Abstract: An apparatus uses forced air to remove trim from cut sheets during a converting process. The apparatus may include a plurality of wheels, arranged to allow trim to fall between the wheels, and one or more air chambers, configured to propel air toward the sheets as they are conveyed on the wheels in order to remove trim from the sheets. A method may include conveying sheet stock on wheels arranged to allow trim to fall through them, and propelling air toward the sheet stock with air chambers such that trim is removed from the sheet stock by the propelled air.

Abstract: Techniques that palletize bundles at high-speed. A robotic controller includes a vision system that determines a location and orientation of incoming bundles, a tracking system that communicates between the controller and a conveyor, and a robot that coordinates its movement with the bundles. The tracking system identifies the location and orientation of each bundle, informs the controller, and causes the robot to track its location and orientation with incoming bundles. The controller receives information on the location and orientation of each bundle. The controller instructs the robot to move in coordination with each incoming bundle, instructs the robot where and at what orientation to pick up the bundle, and instructs the robot how to move the bundle to a tier-and-stacking position. The controller can instruct the robot how to pick up each bundle on the fly as the bundle moves into range on the incoming conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus uses forced air to remove trim from cut sheets during a converting process. The apparatus may include a plurality of wheels, arranged to allow trim to fall between the wheels, and one or more air chambers, configured to propel air toward the sheets as they are conveyed on the wheels in order to remove trim from the sheets. A method may include conveying sheet stock on wheels arranged to allow trim to fall through them, and propelling air toward the sheet stock with air chambers such that trim is removed from the sheet stock by the propelled air.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically setting trim removal or stacking device arms. One point on a trim arm (such as an end) is attached to a transverse rail, along which that end moves, and provides an anchor point to which the trim arm can be angled. An automated device anchors that end of the trim arm, and locks it in place at a position designated by an operator. A skew adjustment pin couples to a second point on the trim arm, so that adjusting the position of the adjustment pin skews the trim arm's angle. An automated device anchors that second point of the trim arm, and locks it in place at a angle designated by an operator. A control system electronically measures the location of the first anchor point, and directs positioning devices to move trim arms, skew them, and lock or unlock those settings.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically setting trim removal or stacking device arms. One point on a trim arm (such as an end) is attached to a transverse rail, along which that end moves, and provides an anchor point to which the trim arm can be angled. An automated device anchors that end of the trim arm, and locks it in place at a position designated by an operator. A skew adjustment pin couples to a second point on the trim arm, so that adjusting the position of the adjustment pin skews the trim arm's angle. An automated device anchors that second point of the trim arm, and locks it in place at a angle designated by an operator. A control system electronically measures the location of the first anchor point, and directs positioning devices to move trim arms, skew them, and lock or unlock those settings.

Abstract: Optimizing a multiple machine production line, in which operation of at least some of the machines depends on others. A productivity system examines performance indicators of a set of machines, which are disposed to cooperate in a production line, and sets control variables for each of those machines, with the effect of optimizing the production line. The productivity system receives a set of KPIs for each machine, and provides a set of control variables for each machine. The productivity system determines the control variables for each machine so as to optimize the production line.

Abstract: Techniques that palletize bundles at high-speed. A robotic controller includes a vision system that determines a location and orientation of incoming bundles, a tracking system that communicates between the controller and a conveyor, and a robot that coordinates its movement with the bundles. The tracking system identifies the location and orientation of each bundle, informs the controller, and causes the robot to track its location and orientation with incoming bundles. The controller receives information on the location and orientation of each bundle. The controller instructs the robot to move in coordination with each incoming bundle, instructs the robot where and at what orientation to pick up the bundle, and instructs the robot how to move the bundle to a tier-and-stacking position. The controller can instruct the robot how to pick up each bundle on the fly as the bundle moves into range on the incoming conveyor.