Insertion machine with speed optimization

Claim 1

A method of operating a machine of the type which performs functions in accordance with a machine cycle, said method comprising the steps of: (a) commencing operation of said machine whereby said machine repeatedly performs a processing event; (b) establishing a time interval whereby, for each of a plurality of successive such time intervals, the performance of said machine can be evaluated; (c) establishing a weighing factor for weighting information obtained with respect to said most recent interval relative to information accumulatively averaged over preceding time intervals; (d) determining an actual machine cycle speed; (e) determining, for a most recent time interval, an indication of the number of repetitions of said processing event said machine can be expected to successfully perform during a unit of time; (f) developing a new forecast of the projected number of sets of repetitions of said processing event said machine is expected to successfully perform during said unit of time by averaging said indication determined in step (e) with a previous forecast, said previous forecast being either: (i) an accumulatively averaged number of the number of successful repetitions of said processing event performed for a unit of time during previous intervals; or, (ii) upon commencement of said machine, a predetermined default value; (g) determining a percentage productivity index by dividing said new forecast by said actual machine cycle speed; (h) representing said actual machine cycle speed as a percentage value indicative of a maximum rated machine cycle speed; and, (i) comparing said percentage productivity index obtained in step (g) with the percentage obtained in step (h) to determine whether the actual machine cycling speed should be changed to result in a greater actual number of successful repetitions of said processing event.

Claim 2

A method of operating a machine of the type which performs functions in accordance with a machine cycle, said method comprising the steps of: (a) commencing operation of said machine whereby said machine repeatedly performs a processing event; (b) establishing a time interval whereby, for each of a plurality of successive such time intervals, the performance of said machine can be evaluated; (c) establishing a weighing factor for weighting information obtained with respect to said most recent interval relative to information accumulatively averaged over preceding time intervals; (d) determining an actual machine cycle speed; (e) determining, for a most recent time interval, an indication of the number of repetitions of said processing event said machine can be expected to successfully perform during a unit of time; (f) developing a new forecast of the projected number of sets of repetitions of said processing event said machine is expected to successfully perform during said unit of time by averaging said indication determined in step (e) with a previous forecast, said previous forecast being either: (i) an accumulatively averaged number of the number of successful repetitions of said processing event performed for a unit of time during previous intervals; or, (ii) upon commencement of said machine, a predetermined default value; (g) determining a percentage productivity index by dividing said new forecast by said actual machine cycle speed; (h) representing said actual machine cycle speed as a percentage value indicative of a maximum rated machine cycle speed; and, (i) comparing said percentage productivity index obtained in step (g) with the percentage obtained in step (h) to determine whether the actual machine cycling speed should be changed to result in a greater actual number of successful repetitions of said processing event.

Claim 6

The method of step 2, wherein said adjustment is automatic.

Claim 7

The method of step 2, wherein said adjustment is automatic.

Claim 9

A method of operating a machine comprising the steps of: (a) commencing operation of said machine whereby said machine repeatedly performs a processing event; (b) determining a rate at which said machine performs said processing event; (c) determining an indication of the number of repetitions of said processing event said machine can perform during a unit of time; (d) using said determination of steps (b) and (c) to determine whether the rate at which said machine performs said processing event should be changed to result in a greater number of successfully performed processing events during a unit of time; and, (e) automatically changing said rate at which said machine performs said processing event in accordance with the determination of step (d).

Claim 10

A method of operating a machine comprising the steps of: (a) commencing operation of said machine whereby said machine repeatedly performs a processing event; (b) determining a rate at which said machine performs said processing event; (c) determining an indication of the number of repetitions of said processing event said machine can perform during a unit of time; (d) using said determination of steps (b) and (c) to determine whether the rate at which said machine performs said processing event should be changed to result in a greater number of successfully performed processing events during a unit of time; and, (e) automatically changing said rate at which said machine performs said processing event in accordance with the determination of step (d).