System comprising a clip machine and a clip supply and method of operating such a clip machine

Abstract

A system comprising a clip machine having at least one interchangeable first closure tool movable relative to a second closure tool for closing clips around a packaging case of tubular or bag shape, and a clip supply; the first closure tool and the clip supply each having a respective identification; the clip machine having a first sensor device adapted to identify the identification of the clip supply and output a corresponding clip information signal, a second sensor device adapted to identify the identification of the first closure tool and output a corresponding closure tool information signal, and a control having a signal input coupled to the first and the second sensor devices and an evaluation unit adapted to evaluate the clip information signal and the closure tool information signal and to output a compatibility signal.

1 . A clip supply comprising
 a reel body;   a clip line of clips wound thereon; and   a supply label applied to the reel body, the supply label having a predetermined identification of the clip supply;   wherein the supply label comprises an optically readable portion, an RFID portion, or an item of geometrical information relating to the clips of the clip line.   
     
     
         2 . The clip supply of  claim 1  where the supply label comprises two portions, each portion having a predetermined identification of the clip supply. 
     
     
         3 . The clip supply of  claim 2  where one portion of the supply label comprises a contactless machine readable optical bar code or 2D code and the other portion of the supply label comprises a contactless machine readable transponder. 
     
     
         4 . The clip supply of  claim 1  where the supply label further comprises a human-readable portion.