Object sorting apparatus with object holder facilitating lateral transfer
US5197585A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 1992 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2207/14
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An object sorting apparatus has a singulation section, a sorting section, and a transfer section for transitioning objects, such as fruit, to be sorted to a conveyor which drops the objects into appropriate collection bins. Objects for sorting are transported on an endless conveyor or wheels through the singulation and sorting section. A first independently adjustable speed belt in the singulation section rotates in a direction opposite that of the flow of items from the singulation section to the sorter section, to assist in singulation. A second adjustable speed belt rotates in the same direction as the wheels and operates to provide a view of each of four sides of the object to an imaging device. The imaging device supplies signals representing a desired sorting parameter to a processor which evaluate the measured parameters and generates signals so that the objects are ultimately deposited in appropriate sorting bins. An object holder receives an object as it is about to be dropped onto a second conveyor for transport to the collection bins. The object holder, which is pivotally attached to the wheels, acts to extend the lateral distance of the object beyond the return location…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.