主权项 |
1. A tape monitoring system for use with a tape applicator forming part of a carton sealing machine having a machine frame and used to apply an adhesive tape ribbon to a carton to seal said carton, means for moving said carton past said tape applicator, said tape monitoring system comprising: a control unit for generating output signals that produce output alarm signals to indicate the status of each taping cycle; multiple sensors including a tape roll depletion sensor that senses depletion of a tape roll, a tape feed sensor that senses miss-application of tape to a carton being taped by said tape applicator, and a box feed sensor that senses when a box is present in the carton sealing machine; each said sensor being activated by a corresponding signal activator for each said sensor on said tape applicator; said sensors being connected to said control unit to communicate therewith so that said control unit may generate said output alarm signals; a power source for said control unit; said sensors, said control unit and its power source for operating said control unit being mounted on said tape applicator, said power source is a rechargeable battery, and a power generator driven by movement of said tape to generate electrical power to charge the rechargeable battery during the taping operation. |