Abstract: A photo-fiber link glue control system (10) for accurately placing a pattern of glue on a sequential series of targets traveling with a conveyor (54) through the system (10). The system (10) includes an air reservoir (18) and a glue tank (24) for storing glue to be applied to the series of targets. A glue head (32) is connected to receive glue from the glue tank (24) for application to the series of targets. The lead and trailing edge of the target is detected by photo-eye sensors (44, 46) which generate a target position signal indicative of the sensed position. The pressure within the air reservoir (18) and glue tank (24) are monitored and a control device (36) stores a pattern in which the glue is to be applied to the target.

Abstract: An easy to use and inexpensive programmable electronic control system is provided for control of glue guns to spot glue on controllable positions on a carton blank, being conveyed past a glue station. The controls are synchronously related to the position of a workpiece on a conveyor platform by means of a rotary shaft in the conveyor mechanism to which a rotating timing wheel is coupled for precisely and synchronously identifying positions along the length of the workpiece. One or more solenoid actuated glue guns, may be positioned in preselected lanes across the width of the workpiece. By means of markers rotated by the timing wheel and an optical sensor coupled to a position adjacent the moving marker controls the glue dispensers. By means of a small diameter fiber link between the optical sensor and the marker, precise timing and control of glue dot positions is achieved for high fidelity and high speed response.