Patents Assigned to K. B. C. Group, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10016790
    Abstract: A dual robotic sorting apparatus for identifying and sorting a product with at least two different sorting mechanisms is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the dual robotic sorting apparatus illuminates and images the product using at least one light source and imaging device, analyzes the image, and activates a specific sorting mechanism of a robotic arm to sort the product; wherein the dual sorting mechanism is a vacuum pickup tool, that picks up and places products in another location, and vacuum transport tool, that utilizes a suction tube to transport products to another location. Additionally, a plurality of robotic sorting apparatuses may be utilized. In the preferred embodiment of the dual robotic sorter, the CPU is capable of determining the most efficient method and type of pickup for each product identified for sorting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: K.B.C. Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Travis, Thomas R. Johnston, Curt Matthew Davis, Eric Andrew Pflueger
  • Patent number: 9656301
    Abstract: A sorting system having a plurality of sorting assemblies where each sorting assembly has an image device that transmits an image of product to a controller that then actuates a robotic sorting device to remove damaged product through a suction tube based upon the transmitted image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: K. B. C. Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Johnston, Curt Mathew Davis