Apparatus and method for automatically generating a cam cycle representing control signals used to execute a cam profile representing moyion of a hook for folding a back flap of a carton

A method of determining when to trigger a hook for folding a back flap of a moving carton such that the hook strikes the back flap at a strike point for folding, comprising:

• detecting an edge of a back flap of a moving carton;
• providing, based upon the detecting and a value related to a length of the back flap, a first signal for initiating rotation of the hook to strike the back flap at the strike point for folding the back flap;
• and
• providing a second signal to stop rotation of the hook upon completion of the folding of the back flap.

A method of determining when to trigger a hook for folding a back flap of a moving carton such that the hook strikes the back flap at a strike point for folding, comprising:

• generating a cam cycle, representing a pattern of rotation of the hook, based at least in part upon a value related to a length of a back flap to be folded;
• initiating the cam cycle based upon an event related to detection of the back flap;
• and
• stopping the cam cycle based upon receiving an indication of a particular rotational position of the hook.

An apparatus for determining when to trigger a hook for folding a back flap of a moving carton such that the hook strikes the back flap at a strike point for folding, comprising:

• an input connection for use in receiving values representing parameters relating to determining when to trigger the hook, at least one of the values being related a length of the back flap;
• an output connection;
• and
• a controller, coupled to the input connection and the output connection, for determining, based upon the values, when to trigger the hook such that the hook strikes the back flap at the strike point and for providing at the output connection a signal to a motor controlling the hook in order to trigger the hook.

A computer program product, comprising:

• a computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer system to perform a method of determining when to trigger a hook for folding a back flap of a moving carton such that the hook strikes the back flap at a strike point for folding, the method including:
• receiving at least one value representing at least one parameter relating to determining when to trigger the hook, the at least one value being related to a length of the back flap;
• determining, based upon the at least one value, when to trigger the hook such that the hook strikes the back flap at the strike point;
• and
• storing the at least one value for use in triggering the hook to fold the back flap.

A system determining when to trigger a hook for folding a back flap of a moving carton such that the hook strikes the back flap at a strike point for folding, comprising:

• a carton folding machine for automatically folding cartons as the cartons move through the machine;
• and
• a backfold apparatus associated with the carton folding machine, the backfold apparatus including:
• an input connection for use in receiving values representing parameters relating to determining when to trigger the hook, at least one of the values being related a length of the back flap;
• an output connection;
• and
• a controller, coupled to the input connection and the output connection, for determining, based upon the values, when to trigger the hook such that the hook strikes the back flap at the strike point and for providing at the output connection a signal to a motor controlling the hook in order to trigger the hook.