GB1323552A - Security system for controlling the labelling and packaging of products - Google Patents

Abstract

1323552 Controlling labelling and packaging operations D B FOSTER 2 July 1970 [3 July 1969] 33667/69 Headings B8C and B8F A security system for controlling a labelling and packaging operation has a plurality of input channels at each stage of the operation, the product associated elements involved in the operation (e.g. product to be packed, containers, labels &c) being coded for recognition by the system and the input channels of each stage receiving separate inputs from respective elements brought together at that stage, the coded information related to the elements being compared for coincidence by electronic logic. Notional "AND" logic is described as applicable. Three systems are outlined:- (a) Serial Identity Assembly System (Fig. 6).- At each stage the items brought together at that stage have their coded identities mutually compared before being allowed to proceed to the next stage. (b) Identity Assembly System with Common Master Code (Fig. 7).-At each stage the item added in each operation has its code compared against a code derived from a "master", the "master" being essential for each stage to be allowed to proceed. (c) Serial Identity Aggregation System with Common Identity Master (Fig. 8).-A combination of (a) and (b) above. At each stage the coded identities of the items brought together are both mutually compared and also compared against a "master" before proceeding to the next stage. In carrying the system into effect it is proposed that the prime batch of material to be packed, labelled &c may be accompanied by a punched card attached to the batch container by a cord or the like. The card would be inserted into a card reader at the primary filling stage, and the primary containers (e.g. phials) would be similarly identified. Alternatively each primary container may be individually marked for automatic recognition. Subsequent labels and containers would be identified at the appropriate stage by automatic reading of marks thereon. The common master card (when required) would be preferably a punched card. Various methods of automatic recognition proposed include:-photodetectors detecting dark marks on light background or punched holes; magnetic detectors reading magnetic marks; luminescent or nuclear radiation detectors reading appropriate marks. On cylindrical bottles an additional mark would indicate where the code marks start. The "master" code may also be used to check the correct printing of labels. Various labels coded in accordance with different systems are illustrated in Figs. 9-12 (not shown).