公开(公告)号：US5651446A

公开(公告)日：1997-07-29

申请号：US617970

申请日：1996-03-11

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

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

IPC: B07C5/02 ,  B65G47/24 ,  B65G47/84 ,  B65G43/00

CPC classification number: B65G47/24 ,  B07C5/02 ,  B65G47/846 ,  B65G2201/0211 ,  B65G2203/042

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：US4330062A

公开(公告)日：1982-05-18

申请号：US122448

申请日：1980-02-19

Applicant: Tim D. Conway ,  Paul F. Paddock

Inventor： Tim D. Conway ,  Paul F. Paddock

IPC: B07C5/342

CPC classification number: B07C5/3422

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grading and sorting articles, particularly fruit, according to size, surface blemish and surface color. Fruit is passed sequentially through a camera array which scans the surface of each fruit and measures the intensity of light reflected from successive discrete surface segments. Significant differences between such measured intensities are detected and a measurement of surface blemish is generated in accordance therewith. Size measurements are derived by counting the total number of segments in the surface of each fruit. Color measurements are derived by averaging the ratio of red light intensity to infrared light intensity reflected from each of a plurality of surface areas of each fruit. The fruit are separated and delivered to separate receivers by a mechanism responsive to the size, blemish and color measurements of the respective fruit.

Abstract translation: 根据尺寸，表面瑕疵和表面颜色对制品，特别是水果进行分级和分选的方法和装置。 水果依次通过相机阵列，其扫描每个水果的表面并测量从连续的离散表面段反射的光的强度。 检测到这种测量的强度之间的显着差异，并且根据其产生表面瑕疵的测量。 尺寸测量是通过计算每个水果表面的总段数得出的。 通过对从每个果实的多个表面区域中的每一个反射的红光强度与红外光强度的比率进行平均得出颜色测量。 水果被分离并通过响应于相应水果的尺寸，瑕疵和颜色测量的机制递送到单独的接收器。

公开(公告)号：US4139766A

公开(公告)日：1979-02-13

申请号：US824396

申请日：1977-08-15

Applicant: Tim D. Conway

Inventor： Tim D. Conway

IPC: G06M7/00 ,  G06M11/00

CPC classification number: G06M11/00

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the counting of objects and in particular fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and the like, which are randomly continuously presented by a conveyor or other means to a counting area in which the objects are illuminated. An image of the counting area and illuminated objects is optically reproduced on a self-scanning photodiode array which generates a series of output analog video signals corresponding to the light intensity on each of the photodiodes. These analog signals are amplified and compared with a voltage that is approximately 60% of the peak voltage value from the array, to provide an output binary signal pulse having a digital logic value of "1", when the video signal is above the 60% value, and a value of "O" when below the 60% value. Logic circuits group certain of the output binary signal pulses into a predetermined group recognition pattern having a configuration such that it will occur only once for each object that it scanned, and which is decoded to provide an output counting pulse for each object presented to the counting area.

Abstract translation: 用于计数物体，特别是诸如橙子，葡萄柚，柠檬等的水果的装置和方法，其通过输送机或其他装置随机连续地呈现给物体照亮的计数区域。 计数区域和照明对象的图像在自扫描光电二极管阵列上被光学再现，该阵列产生与每个光电二极管上的光强对应的一系列输出模拟视频信号。 这些模拟信号被放大并与来自阵列的峰值电压值的大约60％的电压进行比较，以提供具有数字逻辑值“1”的输出二进制信号脉冲，当视频信号高于60％ 价值，低于60％价值的“O”值。 逻辑电路将某些输出的二进制信号脉冲分组成预定的组识别模式，其具有这样的配置，使得它对于其扫描的每个对象将仅发生一次，并且被解码以为呈现给计数的每个对象提供输出计数脉冲 区。

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：US4324335A

公开(公告)日：1982-04-13

申请号：US122449

申请日：1980-02-19

Applicant: Tim D. Conway ,  Paul F. Paddock

Inventor： Tim D. Conway ,  Paul F. Paddock

IPC: B07C5/10 ,  B07C5/342

CPC classification number: B07C5/10 ,  B07C5/3422 ,  Y10S209/914

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grading and sorting articles, particularly fruit, according to size, surface blemish and surface color. Fruit is passed sequentially through a camera array which scans the surface of each fruit and measures the intensity of light reflected from successive discrete surface segments. Significant differences between such measured intensities are detected and a measurement of surface blemish is generated in accordance therewith. Size measurements are derived by counting the total number of segments in the surface of each fruit. Color measurements are derived by averaging the ratio of red light intensity to infrared light intensity reflected from each of a plurality of surface areas of each fruit. The fruit are separated and delivered to separate receivers by a mechanism responsive to the size, blemish and color measurements of the respective fruit.

Abstract translation: 根据尺寸，表面瑕疵和表面颜色对制品，特别是水果进行分级和分选的方法和装置。 水果依次通过相机阵列，其扫描每个水果的表面并测量从连续的离散表面段反射的光的强度。 检测到这种测量的强度之间的显着差异，并且根据其产生表面瑕疵的测量。 尺寸测量是通过计算每个水果表面的总段数得出的。 通过对从每个果实的多个表面区域中的每一个反射的红光强度与红外光强度的比率进行平均得到颜色测量值。 水果被分离并通过响应于相应水果的尺寸，瑕疵和颜色测量的机制递送到单独的接收器。

公开(公告)号：US4246098A

公开(公告)日：1981-01-20

申请号：US917724

申请日：1978-06-21

Applicant: Tim D. Conway ,  Paul F. Paddock

Inventor： Tim D. Conway ,  Paul F. Paddock

IPC: G01B11/00 ,  B07C5/342 ,  G01B11/30 ,  G01N21/85 ,  G01N21/88 ,  G01N21/89

CPC classification number: B07C5/3422 ,  Y10S209/912

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grading and sorting articles, particularly fruit, according to size, surface blemish and surface color. Fruit is passed sequentially through a camera array which scans the surface of each fruit and measures the intensity of light reflected from successive discrete surface segments. Significant differences between such measured intensities are detected and a measurement of surface blemish is generated in accordance therewith. Size measurements are derived by counting the total number of segments in the surface of each fruit. Color measurements are derived by averaging the ratio of red light intensity to infrared light intensity reflected from each of a plurality of surface areas of each fruit. The fruit are separated and delivered to separate receivers by a mechanism responsive to the size, blemish and color measurements of the respective fruit.

Abstract translation: 根据尺寸，表面瑕疵和表面颜色对制品，特别是水果进行分级和分选的方法和装置。 水果依次通过相机阵列，其扫描每个水果的表面并测量从连续的离散表面段反射的光的强度。 检测到这种测量的强度之间的显着差异，并且根据其产生表面瑕疵的测量。 尺寸测量是通过计算每个水果表面的总段数得出的。 通过对从每个果实的多个表面区域中的每一个反射的红光强度与红外光强度的比率进行平均得出颜色测量。 水果被分离并通过响应于相应水果的尺寸，瑕疵和颜色测量的机制递送到单独的接收器。

公开(公告)号：US06600829B1

公开(公告)日：2003-07-29

申请号：US09027177

申请日：1998-02-20

Applicant: Henry A. Affeldt ,  Marina L. Cariaga ,  Tim D. Conway ,  David M. Musoke ,  James B. Sheffler ,  Steven D. Stebbins

Inventor： Henry A. Affeldt ,  Marina L. Cariaga ,  Tim D. Conway ,  David M. Musoke ,  James B. Sheffler ,  Steven D. Stebbins

IPC: G06K900

CPC classification number: B07C5/342

Abstract: The computer process controls operation of a system which sorts objects by surface characteristics. The system includes a multi-rail conveyor, an imaging unit for each rail of the conveyor and a computer including a user interface. Each imaging unit includes at least one camera, and at least one block of LEDs of multiple predetermined colors. The process initializes system hardware and software, calibrates the imaging units, sets, tests and reports various parameters for imaging, automatically or under user control, and synchronizes the operation of the imaging units with conveyor action to produce optimal imaging, as well as controlling sorting based upon imaging output.

Abstract translation: 计算机过程控制通过表面特征对对象进行排序的系统的操作。 该系统包括多轨输送机，用于输送机的每个轨道的成像单元和包括用户界面的计算机。 每个成像单元包括至少一个照相机和至少一个多个预定颜色的LED块。该过程自动地或在用户控制下初始化系统硬件和软件，校准成像单元，组合，测试和报告成像的各种参数， 并且使成像单元的操作与输送机动作同步以产生最佳成像，以及基于成像输出来控制分类。

公开(公告)号：US6153253A

公开(公告)日：2000-11-28

申请号：US503753

申请日：1995-07-18

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 ,  B05D1/02

CPC classification number: A23B7/16 ,  A23P20/15

Abstract: Application of wax to fruit in a conveyor system is 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. Two-dimensional pixel maps of the fruit passing through the viewing area are assembled and an image is processed to provide distinct pixel images even when the fruit are touching. 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 pumps and wax nozzles are each individually controlled at appropriate positions across the conveyor system to apply the appropriate amount of wax to the fruit then passing under the wax applicator nozzles.

Abstract translation: 控制蜡在输送系统中对水果的应用被控制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，蜡的类型或蜡的类型 处理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。 组合通过观察区域的水果的二维像素图，并且处理图像以提供不同像素图像，即使当水果触摸时。 然后确定每个分离的图像的水果的直径，从而计算通过观察区域下方的果实的总表面积。 基于这种计算，多个可变行程泵和蜡喷嘴分别在穿过输送机系统的适当位置处被控制，以将适量的蜡施加到水果上，然后通过蜡施加器喷嘴。

公开(公告)号：US5513740A

公开(公告)日：1996-05-07

申请号：US201516

申请日：1994-02-24

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

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

IPC: B07C5/02 ,  B65G47/24 ,  B65G47/84 ,  B65G47/26

CPC classification number: B65G47/24 ,  B07C5/02 ,  B65G47/846 ,  B65G2201/0211 ,  B65G2203/042

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：US5492215A

公开(公告)日：1996-02-20

申请号：US311937

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 ,  B65G25/00

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. 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.

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。 一个超前检测器检测水果是否通过检测器的末端，并且没有其他方式从输送系统中喷出。 根据水果通过传送带末端的周期和时间，可以确定一个或多个喷射器是否损坏，或者喷射器或螺线管是否不可操作，并且在每种情况下都是这样。