Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring parallel loads on a common supply. An intermittent AC current is supplied to a plurality of load devices disposed in parallel on the common supply. A current sensor senses the current supplied to the load devices and provides a corresponding signal to a comparator. The comparator compares the sensed current with two values: a threshold load level of current corresponding to the operation of the plurality of load devices, and a threshold current level. An error signal is generated by a controller if the sensed current level is less than the threshold current level and if the sensed current is less than the threshold load level.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for heat sealing object(s) in various size pouches (10). A closed-loop temperature control system is provided for impulse sealing an open mouth of the pouch. The method includes calculating a heating-on time based on the difference between the actual temperature of the sealing jaw(s) and the desired temperature at which to heat seal the pouch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for sealing object(s) in various size pouches (10). The apparatus comprises a frame (54) having a support surface (56), a seal assembly (58) including upper and lower sealing jaws (44), a clamp assembly (60) including upper and lower clamping jaws (50), and a snorkel assembly (62) having a snorkel guide member (68) telescopically surrounding a probe (70). The clamp assembly secures the pouch, and the probe is inserted into the pouch to evacuate the air from the pouch. Once the air is evacuated, the seal assembly seals the pouch, and the clamp assembly then releases the pouch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing web cinching during unwinding of rolls of web material of indeterminate length. The position of the float frame or support member (36) of an accumulator (32) for the web is monitored and a proportional signal is sent to a comparator (52) which produces an increasing output signal as the float frame opens in the accumulator and a decreasing signal as the float frame closes. The output signal is fed to an integrator (66) which produces a gradually increasing or decreasing contol signal for a voltage to pressure transducer (70) which operates a pneumatic brake (74).

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention senses the time that it takes an automatic machine to assemble two or more parts and compares that time against a know time for correctly assembled parts. If the sensed time varies from the known time the attempted part assembly is rejected. A linear signal transducer is coupled to an assembler portion of the automatic machine to provide a signal indicative of the time it takes for the assembler portion to traverse its assembly distance. The provided signal is compared against a predetermined threshold signal for purposes of determining a variance corresponding to a defect in the assembly process.