Apparatus and method for detecting objects ejected over the end of a sorting and conveying system
US5492215A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 1994 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 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. An over-the-end detector detects whether fruit passes over the end of the detector and has not been otherwise ejected from the conveyor system. Depending upon the periodicity and the timing in which fruit passes over the end of the conveyor, it can be determined whether one or more ejectors are damaged, or whether ejectors or solenoids are inoperable, and in each case which one.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.