Abstract: The invention concerns apparatus and method for automatic cutting of objects into portions of reduced dimension. More specifically the invention concerns a cutting device (9) placed horizontally over a transporting conveyor (3). The cutting device is further operatively connected to a computer (6) and moveable in an up- and downward direction with respect to the conveyor. The characteristics of the object to be cut are determined. By utilising at least one of the characteristics to establishing the desired cutting pattern one is able to cut the object into portions of predetermined thickness by band saw cutting blade (7).

Abstract: The invention involves a method and apparatus for automatic portioning of objects. More specifically, the invention utilizes both weighing and imaging data in order to calculate an estimated weight distribution of objects being processed. One or more weighing units, which weigh one or more parts of the objects, are installed before and/or after a cutting unit to obtain the weighing data. A computer system controls cutting based on the imaging data and the weighing data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing objects at separated locations on a movable belt. The device includes at least one channel through which objects enter the apparatus. A sensor measures separation between adjacent objects approaching the apparatus and a reject mechanism prevents object that are too close to adjacent objects from entering the apparatus. Each channel includes a plurality of gates disposed therein. These gates operate sequentially to incrementally move the objects individually through the channel towards the movable belt. A sensor locates empty spaces along the movable belt, into which the objects are deposited. The movable belt is usually part of a conveyor system and may be a slotted belt or a smooth belt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing objects at separated locations on a movable belt. The device includes at least one channel through which objects enter the apparatus. Each channel includes a plurality of gates disposed along the channel. These gates operate sequentially to incrementally move the objects individually through the channel towards the movable belt. A sensor locates empty spaces along the movable belt, into which the objects are deposited. The movable belt is usually part of a conveyor system and may be a slotted belt or a smooth belt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to measure, monitor control the coating of objects in a processing line including a camera to receive an image of the profile of the object before being coated, a second camera to receive an image of the profile of the object after being coated, and a means and method to compare the two images to determine the increase in volume of the object due to the coating. The comparing means is a microcomputer which calculates the increase in volume based on the two images, the speed of the object travelling along the processing line, and a form factor. The microprocessor compares the increase in volume of one object to the increase in volume of a second object to monitor and ensure a consistent coating thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the volume, form and weight of fish or other objects is presented. A linescan camera records a top view of an object and at the same time records a profile view of the object reflected by a mirror located adjacent to the object. The mirror is positioned to reflect a view of the object which is perpendicular to the direct view of the camera and to the direction of motion of a conveyor belt along which the object moves. As the object moves along a conveyor belt through the field of view of the camera, a number of cross-sectional images are recorded and transmitted to a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines the maximum width of each cross-section from the direct image and the maximum thickness from each cross-section reflected image.