US4868951A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cutting of material for obtaining a portion of predetermined weight
Assignee: Nestec SA
•
Filing: 1988-11-14
•
Granted: 1989-09-26
•
Expires: 2008-11-14
Abstract
Abstract Automatic cutting of pieces of material for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight is performed by an apparatus and process in which the pieces to be cut are first weighed and then cut to obtain a portion having a predetermined weight. The pieces to be cut are transported on adjacent parallel conveyors adapted to travel in the same direction at substantially the same speed, a portion of each piece being transported on each conveyor. At least one of the conveyors includes at least one load-bearing platform, each load-bearing platform being associated with a weighing machine for performing, at least once, weighing of at least a portion of each piece to be cut at least once. After weighing, the pieces then may be moved transversely relative to the direction of travel of the conveyors for positioning the pieces for cutting by a cutting device which receives the transported pieces from the conveyors and then cuts them parallel to their direction of travel for obtaining a cut portion having the predetermined weight. Alternatively, the cutting device is moved transversely for cutting for obtaining a cut portion having the predetermined weight. A control device provides for controlling movement of the means for moving the pieces transversely and for controlling movement and positioning of the cutting device with respect to the weights determined.
Inventors
- 👤 Yngve R. Akesson
- 👤 Nils E. Hansson
- 👤 Mats Olofsson
- 👤 Guiliano Pegoraro
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 06:25
CPC Classifications
B; B26; B26D; B26D7/00; B26D7/27; B26D7/30; A; A22; A22C; A22C25/00; A22C25/12; B26D7/01; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T83/00; Y10T83/525; Y10T83/536; Y10T83/541
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
207 words
An apparatus for cutting pieces of a material for obtaining a cut portion from each piece having a predetermined weight comprising: two adjacent parallel conveyors adapted for travelling in the same direction at substantially the same speed for transporting pieces of a material to be cut, each conveyor being positioned relative to other for transporting a portion of each piece of material to be cut, and wherein at least a part of at least one of the conveyors forms at least one load-bearing platform; a weighing machine associated with each load-bearing platform for, in combination with each load-bearing platform, weighing the portion of each piece transported on each load-bearing platform for determining a weight for that portion; a cutting unit which is adapted for moving transversely relative to the direction of transport of the pieces on the conveyors and for receiving the transported pieces from the conveyors for cutting each piece parallel to its direction of travel; and a control device for analyzing each determined weight for each weighed portion for controlling the transverse movement of the cutting unit for positioning the cutting unit, with respect to each weight determined, for cutting each weighed piece at a position for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
207 words
An apparatus for cutting pieces of a material for obtaining a cut portion from each piece having a predetermined weight comprising: two adjacent parallel conveyors adapted for travelling in the same direction at substantially the same speed for transporting pieces of a material to be cut, each conveyor being positioned relative to other for transporting a portion of each piece of material to be cut, and wherein at least a part of at least one of the conveyors forms at least one load-bearing platform; a weighing machine associated with each load-bearing platform for, in combination with each load-bearing platform, weighing the portion of each piece transported on each load-bearing platform for determining a weight for that portion; a cutting unit which is adapted for moving transversely relative to the direction of transport of the pieces on the conveyors and for receiving the transported pieces from the conveyors for cutting each piece parallel to its direction of travel; and a control device for analyzing each determined weight for each weighed portion for controlling the transverse movement of the cutting unit for positioning the cutting unit, with respect to each weight determined, for cutting each weighed piece at a position for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
226 words
An apparatus for cutting pieces of a material for obtaining a cut portion from each piece having a predetermined weight comprising: two adjacent parallel conveyors adapted for travelling in the same direction at substantially the same speed for transporting pieces of material to be cut, each conveyor being positioned relative to the other for transporting a portion of each piece of material to be cut, and wherein at least a part of at least one of the conveyors forms at least one load-bearing platform; a weighing machine associated with each load-bearing platform for, in combination with each load-bearing platform, weighing the portion of each piece transported on each load-bearing platform for determining a weight for that portion; a cutting unit which is adapted for receiving the transported pieces from the conveyors and for cutting each piece parallel to its direction of travel; means for causing the weighed pieces to move transversely relative to the direction of transport of the pieces on the conveyors for positioning the weighed pieces for cutting; and a control device for analyzing each determined weight for each weighted portion for controlling movement and positioning with respect to each weight determined, of the means for causing transverse movement of the pieces to be cut for positioning each weighted piece for cutting at a position for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
226 words
An apparatus for cutting pieces of a material for obtaining a cut portion from each piece having a predetermined weight comprising: two adjacent parallel conveyors adapted for travelling in the same direction at substantially the same speed for transporting pieces of material to be cut, each conveyor being positioned relative to the other for transporting a portion of each piece of material to be cut, and wherein at least a part of at least one of the conveyors forms at least one load-bearing platform; a weighing machine associated with each load-bearing platform for, in combination with each load-bearing platform, weighing the portion of each piece transported on each load-bearing platform for determining a weight for that portion; a cutting unit which is adapted for receiving the transported pieces from the conveyors and for cutting each piece parallel to its direction of travel; means for causing the weighed pieces to move transversely relative to the direction of transport of the pieces on the conveyors for positioning the weighed pieces for cutting; and a control device for analyzing each determined weight for each weighted portion for controlling movement and positioning with respect to each weight determined, of the means for causing transverse movement of the pieces to be cut for positioning each weighted piece for cutting at a position for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the conveyors are separated by a gap distance of from about 5 mm to about 100 mm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the conveyors are separated by a gap distance of from about 20 mm to 70 mm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the cutting unit includes a cutting device and a roller for receiving the transported pieces from the conveyors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a fixed guide positioned with respect to one of the conveyors for positioning of each piece on the conveyors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
74 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least a part of each conveyor forms a load-carrying platform, each platform being associated with a weighing machine, for determining a weight of each portion of each piece on each conveyor for, by means of the control device, controlling movement and position, with respect to the weights determined, of the cutting unit for cutting each weighed piece for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
97 words
An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the control device is a computer preprogrammed for at least one product factor defining a specified weight for a specified length of the pieces to be cut and adapted for receiving weights determined by each weighing machine for calculating weight factors defining a specified weight for a specified length of each piece to be cut for controlling and positioning of the cutting unit for cutting the pieces by means of calculating the weight factors with respect to the preprogrammed product factors for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the conveyors are separated by a gap distance of from 5 mm to 20 mm.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
138 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the control device is a computer preprogrammed for at least one product factor defining a specified weight for a specified length of the pieces to be cut and adapted for receiving weights determined by each weighing machine for calculating weight factors defining a specified weight for a specified length of each piece to be cut, and wherein one of the separate adjacent parallel conveyors includes a plurality of load-bearing platforms each of which are associated with a weighing machine and which are positioned successively and offset laterally to a degree corresponding to a preprogrammed specified length for controlling and positioning of the cutting unit for cutting the pieces by means of calculating the weight factors with respect to the preprogrammed product factors for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein a rope conveyor is positioned in the gap between the conveyors.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 wherein there are from 2 to 8 load-bearing platforms and associated weighing machines.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the conveyors are offset by a gap distance of from 10 mm to 100 mm.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 further comprising means for separating the cut pieces into size groups.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
74 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for causing transverse movement of the pieces is an endless conveyor belt for receiving the pieces from and for transporting the pieces in the same direction as the adjacent parallel conveyors transport the pieces and adapted for being moved transversely relative to the direction of transport of the pieces for positioning each weighed piece for cutting for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
111 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein at least a part of at least one of the adjacent parallel conveyors has at least one additional load-bearing platform, each of which being associated with a weighing machine, positioned between the means for causing transverse movement of the weighed pieces to be cut and the cutting unit and further comprising at least one additional means, downstream of each additional load-bearing platform and weighing machine, for causing transverse movement of the additionally weighed pieces for, by means of the control unit, further controlling positioning of each piece, with respect to each weight determined, for cutting for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
139 words
An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein further comprising two additional separate adjacent parallel conveyors positioned between the means for causing transverse movement of the weighed pieces to be cut and the cutting unit for receiving the pieces from the means for causing transverse movement of the pieces wherein at least a part of at least one of the additional adjacent parallel conveyors forms a load-bearing platform, each of which being associated with a weighing machine, and further comprising at least one additional means downstream of each additional pair of conveyors for moving the additionally weighed pieces transversely relative to the direction of the transport of the pieces for, by means of the control unit, further controlling positioning of the piece, with respect to each additional weight determined, for cutting for obtaining the cut portions having the predetermined weight.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
69 words
An apparatus according to claim 17 further comprising an additional cutting unit positioned between the first means for causing transverse movement of the pieces and the next additional adjacent conveyors for cutting each piece prior to transport on the additional conveyors for additional weighing of at least the portion cut for further positioning of the cut portion for further cutting for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
140 words
An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein at least a part of each conveyor forms a load-bearing platform, each platform being associated with a weighing machine, for determining a weight of each portion of each piece on each conveyor and wherein the control device is a computer preprogrammed for at least one product factor defining a specified weight for a specified length of the pieces to be cut and adapted for receiving weights determined by each weighing machine for calculating weight factors defining a specified weight for a specified length of each piece to be cut for controlling and positioning of the pieces to be cut by the means for causing transverse movement of the pieces by means of calculating of the weight factors with respect to the preprogrammed product factors for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the conveyors are separated by a gap distance of from 5 mm to 20 mm.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
141 words
An apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the control device is a computer preprogrammed for at least one product factor defining a specified weight for a specified length of the pieces to be cut and adapted for receiving weights determined by each weighing machine for calculating weight factors defining a specified weight for a specified length of each piece to be cut, wherein one of the separate adjacent parallel conveyors includes a plurality of load-bearing platforms, each platform being associated with a weighing machine and being positioned successively and offset laterally to a degree corresponding to a preprogrammed specified length, for controlling and positioning of the means for causing transverse movement of the pieces for positioning for cutting by means of calculating the weight factors with respect to the preprogrammed product factors for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 21 wherein a rope conveyor is positioned in the gap between the conveyors.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 21 or 22 wherein there are from 2 to 8 load bearing platforms and associated weighing machines.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 21 or 22 wherein the conveyors are offset by a gap distance of from 10 mm to 100 mm.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 21 or 22 further comprising means for separating the cut pieces into size groups.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
65 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the cutting device is movable transversely relative to the direction of transport of the pieces, the transverse movement of the cutting unit is also being controlled by the control device for also controlling positioning of the cutting unit, with respect to each weight determined, at a position for cutting for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
176 words
A process for cutting pieces of material for obtaining a cut portion from each piece having a predetermined weight comprising: placing and transporting pieces of material to be cut on a pair of separate adjacent parallel conveyors travelling in the same direction at substantially the same speed wherein a portion of each piece to be cut lines on each conveyor; weighing at least the portion of each piece transported on at least one of the conveyors for determining a weight for each such portion for controlling movement and positioning of a cutting unit which is adapted for receiving the transported pieces from the conveyors and which is adapted for moving transversely relative to the direction of transport of the pieces for cutting each piece parallel to its direction of transport; moving the cutting unit with respect to the weight determined for each piece to be cut to a position for cutting each such piece for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight; and cutting each piece for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
176 words
A process for cutting pieces of material for obtaining a cut portion from each piece having a predetermined weight comprising: placing and transporting pieces of material to be cut on a pair of separate adjacent parallel conveyors travelling in the same direction at substantially the same speed wherein a portion of each piece to be cut lines on each conveyor; weighing at least the portion of each piece transported on at least one of the conveyors for determining a weight for each such portion for controlling movement and positioning of a cutting unit which is adapted for receiving the transported pieces from the conveyors and which is adapted for moving transversely relative to the direction of transport of the pieces for cutting each piece parallel to its direction of transport; moving the cutting unit with respect to the weight determined for each piece to be cut to a position for cutting each such piece for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight; and cutting each piece for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
46 words
A process according to claim 27 wherein each portion of each piece transported on each conveyor is weighed for determining a weight for each portion on each conveyor for controlling movement and positioning of the cutting unit for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
98 words
A process according to claim 28 wherein each piece is weighed at least once on each conveyor and further comprising controlling movement and positioning of the cutting unit by means of a control device computer adapted for receiving weights determined for each piece and being preprogrammed for at least one product factor defining a specified weight for a specified length of the pieces to be cut for controlling movement and positioning of the cutting unit by means of calculating the weight factors with respect to the preprogrammed product factors for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process according to claim 28 to 29 wherein at least a portion of each piece is weighed a plurality of times.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 30 further comprising separating the cut pieces into size groups.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
160 words
A process for cutting pieces of material for obtaining a cut portion from each piece having a predetermined weight comprising: placing and transporting pieces of material to be cut on a pair of separate adjacent parallel conveyors travelling in the same direction at substantially the same speed wherein a portion of each piece to be cut lies on each conveyor; weighing at least the portion of each transported on at least one of the conveyors for determining a weight for each portion weighed; moving each weighed piece, with respect to the weight determined, transversely relative to the direction of transport of the pieces for positioning each plate with respect to a cutting unit which is adapted for receiving the transported pieces from the conveyors and which is adapted for cutting each piece parallel to its direction of transport for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight; and cutting each piece for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
160 words
A process for cutting pieces of material for obtaining a cut portion from each piece having a predetermined weight comprising: placing and transporting pieces of material to be cut on a pair of separate adjacent parallel conveyors travelling in the same direction at substantially the same speed wherein a portion of each piece to be cut lies on each conveyor; weighing at least the portion of each transported on at least one of the conveyors for determining a weight for each portion weighed; moving each weighed piece, with respect to the weight determined, transversely relative to the direction of transport of the pieces for positioning each plate with respect to a cutting unit which is adapted for receiving the transported pieces from the conveyors and which is adapted for cutting each piece parallel to its direction of transport for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight; and cutting each piece for obtaining a cut portion having a predetermined weight.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
39 words
A process according to claim 32 wherein each piece is weighed a plurality of times and each piece is moved transversely at least once for positioning each piece for cutting for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
51 words
A process according to claim 32 wherein each piece after having been weighed and moved transversely at least once is cut and then a cut portion is weighed and moved transversely at least once for positioning the cut portion for further cutting for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
97 words
A process according to claim 32 wherein each portion of each piece transported on each conveyor is weighed for determining a weight for each portion on each conveyor and wherein a control device computer adapted for receiving weights determined for each piece and being preprogrammed for at least one product factor defining a specified weight for a specified length of the pieces to be cut for controlling movement and positioning of the pieces transversely by means of calculating the weight factors with respect to the preprogrammed product factors for obtaining the cut portion having the predetermined weight.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process according to claim 35 wherein at least a portion of each piece is weighed a plurality of times.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
A process according to claim 35 or 36 further comprising separating the cut pieces into size groups.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-09-25 | 1993-03-27 | 1993-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-25 | 1997-03-27 | 1997-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-25 | 2001-03-27 | 2001-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |