Method and apparaus for centrally collecting measured values
First Claim
1. A method of centrally collecting measured values of a variable parameter from each of a plurality of monitored work stations, and wherein the parameter is infinitely variable within a given range of variation, and comprising the steps ofcontinuously monitoring the value of the variable parameter at each of the monitored work stations, and generating a continuous output signal at each station which is a function of the value of the variable parameter,storing at least the minimum and maximum values of the output signal from each work station and which occur during each of a sequence of short time intervals of predetermined duration, andscanning and collecting the stored values for each of the work stations at the end of each of said time intervals.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus to centrally collect measured values of a variable parameter from each of a plurality of work stations, and so as to facilitate quality control. Each work stations includes a sensor for generating an output signal which is a function of the variable parameter, and the output signal is converted to digital signals, which represent discrete increments within the measuring range of the variable parameter. The digital signals are stored during a predetermined period of time in a memory unit so as to be available for periodic scanning by the central computer, after which the stored signals are cleared so that the memory unit is free to record the values during the next period of time. Also, circuitry is provided whereby only the extreme values of the output signalsd ar stored, together with the mean value, which are adequate to provide a complete statement of the quality of the process and product being monitored.
82 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of centrally collecting measured values of a variable parameter from each of a plurality of monitored work stations, and wherein the parameter is infinitely variable within a given range of variation, and comprising the steps of
continuously monitoring the value of the variable parameter at each of the monitored work stations, and generating a continuous output signal at each station which is a function of the value of the variable parameter, storing at least the minimum and maximum values of the output signal from each work station and which occur during each of a sequence of short time intervals of predetermined duration, and scanning and collecting the stored values for each of the work stations at the end of each of said time intervals.
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14. An apparatus for centerally collecting measured values of a variable parameter from each of a plurality of monitored work stations, and wherein the parameter is infinitely variable within a given range of variation, and comprising
sensor means for continuously monitoring the value of the variable parameter at each of a plurality of work stations, and for generating a continuous output signal at each station which is a function of the value of the variable parameter, means for storing at least the minimum and maximum values of the output signal from each work station and which occur during each of a sequence of short time intervals of predetermined duration, and means for scanning and collecting the stored values for each of the work stations at the end of each of said time intervals.
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17. A yarn processing apparatus comprising a
plurality of individual yarn processing stations, monitoring sensor means mounted adjacent each of said yarn processing stations for continuously monitoring the value of a parameter of the yarn being processed which is infinitely variable within a given range of variation, and for providing a continuous output signal which is a function of the value of the variable parameter being monitored, means connected to each of said sensor means for storing at least the minimum and maximum values of the output signal from each processing station and which occur during each of a sequence of short time intervals of predetermined duration, and means for scanning and collecting the stored values for each of the processing stations at the end of each of said time intervals.
Specification