CLIP CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

A clip control system is described. The invention in a first embodiment is a clip control system comprising a stuffer/clipper comprising a reader and a processing unit and having an operating parameter, a clip package mountable to the stuffer/clipper and holding a plurality of clips, and information encoded in the clip package and readable by the reader, the processing unit configured to receive the information and to set the operating parameter based thereon. The clip package is a reel or a canister. In another embodiment, the invention comprises a clip package holding a plurality of clips and being mountable to a stuffer/clipper having a reader. The clip package has information encoded therein and readable by the reader. In either embodiment, the information is encoded in an RFID tag, a bar code, or a magnetic strip. The reader is a RFID reader, a bar code reader, or a magnetic strip reader. The information is product-specific information and can also include the identity of the clip manufacturer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the clip control system of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are elevation views of reels of clips used in the clip control system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the clip control system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view of the canister, seal, and vibrator of the clip control system of FIG. 3.

Claims

1. A clip control system comprising: a stuffer/clipper comprising a reader and a processing unit and having an operating parameter;a clip package mountable to said stuffer/clipper and holding a plurality of clips; andinformation encoded in said clip package and readable by said reader;said processing unit configured to receive said information and to set said operating parameter based thereon.

2. The clip control system of claim 1, wherein said clip package comprises one of a clip package and a clip package.

3. The clip control system of claim 1, wherein said clip package comprises an RFID tag, said information is encoded in said RFID tag, and said reader is an RFID reader.

4. The clip control system of claim 1, wherein said clip package comprises a bar code, said information is encoded in said bar code, and said reader is a bar code reader.

5. The clip control system of claim 1, wherein said clip package comprises a magnetic strip, said information is encoded in said magnetic strip, and said reader is a magnetic reader.

6. The clip control system of claim 1, wherein said information is specific to a product made by said stuffer/clipper.

7. The clip control system of claim 6, wherein said operating parameter comprises at least one of a clip size, a clip type, a portion per casing, a label, a speed control, and a casing brake setting.

8. The clip control system of claim 6, wherein said processing unit further comprises programming to reject said clip package if said information does not match said product.

9. The clip control system of claim 1, wherein said information comprises an identity of a manufacturer of said clips.

10. A clip package for use with a stuffer/clipper having a reader, comprising: a clip package mountable to the stuffer clipper and holding a plurality of clips; andinformation encoded in said clip package and readable by the reader.

11. The clip package of claim 10, further comprising an RFID tag, said information being encoded in said RFID tag.

12. The clip package of claim 10, further comprising a bar code, said information being encoded in said bar code.

13. The clip package of claim 10, further comprising a magnetic strip, said information being encoded in said magnetic strip.

14. The clip package of claim 10, wherein said information is specific to a product made by the stuffer/clipper.

15. The clip control system of claim 10, wherein said information comprises an identity of a manufacturer of said clips.