Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for controlling the operating frequency of an electromagnetic vibratory feeder at a submultiple of the power line frequency. The apparatus is couplable to a terminal of an electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic vibratory feeder, to control the current through the electromagnetic coil and thereby control power delivered to the electromagnetic vibratory feeder. The apparatus includes a quadrac coupled to the alternating current source; a capacitor coupled to the AC current power source and coupled through a first diode to a gate electrode of the quadrac; and a resistive network coupled through a second diode to the capacitor and to the first diode. The capacitance value of the capacitor and the resistive value of the resistive network form an RC time constant, which is predetermined to provide a selected operating frequency for triggering the quadrac and thereby providing power to the electromagnetic vibratory feeder at a submultiple of the power line frequency.

Abstract: A food handling conveyor apparatus includes a sound detection system for detecting the presence of a foreign object, such as a stone, among food product being conveyed. The apparatus includes a generally elongated vibratory conveyor bed along which food products are conveyed, with at least one discharge gate positioned at one end of the conveyor bed. An actuator is operatively connected to the discharge gate for effecting movement thereof between closed and open positions. A sound detection system of the apparatus, preferably including one or more directional microphones, is positioned in operative association with the conveyor bed and functions to differentiate between the sound of food product being conveyed, and the sound of a foreign object. The sound detection system is operatively connected with the actuator for the discharge gate, and effects opening of the discharge gate in timed relationship to detection of a foreign object so that the object is moved out of the food product stream.

Abstract: An SCR firing circuit is provided which includes a plurality of opto-couplers, diodes, a capacitor and an SCR, utilized to control the AC power applied to a load, such as a vibratory feeder. In various embodiments of the invention, one or more opto-couplers act as solid state switches and also isolate a control signal from the AC line voltage. The capacitor is charged from an AC power source through the diode during a half cycle of the AC line voltage, and remains charged until the SCR is triggered. In response to a control signal rendering the opto-couplers conductive, the capacitor is discharged through the opto-couplers to fire the SCR and provide AC power to the load. A back-to-back SCR firing circuit is also provided which fires a first SCR when a line voltage is positive and which fires a second SCR when the line voltage is negative, which may be utilized to adjust the frequency of the application of power to the load independently of the frequency of the AC power supply.

Abstract: There is provided a microcontroller for controlling the activation of a hopper, bowl feeder, and linear feeder. There is further provided a blown fuse circuit which indicates that a fuse has blown for the various components of the part feeder system as well as preventing machines at the load from being powered should the fuse blow.