Packaging systems, apparatus and method therefore

Abstract

A system for monitoring the condition of a packaging machine during operation and diagnosing potential problems in the performance of the machine. The system comprises an input device, an output device and a processing unit that supports a user interface presented by the output device. The processing unit is arranged to permit a user, when in use, to input via the user interface a number of pre-determined parameters to measure one or more elements or assemblies in the machine, to receive information from one or more sensors measuring the element or assembly and to analyze the information with the parameter to render via the output device a signal.

1 . A system for monitoring the condition of a packaging machine during operation and diagnosing potential problems in the performance of the machine, the system comprising: 
 an input device,    an output device, and    a processing unit that supports a user interface, the processing unit being arranged to permit a user, when in use, to input via the input device a number of predetermined parameters to measure one or more elements or assemblies in the machine, to receive information from one or more sensors measuring the element or assembly and to compare the information with the parameter to render via the output device an output signal.    
   
   
       2 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the output signal is a warning message displayed on the output device.  
   
   
       3 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the output signal actuates an auto-correction device.  
   
   
       4 . The system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the output signal is a message warning the operator about scheduled maintenance.  
   
   
       5 . A diagnostic apparatus for identifying abnormal operation of a packaging machine, the apparatus comprising: 
 a processing unit arranged to receive a sampled signal issued, when in use, to a servo-motor, the signal corresponding to torque values of the servo-motor;    wherein the processing unit is coupled to a storage device for storing a characterization of a mechanical element coupled to the servo-motor, the characterization comprising at least one predetermined value corresponding to a plurality of the torque values of the servo-motor in a condition of normal operation; and    the processing unit is arranged to determine, when in use, abnormal operation of the mechanical element using the sampled signal and the characterization of the mechanical element.    
   
   
       6 . A programmed computer for generating control data for controlling a packaging machine, comprising: 
 memory having at least one region for storing computer executable program code, and    a processor for executing the program code stored in the memory, wherein the program code includes: 
 code to receive input data corresponding to a number of measurements made respectively based upon measurements recorded by one or more sensors monitoring an element or assembly of the machine;  
 code to generate a comparison between the input data and stored data corresponding to pre-determined parameters for the element or assembly; and  
 code to generate output data for the packaging machine when the input data does not correspond to the stored data.