Dunnage conversion machine jam-detection system and method
AssigneeRanpak Corp.
InventorsKevin W. Park, Roger G. Fischer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A jam-sensing method for a dunnage conversion machine includes the following steps: (a) converting a stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage material having characteristics that vary along the length of the dunnage material; (b) sensing the characteristics of the dunnage material; (c) generating a signal that varies as a function of the sensed characteristics; (d) monitoring the generated signal over time; and (e) generating a control signal when variation in the generated signal within a predetermined period is less than a predetermined amount, which would indicate a lack of movement of the material. This control signal can used to shut down the conversion process, thereby minimizing the extent of the jam condition.
Claims20
A method for detecting longitudinal movement of a material having a varying surface profile, comprising the steps of:
- sensing the profile of a surface of a continuous strip of material having a variable surface profile;
- generating a signal that varies as a function of the sensed profile;
- monitoring the varying signal over time;
- and
- generating a control signal when variation in the signal within a predetermined
- period is less than a predetermined amount, which would indicate a lack of movement of the material.
A dunnage conversion machine, comprising
- a conversion assembly for converting a sheet material into a relatively less dense dunnage material having a nonplanar surface with a longitudinally variable profile and longitudinally advancing the dunnage material along a path;
- and
- a sensor adjacent the path that is configured to sense the profile of the surface of the dunnage material on the path and to produce a corresponding signal that varies as a function of the sensed surface profile of the dunnage material;
- and
- a controller configured to monitor the signal produced by the sensor for changes over time to detect longitudinal motion of the dunnage material, and to generate a control signal when variation in the signal within a predetermined period is less than a predetermined amount, which would indicate a lack of movement of the material, the controller being in communication with the conversion assembly so that the controller can stop the conversion assembly in response to the control signal.
A method for identifying a jam state in a dunnage conversion machine, comprising the steps of:
- converting a stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage material having characteristics that vary along the length of the dunnage material;
- sensing the characteristics of the dunnage material;
- generating a signal that varies as a function of the sensed characteristics;
- monitoring the generated signal over time;
- and
- generating a control signal when variation in the generated signal within a predetermined period is less than a predetermined amount, which would indicate a lack of movement of the material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.