Warp detection and correction in traveling multi-layer product
AssigneeIntpro, LLC
InventorsMark H. Kohler, Herbert B. Kohler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of correcting post-warp in a multi-layer product under prevailing conditions includes detecting an initial warp value of the multi-layer product indicative of an initial degree of warpage therein. A moisture-conditioning setpoint is selected from among a plurality of moisture-conditioning setpoints that have been correlated to respective initial warp values and their associated post-warp values for prior-made multi-layer products, based on a comparison between the detected initial warp value and the respective initial warp values in the database. Further, the method includes adjusting a moisture content in at least one layer of the multi-layer product according to the selected moisture-conditioning setpoint.
Claims18
A method of correcting post-warp in a multi-layer product under prevailing conditions, the method comprising:
- detecting an initial warp value of the multi-layer product indicative of an initial degree of warpage therein;
- selecting a first moisture-conditioning setpoint based on a database correlating a plurality of moisture-conditioning setpoints to respective initial warp values and their associated post-warp values for prior-made multi-layer products, said post-warp values being indicative of a degree of post-warp in the respective prior-made multi-layer products, wherein said selection is based on a comparison between the detected initial warp value and the respective initial warp values in the database;
- and
- adjusting a moisture content in a first layer of the multi-layer product according to the selected first moisture-conditioning setpoint,
- wherein the multi-layer product is not in contact with any solid surface at a location where the initial warp value thereof is detected.
A method of correcting post-warp in a multi-layer product under prevailing conditions, the method comprising:
- detecting an initial warp value of the multi-layer product indicative of an initial degree of warpage therein;
- enhancing the degree of warpage of the multi-layer product prior to or during detecting the initial warp value;
- selecting a first moisture-conditioning setpoint based on a database correlating a plurality of moisture-conditioning setpoints to respective initial warp values and their associated post-warp values for prior-made multi-layer products, said post-warp values being indicative of a degree of post-warp in the respective prior-made multi-layer products, wherein said selection is based on a comparison between the detected initial warp value and the respective initial warp values in the database;
- and
- adjusting a moisture content in a first layer of the multi-layer product according to the selected first moisture-conditioning setpoint,
- wherein the degree of warpage is enhanced via a cushion of air emitted from a flotation column that reduces a radius of curvature in, thereby enhancing warpage of, the multi-layer product in a cross-travel direction thereof.
A method of correcting post-warp in a multi-layer product under prevailing conditions, the method comprising:
- detecting an initial warp value of the multi-layer product indicative of an initial degree of warpage therein;
- selecting a first moisture-conditioning setpoint based on a database correlating a plurality of moisture-conditioning setpoints to respective initial warp values and their associated post-warp values for prior-made multi-layer products, said post-warp values being indicative of a degree of post-warp in the respective prior-made multi-layer products, wherein said selection is based on a comparison between the detected initial warp value and the respective initial warp values in the database;
- and
- adjusting a moisture content in a first layer of the multi-layer product according to the selected first moisture-conditioning setpoint,
- wherein the initial warp value is detected by a warp detection apparatus, and wherein the initial warp value is detected at a location where the multi-layer product is supported by a cushion of air.
An apparatus for producing a multi-layer product, comprising:
- a moisture conditioning apparatus for adjusting a moisture content in a layer of the multi-layer product prior to assembly of the multi-layer product;
- a flotation column operable to support the multi-layer product at a variable height above the flotation column on a cushion of air;
- a warp detection apparatus;
- and
- a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a database and a program, said program comprising instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor of an electronic device, causes the electronic device to:
- detect an initial warp value of the multi-layer product via the warp detection apparatus that is indicative of a degree of warpage therein under prevailing conditions;
- select a moisture-conditioning setpoint based on a database correlating a plurality of moisture-conditioning setpoints to respective initial warp values and their associated post-warp values for prior-made multi-layer products, said post-warp values being indicative of a degree of post-warp in the respective prior-made multi-layer products, wherein said selection is based on a comparison between the detected initial warp value and the respective initial warp values in said database;
- and
- adjust the moisture content in the layer via the moisture conditioning apparatus according to the selected moisture-conditioning setpoint.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.