Abstract: An inspection system for a variety of products, and in particular flat-folded corrugated boxes uses real-time statistical processing control. This control allows graphs to be derived from which to develop trends indicative of future flaws in the products. These flaws are automatically corrected once a trend has been established. Glue marks on flat-folded corrugated boxes are identified and measured by means of pixel count, thereby providing very accurate depiction of the amount of glue on a box so that accurate comparison to a standard configuration can be made.

Abstract: A neck down cutter for notching parallel sides in a rectangular sample of corrugated material to be subjected to edge crush testing is disclosed. The cutter comprises a suction box formed with a recessed surface in the top thereof through which a motor driven cylindrical cutting element projects for rotary movement about a vertical axis. The recessed surface defines a slide path for a sample holder formed with a recessed positioning slot which receives the side edges of the sample material being cut. The sample holder is movable between a non-working position (out of cutting contact) into a working or cutting position with the cutting element. A supporting notch in the sample holder is itself initially formed via contact with the cutting element to accurately register and support the notch formed in the specimen during subsequent cutting. A method of cutting notches in rectangular corrugated test specimens is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutter instrument for precision cutting of a corrugated sheet into a precision cut square for edge crush testing is disclosed. The cutter includes a base plate and a pair of cutting blades slidably mounted to the base plate for cutting movement in a direction parallel to a first guide rail. Positioning of the corrugated sheet against the first guide rail allows the sheet to be cut into a longitudinal strip of predetermined precise width. A pair of second guide rails spaced from each other by the predetermined width allows the strip to be rotated 90.degree. and positioned between the second guide rails and respective abutting contact therewith. Movement of the cutter blades along the cutting path completes the cutting of the strip into a precise square.

Abstract: A no-crush roll system for attaining zero crush across the double backer in a corrugator is disclosed which is retrofittable to most existing machines. The no-crush roll system includes a series of pairs of bearing adapters each formed with a pin received in an overhead support frame with a bearing support cup located at inwardly extending ends of the pin to receive a bearing mounted to opposite ends of the roller. Each bearing is received in an elongate cavity facing the roller which permits the height of the roller to self adjust in response to changes in thickness of the cardboard material being conveyed along a hot plate as the weight of the rollers pressing against the top surface of the cardboard ensure even glue distribution and curing contact without crushing the material. A method of eliminating crush in a double backer of a corrugator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutting instrument includes a base plate and a pair of cutting blades slidably mounted to the base with a slide block and rail system for cutting movement. A reference rod assembly is provided to maintain the internal flutes of a corrugated paper board in parallel relationship to the cutter blades during cutting to ensure first and second cut edges which are precisely parallel to the flutes. The reference rod assembly comprises two pairs of parallel reference rods which project in a common plane from a key stock plate. The distal ends of these rods, after respectively passing through flutes in the paper board to be cut, are adapted to be received in blind bores formed in a side surface of a guide rail to support the reference rods on the rail. The key stock plate further includes a pair of parallel positioning pins which are received in a pair of bores formed in a side edge of the base plate.

Abstract: A cutter instrument for precision cutting of a corrugated sheet into a precision cut square for edge crush testing is disclosed. The cutter includes a base plate and a pair of cutting blades slidably mounted to the base plate for cutting movement in a direction parallel to a first guide rail. Positioning of the corrugated sheet against the first guide rail allows the sheet to be cut into a longitudinal strip of predetermined precise width. A pair of second guide rails spaced from each other by the predetermined width allows the strip to be rotated 90.degree. and positioned between the second guide rails and respective abutting contact therewith. Movement of the cutter blades along the cutting path completes the cutting of the strip into a precise square.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an order change in a corrugator machine. A pulse generator is provided on the medium splicer of each single facer in a corrugator machine and on the splicer of a double backer to produce feedlength signals proportional to web material supplied by each splicer. A computer calculates position values which are functions of the relative physical locations of the corrugator machine components, and inventory values which are functions of the relative physical locations and of differences in the feedlength values. The computer then compares feedlength signals and inventory values and as a result of these comparisons, generates sequential control signals to corrugator machine components to produce an order change including a synchronous splice of all web components with a minimum of waste and production downtime.