corresponding drive profile programs, said monitor unit connected to one of said programmable positioners and having an internal program to modify said drive profile program.

4. The drive apparatus of claim 3 wherein said one programmable positioner includes a program coupled to said drive units to generate and drive profile program, and having a data transmitting unit connecting said programmable positioners and programmed to down load said drive profile program to said second servo drive unit and thereby duplicate said timed energization of said first servo drive unit.

5. A multiple drive apparatus for transport of successive predetermined lengths of a web, comprising a first web drive roll unit including a first drive control unit and a web coupling unit for moving the web, a second web drive unit including a second drive control unit and a web coupling unit for moving the web in spaced relation to said first web drive unit, a position control unit connected to said first drive control unit establishing a timed drive profile of the web coupling unit including an acceleration and deceleration period to move said web within a predetermined period of each cycle, a second position control unit connected to said second web coupling unit establishing a programmed drive section connected to said second drive control unit and programmed to duplicate said timed drive profile of said first web coupling unit, a web length monitor unit coupled to said web between said first and second drive units to sense any change in the length of said web, said monitor unit establishing an output signal proportional to the direction of the change and to the length of said change, one of said position control units including a drive modifying unit connected to said monitor unit and responsive to said output signal to change the drive profile of the one of said position control units for the next succeeding web feed to compensate for the change in web length and move the web in accordance with the modified drive profile.

6. A multiple drive apparatus for transport of successive predetermined lengths of a web in succeeding cycles each having a web moving period, comprising a first web draw roll unit coupled to the web, a second web draw roll unit coupled to the web in spaced relation to said first web draw roll unit, a first servo drive unit connected to said first draw roll unit, a second servo drive unit connected to said second draw roll unit, a programmed controller connected to said first servo drive unit for establishing a timed energization of the drive unit with a drive profile including an acceleration and deceleration period to move said web within the web moving period of each said cycle, a position control unit connected to said second servo drive unit and having a programmed drive section connected to said programmed controller and programmed to duplicate said drive profile of said first servo drive unit, a web length monitor unit engaging said web between said first and second draw roll units to sense any change in the length of said web, said monitor unit establishing an output signal proportional to the direction of the change and to the length of said change, said position control unit including a drive modifying unit connected to said monitor unit and responsive to said output signal to change the drive profile of the second servo drive unit for the next succeeding web feed to compensate for the change in webl length and move the web in accordance with the changed drive profile.

7. The multiple drive apparatus of claim 6 having a web cycle control unit including a web moving cycle and a web stop cycle and wherein said programmed controller is a programmable controller including a program generator for generating a drive defining said drive profile, said profile program for establishing said drive profile and having present length inputs and timing inputs from the web cycle control unit, said controller generating said drive during each stop cycle.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said position control unit is a programmable controller including a program generator with a time-motion profile generating program for generating said drive profile.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said programmed controller includes a drive program defining said drive profile and including a data link between said programmed controller and said position control unit to down-load said program to said position control unit.

10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said web length monitor unit includes a tension control unit engaging said web between said first and second draw roll units to sense any change in the length of said web, a signal generator coupled to said tension control unit and establishing said output signal proportional to the direction of the change and to the length of said change, said position control unit including a drive modifying unit connected to said signal generator to change said drive profile of said second servo drive unit.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said tension control unit is a dancer unit having a movable roll unit, and said signal generator is coupled to said movable roll units.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said signal generator is a potentiometer having a movable output tap connected to said position control unit.

13. A method of intermittently and cyclically moving a web of indefinite length and including spaced first and second drive units coupled to the web, comprising operating said drive units to move the web in a series of web feed cycles each having a fixed time, each of said drive units adapted to produce equal drive profiles including an acceleration period and a deceleration period for moving the web a predetermined length in each web feed cycle, monitoring the length of said web between said drive units during each web feed cycle, and modifying the drive profile of one of said drive units for the next succeeding web movement in the subsequent web feed cycle to compensate for any change in the length of said web from said predetermined length and thereby the position of said moving web in said subsequent web feed cycle.

14. The method of claim 13 having a tension control unit coupled between said first and second drive units to maintain a selected web tension and responding to a change in length of web by take-up and release of the web between said drive units, and wherein said monitoring step includes monitoring the state of said tension control unit and establishing an output signal proportional to said change in the length of the web, and said modifying drive profile is in accordance with said output signal and change in the tension control unit.

15. The method of claim 13 including generating a new web drive profile for the first drive unit during the movement of the web in a feed cycle for the next web feed cycle, duplicating said new web drive profile for the second of said drive units, and said modifying of the drive profile being impressed on the duplicated drive profile.

16. A method of intermittently and cyclically moving a web of indefinite length in a continuous series of cycles with each cycle including a stop web period and a move web period and having spaced first and second drive units coupled to the web and having a tension control unit coupled to the web between said spaced drive units, and said tension control unit having at least one moving member engaged by said web between said drive units and positioned by said web to maintain web tension with changes in web length between said drive units, each of said drive units having a power input controlling the output speed of the drive units, comprising operating said drive units and thereby moving the web including a first cycle, generating a drive power profile for energizing each of said drive units with varying energy input including an acceleration period and deceleration period to use a selective portion of the next move web period of the next cycle for moving the web, storing said drive power profile for said next move web period of the next cycle, monitoring the position of said moving member of said tension control unit during each cycle and establishing an output signal proportional to the change in the web length, and modifying the drive power profile of one of said drive units for the next move web period of the next cycle in accordance with said signal to compensate for any change in the position of said moving member.

17. In the method of claim 16 having a separate programmable controller unit for each of said drive units and establishing a varying energization for generating said drive profile, wherein said storing of said drive power profile and modifying the drive power profile for the next cycle includes operating one of said programmable controller units during web moving to generate a new program of the drive power profile for the next cycle, down-loading said new program to the second programmable controller, and said modifying step including modifying said down-loaded new program for the next cycle.