Process control method and apparatus
First Claim
1. A method of operating a multi-stage batch processing system comprising the following steps:
- a. providing a programmable controller, having an accessible memory and being linked to the batch processing system for transmitting operational instructions thereto;
b. providing to said memory at least one formula for operating the processing system by the controller;
c. identifying a batch of goods to be processed according to one such formula;
d. entering the batch of goods in the first stage of the processing system;
e. noting the requirements of the selected formula for the first stage and, by the controller, carrying out those requirements;
f. transferring the batch of goods to the next stage;
g. noting the requirements of the selected formula for said next stage and, by the controller, carrying out those requirements; and
h. repeating steps f. and g. herein until the batch of goods has been processed according to the selected formula in all stages of the processing system as required.
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Abstract
Disclosed are method and apparatus for operating a multi-stage process. The stages of the process are carried out in a plurality of modules arranged in sequence to receive individual batches of goods to be processed. Formulas may be devised whereby particular process steps may be effected in the various modules on particular batches of goods which determine the choice of formula. In a particular embodiment disclosed, a controller operates a continuous batch washing system according to formulas devised to operate the modules of the washing system to accommodate particular wash requirements of the batches of goods. Continuous access to the controller is provided for modification of the formulas.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of operating a multi-stage batch processing system comprising the following steps:
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a. providing a programmable controller, having an accessible memory and being linked to the batch processing system for transmitting operational instructions thereto; b. providing to said memory at least one formula for operating the processing system by the controller; c. identifying a batch of goods to be processed according to one such formula; d. entering the batch of goods in the first stage of the processing system; e. noting the requirements of the selected formula for the first stage and, by the controller, carrying out those requirements; f. transferring the batch of goods to the next stage; g. noting the requirements of the selected formula for said next stage and, by the controller, carrying out those requirements; and h. repeating steps f. and g. herein until the batch of goods has been processed according to the selected formula in all stages of the processing system as required. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. Apparatus for controlling the operation of a batch processing system, including a plurality of stages arranged for sequentially receiving batches of goods and wherein process steps may be effected on said goods, comprising:
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a. memory means for receiving and storing parameter information characteristic of such batch processing system, and formula information for operating said batch processing system; b. data processing means for acting in accordance with said parameter information and formula information for effecting operation of said batch processing system; c. operator means for manipulating said batch processing system in response to said data processing means; d. sensor means for detecting conditions of said batch processing system; and e. input means for entering said parameter information and said formula information in said memory means; f. wherein said parameter information and said formula information may be modified in said memory means while said batch processing systems is being operated. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for processing goods, arranged in batches, comprising:
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a. a plurality of modules arranged for sequentially receiving such batches of goods and wherein process steps may be effected on said goods; b. sensor means for detecting conditions of said modules; c. operator means for manipulating the process steps within said modules; and d. control means, operable for effecting said process steps within said modules according to formulas which may be selectively provided to said control means, said formulas determining the operations of said operator means, and said formulas being selectively variable. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification