U.S. patent application number 16/532023 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-06 for air cushion inflation machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is AUTOMATED PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC. Invention is credited to Larry Chuba, Michael Riccardi, David Romo, Lawrence Valenti.
Application Number | 20200039158 16/532023 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47437463 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-06 |
![](/patent/app/20200039158/US20200039158A1-20200206-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200039158/US20200039158A1-20200206-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200039158/US20200039158A1-20200206-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200039158/US20200039158A1-20200206-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200039158/US20200039158A1-20200206-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200039158/US20200039158A1-20200206-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200039158/US20200039158A1-20200206-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200039158/US20200039158A1-20200206-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200039158/US20200039158A1-20200206-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200039158/US20200039158A1-20200206-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200039158/US20200039158A1-20200206-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200039158 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chuba; Larry ; et
al. |
February 6, 2020 |
AIR CUSHION INFLATION MACHINE
Abstract
A methods of executing start, run, and stop sequences on a
machine for converting a web of preformed pouches into inflated
dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals
extending from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance
from an inflation edge.
Inventors: |
Chuba; Larry; (Akron,
OH) ; Valenti; Lawrence; (Broadview Heights, OH)
; Romo; David; (Mentor, OH) ; Riccardi;
Michael; (Wickliffe, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AUTOMATED PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC |
Streetsboro |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47437463 |
Appl. No.: |
16/532023 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15010809 |
Jan 29, 2016 |
10377098 |
|
|
16532023 |
|
|
|
|
13543082 |
Jul 6, 2012 |
9266300 |
|
|
15010809 |
|
|
|
|
61505261 |
Jul 7, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 66/8181 20130101;
B29C 66/83423 20130101; B31D 2205/0088 20130101; B29C 66/1122
20130101; B29C 66/91431 20130101; B29L 2031/7138 20130101; B31D
5/0073 20130101; B29D 22/02 20130101; B29C 66/8167 20130101; B29C
65/18 20130101; B29C 66/439 20130101; B29C 66/343 20130101; B29C
66/91421 20130101; B65D 81/052 20130101; B29C 66/91641 20130101;
B29C 66/87443 20130101; B29C 66/344 20130101; B29C 66/71 20130101;
B29C 65/7802 20130101; B29C 66/91212 20130101; B29C 66/934
20130101; B29C 66/91231 20130101; B29C 65/305 20130101; B29C
66/0342 20130101; B29C 66/872 20130101; B31D 2205/0047 20130101;
B29C 66/961 20130101; B29C 65/222 20130101; B29C 65/7873 20130101;
B29C 66/8161 20130101; B31D 2205/0082 20130101; B29C 66/8122
20130101; B29C 66/71 20130101; B29K 2023/06 20130101; B29C 66/8122
20130101; B29K 2909/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B29D 22/02 20060101
B29D022/02; B29C 65/00 20060101 B29C065/00; B29C 65/18 20060101
B29C065/18; B29C 65/30 20060101 B29C065/30; B29C 65/78 20060101
B29C065/78; B65D 81/05 20060101 B65D081/05; B31D 5/00 20060101
B31D005/00 |
Claims
1. A method for executing a start sequence on a machine for
converting a web of pouch type or wrap type material into inflated
dunnage units, the method comprising the steps of: changing sealing
elements from an idle temperature to a sealing temperature using a
temperature control arrangement; and pre-inflating the pouch type
or wrap type material using an inflation arrangement; and closing
the sealing elements; advancing the web of material through the
sealing elements at a speed that is based on the temperature of the
sealing elements.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein no pouch type or wrap type
material is un-inflated upon exiting the machine.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the machine identifies whether
pouch type or wrap type material is being inflated.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
determining a temperature of a sealing element relative to
predetermined temperature set points, reducing said speed if the
temperature of the sealing element is lower than the predetermined
temperature set points; increasing said speed if the temperature of
the sealing element is higher than the predetermined temperature
set points.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
comparing said speed to a predetermined belt speed set point;
reducing the temperature of the sealing element if said speed is
lower than the predetermined belt speed set point; increasing the
temperature of the sealing element if said speed is higher than the
predetermined belt speed set point.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
determining a temperature of the sealing elements relative to a
predetermined sealing element temperature set point; changing the
blower speed if the temperature of the sealing element is lower
than the predetermined sealing element temperature set point;
comparing said speed to a predetermined belt speed set point;
changing the blower output if said speed is lower than the
predetermined belt speed set point.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
identifying whether pouch type or wrap type material is being
inflated; and if wrap type material is being inflated, changing the
inflation arrangement from an idle output or speed to an inflation
output or speed; wherein the change from the idle output or speed
to the inflation output or speed is controlled by a set point
selected from the group consisting of an inflation pressure set
point, a speed set point, a predetermined time after the inflation
device has reached a speed set point, and combinations thereof
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
identifying whether pouch type or wrap type material is being
inflated; if pouch type material is being inflated, ramping a
blower from an idle output to an inflation output after the sealing
element closes on the web; and starting at least one belt using a
belt speed control.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the inflation arrangement is
controlled by feedback from the belt speed control, feedback from
the temperature control arrangement, or combinations thereof.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein speed of the belt is controlled
by feedback from a sealing arrangement.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the inflation arrangement is
controlled by feedback from a sealing arrangement.
12. A method of executing run and stop sequences on a machine for
converting a web of pouch type or wrap type material into inflated
dunnage units, wherein control of a sealing arrangement, an
inflation arrangement, or drive rollers are interrelated, the
method comprising the steps of: setting a belt speed and inflation
device speed relative to a current temperature of a heating device;
updating the belt speed and inflation device speed relative to a
current temperature if a set point of a sealing element or a set
point of the inflation arrangement is changed; retrieving the
updated sealing element set point or the updated inflation
arrangement set point; resetting the belt speed and inflation
device speed with respect to the temperature of the heating device;
determining whether the sealing element has reached a set point
temperature; updating the belt speed and inflation device speed;
stopping at least one belt with a belt speed control; braking the
inflation arrangement; confirming that the at least one belt has
stopped; and confirming that the inflation arrangement has
stopped.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of:
beginning an idle sequence or bring the machine to a stop
state.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the machine is processing pouch
type material and wherein the machine opens the sealing element
after the at least one belt has stopped.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the machine is processing wrap
type material and wherein the step of braking the inflation
arrangement happens after a predetermined period of time.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the set point of a sealing
element or the set point of the inflation arrangement is changed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED-APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/010,809, filed Jan. 29, 2016, which will
issue on Aug. 13, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,377,098, which claims
benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/543,082, filed Jul.
6, 2012, which issued on Feb. 23, 2016 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,266,300,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/505,261, entitled AIR CUSHION INFLATION MACHINE and
filed Jul. 7, 2011, the entire disclosure of which are incorporated
herein by reference, to the extent that it is not conflicting with
the present application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to fluid filled units and more
particularly to a novel and improved machine for converting a web
of preformed pouches to dunnage units.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Machines for forming and filling dunnage units from sheets
of plastic are known. Machines which produce dunnage units by
inflating preformed pouches in a preformed web are also known. For
many applications, machines which utilize preformed webs are
preferred.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of air
cushion material;
[0005] FIG. 1A is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an
air cushion inflation machine;
[0006] FIG. 1B is a view taken along lines 1B-1B in FIG. 1A;
[0007] FIG. 1C is a view taken along lines 1C-1C in FIG. 1A;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1A with a web of air
cushion material installed in the air cushion inflation
machine;
[0009] FIG. 2A is a plain view of inflated and sealed air
cushions;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment
of a control algorithm for an air cushion inflation machine;
[0011] FIG. 4A is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment
of an idle sequence of a control algorithm for an air cushion
inflation machine;
[0012] FIGS. 4B-4D illustrate an example of states of components of
an air cushion inflation machine when the air cushion inflation
machine is in an idle condition;
[0013] FIG. 5A is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment
of a start sequence of a control algorithm for an air cushion
inflation machine;
[0014] FIGS. 5B-5G illustrate an example of states of components of
an air cushion inflation machine when the air cushion inflation
machine is in a start condition;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment
of a run sequence of a control algorithm for an air cushion
inflation machine;
[0016] FIG. 7A is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment
of a stop sequence of a control algorithm for an air cushion
inflation machine;
[0017] FIGS. 7B-7D illustrate an example of states of components of
an air cushion inflation machine when the air cushion inflation
machine is in a stop condition;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
an air cushion inflation machine;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the air cushion inflation
machine of FIG. 8 with cover components removed;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a front view of the air cushion inflation machine
shown in FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the sealing and clamp
assemblies of the air cushion inflation machine shown in FIG.
9;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a view taken as indicated by lines 12-12 in FIG.
11;
[0023] FIG. 12A is an enlarged portion of FIG. 12;
[0024] FIG. 12B is a view similar to FIG. 12A illustrating routing
of inflation cushion material into the machine;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a view taken as indicated by lines 13-13 in FIG.
11;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the sealing and clamp
assemblies shown in FIG. 11;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a sealing assembly of the
air cushion inflation machine shown in FIG. 9;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a view taken as indicated by lines 16-16 in FIG.
15;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a view taken as indicated by lines 17-17 in FIG.
15;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a clamping assembly of the
air cushion inflation machine shown in FIG. 9;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a view taken as indicated by lines 19-19 in FIG.
18;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a partial rear view of the sealing and clamping
assemblies shown in FIG. 11;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a sectioned perspective view with the section
being taken as indicated by lines 21-21 in FIG. 20;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along the plane indicated
by lines 21-21 in FIG. 20;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a partial rear view of the sealing and clamping
assemblies shown in FIG. 11;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a sectioned perspective view with the section
being taken as indicated by lines 24-24 in FIG. 23; and
[0037] FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along the plane indicated
by lines 24-24 in FIG. 23.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] As described herein, when one or more components are
described as being connected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached,
or otherwise interconnected, such interconnection may be direct as
between the components or may be indirect such as through the use
of one or more intermediary components. Also as described herein,
reference to a "member," "component," or "portion" shall not be
limited to a single structural member, component, or element but
can include an assembly of components, members or elements.
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a preformed web 10 that can
be processed by a new machine 50 (See FIGS. 1A and 8) to produce
inflated air cushions 12 (See FIG. 2A). The preformed web can take
a wide variety of different forms. Any preformed web that can be
inflated, sealed and then separated from the machine 50 can be
used. Examples of acceptable webs 10 include, but are not limited
to, any of the webs shown and/or described by U.S. Pat. Nos.
D,633,792; 7,897,220; 7,897,219; D,630,945; 7,767,288; 7,757,459;
7,718,028; 7,694,495; D,603,705; 7,571,584; D,596,031; 7,550,191;
7,125,463; 7,125,463; 6,889,739; or 7,975,457; or United States
Patent Application Pub. Nos.: 20100281828A1; 20100221466A1;
20090293427A1; and 20090110864A1, which are all incorporated herein
by reference in their entirety. It should be readily apparent that
other preformed webs could be used in the machine 50 to produce
dunnage units.
[0040] The illustrated web 10 is formed of a heat sealable plastic
film, such as polyethylene. However, any heat sealable material can
be used. The web 10 includes superposed top and bottom, elongate
layers 14, 16 connected together along spaced seal and inflation
side edges 18, 20. Each of the edges may be either a fold or a
seal. The superposed layers 14, 16 are hermetically connected along
the seal side edge 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the inflation
side edge 20 is perforated. In another embodiment, the inflation
side edge 20 is not perforated and a line of perforations is
included in one of the layers 14, 16, with the line of perforations
being spaced apart from and running parallel to the inflation side
edge 20. In another embodiment, the inflation side edge 20 is not
perforated and a line of perforations is included in each of the
layers 14, 16, with the lines of perforations being spaced apart
from and running parallel to the inflation side edge 20. In yet
another embodiment, the layers 14, 16 are not connected together at
the inflation side edge.
[0041] A plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse seals 22
join the top and bottom layers 14, 16. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2,
the transverse seals 22 extend from the seal edge 18 to within a
short distance of the inflation edge 20 to form pouches 26. An
optional pocket 23 is formed between the transverse seals 22 and
the inflation edge 20. A pocket is not formed if the inflation
edges of the layers 14, 16 are not connected. A line of
perforations 24 extends through the top and bottom layers. FIG. 2A
illustrates a length of the web 10 after it has been inflated and
sealed to form inflated cushions 12. An inflation seal 42, closes
the pouches 26 defined by the transverse seals 22 and the seal side
edge 18 to form the inflated cushions. The illustrated inflated
cushions 12 include gaps G between each pair of adjacent cushions.
A web 10 that is specially constructed to form the gaps G was used
in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, a web 10 may
be used that does not form the illustrated gaps G.
[0042] FIGS. 1A-1C and 2 schematically illustrate an exemplary
embodiment of a machine 50 for converting a preformed web 10 (see
FIG. 1) to inflated cushions 12 (see FIG. 2A). The machine 50 may
take a wide variety of different forms and the inflation, sealing
and separation arrangements described below may be in the
order/positions described or in any other order/position that
facilitates inflation of the web 10, sealing of the web, and
separation of the web from the machine 50. In the example
illustrated by FIGS. 1A-1C and 2, the machine 50 includes an
inflation arrangement 160, a sealing arrangement 162, a clamping
arrangement 110, and a web separation device 158.
[0043] The inflation arrangement 160 can take a wide variety of
different forms. Any arrangement capable of providing air under
increased pressure (above atmosphere) to the pouches 26 can be
used. In the illustrated embodiment, the inflation arrangement 160
includes a hollow, longitudinally extending guide pin 56 and a
blower 60. Referring to FIG. 2, a web 10 is routed from a supply
and the pocket 23 is placed around the guide pin 56, such that the
guide pin 56 is between the inflation side edge 20 and the
transverse seals 22. The guide pin 56 aligns the web as it is
pulled through the machine 50. The guide pin 56 includes an
inflation opening 102 that is fluidly connected to the blower 60 by
a conduit 104. The blower 60 inflates the web pouches 26 as the web
moves past the inflation opening 102.
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the inflation arrangement 160
also includes a blower control 106. The blower control 106 can take
a wide variety of different forms. For example, the blower control
106 can be any arrangement that is operable to control the flow
rate and/or pressure of air provided by the inflation arrangement
160 to the pouches 26. In one embodiment, the blower control 106 is
a speed controller that controls the operation speed of the blower.
Such a speed controller speeds the blower up to provide air at
higher pressures and/or flow rates and reduces the blower speed to
reduce the pressure and/or flow rate. In another embodiment, the
blower control 106 comprises a flow control valve in the conduit
104 between the blower 60 and the inflation opening 102.
[0045] The sealing arrangement 162 forms the seal 42 (FIG. 2) to
create sealed inflated cushions 12. The sealing arrangement 162 can
take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the sealing
arrangement 162 can be any arrangement capable of forming a
hermetic seal between the layers 14, 16. Referring to FIG. 1C, the
sealing arrangement 162 includes a heated sealing element 64, a
heat sealing backing member or a second heated sealing element 65,
a temperature control arrangement 165, a heat sealing element
positioning device 66, a pair of drive rollers 68, a belt speed
control 67, and a pair of drive belts 70. In an alternate
embodiment, a pair of cooling elements are provided downstream of
the heated sealing element 64 and the heat sealing backing member
65. Each belt 70 is provided around its respective drive roller and
its respective heat sealing element 64 or backing member 65. Each
belt 70 is driven by its respective drive roller 68. The speed of
the drive rollers 68 and belts 70 are controlled by the belt speed
control 67. The belts 70 are in close proximity or engage one
another, such that the belts 70 pull the web 10 through the heat
sealing element 64 and the heat sealing backing member or a second
heated sealing element 65. The seal 42 is formed as the web 10
passes through first the heated sealing elements 64 and the heat
sealing backing member or a second heated sealing element 65.
[0046] The heating element 64 can take a wide variety of different
forms. Any arrangement capable of raising the temperature of the
layers 14 and/or 16 to a point where the layers will hermetically
bond together can be used. For example, the heating element 64 may
be a heating wire, ceramic element or other member that provides
heat upon the application of power. For example, resistance of the
heating element 64 causes the heating element 64 to heat up when
voltage is applied across the heating element.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 1C, in the illustrated embodiment the
temperature control arrangement 165 is coupled to the heating
element 64 to control the temperature of the heating element. The
temperature control arrangement 165 may take a wide variety of
different forms. Any arrangement capable of controlling the heating
element 64 can be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the
temperature control arrangement 165 includes a thermocouple. The
thermocouple may be coupled to the heating element 64 in a variety
of different ways. In one exemplary embodiment, the heating element
64 includes a ceramic member that is encapsulated with the
thermocouple. The encapsulation of the ceramic member with the
thermocouple provides for very accurate measurement of the
temperature of the heating element 64. The temperature measured by
the thermocouple is used to adjust the power applied to the heating
element and thereby control the temperature of the heating
element.
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the heat sealing element
positioning device 66 is coupled to the heating element 64 to
position the heating element 64 with respect to the path of travel
of the web 10. The heat sealing element positioning device 66 may
take a wide variety of different forms. Any arrangement capable of
positioning the heating element 64 with respect to the path of
travel of the web 10 may be employed. For example, the heat sealing
element positioning device 66 may be an actuator that moves the
upper belt 70, drive roller 68, and heated sealing element 64
relatively away from the lower belt, drive roller, and heat sealing
backing member or a second heated sealing element 65. Or, the heat
sealing element positioning device 66 may be an actuator that moves
the heated sealing element 64 away from the upper belt (see FIG.
4D). The heat sealing element positioning device 66 may be used to
quickly control when heat is applied and removed from the web
layers 14, 16 by the heating element 64. For example, the heat
sealing element positioning device is operable to remove heat from
the seal when the machine is idle.
[0049] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a clamping
arrangement. The clamping arrangement 110 is positioned to pinch
the top and bottom layers 14, 16 two layers of the preformed web
together. The clamping arrangement 110 inhibits air under pressure
P (FIG. 2) in the inflated webs from applying force to the molten
longitudinal seal 42. This prevents the air under pressure P from
blowing the molten longitudinal seal 42 open and/or creating
undesirable stresses that weaken the longitudinal seal.
[0050] The clamping arrangement 110 can take a wide variety of
different forms. For example, the clamping arrangement 110 can be
any arrangement capable of squeezing the layers 14, 16 in an area
where the material of the layers is molten, soft or not yet
completely solidified and cool. In the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 1B, the clamping arrangement 110 includes a pair of drive
rollers 268, and a pair of drive belts 270, a pair of clamping
members 271 and an optional clamping member positioning device 266.
Each belt 270 is disposed around its respective drive roller 268.
Each belt 270 is driven by its respective drive roller 268. The
drive rollers 268 may be coupled to the drive rollers 68 of the
heat sealing belts 70 or the drive rollers 268 may be driven
independently of the drive rollers 68. The belts 270 engage one
another, such that the belts 270 pull the web 10 and pinch the web
as the web moves through the heat sealing element 64 and the heat
sealing backing member or a second heated sealing element 65.
Another exemplary clamping arrangement is disclosed by U.S. Patent
No. 7,571,584, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping arrangement 110
includes a positioning device 266. The positioning device 266 is
coupled to the clamping arrangement to selectively grip and release
the web 10. This allows the web 10 to be manually loaded into the
machine, allows the web to be manually removed from the machine,
and/or allows any misfeads of the web 10 to be cleared. The
positioning device 266 may take a wide variety of different forms.
Any arrangement capable of positioning the belt(s) 270 of the
clamping arrangement 110 with respect to the path of travel of the
web 10 may be employed. For example, the clamping arrangement
positioning device 266 may be an actuator that moves the upper belt
270 relatively away from the lower belt.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, the web separation device 158 can take
a wide variety of different forms. For example, when the web 10
includes a line of perforations at or along the seal side edge 18,
the web separation device 158 may be a blunt surface, when the
inflation edge 20 is not perforated the separation device 158 may
be a sharp knife edge, and when the layers 14, 16 are not connected
together at the seal side edge the web separation device may be
omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, the web separation device
158 is positioned along the path of travel of the web at the heat
sealing element 64. The web separation device 158 is positioned
behind the heat sealing element so that the web separation device
opens the pocket 23 of the web at the same time the pouches 26 are
being sealed. However, the web separation device can be positioned
anywhere along the path of travel of the web. For example, the web
separation device 158 can be positioned before the sealing
arrangement 162, after the sealing arrangement, before the
inflation opening 102, or after the inflation opening. The
illustrated separation device 158 extends from the pin 56. However,
the separation device 158 may be mounted to the machine 50 in any
manner. The separation device 158 opens the web 10 at or near the
inflation side edge 20 as the web moves through the machine 50.
[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a control
algorithm 300 for the inflation machine 50. In the illustrated
embodiment, the control algorithm 300 includes an off state 302, an
idle sequence 304, a start sequence 306, a run sequence 308, and a
stop sequence 310. In the off state, the inflation arrangement 160
and the sealing arrangement 162 are both turned off
[0054] FIG. 4A illustrates the idle sequence 304 and FIGS. 4B-4D
illustrate the states of the components of the machine 50 when the
machine executes the idle sequence. When the machine 50 is turned
on 400, the machine begins the idle sequence 304. In the idle
sequence 304, the sealing elements 64 are set 402 to an idle
temperature by the temperature control arrangement 165. The
inflation arrangement 160 is set 404 to an idle output or speed by
the inflation control 106. Referring to FIG. 4D, in an exemplary
embodiment, the belt speed control 67 stops the belts 70, 270, the
positioning device 66 separates the heating element 64 from the web
10, and the positioning device 266 optionally causes the clamping
device 110 to clamp the web 10. As such, when the machine 50
executes the idle sequence 304, the inflation arrangement 160
pre-inflates the pouches 26 and the heating element 64 is
pre-heated, but spaced apart from the web. This pre-inflation and
pre-heating reduces the time it takes for the machine 10 to
transition to production of inflated cushioning members.
[0055] FIG. 5A illustrates the start sequence 306 and FIGS. 5B-5G
illustrate the states of the components as the machine 50 executes
the start sequence. When the machine 50 is turned 420 (FIG. 4A)
from the idle sequence 304 to the start sequence 306, the machine
50 identifies 500 the type of material being inflated and sealed.
For example, the machine may determine that that the material is a
pillow type material (see for example FIG. 1) or a wrap type
material (see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. D,633,792 and D,630,945).
The machine may also determine the size and type of material the
web 10 is made from in this step.
[0056] In the start sequence 304, the sealing elements 64 are
raised from the idle temperature to a sealing temperature (when the
sealing temperature is higher than the idle temperature) by the
temperature control arrangement 165 at steps 502 and 504. At step
506, if the material is a wrap type material, the inflation
arrangement 160 is ramped up 508 from the idle output or speed to
the inflation output or speed. The ramp up from the idle output or
speed to the inflation output or speed may be controlled in a
variety of different ways. For example, the inflation arrangement
may be ramped up until an inflation pressure set point in the web
10 is reached, until the inflation device reaches a speed set
point, and/or until a predetermined period of time has elapsed
after the inflation device reaches a speed set point. In the FIG.
5A example, inflation device prefills 510 the wrap type material
for a predetermined period of time after the inflation device
reaches the speed set point.
[0057] In the exemplary embodiment, the machine closes (See FIG.
5G) the sealing element 64 at steps 512 and 514. Pouch type
material is substantially pre-inflated by operation of the
inflation device 160 at idle output or speed when the sealing
element 64 closes on the web. Similarly, wrap type material is
substantially pre-inflated by the ramp up to the inflation output
by the inflation device 160. In this manner, very little or no
material is wasted upon start up of the machine, regardless of the
type of material that is being used. That is, the first pouches 26
that are fed into the machine 50 are inflated and sealed, rather
than being un-inflated or under-inflated.
[0058] In the exemplary embodiment, the machine determines 520
whether the inflation arrangement 160 has already been ramped to
the inflation speed or output after the sealing element has closed
on the web 10. For example, if the material is a pouch type
material, the blower ramps 522 from the idle output to the
inflation output after the sealing element 64 is closed on the web
10. Once the sealing element 64 is closed on the web 10, the belt
speed control 67 starts 524 the belts 70, 270 (see arrows in FIG.
5G) and the machine begins producing sealed and inflated cushions
and moves on 525 to the run sequence.
[0059] In one exemplary embodiment, control of the sealing
arrangement 162, inflation arrangement 160, and/or the drive
rollers 68 are interrelated. For example, the sealing arrangement
162, inflation arrangement 160, and/or the drive rollers 68 are
controlled based on input from one or more of the temperature
control arrangement 165, belt speed control 67 and/or the blower
control 106. By interrelating the sealing arrangement 162,
inflation arrangement 162, and/or the drive rollers 68, the
air/pressure in the pouches and/or the quality of the inflation
seal 41, may be precisely controlled.
[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the belt speed may be controlled
based on feedback from the blower control 106 and/or the
temperature control arrangement 165. If the temperature of the
sealing element 64 is lower than a predetermined set point, the
belt speed may be reduced to ensure that enough heat is applied to
the web to form a high quality seal. Similarly, if the temperature
of the sealing element 64 is higher than a predetermined set point,
the belt speed may be increased to ensure that too much heat is not
applied to the web and thereby ensure that a high quality seal is
formed. If the output or speed of the inflation arrangement 160 is
lower than a predetermined set point, the belt speed may be reduced
to ensure that the pouches 26 are optimally filled. In an exemplary
embodiment, the blower output or speed and/or the heating element
temperature 64 are continuously controlled to bring the blower
output or speed and the heating element temperature to
predetermined setpoints. The speed of the belts may be continuously
updated based on the feedback from the blower control 106 and/or
the temperature control arrangement 165 to optimize the seal
quality and pouch filling, especially as the inflation arrangement
and/or the sealing element are being ramped to their normal
operating conditions.
[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature of the sealing
element 64 may be controlled based on feedback from the inflation
control 106 and/or the belt speed control 67. If the belt speed is
lower than a predetermined set point, the temperature of the
sealing element 64 may be reduced to ensure that too much heat is
not applied to the web and ensure that a high quality seal is
formed. Similarly, if the belt speed is higher than a predetermined
set point, the temperature of the sealing element 64 may be
increased to ensure that enough heat is applied to the web and a
high quality seal is formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the blower
output or speed and/or the belt speed control 67 are continuously
controlled to bring the blower output or speed and the belt speed
to predetermined setpoints. The temperature of the sealing element
64 may be continuously updated based on the feedback from the
blower control 106 and/or the belt speed to optimize the seal
quality and pouch filling, especially as the inflation arrangement
and/or the belt speed are being ramped to their normal operating
conditions.
[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the inflation arrangement 160
may be controlled based on feedback from the belt speed control 67
and/or the temperature control arrangement 165. If the temperature
of the sealing element 64 is lower than a predetermined set point,
the blower output or speed may be changed to ensure proper
inflation and sealing of the air filled cushions. If the belt speed
is lower than a predetermined set point, the blower output or speed
may be changed to ensure proper inflation and sealing of the air
filled cushions. In an exemplary embodiment, the belt speed and/or
the heating element temperature are continuously controlled to
bring the belt speed and/or the heating element temperature to
predetermined setpoints. The blower speed or output may be
continuously updated based on the feedback from the drive roller
control 67 and/or the temperature control arrangement 165 to
optimize the seal quality and pouch filling, especially as the belt
speed and/or the sealing temperature are being ramped to their
normal operating conditions.
[0063] In one exemplary embodiment, the temperature of the sealing
arrangement 162 is independent of feedback from inflation control
and belt control. In this embodiment, belt speed may be controlled
based solely on feedback from the sealing arrangement 162.
Similarly, in this embodiment, the inflation arrangement 162 may be
controlled based solely on feedback from the sealing arrangement
162. In an exemplary embodiment, the machine 50 is programmed with
a control loop that brings the sealing arrangement to 162 to a
temperature setpoint and to hold the temperature at the setpoint.
During execution of this control loop, the current temperature of
the sealing arrangement is monitored and is used to control the
belt speed and inflation arrangement 162.
[0064] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a run sequence
308 where control of the sealing arrangement 162, inflation
arrangement 160, and/or the drive rollers 68 are interrelated. It
should be appreciated that the control of the sealing arrangement
162, inflation arrangement 160, and/or the drive rollers 68 can be
interrelated in a wide variety of different ways and that FIG. 6
illustrates one of the many possibilities. In FIG. 6, relationships
of the belt speed and inflation device speed or output with respect
to the temperature of the heating device are set 600. The belt
speed and inflation device speed or output are set 602 based on the
current temperature of the sealing element 64. At optional step
604, if the set point of the sealing element 64 and/or the set
point of the inflation arrangement 160 have changed (for example,
due to user input), the updated setpoints are retrieved 606 and the
relationships of the belt speed and inflation device speed or
output with respect to the temperature of the heating device are
reset 600. If the set point of the sealing element 64 and/or the
set point of the inflation arrangement 160 have not changed, the
sequence checks 608 to see if the sealing element 64 has reached
the temperature set point. If the sealing element 64 has not
reached the temperature set point, the belt speed and inflation
device speed or output are updated 602 based on the current
temperature of the sealing element 64. This process is repeated
until the sealing element 64 reaches the temperature set point.
[0065] Once the sealing element 64 is at the temperature setting
610 and the belt speed and inflation device output are at the
corresponding setpoints 612, the relationships between the belt
speed and inflation device speed or output with respect to the
temperature of the heating device may optionally be disregarded 614
until the machine is stopped or for a predetermined period of time
or until an event is detected that triggers updating of the belt
speed and/or inflation device output. At this point, the machine 50
is running at a full or optimal speed 615 and continues to do so
until an inflation setting changes 616, a heat setting changes 618,
or the machine is stopped 620. When an inflation device setting
changes, the inflation device speed or output is increased or
decreased 622 based on the new setting. When a temperature setting
changes, the heating device temperature set point is increased or
decreased 624 based on the new setting. When the machine is
stopped, the sequence proceeds 626 to the stop sequence 310.
[0066] FIG. 7A illustrates and exemplary stop sequence and FIGS.
7B-7D illustrate examples of conditions of components of the
machine 50 during the stop sequence. In the stop sequence 310, the
belt speed control 67 stops 700 the belts 70, 270 (FIG. 7D). At
optional step 702, if the material is pillow type material, the
inflation arrangement 160 is braked 703. At step 704, the sequence
confirms that the belts 70, 270 have been stopped. Once the belts
70, 270 are stopped, the machine opens 706 the sealing element 64.
At optional step 708, if the material is wrap type material, the
sequence allows 710 a predetermined period of time to elapse and
then the inflation arrangement 160 is braked 712. At step 714, the
sequence confirms 716 that both the belts 70, 270 and the inflation
arrangement 160 are stopped and the sequence returns to the idle
sequence 304 or the stop state 302.
[0067] The machine 50 may take a wide variety of different forms.
FIGS. 8-25 illustrate one, non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of
the machine 50 in detail. In the example illustrated by FIGS. 8-25,
the machine 50 includes an inflation arrangement 960 (see FIGS. 12
and 13), a sealing arrangement 962 (see FIG. 15), a clamping
arrangement 910 (see FIG. 18), a web separation device 958 (see
FIG. 13), and a web tensioning device 875 (see FIG. 12). FIG. 8
illustrates the machine 50 with a cover 802 disposed over the
sealing arrangement 962 and the clamping arrangement 910. FIGS.
8-10 illustrate the machine 50 with the cover removed.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the web 10 is routed from a supply
to and around a pair of elongated, transversely extending guide
rollers 854. The web 10 is then routed to a longitudinally
extending guide pin 856. The guide pin 856 is disposed between the
inflation edge 20 and the transverse seals 22 of the web 10. The
guide pin 856 aligns the web as it is pulled through the machine.
The web 10 is routed along the guide pin 856 through the web
tensioning device 875.
[0069] The tensioning device 875 keeps the web 10 (see FIG. 12B)
taught as the web is pulled through the machine 50 (see FIG. 12).
Keeping the web taught in the sealing arrangement 962 prevents
wrinkles from forming in the seal 23. The tensioning device can
take a wide variety of different forms. Any arrangement that
applies tension to the web 10 can be used. Referring to FIGS. 12A
and 12B, in the illustrated embodiment the tensioning device 875
includes a roller 877, a spring loaded pivot arm 879, and a shelf
member 881. The shelf member 881 is fixed with respect to the path
of travel of the web 10. The illustrated shelf member 881 includes
a substantially horizontal portion 883 and an upwardly extending
portion 885 that extends upward at an obtuse angle from the
substantially horizontal portion 883.
[0070] The substantially horizontal portion 883 and the upwardly
extending portion 885 can take a variety of different forms. In
FIG. 12A, a centerline 1252 (the midpoint between the top and the
bottom) of the guide pin 856 is depicted. In an exemplary
embodiment, an upper surface 1260 of the substantially horizontal
portion 883 is lower than the centerline 1252. In the example
illustrated by FIG. 12A, an upper surface 1260 of the substantially
horizontal portion 883 is lower than a bottom 1262 of the guide pin
856. In FIG. 12A, a horizontal line 1250 that is tangent to the top
or uppermost surface of the upwardly extending portion 885 is
depicted. In an exemplary embodiment, the top or uppermost surface
1250 is positioned to keep the pocket 23 taught against the guide
pin 856, but not so taught that the perforations of the pocket 23
break. By pulling the pocket 23 of the web 10 taught against the
guide pin 856, wrinkles in the web are eliminated as the web passes
through the sealing arrangement 162. In one exemplary embodiment,
the uppermost surface 1250 is positioned at or above the centerline
1252 of the guide pin 856. For example, the uppermost surface 1250
may be positioned at a distance D above the centerline. The
distance D may be less than or equal to 0.250 inches, less than or
equal to 0.218 inches, less than or equal to 0.187 inches, less
than or equal to 0.156 inches, less than or equal to 0.125 inches,
less than or equal to 0.093 inches, less than or equal to 0.062
inches, or less than or equal to 0.031 inches.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 12B, the pivot arm 879 is pivotally
mounted to the machine 50 at a pivot 887. A spring 889 is attached
to a first end of the pivot arm and to the machine 50. The roller
877 is rotatably attached to the second end of the pivot arm 879.
The spring 889 forces the roller 877 against the shelf member 881
at the intersection of the substantially horizontal portion 883 and
the upwardly extending portion 885. It should be readily apparent
that the roller 877, the pivot arm 879 and/or the spring 889 can be
replaced with any arrangement that frictionally engages the web.
The frictional force is selected to keep the web 10 taught as the
web passes through the sealing arrangement 162, but the frictional
force is not great enough to cause the web 10 to tear. In one
exemplary embodiment, the force applied between the roller 877 and
the shelf 881 is between 5 lbs and 10 lbs, such as about 7 lbs or 7
lbs. The width of the contact area between the roller 877 and the
shelf member 881 also influences the frictional force applied to
the web 10. In one exemplary embodiment, the width of the contact
area between the roller 877 and the shelf member 881 is between
0.062 and 0.375 inches, between 0.093 and 0.250 inches, between
0.125 and 0.187 inches, about 0.140 inches, or 0.140 inches.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 12B, the web 10 is routed between the
roller 877 and the shelf member 881 such that the roller and the
shelf member frictionally engage the layers 14, 16 of the web 10.
The web 10 passes under the roller 877, up and over the upwardly
extending portion 885 of the shelf member, and then into the
sealing arrangement 962. The friction between the web 10, the
roller 877, and the shelf member 881 keeps the web taught as the
web is pulled through the sealing arrangement 962.
[0073] The inflation arrangement 960 can take a wide variety of
different forms. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in the illustrated
embodiment, the inflation arrangement 960 includes the hollow,
longitudinally extending guide pin 856 and an inlet opening 857 for
fluid connection to a blower or other source of air under pressure
or other fluid under pressure. The illustrated guide pin 856
includes a plurality of inflation openings 102 (See FIG. 12). The
inflation openings 102 can take a wide variety of different forms.
In the illustrated embodiment, the guide pin 856 includes a first,
relatively large, opening 1200 and a plurality of smaller openings
1202. The illustrated opening 1200 is a slot with semi-circular
ends. The illustrated smaller openings 1202 are circular in shape.
The blower and blower control are disposed in a housing 1204 (FIGS.
8-10) of the machine 50.
[0074] The sealing arrangement 962 forms the seal 42 to create
sealed inflated cushions 12. The sealing arrangement 962 can take a
wide variety of different forms. Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the
sealing assembly 962 includes heated sealing elements 864, 865, a
heat sealing element positioning device 866, drive rollers 868,
idler rollers 869, and sealing belts 870. Each belt 870 is disposed
around its respective heat sealing elements 864, 865, drive roller
868, and idler rollers 869. Each belt 870 is driven by its
respective drive roller 868. In an exemplary embodiment, the speed
of the drive rollers 868 and belts 870 are controlled by a belt
speed control that is disposed in the housing 1204 of the machine.
The belt speed control may be part of an overall controller for the
machine or the belt speed controller may be a separate device that
interfaces with other devices. The belts 870 engage one another,
such that the belts 870 pull the web 10 through the heat sealing
elements 864, 865. The seal 42 is formed as the web 10 passes
through the heated sealing elements 864, 865.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 21, in the illustrated example the heat
sealing element 864 is biased toward the heat sealing element 865
by a biasing assembly 2100. The biasing assembly 2100 can take a
wide variety of different forms. The biasing arrangement may be any
arrangement that biases the heat sealing elements 864, 865
relatively toward one another. In the illustrated example, the
biasing assembly 2100 includes a support member 2101, a shaft
member 2102, a spring 2104 disposed around the shaft member, and a
coupling member 2106 connected to the heat sealing element 864. A
head 2108 of the shaft member 2102 is disposed in a counterbore
2110 of the support member 2101 with a shaft portion 2112 of the
shaft member extending through a hole 2114 in the support member
2101. The shaft member 2102 is free to move axially in the
counterbore. An end of the shaft portion is connected to the
coupling member 2106. The spring 2104 pushes the coupling member
2106 and attached heat sealing element 864 downward. The biasing
assembly 2100 ensures that the heat sealing elements 864, 865
securely engage the web 10 between the belts 870 whenever the belts
are engaged.
[0076] The heating element 864 can take a wide variety of different
forms. Referring to FIG. 21, in the illustrated example the heating
element 864 includes an outer body 1600, an internal ceramic
element 1602, and an internal thermocouple 1604 or other device for
measuring the temperature of the internal ceramic element 1602. A
potting material or other encapsulating material surrounds the
internal ceramic element 1602 and the thermocouple 1604. In an
exemplary embodiment, the thermocouple 1604 is disposed directly on
the ceramic element 1602.
[0077] A temperature control arrangement is coupled to the
thermocouple 1602 and the ceramic element 1602 for controlling the
temperature of the ceramic element 1602 based on feedback from the
thermocouple 1604. The temperature measured by the thermocouple is
used to adjust the power applied to the heating element and thereby
control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature
control arrangement is disposed in the housing 1204 of the machine.
The temperature control arrangement may be part of an overall
controller for the machine or the temperature control arrangement
may be a separate device that interfaces with other devices.
[0078] The heating sealing element positioning device 866 can take
a wide variety of different forms. Referring to FIGS. 13, 14, 21,
and 22, in the illustrated example the heat sealing elements 864,
865 are coupled to the upper support members 2101 and a lower
support member 2103. The heat sealing element 864 is coupled to the
upper support member 2101 by the biasing assembly 2100 as described
above. The lower heat sealing element 865 is fixed to the lower
support member 2103. However, the lower heat sealing element may be
coupled to the lower support member 2103 in any manner. For
example, the lower heat sealing element 865 may be coupled to the
lower support member 2103 by a second biasing assembly. In the
illustrated embodiment, the heat sealing element positioning device
866 comprises two upper actuators 1300, 1302 and two lower
actuators 1304, 1306. The two upper actuators 1300, 1302 are each
operably connected to the upper support member 2101 and a fixed
component of the machine 50, such as the housing 1204. The two
lower actuators 1304, 1306 are each operably connected to the lower
support member 2103 and a fixed component of the machine 50, such
as the housing 1204. The actuators 1300, 1302, 1304, 1306 are
operable to move the upper and lower support members 2101, 2103 and
coupled heat sealing elements 864, 865 relatively toward and away
from one another. As such, the heating elements 864, 865 are
positioned with respect to the path of travel of the web 10 such
that the sealing belts 870 selectively engage and disengage the web
10.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, the illustrated upper and
lower support members 2101, 2103 include seal cooling portions
2401, 2403. The seal cooling portions 2401, 2403 engage the belts
870 and compress the material of the seal downstream of the sealing
elements 864, 865. Heat of the seal is transferred through the
belts 870 and into the seal cooling portions 2401, 2403 of the
support members 2101, 2103 to cool the material of the seal. The
illustrated upper and lower support members 2101, 2103 include
optional holes 2410. The holes 2410 increase the surface area of
the upper and lower support members 2101, 2103 to increase their
effectiveness as heat sinks and reduce their weight. The upper and
lower support members 2101, 2103 can be made from a wide variety of
different materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the support
members are made from a thermally conductive material such as
aluminum or copper.
[0080] The clamping arrangement 910 is positioned to pinch the top
and bottom layers 14, 16 of the preformed web together. The
clamping arrangement 910 can take a wide variety of different
forms. Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the clamping arrangement 910
includes drive rollers 1068, idler rollers 1069, spring loaded
clamping assemblies 1800, a clamping portion 1802 of the lower
support member 2103, and a pair of drive belts 1070. The
illustrated clamping portion 1802 of the lower support member 2103
includes a support surface 1810 or groove and a lip 1812. The width
of the support surface 1810 or groove corresponds to the width of
the belts 1070. The support surface 1810 supports the lower belt
1070 and the lip 1812 retains the belt or the support surface.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, each spring loaded clamping
assembly 1800 includes a clamping member 1900, a shaft member 1902,
and a spring 1904 disposed around the shaft member. The clamping
members 1900, shaft members 1902, and springs are coupled to a
support member 1901. Each clamping member 1900 is biased toward the
clamping portion 1802 of the lower support portion 2103 by the
springs 1902. A head 1908 of each shaft member 1902 is disposed on
the support member 1901 with a shaft portion 1912 of the shaft
member extending through a hole 1914 in the support member 1901.
The shaft member 1902 is free to move axially in the counterbore.
An end of each shaft portion 1912 is connected to a clamping member
1900. The springs 1904 push the clamping members 1900 downward. The
biasing assemblies 1800 ensure that the belts 1070 securely engage
the web 10 whenever the belts are engaged.
[0082] Each belt 1070 is disposed around its respective drive
rollers 1068 and idler rollers 1069. Each belt 1070 is driven by
its respective drive roller 1068, which is attached to a drive
roller 868. As such, the sealing belts 870 and the pinching belts
1070 are driven in sync. The belts 1070 engage one another, such
that the belts 1070 pull the web 10 and pinch the web as the web
moves through the heat sealing elements 864, 865.
[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping arrangement 910
is positioned by the same positioning device 866 that positions the
heat sealing elements 864. Since the clamping arrangement 910 moves
with the upper and lower support members 2101, 2103, movement of
the upper and lower support members 2101, 2103 by the positioning
device 866 also moves the clamping arrangement 910. The positioning
device 866 is coupled to the clamping arrangement 910 to
selectively grip and release the web 10. This allows the web 10 to
be manually loaded into the machine 50, allows the web to be
manually removed from the machine, and/or allows any misfeads of
the web 10 to be cleared.
[0084] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the illustrated web separation
device 958 is mounted to the guide pin 856. The web separation
device 958 includes an edge 1350. The edge 1350 engages the web 10
to open the pocket and allow the web 10 to pass through the
machine. The edge 1350 may be a blunt edge or a sharp edge,
depending on the configuration of the web 10. For example, when the
web 10 includes a line of perforations at or along the seal side
edge 18, the edge 1350 may be a blunt surface, when the seal side
edge 18 is not perforated the edge may be sharp. Referring to FIG.
13, in the illustrated embodiment the web separation device 958 is
positioned along the path of travel at the heat sealing element
864. The web separation device 958 is positioned behind the heat
sealing element so that the web separation device opens the pocket
23 of the web at the same time the pouches 26 are being sealed.
[0085] While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of
the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied
in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects,
concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments,
either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations
thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and
sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present
inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as
to the various aspects, concepts and features of the
inventions--such as alternative materials, structures,
configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components,
hardware, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on--may
be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a
complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments,
whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the
art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects,
concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within
the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are
not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some
features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described
herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description
is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or
necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or
representative values and ranges may be included to assist in
understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and
ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended
to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated.
Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be
expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of
an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive,
but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features
that are fully described herein without being expressly identified
as such or as part of a specific invention. Descriptions of
exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all
steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the
steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless
expressly so stated.
[0086] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have
been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of
the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
invention to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications
will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, the
specific locations of the component connections and interplacements
can be modified. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects,
is not limited to the specific details, the representative
apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described.
Accordingly, departures can be made from such details without
departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general
inventive concept.
* * * * *