Material handling apparatus with integrated part sorter
US7669707B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S209/919
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A material handling apparatus includes a part feeding device such as a bowl feeder with a perimeter track, a second track extending around the perimeter track, a vision inspection system, and an ejector device. The second track has a transparent floor and the vision inspection system includes a controller and at least one camera operably connected to the controller for looking through the transparent floor to identify defective parts. The ejector device is operably connected to the controller for ejecting bad ones of the received parts, the ejector device being located downstream of the cameras. A related method is also provided. The arrangement is very compact, and has a very small foot print, but can operate at speed up to or more than 4000 pieces per minute.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.