Method and apparatus for monitoring the passage of articles through a modular processing system

摘要

Article tracking logic apparatus for monitoring plural articles passing through a modular article processing system. An article path actuator activates discrete logical paths for tracking each article within the processing modules. Each logical path includes an article position memory which updatably stores the position of an associated article within an activated path. An article tracking update means is provided within each logical path to cooperate with article position transducers and error detection logic to determine abnormal article transport conditions within an active path. Decode logic is provided within each logical path to provide the control unit for the processing system with the precise path and position therein where an error has occurred.