THE EZLogic™ ACCUMULATION SYSTEM

The following is a brief description of the features of the EZLogic™ Accumulation System.

Zero-Pressure accumulation of product.

Two modes of operation: Singulation mode and Slug mode.

Singulation mode—product separates while traveling down the conveyor and when it is released from the conveyor, creating a zone-length gap between packages. This mode is comparable to normal accumulation using pneumatic accumulation logic.

Slug mode—product does not separate when traveling down the conveyor or when it is released from the conveyor. This allows higher carton throughput at any given conveyor speed. Product will not separate on the material handling system even when accumulation has been activated at the discharge end.

Built-in “Zone Stop” function—Each EZLogic™ accumulation module is equipped with input connections that allow the connection of a dry-contact-type switch device, such as a toggle switch or relay, to the module. Closing this contact activates the “zone stop” function of the module. The next product sensed by the module will be stopped and held until the contact is opened. Any packages arriving from the upstream direction from the “stop zone” will accumulate in sequence. This feature is always used at the discharge end of the conveyor line, and may be used at any other location where a zone stop is required.

Jam protection—When the conveyor is set to run in “slug mode,” if a package is sensed by an EZLogic™ module for six seconds or longer a signal is sent to the upstream zone to accumulate product on the upstream side of the jammed package. This prevents product pile-up until the jam is cleared. The zone where the jam is detected continues to drive, in many cases dislodging the product without assistance. Once the jam is cleared, the conveyor returns to normal operation.

“Sleep Feature”—If an EZLogic™ module does not detect the presence of product for a selectable time period, the module stops the zone from driving. This is known as the “sleep” feature and it helps reduce noise and roller wear. Packages traveling through the material handling system “wake up” the zones as needed to move the package. The amount of time required before the zones “go to sleep” may be set at five, fifteen, or thirty seconds.

Special delay timer functions—Timers are included to provide delays in product accumulation and/or restart in certain situations. These timers may be used to enhance product flow, to provide for conveyor-unloading operations, and to provide added flexibility.

Plug-in connections—Each EZLogic™ accumulation module has a cable terminated with a sealed female connector and a keyed male connector integral with the module body. This cable provides power to all the modules on the custom conveyor as well as communication between modules. Other input and output connections use integral sealed cables and plug-in connectors for true “plug and play” convenience.

Push-button programming—Various features of the EZLogic™ accumulation system may be enabled, disabled, or adjusted by using two push buttons located on each module. These allow the selection of solenoid output mode, jam protection enable/disable, sleep mode enable/disable, sleep timer settings, singulate/slug, special timer settings, and diffuse sensing range.

“Clone” and “Reset” functions—Settings for various features may be programmed into one module, then “cloned” to all modules in the chain upstream from that point. This eliminates the need to program each module individually. Additionally, four “reset” functions are included to allow all upstream modules in a chain to be restored to factory default settings for the conveyor on which they are used.

Power supply—27 volt DC power is supplied by a power supply provided with each conveyor. Up to 50 modules and solenoids (25 each side of the power supply) may be powered from one supply.