U.S. patent number 3,704,362 [Application Number 05/149,618] was granted by the patent office on 1972-11-28 for quality control system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Bio-Medical Sciences, Inc.. Invention is credited to Henry T. Goldbach, Mark J. Kolby.
United States Patent |
3,704,362 |
Kolby , et al. |
November 28, 1972 |
QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM
Abstract
A system for providing indication of both the quality of
individual manufactured articles and the quality of the process for
manufacturing the same. Circuit means are included for sensing
article characteristics and making determinations (1) whether each
article exhibits all requisite characteristics, (2) whether each
article has fewer than a predetermined number of requisite
characteristics, and (3) whether each article is a predetermined
succession exhibits less than the requisite number of
characteristics. Circuit means are provided for indicating the
determinations made and for conveying indications of determinations
(1) to article control apparatus and indications of determinations
(2) and (3) to process control apparatus.
Inventors: |
Kolby; Mark J. (Maywood,
NJ), Goldbach; Henry T. (Little Ferry, NJ) |
Assignee: |
Bio-Medical Sciences, Inc.
(Fairfield, NJ)
|
Family
ID: |
22531119 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/149,618 |
Filed: |
June 3, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
702/82; 377/16;
700/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C
3/14 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G07C
3/00 (20060101); G07C 3/14 (20060101); G06f
015/46 () |
Field of
Search: |
;235/151,151.1,151.13,151.3,92QC ;340/150,169,412,419,421 ;356/104
;250/215,220,224 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Botz; Eugene G.
Assistant Examiner: Smith; Jerry
Claims
1. A system for use in article manufacture comprising:
a. a plurality of first circuit means, each detecting the
magnitudes of a selective group of characteristics of each
manufactured article and generating output pulses exclusively on
detection of article characteristic magnitudes exceeding a
predetermined characteristic magnitude;
b. a plurality of pulse counters, each receiving the output pulses
generated by a distinct one of said first circuit means and
providing output signals indicative of the number of output pulses
generated by said one first circuit means in respect of each
manufactured article;
c. second circuit means receiving the output signals provided by
each of said counters and generating an output pulse on determining
that the output signals provided by at least one of said counters
in respect of a manufactured article are indicative of a number
less than a first predetermined number; and
d. third circuit means receiving the output signals provided by all
said counters in respect of each manufactured article and
comprising summation circuit means performing a summation of the
numbers indicated by all said counter output signals and comparator
circuit means responsive to said summation circuit means for
generating an output pulse where said number summation is less than
a second predetermined number.
2. The system claimed in claim 1 including means responsive to said
second circuit means output pulse for rejecting said article and
means responsive to said comparator circuit means output pulse for
discontinuing the method for manufacturing said article.
3. The system claimed in claim 1 including fourth circuit means
generating an output pulse on the occurrences of second circuit
means output pulses in respect of each article in a predetermined
succession of manufactured articles.
4. The system claimed in claim 3 including means responsive to said
second circuit means output pulses for rejecting manufactured
articles and means responsive to said comparator circuit means and
said fourth circuit means output pulses for discontinuing the
method for manufacturing said articles.
5. The system claimed in claim 1 wherein each said first circuit
means comprises sensor means generating signals indicative of the
magnitudes of said article characteristics, reference generator
means generating a signal indicative of said predetermined
characteristic magnitude and a signal comparator receiving said
sensor means and reference generator signals and generating said
first means output pulses.
6. The system claimed in claim 5 wherein said sensor means
comprises a source irradiating said article, a first sensor element
exposed to said irradiated article, a second sensor element exposed
to said source and a differential amplifier connected to said
sensor elements and providing said sensor means signals.
7. The system claimed in claim 1 wherein said second circuit means
comprises a coincidence gate and associated circuit means each
interconnecting said gate to one of said counters and providing
coincidence inputs to said gate upon indication in the output
signals of said one counter of said first predetermined number.
8. A system for use in article manufacture comprising:
a. first circuit means detecting article characteristics and
generating output pulses exclusively on detection of article
characteristics having magnitudes exceeding a predetermined
characteristic magnitude;
b. signal counting means providing output signals indicative of the
number of output pulses generated by said first circuit means in
respect of each manufactured article;
c. second circuit means generating an output pulse upon occurrence
of signal counting means output signals indicative of a number less
than a first predetermined number in respect of a manufactured
article; and
d. third circuit means generating an output pulse when second
circuit means output pulses are generated in respect of each
successive article in a predetermined succession of manufactured
articles.
9. The system claimed in claim 8 including means responsive to said
second circuit means output pulse for rejecting said article and
means responsive to said third circuit means output pulse for
discontinuing the method for manufacturing said article.
10. The system claimed in claim 8 including fourth circuit means
generating an output pulse exclusively on determining that the
output signals provided by said signal counting means in respect of
a manufactured article are indicative of a number less than a
second predetermined number.
11. The system claimed in claim 10 including means responsive to
said second circuit means output pulses for rejecting manufactured
articles and means responsive to said third and fourth circuit
means output pulses for discontinuing the method for manufacturing
said articles.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention pertains to systems for use in manufacturing
articles and more particularly to improved quality control
systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the automated manufacture of articles having a plurality of
requisite characteristics, it is customary to provide a quality
control system adapted to determine, by photoelectric, magnetic or
like article monitoring means, those manufactured articles not
meeting predetermined standards of acceptability. Determinations of
non-acceptability are customarily conveyed to indicators or to
associated apparatus adapted to delete non-acceptable articles from
the assembly line.
Such quality control systems clearly provide assurance against the
delivery of non-acceptable articles to consumers, but have
essentially no other capabilities. Thus, despite the vast
information such quality control systems may collect in respect of
manufactured articles, the systems find use only in article
rejection as discussed, and, accordingly are generally employed in
combination with other independent manufacturing systems, e.g.,
systems which provide for process control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a composite quality
control and article manufacturing control system.
It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide
a quality control system providing output information in respect of
both article rejection and manufacturing process rejection.
In brief summary thereof, the system of the present invention
incorporates first circuit means for detecting requisite
characteristics of each manufactured article and providing output
signals where detected characteristics have magnitudes exceeding a
predetermined magnitude, signal counters for providing selective
summations of the output signals of the first circuit means, second
circuit means responsive to said counters and providing an output
signal where one or more counters has counted to less than a first
predetermined number and third circuit means responsive to said
counters and providing an output signal where all counters, taken
collectively, have counted to less than a second predetermined
number. The system of the invention may further include fourth
circuit means, responsive to said second circuit means and
providing an output signal where the second circuit means provides
output signals in respect of a predetermined succession of
articles.
The system may further include article reject apparatus responsive
to the first circuit means output signals and process reject
apparatus responsive to the third and fourth means output
signals.
The foregoing and other objects and features of the invention will
be evident from the following detailed description thereof taken in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagrammatic illustration of the system of the
invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a typical article of manufacture, the
quality of which and the qualities of the manufacturing process of
which, are determinable by the system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the article of FIG. 2 taken
along the lines II--II of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of preferred embodiments of article
monitors 80 and 110 of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, the system of the invention includes a
plurality of article characteristic sensing units 10, 20, 30, 40
and 50, each having the structure indicated for channel 10, which
provide output signals on lines 11, 21, 31, 41 and 51,
respectively. These units are each adapted, by arranging elements
thereof in sensing position relative to the article conveyor, to
detect a selective plurality of article characteristics as the
article is conveyed through such sensing position. The conveying of
an article to such position is detected by entry detecting unit 60
which accordingly provides an output signal on line 61. The
conveying of the article beyond such position is detected by exit
detecting unit 70 which accordingly provides an output signal on
line 71.
The output lines of the characteristic sensing units terminate
individually in resettable counters 12, 22, 32, 42 and 52, entry
detecting unit output line 61 being connected to each of the
counters for resetting the same to zero count before each article
enters the sensing position. The counters are conventional binary
counters, the binary coded decimal (BCD) output signals of which
are applied to output conductors 13, 23, 33, 43 and 53, each
comprised of a plurality of lines as discussed in connection with
FIG. 4. These output conductors terminate in individual article
monitor 80 to which exit detecting unit output line 71 is also
connected. Monitor 80 provides a first output signal on line 81 to
article reject unit 90, a second output signal on line 82 to
process reject unit 100 and third and fourth output signals
respectively on lines 83 and 84 to multiple article monitor 110.
Monitor 110 provides an output signal on line 111 to process reject
unit 100.
As discussed fully below by reference to specific structure, shown
in FIG. 4, for monitors 80 and 110, these monitors are operatively
responsive to signals indicative of sensed article characteristics
to determine whether the manufacturing process, while faulty in
certain of its individual products, may continue in operation with
rejection of faulty products, or whether manufacturing under such
process should be discontinued and process alterations undertaken.
Reject units 90 and 100 may comprise conventional indicators, e.g.,
lamps illuminated by output signals on lines 81, 82 and 111,
systems adapted to delete a rejected article from a production line
or systems adapted to vary process characteristics in response to
qualitative information provided by the monitors.
For convenience in explaining the operation and elemental structure
of the system of the invention, reference will be made to FIG. 2,
which illustrates an exemplary article adapted to be manufactured
with the assistance of the system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 shows in a phantom outline a thermometer 1 having an
indicator portion 2 adapted for insertion into the human mouth for
oral temperature measurement. Indicator portion 2 includes a
plurality of cavities 3 arranged, e.g,, in nine rows, each
indicative of an integral temperature degree and, e.g., in five
columns, each indicative of a decimal part (0.2) of a temperature
degree. Each cavity 3 is filled with a temperature-indicating
composition 4 which has different thermal characteristics, e.g.,
melting point (incipient fusion temperature), than does the
composition in any other cavity. As is shown in enlarged scale in
FIG. 2, thermometer 1 is comprised of a carrier sheet 5, which may
function as the thermometer conveyor. Sheet 5 contains cavities 3
and is comprised of flexible, heat-conductive material, such as an
aluminum foil, to insure rapid heat transfer from the test subject
to the temperature-indicating compositions in said cavities.
In article processing, such sheet 5 is subjected to a stamping step
wherein said cavities are formed and wherein indexing apertures 5a
and 5b are cut. Then, carrier sheet 5 is then juxtaposed with a
dispensing mechanism such that cavities 3 are each in registry with
a dispenser issuing a singular temperature-indicating composition
4. The quality of the completed article of manufacture is dependent
primarily upon satisfactory completion of the composition
depositing step, an article having insufficient deposited
composition in any cavity being unsuitable for use in providing an
indication of decimal temperature between the indicated limits of
96.0.degree.F. to 104.8.degree.F. Thus, in the example at hand,
cavity deposition level is the article characteristic subject to
sensing by the system of the invention.
Upon completion of composition deposition, the carrier sheet is
advanced to the aforesaid sensing position where article quality
control and process control information are derived. Thereafter, an
indicator layer 6 is applied to the cavities. This layer is adapted
to provide a visual indication, e.g., color change, upon melting of
composition 4 during article use. A masking layer 7 overlies
indicator layer 6. Such carrier sheet assembly, enclosed by
protective transparent layer 8 and protective undercover layer 9,
is then subjected to a cutting step wherein thermometer 1 is cut
from the carrier sheet and readied for use.
Referring again to FIG. 1, cavity deposition level may be sensed by
pairs of sensors, 14a and 14b, e.g., phototransistors. Lamp L is
associated with the sensors as is a light directing member
comprised of channels A, B and C. Channel C is juxtaposed with one
of the aforesaid five columns of thermometer cavities and light
from lamp L is conducted to channel C from channel B. Light
reflected from the thermometer cavities is conducted through
channels C and A to sensor 14a. Sensor 14b is exposed continually
to light from lamp L. The light directing member is preferably
comprised of a bifurcated optic fiber. As carrier sheet 5 is
advanced past channel C, or as this channel is moved relative to
the carrier sheet, signals are generated by reflectance (or
absorption) of said applied light energy in respect of each of
cavities 3. Considering sensing unit 10, and assuming the same to
be associated with the decimal part zero (0.0) column of FIG. 2,
sensor 14a may see, in the order of decreasing magnitude, anyone of
four reflectances of light applied to the carrier, namely, (1) from
bare carrier surface, (2) from depressed bare carrier surface
(unfilled cavities), (3) from partially filled cavities and (4)
from completely filled cavities. Sensor 14a thus applies to bridge
circuit 14c, signals having magnitude according with said light
reflectances. Differential amplifier 15 differences such as signals
of sensor 14a with the constant signal from sensor 14b, also
conducted through the bridge circuit, and provides output signals
to comparator 16, having magnitudes inversely correlating with the
above-discussed amplitude order. Comparator 16 compares such
applied signals with a predetermined reference magnitude
established by reference generator 17, e.g., as provided by the
wiper arm of an excited potentiometer, and indicative of the
minimum acceptable deposition level. Exclusively where an applied
signal magnitude exceeds such reference magnitude, the comparator
applies an output pulse through pulse shaper 18 to output line 11.
Evidently, where each of the nine cavities of the thermometer
column sensed by unit 10 is filled to a level above the minimum
acceptable deposition level, a succession of nine pulses is
provided on output line 11. Article characteristic sensing units
20, 30, 40 and 50 operate in identical manner to channel 10 and
incorporate identical structure.
With carrier sheet 5 moving in the direction indicated by the arrow
in FIG. 2, i.e., toward sensing position P, and with entry
detecting sensor 62, or its energy collector, juxtaposed with the
left-hand marginal edge of the carrier sheet, sensor 62 is
energized as aperture 5a moves past the sensor. The sensor output,
as shaped by pulse shaper 63, is applied through line 61 to the
counters 12-52, which are thereby reset to zero count. As the
carrier sheet moves into and through sensing position P, deposition
count pulses are generated, as discussed immediately above. The
counters are reset to zero when sensor 62 is again energized prior
to examination of the next succeeding article, e.g., thermometer 1a
in FIG. 2.
Counters 12-52 may typically comprise MSI TTL High-Speed Decade
Counters, Circuit Type SN 749ON manufactured by Texas Instruments,
Incorporated, or like binary-coded-decimal counters having at least
an input terminal and a reset terminal and adapted to provide a
count inclusive of the maximum number of input pulses which might
occur prior to reset. The counter output conductors individually
comprise four output lines, denoted by the reference numerals
13a-13d through 53a-53d in FIG. 4. Line 13a indicates an eight
count, line 13b a four count, line 13c a two count, and line 13d a
one count. The exemplary maximum number of input pulses occurring
prior to resetting the counters is nine, and the counter will
indicate the same by providing lines 13a and 13d with a positive
potential (logical ONE) and lines 13c and 13b with D.C. ground
(logical ZERO).
Article monitor 80 comprises a first section, shown in the upper
half of FIG. 4, adapted to generate the aforesaid signal on line 81
indicating that the article then under examination should be
rejected. Such section includes a plurality of decoders 120, 130,
140, 150 and 160, each receiving signals provided by a one of
counter output conductors 13-53 respectively. Inverters 124, 134,
144, 154 and 164 are selectively interposed between each decoder
and positive NAND-gate 170. Gate 170 provides a first input to
NAND-gate 180, the second input to which is provided by exit sensor
unit output line 71. Gate 180 is connected to output line 81
through inverter 190. The structure of decoders 120-160 is
identical and will be described in particular for decoder 120.
Decoder 120 incorporates a positive NAND-gate 121 which receives
first and second inputs directly from lines 13a and 13d and
receives third and fourth inputs from inverters 122 and 123 which
are interposed respectively between gate 121 and lines 13b and 13c.
Accordingly, when lines 13a-13d indicate 1001 (nine count), the
signals applied to gate 121 are all ONES. Gate 121 responds
exclusively to such input condition to generate a ZERO. Such ZERO
output of gate 121 is inverted by inverter 124 and gate 170 thus
receives a ONE from the inverter under this singular condition.
Under all other gate input conditions, the gate 121 output is ONE,
i.e., whenever the count made by counter 12 (FIG. 1) is less than
nine.
Where each of counters 12-52 indicates a nine count, gate 170
receives ONES at all of its input terminals and, exclusively under
this condition the gate generates a ZERO. Evidently, only where an
article of manufacture exhibits all essential characteristics will
gate 170 provide a ZERO.
When the article under examination departs from the sensing
position aperture 5b of carrier sheet 5 passes exit sensor 72 and
the sensor is energized. Pulse shaper 73 thereupon pulses line 71
which thus changes state momentarily from its normal ZERO to
provide a ONE to gate 180. Gate 180 logic, as in the case of gates
170 and 121, provides for the generation of a ZERO only where both
inputs thereto are ONES. For the singular condition described
above, i.e., nine counts in each of counters 12-52, the upper input
to gate 180 provided by gate 170 is a ZERO and accordingly, for an
acceptable article, gate 180 thus generates a ONE. Inverter 190
changes such gate 180 output to a ZERO and line 81 accordingly
indicates that the article under examination is acceptable.
Under all examining conditions other than that described, i.e.,
where one or more of counters 12-52 count to less than nine, gate
170 provides a ONE output signal and line 71 also exhibits a ONE
upon occurrence of article exit from the sensing position. Gate 180
accordingly generates a ZERO and inverter 190 applies a ONE to line
81, indicating that the article under examination falls below
requisite standards.
All of the inverters used in the above-described section of monitor
80, e.g., inverters 122, 123, and all inverters discussed
hereinafter, may comprise Hex Inverters SN 7404N, provided by the
aforementioned manufacturer. NAND gates employed in such section
and those discussed hereinafter may be procured also from said
manufacturer. Two-input NAND- gates SN 7400N may be used directly
for gates having two inputs, e.g., gate 180. For NAND-gate 121, the
four-input NAND-gate SN 7420N may be employed directly. For
NAND-gate 170, five inputs are required and use may be made of
NAND-gate SN 7430N, by connecting to the logic supply through a
resistor, three of the eight input terminals thereof.
The lower section of monitor 80 is adapted to generate the line 82
signal, which serves to indicate that the manufacturing process
then in operation should be discontinued for the reason that an
individual article exhibits excessive deficiencies, e.g., has 40 or
less cavities containing sufficient temperature-indicating
composition. To this end, this section performs a summation of
information derived from all of counters 12-52 in respect of each
article examined. Four-bit full adder 200 receives information from
lines 13a-d and 23a-d, thereby summing the contents of counters 12
and 22. Four-bit full adder 210 performs a summation of the
contents of counters 32 and 42 by receipt of information from lines
33a-d and lines 43a-d. In use of commercially available circuit
elements discussed below, four-bit full adders 200 and 210 provide
carry signals (2.sup.4) respectively on lines 201 and 211 and apply
their non-carry output information up to a maximum sum of 2.sup.4
-1 to four-bit full adder 220. This full adder provides its carry
signal (2.sup.4) on line 221 and its non-carry information (2.sup.4
-1) is applied to four-bit full adder 230. Adder 230 performs a
summation of such composite non-carry information (2.sup.4 -1) from
counters 12, 22, 32 and 42 and the contents of counter 52 derived
through lines 53a-d. The resultant non-carry information (2.sup.4
-1) in respect of all of counters 12-52 is provided on lines
232-235 to comparator 240.
The carry information of four-bit full adders 200, 210 and 220 is
applied to two-bit full adder 250, the output of which is applied
in conjunction with the carry information of adder 230 to two-bit
full adder 260. This full adder provides its output information
(2.sup.4, 2.sup.5) on lines 261 and 262 to comparator 240. As will
be evident, the decimal capacity of the input lines to comparator
240 is 2.sup.6 -1 (63), since six input lines are provided. Such
capacity is inclusive of the maximum number of characteristics to
be derived from the article employed in the illustrative example,
namely, 45 deposition cavities.
The above four-bit full adders 200, 210, 220 and 230 may readily
comprise Adders SN 7483N and the two-bit full adders may be Adders
SN7482N, both available from the aforementioned manufacturer.
Comparator 240 may comprise any digital comparator adapted, by
presetting, to indicate that a binary input thereto is equal to or
less than a particular decimal number. Thus, the comparator is
programmed to provide a first output signal (ONE) upon receipt of a
binary input corresponding to such decimal number and no greater
decimal number, for example, 45 (cavities having sufficient
composition) and to provide a second output signal (ONE) upon
receipt of a binary input corresponding to a lesser decimal number,
for example, less than 40. These signals are applied to positive
NOR-gate 270. This gate provides a ZERO where a ONE is present at
either of its two input terminals and provides a ONE exclusively
where ZERO is present at both input terminals. Thus, where the
deposition cavities filled sufficiently are less than a
predetermined number or equal to such number, gate 270 will provide
a ZERO output signal. Positive NOR gate 280 receives an input
signal from gate 270 and an input signal from inverter 290. The
signal received from inverter 290 is ONE at all times other than
the time at which line 72 exhibits a ONE, i.e., at all times other
than the occurrence of article exit from the sensing position. Line
82 thus can exhibit a ONE signal only during such exit period and
only then in the event that gate 270 also then generates a ZERO
output signal. Gate 270 exhibits such ZERO signal only where a ONE
signal is applied to either of its input terminals, i.e., when the
article under examination exhibits the aforesaid multiple
deficiencies. NOR-gates 270 and 280 may comprise Positive Nor-Gates
SN 7402N, available from the aforesaid manufacturer.
In the particular form shown in FIG. 4, comparator 240 comprises
individual comparators 241 and 242 interconnected by lines 243, 244
and 245. Such individual comparators may comprise Digital
Comparator Circuit Type SN 74L85N, available from the aforesaid
manufacturer, and in this instance, the interconnection provided by
lines 243, 244 and 245 is between connectors denoted 3, 13, 12 and
6, 4, 5 respectively, of the two commercially available
comparators. By appropriate grounding of selected terminals
thereof, the composite comparator may be programmed to any desired
number.
Multiple article monitor 110 provides the line 111 signal, which
serves to indicate that the manufacturing process then in operation
should be discontinued for the reason that a succession of
manufactured articles is defective. To this end, monitor 110
receives from monitor 80 a first signal on line 83 indicative of
the output of gate 170 and a second signal on line 84 indicative of
the output of gate 190.
The counter reset terminal of counter 112 is connected to line 83
by inverter 113 and the counter input terminal is directly
connected to line 84. The counter output lines, 114, 115 and 116
respectively indicate four count, two count and one count. Lines
114 and 116 are directly connected to first and second inputs of
NAND-gate 118 and a third input of the gate is connected to line
115 by inverter 117. Gate 118 is connected to line 111 by inverter
119.
In operation, monitor 110 is dependent on monitor 80 and, where all
articles examined exhibit requisite characteristics, monitor 110
indicates that the manufacturing process thereof is satisfactory by
maintaining line 111 continually at ZERO. However, where each
article in a predetermined succession of manufactured articles is
found to be defective by monitor 80, monitor 110 provides an
indication of this occurrence by generating a ONE on line 111. The
manner of generation of such line 111 ONE signal is as follows.
Where counter 112 applies the pattern 101 on lines 114, 115 and 116
respectively, indicating a count of five, gate 118 receives a ONE
at its first and second input terminals directly from lines 114 and
116 and also receives a ONE at its third input from inverter 117.
Gate 118, which is of the same type as gate 121, the logic for
which has been discussed above, generates a ZERO output signal
exclusively in response to this input condition. Line 111
accordingly receives a ONE signal from inverter 119. The input
arrangement for gate 118 may evidently be modified such that the
gate detects a condition other than that considered, e.g., to
provide an output ZERO when any predetermined count is made by
counter 112.
Counter 112 provides such pulse pattern, 101 where five successive
manufactured articles are indicated by monitor 80 to be defective
for not containing all requisite characteristics. To this end,
counter 112 may be of the type discussed above in connection with
counters 12-52. Counter 112 is thus effective to count pulses
applied thereto by inverter 190 and is reset by pulses applied
thereto by inverter 113. For each acceptable manufactured article,
gate 180 provides a ONE output at all times and, as discussed
above, line 81 is accordingly at ZERO. Where a non-acceptable
article is noted, gate 180 generates a ZERO coincidently with the
application of a ONE to line 71 by article exit sensor 70. Since
the inverter 113 output is applied directly to the counter reset
terminal, counter 112 is not reset at the time of examination of
such non-acceptable article and thus a cumulative count of
successive non-acceptable articles is made by counter 112.
By way of example, let it be assumed that a succession of four
non-acceptable articles is detected by monitor 80. The four pulses
indicating the same on line 84 are counted by counter 112 and no
resetting thereof occurs. If the fifth article in the succession is
acceptable, line 83 provides a reset signal to the counter prior to
stepping of the counter beyond the fourth count. In this case, gate
118 does not see the above-discussed input condition, 111, and line
111 is maintained at ZERO throughout the period of sensing the four
successive non-acceptable articles.
As will be evident from the foregoing illustrative description, the
system of the invention is adapted for detecting, in selective
pluralities, requisite characteristics of an individual
manufactured article, and, on the basis of such examination, is
adapted to make a first determination as to the acceptability or
non-acceptability of each manufactured article and to make a second
determination on the same basis as to the acceptability or
non-acceptability of the process for manufacturing such individual
article. The system is further adapted, on the basis of examination
of successively manufactured articles, to make a further
determination as to acceptability or non-acceptability of the
manufactured process.
The particular version of the system discussed in FIGS. 1 and 4 is
intended in a descriptive and not in a limiting sense since, as
will be evident to those skilled in the art, numerous modifications
may be effected therein without departing from the invention.
Typically, the article characteristics may be arranged in other
than the indicated five pluralities and decoder 120 may be readily
altered to detect the existence of other than nine requisite
characteristics in each such plurality. The structure of monitor 80
for effecting a collective summation of detected characteristics,
irrespective of the selected plurality grouping thereof, may
evidently be implemented by circuit means other than the full
adding and comparative circuitry particularly discussed. Similarly,
monitor 110 may readily be modified to provide determination of
process acceptability on the basis of an article succession
different from the illustrated succession of five and by circuit
means other than that particularly discussed. The true spirit and
scope of the invention will be evident from the following claims.
What is claimed is:
* * * * *