Color sorting apparatus
US3980181A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 1975 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB07C5/342
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus for sorting a random stream of articles moving along a wide path in a product flow according to their color. When an article having an unacceptable color is detected, a signal is generated to activate an ejector to remove the unacceptable article from the product flow. Apparatus according to the present invention is especially suitable for use in the field, in combination with harvesting apparatus, for sorting ripe produce such as tomatoes from unripe produce and other unwanted articles, all of which conveniently may be delivered to the apparatus randomly disposed on a conveyor belt. As the articles are discharged from the conveyor belt, they are viewed by a bichromatic color sensing system which generates one or more reject signals in response to each unacceptably colored article. The reject signals activate corresponding ejectors at the proper time to divert the unacceptable articles from the product flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.