US 12,768,105 B2 · Mini-scan for dynamic correlation

Abstract

Correlating on-line scanning sensor readings to laboratory test results for the verification of accuracy and repeatability can be facilitated by changing the scanning parameters of the scanner so that it only scans a small portion of the sheet that is to be sampled. This feature makes the sensor's mini-scan readings more relevant and more likely to be a repeatable result. The entire dynamic correlation process achieves more reliable results in a shorter length of time. A technique of operating a continuous sheet making system that includes actuators and a downstream scanning sensor, includes: (a) measuring a sheet physical characteristic of the continuous sheet with the scanning sensor and displaying a cross directional profile of the measurements; (b) selecting a cross directional region within the profile; and (c) measuring the sheet physical characteristic with the scanning sensor within the region. The results from the mini-scanned are compared to laboratory analyses.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A method for manufacturing a continuous sheet product that moves in a machine direction (MD), the method comprising:

operating, by a processor, a scanning sensor, in a production mode, to periodically traverse back and forth across a width of a sheet in the cross direction (CD) to detect a first set of values of a selected sheet property;
operating, by the processor, the scanning sensor, in a verification mode, by changing a cross-directional width of each scan to be less than the width of the sheet to detect a second set of values of the selected sheet property, wherein one or more control functions associated with the scanning sensor in the production mode is suspended while the scanning sensor is operating in the verification mode;
identifying, by the processor, one or more actuators that are malfunctioning from a plurality of actuators extending in cross direction of the sheet based on at least the first set of values and the second set of values;
and
adjusting, by the processor, the one or more identified actuators based on at least the first set of values and the second set of values.

2 more elements

A method of measuring process variables in a continuous sheet process which has a machine direction and a cross direction (CD), which comprises:

providing an elongated member that supports a mounting head comprising a sensor;
activating a plurality of actuators to produce a moving sheet of material;
directing the moving sheet of material along a machine direction wherein the sheet has a first edge and a second edge and wherein the elongated member is positioned along a cross direction adjacent to the moving sheet of material;
maneuvering the mounting head back and forth between a first scanning position and a second scanning position such that the sensor measures a property of the sheet between the first edge and the second edge of the sheet of material and the sensor generates first signals corresponding to the measurements;
controlling at least one actuator of the plurality of actuators in response to the first signals;
stop controlling the at least one actuator in response to the first signals;
maneuvering the mounting head back and forth between a third scanning position and a fourth scanning position such that the sensor measures a property of the sheet within a region of the sheet of material that has a cross directional width that is less than 10% of a width of the moving sheet of material and the sensor generates second signals corresponding to the measurements;
obtaining samples of the sheet of material produced during the maneuvering;
analyzing the obtained samples to obtain test results;
comparing the test results to the second signals;
identifying one or more actuators that are malfunctioning from a plurality of actuators extending in cross direction of the sheet based on at least the first set of values and the second set of values;
and
adjusting the one or more identified actuators based on at least the first set of values and the second set of values.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mini-scan for dynamic correlation

Life of this patent

Mini-scan for dynamic correlation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18