Patent Application
20240044694
Machines may be used to automate manufacturing processes. Machines may be designed to produce a manufactured product comprising delicate materials that are required to be combined in a specific manner. Described herein are improvements in technology and solutions to technical problems that may be used to, among other things, enhance the experience for users producing a manufactured product.
The detailed description is set forth below with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. The systems depicted in the accompanying figures are not to scale and components within the figures may be depicted not to scale with each other.
This disclosure is directed to an automated paper roll weighing machine (hereinafter, “the weighing machine”) and systems for use thereof. Take for example, an environment having processed agricultural material (hereinafter, “the material”) where one or more users reside. Such users may desire to package a desired quantity of the material by themselves for repurpose use. Such desired quantity of the material may be disposed in packaging such as paper rolls having established standardized shapes, sizes, and/or components for repurpose use. However, such a desired quantity may be time consuming and/or difficult to determine by hand (e.g., manually). A weighing machine may be configured with various components for weighing a paper roll formed of a paper-like material having a shape, size, and/or components for repurpose use. In some examples, the shape of the paper roll may be substantially conical. In some examples, the paper-like material may be comprised of at least one of refined white paper, unrefined brown paper, recycled paper, hemp paper, tobacco leaf, palm leaf, and/or anything containing substantially similar qualities. In some examples, the paper roll may include a paper-like support material disposed therein. In some examples, the support material may be substantially cylindrical and/or conical in shape. In some examples, the support material may have a more favorable rigidity than the paper-like material used to shape the paper roll, such that the support material provides substantial support for at least a portion of the paper roll. In some examples, the support material may be comprised of at least one of refined white paper, unrefined brown paper, recycled paper, hemp paper, palm leaf, and/or anything containing substantially similar qualities. Additionally, or alternatively, the support material may be configured to obstruct the processed agricultural material while allowing for air to pass therethrough.
The components of the weighing machine may be arranged in various combinations and/or orientations. The weighing machine may be configured with a variety of closing and/or transporting mechanism configurations including various components. Example weighing mechanism configurations may also include a tray shuttle configured to transport a plurality of paper rolls between the closing mechanisms. Example weighing mechanism configurations may also include a tray configured to removeably receive the plurality of paper rolls in rows. Example weighing machine configurations may be configured to weigh the material contained in each paper roll and determine a weight of the material contained in each paper roll.
The weighing machine may be configured such that the one or more components are fixed to a support frame. In some examples, the support frame may be configured to arrange the components in a particular manner and/or may provide a fixed position for the components such that the components may be utilized together with precision. The weighing machine may also be configured such that a user may utilize one or more displays presenting one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to control the operation task, calibration, and/or settings and/or display raw values of each load cell for calibration processes there within. The weighing machine may also be configured such that a user may utilize one or more buttons. The weighing machine may be configured such that the paper rolls are routed from a closing machine and arranged in a storage or housing that may be separate from the weighing machine.
The tray may be arranged in a number of ways. For example, the tray may be removeably received by the tray shuttle. Additionally, or alternatively, the tray may be fixed in the tray shuttle. The tray shuttle may be arranged in a number of ways. For example, the tray shuttle may be coupled to a rail system. Additionally, or alternatively, the tray shuttle may be displaceable in a first direction along the rail system. Additionally, or alternatively, the rail system may be fixed to a top surface of the support frame.
The one or more displays may have at least one processor and at least one memory. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more displays may be communicably coupled to one or more external computing devices. The memory may have instructions stored thereon that cause the processor to perform one or more actions, such as, for example, presenting a GUI on the one or more displays. The GUI may be configured to accept input from a user to cause the weighing machine to perform an action, such as, for example, weigh material disposed in a paper roll, calibrate portions of the weighing machine, set portions of the weighing machine, and/or display values (e.g., readable information for a user to visualize what is happening with the material disposed in the paper rolls, raw values of each load cell for calibration processes, and/or cause any of the components described herein to perform an associated desired operation). Additionally, or alternatively, the GUI may be configured to accept input from a user to control the operation task, speed, and/or percentage of available power from a motor, and/or choose from various closing techniques there within or specify settings to create new closing techniques. The GUI may also be configured to power on and power off the weighing machine. Other actions the weighing machine may be able to perform are, for example, safety settings, on/off timer, and timed speed changes to form different paper cone weighing techniques. Take for example, an environment where a user desires to produce a number of paper rolls containing the material for repurpose use and/or sell as a prepackaged product that meets the industry standard.
The present disclosure provides an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of the present disclosure are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments, including as between systems and methods. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Additional details are described below with reference to several example embodiments.
The closing machine 102 may include a support frame 122. The support frame 122 may provide support for the one or more components/implements of the closing machine 102. The support frame 122 may be configured such that the components may be arranged in various manners, such that the closing machine 102 may utilize various closing techniques, such as, for example, multiple closing operations executing simultaneously, closing of paper cones having various sizes, and/or closing operations executing at various speeds. In some examples, the support frame 122 may be connected across the entirety of the closing machine 102. Additionally, or alternatively, each individual component of the closing machine 102 may have a standalone support frame. The support frame 122 may be configured to support one or more motors 124(1), 124(2), and 124(n) for providing operational power to one or more components of the closing machine 102. In some examples, the one or more motors 124(1)-124(n) may be coupled to an individual component. Additionally, or alternatively, the closing machine 102 may utilize one motor for providing operational power to the components included therein. The one or more motors 124(1)-124(n) may be configured such that a user may specify a speed, such as, for example, a percentage of available power from the motor at which the motor will operate. In some examples, the motor may be configured to operate at any value from 0 to 100 percent of the available power from the motor, where 0 percent may be the lowest available power from the motor and 100 percent may be the highest available power from the motor. The motor may be configured such that it provides operational power to a number of components of the closing machine at the speed specified by the user. In an embodiment, the one or more motors 124(1)-124(N) comprise stepper motors. The stepper motors being based on counts or steps made by the stepper motors. A user may program, for example, 1 to 100,000 steps in an input component (e.g., keyboard, display, mouse, HMI (Human Machine Interface) (e.g., HMI 707 discussed below in more detail)) to control a speed of the stepper motors. These steps are relative to Hertz that are sent to a motor drive. The motor drive then takes that signal and sends it to the motor and uses it to control the motor speed.
The closing machine 102 may include a leadscrew 126 that may be arranged in a number of ways. For example, the leadscrew 126 may be secured to the support frame 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the leadscrew 126 may have a standalone support frame. In some examples, the leadscrew 126 may be configured to include a first end and a second end being opposite the first end. The leadscrew 126 may further be configured to travel in at least a first direction of travel and a second direction of travel. Additionally, or alternatively, the leadscrew 126 may be configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The leadscrew 126 may be actuated by the one or more motors 124(1)-124(n). For example, the leadscrew 126 may be caused to rotate about its longitudinal axis by motor 124(1).
The closing machine 102 may include a tray shuttle 128. The tray shuttle 128 may removeably receive the tray 104. For example, a user may place the tray 104 into the tray shuttle 128 and/or a user may remove the tray 104 from the tray shuttle 128. For example, a user may place the tray 104 into the tray shuttle 128 subsequent to the tray 104 being loaded with the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 and/or a user may remove the tray 104 from the tray shuttle 128 subsequent to the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 being ejected from the tray 104. The tray shuttle 128 may be coupled to a rail system 130. The rail system 130 may be arranged in a number of ways. For example, the rail system 130 may be secured to the support frame 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the rail system 130 may have a standalone support frame. The tray shuttle 128 may be displaceable in a first direction 132 along the rail system 130. For example, motor 124(1) may cause the leadscrew 126 to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the tray shuttle 128 to be displaced in the first direction 132 along the rail system 130.
The closing machine 102 may include a tamping system 134 that may be arranged in a number of ways. For example, the tamping system 134 may be arranged above the tray shuttle 128. Additionally, or alternatively, the tamping system 134 may be secured to the support frame 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the tamping system 134 may have a standalone support frame. The tamping system 134 may include a plurality of tamping rods 136 arranged in a row 138. The plurality of tamping rods 136 being displaceable in a second direction 140 perpendicular to the first direction 132 for compacting the material 118 contained in each of the conically shaped paper rolls 106 down toward the bottom 112 of each respective conically shaped paper roll 106. For example, the tray shuttle 128 may be displaced in the first direction 132 such that the row 108 of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 are positioned directly below the plurality of tamping rods 136 such that when the plurality of tamping rods 136 are displaced in the second direction 140, at least a portion of the plurality of tamping rods 136 contacts the material 118 contained in the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 to tamp the material 118 down toward the bottom 112 of each respective conically shaped paper roll 106.
The closing machine 102 may include a leadscrew 142 that may be arranged in a number of ways. For example, the leadscrew 142 may be secured to the support frame 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the leadscrew 142 may have a standalone support frame. In some examples, the leadscrew 142 may be configured to include a first end and a second end being opposite the first end. The leadscrew 142 may further be configured to travel in at least a first direction of travel and a second direction of travel. Additionally, or alternatively, the leadscrew 142 may be configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The leadscrew 142 may be actuated by the one or more motors 124(1)-124(n). For example, the leadscrew 142 may be caused to rotate about its longitudinal axis by motor 124(2). Motor 124(2) may cause the lead screw 142 to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the plurality of tamping rods 136 to be displaced in the second direction 140. The tamping system 134 may include one or more pressure springs 144 arranged with the tamping rods 136. The one or more pressure springs 144 to prevent the plurality of tamping rods 136 from over pressuring the material 118 contained in the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106. For example, the one or more pressure springs 144 may be arranged between the leadscrew 142 and the plurality of tamping rods 136 to dampen the force applied by the leadscrew 142 to the plurality of tamping rods 136. The tamping system 134 may include one or more guide rods 146. The one or more guide rods 146 to guide the plurality of tamping rods 136 in the second direction 140 when the leadscrew 142 causes the plurality of tamping rods 136 to be displaced in the second direction 140.
The closing machine 102 may include a pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) that may be arranged in a number of ways. For example, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) may be arranged above the tray shuttle 128 and adjacent to the plurality of tamping rods 136. Additionally, or alternatively, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) may be secured to the support frame 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) may have a standalone support frame. The pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) for pressing on the top 110 of each conically shaped paper roll 106 to flatten the top 110 of each conically shaped paper roll 106 into a flap. For example, subsequent to the plurality of tamping rods 136 tamping the material 118 down toward the bottom 112 of each respective conically shaped paper roll 106, the tray shuttle 128 may be displaced in the first direction 132 such that the row 108 of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 are positioned directly below the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) where the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) are displaced between an open state and a closed state to press (e.g., pinch, squeeze, squash, etc.) on the top of each conically shaped paper roll 106 to flatten the top 110 of each conically shaped paper roll 106 into a flap.
The closing machine 102 may include a leadscrew 150 that may be arranged in a number of ways. For example, the leadscrew 150 may be secured to the support frame 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the leadscrew 150 may have a standalone support frame. In some examples, the leadscrew 150 may be configured to include a first end and a second end being opposite the first end. The leadscrew 150 may further be configured to travel in at least a first direction of travel and a second direction of travel. Additionally, or alternatively, the leadscrew 150 may be configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The leadscrew 150 may be actuated by the one or more motors 124(1)-124(n). For example, the leadscrew 150 may be caused to rotate about its longitudinal axis by motor 124(n). Motor 124(n) may cause the leadscrew 150 to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) to be displaced between an open state and a closed state to flatten the top 110 of each conically shaped paper roll 106 into a flap. When in the open state, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) are separated by a distance and when in the closed state, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) are in contact with each other. The pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) may include one or more guide pins 152. The one or more guide pins 152 to guide the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) between the open state and the closed state when the leadscrew 150 causes the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) to be displaced. The motor 124(n) may cause the leadscrew 150 to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) to be displaced between the open state and the closed state while the plurality of tamping rods 136 are displaced in the second direction 140. For example, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) may be actuated, via motor 124(n), between the open state and the closed state simultaneously along with the displacement of the plurality of tamping rods 136 in the second direction 140.
The closing machine 102 may include an ejection system 154 that may be arranged in a number of ways. For example, the ejection system 154 may be arranged above the tray shuttle 128. Additionally, or alternatively, the ejection system 154 may be secured to the support frame 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the ejection system 154 may have a standalone support frame. The ejection system 154 may include a plurality of ejection rods 156 arranged in a row 158. The plurality of ejection rods 156 being displaceable in the second direction 140 perpendicular to the first direction 132 for pressing on the flap of each conically shaped paper roll 106 to press the flap into the top 110 of each conically shaped paper roll 106 into a dimple. For example, the tray shuttle 128 may be displaced in the first direction 132 such that the row 108 of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 are positioned directly below the plurality of ejection rods 156 such that when the plurality of ejection rods 156 are displaced in the second direction 140, at least a portion of the plurality of ejection rods 156 contacts the flap formed by the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) and press the flap into the top 110 of each conically shaped paper roll 106 into a dimple. Moreover, the plurality of ejection rods 156 being further displaceable in the second direction 140 perpendicular to the first direction 132 to displace the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 out of the tray 104. For example, the plurality of ejection rods 156 may be displaced in the second direction to press the flap into the top 110 of each conically shaped paper roll 106 into a dimple and to eject the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 out of the tray 104.
The tamping system 134, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b), and the ejection system 154 may be coupled together such that the tamping system 134, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b), and the ejection system 154 are displaced together in the second direction 140. For example, the tamping system 134, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b), and the ejection system 154 may be moveably coupled together on a support tower 160 fixed to the support frame 122. When the tray shuttle 128 is displaced in the first direction 132 such that the row 108 of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 are positioned directly below the plurality of tamping rods 136 (e.g., first stage), the plurality of tamping rods 136, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b), and the plurality of ejection rods 156 may be displaced together in the second direction 140 as the plurality of tamping rods 136 tamp the material 118 down toward the bottom 112 of each respective conically shaped paper roll 106. When the tray shuttle 128 is displaced in the first direction 132 such that the row 108 of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 are positioned directly below the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) (e.g., second stage), the plurality of tamping rods 136, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b), and the plurality of ejection rods 156 may be displaced together in the second direction 140 as the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) press on the top 110 of each conically shaped paper roll 106 to flatten the top 110 of each conically shaped paper roll 106 into a flap. Moreover, while the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b) flatten the top 110 of each conically shaped paper roll 106, the plurality of tamping rods 136 simultaneously tamp the material in the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls arranged in the row adjacent to the conically shaped paper rolls being flattened by the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b). When the tray shuttle 128 is displaced in the first direction 132 such that the row 108 of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 are positioned directly below the plurality of ejection rods 156 (e.g., third stage), the plurality of tamping rods 136, the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b), and the plurality of ejection rods 156 may be displaced together in the second direction 140 as the plurality of ejection rods 156 press on the flap of each conically shaped paper roll 106 to press the flap into the top 110 of each conically shaped paper roll 106 into a dimple and eject the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 out of the tray 104. Moreover, while the plurality of ejection rods 156 dimple and eject the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106, the plurality of tamping rods 136 simultaneously tamp the material in the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls arranged in the row adjacent to the conically shaped paper rolls being flattened by the pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b).
Process 300 includes an operation 302, which represents compacting a processed agricultural material (e.g., material 118) contained in each conically shaped paper roll (e.g., conically shaped paper roll 106). For example, a tamping system (e.g., tamping system 134) including a plurality of tamping rods (e.g., plurality of tamping rods 136) arranged in a row (e.g., row 138) and displaceable in a second direction (e.g., second direction 140) perpendicular to a first direction (e.g., first direction 132) may be actuated to compact the material contained in each of the conically shaped paper rolls down toward the bottom (e.g., bottom 112) of each respective conically shaped paper roll. Operation 302 may include a tray shuttle (e.g., tray shuttle 128) being displaced in the first direction such that the row of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls are positioned directly below the plurality of tamping rods such that when the plurality of tamping rods are displaced in the second direction, at least a portion of the plurality of tamping rods contacts the material contained in the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls and tamp the material down toward the bottom of each respective conically shaped paper roll. Operation 302 may include operating a motor (e.g., motor 124(2)) to cause a leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 142) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the plurality of tamping rods to be displaced in the second direction. Operation 302 may include a user placing a tray (e.g., tray 104), loaded with the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls arranged in a row (e.g., row 108), into the tray shuttle. Operation 302 may include operating a motor (e.g., motor 124(1)) to cause a leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 126) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the tray shuttle to be displaced in the first direction along a rail system (e.g., rail system 130). In some examples, the user may turn on the closing machine by pressing a button and/or actioning a display. Additionally, or alternatively, the user may select a desired operation setting for the closing machine by touching GUI elements presented on a display. Additionally, or alternatively, the user may begin the automated operation of the closing machine by touching a GUI element presented on the display.
Process 300 may continue with operation 304, which represents positioning the tray shuttle to flatten the top (e.g., top 110) of each conically shaped paper roll into a flap. For example, the tray shuttle may be displaced in the first direction such that the row of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls are positioned directly below and/or between a pair of plates (e.g., pair of plates 148(a) and 148(b)) in an open state. For example, operation 304 may include operating a motor (e.g., motor 124(1)) to cause a leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 126) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the tray shuttle to be displaced in the first direction along the rail system such that each top of each conically shaped paper roll are positioned directly below and/or between the pair of plates that are in an open state. Operation 304 may include operating a motor (e.g., motor 124(2)) to cause a leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 142) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the pair of plates in the open state to be displaced in the second direction such that the pair of plates are positioned adjacent to the tops of the conically shaped paper rolls arranged in the row.
Operation 304 may be followed by operation 306, which represents flattening the tops of the conically shaped paper rolls arranged in the row. Operation 306 may include operating a motor (e.g., motor 124(n)) to cause a leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 150) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the pair of plates to be displaced from the open state to a closed state to flatten the top of each conically shaped paper roll into a flap. Operation 306 may include operating a motor (e.g., motor 124(2)) to cause a leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 142) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the pair of plates to be displaced in the second direction while simultaneously operating the motor (e.g., motor 124(n)) to cause the leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 150) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the pair of plates to be displaced from the open state to the closed state to flatten the top of each conically shaped paper roll into a flap. Operation 306 may further include operating the motor (e.g., motor 124(2)) to cause the leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 142) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the plurality of tamping rods to be displaced in the second direction and tamp the material contained in adjacent conically shaped paper rolls while simultaneously operating the motor (e.g., motor 124(n)) to cause the leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 150) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the pair of plates to be displaced from the open state to the closed state to flatten the top of each conically shaped paper roll into a flap. Operation 306 may include operating the motor (e.g., motor 124(2)) to cause the leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 142) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the plurality of tamping rods to be displaced in the second direction up and down consecutively three (3) times to tamp the material contained in the conically shaped paper rolls. Operation 306 may further include ceasing the displacement of the tamping rods for a period of time while the plurality of tamping rods are positioned down in the conically shaped paper rolls simultaneously while the pair of plates are displaced in the closed state and flattening the tops of each conically shaped paper roll into a flap.
Process 300 may be completed at operation 308, which represents dimpling the tops of the conically shaped paper rolls. For example, an ejection system (e.g., ejection system 154) including a plurality of ejection rods (e.g., ejection rods 156) arranged in a row (e.g., row 158) and displaceable in the second direction (e.g., second direction 140) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., first direction 132) may be actuated to press on the flap of each conically shaped paper roll and presses the flap into the top of each conically shaped paper roll into a dimple. For example, the tray shuttle may be displaced in the first direction such that the row of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls are positioned directly below the plurality of ejection rods such that when the plurality of ejection rods are displaced in the second direction, at least a portion of the plurality of ejection rods press on the flap of each conically shaped paper roll and presses the flap into the top of each conically shaped paper roll into a dimple. Operation 308 may include operating a motor (e.g., motor 124(2)) to cause a leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 142) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the plurality of ejection rods to be displaced in the second direction. Operation 308 may include operating a motor (e.g., motor 124(1)) to cause a leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 126) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the tray shuttle to be displaced in the first direction along the rail system (e.g., rail system 130) such that the row of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls are positioned directly below the plurality of ejection rods. Operation 308 may include operating the motor (e.g., motor 124(2)) to cause a leadscrew (e.g., leadscrew 142) to rotate about its longitudinal axis to cause the plurality of ejection rods to be displaced in the second direction to displace the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls out of the tray and onto an ejection ramp. The ejected conically shaped paper rolls being fully closed and containing the material for repurpose use.
As used herein, a processor, may include multiple processors and/or a processor having multiple cores. Further, the processors may comprise one or more cores of different types. For example, the processors may include application processor units, graphic processing units, and so forth. In one implementation, the processor may comprise a microcontroller and/or a microprocessor. Alternatively, or in addition, the functionally described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc. Additionally, the processor(s) may possess its own local memory, which also may store program components, program data, and/or one or more operating systems.
The memory may include volatile and nonvolatile memory, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program component, or other data. Such memory includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, RAID storage systems, or any other medium which may be used to store the desired information and which may be accessed by a computing device. The memory may be implemented as computer-readable storage media (“CRSM”), which may be any available physical media accessible by the processor(s) to execute instructions stored on the memory. In one basic implementation, CRSM may include random access memory (“RAM”) and Flash memory. In other implementations, CRSM may include, but is not limited to, read-only memory (“ROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), or any other tangible medium which may be used to store the desired information, and which may be accessed by the processor(s).
Similar to the weighing machine 502, the weighing machine 700 may removeably receive the tray 104 that includes the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 arranged in rows 108. For example, a user may place the tray 104 onto guides 708(1), 708(2), 708(3), and 708(N) and/or slideably displace the tray 104 along the guides 708(1)-708(N) until a bottom 710 of the tray 104 rests on a cover plate 712. A portion 714 of each of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 may individually pass through openings 716(1), 716(2), . . . , 716(N) disposed in the cover plate 712.
The plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 may be aligned by the cover plate 712 to come into contact with load cells 718(1), 718(2), . . . , 718(N) individually. The load cells 718(1)-718(N) may be mounted on a surface of a plate 720. The plate 720 may be disposed on the guides 708(1)-708(N) below the cover plate 712 in the main body 702. The load cells 718(1)-718(N) may be arranged in rows similar to the rows 108 disposed in the tray 104, such that the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 are removeably received by the openings disposed in the tray 104 are aligned with the load cells 718(1)-718(N) mounted on the plate 720. The guides 708(1)-708(N) may be disposed on a surface in the main body 702. The guides 708(1)-708(N) may provide for aligning the tray 104 and the cover plate 712 in the main body 702, such that the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls come into contact with the load cells 718(1)-718(N). While
Each individual load cell of the load cells 718(1)-718(N) may be activated by each conically shaped paper roll 106 of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106. The weighing machine 700 may receive power via a power connector 722. For example, the display 504, the HMI 707, the load cells 718(1)-718(N), and/or an interconnection board 724 may receive power via the power connector 722.
Signals from the load cells 718(1)-718(N) may be continuously sent to the interconnection board 724. The interconnection board 724 may comprise an amplifier board configured to constantly receive signals sent from the load cells 718(1)-718(N). The interconnection board 724 may amplify the signals enough to be readable by a machine control unit (e.g., a programmable logic controller (PLC)) (shown in
An operation 902 represents a user placing the tray 104 on the guides 708(1)-708(N). In one example, operation 902 may represent the user sliding the tray 104 down along the guides 708(1)-708(N).
An operation 904 represents the user resting the tray 104 on the cover plate 712. In one example, operation 904 may represent the user resting the bottom 710 of the tray 104 on the cover plate 712. In one example, operation 904 may represent the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls removeably received by the openings disposed in the tray 104 passing through the openings 716(1)-716(N) disposed in the cover plate 712 and/or coming into contact with the load cells 718(1)-718(N) individually.
An operation 906 represents activating the load cells 718(1)-718(N). In one example, operation 906 may represent each portion 714 of each of the plurality of conically shaped paper rolls 106 coming into contact with each load cell of the load cells 718(1)-718(N) and activating each load cell of the load cells 718(1)-718(N). For example, respective bottoms 112 of the respective conically shaped paper rolls 106 may come into contact with respective load cells of the plurality of load cells 718(1)-718(N). The load cells 718(1)-718(N) continuously send signals to the interconnection board 724 associated with the weight of the conically shaped paper rolls 106 and/or material contained therein.
An operation 908 represents receiving signals from the load cells 718(1)-718(N). In one example, operation 908 may represent the interconnection board 724 receiving each load cell signal individually from the load cells 718(1)-718(N). For example, once mass is placed on to the load cells 718(1)-718(N), each load cell independently sends a raw value (e.g., measured electric current) to the interconnection board 724. Each load cell is a force transducer that converts an input mechanical force (e.g., a load, a weight, a tension, compression, pressure, etc.) into an electrical output signal that can be measured, converted, and standardized. As the force applied to the load cell increases, the electrical signal changes proportionally.
An operation 910 represents amplifying the signals received from the load cells 718(1)-718(N). In one example, operation 910 may represent the interconnection board 724 amplifying the signals received from the load cells 718(1)-718(N) enough to be readable by the machine control unit 804. The signals produced by a load cell are mostly in mV (millivolt). Load cell amplifiers of the interconnection board 724 convert the mV signal into a more powerful signal (e.g., 4-20 mA, 0-10 VDC, ±10 VDC, RS232, RS485, USB, etc.). For example, the load cells and the amplifier may operate in a range of 4-20 mA in direct relation to 0-10 VDC.
An operation 912 represents sending data representing the amplified signals. In one example, operation 912 may represent the interconnection board 724 sending the data representing the amplified signals to the machine control unit 804. For example, operation 912 may represent the interconnection board 724 sending the data representing the amplified signals to the machine control unit 804 as a solid stream for the machine control unit 804 to split apart and allocate signals to display. The data from the interconnection board 724 may be sent to the machine control unit 804 as a stream of information with each signal from each load cell being separated by symbols (e.g., unintelligible symbols). Each symbol is representative of a specific load cell. This way when the machine control unit 804 receives the information, the machine control unit 804 may separate the signals and allocate them to their representative places on both the HMI 707 and the display 504. As discussed above, the display 504 may display a pass/fail (e.g., go/no go) indication to a user. Moreover, the display 504 may display a current weight and/or an indicator (e.g., arrow up/arrow down) to let a user know if a weight of material contained in each paper roll is under a desired amount (e.g., set target weight) or over the desired amount. The weighing machine 700 may include a tare/zero balance function.
An operation 914 represents processing the data. In one example, operation 914 may represent the machine control unit 804 processing the data to split the stream apart. In one example, operation 914 may further represent the machine control unit 804 processing the data using scaling on each individual signal per cell.
An operation 916 represents sending raw data to the HMI 707 and/or send readable data to display module 800. In one example, operation 916 may represent the machine control unit 804 using scaling to send the raw data to the HMI 707. In one example, operation 916 may represent the machine control unit 804 sending readable data to the display module 800. The switch unit 802 providing for the communication between the HMI 707, the machine control unit 804, and the display module 800.
An operation 918 represents formatting data to a proper display layout. In one example, operation 918 represents the display module 800 receiving data from the machine control unit 804 and formatting the data to proper display layout.
An operation 920 represents displaying settings. In one example, operation 920 represents the HMI 707 displaying settings. For example, in a calibration mode, the HMI 707 may display raw values of each load cell for calibration processes. The HMI 707 may be configured to process all inputs. The HMI 707 may be configured to receive inputs, instructions, commands, etc. from a user (e.g., an operator, line operator, manager, supervisor, etc.) to calibrate and/or control the weighing machine.
An operation 922 concludes the illustration of the process 900 and represents displaying readings. In one example, operation 922 represents the display 504 displaying readings. For example, as discussed above with regard to
Embodiments may be provided as a software program or computer program product including a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions (in compressed or uncompressed form) that may be used to program a computer (or other electronic device) to perform processes or methods described herein. The computer-readable storage medium may be one or more of an electronic storage medium, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, a quantum storage medium, and so forth. For example, the computer-readable storage media may include, but is not limited to, hard drives, floppy diskettes, optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), erasable programmable ROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable ROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, solid-state memory devices, or other types of physical media suitable for storing electronic instructions. Further, embodiments may also be provided as a computer program product including a transitory machine-readable signal (in compressed or uncompressed form). Examples of machine-readable signals, whether modulated using a carrier or unmodulated, include, but are not limited to, signals that a computer system or machine hosting or running a computer program can be configured to access, including signals transferred by one or more networks. For example, the transitory machine-readable signal may comprise transmission of software by the Internet.
Separate instances of these programs can be executed on or distributed across any number of separate computer systems. Thus, although certain steps have been described as being performed by certain devices, software programs, processes, or entities, this need not be the case, and a variety of alternative implementations will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.
Additionally, those having ordinary skill in the art readily recognize that the techniques described above can be utilized in a variety of devices, environments, and situations. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.
While the foregoing invention is described with respect to the specific examples, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to these specific examples. Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Although the application describes embodiments having specific structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are merely illustrative some embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims.
This application claims priority as a continuation-in-part to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/462,515, filed Aug. 31, 2021, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/483,071, filed Feb. 3, 2023, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein in by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63483071 | Feb 2023 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17462515 | Aug 2021 | US |
| Child | 18489728 | US |
