Sizing Patents (Class 209/586)
  • Patent number: 12077385
    Abstract: Warehouse automation and methods of automatically sorting and sequencing items can be implemented to streamline and expedite order fulfillment and store replenishment processes in a cost-effective manner. Some embodiments described herein include: (i) picking or retrieving items from an inventory storage area, (ii) decanting individual items and placing them on carriers of a high-speed sorting and conveyance system, and (iii) final sortation as per customer orders. In some embodiments, the high-speed sorting and conveyance system includes multiple shuttles that each carry an individual item to a designated final order sortation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Gervasio Mutarelli, Carlos Loza, Ernesto Saldana Pena
  • Patent number: 12042824
    Abstract: An automated, single level, package sortation system may include a conveyance mechanism, a package induct station with a first robotic arm, a first drive unit, a cart building station with a second robotic arm, a cart, and a cart transfer station. Each package and cart of the system may have an associated destination. A package may be transferred by a first robotic arm from a conveyance mechanism to a first drive unit, and then transferred by a second robotic arm from a first drive unit to a cart associated with the same destination as the package. Then, the cart may be transferred via a cart transfer station to the destination associated with the cart and all packages contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie Mitchell, Vikas Reddy Enti, Andrea Thelen
  • Patent number: 10875729
    Abstract: A mail processing system utilizes a conveyor to shingle or de-shingle mailpieces as they move through the processing system and utilizes belts to move the mailpieces. A first shingling conveyor moves a first mailpiece to overlap with a second mailpiece to create shingled mailpieces. A second shingling conveyor moves a first mailpiece away from a second mailpiece to de-shingle them to create singulated mailpieces. A camera takes images of the mailpieces in the conveyor and image analysis software is used to determine dimensional aspects of the mailpieces that are used to control the belt speeds to move mailpieces with respect to each other. A mail processing system may include a mail processing station that scans addresses, applies postage and/or weighs the mailpieces. Mail may be de-shingled prior to being weighed and then re-shingled for subsequent processing, or mail may shingled prior to passing through a scale if weighing is not necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: TRITEK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: James Malatesta
  • Patent number: 10814354
    Abstract: Computerized system, method, and processor-executable code, as may be executed by an artificial intelligence-based system, for carrying out an autonomous process are provided. Disclosed embodiments may be used to autonomously screen in real-time mailable or shippable items being conveyed through an item processing system to identify item candidates for content inspection and/or testing to check for prohibited and/or restricted content (e.g., contraband) prior to item sortation and distribution for delivery to recipients. Disclosed embodiments make effective use of algorithms involving machine vision, machine learning, and data-intensive and/or sensor-driven tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Logistics LLC
    Inventors: Abdul Hamid Salemizadeh, John M. Zatopek
  • Patent number: 10500729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial robot system comprising a platform (1) positioned in a robot cell, an industrial robot (2) positioned on the platform and including an articulated robot arm (6), a sensor system comprising 5 two sensors (4, 5), wherein each of the sensors is configured to detect motions within an angle of at least 90o in a horizontal plane, two arms (10, 12) attached to the platform (1) and arranged to move the sensors (4, 5) in relation to the platform independent of the articulated robot arm between an extended position located a distance of a least 0.5 m from the platform and a 10 retracted position. The sensors are arranged to detect motions of an object within a safety zone and the robot system is configured to adjust the speed of the robot if a moving object is detected in the safety zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: OpiFlex Automation AB
    Inventors: Johan Frisk, Robin Löfgren
  • Patent number: 10368571
    Abstract: A machine and method for recognizing and orienting fruits, especially peaches, for their automatic pitting, the machine has a fruit flight conveyor (1) up to a cutting station (6) in which a vertical cutting plane is provided, the fruit flights (4) being shaped with a number of recesses (7) in which fruits (P) are positioned with fruit suture plane thereof, containing a suture line (ls), being arranged vertically. A fruit recognizing station (8) is suitable to detect the position of the vertical suture plane, and to calculate an angle (?) between the suture line (ls) and the cutting line (lt), or to communicate information of non-detection. An orientation station (16) is adapted to receive information on the dihedral angle, and to control a respective gripping unit (17) to grip and rotate a fruit to a final position, or to remove from the fruit lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: FOOD MACHINERY CRESCENZO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Biagio Crescenzo, Pasquale Fedele
  • Patent number: 10315855
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an improved conveyor belt comprising: a visible surface having a primary axis oriented in a machine direction; a plurality of first stripes having a first visible appearance, each of the plurality of first stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis; and a plurality of second stripes having a second visible appearance, each of the plurality of second stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein: the second visible appearance provides a contrasting appearance relative to the first visible appearance; and each of the plurality of second stripes are located intermediate two of the plurality of first stripes such that the plurality of first and second stripes collectively define an alternating contrasting pattern on the visible surface of the improved conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Piotr Janicki
  • Patent number: 10005620
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an improved conveyor belt comprising: a visible surface having a primary axis oriented in a machine direction; a plurality of first stripes having a first visible appearance, each of the plurality of first stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis; and a plurality of second stripes having a second visible appearance, each of the plurality of second stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein: the second visible appearance provides a contrasting appearance relative to the first visible appearance; and each of the plurality of second stripes are located intermediate two of the plurality of first stripes such that the plurality of first and second stripes collectively define an alternating contrasting pattern on the visible surface of the improved conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Piotr Janicki
  • Patent number: 9968968
    Abstract: A grading machine for grading small uneven objects includes: at least one feeding assembly including at least one main hopper for feeding; at least one vibrator for agitating objects to move them to at least one slider coupled with a feeding regulator; at least one tilted assembly including at least two sets of reverse roller pairs; at least one pick and place assembly including a vacuum rotating drum wherein an inner solid roller rotates; a tray assembly including a plurality of parallel trays, each including a cup assembly; at least one conveyor; at least two imaging systems which can see multiple sides of the objects for analysis of surface properties; at least one embedded intelligence system; at least one energizer box assembly including a plurality of energizer boxes; an ejection system for grading objects into categories based on their surface properties; and at least one main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: NANOPIX INTERGRATED SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Anup Vijapur, Sasisekar Krish
  • Patent number: 9828127
    Abstract: An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: GW Services, LLC
    Inventors: James Shaker, Paul Bareford, Vince Shaker
  • Patent number: 9739596
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an improved conveyor belt comprising: a visible surface having a primary axis oriented in a machine direction; a plurality of first stripes having a first visible appearance, each of the plurality of first stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis; and a plurality of second stripes having a second visible appearance, each of the plurality of second stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein: the second visible appearance provides a contrasting appearance relative to the first visible appearance; and each of the plurality of second stripes are located intermediate two of the plurality of first stripes such that the plurality of first and second stripes collectively define an alternating contrasting pattern on the visible surface of the improved conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Piotr Janicki
  • Patent number: 9682407
    Abstract: An apparatus for singulating load items, with a group of delivery apparatuses for delivering load items, wherein there is associated with each delivery apparatus a first singulation apparatus for singulating the load items delivered with that delivery apparatus and there is, downstream of the first singulation apparatuses of the group of delivery apparatuses which form a first singulation stage, a second singulation stage for singulating load items not singulated in the first singulation stage, wherein the second singulation stage comprises a second singulation apparatus and a detection system associated with it for detecting load items not singulated by the second singulation apparatus, with, downstream of the second singulation stage a third singulation stage for singulating load items not singulated in the second singulation stage, which consists of manually post-singulating load items not singulated by the second singulation stage or of providing a return unit for returning the non-singulated load items d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: BEUMER GMBH & CO. KG.
    Inventor: Hermann Brunsen
  • Patent number: 9599459
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an improved conveyor belt comprising: a visible surface having a primary axis oriented in a machine direction; a plurality of first stripes having a first visible appearance, each of the plurality of first stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis; and a plurality of second stripes having a second visible appearance, each of the plurality of second stripes at least in part defining the visible surface and being oriented perpendicular to the primary axis, wherein: the second visible appearance provides a contrasting appearance relative to the first visible appearance; and each of the plurality of second stripes are located intermediate two of the plurality of first stripes such that the plurality of first and second stripes collectively define an alternating contrasting pattern on the visible surface of the improved conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Piotr Janicki
  • Patent number: 9557265
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting matter, the apparatus including: a first light source adapted to emit a first light beam; a second light source adapted to emit a second light beam, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that the first and second light beams converge towards a scanning element; the scanning element adapted to redirect the converging first and second light beams towards the matter to be detected; and a detector adapted to receive light reflected by the matter via the scanning element. Also, a system and method of detecting matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TOMRA SOTRING AS
    Inventors: Dirk Balthasar, Ole Onsrud
  • Patent number: 9367930
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards determining, at sea, the respective weights of fish species that are part of a fish catch. By way of the present disclosure, images of a fish catch are taken using triangulation techniques involving stereo-photogrammetry. According to one embodiment, a method for estimating a total weight of a fish catch includes receiving a fish catch on a fishing vessel and capturing images of the fish catch. From the images, fishes are identified and the species to which the corresponding fishes belong are also identified. Using the images, lengths of the identified fishes as well as the total volume occupied by the fish catch are determined, which can be used to estimate the total weight of the fish catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Glenn Chamberlain, Brian J. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 9010543
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Technological Resources Pty. Limited
    Inventors: John Clarence Box, Carly Louise Painter
  • Patent number: 8952284
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a method and apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process are described. The apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process may include a conveyance mechanism including at least one item inducted into the conveyance mechanism. The apparatus for managing the allocation of items to processing stations in an order fulfillment process may also include an item allocation component. The item allocation component may be configured to assign the item to a particular sorting station of a group of multiple sorting stations. The item allocation component may determine the particular sorting station to which the item is assigned based upon a determined quantity of other items located at the particular sorting station and a determined quantity of other items en route to the particular sorting station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cherie G. Wong, Irina M. Somin, Eric Young, Patrick W. Ramey, Barry Adrian Shepherd
  • Patent number: 8827082
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for grouping randomly oriented articles traveling on a conveyor, said conveyor having an in-feed end, an out-feed end and a predetermined width. The apparatus comprises an inspection head located in a fixed position above the conveyor, the inspection head for capturing images of the articles traveling on the conveyor, a grouping unit located in a fixed position relative to the conveyor and downstream of the inspection head and a control unit for receiving and processing the captured images from the inspection head. The grouping unit comprises a plurality of individually controllable pins, the individually controllable pins each moveable between a buffering position wherein the pin arrests movement of an article in alignment with the pin and a grouping position wherein the pin allows the article to move to a grouping location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Montrose Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Clark Radema, John Lawrence, Andrew Martin Peters, Derek Carl Thorslund
  • Patent number: 8820538
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for sorting and dispensing microparticles using a flow switch mechanism wherein changing flow rate into the flow switch changes flow path. The present invention is well-suited for precisely sorting microparticles, such as cells, for applications such as cell line development, monoclonal antibody selection and single cell research, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Namocell LLC
    Inventor: Junyu Lin
  • Patent number: 8752711
    Abstract: This invention concerns a system for sorting elongated random width wood boards and preparing board rows having a row width within a predetermined width range. The system comprises a main longitudinal surface, a conveyor for conveying the boards on the main surface, a width detector, and accumulating compartments located one after the other under the main surface, controllable traps located on the main surface providing access to the accumulating compartments, controllable gates for retaining or releasing the boards accumulated therein and a controller. The controller selectively distributes each of the boards into the accumulating compartments, and controls the gates of the accumulating compartments to release the boards accumulated therein when the sum of the widths of the boards accumulated is within the predetermined width range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Léo Campbell
  • Patent number: 8723068
    Abstract: A method and system for optically inspecting manufactured rounds of ammunition or cylindrical components of the rounds to obtain rounds which exhibit superior accuracy when fired are provided. The method includes providing a nominal numerical value and an acceptable range of numerical values for a size or a geometric characteristic of an acceptable manufactured round of ammunition or a cylindrical component of the round for a predetermined caliber of ammunition. Also provided is a high-performance range of numerical values for the corresponding size or geometric characteristic of a high-performance manufactured round of ammunition or a cylindrical component of the high-performance round for the predetermined caliber of ammunition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Michael G. Nygaard
  • Publication number: 20140091016
    Abstract: A method for automated in-line determination of the center thickness of an ophthalmic lens including providing an inspection cuvette (2) having an optically transparent bottom (21) and a concave inner surface (210) and containing the lens immersed in a liquid, providing an interferometer having a light source and a focusing probe (30) focusing light coming from the light source to a set position (310) of the lens. Focusing probe (30) also directs light reflected at the boundary between the back surface of the lens and the liquid as well as light reflected at the boundary between the front surface of the lens and the liquid or at the boundary between the front surface of the lens and the concave inner surface (210) to a detector of the interferometer. The center thickness of the lens is determined using the light reflected at the respective boundary at the back surface and at the front surface of the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Roger Biel, Matthias Schwab
  • Patent number: 8594837
    Abstract: A mailpiece feed device designed to be mounted upstream from a franking machine, and comprising at least a mailpiece feed zone for receiving a stack of mailpieces of various formats supported by a first plurality of drive rollers and a separation zone for individually selecting the mailpieces and having a second plurality of drive rollers, at least first clutch means E3 being provided for actuating said first plurality of drive rollers, said mailpiece feed device further comprising at least one sensor CN for detecting passage of said mailpieces as they enter said separation zone, and control means for subjecting said first clutch means to forced deactivation followed by an activation/deactivation series so long as the sensor CN is not activated, so as to cause a rapid succession of horizontal movements generating jerky motion on said stack, conducive to facilitating mutual separation of said mailpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Neopost Technologies
    Inventor: Dominique Mazeiller
  • Publication number: 20130206651
    Abstract: A method for sorting out interfering objects (2) in a material stream (13) consisting of acceptable material (1), preferably cullet, wherein during a sorting process the interfering objects (2) and the acceptable material (1) are respectively sorted in at least one separate room area or container, preferably a shaft (9, 10). In order to achieve high degrees of purity with low loss of acceptable material and to simultaneously avoid the use of high fluid blowout pressures and quantities, it is provided that the material stream (13) is continuously subjected during a sorting process to a fluid stream, preferably consisting of compressed air, having a blowing pressure, wherein the fluid stream is interrupted temporally and/or locally depending on a detection result of a detection device (14), which detects the interfering objects in the material stream (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: BINDER + CO AG
    Inventor: Reinhold Huber
  • Patent number: 8410397
    Abstract: The present invention concerns itself with a dry, free of toxic chemicals, and thus, environmentally safe, mineral processing technique. It uses ore elements' specific heat differences as the basis for separating valuable minerals from ores. No EPA approval, no environmental pit and no expensive monitoring are required in order to practice the teachings of the present invention. Furthermore, the technique described herein is economically attractive since it is a low cost approach to mineral processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Albert Lovshin
  • Patent number: 8283588
    Abstract: A process is provided for analyzing the physical characteristics of flat articles being sorted to determine which downstream operations the articles should be processed with next. Length, height, width and stiffness information are received from sensors, and the data is analyzed to determine if the mail piece is automation compatible, extended capability or manual letter, or a flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O. Norris, James B. Amigh
  • Patent number: 8240461
    Abstract: A bolt supply apparatus (1) recognizes images of bolts conveyed by a conveyor (22) using a camera (24) and feeds the recognized bolts to a next operation step using a robot (26). Bolts to be conveyed from a hopper (10) through a spiral feeder (14) are temporarily stored in a first storage box (16). Weight of the first storage box (16) is measured by a first weight measuring device (18). When the first weight measuring device (18) measures a given weight, the bolts of the first storage box (16) are supplied to the conveyor (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junya Asano, Yoichi Izawa, Takayuki Motojima, Katsumi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8091712
    Abstract: A method and a computer program product for batching items are disclosed including the steps of: selecting a first item for a batch, analyzing the characteristics of the selected item, creating a profile of the selected item, and determining qualification criteria for forthcoming items. The qualification criteria for the forthcoming items based on the profile created from the first item selected for the batch with the analysis of the characteristics of an item based on one or more of the following: weighing the item, recording and processing an image of the item, for determining one or more of the following characteristics: the thickness of the item, the color of the item, and/or the shape of the item. The characteristics are used for creating a profile of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Marel Food Systems HF
    Inventor: Brynjolfur Thorsson
  • Patent number: 8061527
    Abstract: A grain classifying device for accurately classifying the grains of uniform length, and an adhesive containing grains classified by the device and capable of connecting electrodes under a low pressure and being applicable to electrodes arranged in fine pitches. The grain classifying device (1) includes a dispersing means (2) for dispersing a plurality of grains (P). A grain orienting means (3) orients each of the dispersed grains in a transfer direction (X) of the grains (P) while spacing the grains apart from one another in the transfer direction (X) of the grains. A grain length measuring means (4) measures the length of each of the grains (P) oriented in the transfer direction (X). A grain separation means (5) separates the grains (P) having a predetermined length based on data related to the lengths of the measured grains (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Koyama, Tetsuya Kuwabara, Masaru Haga, Hideki Kashihara
  • Patent number: 8047381
    Abstract: A grain classifying device for accurately classifying the grains of uniform length, and an adhesive containing grains classified by the device and capable of connecting electrodes under a low pressure and being applicable to electrodes arranged in fine pitches. The grain classifying device (1) includes a dispersing means (2) for dispersing a plurality of grains (P). A grain orienting means (3) orients each of the dispersed grains in a transfer direction (X) of the grains (P) while spacing the grains apart from one another in the transfer direction (X) of the grains. A grain length measuring means (4) measures the length of each of the grains (P) oriented in the transfer direction (X). A grain separation means (5) separates the grains (P) having a predetermined length based on data related to the lengths of the measured grains (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Koyama, Tetsuya Kuwabara, Masaru Haga, Hideki Kashihara
  • Patent number: 8042692
    Abstract: A device for conveying flat articles, in which device the flat articles are moved in series while being at a pitch one from the next that is normally constant, includes a synchronization device for compensating for a certain amount of variation in said pitch. This device includes: means for categorizing the articles on the basis of certain physical characteristics of the articles; means for identifying a certain amount of variation in the pitch for the current article and for recording said pitch variation in a memory in correspondence with the class of the current article; and means for servocontrolling the synchronization system on the basis of said pitch variations recorded in the memory in correspondence with said classes of articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Solystic
    Inventor: Stephane Ambroise
  • Patent number: 8035052
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for grouping individual products such as industrially baked products that travel past a visiometry station into lots for counting them. In a viewing zone of a conveyor belt, a laser triangulation visiometry system is used. The method and apparatus also uses a signal processor associated with the camera that deduces from the images acquired thereby at least one piece of information on the location of the products on the conveyor belt as well as height information thereon. This information is then used by the signal processor to automatically distinguish between the presence of a product and the presence of contaminating material (for example flour or chocolate particles) on the conveyor belt and to distinguish the presence of several partially or fully overlapping products from the presence of a single product on said conveyor belt. Preferably, two cameras are disposed symmetrically relative to a laser plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the viewing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: De La Ballina Freres
    Inventors: Helios De La Ballina, Emmanuel Dumas
  • Patent number: 7679758
    Abstract: A method of optically inspecting a fastener to determine whether it meets two or more dimensional parameters is provided. The method includes using centrifugal force to place the fastener in a predetermined location. Two or more sets of image data of the fastener are generated from two or more corresponding different angles. Fastener pass/fail data is generated using a dimensional requirement associated with each set of image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Microview Technologies PTE Ltd.
    Inventors: Wong Su Wei, Victor Vertoprakhov, Zhou Wensen, Noor Ashedah Binti Jusoh, Tian Poh Yew, Ah Kow Chin, Chee Leong Chua
  • 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: 20090103110
    Abstract: A system based on the continuous measurement (20) of the diameter of a cylindrical object (1) moving, laid down, on a belt conveyor (10) allows dimensional compliance of the latter object to be checked. The measurement system (20) may be coupled with a sorting system based on ejection out of the conveyor (10) by projecting a gas through a transverse nozzle (42). By means of the system according to the invention, it is possible to continuously determine whether a nuclear fuel pellet (1), in particular after rectification (2), has to be rejected or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES MATIERES NUCLEAIRES
    Inventor: Philippe Ferlet
  • Patent number: 7518079
    Abstract: Use of more exotic laying patterns in connection with establishing paving stones of concrete blocks for e.g. paving on yards, are not widely used for cost reasons, as the automated laying machines laying the said paving stones in large surfaces at a time require the stones to be delivered in palletised formats which are handled by machine. The only way in which the said stereotype formats can be laid by machine is, if the paving stones are supplied manually, patterned layers on pallets. There is thus indicated a method for automatic sorting of paving stones (2) of different size from bulk condition to e.g. patterned laid palletisable layers in a standard out format, as the stones (2) after being guided into a row (3) are registered by size by a vision based system and guided into arraying lanes (34) from where these may selectively be dispensed in the preferred laying patterns in the said out formats (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: KVM Industrimaskiner A/S
    Inventors: Erik Spangenberg Hansen, Kjeld Andersen
  • Publication number: 20090032444
    Abstract: A grain classifying device for accurately classifying the grains of uniform length, and an adhesive containing grains classified by the device and capable of connecting electrodes under a low pressure and being applicable to electrodes arranged in fine pitches. The grain classifying device (1) includes a dispersing means (2) for dispersing a plurality of grains (P). A grain orienting means (3) orients each of the dispersed grains in a transfer direction (X) of the grains (P) while spacing the grains apart from one another in the transfer direction (X) of the grains. A grain length measuring means (4) measures the length of each of the grains (P) oriented in the transfer direction (X). A grain separation means (5) separates the grains (P) having a predetermined length based on data related to the lengths of the measured grains (P).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Keiji Koyama, Tetsuya Kuwabara, Masaru Haga, Hideki Kashihara
  • Patent number: 7302787
    Abstract: A bag packaging system includes a bag packager and a defect detection device that receives bags manufactured by the bag packager and conveys the bags while checking for defects. The defect detection device includes a first conveyor belt that is arranged below the bag packager, a line sensor that is arranged adjacent to a downstream end of the first conveyor belt, and a controller. The line sensor sends a detection signal when it detects an object that is conveyed by the first conveyor belt. The controller stores the size of a proper bag that is being manufactured. The controller finds a defective bag based on the size of the proper bag, the conveying speed of the first conveyor belt, and duration of the detection signal from the line sensor. The defect detection device can detect defects in bags promptly after the bags are manufactured by the bag packaging machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seisaku Iwasa, Yuji Yokota, Yuichiro Minakuchi
  • Patent number: 7297930
    Abstract: A device for measuring the width L of a mail item on the fly in a mail handling machine in which mail items are caused to move parallel to a reference wall, the device comprising: a detector device rendered active when the presence of a mail item passing over a plurality of levers is detected, said levers being disposed at a determined set pitch perpendicularly to said reference wall; an emitter device for emitting a light ray, which emitter device is disposed facing a first lever of said plurality; a receiver device for receiving said light ray; a measurement device for measuring the light intensity of the light ray received at said receiver device; and a processor device for computing a determined number y of levers activated by said mail item going past, on the basis of a comparison between said measurement of the received light intensity and an initial measurement of the light intensity of the light ray received at said receiver device when no mail items pass over said plurality of levers, the width L of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Neopost Technologies
    Inventor: Sébastien Defosse
  • Patent number: 7222738
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting workpieces (204) includes multiple conveyors (201, 202), a scanner (208), an offloading device (216), a workpiece processor (218), and a computer (210). The computer has instructions for carrying out a method for sorting that includes obtaining the physical parameters of the workpiece by scanning the workpiece, obtaining an updated distribution of a physical parameter of a population of workpieces, obtaining an updated loading on each conveyor, obtaining the workpiece processor's capacity, obtaining a processing parameter indicating the required amount of workpiece processing to be performed, and obtaining each conveyor's speed. This information is used to place the workpiece on a conveyor in a manner that is calculated to utilize the optimum amount of workpiece processor capacity, while at the same time maintaining an even belt loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Daniel Stockard
  • Patent number: 6958465
    Abstract: A method for monitoring two or more movable objects in a monitoring region. A substantially horizontal light barrier grid having a plurality of parallel light barriers monitors the region. To permit a plurality of objects to simultaneously move in the monitored region without deactivating the monitoring function of the system, the system controls an entry area for the objects, the size of the objects as well as the distance between the objects to ascertain that predetermined criteria therefor are met. If one or more of these criteria is not met, a control signal is generated which can be used, for example, to deactivate the machinery and/or prevent access to the monitored region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Manfred Haberer, Thomas Staehler
  • Patent number: 6915909
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for receiving envelopes, or stacker, for a mail handling machine, comprising a conveyor belt arranged at the exit of the mail handling machine, for receiving these envelopes and conveying them perpendicularly to a direction of advance of these envelopes towards an inclined transfer surface from which these envelopes are then directed by guiding means mounted directly at the exit of the inclined transfer surface towards a first post storage bin of standard dimensions disposed beneath the conveyor belt. There is preferably provided, upstream of the conveyor belt, a motorized sorting flap adapted to be switched depending on the format of the franked mail item and which, in a first position, serves as support for the mail item when it is ejected towards the conveyor belt and, in a second position, forms an obstacle to the mail item which then drops loose directly in a second post storage bin disposed just at the exit of the mail handling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Neopost Industrie
    Inventor: Romain Pillard
  • Patent number: 6818849
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and removing abnormal balls among a large number of balls, most of which are good separate balls, comprising (a) a rotatable, cylindrical, ball-holding means comprising a large number of ball-receiving cavities each receiving one ball; (b) a means for detecting part of a ball projecting from each ball-receiving cavity in a detection region substantially at a top of the cylindrical ball-holding means; (c) a ball-supplying means disposed on the cylindrical ball-holding means upstream of the detection region; (d) an abnormal ball-removing means disposed downstream of the detection region on the cylindrical ball-holding means; (e) a means for collecting good separate balls downstream of the detection region; and (f) a means for carrying out the determination of abnormal balls based on the detection information of projecting portions of the balls obtained by the projecting ball-detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoyuki Itou, Takuji Ueda
  • Patent number: 6787724
    Abstract: A sorting machine receives a bulk of workpieces or fasteners from a hopper unit into a feed station which align the fasteners into a single file for engagement to a transport system of an inspection station. Preferably, the transport system has a conveyor belt with a magnetic member disposed radially inward from the belt. The fasteners are preferably ferrous and thereby engage the conveyor belt via the magnetic field which penetrates the belt. The fasteners are thus carried along the transport system past a trigger sensor which sends a signal to a central controller to timely actuate a dimensional sensing apparatus which takes an image of the fastener and sends it to the central computer for dimensional analysis. If the fastener fails to meet pre-established guidelines the nonconforming fastener is ejected from the transport system via a reject mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Attica Automation
    Inventors: William H. Bennett, Christopher P. Hurttgam
  • Patent number: 6781078
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method that identifies potentially life harming mailpieces. The system generally comprises a mailpiece sorting apparatus which includes a scanner, a scale, a appropriate thickness and length measurement sensors and compartments or bins for receiving sorted mailpieces, an OCR system for reading address information, one or more databases, microprocessor based control system, a document scanner and email functionality. The system and method captures and analyzes mailpiece metrics. The metrics are incorporated into a decision making process as to how the mailpiece should be sorted. The system and method identifies potentially life harming mailpieces with mailpiece processing so as to help deter delays in incoming mail delivery caused by the presence of life harming material in mailpieces and helps to protect the intended recipients from harm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Pradeep K. Das, John W. Sussmeier, Gregory P. Skinger, David W. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6774333
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for optically sorting and/or manipulating carbon nanotubes by creating an optical dipole trap with a focused light source (e.g., a laser) are described in detail herein. In one representative embodiment, light from the light source may be directed onto a mixture of carbon nanotubes, the mixture including a target class of carbon nanotubes having dimensions (e.g., length and diameter) corresponding to particular electronic properties suitable for an application. By identifying a resonant condition corresponding to the target class of carbon nanotubes, and tuning the light source substantially to the resonant condition, an optical dipole trap may be created to attract carbon nanotubes of the target class to allow manipulation and/or sorting of the target class of carbon nanotubes from the mixture, or rotation of the nanotubes via rotation of a plane of polarization of the light, in an embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric C. Hannah
  • Publication number: 20040074823
    Abstract: A method of determining pallet layers for placement by a material handling system robot can include identifying cases for inclusion in a pallet and identifying case dimension information for the cases. Using the case dimension information, the cases can be classified into at least one group, wherein each group is defined by a height range such that cases classified within a group have a height within the height range associated with that group. Cases of one of the groups can be assigned to locations within a pallet layer, wherein the pallet layer has an area within a predefined area range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Vertique, Inc.
    Inventors: David Brust, Angela I. Robertson, Frederick John Stingel, Jeffrey W. Stingel
  • Patent number: 6693274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dimensionally sorting a group of received articles, like fruits and vegetables, and using the determined different sizes for differentiation during the subsequent processing and handling of the articles. Generally, the size and shape of each article is determined by the degree of deflection of one or more sensor heads located along a path the article is traversing. The determined size and shape is then used to direct the article during the subsequent processing and/or handling of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Baird, Arthur L. Dean
  • Patent number: 6660953
    Abstract: A conveyor system (10) for transporting items in a first direction and diverting the items to the appropriate ones of a plurality of stations (50, 52) spaced from one another in the first direction. The system includes at least one diverter region (DR) and a diverter (16) arranged in each diverter region. Each diverter diverts items transported by the conveyor to the appropriate ones of the stations in response to corresponding fire signals. The conveyor system further includes a source of destination information (46) identifying the stations to which the items transported by the conveyor are to be diverted. The conveyor system also includes a controller system (40) connected to each diverter and the source for generating, and providing to each diverter, the fire signal for each item transported by the conveyor based on destination information from the source regarding to which one of the stations the item is to be diverted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Quantum Conveyor Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Hans Lem, William Pong
  • Publication number: 20030201211
    Abstract: A sorting machine receives a bulk of workpieces or fasteners from a hopper unit into a feed station which align the fasteners into a single file for engagement to a transport system of an inspection station. Preferably, the transport system has a conveyor belt with a magnetic member disposed radially inward from the belt. The fasteners are preferably ferrous and thereby engage the conveyor belt via the magnetic field which penetrates the belt. The fasteners are thus carried along the transport system past a trigger sensor which sends a signal to a central controller to timely actuate a dimensional sensing apparatus which takes an image of the fastener and sends it to the central computer for dimensional analysis. If the fastener fails to meet pre-established guidelines the nonconforming fastener is ejected from the transport system via a reject mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: William H. Bennett, Christopher P. Hurttgam