Teleoperated robotic sorting system
USRE40394E1 · kind E1 · reissue
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for classifying materials utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of spatial coordinates of materials to be extracted. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the mixture of materials to be sorted as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the mixture either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually “touches” objects displayed on the screen to be extracted from the mixture thereby registering the spatial coordinates of the objects within the computer. The computer then tracks the registered objects as they are conveyed and directs automated devices including mechanical means such as air jets, robotic arms, or other mechanical diverters to extract the registered objects.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.