Air cushion inflation machine
AssigneeAutomated Packaging Systems, Inc.
InventorsLarry Chuba, Lawrence Valenti, David Romo, Michael Riccardi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A methods of executing start, run, and stop sequences on a machine for converting a web of preformed pouches into inflated dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance from an inflation edge.
Claims15
A method for executing a start sequence on a machine for converting a web of pouch type or wrap type material into inflated dunnage units, the method comprising the steps of:
- changing sealing elements from an idle temperature to a sealing temperature set point using a temperature control arrangement;
- pre-inflating the pouch type or wrap type material using an inflation arrangement;
- closing the sealing elements;
- determining a measured temperature of the sealing elements relative to the sealing element temperature set point;
- advancing the web of material through the sealing elements at an advancing speed that is based on the measured temperature of the sealing elements;
- changing a blower speed of the inflation arrangement if the measured temperature of the sealing element is lower than the sealing element temperature set point;
- comparing the advancing speed to a predetermined advancing speed set point;
- and
- changing the blower speed if the advancing speed is lower than the predetermined advancing speed set point.
A method of executing run and stop sequences on a machine for converting a web of pouch type or wrap type material into inflated dunnage units, wherein control of a sealing arrangement, an inflation arrangement, and drive rollers are interrelated, the method comprising the steps of:
- setting a belt speed and inflation device speed based on a current temperature of a heating device;
- updating the belt speed and inflation device speed based on the current temperature if a set point of a sealing element or a set point of the inflation arrangement is changed;
- retrieving the updated sealing element set point or the updated inflation arrangement set point;
- resetting the belt speed and inflation device speed based on the current temperature of the heating device;
- determining whether the sealing element has reached a set point temperature;
- updating the belt speed and inflation device speed;
- stopping at least one belt with a belt speed control;
- braking the inflation arrangement;
- confirming that the at least one belt has stopped;
- and
- confirming that the inflation arrangement has stopped.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.