Systems and Methods of Feeding Hook Fastening Elements
AssigneeYKK Corporation
InventorsYoshiyuki Sho, Yoshifumi Nakata, Hisashi Yoneshima, Tomonari Yoshida, Takanori Yoshida
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Abstract
Systems and methods for introducing hook fastening elements into a mold traveling along a mold assembly line are disclosed. The system can be configured to cut hook fastening tape into strips having a predetermined length based on information received from the mold assembly line, and to drop the cut strips directly into the mold at the appropriate intervals as the mold travels along the mold assembly line. Also disclosed is a system for facilitating the continuous feeding of hook fastening tape through the system.
Claims15
A method for providing a plurality of strips of hook fastening tape to each of a plurality of molds moving along a mold assembly line, the method comprising:
- receiving information identifying a number of strips of hook fastening tape required for a selected mold, a length of the number of strips required for the selected mold, and an expected arrival time of the selected mold at a location proximate a cutter;
- cutting, by the cutter, from at least one spool of hook fastening tape the number of strips of hook fastening tape required for the selected mold and the length of each of the number of strips required for the selected mold based on the received information;
- and
- directing the cut number of strips into the selected mold.
A method of providing a plurality of strips of hook fastening tape to each of a plurality of molds in a mold assembly line, the method comprising:
- pulling, via a feeder, the hook fastening tape off of at least one spool and through the mold assembly line;
- detecting a relative amount of hook fastening tape moving through the mold assembly line;
- controlling operation of the feeder based on the detected relative amount;
- receiving information identifying a number of strips required for a selected mold, a length of the number of strips required for the selected mold, and an expected arrival time of the selected mold at a location proximate a cutter;
- cutting, via the cutter, the hook fastening tape received from the at least one spool into the plurality of strips of hook fastening tape based on the received information;
- and
- directing the cut number of strips into the selected mold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.