Flexible manufacturing system
First Claim
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1. A flexible manufacturing system comprising:
- (a) a first feature section capable of standalone operation including (i) at least one first feature module;
(ii) at least one first feature operational unit mounted to the first feature module; and
(iii) a first feature local controller operatively connected to the first feature operational unit, the first feature local controller being adapted to receive a reference signal and to control the operation of the first feature operational unit based upon the reference signal.
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Abstract
A flexible manufacturing system having a feature section including at least one module, at least one operational unit mounted to the module and a local controller operatively connected to the operational unit. The local controller is adapted to receive a reference signal and to control the operation of the operational unit based upon the reference
69 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A flexible manufacturing system comprising:
(a) a first feature section capable of standalone operation including (i) at least one first feature module;
(ii) at least one first feature operational unit mounted to the first feature module; and
(iii) a first feature local controller operatively connected to the first feature operational unit, the first feature local controller being adapted to receive a reference signal and to control the operation of the first feature operational unit based upon the reference signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of developing a product upgrade for a disposable article comprising the steps of:
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(a) selecting a desired product feature;
(b) assembling a feature section by mounting one or more operational units for assembling the product feature onto one or more modules of a feature section such that substantially all operational units for the feature section are mounted to the one or more modules;
(c) connecting substantially each of the operational units of the feature section to a local controller;
(d) supplying source material to the one or more modules;
(e) producing the product feature in the feature section by controlling the operation of substantially each of the operational units with the local controller;
(f) connecting the one or more modules of the feature section into a manufacturing line;
(g) producing a disposable article including the product feature on the manufacturing line, the local controller synchronizing the operation of the operational units of the feature section to the rest of the manufacturing line. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15)
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12. A standalone manufacturing system capable of integration into a flexible manufacturing line comprising:
(a) a feature section including (i) at least one module (ii) a first operational unit mounted to said module, (iii) a second operational unit mounted to said module, and (iv) a feature local controller operatively connected to said first operational unit and said second operational unit, said feature local controller being adapted to control the operation of said first operational unit and said second operational unit, and said feature local controller being adapted to receive a reference signal when said feature section is connected to the flexible manufacturing line and to synchronize the operation of said first operational unit to the operation of the flexible manufacturing line based upon said reference signal when said feature section is connected to the flexible manufacturing line.
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13. A method for configuring a flexible manufacturing system for producing disposable articles in relation to a surface on which the flexible manufacturing system is located, the flexible manufacturing system comprising a plurality of operational units for forming the disposable articles, a central computer for providing a reference signal to synchronize said operational units, an electrical power system for driving said operational units, and a utility system for supplying at least one utility to said operational units, said method comprising the steps of:
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1) providing a first feature section, said first feature section comprising at least one first feature module including at least one first feature operational unit, and at least one first feature local controller housed in a first standard control panel for controlling said at least one first feature operational unit, said at least one first feature module being connected to said electrical power system and to said utility system, said at least one first feature module being capable of receiving at least one lifting mechanism;
2) providing a second feature section, said second feature section comprising at least one second feature module including at least one second feature operational unit, and at least one second feature local controller housed in a second standard control panel for controlling said at least one second feature operational unit and a second feature operator interface capable of providing a change in said disposable articles, said at least one second feature module being adjacent and connected to said at least one first feature module, said electrical power system and to said utility system, said at least one second feature module being capable of receiving at least one lifting mechanism;
3) providing a third feature section being capable of being attached to at least one of said first feature section, said third feature section comprising at least one third feature module including at least one third feature operational unit, said at least one third feature module being capable of being connected to said at least one said second feature module, said electrical power system and to said utility system, said at least one third feature module being capable of accepting at least one lifting mechanism;
4) positioning said at least one lifting mechanism under said at least one first feature module on said surface;
5) disconnecting said electric power system and said utility system from said at least one of said first feature module;
6) detaching said at least one first feature module from said at least one second feature module;
7) providing compressed fluid to said at least one lifting mechanism for creating a cushion of compressed fluid between said at least one lifting mechanism and said surface so as to lift said at least one first feature module above said surface;
8) moving said at least one first feature module out of said flexible manufacturing system so as to provide a vacant space;
9) positioning at least one lifting mechanism under said at least one third feature module on said surface;
10) providing compressed fluid to said at least one lifting mechanism for creating a cushion of compressed fluid between said at least one lifting mechanism and said surface so as to lift said at least one third feature module above said surface;
11) moving said at least one third feature module into a position where it can be attached to said flexible manufacturing system;
12) attaching said at least one third feature module to said at least one second feature module; and
13) connecting said at least one third feature module to said electrical power system and said fluid utilities system. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification