Apparatus and method for detecting chain stretch in a sorting and conveying system
US5482154A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/0211
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The conveyor system is made of a plurality of spools connected by chains at each end of the spool. The space between an adjacent pair of spools defines a pocket. An ejector is carried by the chain within each pocket to eject fruit from the pocket. The ejectors are selectively activated by solenoids lying underneath the chain and mounted on a conveyor channel across which the chain and spools are pulled. During operation, chain stretch is measured between two sensors at each end of the conveyor system. When the stretch has exceeded a predetermined limit, a warning signal is generated and the conveyor system can be stopped to allow appropriate repositioning of the solenoid assemblies for activating the ejectors or the timing of the firing of the ejectors automatically readjusted by software control.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.