US3710922A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for detecting and rejecting improperly oriented objects
Assignee: Lipe Rollway Corp
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Filing: 1971-07-06
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Granted: 1973-01-16
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Expires: 1991-07-06
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus utilizing a fiber optic system for detecting misorientation of an object passing on a conveyor. By means of the system light is projected onto the object and, if the latter is not properly oriented, the light is reflected back through the system and actuates a sensor. Upon actuation of the sensor, the apparatus operates through electromechanical means to remove the object from the conveyor.
Inventors
- 👤 G Lanphere
- 👤 S Bart
- 👤 J Armstrong
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:27
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/22; B65G47/24; B65G47/256; B65G2203/00; B65G2203/04; B65G2203/042
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
In an apparatus for detecting and rejecting improperly oriented objects being carried by an infeed means to a sorting and selection station: indexing sorting means at the station having a plurality of spaced apertures, the apertures being dimensioned to receive the objects regardless of their orientation, a selection plate coacting with the sorting means and having a pass-through aperture coincidental with the path of travel of the objects on the infeed means for passing properly oriented objects through the selection and sorting station, means at the station to detect misoriented objects entering an aperture of the sorting means, and means operable upon detection of a misoriented object in said aperture to index the sorting means and thereby remove the object from the infeed means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
In an apparatus for detecting and rejecting improperly oriented objects being carried by an infeed means to a sorting and selection station: indexing sorting means at the station having a plurality of spaced apertures, the apertures being dimensioned to receive the objects regardless of their orientation, a selection plate coacting with the sorting means and having a pass-through aperture coincidental with the path of travel of the objects on the infeed means for passing properly oriented objects through the selection and sorting station, means at the station to detect misoriented objects entering an aperture of the sorting means, and means operable upon detection of a misoriented object in said aperture to index the sorting means and thereby remove the object from the infeed means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said detecting means is a fiber optic sensing system arranged to project light on an object entering an aperture of the sorting means, the sensing system being operable when light is reflected back into it from the object to actuate the indexing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said detecting means is a fiber optic sensing system having a plurality of light projecting and receiving stations, said system being arranged so that each station must receive reflected light from an object at the station for the system to be operable to actuate the indexing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said indexing sorting means comprises a rotatable disc member the apertures of which project radially inwardly from the periphery of the member, the disc member being indexible to successively move the apertures into registry with the path of travel of the objects on the infeed means.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
128 words
An apparatus for detecting and rejecting improperly oriented objects being carried by a conveyor to a sorting and selection station comprising: an indexible disc rotatably mounted in the path of the conveyor and forming a part of the station, the disc having a plurality of circumferentially spaced peripheral apertures successively movable into registry with the path of travel of the objects on the conveyor, the apertures being dimensioned to permit the objects to pass therethrough regardless of their orientation on the conveyor, a fiber optic sensing system cooperable with a disc aperture in registry with the object travel path to detect misoriented objects passing through the aperture, and means operable upon detection of a misoriented object to index the disc and thereby push the object off the conveyor.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
128 words
An apparatus for detecting and rejecting improperly oriented objects being carried by a conveyor to a sorting and selection station comprising: an indexible disc rotatably mounted in the path of the conveyor and forming a part of the station, the disc having a plurality of circumferentially spaced peripheral apertures successively movable into registry with the path of travel of the objects on the conveyor, the apertures being dimensioned to permit the objects to pass therethrough regardless of their orientation on the conveyor, a fiber optic sensing system cooperable with a disc aperture in registry with the object travel path to detect misoriented objects passing through the aperture, and means operable upon detection of a misoriented object to index the disc and thereby push the object off the conveyor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 5 together with a selection plate mounted adjacent the disc on the exit side of the sorting and selection station, the plate having a passthrough aperture coincidental with the path of travel of the objects on the conveyor for passing properly oriented objects through the station and blocking misoriented objects.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said fiber optic sensing system is arranged to project light on an object entering the disc aperture in registry with the object travel path, the sensing system being operable when light is reflected back into it from the object to actuate the indexing means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-16 | 1976-07-17 | 1977-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-16 | 1980-07-17 | 1981-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-16 | 1984-07-17 | 1985-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |