Transitional product flow and adaptive control
US6119438A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B9/2007
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for feeding substantially free flowing solid product charges (P'") in a continuous vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine (10) is disclosed. Improved transitional product flow from the computerized weigher (W) to the bag former and closer is obtained by tracking and sampling the charges along the flow path. In the method, the steps include sensing the presence of the charges along the flow path at two locations, comparing each sensed charge presence to a defined time target that has previously been determined and adjusting at least one operating step in accordance with any deviation found to cause the charge or charges to approach the defined time target for optimum operation. Either a predictive time adaptive control (77) requiring operator input, or computer control (76) can be incorporated into the method. A series of product charge flow enhancers (102, 103; 131; 121) are provided along the flow path to assist in maintaining the charges within the time target.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.