GENERAL OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES The following procedures are based on operating a System I-Double Nozzle pillow system. Other system variations will require slightly different procedures. While we have made every effort to ensure these instructions are complete, the operator is responsible for monitoring the state of the equipment to guard against overfeeding of the opener or fan and possible equipment clogging or even damage. Proper startup and operator training can be provided by the manufacturer. Start the motors by pulling the green buttons on the front of the control panel. The motors should be started in the following order: 1 – Fine Opener 2 – Blower #1 & Blower #2 3 – Turn Feed roll selector switch to "FWD" 4 - Feeder Turn the motors off in reverse order. Click here for system parts identification (pdf).   Load fiber onto the extended apron. Do not fill above the side plate of the extended apron. (Note: the fiber should be no larger than your hand.) An electric sensor will keep the feeder filled to the appropriate level. The extended apron can be continuously fed to maintain the level or filled once the feeder has emptied it. Firmly hold a pillow tick on the nozzle, leaving 4-6" of nozzle exposed to allow air to disperse. Depress the foot switch until filled to the required level. Note: if you blow two pillows simultaneously you will experience longer fill time. OPERATING PRECAUTIONS Use caution when new operators run the system. The feed rolls will feed fiber into the opener whenever the foot switch is pressed. For this reason it is imperative that the operator keep a close eye on the nozzle. If it starts to become clogged it reduces the airflow, which will overload the main cylinder of the opener if the feed rolls are allowed to turn. Rather than push the foot switch to unclog the nozzle, push the test switch on the solenoid valve. This will open the shut-off valve without turning the feed rolls. Air needs to escape when you blow a pillow. Insure that the pillow tick is only inserted no more than half-way onto the perforated nozzle. This will give the air a place to escape.

The valve is factory set and should not need readjusting. As parts begin to wear adjustments may be come necessary. Here is a brief description of operation:

• When the foot switch is depressed the valve should immediately open, but not with such force that it could damage itself.
• When the foot switch is released the valve should slowly close. (Approx. 2 sec.)
• The valve speed can be adjusted by turning the top or bottom snubber (brass) valves on the solenoid exhaust ports.

This electric eye is used to maintain the level in the drop chute. The level should be close to the top but not high enough to interfere with the doffer in the feeder. Minor adjustments may be necessary depending on your operation and fiber type. All adjustments are made on the electric eye. For further information refer to the instructions provided by the electric eye manufacturer, included with your manual. (Note: do not attempt the adjustment unless you feel comfortable with the provided instructions. If you have questions please call us.)

This electric eye is used to maintain the level in the Feeder when used with an extended apron. The level should be set to keep the fiber about 10" above the electric eye, but not high enough to interfere with the kick roll in the feeder. Minor adjustments may be necessary depending on your operation and fiber type. All adjustments are made on the electric eye. For further information refer to the instructions provided by the electric eye manufacturer, included with your manual. (Note: do not attempt the adjustment unless you feel comfortable with the provided instructions. If you have questions please call us.)

Troubleshooting Procedures

Click here for flowchart (pdf).

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This page last updated 01 Jul 2004, Copyright 2004  American Pillow Machine Company, LLC