CA2614651A1 - Computer controlled cushioning conversion machine - Google Patents
Computer controlled cushioning conversion machine Download PDFInfo
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- CA2614651A1 CA2614651A1 CA002614651A CA2614651A CA2614651A1 CA 2614651 A1 CA2614651 A1 CA 2614651A1 CA 002614651 A CA002614651 A CA 002614651A CA 2614651 A CA2614651 A CA 2614651A CA 2614651 A1 CA2614651 A1 CA 2614651A1
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- assembly
- cushioning
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- machine
- stock material
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Abstract
A cushioning conversion machine having a feed apparatus for feeding stock through the machine and converting it to a cushioning product, a cutting assembly for cutting the cushioning product and a controller which includes a plurality of sensing devices for sensing the occurrence of predetermined events, a plurality of output ports for controlling one of a plurality of possible cutting assemblies which may be employed with the cushioning conversion machine, a selector switch for selecting one of a plurality of control options, and a processor for controlling the employed cutting assembly in accordance with events detected by the sensing devices and the control option selected.
Claims (48)
1. A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product; said machine comprising;
a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material;
a stock supply assembly, positioned upstream of the forming assembly, which supplies the stock material to the forming assembly;
a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which feeds the stock material to the forming assembly and which may be operated in a plurality of pre-programmed modes of operation, wherein each of said plurality of modes of operation is controllable to produce cushioning products of different lengths;
a sensing device which detects the occurrence of at least one predetermined event;
a controller which controls operation of the feed assembly, the controller including;
a selecting device which selects the mode of operation of the feed assembly;
a central processing device which generates control signals based on the selected mode of operation and the detection of the at least one predetermined event, said central processing device being controllable in each said mode of operation to produce cushioning products of different lengths;
and a controlling device which controls the feed assembly in accordance with the generated control signals.
a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material;
a stock supply assembly, positioned upstream of the forming assembly, which supplies the stock material to the forming assembly;
a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which feeds the stock material to the forming assembly and which may be operated in a plurality of pre-programmed modes of operation, wherein each of said plurality of modes of operation is controllable to produce cushioning products of different lengths;
a sensing device which detects the occurrence of at least one predetermined event;
a controller which controls operation of the feed assembly, the controller including;
a selecting device which selects the mode of operation of the feed assembly;
a central processing device which generates control signals based on the selected mode of operation and the detection of the at least one predetermined event, said central processing device being controllable in each said mode of operation to produce cushioning products of different lengths;
and a controlling device which controls the feed assembly in accordance with the generated control signals.
2. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a cutting assembly, positioned downstream of the forming assembly, which cuts a continuous strip of dunnage into sections of a desired length; and wherein the controlling device also controls the cutting assembly in accordance with the generated signals.
3. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the processing device also determines machine status and improper operation of the feed assembly for the selected mode of operation and generates signals in accordance with such machine status and improper operation and wherein the machine further comprises a displaying device which displays codes corresponding to the generated signals for machine status and improper operation.
4. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the processing device also determines machine status and improper operation of the cutting assembly and generates signals in accordance with such machine status and improper operation and wherein the machine further comprises a displaying device which displays codes corresponding to the generated signals for machine status and improper operation.
5. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
the sensing device includes an input device for selecting the desired product length whereby the predetermined event is the input of the selected product length in-to the input device; and the controlling device controls the feed assembly to convert the sheet-like stock material into a predetermined number of cushioning products of the selected product length.
the sensing device includes an input device for selecting the desired product length whereby the predetermined event is the input of the selected product length in-to the input device; and the controlling device controls the feed assembly to convert the sheet-like stock material into a predetermined number of cushioning products of the selected product length.
6. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein the input device includes a panel having a plurality of inputs corresponding to predetermined product lengths.
7. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in either claim 5 or 6 wherein the generated signals activate the feed assembly for a period of time corresponding to the selected product length.
8. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a cutting assembly which cuts the strip of dunnage and wherein the generated signals activate the cutting assembly after the feed assembly has been activated for the period of time corresponding to the selected product length.
9. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 7 wherein:
the machins further includes a dispensing zone into which the feed assembly dispenses the cushioning product and wherein;
one of the modes of operation is a mode in which the feed assembly is activated only in the absence of cushioning product in the dispensing zone;
the sensing device includes a sensor which detects the absence of cushioning product in the dispensing zone whereby the predetermined event is the absence of cushioning product in the dispensing zone; and the generated signals activate the feed assembly to convert the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product in the absence of cushioning product in the dispensing zone.
the machins further includes a dispensing zone into which the feed assembly dispenses the cushioning product and wherein;
one of the modes of operation is a mode in which the feed assembly is activated only in the absence of cushioning product in the dispensing zone;
the sensing device includes a sensor which detects the absence of cushioning product in the dispensing zone whereby the predetermined event is the absence of cushioning product in the dispensing zone; and the generated signals activate the feed assembly to convert the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product in the absence of cushioning product in the dispensing zone.
10. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 9 wherein:
the sensing device also includes an Input device for selecting the product length whereby the predetermined event is also the input of the selected product length into the input device; and the controlling device activates the feed assembly to convert the sheet-like stock material into a single cushioning product of the selected product length in the absence of cushioning product in the dispensing zone.
the sensing device also includes an Input device for selecting the product length whereby the predetermined event is also the input of the selected product length into the input device; and the controlling device activates the feed assembly to convert the sheet-like stock material into a single cushioning product of the selected product length in the absence of cushioning product in the dispensing zone.
11. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 10 further including a cutting assembly which cuts a strip of dunnage and wherein the controlling device activates the cutting assembly after the feed assembly has converted the sheet-like stock material into the cushioning product of the selected length.
12. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a cutting assembly which cuts a continuous strip of dunnage and wherein:
one of the modes of operation is a mode in which the stock material is converted into cushioning product of a desired length and the cutting assembly is automatically activated after such conversion;
the controlling device activates the feed assembly to convert the sheet-like stock material into the cushioning product of the desired length;
the sensing device detects deactivation of the feed assembly whereby the predetermined event is deactivation of the feed assembly; and the controlling device activates the cutting assembly upon deactivation of the cutting assembly.
one of the modes of operation is a mode in which the stock material is converted into cushioning product of a desired length and the cutting assembly is automatically activated after such conversion;
the controlling device activates the feed assembly to convert the sheet-like stock material into the cushioning product of the desired length;
the sensing device detects deactivation of the feed assembly whereby the predetermined event is deactivation of the feed assembly; and the controlling device activates the cutting assembly upon deactivation of the cutting assembly.
13. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 12 wherein:
the sensing device also includes an input device for selecting the product length whereby the predetermined event is also the input of the selected product length into the input device.
the sensing device also includes an input device for selecting the product length whereby the predetermined event is also the input of the selected product length into the input device.
14. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a cutting assembly which cuts a strip of dunnage and wherein:
one of the modes of operation is a mode in which a cushioning product of a desired length is converted after each deactivation of the cutting assembly;
the sensing device includes a sensor for sensing deactivation of the cutting assembly whereby the predetermined event is deactivation of the cutting assembly; and the controlling device activates the feed assembly upon deactivation of the cutting assembly.
one of the modes of operation is a mode in which a cushioning product of a desired length is converted after each deactivation of the cutting assembly;
the sensing device includes a sensor for sensing deactivation of the cutting assembly whereby the predetermined event is deactivation of the cutting assembly; and the controlling device activates the feed assembly upon deactivation of the cutting assembly.
15. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 14 wherein the sensing device additionally includes an input device for selecting the product length whereby the predetermined event is also the input of the selected product length into the input device.
16. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in either of claims 14 or 15 wherein;
the made further allows selection of the number of cushioning products to be converted;
the sensing device includes a counter input for inputting the number of cushioning products to be converted; and the controlling device activates the feed assembly upon deactivation of the cutting assembly until the stock material has been converted into the inputted number of cushioning products.
the made further allows selection of the number of cushioning products to be converted;
the sensing device includes a counter input for inputting the number of cushioning products to be converted; and the controlling device activates the feed assembly upon deactivation of the cutting assembly until the stock material has been converted into the inputted number of cushioning products.
17. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein the controller further includes a displaying device which displays codes corresponding to the selected the mode of operation.
16. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 1 or claim 12 wherein:
the sensing device includes a foot switch for depression by an operator; and the controlling device activates the feed assembly upon depression of the foot switch and deactivates the feed assembly upon release of the foot switch.
the sensing device includes a foot switch for depression by an operator; and the controlling device activates the feed assembly upon depression of the foot switch and deactivates the feed assembly upon release of the foot switch.
19. A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product, the machine comprising;
a forming assembly for forming the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage;
a stack supply assembly, positioned upstream of the forming assembly, which supplies the stock material to the forming assembly;
a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly;
a cutting assembly, positioned downstream of the forming assembly, which cuts the strip of dunnage into sections of a desired length; and a controller which controls the feed assembly and the cutting assembly, the controller including;
a plurality of sensing devices for sensing the occurrence of predetermined events;
a plurality of output ports for controlling one of a plurality of possible cutting assemblies which may be employed with the cushioning conversion machine;
a selector switch for selecting one of a plurality of control options;
and a processor for controlling the employed cutting assembly in accordance with events detected by the sensing devices and the control option selected.
a forming assembly for forming the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage;
a stack supply assembly, positioned upstream of the forming assembly, which supplies the stock material to the forming assembly;
a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly;
a cutting assembly, positioned downstream of the forming assembly, which cuts the strip of dunnage into sections of a desired length; and a controller which controls the feed assembly and the cutting assembly, the controller including;
a plurality of sensing devices for sensing the occurrence of predetermined events;
a plurality of output ports for controlling one of a plurality of possible cutting assemblies which may be employed with the cushioning conversion machine;
a selector switch for selecting one of a plurality of control options;
and a processor for controlling the employed cutting assembly in accordance with events detected by the sensing devices and the control option selected.
20. A method of making a cushioning product, said method comprising the steps of;
providing a sheet-like stock material;
converting the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product monitoring the stock usage of the cushioning conversion machine;
generating signaIs in accordance with such amount;
storing the generated signals; and retrieving the stored signals to determine usage of the cushioning conversion machine;
wherein the converting step is accomplished by a cushioning conversion machine including conversion assemblies and a stock supply assembly which supplies the sheet-like stack material to the conversion assemblies; and wherein the conversion assemblies include a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage and a feed assembly which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly.
providing a sheet-like stock material;
converting the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product monitoring the stock usage of the cushioning conversion machine;
generating signaIs in accordance with such amount;
storing the generated signals; and retrieving the stored signals to determine usage of the cushioning conversion machine;
wherein the converting step is accomplished by a cushioning conversion machine including conversion assemblies and a stock supply assembly which supplies the sheet-like stack material to the conversion assemblies; and wherein the conversion assemblies include a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage and a feed assembly which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly.
21. A method as set forth In claim 20 wherein the monitoring step includes tracking the amount of stock material fed to the forming assembly.
2Z. A method as set forth in claim 21 wherein the tracking step comprises the step of directly measuring the length of the stock material fed to the forming assembly.
23. A method as set forth in claim 20 wherein the monitoring step includes tracking the amount of dunnage produced by the conversion assemblies.
24. A method as set forth in any of claims 20-23 wherein the retrieving step is performed at a location remote from the cushioning conversion machine.
25. A method of making cushioning product, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a sheet-like stock material;
using a cushioning conversion machine to convert the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product, the machine including a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage; a stack supply assembly, positioned upstream of the farming assembly, which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the forming assembly; a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which feeds the sheet-like stock material to the forming assembly; a cutting assembly, positioned downstream of the forming assembly, which cuts the strip of dunnage into sections of a desired length;
monitoring the operational status of the machine;
generating signals in accordance with such status storing the generated signals; and retrieving the stored signals for diagnostic purposes.
providing a sheet-like stock material;
using a cushioning conversion machine to convert the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product, the machine including a forming assembly which forms the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage; a stack supply assembly, positioned upstream of the farming assembly, which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the forming assembly; a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which feeds the sheet-like stock material to the forming assembly; a cutting assembly, positioned downstream of the forming assembly, which cuts the strip of dunnage into sections of a desired length;
monitoring the operational status of the machine;
generating signals in accordance with such status storing the generated signals; and retrieving the stored signals for diagnostic purposes.
26. A method as set forth in claim 25 wherein the monitoring step includes detecting machine operational errors.
27. A method as set forth in claim 25 wherein the monitoring step includes recording timed events.
28. A method as set forth in claim 27 wherein the conversion assemblies may be operated in a plurality of operational modes and wherein the recording step includes tracking the time the conversion assemblies are operated in each of the operational modes,
29. A method of making a cushioning product, the method comprising the steps of:
providing en encoded sheet-like stock material having information imprinted thereon;
retrieving the information printed on the sheet-like stock material; and converting the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product;
wherein the converting step is accomplished by providing a cushioning conversion machine including;
a forming assembly which forms the encoded sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional atrip of dunnage;
a stock supply assembly, positioned upstream of the forming assembly, which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the forming assembly; and a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly.
providing en encoded sheet-like stock material having information imprinted thereon;
retrieving the information printed on the sheet-like stock material; and converting the sheet-like stock material into a cushioning product;
wherein the converting step is accomplished by providing a cushioning conversion machine including;
a forming assembly which forms the encoded sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional atrip of dunnage;
a stock supply assembly, positioned upstream of the forming assembly, which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the forming assembly; and a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly.
30. A method as set forth in claim 29 wherein the sheet-like stock material is encoded with stock-source information.
31. A method as set forth in claim 29 wherein the sheet-like stock material is encoded with stock-type information.
32. A method as set forth in claim 29 wherein the sheet-like stock material is encoded with length-determining Information.
30a
30a
33. A method as set forth in claim 29 wherein the cushioning conversion machine includes a non-volatile memory and wherein the method further comprises the step of storing the retrieved information in the non-volatile memory.
34. A method as set forth in any of claims 29-33 further comprising the steps of:
decoding the retrieved information; and selectively controlling operation of the cushioning conversion machine as a function of the decoded information.
decoding the retrieved information; and selectively controlling operation of the cushioning conversion machine as a function of the decoded information.
35. A method as set forth in claim 34 wherein the selectively controlling step includes selectively controlling the feed assembly of the cushioning conversion machine.
36. A cushioning conversion network comprising a plurality of cushioning conversion machines and a control system;
each of the cushioning conversion machines including:
a forming assembly which forms a sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage;
a stock supply assembly, positioned upstream of the forming assembly, which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the forming assembly: and a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which advances the stock material through the forming assembly;
the control system controlling in coordination the activation/deactivation of the feed assemblies of each of the machines.
each of the cushioning conversion machines including:
a forming assembly which forms a sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage;
a stock supply assembly, positioned upstream of the forming assembly, which supplies the sheet-like stock material to the forming assembly: and a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which advances the stock material through the forming assembly;
the control system controlling in coordination the activation/deactivation of the feed assemblies of each of the machines.
37. A cushioning conversion network as set forth in claim 36 wherein the control system comprises a controller for each machine.
38. A cushioning conversion network as set forth in claim 37 wherein the control system includes a supervisory controller in communication with the controller for each machine.
39. A method of using the cushioning conversion network of claim 38 to produce cushioning product, said method comprising the steps of:
providing each of the machines with a sheet-like stock material;
inputing to supervisory controller of the amount of cushioning product production necessary; and using the supervisory controller to allocate production between the machines.
providing each of the machines with a sheet-like stock material;
inputing to supervisory controller of the amount of cushioning product production necessary; and using the supervisory controller to allocate production between the machines.
40. A method as set forth in claim 39 wherein the using step comprises the steps of:
notifying the supervisory controller when one of the machine encounters a fault condition;
30b using the supervisory controller to bypass the machine encountering the fault condition;
and using the supervisory controller to reallocate work previously allocated to the bypassed machine.
notifying the supervisory controller when one of the machine encounters a fault condition;
30b using the supervisory controller to bypass the machine encountering the fault condition;
and using the supervisory controller to reallocate work previously allocated to the bypassed machine.
41. A cushioning conversion network as set forth in claim 37 wherein the controller of each machine is in communication with the controller of at least one other machine for communication between the controllers.
42, A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stack material into a section of dunnage for a particular container, the machine comprising;
a forming assembly which converts the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage;
a stock supply assembly, positioned upstream of the forming assembly, which supplies the stock material to the forming assembly;
a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly; and a cutting assembly, positioned downstream of the forming assembly, which cuts a section of the strip of dunnage;
a probe which determines the packaging requirements of the container;
a processor which determines the required dunnage section to satisfy the packaging requirements determined by the probe; and a controller which controls the feed assembly and the cutting assembly to produce the required dunnage section as determined by the processor.
a forming assembly which converts the sheet-like stock material into a three-dimensional strip of dunnage;
a stock supply assembly, positioned upstream of the forming assembly, which supplies the stock material to the forming assembly;
a feed assembly, positioned downstream of the stock supply assembly, which feeds the stock material through the forming assembly; and a cutting assembly, positioned downstream of the forming assembly, which cuts a section of the strip of dunnage;
a probe which determines the packaging requirements of the container;
a processor which determines the required dunnage section to satisfy the packaging requirements determined by the probe; and a controller which controls the feed assembly and the cutting assembly to produce the required dunnage section as determined by the processor.
43. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 42 wherein the probe includes a bar code reader which reads encoded information from a bar code associated with the container.
44. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 42 wherein the probe includes a plunger.
45. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 42 wherein the probe includes an optical device which optically measures the volume of the container.
46. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 42 wherein the probe Includes an ultrasonic device which measures the volume of the container,
47. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 42 wherein the probe includes a device using machine vision to measure the volume of the container.
30c
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48. A cushioning conversion machine as set forth in claim 42 wherein the controller employs pattern recognition techniques to determine the volume of the container requiring cushioning.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US27914994A | 1994-07-22 | 1994-07-22 | |
| US08/279,149 | 1994-07-22 | ||
| US08/482,015 | 1995-06-07 | ||
| US08/482,015 US5897478A (en) | 1994-07-22 | 1995-06-07 | Cushioning conversion machine and method using encoded stock material |
| CA002195660A CA2195660C (en) | 1994-07-22 | 1995-07-21 | Computer controlled cushioning conversion machine |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002195660A Division CA2195660C (en) | 1994-07-22 | 1995-07-21 | Computer controlled cushioning conversion machine |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2614651A1 true CA2614651A1 (en) | 1996-02-08 |
| CA2614651C CA2614651C (en) | 2010-03-23 |
Family
ID=39326010
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2614651A Expired - Fee Related CA2614651C (en) | 1994-07-22 | 1995-07-21 | Computer controlled cushioning conversion machine |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2614651C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102019134754A1 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2021-06-17 | Sprick Gmbh Bielefelder Papier- Und Wellpappenwerke & Co. | PACKAGING MATERIAL MANUFACTURING MACHINE, COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES AND RETROFITTING PROCEDURES |
-
1995
- 1995-07-21 CA CA2614651A patent/CA2614651C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102019134754A1 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2021-06-17 | Sprick Gmbh Bielefelder Papier- Und Wellpappenwerke & Co. | PACKAGING MATERIAL MANUFACTURING MACHINE, COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES AND RETROFITTING PROCEDURES |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2614651C (en) | 2010-03-23 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20150721 |