Methods and apparatus for controlling the feed rate of a discrete object sorter/counter
US5473703A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06M11/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An object sorter/counter for controlling the feed rate of a sorter/counter includes a feed bowl which is oscillated by an adjustable amplitude vibrator and an exit assembly having a chute with a sensor array for registering the passage of objects through the exit assembly. The feed bowl is provided with a shutter which interposes a photodetector and a light source so that light from the light source is blocked from detection by the photodetector intermittently as the feed bowl oscillates. A circuit coupled to the photodetector generates a series of pulses having widths inversely proportional the amplitude of bowl oscillation. A controller adjusts the vibrator to oscillate the feed bowl at a predetermined amplitude until the sensor array senses a first object. The controller then adjusts the vibrator to oscillate the feed bowl at a lower amplitude and monitors the sensing of other objects. Time intervals between objects being sensed are monitored and the controller adjusts the vibrator to oscillate the feed bowl at a lower or higher amplitude to maintain a constant feed rate. A count of objects sensed is maintained and compared to a predetermined maximum count. When the count of obj…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.