E.i. Dupont De Nemours and Company

Celanese Gmbh

John L Allen, Jr

William L Millen

Teddy H Grandstaff

A system for monitoring each of multiplicity of variables in the operation of a filter rod making machine includes sensors located at various points on the machine. These sensors measure the value of such variable parameters as the width of the tow, the alignment of the wrapping paper, the speed of the rollers and the level of plasticizer. Each measured value is compared against preset limit values in a microprocessor. If a variable is detected to be outside a range of acceptable values, an indication of this fact is displayed on a monitor. In response to this indication, an operator can decide whether to override the limit value or take corrective action. If corrective action is to be taken, the microprocessor causes a diagnostic chart to be displayed. This chart provides the operator with a sequence of troubleshooting steps that can be taken to isolate the source of a possible problem and perhaps correct it before there is a need to arrest the operation of the machine.

Diagnostic and control system for cigarette filter rod making machine

A method of controlling the flow of finish to a moving synthetic fibrous tow involves continuous non-contact monitoring of electrostatic voltage (ESV), tow speed and temperature by appropriate sensors which are interfaced with a computer that provides continuous computation of percent finish on the tow. Out of limit signals are relayed to the point of finish application to adjust the amount of finish being applied to the tow.

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Charlotte, NC, United States of America

John L Allen, Jr