Patent ID: 8960410
Filing Date: 2015-02-24
Classification: B65G,B65H

Abstract:
1. A method for placing plate-like elements within a processing machine, wherein the machine comprises a feeder for placing the plate-like elements, and a plurality of grippers of a conveyor in which the elements are placed by the feeder, the conveyor conveying the elements in a paced flow to successive stations, the feeder having a gripper, the feeder being driven by a computation and control unit; the method comprising the successive steps of: advancing the plate elements in a downstream direction; and during the advancement of each plate-like element: measuring a longitudinal placement error and an angular placement error of the plate-like element at the same time relative to a theoretical position, by detecting at least one of a front edge or a rear edge of the plate-like element by at least two sensors, at least one sensor being located in a first lateral direction relative to the downstream direction and at least one sensor being located in a second lateral direction relative to the downstream direction, the second lateral direction being in an opposite direction from the first lateral direction; controlling the feeder according to the measured longitudinal placement error and the measured angular placement error; then activating the gripper of the feeder to attach the plate-like element to the feeder; then measuring the longitudinal placement error, a transverse placement error and the angular placement error of the plate-like element then attached to the feeder, relative to a theoretical position, by detecting register marks printed on the plate-like element; and controlling the feeder according to the measured placement errors of the plate-like element to which the feeder is attached.