Method and apparatus for grading non-orienting articles
US4645080A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1984 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S209/939
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for grading generally spherical articles, and specifically fruit such a oranges, which do not orient along a predetermined axis when rotated on a roller conveyor comprises a pair of side scan cameras disposed on opposite sides of the fruit. An overhead camera provides plural data signals representative of the surface quality of the fruit. The side scan cameras provide data indicative of the surface quality of side portions of the fruit. A processor and processing algorithm computes a surface quality indication based upon the data from the overhead camera and modifies the surface quality indication depending upon the data provided by the side scan cameras.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.