Method and apparatus for on-line log diameter measurement and closed-loop control
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsKevin B. Sartain, Kevin A. Dewitt, Wael H. Elgamal, Richard M. Urquhart
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A measurement system for measuring a parameter of a log is provided. A measuring device produces an emission in a direction of the log. A portion of the emission measures the parameter, such as log diameter, and communicates the diameter to the measuring device, which in turn communicates the diameter to a controller to selectively adjust converting equipment to vary the diameter.
Claims50
A measurement system for measuring a parameter of a log of web material, the measurement system comprising:
- a measuring device configured to produce an emission in a direction of the log, a portion of the emission adapted for obstruction by the log, a remainder of the emission convertible into the parameter;
- and
- a controller in communication with the measuring device, the controller configured to receive the parameter and adjust formation of a subsequent log in response to the received parameter.
A laser measurement system for measuring a parameter of a log of web material in a packaging machine, the laser measurement system comprising:
- an emitter disposed proximate the log of web material, the emitter configured to emit a laser beam in a direction of the log for measuring the log without contact, a first portion of the laser beam blockable by a portion of the log;
- a receiver disposed apart from the emitter such that the log is movably disposed between the receiver and the emitter, the receiver configured to receive a second portion of the laser beam and convert the second portion into the parameter;
- and
- a controller in communication with the emitter and receiver, the controller configured to receive the parameter and provide a closed-loop control of a subsequent parameter of a subsequent log of web material.
A method for measuring a log in a nonwoven fibrous web manufacturing machine having a setpoint diameter, the method comprising the steps of:
- lasing the log by a laser light emitted from an emitter, a first portion of the laser light blocked by the log, a second portion of the laser light received by a receiver disposed apart from the emitter;
- converting the first and second portions into a measured diameter;
- comparing the setpoint diameter to the measured diameter;
- and
- closed loop adjusting a finishing station line setting in the web manufacturing machine to adjust the measured diameter when the measured diameter is different from the setpoint diameter.
A laser measurement system for measuring a parameter of a log disposed on a conveyor in a packaging machine adjustably controlled by a controller, the laser measurement system comprising:
- an emitter disposed proximate the log and configured to emit a laser beam in a direction of the log, a first portion of the laser beam arranged to be blocked by a part of the log for measuring the log;
- and
- a receiver disposed apart from the emitter such that the log is movably disposed between the receiver and the emitter, the receiver configured to receive the second portion of the laser beam for conversion into the parameter, wherein the controller is in communication with the emitter and the receiver, the controller configured to receive the parameter and provide a closed-loop control of a subsequent parameter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.