Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine with a position feedback system and a method for use thereof. The machine includes at least one movable element mounted for movement on a path and at least one programmable controller. The machine further includes at least two absolute or magnetostrictive sensors or the machine includes an absolute sensor and a non-absolute sensor. The programmable controller uses positional information from the sensors to determine the position of the movable elements on the path and control the movable elements. The method includes determining a known position for the movable elements, linking at least two magnetostrictive sensors into one virtual sensor, and/or performing commutation alignment for the movable elements. Determining the position and commutation alignment can occur when the movable elements are stationary or moving.

Abstract: A vacuum means for detecting transverse seal areas dividing unsealed areas in adjacent plies of a moving, multiple ply web includes vacuum ports defining a gap through which the web moves. Unsealed web areas are sucked against the ports. When a sealed area enters the gap, it is sucked to one or the other port, uncovering the opposite port. The ensuing pressure differential is sensed to indicate a seal entering or passing the gap. Seal signals are produced and used to control accurate cutting at the seals to separate the web into individual pouches. Control and circuitry apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Generally, and in one form of the invention, a composite signal decoder (60) is disclosed which does not require synchronizing the sampling rate to the phase of the incoming pilot signal. Curve fitting filter (126) up-samples and interpolates the incoming composite signal (A) using a bank of coefficient filters selected from filter coefficient bank storage (122) by Bank Selector (124). Bank selector (124) operates in response to a phase offset value produced by phase calculator (112). Because curve fitting filter (126) need not be synchronous with the incoming pilot signal, the output sample rate can be asynchronous from the input sample rate. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.