Sorting Items By Weight Patents (Class 209/645)
  • Patent number: 9038828
    Abstract: A device for loading a transporting unit provided for transporting piece goods, in particular mail deliveries, includes a first conveying unit which can be moved into the transporting unit and is provided for conveying and unloading a first stream of piece goods in the transporting unit. At least one second conveying unit is provided for conveying and unloading a second stream of piece goods in the transporting unit in order to optimize loading with respect to a transport filling density of the transporting unit, along with an increased loading throughput and increased working convenience. The piece goods are distributed among the streams of piece goods according to at least one sorting criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Enenkel
  • Patent number: 8881913
    Abstract: A waste sorting apparatus including: an input conveyor for conveying an input stream of mixed waste materials including items of a plurality of different types; a plurality of output conveyors for conveying respective output streams of said waste materials; and a plurality of operator stations for respective human operators, wherein the input conveyor and the plurality of output conveyors are configured to be accessible from each operator station to allow each operator to sort items of said different types from the input stream to respective ones of the output streams, each of the output streams including sorted items of a corresponding one of said types, and wherein at least one of the output conveyors is a far-side output conveyor on the far side of the input conveyor from the operator stations to allow each operator to throw items to the far-side output conveyor over the input conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Manuel Samarkos
  • Patent number: 8869990
    Abstract: A method and system for the processing of items that are supplied to a batching apparatus, where the batching apparatus comprises at least one handling means of the robotic type. By means of the batching apparatus a first process is performed, according to which items are selectively batched in consideration of measured, detected and/or estimated data for the individual items and in consideration of at least one predefined criterion. Particular items are identified and led to another process, the particular items being items that are deviant in relation to one or more predefined parameter(s) relating to the batching and/or items that have not been selected to be batched during the first process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Scanvaegt International A/S
    Inventors: Henrik F. Skyum, Svend Bækhøj Jensen, René Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8759694
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling portions of products, in particular food products, having a product conveyor which conveys the portions after one another to at least one main conveyor track along a direction of conveying and having at least one sensor for recognizing portions of incorrect weight. A correction track is provided which has a first conveying section and a second conveying section. The first conveying section serves to branch off portions of incorrect weight from the main conveying track and to convey them to a weight correction station. The second conveying section serves to supply weight-corrected portions back to the main conveying track. The first conveying track and the second conveying track are separated from one another in the region of the weight correction station by an interruption of the correction track which prevents a transfer of portions of incorrect weight from the first conveying section to the second conveying section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
    Inventor: Günther Weber
  • Publication number: 20140166553
    Abstract: A device for loading a transporting unit provided for transporting piece goods, in particular mail deliveries, includes a first conveying unit which can be moved into the transporting unit and is provided for conveying and unloading a first stream of piece goods in the transporting unit. At least one second conveying unit is provided for conveying and unloading a second stream of piece goods in the transporting unit in order to optimize loading with respect to a transport filling density of the transporting unit, along with an increased loading throughput and increased working convenience. The piece goods are distributed among the streams of piece goods according to at least one sorting criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Peter Enenkel
  • Publication number: 20140158587
    Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed herein is a device for processing minerals and a method for its use, which device and method employ gravimetric principles to separate values in a feedstock from gangue, thereby allowing recovery or concentration of the values. The invention includes a table that receives and holds the feedstock, a chassis for supporting the table, and a mechanism for imparting a specific motion to the table, the motion being referred to as “compound cyclic,” which is a reciprocating, rectilinear, to-and-fro motion parallel to or coincident with the working axis of the table, combined with a simultaneous, continuous, and smooth vertical up-and-down motion that eliminates vertical jolting, jarring, or bumping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Gerald Lee Miller
  • Publication number: 20140102955
    Abstract: A sorting system and method for separating solid waste including heavy fraction, mid fraction and light fraction materials. A first conveyor belt system cascades solid waste over an end of the belt system whereby the heavy fraction material falls downward to a first collection area and the mid fraction and light fraction material are conveyed by a first planar sheet of air to a second conveyor belt system. A second conveyor belt system cascades the mid fraction and light fraction material over an end of the second conveyor belt system whereby a Tollable mid fraction of the solid waste can tumble backwards to drop into a second collection area and whereby the mid fraction pieces of solid waste fall downward to a third collection area and light fraction solid waste is carried away by a second planar sheet of air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Viny
  • Patent number: 8518467
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and compositions relating to processed grain products are shown for ground corn flour, soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and wheat middlings. An exemplary method shown is a fiber separation process for the ethanol industry corn products of Distillers Dried Grains (DDG) and Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) resulting from the widely used dry grind technology. A shown process and apparatus allows the removal and separate recovery of fiber-reduced products with expanded potential for use as a non-ruminant feed product in addition to the removal and separate recovery of a fiber-enriched product. The fiber enriched and fiber reduced products each have uses in the feed industry. The specific processes, devices, and compositions shown are readily adaptable to feed mills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Mississippi State University
    Inventors: Radhakrishnan Srinivasan, Vijay Singh, Ravi Challa
  • Patent number: 8469201
    Abstract: An image forming system includes an SSP unit (sorting guide portion and envelope chuck portion) that functions as an enclosing unit or an enclosing device to enclose, in envelopes, paper on which an image is formed by a copy machine functioning as an image forming device, a weight measuring device that includes a load cell to measure the weight of the paper-enclosed envelopes, and a sorting device that sorts the paper-enclosed envelopes, on the basis of weight data of each of the paper-enclosed envelopes of which the weight is measured by the weight measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takeshi Sasaki, Kiichiroh Gotoh, Junichi Iida, Masahiro Tamura, Satoshi Saito, Ikuhisa Okamoto, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita, Takahiro Watanabe, Akira Kunieda
  • Publication number: 20130126401
    Abstract: A waste sorting apparatus including: an input conveyor for conveying an input stream of mixed waste materials including items of a plurality of different types; a plurality of output conveyors for conveying respective output streams of said waste materials; and a plurality of operator stations for respective human operators, wherein the input conveyor and the plurality of output conveyors are configured to be accessible from each operator station to allow each operator to sort items of said different types from the input stream to respective ones of the output streams, each of the output streams including sorted items of a corresponding one of said types, and wherein at least one of the output conveyors is a far-side output conveyor on the far side of the input conveyor from the operator stations to allow each operator to throw items to the far-side output conveyor over the input conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Manuel Samarkos
  • Patent number: 8392135
    Abstract: A method for analyzing performance of a sorting system is provided. The method includes recording downtime experienced by the sorting system, recording runtime experienced by the sorting system, and recording an optimal characterization of a product stream to be sorted by the sorting system. The optimal characterization includes at least an optimal weight of a first commodity of the product stream. An actual characterization of the product stream as sorted by the sorting system is recorded. The actual characterization includes at least an actual weight of the first commodity sorted from the product stream. The method further includes determining the performance of the sorting system based on at least two of the downtime, the runtime, the optimal characterization, and the actual characterization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. McClain, James J. Schuster, Ricky G. Byers, Gerald L. Adams
  • Patent number: 8350164
    Abstract: A weighing device for detecting the weight of capsules quickly including at least a hopper, an upper passageway including a discharge gate at the lower part thereof, a pushing structure, a transport wheel including a storage chamber, a discharging structure, a weighting platform, and a lower passageway. When the storage chamber of the transport wheel rotates to cooperate with the discharge gate, a capsule is pushed into the storage chamber by the pushing structure. When the storage chamber rotates to the lowest point of the transport wheel, the capsule in the storage chamber is pushed by the discharging structure and thus falls into the weighing platform disposed below the storage chamber. The weighting platform weighs the capsule and evaluates whether the capsule is up to standard. The device has high weighing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Shanghai Hengyi Pharmaceutical Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Huyu Wang
  • Patent number: 8281935
    Abstract: An automated machine is used to handle and manipulate individual pieces of particulate matter. The particulate matter is contained in a bin. The machine operates to pick single individual pieces of the particulate matter from the bin. The picked individual pieces are then conveyed for further handling. Pneumatic transport is primarily used for the conveying operation. One aspect of the handling involves individually weighing each piece of the picked particulate matters. Another aspect of the handling involves sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter into a plurality of receptacles. Yet another aspect of the handling involves both weighing and then sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter, wherein the sorting operation may be performed based upon the measured weight of each piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Deppermann
  • Patent number: 8222543
    Abstract: Method and system for batching of supplied objects in batches in such a manner that a batch fulfils predefined criteria as regards the number of objects, weight, orientation and/or type(s) of objects, wherein the weight of each object is determined the objects are transported by means for object transport, a selective transferral of the objects from said means for object transport to batching means is performed by means of a plurality of handlings means of the robot type in as a group or batch of objects is produced in consideration of said predefined criteria, and wherein said group or batch of objects is transported further on by means of means for batch transportation. Preferably, said means for batch transportation may comprise a plurality of conveyor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Scanvaegt International A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Grundtvig, Mikael Krogh, Henrik F Skyum, Ulrich Carlin Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8215491
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for determining and recording characteristics of particulate material in a batch of such material comprising a separator chamber having an inlet, means for reading an identifier on a batch of particulate material supplied to the inlet and providing the identifier as a digital output, means for causing a flow of gas in the separator chamber to separate the particulate material into a first fraction and a second fraction, first counting means, second counting means, means for weighing the first fraction and providing the result as a digital output, and means for integrating the digital outputs and for transferring them to a computer programmed to store data in prescribed format in a database, from which it may be manipulated to afford comparison of characteristics of batches of particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: CropDesign N.V.
    Inventors: Frederik Leyns, Willy Dillen, Marcin Olik
  • Patent number: 8158895
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for batching of supplied objects in batches in such a manner that a batch fulfills predefined criteria as regards for example the total weight range and optionally the number of objects, weight, orientation and/or type(s) of objects. A selective transferal of the objects from means for object transport to batching means is performed by means of one or more handling means of the robot type in as a batch of objects is produced in consideration of said predefined criteria. The batches are produced on said batching means that are moved around said one or more handling means of the robot type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Scanvaegt International A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Grundtvig, Henrik F. Skyum, Bjorn Heide Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20120037547
    Abstract: A method for analyzing performance of a sorting system is provided. The method includes recording downtime experienced by the sorting system, recording runtime experienced by the sorting system, and recording an optimal characterization of a product stream to be sorted by the sorting system. The optimal characterization includes at least an optimal weight of a first commodity of the product stream. An actual characterization of the product stream as sorted by the sorting system is recorded. The actual characterization includes at least an actual weight of the first commodity sorted from the product stream. The method further includes determining the performance of the sorting system based on at least two of the downtime, the runtime, the optimal characterization, and the actual characterization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen B. McClain, James J. Schuster, Ricky G. Byers, Gerald L. Adams
  • Publication number: 20110220557
    Abstract: An image forming system includes an SSP unit (sorting guide portion and envelope chuck portion) that functions as an enclosing unit or an enclosing device to enclose, in envelopes, paper on which an image is formed by a copy machine functioning as an image forming device, a weight measuring device that includes a load cell to measure the weight of the paper-enclosed envelopes, and a sorting device that sorts the paper-enclosed envelopes, on the basis of weight data of each of the paper-enclosed envelopes of which the weight is measured by the weight measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takeshi Sasaki, Kiichiroh Gotoh, Junichi Iida, Masahiro Tamura, Satoshi Saito, Ikuhisa Okamoto, Junichi Tokita, Shingo Matsushita, Takahiro Watanabe, Akira Kunieda
  • Patent number: 8016115
    Abstract: Disclosed is a waste separation apparatus comprising a vortex initiator (10) and a vortex generator (20). The vortex generator (20) is arranged to direct the airflow from the vortex initiator (10) towards the waste to be separated. The airflow is used to separate less dense waste from more dense waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tek-Dry Systems Limited
    Inventor: Thomas Fryars
  • Patent number: 7999012
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to mechanically destroy printer toner cartridges and reclaim their constituent materials under a water shielded environment while providing a safer and more environmentally friendly recycling system. The present invention is an economical system that provides greater protection from possible fire or explosion and releases less irritating or possibly harmful airborne contamination than the currently available systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Lacee Lamphere, Brian Ibarra, Donald Laffler, James Hardin
  • Patent number: 7967149
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for grading food articles by building up portions based on at least one characteristic, e.g. number of food articles, or weight of food articles. A first conveyor conveys the articles along a closed-loop conveying path, where the conveyor has a number of article holders attached to the conveyor for holding and preserving the initial position of the food articles during the conveying. The exact position of the food articles in the article holders is determined. A processor in a combination with a removing means uses this exact position to control the releasing of the food articles from the article holders into pre-fixed locations the containers and in that way controls the location of the food articles in the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Valka EHF
    Inventor: Hjálmarsson Helgi
  • Publication number: 20110147280
    Abstract: A machine enabling automatic sorting of defective gelatin capsules based on the diameter and the weight of the capsule. The machine enables the automatic selection and rejection of the gelatin capsules having assembly and metering defects. The device consists of a rimmed selection disk rotating on an inclined plane of about 20 degrees relative to the horizontal direction. The disk has one or two rows of suitably sized apertures drilled about its circumference for holding the defective gelatin capsules until the defective gelatin capsules are automatically expelled by a blast nozzle. The properly assembled gelatin capsules pass freely through the sized apertures. While falling, the gelatin capsules individually pass a blast screen which expels the flawed gelatin capsules. Acceptable gelatin capsules are not deflected by the air blast and are discharged from the machine via the outlet chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Roland Vicherat
  • Patent number: 7934600
    Abstract: An automated machine is used to handle and manipulate individual pieces of particulate matter. The particulate matter is contained in a bin. The machine operates to pick single individual pieces of the particulate matter from the bin. The picked individual pieces are then conveyed for further handling. Pneumatic transport is primarily used for the conveying operation. One aspect of the handling involves individually weighing each piece of the picked particulate matters. Another aspect of the handling involves sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter into a plurality of receptacles. Yet another aspect of the handling involves both weighing and then sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter, wherein the sorting operation may be performed based upon the measured weight of each piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Deppermann
  • Publication number: 20100326893
    Abstract: In a method, piece goods which differ from one another in at least one property are moved by at least one piece-good conveyor into depositing positions of at least one depositing-position conveyor, in order to form groups which are predefined with regard to this property. The at least one depositing-position conveyor transports these depositing positions parallel but in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the at least one piece-good conveyor, at least in the region of the transfer of the piece goods into said depositing positions. The picker which is in each case last in the conveying direction of the at least one depositing-position conveyor completes the groups here. This method makes it possible to implement packaging strategies in a flexible and time-optimized manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Emil Hueppi, Roland Czuday
  • Publication number: 20100206780
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and compositions relating to processed grain products are disclosed for ground corn flour, soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and wheat middlings. An exemplary method disclosed is a fiber separation process for the ethanol industry corn products of Distillers Dried Grains (DDG) and Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) resulting from the widely used dry grind technology. A disclosed process and apparatus allows the removal and separate recovery of fiber-reduced products with expanded potential for use as a non-ruminant feed product in addition to the removal and separate recovery of a fiber-enriched product. The fiber enriched and fiber reduced products each have uses in the feed industry. The specific processes, devices, and compositions disclosed are readily adaptable to feed mills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Radhakrishnan Srinivasan, Vijay Singh, Ravi Challa
  • Patent number: 7775373
    Abstract: Method and system for batching of supplied objects in batches using one or more robots and a plurality of conveyors in such a manner that a batch fulfils predefined criteria as regards the number of objects, weight, orientation and/or type(s) of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Scanvaegt International A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Grundtvig, Mikael Krogh, Henrik F. Skyum, Ulrich Carlin Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20100200474
    Abstract: A hindered-settling fluid classifier is adapted for processing material aggregate in a liquid medium. The fluid classifier includes a classifier tank defined by walls designed for holding the liquid medium, and comprising a sink fraction chamber and a float fraction chamber, and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. An elongated rising current column is vertically mounted within the sink fraction chamber, and adapted for extending below a surface of the liquid medium held therein. The rising current column has open upper and lower ends, and defines an aggregate entry between its upper and lower ends for receiving material aggregate into the classifier tank. A float fraction reservoir is located above the sink fraction chamber, and communicates with the open upper end of the rising current column. An overflow passage communicates with the float fraction reservoir, and is adapted for directing the liquid medium outwardly from the reservoir and into the float fraction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Brian K. Fendley
  • Publication number: 20100155309
    Abstract: A method for separating particles in hydrous slurry comprises connecting at least one teeter water pipe of a teeter water distributor means of a hindered-bed separator in fluid connection with a teeter water discharging means, and discharging teeter water from the at least one teeter water pipe that is in fluid connection with the teeter water discharging means to the teeter water discharging means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventor: Timo Niitti
  • Publication number: 20090159512
    Abstract: Present invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating particles from a fluid; particles are dispersed in the fluid and consist of lighter particles with lower density than the bulk, and heavier particles with a density higher than the bulk, method comprises the following steps: feeding the particle containing fluid to a separation device, evenly distribute the fluid over at least parts of the cross-sectional area by flowing through a distribution device (12) in an inlet chamber (11) providing the particle containing fluid with a specific velocity and leading the fluid to one or more collecting surfaces (5, 9) coalesce the lighter particles on the collecting surface (5, 9) remove the coalesced lighter particles from the collecting surface (5, 9) remove the particle depleted fluid and the lighter coalesced particles in at least two separate streams (2, 3) optionally remove the heavier particles from the bottom of the separation device in at least one separate stream
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Brattested Engineering AS
    Inventor: Knut Brattested
  • Patent number: 7541557
    Abstract: The present interdependent group of inventions pertains to methods of and devices for lump separation of raw material and may be used in ferrous and non-ferrous metal ore dressing, concentration of mining and chemical raw materials, processing secondary raw materials and technological wastes. The method and the device are based on the idea that a lump comprises a useful component and refuse, and such lump is exposed to ultrahigh frequency (UHF) electromagnetic field. The frequency selected is such that electromagnetic wave penetration depth will exceed the maximum linear size of a lump under conditions of maximum damping of electromagnetic wave, which depends upon characteristics of such lump material. The energy of UHF electromagnetic radiation absorbed by a lump material causes heating of the lump components. A component with higher electric conductivity will absorb UHF energy higher than UHF energy absorbed by a component with lower electric conductivity during the same period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventors: Volodymur M Voloshyn, Viktor Y Zubkevych
  • Publication number: 20090084716
    Abstract: A method and system is described for determining the physical weights of flat articles being sorted without actually weighing the articles. Such a method includes the steps of; receiving volume information for individual flat articles from sensors, comparing that resultant data to classifiers stored in computer memory, and assigning a weight value associated to the physical flat article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Carpenter, Michael O. Norris
  • Publication number: 20090008298
    Abstract: A pre-sorter forwards items from solid waste to designated processing paths in response to their size. Large items are manually processed to remove non-recyclables, to fuel a generator, to be returned to the pre-sorter after removal from a container, or forwarded to processing streams. The smallest items are forwarded to a first chain of machines that remove metal and glass from the items. Intermediate sized items are forwarded to an assembly that separates small, relatively dense, items from larger lightweight items. The former items are mixed and processed by a first chain of machines. The latter items are forwarded to a second chain of machines that separate and remove paper and other containers from recyclable metal and plastic. Multiple paper types are identified and removed by a third chain of machines. A remediator receives residual items from each of the first, second and third chains of machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Studley
  • Publication number: 20080197057
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for determining and recording characteristics of particulate material in a batch of such material comprising a separator chamber having an inlet, means for reading an identifier on a batch of particulate material supplied to the inlet and providing the identifier as a digital output, means for causing a flow of gas in the separator chamber to separate the particulate material into a first fraction and a second fraction, first counting means, second counting means, means for weighing the first fraction and providing the result as a digital output, and means for integrating the digital outputs and for transferring them to a computer programmed to store data in prescribed format in a database, from which it may be manipulated to afford comparison of characteristics of batches of particulate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: CropDesign N.V.
    Inventors: Frederik Leyns, Willy Dillen, Marcin Olik
  • Patent number: 7395934
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically batching objects into portions, comprising conveying and weighing objects. An appropriate bin for each of the weighed objects is selected, wherein each bin is provided with a weighing means. Accordingly, the total portion weight is periodically registered. By means of comparing the potion weight with the summed object weight in that portions, an appropriate bin can be selected for forthcoming objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Marel HF
    Inventor: Petur Gudjonsson
  • Patent number: 7395744
    Abstract: An apparatus for diverting chad in a paper printer including a paper supply, a cutting mechanism for cutting the paper perpendicular to the path of the paper and a diverter flap positioned downstream of the cutting mechanism, the diverter flap being biased to reside in a first position defining a first path for chad to travel to be delivered into a receptacle, the diverter flap moving to a second position when a cut sheet falls thereon thereby allowing the cut sheet to travel a second path into a receiving tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Eric J. Connor
  • Patent number: 7258237
    Abstract: A method for weighing and portioning items utilizing a robot device. The robot device includes a grip, e.g., a suction cup, to remove an item from a delivery station to a receiving area for placement into a particular batch. The method involves placing the items at delivery station according their weight and the weight of items already moved to a receiving area, selecting the items for a batch from the combination of items available for movement to the batch, and selective batching of the items in weight-determined and, optionally, type-determined groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Scanvaegt International A/S
    Inventor: Ulrich Carlin Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7243801
    Abstract: A system for separating pieces of plastic bag from ground yard debris and the like, e.g., asphalt shingles. A conveyor conveys the debris material along a conveyor path and an agitator bounces the conveyor to cause the lighter plastic to reposition to the top of the material on the conveyor. A suction tube end is positioned over the debris material following agitation to draw the plastic off the top of the material. The tube end is selectively adjustable to enable discriminate suction effect to draw off a maximum amount of plastic and a minimal amount of nonplastic recyclable debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Hawker Corporation
    Inventors: Oren R. Posner, Susan C. Posner, Bill Jones
  • Patent number: 7044306
    Abstract: An automated machine is used to handle and manipulate individual pieces of particulate matter. The particulate matter is contained in a bin. The machine operates to pick single individual pieces of the particulate matter from the bin. The picked individual pieces are then conveyed for further handling. Pneumatic transport is primarily used for the conveying operation. One aspect of the handling involves individually weighing each piece of the picked particulate matters. Another aspect of the handling involves sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter into a plurality of receptacles. Yet another aspect of the handling involves both weighing and then sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter, wherein the sorting operation may be performed based upon the measured weight of each piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Deppermann
  • Patent number: 7004330
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sizing watermelons by weight in which a conveyor belt carries watermelons from a loading station to a weigh station and finally to a discharge station where they are directed to one of several bins depending on their weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Timco Distributors, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Tew, Seth A. Hollyman, Richard A. McGaw, Timothy Colin
  • Patent number: 7004331
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sizing watermelons by weight in which a conveyor belt carries watermelons from a loading station to a weigh station and finally to a discharge station where they are directed to one of several bins depending on their weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Timco Distributors, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Tew, Seth A. Hollyman, Richard A. McGaw, Timothy Colin
  • Patent number: 6905030
    Abstract: A checkweighing station includes a weigh platform mounted on a load cell which in turn is mounted on a rotatable shaft so that the entire assembly can be rotated to tilt the platform in one direction for an acceptable weight of a weighed item and in another direction for a rejected weight or weight of a different catgegory. A memory device can determine a trend and make adjustments in a production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Ratesic
  • Patent number: 6712221
    Abstract: A batching of currently supplied articles with non-uniform weights into portions of a uniform target weight is effected by passing the articles through a weighing station (6, 8) to a distribution system (12), in which the articles (4) are selectively allocated to a plurality of receiver bins (14). It is known to improve the capacity of such a system by way of probability calculations based on the normal distribution of the articles in the supply flow, but according to the invention it is still better to base such calculations on a regularly updated recorded histogram (28) of the weight distribution of a relatively high number of newly weighed articles. Thereby the target calculations will rely on factual rather than just expected conditions, and a very important result is that it is possible to effect relevant batching even when the article weights in the supply flow are not normally distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Scanvaegt A/S
    Inventors: Thorkild Kvisgaard, John Bomholt
  • Patent number: 6712220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for packaging products, such as vegetables and fruits, utilizing a sorting machine which method includes the steps of determining per product the characteristics of the respective products, such as, for instance, determining their weight and/or their shape; comparing the characteristics with predetermined packaging requirements; on the basis of this comparison, selecting products that do not need to be packaged; supplying the other, non-selected products to a packaging unit, which packaging unit is energized only when there is a substantially uninterrupted in-feed of the products into the packaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: FPS Food Processing Systems B.V.
    Inventors: Albertus Johannes Ruigrok, Johannes Cornelis J. Tas
  • Patent number: 6651821
    Abstract: A checkweighing station includes a weigh platform mounted on a load cell which in turn is mounted on a rotatable shaft so that the entire assembly can be rotated to tilt the platform in one direction for an acceptable weight of a weighed item and in another direction for a rejected weight or weight of a different catgegory. A memory device can determine a trend and make adjustments in a production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Ratesic
  • Patent number: 6580046
    Abstract: A process is provided for the automated conveying, sorting and loading of baggage items in airports having a baggage-conveying facility conveying baggage from a check-in region to a baggage area, from where they are transported for loading into aircraft. In a first step, a flight destination and travel class as well as weight, shape, volume and consistency of each baggage item are recorded and registered. In a second step, the recorded baggage data are entered into a computer system (packing computer) which divides the baggage items into predetermined classes and determines optimum assignment to loading devices in accordance with classification and flight destination. In a third step, the baggage items handled in this way are transported to loading stations for loading in accordance with the defined assignment and, in a fourth step, are loaded there into a loading device essentially in an automated manner. A configuration which is suitable for implementing the process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Koini, Gunar Baier
  • Publication number: 20030094404
    Abstract: A batching of currently supplied articles with non-uniform weights into portions of a uniform target weight is effected by passing the articles through a weighing station (6, 8) to a distribution system (12), in which the articles (4) are selectively allocated to a plurality of receiver bins (14). It is known to improve the capacity of such a system by way of probability calculations based on the normal distribution of the articles in the supply flow, but according to the invention it is still better to base such calculations on a regularly updated recorded histogram (28) of the weight distribution of a relatively high number of newly weighed articles. Thereby the target calculations will rely on factual rather than just expected conditions, and a very important result is that it is possible to effect relevant batching even when the article weights in the supply flow are not normally distributed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: THORKILD KVISGAARD, JOHN BOMHOLT
  • Patent number: 6536599
    Abstract: A method and system for packaging batches of elongate, non-symmetrical products that are soft and/or flexible in nature, such as fish, in which the products are arranged in mutually reversed orientations for maximized utilization of package space. The products are weighed for determining their individual weights and a computerized control is used to selectively accumulate the products on the basis of product weight and other predetermined criteria, to merge the products into groups, and to automatically deposit the products into boxes with a mutual reversed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Ulrich Carlin Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6533125
    Abstract: A batcher apparatus having a weighing station (4) for arriving items and a sorting-out station (6) with transfer mechanism for selectively transferring the weighed items to a plurality of receiver stations (18, 18′, 18″). According to the invention two or more receiver stations may be used as substations (18′, 18″) being allocated items weightwise belonging to the same batch (26), whereby it is possible to allocate to each batch item, which are selected not only based on their weight, but additionally based on other criteria such as type of item in connection with co-batching of different types of poultry parts to be batched separately in subbatches which are then merged into the full batch. Also, items may be allocated to one substation or another in order to thereafter be acted upon in a specific manner, e.g. for some items to be turned or marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Scanvaegt International A/S
    Inventor: Svend Bækhøj Jensen
  • Patent number: 6521854
    Abstract: An article classifying system includes a conveyor 9 for conveying mail pieces 1, a weighing conveyor 18, and a sorting conveyor 26. A length measuring unit 5 measures the length of the mail pieces while they are being conveyed by the conveyor 9. Also, the width and the thickness of the mail pieces are measured by a width measuring unit 4 and a thickness measuring unit 3. The weight of the mail pieces is measured by a weighing unit 6 while the mail pieces are being conveyed on the weighing conveyor 18. Then, a control unit classifies the mail pieces into categories according to their length, width, thickness and weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Yamato Scale Company, Limited
    Inventor: Michiaki Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 6478162
    Abstract: The invention provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of automatically performing calibration, and provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of certainly carrying objects to be inspected with a relatively simple mechanism and performing weight measurement of the objects. The objects, after being subjected to weight measurement by a first weighing unit 2, are sampled by a sampler 5, and those of the objects thus sampled are subjected to weight measurement by a second weighing unit 6. A calibration unit compares, for the same object, the measured result with that obtained by the first weighing unit 2 and discriminates whether or not a difference therebetween is within a specific error range, to perform calibration of the first weighing unit 2. Further, as a carrier 3 for carrying the objects to the weighing unit 2 one by one, there is used an intermittently rotatable carrying roller 32 having in its outer peripheral surface portion a plurality of carrying pockets 321.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Shionogi Qualicaps Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taizo Yamamoto, Masakiyo Inoue, Yoshihisa Kawaguchi