公开(公告)号：US5431273A

公开(公告)日：1995-07-11

申请号：US201511

申请日：1994-02-24

Applicant: Henry A. Affeldt ,  Tim D. Conway

Inventor： Henry A. Affeldt ,  Tim D. Conway

IPC: B07C5/36 ,  B65G47/96 ,  B65G47/46

CPC classification number: B65G47/965 ,  B07C5/361 ,  B65G2201/0211

Abstract: The conveyor system is comprised 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. A photooptical detector is provided for detecting when an ejector is missing due to damage or other loss. A system control circuit detects the missing ejector and stops the conveyor at a predetermined position so that the missing ejector stops at a predetermined repair location on the conveyor system.

Abstract translation: 输送机系统由在线轴的每个端部处由链条连接的多个线轴构成。 相邻的一对线轴之间的空间限定了一个口袋。 喷射器由链条在每个口袋内承载以从口袋中排出果实。 喷射器由位于链条下面的螺线管选择性地启动，并安装在链条和卷轴被拉动的输送通道上。 提供光电检测器，用于检测喷射器何时由于损坏或其他损失而丢失。 系统控制电路检测到丢失的喷射器并将输送机停在预定位置，使得丢失的喷射器停在传送系统上的预定的修理位置。

公开(公告)号：US4745564A

公开(公告)日：1988-05-17

申请号：US827142

申请日：1986-02-07

Applicant: Bernard R. Tennes ,  Galen K. Brown ,  Joseph R. Clemens ,  Henry A. Affeldt ,  Siamak Siyami ,  Brian A. Klug ,  Hans R. Zapp

Inventor： Bernard R. Tennes ,  Galen K. Brown ,  Joseph R. Clemens ,  Henry A. Affeldt ,  Siamak Siyami ,  Brian A. Klug ,  Hans R. Zapp

IPC: G01M7/08 ,  G01D9/00 ,  G01N3/06 ,  G01P1/12 ,  G01P15/00 ,  G01P15/18 ,  G01P15/04 ,  G01D1/14 ,  G06F15/74

CPC classification number: G01D9/005 ,  G01P1/127

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and recording accelerations or other physical quantities experienced by easily damaged items of commerce such as fruit and electronic computers. A triaxial accelerometer or other suitable sensor produces signals which are sampled by a microprocessor operating according to a program stored in a read-only memory. When the sampled accelerations or other physical quantities exceed a predetermined threshold, samples are stored in a random access memory, along with their times of occurrence. The apparatus provides a serial port for reading out the recorded acceleration data. The data may then be subjected to further processing externally.

Abstract translation: 一种用于测量和记录容易受损的商业项目（例如水果和电子计算机）经历的加速度或其他物理量的装置。 三轴加速度计或其他合适的传感器产生由根据存储在只读存储器中的程序操作的微处理器采样的信号。 当采样的加速度或其他物理量超过预定的阈值时，采样随随机存取存储器及其发生时间一起存储。 该装置提供用于读出记录的加速度数据的串行端口。 然后可以从外部对数据进行进一步的处理。

公开(公告)号：US5904236A

公开(公告)日：1999-05-18

申请号：US48239

申请日：1998-03-25

Applicant: Henry A Affeldt ,  William Kirk ,  Tim D Conway

Inventor： Henry A Affeldt ,  William Kirk ,  Tim D Conway

IPC: B07C5/02 ,  B65G25/00

CPC classification number: B07C5/02 ,  B65G2201/0211

Abstract: Fruit or other objects placed on the conveyor and spun by the conveyor are properly oriented on the conveyor by the method and apparatus of the invention by ejecting one or more adjacent touching objects or ejecting objects which form stacked triplets. An optical sensor determines when there is or is not a gap between objects and relates that gap detection to the position of the objects on the conveyor. Detection of a continuous signal through a controller circuit causes a downstream solenoid to be energized according to predetermined timing. The solenoid in turn, when energized, rotates a finger which is coupled to, carried with the conveyor system and situated underneath the pocket between adjacent spools. The finger rotates upwardly and ejects the objects sitting in the pocket, thereby removing the misplaced or touching objects on the conveyor belt.

Abstract translation: 放置在输送机上并通过输送机旋转的水果或其他物体通过本发明的方法和装置通过喷射形成堆叠三联体的一个或多个相邻的触摸物体或喷射物体在输送机上适当地定向。 光学传感器确定物体之间是否存在间隙，并将该间隙检测与传送带上物体的位置相关联。 通过控制器电路检测连续信号使得下游螺线管根据预定的时间被激励。 螺线管在通电时依次旋转一个手指，该手指与传送系统一起运送并位于相邻卷轴之间的口袋下方。 手指向上旋转并弹出坐在口袋中的物体，从而去除传送带上的错位或触摸物体。

公开(公告)号：US5152401A

公开(公告)日：1992-10-06

申请号：US421028

申请日：1989-10-13

Applicant: Henry A. Affeldt, Jr. ,  Judith A. Abbott

Inventor： Henry A. Affeldt, Jr. ,  Judith A. Abbott

IPC: B07C5/34 ,  G01N3/40 ,  G01N29/00 ,  G01N29/06 ,  G01N29/12 ,  G01N29/34 ,  G01N29/44 ,  G01N33/02

CPC classification number: G01N29/4445 ,  G01N29/0609 ,  G01N29/12 ,  G01N29/348 ,  G01N29/4427 ,  G01N3/405 ,  G01N33/025 ,  G01N2291/02466 ,  G01N2291/02827 ,  Y10S209/931

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to ascertaining the condition (i.e. texture, maturity and extent of damage (if any)) of an agricultural commodity by: (a) inputting band-limited vibrations (i.e. limited to a specific frequency band); (b) sensing vibrational characteristics (e.g. energy, resonance, absorption frequency characteristics) resulting from the input vibrations, and; (c) analyzing the vibrational characteristics.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及通过以下方式确定农业商品的状况（即质地，成熟度和破坏程度（如果有的话））：（a）输入带限振动（即限于特定频带）; （b）感测由输入振动产生的振动特性（例如能量，共振，吸收频率特性），和 （c）分析振动特性。

公开(公告)号：US20090007804A1

公开(公告)日：2009-01-08

申请号：US12147760

申请日：2008-06-27

Applicant: Richard D. Heck ,  Henry A. Affeldt, JR.

Inventor： Richard D. Heck ,  Henry A. Affeldt, JR.

IPC: A23N7/08 ,  A23N4/18 ,  B26D3/26

CPC classification number: A23N7/08 ,  A47J17/14 ,  B26D1/0006 ,  B26D3/26 ,  B26D7/0608 ,  B26D2001/0033

Abstract: The present invention relates to a melon cutting apparatus that cuts a melon portion or melon half. The apparatus cuts the melon pulp into sections, and removes the rind from the pulp. The apparatus includes a base having an opening; a cutting matrix that has a plurality of blades, wherein the cutting matrix communicates with the opening. The apparatus also includes a sweeping blade that is curved and positioned at or near the cutting matrix and is used to cut the rind from the melon pulp. The apparatus further includes an actuator that engages the sweeping blade. The apparatus embodies an arm attached to the apparatus, and a pressure cap that is mounted to the arm, opposite the cutting matrix. Additionally, the present invention pertains to systems and methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract translation: 瓜切割装置技术领域本发明涉及一种切瓜子部分或瓜半部的瓜切割装置。 该设备将甜瓜切成切片，并将纸从纸浆中取出。 该装置包括具有开口的底座; 具有多个叶片的切割矩阵，其中所述切割矩阵与所述开口连通。 该设备还包括一个扫描刀片，其被弯曲并定位在切割基体处或附近，并用于从瓜纸上切割外皮。 该装置还包括接合扫掠刀片的致动器。 该装置包括附接到该装置的臂，以及安装在与切割基体相对的臂上的压力盖。 另外，本发明涉及使用该装置的系统和方法。

公开(公告)号：US5845002A

公开(公告)日：1998-12-01

申请号：US334165

申请日：1994-11-03

Applicant: Richard D. Heck ,  Henry A. Affeldt

Inventor： Richard D. Heck ,  Henry A. Affeldt

IPC: G01B11/28 ,  B07C5/10 ,  B07C5/34 ,  G01B11/30 ,  G01N21/85 ,  G01N21/88 ,  G06K9/00

CPC classification number: G01N21/88 ,  B07C5/3416

Abstract: The topographic surface features of a translucent object, such as a citrus fruit with a peel, are scanned and evaluated to permit the classification thereof according to its surface features. In the case of citrus fruit, the coarseness or pebbliness, puff and crease, ridge and valley, cuts, punctures, scrapes and splits, clear rot or sour rot of the peel is optically identified through digital analysis of the pixel scans and sorted based upon the peel surface quality. The object is classified by separating the scanned image of the fruit from the background image and removing the background image. A statistical evaluation of the image of the object as a whole, including both hemispheres of the object, is made to determine if there is any surface feature variation which might qualify as a defect or be a suitable basis upon which a classification judgment can be made. If there is, the object image is subject to high frequency or low pass filtering and thresholding of the pixel intensities to derive a refined image. The refined image is then tabulated or organized into neighborhoods contiguous to sharp transitions or gradual transitions to identify specific areas defined as blobs which, when compared against a given minimum area, shape requirement and/or width can be identified as one of the surface imperfections sought.

Abstract translation: 扫描和评估半透明物体（例如具有剥离物的柑橘类水果）的地形表面特征，以便根据其表面特征对其进行分类。 在柑橘类水果的情况下，通过对像素扫描的数字分析进行光学鉴定，通过像素扫描的数字分析来确定粗糙度或鹅卵石，烟雾和褶皱，脊和谷，切口，穿刺，刮伤和分裂，透明腐烂或酸腐烂，并根据 剥皮表面质量。 通过将水果的扫描图像与背景图像分离并去除背景图像来分类对象。 对物体的整体图像进行统计评估，包括对象的两个半球，以确定是否存在可能符合缺陷的任何表面特征变化，或者可作为分类判断的适当基础 。 如果存在，则对象图像经受高频或低通滤波和阈值处理像素强度以导出精细图像。 然后将精细图像列表化或组织到邻近的尖锐过渡或逐渐过渡的邻域，以识别被定义为斑点的特定区域，当与给定的最小面积比较时，形状要求和/或宽度可以被识别为寻求的表面缺陷之一 。

公开(公告)号：US5620519A

公开(公告)日：1997-04-15

申请号：US292898

申请日：1994-08-19

Applicant: Henry A. Affeldt ,  Tim D. Conway ,  David M. Musoke

Inventor： Henry A. Affeldt ,  Tim D. Conway ,  David M. Musoke

IPC: A23B7/16 ,  A23P1/08 ,  B05C11/00

CPC classification number: A23B7/16 ,  A23P20/15

Abstract: Application of wax to fruit, or groups of fruit in a conveyor system, can be controlled to optimize the protective and cosmetic effects of the wax application and to efficiently utilize the wax notwithstanding variations in size, texture, nature or number of the fruit, the type(s) of wax or the processing environment, by providing an intelligent wax controller. The wax controller has a camera which detects fruit passing through a field of view defined by an optical housing in which the camera is fixed. Particularly if the camera is a line-scan camera, two-dimensional pixel maps of the fruit passing through the viewing area are assembled and image processed to provide distinct pixel images even when the fruit are touching. The entire width of the conveyor belt is detected furing each detection time. The diameter of the fruit for each of the separated images is then determined, from which the total surface area of the fruit passing under the viewing area is computed. Based on this computation a plurality of variable stroke pujps and wax nozzles are each individually controlled at appropriate positions across the width of the conveyor system to apply the appropriate amount of wax to the fruit then passing under the wax applicator nozzles.

Abstract translation: 可以控制将蜡应用于水果或输送系统中的水果组，以优化蜡应用的保护和美化效果，并且尽管水果的尺寸，质地，性质或数量有变化，但是有效利用蜡 蜡类型或加工环境，提供智能蜡控制器。 蜡烛控制器具有一个相机，其检测通过其中相机被固定的光学外壳限定的视野的水果。 特别是如果相机是线扫描相机，则通过观看区域的水果的二维像素图被组装和图像处理，以便即使当水果触摸时也提供不同的像素图像。 在每个检测时间检测到传送带的整个宽度。 然后确定每个分离的图像的水果的直径，从中计算通过观察区域的果实的总表面积。 基于该计算，多个可变冲程喷嘴和蜡喷嘴分别在输送系统的宽度上的适当位置单独控制，以将适量的蜡施加到水果上，然后通过蜡施加器喷嘴下方。

公开(公告)号：US5482154A

公开(公告)日：1996-01-09

申请号：US335266

申请日：1994-09-26

Applicant: Henry A. Affeldt ,  Tim D. Conway

Inventor： Henry A. Affeldt ,  Tim D. Conway

IPC: B07C5/36 ,  B65G47/96 ,  B65G47/46

CPC classification number: B65G47/965 ,  B07C5/361 ,  B65G2201/0211

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.

Abstract translation: 输送机系统由多个线轴组成，通过链条在卷轴的每个端部连接。 相邻的一对线轴之间的空间限定了一个口袋。 喷射器由链条在每个口袋内承载以从口袋中排出果实。 喷射器由位于链条下面的螺线管选择性地启动，并安装在链条和卷轴被拉动的输送通道上。 在运行过程中，在传送系统两端的两个传感器之间测量链条拉伸。 当拉伸超过预定极限时，产生警告信号，并且可以停止输送系统以允许用于激活喷射器的螺线管组件的适当重新定位或通过软件控制自动重新调整的喷射器的点火定时。

公开(公告)号：US5457933A

公开(公告)日：1995-10-17

申请号：US201513

申请日：1994-02-24

Applicant: Everett LaVars ,  Henry A. Affeldt

Inventor： Everett LaVars ,  Henry A. Affeldt

IPC: B65B25/04 ,  B65B3/04 ,  B65B39/00

CPC classification number: B65B25/046

Abstract: An improved actuating system for a plurality of tucker plates used to compress and tuck arrays of fruit placed by an automated fruit handler into shipping cartons is described. The timing and motive force used for operation of the tucker plate is derived from motion of the fruit handler. Contact of the fruit and the fruit handler with an inclined tucker plate on each of four side is sufficient to cause tucker plates to rotate about a hinge assembly which couples the tucker plate to the packer table through which the fruit handler disposes the layers of fruit into the shipping cartons positioned on a conveyor underneath the packer table. Each tucker plate is provided with an upper finger which contacts the fruit handler as the fruit handler move upwardly thereby causing a torque to be applied to the tucker plate to reorient the tucker plate from the vertical packing position to an open tilted receiving position.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种改进的多个用于将自动水果处理器放置在水果箱中的水果袋压缩和折叠的卷起板的致动系统。 用于打捞板的操作的时间和动力来自果实处理器的运动。 水果和水果处理器与四边的倾斜折页板的接触足以使折页板围绕铰链组件旋转，铰链组件将打褶板连接到封隔器台，水果处理器通过其将水果处理器分配到 运输纸箱位于封隔器下方的输送机上。 每个折板设置有上指，当水果处理器向上移动时，上指与水果处理器接触，从而使得将扭矩施加到折页板，以将褶皱板从垂直包装位置重新定向到开放倾斜的接收位置。

公开(公告)号：US06205900B1

公开(公告)日：2001-03-27

申请号：US09350794

申请日：1999-07-09

Applicant: Richard D. Heck ,  Henry A. Affeldt

Inventor： Richard D. Heck ,  Henry A. Affeldt

IPC: B26D508

CPC classification number: B26D7/0608 ,  B26D1/553 ,  B26D3/185 ,  B26D3/26 ,  Y10S83/932 ,  Y10T83/873 ,  Y10T83/8841 ,  Y10T83/8843

Abstract: An automatic food product cutting apparatus is provided that employs a continuously rotating table arranged with multiple cutter cups, each cup being aligned with a plunger that rotates with the table. The plungers are driven to force fruit through the cup and to withdraw from the cup by cam following rollers that follow a generally elliptical cam track. The cam track is concentric to but does not rotate with the table. With this arrangement, a single drive motor is used to power both the rotation of the table and the plunging force to push the food product through the cutter cups, thereby achieving smooth, continuous operation.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种自动食品切割装置，其采用配置有多个切割杯的连续旋转台，每个杯与与桌子一起旋转的柱塞对准。 驱动柱塞以迫使水果通过杯子并且通过凸轮沿着大致椭圆形的凸轮轨道的跟随的辊子从杯中退出。 凸轮轨道与工作台同心但不旋转。 利用这种布置，单个驱动马达用于对台的旋转和插入力两者进行动力以推动食品通过切割杯，从而实现平稳的连续操作。