Diverse Electrical Tests Patents (Class 209/556)
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Patent number: 10178263Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a setting-change-information receiver, a state-change-necessity-information memory, and a setting processor. The setting-change-information receiver receives setting-change information, which contains a setting item and a set value for the setting item, from a terminal device via a communication line. The state-change-necessity-information memory stores the setting item in association with state-change-necessity information indicating whether or not a physical state of the information processing apparatus has to be changed. The setting processor changes a setting of the information processing apparatus based on the setting-change information. The setting processor reserves changing of the set value for the setting item if the setting item contained in the setting-change information requires a change in the physical change.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventor: Yutaro Sugibayashi
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Patent number: 10156515Abstract: A system and method that automatically determine a type of material at a machine input to prevent damage to the machine. A user interface receives a selection of a material type to be loaded into the machine. A controller performs a safety check before starting a process using the machine by matching the selected material type to a material type at the machine input determined based on signals received from a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors comprise a material present sensor, a material type sensor opposed by a different material having a inductive sensor correction factor of 0.5 or less, and a material color sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: GED Integrated Solutions, Inc.Inventors: William A. Briese, Clifford J. Weber, Steven W. Pesek
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Patent number: 9939342Abstract: A leak detection system for detecting leaks in pressurized containers, the system comprising a leak test conveyor for moving each container and an accumulation tunnel through which the leak test conveyer extends, wherein the accumulation tunnel and the leak test conveyer together define at least one enclosed accumulation volume, each enclosed accumulation volume being sized to accommodate only a single container, thereby to allow gas leaking from the single container to accumulate, and a gas sensor for sensing accumulated leaked gas from the single container.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: CASCADE TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS LIMITEDInventors: Iain Howieson, Paul Miller, Stephen Waldron
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Patent number: 9594069Abstract: In a vibration information detection step, a probe is inserted into a food sample, and any one of the displacement, the velocity or the acceleration of a vibration occurring on the probe by the insertion is detected as vibration information (step S1). In a frequency band dividing step, the vibration information is divided by a band pass filter into individual pieces of vibration information in each of a plurality of frequency bands (step S2). In a food texture index calculation step, a food texture index value based on vibrational energy per unit time in each of the frequency bands is calculated using a computer from the vibration information in each of the frequency bands and the center frequency of the corresponding frequency band (step S3).Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: HIROSHIMA UNIVERSITYInventors: Naoki Sakurai, Shinichiro Iwatani, Hidemi Akimoto
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Patent number: 9372155Abstract: Roe W is loaded on a loading tray 6, the roe W is irradiated with light from light irradiation means 11, and an image of at least a part of the roe W irradiated with light from the light irradiation means 11 is taken by image pickup means 12. Image processing of the image Pa taken by the image pickup means 12 is performed to measure a light transmissive value of the light passing through the roe W; and maturity of the roe W is determined based on the measured light transmissive value. This enables a roe maturity determination device and a roe maturity determination method capable of determining precisely roe maturity.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: MARUHA NICHIRO CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuhiro Yokozaki, Masami Okayama, Gentaro Kakemizu, Masanori Tsuruta, Takeshi Suzuki, Hiroyoshi Koizumi
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Patent number: 9165191Abstract: A commodity recognition apparatus detects an appearance feature amount of a commodity included in an image captured by an image capturing unit, extracts a candidate of the commodity included in the captured image by comparing the data of the appearance feature amount with the feature amount data in a recognition dictionary file, recognizes a character string included in the image captured by the image capturing unit, and determines a commodity of a recognition target according to the recognized character string and the extracted candidate of the commodity.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Sugasawa, Hidehiro Naito
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Patent number: 9010543Abstract: A method of separating a mined material that comprises assessing the grade of successive segments of the mined material, and separating each segment on the basis of grade into a category that is at or above a grade threshold or a category that is below the grade threshold. An apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. LimitedInventors: John Clarence Box, Carly Louise Painter
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Patent number: 8839959Abstract: A component sorting and wasting device is provided with a plurality of waste boxes having respective IDs and arranged at predetermined locations for receiving components to be wasted therein and a component mounting mechanism being capable of picking up components from a component supply device in mounting the picked-up components on circuit boards and of sorting and wasting each of components which are recognized as being unable to be mounted on the circuit boards, in one of the waste boxes selected for the component to be wasted.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Fuji Machine Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiichi Teraoka, Takehiro Ido
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Patent number: 8201692Abstract: An automated system for sorting dissimilar materials, and in particular for sorting plastics from other materials and for sorting different types of plastics from one another comprises, depending upon the embodiment, combinations of a sizing mechanism, a friction separation, an air separator, a magnetic separator, a dielectric sensor sortation bed, shaker screening, a ballistic separator, an inductive sensor sortation system and a float/sink tank. The dielectric sensor sortation system may be either analog or digital, depending upon the particular implementation. One or more float/sink tanks can be used, depending upon the embodiment, each with a media of a different specific gravity. The media may be water, or water plus a compound such as calcium chloride. In addition, multiples of the same general type of module can be used for particular configurations. A heavy media system or a sand float process can be used either alternatively or additionally.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Inventor: Thomas A. Valerio
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Patent number: 8158902Abstract: A system for sorting metals from a batch of mixed material scrap includes an array of inductive proximity detectors, a processing computer and a sorting mechanism. The inductive proximity detectors identify the location of the metal pieces and the processing computer instructs the sorting mechanism to place the metal and non-metallic pieces into separate containers.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Inventor: Thomas A. Valerio
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Patent number: 7973259Abstract: A sorting system is provided for electronic components such as LED devices which includes a testing station for testing and determining a characteristic of each electronic component. A first tray has a plurality of receptacles for receiving tested electronic components and a second tray has more receptacles than the first tray for receiving tested electronic components. Electronic components comprising tested characteristics that occur with greater frequency are loaded into the receptacles of the first tray and electronic components comprising tested characteristics that occur with lower frequency are loaded into the receptacles of the second tray.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: ASM Assembly Automation LtdInventors: Pei Wei Tsai, Chak Tong Sze, Sai Kit Wong, Fong Shing Yip
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Publication number: 20100209219Abstract: A device handler for testing and sorting electronic devices has a testing station operative to test the electronic devices and to classify them according to different binning characteristics. A buffer assembly receives electronic devices which have been classified at the testing station, and the buffer assembly further comprises a first loading region having a plurality of receptacles and a second loading region having a plurality of receptacles. An output station is operative to unload electronic devices according to their different binning characteristics from either one of the first or second loading region of the buffer assembly for storage while electronic devices are being loaded onto the other loading region.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Chak Tong SZE, Pei Wei TSAI, Ho Yin WONG, Tin Yi CHAN
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Patent number: 7674994Abstract: A system for sorting metals from a batch of mixed material scrap includes an array of inductive proximity detectors, a processing computer and a sorting mechanism. The inductive proximity detectors identify the location of the metal pieces and the processing computer instructs the sorting mechanism to place the metal and non-metallic pieces into separate containers.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventor: Thomas A. Valerio
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Patent number: 7654380Abstract: A handling system able to efficiently process information relating to a plurality of conveyed articles, the handling system provided with a conveyer for conveying workpieces, a visual sensor for detecting positions of workpieces by acquiring images of a plurality of tracking ranges obtained by dividing a belt into sections, an encoder for detecting an amount of movement of the belt, a tracking manager for monitoring amounts of movement of the plurality of tracking ranges based on the amount of movement detected by the encoder and specifying the tracking range passing through a workpiece detection area, a workpiece manager for selecting the article in the tracking range specified by the tracking manager, and a controller for controlling operations of robots so as to hold the workpiece selected by the workpiece manager.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasunori Nishihara, Toshihiko Nakane
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Patent number: 6293408Abstract: An apparatus for processing electronic circuit devices includes an infeed station, a first inspection station, an inverter station, a second inspection station, a sorting station, and an outfeed station. A linear transport mechanism having side edges transports a first work piece containing a plurality of electronic circuit devices through the stations along a linear path. The inverter station holds an empty second work piece above the transport mechanism in an inverted orientation. The inverter station also includes an elevator for lifting the first work piece vertically into an abutting relationship with the second work piece, and an inverting mechanism for inverting the first and second work pieces while maintaining them in the abutting relationship to position the electronic devices in the second work piece in the inverted orientation.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. (RVSI)Inventors: Merlin E. Behnke, Michael L. Schneider, Donald P. McGee, Robert G. Bertz, William Fusco, Jr., Todd K. Pichler, Jon P. Ubert, Steven J. Bilodeau, Frank L. Jacovino
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Patent number: 6276536Abstract: A method for measuring the ripeness and the texture of a fruit, the method comprising a step for applying a vibration having sequentially hanging frequencies to a fruit to be measured, a step for measuring the intensity of the vibration applied to the fruit and the intensity of the vibration of the fruit, a step for measuring the weight of the fruit, a step for finding the transfer functional characteristic of the fruit by performing frequency analysis based on the intensity of the vibration applied to the fruit and the intensity of the vibration of the fruit, and computing the secondary resonance frequency f0 (i.e.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shoji Terasaki, Naoki Wada
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Patent number: 6236008Abstract: A conveyor sorter includes a shuttle moving transversely to the conveyor direction to place in the path of articles either a pass-through conveyor or a diverting conveyor. The shuttle is mounted on a reversible belt drive and preferably has two diverting conveyors, one on either side of the pass-through conveyor. Multiple shuttles can be installed in series along the main conveyor to allow sorting to many destinations. Large packages can be sorted at high speed, and the shuttle can be replaced easily to reduce down time when repairs are needed.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Henri Bonnet
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Patent number: 5427252Abstract: A system and method for automatically processing a supply of cartons, in flattened form and of different types, in accordance with a selectable number of plural, different and separately identifiable carton types. Unsorted cartons are removed in successive layers from stacks thereof and transported in serial succession along a transport path. Sorting modules are disposed along the transport path, each including respectively associated routing and stacking devices individually predesignated to receive and stack a given, identifiable carton type. A system controller tracks the progress of each carton, simultaneously for plural cartons, along the transport path and when a match of the carton type with a predesignated stacking device is determined, actuates the associated routing device to route a carton of a matching type from the transport path and to the associated stacking device for stacking.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1993Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Assignee: Westinghouse Electric CorporationInventors: Daniel J. Teegarden, Andrew J. Gorman, Jr.
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Patent number: 5370237Abstract: A conductor handling apparatus uses a rotating disk to move a single conductor to a first position on a path where a conductor identifier is located. The conductor identifier identifies the conductor by completing a circuit used to detect a signal on the conductor. A controller rotates the disk in a direction based on the identity of the conductor, and a conductor unloader moves the conductor from the rotating disk. A conductor transfer mechanism moves the conductor from the unloader to a predetermined position where the conductor is inserted into a contact of a connector.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1993Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Assignee: AT&T Bell LaboratoriesInventors: Carl R. Anderson, Gary G. Seaman
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Patent number: 5292007Abstract: Method of and apparatus for continuous non-destructive testing of bar-shaped specimens formed of iron-containing material of specific quality characteristics, where the bar-shaped specimens, such as pipes, move on a roll table (2) along an elongated path through two testing blocks (8, 9) spaced apart along the path. The testing blocks (8, 9) are mechanically decoupled from one another and are logically linked to an electronic testing installation (10). As a specimen moves through a first testing block (8) a signal is developed indicating the presence or absence of flaws and their location in the specimen. The location is referred to the length of the specimens. The testing blocks (8, 9) are located between a supply station (1) and a sorting station (3) with the roll table (2) extending between the two stations. Based on the signals generated, the specimens are sorted in the sorting station between an accepted tray (4) and a number of rejected trays (5, 6, 7) for reworkable or scrap specimens.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1991Date of Patent: March 8, 1994Assignee: Benteler AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gerhard Beer, Georg Kellersohn
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Patent number: 5279729Abstract: A bobbin sorting device including a color sensor for distinguishing trays on which different kinds of bobbins are conveyed, characterized in that a metal plate is attached to each tray having one of different colors, and a detector is provided near the color sensor for detecting the metal plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shoichi Tone, Shinji Noshi, Norio Kubota, Noboru Sekitani, Osamu Nakayama
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Patent number: 5267727Abstract: A system and method which compares document requirements to the printer capability and determines the best match therebetween. When a mismatch occurs, the system determines the best match between size, color, weight and type by determining a mismatch magnitude between the job paper requirements and the printer's paper capabilities or stocks. The paper with the lowest mismatch magnitude is designated. The system also determines the best match between the document requirements and the printer capability for stapling, folding, duplexing and stacking. The operator is given an opportunity to correct any mismatches and the best match is used to configure the printer for the job if the user has specified a best match print strategy.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1992Date of Patent: December 7, 1993Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: John W. DeHority
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Patent number: 5244100Abstract: An apparatus for sorting objects according to preselected weight and/or visually ascertainable criteria. Each object is singulated and transported between adjacent pairs of a plurality of roller assemblies attached to a conveyor chain to be freely rotatable on an vertically slidable axis oriented normal to the conveying path. A rotation control surface along the conveying path causes rotation in the roller assemblies and in the object supported therebetween, increasing the surface of the object accessible for optical scanning. Mounted between each pair of roller assemblies is a weighing cradle subtending the object transported therebetween. The weighing cradle elevates and captures the object from its support between roller assembly so that the cradle can engage a load cell for weighing the object. Pivotally mounted between each pair of rollers and subtending the object transported therebetween is an elongated discharge plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1992Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Inventors: Robert D. Regier, Jacob F. Hiebert
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Patent number: 5238123Abstract: A unique envelope handling and sorting system is attained for efficiently and reliably separating envelopes which fail to meet pre-selected criteria from envelopes meeting these criteria by providing an envelope sensing section having at least one gauging member which comprises a plurality of separate and independent roller assemblies, each of which are securely mounted to an elongated shaft which moves arcuately in response to the thickness measuring movement of the gauging member. In the preferred embodiment, the envelope handling and sorting system of this invention also incorporates means for measuring the length of each envelope and for removing all envelopes that fail to meet the preselected length requirements. In addition, the preferred system incorporates means for effectively dividing the envelope into a plurality of separate zones and enabling the user to select any desired zone for use and evaluation of the envelope thickness measurements.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1992Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Assignee: Agissar CorporationInventors: Gianluca Tovini, Szee M. Yao
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Patent number: 5207331Abstract: A system and method for automatically processing a supply of cartons, in flattened form and of different types, in accordance with a selectable number of plural, different and separately identifiable carton types. Unsorted cartons are removed in successive layers from stacks thereof and transported in serial succession along a transport path. Sorting modules are disposed along the transport path, each including respectively associated routing and stacking devices individually predesignated to receive and stack a given, identifiable carton type. A system controller tracks the progress of each carton, simultaneously for plural cartons, along the transport path and when a match of the carton type with a predesignated stacking device is determined, actuates the associated routing device to route a carton of a matching type from the transport path and to the associated stacking device for stacking.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1991Date of Patent: May 4, 1993Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Daniel J. Teegarden, Andrew J. Gorman, Jr.
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Patent number: 5193690Abstract: A method of automatically inspecting an exposed and bent lithographic plate having an image thereon to determine whether the image is in proper registration relative to the plate. The plate has front, rear, and opposite side edges.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1991Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: Western Litho Plate & Supply Co.Inventors: John W. Powers, Daniel G. Choate, Kelly T. McMasters
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Patent number: 5178234Abstract: A checkout apparatus comprises a reading section for reading article codes of articles, and a first feeding section for feeding the articles whose article code are read by the reading section.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1991Date of Patent: January 12, 1993Assignee: Tokyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Haruo Sakurai, Kazuo Yamamoto, Mitunori Kono, Hideo Tanaka
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Patent number: 5156278Abstract: A product discrimination system using an off-loading conveyor with rotatably mounted bow tie rollers to convey product units past a sensing station. The sensing station includes four receptors arranged along the conveying path for sensing the physical attributes of products. Between the receptors are friction surfaces which contact the rollers to rotate same and, in turn, rotate the product units on the conveyor. During sensing, the product units are stationary. Ahead of the sensing station, an elongate friction surface is positioned to rotate the rollers. The four views of each product unit may be independently analyzed or may be compared. A ratio of the greatest and the least of the readings may be used to grade product units. The greatest or least may be used independently to grade or may both be discarded and an average taken of the remaining readings to determine an average of an attribute.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1990Date of Patent: October 20, 1992Inventors: James W. Aaron, Gerald R. Richert
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Patent number: 5152401Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1989Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Assignee: The United States of America as representd by the Secretary of AgricultureInventors: Henry A. Affeldt, Jr., Judith A. Abbott
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Patent number: 5150307Abstract: A computer-controlled system and method for separating and sorting plastic items is provided. The computer-controlled system first comprises a first component for separating, singulating and orientating the plastic items, a second component for identifying the composition of the plastic material, a third component for identifying the color of the plastic material, and a fourth component responsive to the first and second component for distributing the plastic material to a specific collection vessel. The method of the present invention comprises a first step of separating, singulating and orientating the plastic items. The second step of the method of the present invention is to determine the composition of the plastic item. The third step of the method of the present invention is to determine the color of each plastic item. The fourth step of the method of the present invention is to discharge each plastic item to an appropriate collection vessel based on the plastic item's color and composition.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1990Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Automation Industrial Control, Inc.Inventors: Carroll T. McCourt, Charles J. Emering, Douglas S. Laurence, Roy A. Eckhart, William Cass
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Patent number: 5146101Abstract: A lead scanning apparatus for scanning the lead to lead integrity of electronic devices having an axial length and leads extending from the sides thereof. The apparatus includes track means for moving individual devices axially along a path to a scanning station on the path. Stop pins stop each of said devices at predetermined locations on the path where a clamp rail assists in positioning the device in a scanning orientation. The scanning unit is movably positioned at the station for movement axially along the length of the device to generate signals upon intersection of leads extending from both sides of the device. Actual signals from the scanner are compared with predetermined signals to determine the existence and spacing of each lead with respect to a predetermined pattern. A signal based on the comparison for each device is generated.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1990Date of Patent: September 8, 1992Assignee: American Tech Manufacturing Corp.Inventors: Frank V. Linker, Sr., Frank V. Linker, Jr., Edward T. Claffey
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Patent number: 5113358Abstract: A non-contact caliper-type gauge particularly suited for measuring the thickness of a running web. In its preferred form, the system includes a pair of opposed scanning heads defining a gap through which the running web passes, the heads being adapted to transverse across the width of the running web. Each of the heads includes and ultrasonic transducer for directing energy at the web, detecting energy reflected from the face of the web nearest the respective transducer and determining the distance between a reference in the head and the facing surface of the web. One of the heads also includes a transducer, preferably an eddy current transducer, which operates on energy to which the web is transparent. The second transducer senses the distance between the heads thereby to determine any variations in the distance between the heads during traverse.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1990Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Barber-Colman CompanyInventor: Eric J. Reber
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Patent number: 5101982Abstract: The conveying and off-loading apparatus, used in machines for the automatic selection and distribution of products, comprises a conveyor for transporting individual products from examination stations to discharge stations along a path, including an elongate flexible closed-loop belt and a plurality of rollers distributed on the conveyor. The rollers have axes extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the conveyor, and adjacent rollers define between one another elongated holders for individual products. Forks rotatably support the rollers on the chain and are adapted to allow small vertical oscillations of the rollers, as the weight of the product and its holder is lifted from the chain and transferred to a level section of the ramp associated with a weighing device at an examination station. The forks are mounted along the chain and oscillate about an axis parallel to the path. The rollers are selectively tiltable for off-loading a product from the conveyor at one of the discharge stations.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1987Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Assignee: Decco Roda S.p.A.Inventor: Luciano Gentili
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Patent number: 5067616Abstract: Methods of discriminating between contaminated and uncontaminated containers prior to washing is disclosed characterized by the testing of the residue of the container to determine if the residue is residue of the original product packed in the container. If the residue is not sufficiently similar to the original product, the container is rejected as contaminated.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1989Date of Patent: November 26, 1991Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: George Plester, Warren E. Leddon, David E. Dalsis
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Patent number: 5048694Abstract: An automatic sorting and stamping apparatus includes a supply section to which a stack of mail items including standard-size items and nonstandard-size items is placed. The supplied mail items are transferred to a sorting and stamping section along a transfer path extending through a plurality of processing units while being applied with desired processes thereby. The transfer path is constructed by a plurality of conveyors whose operations are controlled by a control section. The control section stores various control values for determining the operations of the conveyors. One of the control values, which is suitable for processing the mail items of the supplied stack, is selected in accordance with the ratio of nonstandard-size items to all mail items forming the supplied stack. The conveyors are driven, based on the selected control value.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1990Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Kozo Iwamoto
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Patent number: 5006225Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically detecting the approximate percentage of humidity in predetermined types of lumber cut to specific lengths. A conveyor is provided for conveying individual pieces of cut lumber to a weighing station which consists of platforms on which individual pieces of lumber are conveyed. One or more weighing cells are associated with the platforms for detecting the weight of the piece of lumber thereon. A control circuit is connected to the weighing cell and also to sensors which detect a predetermined length of the lumber pieces and the cross-sectional dimension thereof, and receives information signals therefrom to identify and classify the individual lumber pieces in accordance with one or more reference signals related to selected humidity content weight(s) of the lumber pieces. The apparatus compares the apparent density with selectable density(ies) used as criterium for sorting.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1989Date of Patent: April 9, 1991Assignee: Centre de Recherche Industrielle du QuebecInventors: Gratien Beauchemin, Andre Gadoury, Claude Gravel
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Patent number: 4936435Abstract: Apparatus and method for evaluating a conductive coin to verify its authenticity and to determine its denomination. A first oscillator circuit generates a first oscillating signal for energizing a first coil producing a first magnetic field. The first oscillating signal has a first parameter which is a function of disturbances in the first magnetic field when the coin to be evaluated is located within the first magnetic field. A second oscillator circuit generates a second oscillating signal for energizing a second coil producing a second magnetic field. The second oscillating signal has a second parameter which is a function of disturbances in the second magnetic field when the coin to be evaluated is located within the second magnetic field. The parameters are converted to digital signals and provided to a computer which indicates the acceptability and denomination of the coin when a ratio or other arithmetic relationship of the first and second parameters is within an acceptable range.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1988Date of Patent: June 26, 1990Assignee: UniDynamics CorporationInventor: Paul K. Griner
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Patent number: 4923066Abstract: An automatic visual inspection system for small arms ammunition which sorts visual surface flaws at high speed according to established standards which can be tailored to fit specific needs. The system employs advanced techniques for performing inspection independently of human inspectors and allows for quick changeovers in the type of ammunition to which it is applied.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1987Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: Elor Optronics Ltd.Inventors: Zohar Ophir, Michael Golstein, Miriam Nagler
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Patent number: 4905842Abstract: Disclosed is a device for sorting fasteners, particularly screws, wherein defective fasteners are identified by a series of mechanical and electrical gauging stations arranged one after the other on a rectilinear conveying track and controlling ejection devices for eliminating screws which are not true in size or in quality. The mechanical gauging stations precede the electrical ones operating on the eddy current principle, in order to prevent neutralization of error signals generated by the electrical gauging stations. In this manner a very high accuracy of the entire sorting device is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1988Date of Patent: March 6, 1990Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Michael Habele, Jakob Zeyda
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Patent number: 4869813Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting and sorting drills oriented in the same direction in a hopper assembly. The hopper assembly feeds the drills, one at a time, and places them in a predetermined ready location. A camera, part of the inspection assembly, mounted directly over the predetermined ready location, takes preliminary measurements and alerts the system controller that a drill is available for a high resolution second inspection for wear and then for sorting. A robot assembly then picks up the drill from the ready location and orients it in front of two high resolution cameras, also part of the inspection assembly, for a visual inspection for wear. A control assembly then analyzes the results of the inspection and determines the drill size and whether or not it needs to be re-ground. The robot assembly then sorts the drill into an appropriate predetermined bin within a bin assembly as a function of size and wear. The process is then repeated.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1987Date of Patent: September 26, 1989Assignee: Northrop CorporationInventors: Mark L. Bailey, Horst W. Neu, Deanna C. Silverman
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Patent number: 4850491Abstract: Optical fibers control the height and curvture on the perpendicular level of a number of articles on a conveyor while the articles traverse a box in which the optical fibers are placed so that the light ray is disturbed in response to the height and curvature of the articles. Outside the box the articles are scanned by a camera. Both from the box and from the camera (11) measuring data are transferred to a computer (13) which evaluates the measured data and decides whether or not the article is to be discarded when it reaches the grading device. In this way a reliable, three-dimensional control of the articles is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1988Date of Patent: July 25, 1989Assignee: Stormax International A/SInventor: Gert Schultz
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Patent number: 4792049Abstract: A system and process for sorting and conveying articles consisting of discarded tires and debris from one site to another site. The system and process receives articles in bulk, and concurrently singularizes and conveys the separated articles. Various physical characteristics of the individual articles, such as weight and size, are determined as the articles are continuously conveyed. Those articles having a physical property outside of a predetermined parameter range are ejected from the system. The remaining articles are then accumulated into groups of articles based on a physical characteristic of each article such that the sum of the physical characteristics of the articles of each group will be above a minimum and not exceed predetermined maximum values. The group of articles is then conveyed as a unit out of the system for a following operation such as disposal of the articles.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1986Date of Patent: December 20, 1988Assignee: Carrier Vibrating Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Dennis W. Janoick, John I. Schneider
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Patent number: 4730733Abstract: A system for delivering and inspecting packages including an apparatus for delivering packages and an inspecting device of packages delivered from the apparatus. The apparatus for delivering packages comprises a first delivering device for receiving packages from a path of their transportation and a second delivering device for receiving the package from the first delivering device and delivering them to the inspecting device. Each of the first and second delivering devices include a package receiving member and a mechanism for changing the package receiving position of the package receiving member in accordance with the kind of the packages.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1986Date of Patent: March 15, 1988Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shuzo Kawamura, Kazuo Nakanishi
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Patent number: 4687107Abstract: Apparatus sorts articles according to any combination of plural criteria, including volume or diameter, length, shape, weight, color, density and surface quality. A light sensitive dynamic random access memory and novel processing circuitry are utilized for providing indications of the article's volume, diameter and length.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1985Date of Patent: August 18, 1987Assignee: Pennwalt CorporationInventors: Ian A. Brown, Dennis R. McMahon, Robin R. Rosas, Stephen D. Scopatz, Karen L. Wind
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Patent number: 4586613Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for sorting fruits and vegetables which is arranged to convey fruits and vegetables of various shapes such as spheroidal shapes, spherical massive shapes, non-spherical massive shapes or amorphous shapes one by one on a tray device, a measuring device including a planar-shape dimension measuring unit, a side-shape dimension measuring unit and a weight measuring unit is arranged at a part of a conveying path to sort and rank the object to be sorted by comparing the results of measurement with sorting classification values preset by a computing device. The measuring device permits selection of the planar shape, side shape or weight. The apparatus includes a fruit or vegetable distribution section which includes receiving bins of different sizes determined according to ranking by the measuring device. One or plurality of the objects are dispersively discharged into these bins by a discharge device according to the sizes of the bins.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1983Date of Patent: May 6, 1986Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Maki SeisakushoInventor: Taichi Horii
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Patent number: 4557386Abstract: A system to measure geometric and electromagnetic characteristics of objects. Wave energy of a single frequency (or very narrow band of frequencies) is directed upon an object which reflects (or otherwise interacts with) the wave energy. The reflected wave energy is sensed by many spatially spaced sensors to provide electric signals whose amplitude and phase components are combined to give a quantity from which geometric and/or electromagnetic characteristics of the object can be ascertained.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1983Date of Patent: December 10, 1985Assignee: Cochlea CorporationInventors: Bruce S. Buckley, Edward M. Buckley, Roy H. Reichwein
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Patent number: 4510806Abstract: Electrical components of various sizes and shapes are appropriately accommodated and positioned at a gauging station, at which lead straightening and testing of electrical functioning of each component is performed. An alternate embodiment provides for distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable components by differentiating between component lead tips and a contrasting background, through use of an optical scanner.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1983Date of Patent: April 16, 1985Assignee: Universal Instruments CorporationInventors: Stanley W. Janisiewicz, Emery L. Rose
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Patent number: 4505073Abstract: An apparatus and method of sorting power transmission belts into groups of substantially equal length. The apparatus is entirely automatic and includes mechanism for transferring seriatim the respective belts from a supply to a measuring drive mechanism. The belt being measured is driven under tension and the length and rideout concurrently determined and fed to a computer. In the event the belt is found to be outsized but capable of being brought into the desired range by grinding the sides thereof, grinding mechanism of the apparatus is actuated to adjust the configuration suitably. The apparatus includes mechanism for discarding outsized belts which cannot be so adjusted. The apparatus includes mechanism for transferring the belts from the measuring drive system to a conveyor and associated mechanism for sorting the measured belts as a function of a signal provided by the computer.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1983Date of Patent: March 19, 1985Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Tomiyori, Misao Fukuda, Iwao Yamashita, Nobuo Simizu, Takeshi Kumano
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Patent number: RE38880Abstract: An apparatus for processing electronic circuit devices includes an infeed station, a first inspection station, an inverter station, a second inspection station, a sorting station, and an outfeed station. A linear transport mechanism having side edges transports a first work piece containing a plurality of electronic circuit devices through the stations along a linear path. The inverter station holds an empty second work piece above the transport mechanism in an inverted orientation. The inverter station also includes an elevator for lifting the first work piece vertically into an abutting relationship with the second work piece, and an inverting mechanism for inverting the first and second work pieces while maintaining them in the abutting relationship to position the electronic devices in the second work piece in the inverted orientation.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1998Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Robotic Vision Systems, Inc.Inventors: Merlin E. Behnke, Michael L. Schneider, Donald P. McGee, Robert G. Bertz, William Fusco, Jr., Todd K. Pichler, Jon P. Ubert, Steven J. Bilodeau, Frank L. Jacovino
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Patent number: RE35455Abstract: A checkout apparatus comprises a reading section for reading article codes of articles, and a first feeding section for feeding the articles whose article code are read by the reading section.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TECInventors: Haruo Sakurai, Kazuo Yamamoto, Mitunori Kono, Hideo Tanaka