Patent ID: 7665498

Claim:
A tape monitoring system for use with a taping device including at least one taping head and a tape supply for applying tape to an object as the object is moved relative to the taping head, the tape monitoring system comprising: a tape dispensing sensor for determining whether tape is being dispensed from the tape supply and capable of providing a signal relating to a tape dispensing velocity; an object presence sensor for determining whether an object is present for taping and capable of providing a response when the object is present; and a control system operatively connected to the tape dispensing sensor and the object presence sensor for determining a potential error condition if either (A) the object presence sensor provides a response and the tape dispensing velocity is less than a first preset tape dispensing velocity, or (B) the object presence sensor no longer provides a response and the tape dispensing velocity is greater than a second preset tape dispensing velocity; wherein the tape dispensing sensor and the object presence sensor are positioned independent of the taping head.