Method and apparatus for managing box-finishing machine
AssigneeSun Automation, Inc.
InventorsTheodore Hartka, Louis M. Sardella
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computer network is used to manage and monitor operation of a box-finishing machine which prints information on and cuts or creases corrugated boards to be formed into boxes. The equipment used on the machine is provided with radio frequency information tags detected by an electronic reader which transmits the identification to a computer so that it can be determined by an operator that sufficient equipment is in storage and staging areas for use on the machine. Several computer terminals are provided at different areas throughout a plant so that access is easily provided to different personnel.
Claims16
In combination with a box finishing machine having a printer for printing information on boards processed by the machine, and a die for cutting or scoring the boards, and a designated staging area for receiving a cutting die, printing plate and printing an ink container prior to being placed in position on the machine for use on the machine;
- a system for monitoring the presence of at least one of a cutting die, printing plate, and printing ink container at the staging area for use in the machine, at least one of said cutting die, printing plate and printing ink container having electronic indicia means for responding to electronic signals and producing an electronic code signal, an electronic reader aimed at the staging area for receiving the code signals, and means including a computer for receiving the signals from the reader and recording the presence of at least one of said cutting die, printing plate and printing ink container at the staging area.
A method of managing a box finishing machine which has a printer including a printing plate for printing information on boards processed by the machine, and a die for cutting or creasing the board;
- the steps comprising designating a staging area for receiving equipment prior to using the equipment on the machine, providing a computer having a program for scheduling the jobs to be run on the machine, providing the computer with a program for detecting the presence at said area of equipment needed for a job to be run on the machine, providing electronic signal-emitting indicia on the equipment, and providing electronic means aimed at said area for reading and transmitting a signal from the indicia to the computer whereby the computer will have information indicating whether or not the equipment is at said area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.