Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding substantially free flowing solid product charges (P'") in a continuous vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine (10) is disclosed. Improved transitional product flow from the computerized weigher (W) to the bag former and closer is obtained by tracking and sampling the charges along the flow path. In the method, the steps include sensing the presence of the charges along the flow path at two locations, comparing each sensed charge presence to a defined time target that has previously been determined and adjusting at least one operating step in accordance with any deviation found to cause the charge or charges to approach the defined time target for optimum operation. Either a predictive time adaptive control (77) requiring operator input, or computer control (76) can be incorporated into the method. A series of product charge flow enhancers (102, 103; 131; 121) are provided along the flow path to assist in maintaining the charges within the time target.

Abstract: The integrity of a seal in packaging film is monitored during packaging of loose, free flowing product and adaptive control of the packaging method/apparatus is provided in response to the determination made. The pressure being exerted between the sealing jaws upon reaching a closed position and the seal being formed is monitored and analyzed to evaluate the seal integrity in a dedicated microprocessor. An adaptive, real time signal is provided to a CPU/controller to adjust the relative product flow and packaging film movement.

Abstract: An improved stripping and sealing operation in a form, fill and seal packaging system is provided. Stepper and servo motors are computer controlled including by a 3-axis coordinator operating the X and Y motion of the sealing jaws, as well as the Y' motion of the film/tube feed. The Y motion is provided by oscillatory driving movement of the carriage to move the stripper/sealing jaws in a substantially constant modified sine wave profile. The Y' motion is variable and tracks the carriage to precisely size and form the bag. Blousing is also provided by tube/carriage relative motion also induced by varying the film/tube feed.

Abstract: A multiflavor beverage dispenser comprises a microprocessor system for controlling the ratio of diluent to concentrate of a post-mix beverage. The system includes a compact flow rate control module for selectively controlling the flow rates of liquids in a plurality of flow passages leading to nozzle assemblies of the dispenser. Each flow rate control module includes a single stepper motor connected to a rotary spool valve for selectively controlling the flow rate of the liquids. The microprocessor system utilizes variable reference signals which are ramped to approximately correspond to the actual flow rate of the liquid towards a target in order to reduce overshoot values of the flow rates. A scaling function is provided by the microprocessor system to adjust target flow rates between pours in order to achieve consistent controlled ratios of the beverage being dispensed.

Abstract: A programmable system controller stores in memory a sequence of program words directly simulating a planar ladder diagram characterizing the desired operation of a controlled system. The ladder diagram is a set of n rung-by-m column arrays of contacts interconnected with particular controlled devices of the system. The program words are read out of the memory in a sequence to directly represent the ladder diagram on a rung-by-rung basis for each column. The controller includes an interface unit coupled to a set of input switches for providing switch signals that are indicative of the operating status of the machine. A data processing unit is provided with an accumulator having a plurality of at least n storage units respectively corresponding to each rung of the ladder diagram.