Tracking systems for sorting apparatus
US3977526A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 1975 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB07C5/368
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A tracking system for a sorting apparatus for sorting pieces of material moving through a sorting zone in a wide path random stream has a light scanning device which makes repeated scans across the sorting zone to detect light reflected from the pieces of material, and downstream of the scanning device a plurality of deflection devices extending across the sorting zone. An electronic control generates timing signals which, in effect, represent a plurality of overlapping analyzing channels extending in the direction of movement of the pieces of material and overlapping one another across the sorting zone. An electrical circuit arrangement for each analyzing channel receives signals from the scanning device and accumulates information relating to pieces of material in that channel and provides a decision signal based on the accumulated information. A control for each analyzing channel is responsive to the decision signal for that channel to actuate a number of deflection devices which extend at least the width of the channel. Because the analyzing channels overlap it is more probable that a piece of material will be within or substantially within one channel for analysis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.