Packaging machinery having automated adjustments based on package parameters
A packaging machine having at least a pair of independently driven conveyors on which packages are adapted to be carried though the machine for processing, a micro-controller having a memory in which is stored a computer program containing computer readable instructions, a database/look-up table containing data correlating package sizing parameters with optimal speed profiles at which the machine can run effectively, at least one motor that drives each conveyor, and a motor controller that is electronically linked to the micro-controller for purposes of adjusting the speed at which the motor runs based upon the speed profile of the package.
1. A packaging machine for closing and sealing packages having size parameters, comprising:
a. a conveyor driven by a motor and on which packages are placed for movement through the machine;
b. a measurement device configured to determine the size parameters of the packages;
c. a tuck-and-fold section adapted to close the packages;
d. a centering system adapted to engage and center each package for closing and sealing;
e. a sealing system for sealing each package closed; and
f. a control center in communication with the measurement device, comprising:
i. a microcontroller;
ii. a non-transitory memory
iii. a database having data stored therein that correlates each package's size parameters with an optimal speed at which the conveyor can be driven and an optimal pressure to be applied to the packages by said centering system; and
iv. a computer program stored in said non-transitory memory and having computer readable instructions that receive each package's size parameter, queries said database to look-up the optimal speed and pressure profile based on the package's size parameters, sends a signal to said motor driving said conveyor to cause said conveyor to move according to the optimal speed profile and sends a signal to said centering system to cause said centering system to apply a pressure to said packages according to the optimal pressure profile, without manual intervention.
2. A computer program product for use with a packaging machine for closing and sealing packages having size parameters a conveyor driven by a motor and on which packages are placed for movement through the machine; a measurement device; a tuck-and-fold section adapted to close the packages; a centering system adapted to engage and center each package for closing and sealing; a sealing system for sealing each package closed; and a database stored in non-transitory memory and having data stored therein that correlates each package's size parameters with an optimal speed at which the conveyor can be driven and an optimal pressure to be applied to said packages by the centering system, said computer program product being executable on a processor and containing program instructions that receive each package's size parameter, queries said database to look-up the optimal speed and pressure profile based on the package's size parameters, sends a signal to said motor driving said conveyor to cause said conveyor to move according to the optimal speed profile and sends a signal to said centering system to cause said centering system to apply a pressure to said packages according to the optimal pressure profile without manual intervention.
3. A method for product for use with a packaging machine for closing and sealing packages having size parameters a conveyor driven by a motor and on which packages are placed for movement through the machine; a measurement device configured to determine the size parameters of the packages; a tuck-and-fold section adapted to close the packages; a centering system adapted to engage and center each package for closing and sealing; a sealing system for sealing each package closed; and a database stored in non-transitory memory and having data stored therein that correlates each package's size parameters with an optimal speed at which the conveyor can be driven, said method comprising the steps of:
a. receiving each package's size parameter from the measurement device in a microcontroller;
b. querying the database to look-up the optimal speed and pressure profile based on the package's size parameters; and
c. sending a signal to said motor driving said conveyor to cause said conveyor to move according to the optimal speed profile without manual intervention.