公开(公告)号：US5431289A

公开(公告)日：1995-07-11

申请号：US196581

申请日：1994-02-15

Applicant: Philip L. Hoffman

Inventor： Philip L. Hoffman

IPC: B07C5/02 ,  B07C5/00

CPC classification number: B07C5/366 ,  B07C5/02

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting and aligning articles to be sorted in an automated bulk processing system is disclosed. The conveyor comprises one or more product-carrying lanes, each lane comprising two side belts separated by a central product-carrying belt. Each of the side belts is raised with respect to the product-carrying belt, thereby guiding articles on to the product-carrying belt. In a preferred embodiment, the product-carrying belt has two product-carrying surfaces and is provided with a 180.degree. lengthwise twist whereby the product-carrying surfaces are alternately presented on the upper surface of the conveyor system for each complete belt travel cycle. The 180.degree. lengthwise twist is maintained in position by a belt guide or comb located on the underside of the conveyor system.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于在自动批量处理系统中输送和对准待分类物品的输送机系统。 输送机包括一个或多个产品承载通道，每个通道包括由中央产品承载带分开的两个侧带。 每个侧带相对于产品承载带升高，从而将物品引导到产品承载带上。 在优选实施例中，产品承载带具有两个产品承载表面，并且设置有180度的纵向扭曲，由此在每个完整的带行进周期中，产品承载表面交替地呈现在输送机系统的上表面上。 通过位于输送系统下侧的皮带导向器或梳子将180度纵向扭转保持在适当的位置。

公开(公告)号：US5409119A

公开(公告)日：1995-04-25

申请号：US194094

申请日：1994-02-09

Applicant: Srinivasa Rao Datari

Inventor： Srinivasa Rao Datari

IPC: B07C5/10 ,  B07C5/342 ,  B07C5/00

CPC classification number: B07C5/10 ,  B07C5/3422 ,  Y10S209/939

Abstract: An apparatus and a method sort items, such as pickles, having defective shapes, such as holes. A video camera scans moving items and acquires lines of image data including item-colored data and background-colored data. The lines of image data are sent to an image processor and compiled into a 64 line "frame" of image data that are further processed to identify the coordinates of individual items and to compute the size of each item. Because holes in an item are the same color as the background color, the invention provides means of differentiating holes from the background. A "hole-bounding box" is scaled to fit within the item position coordinates. The number of background-colored pixels inside the hole-bounding box is computed and compared to a user-defined threshold number. An item is classified as defective if the threshold number is exceeded. Whenever the image processor classifies an item as defective, centroid position coordinates of the item are reported to a master processor for subsequent rejection of the item.

Abstract translation: 一种装置和方法对诸如孔的缺陷形状的腌渍排序物品。 摄像机扫描移动项目并获取包括项目色数据和背景彩色数据的图像数据行。 图像数据线被发送到图像处理器并被编译成图像数据的64行“帧”，进一步处理以识别各个项目的坐标并计算每个项目的大小。 因为项目中的孔与背景颜色相同，所以本发明提供了与背景区分孔的手段。 “孔边框”被缩放以适合项目位置坐标。 计算孔边界框内的背景色像素的数量，并将其与用户定义的阈值进行比较。 如果超过阈值数，则项目被分类为有缺陷。 每当图像处理器将物品分类为有缺陷时，该物品的重心位置坐标被报告给主处理器以用于该物品的后续拒绝。

公开(公告)号：US5402264A

公开(公告)日：1995-03-28

申请号：US98646

申请日：1993-07-28

Applicant: John H. Wilbur ,  Calvin G. Gray

Inventor： John H. Wilbur ,  Calvin G. Gray

IPC: G01N21/88 ,  G02B27/00 ,  F21V33/00

CPC classification number: G01N21/8806

Abstract: An optical inspection system (10) has an inspection region (20) through which articles (12) pass and are illuminated by illumination (22) provided by an illumination source (30). The source is shielded from the inspection region by a protective shield or tube (32) transmissive of the illumination. A cleaning element (42), such as a plastic string, contacts a major surface (45) of the tube and dislodges contaminants (63) from the major surface as the tube rotates. The cleaning element has an active portion (60) held in contact with the major surface by tension in the cleaning element applied at tension locations (56, 58). The cleaning element describes part of a spiral or helix; it preferably occupies less than about 360 degrees, more preferably between about 30 and about 270 degrees, and still more preferably about 120 to about 240 degrees, of arc measured about the axis of the tube. The cleaning element flexes significantly under compression but remains taut under tension; it may be a monofilament or of woven construction; it has a maximum cross-sectional dimension D.sub.c that is much less than the maximum cross-sectional dimension D.sub.T of the tube.

Abstract translation: 光学检查系统（10）具有检查区域（20），物品（12）通过照明源（30）所通过的照明（22）照射。 源通过可透射照明的保护屏蔽或管（32）与检查区域屏蔽。 诸如塑料线的清洁元件（42）与管的主表面（45）接触，并且随着管旋转，从主表面排出污染物（63）。 清洁元件具有通过施加在张紧位置（56,​​58）处的清洁元件中的张力而与主表面保持接触的活动部分（60）。 清洁元件描述螺旋或螺旋的一部分; 它优选地围绕管的轴线占据小于约360度，更优选地在约30和约270度之间，还更优选地约120至约240度的弧。 清洁元件在压缩下显着弯曲，但在张力下保持拉紧; 它可以是单丝或编织结构; 它具有比管的最大横截面尺寸DT小得多的最大横截面尺寸Dc。

公开(公告)号：US5398818A

公开(公告)日：1995-03-21

申请号：US194090

申请日：1994-02-09

Applicant: Kenneth J. McGarvey

Inventor： Kenneth J. McGarvey

IPC: B07C5/342 ,  B07C5/36 ,  B07C5/00

CPC classification number: B07C5/361 ,  B07C5/3422 ,  B07C5/368 ,  Y10S209/939

Abstract: A system and method for sorting items (16) computes the geometric center ("centroid") (156) of any item containing a defect (26) or multiple defects, and directs an ejection air blast at the centroid of the defective item rather than at the location of the defect. Video data from a scanning camera (24) are transmitted to an "item processor" (32A') and a "defect processor" (32). The item processor builds in memory (108) an image of every acceptable or defective item while the defect processor builds a "defect list" (170) of defect coordinate locations detected only on defective items. The defect processor transmits the defect list to the item processor where the defect list is compared with the stored image of the item. For each item containing at least one defect, the item processor computes a defective item centroid that is added to a defective items list (174) for use by a defect removal process that actuates air blasts directed toward the centers of defective items. Air blasts directed toward the centroids of defective items maximize their deflection and minimize item spinning and thereby improve item rejection efficiency and reduce the inadvertent bumping of adjacent acceptable items toward the rejection conveyor. If multiple defects are detected on a single item, a single air blast is directed at the centroid of the defective item.

Abstract translation: 用于分类物品（16）的系统和方法计算包含缺陷（26）或多个缺陷的任何物品的几何中心（“质心”）（156），并且指示在缺陷物品的质心上的喷射气泡，而不是 在缺陷的位置。 来自扫描照相机（24）的视频数据被发送到“项目处理器”（32A'）和“缺陷处理器”（32）。 项目处理器在存储器（108）中构建每个可接受或缺陷项目的图像，而缺陷处理器构建仅在缺陷项目上检测到的缺陷坐标位置的“缺陷列表”（170）。 缺陷处理器将缺陷列表发送到项目处理器，其中缺陷列表与存储的项目的图像进行比较。 对于包含至少一个缺陷的每个项目，项目处理器计算添加到缺陷项目列表（174）中的缺陷项目质心，以通过致动朝向缺陷项目的中心的空气鼓风的缺陷去除处理使用。 针对缺陷物品的质心的空气鼓风使其偏转最大化，并使物品旋转最小化，从而提高物品排除效率，并减少相邻可接受物品向拒收输送机的无意碰撞。 如果在单个物品上检测到多个缺陷，则单个鼓风指向缺陷物品的质心。

公开(公告)号：US5318173A

公开(公告)日：1994-06-07

申请号：US890967

申请日：1992-05-29

Applicant: Srinivasa R. Datari

Inventor： Srinivasa R. Datari

IPC: B07C5/10 ,  B07C5/342 ,  B07C5/00

CPC classification number: B07C5/10 ,  B07C5/3422 ,  Y10S209/939

Abstract: An apparatus and a method sort items, such as pickles, having defective shapes, such as holes. A video camera scans moving items and acquires lines of image data including item-colored data and background-colored data. The lines of image data are sent to an image processor and compiled into a 64 line "frame" of image data that are further processed to identify the coordinates of individual items and to compute the size of each item. Because holes in an item are the same color as the background color, the invention provides a device differentiating holes from the background. A "hole-bounding box" is scaled to fit within the item position coordinates. The number of background-colored pixels inside the hole-bounding box is computed and compared to a user-defined threshold number. An item is classified as defective if the threshold number is exceeded. Whenever the image processor classifies an item as defective, centroid position coordinates of the item are reported to a master processor for subsequent rejection of the item.

Abstract translation: 一种装置和方法对诸如孔的缺陷形状的腌渍排序物品。 摄像机扫描移动项目并获取包括项目色数据和背景彩色数据的图像数据行。 图像数据线被发送到图像处理器并被编译成图像数据的64行“帧”，进一步处理以识别各个项目的坐标并计算每个项目的大小。 因为项目中的孔与背景颜色相同，所以本发明提供了一种将背景区分开的装置。 “孔边框”被缩放以适合项目位置坐标。 计算孔边界框内的背景色像素的数量，并将其与用户定义的阈值进行比较。 如果超过阈值数，则项目被分类为有缺陷。 每当图像处理器将物品分类为有缺陷时，该物品的重心位置坐标被报告给主处理器以用于该物品的后续拒绝。

公开(公告)号：US5305894A

公开(公告)日：1994-04-26

申请号：US890966

申请日：1992-05-29

Applicant: Kenneth J. McGarvey

Inventor： Kenneth J. McGarvey

IPC: B07C5/342 ,  B07C5/36 ,  B07C5/00

CPC classification number: B07C5/361 ,  B07C5/3422 ,  B07C5/368 ,  Y10S209/939

Abstract: A system and method for sorting items (16) computes the geometric center ("centroid") (156) of any item containing a defect (26) or multiple defects, and directs an ejection air blast at the centroid of the defective item rather than at the location of the defect. Video data from a scanning camera (24) are transmitted to an "item processor" (32A') and a "defect processor" (32). The item processor builds in memory (108) an image of every acceptable or defective item while the defect processor builds a "defect list" (170) of defect coordinate locations detected only on defective items. The defect processor transmits the defect list to the item processor where the defect list is compared with the stored image of the item. For each item containing at least one defect, the item processor computes a defective item centroid that is added to a defective items list (174) for use by a defect removal process that actuates air blasts directed toward the centers of defective items. Air blasts directed toward the centroids of defective items maximize their deflection and minimize item spinning and thereby improve item rejection efficiency and reduce the inadvertent bumping of adjacent acceptable items toward the rejection conveyor. If multiple defects are detected on a single item, a single air blast is directed at the centroid of the defective item.

Abstract translation: 用于分类物品（16）的系统和方法计算包含缺陷（26）或多个缺陷的任何物品的几何中心（“质心”）（156），并且指示在缺陷物品的质心上的喷射气泡，而不是 在缺陷的位置。 来自扫描照相机（24）的视频数据被发送到“项目处理器”（32A'）和“缺陷处理器”（32）。 项目处理器在存储器（108）中构建每个可接受或缺陷项目的图像，而缺陷处理器构建仅在缺陷项目上检测到的缺陷坐标位置的“缺陷列表”（170）。 缺陷处理器将缺陷列表发送到项目处理器，其中缺陷列表与存储的项目的图像进行比较。 对于包含至少一个缺陷的每个项目，项目处理器计算添加到缺陷项目列表（174）中的缺陷项目质心，以通过致动朝向缺陷项目的中心的空气鼓风的缺陷去除处理使用。 针对缺陷物品的质心的空气鼓风使其偏转最大化，并使物品旋转最小化，从而提高物品排除效率，并减少相邻可接受物品向拒收输送机的无意碰撞。 如果在单个物品上检测到多个缺陷，则单个鼓风指向缺陷物品的质心。

公开(公告)号：US5443164A

公开(公告)日：1995-08-22

申请号：US105349

申请日：1993-08-10

Applicant: Casey P. Walsh ,  Philip L. Hoffman ,  William S. Drummond ,  H. Parks Squyres

Inventor： Casey P. Walsh ,  Philip L. Hoffman ,  William S. Drummond ,  H. Parks Squyres

IPC: B07C5/34 ,  B07C5/342 ,  B07C5/00 ,  G01N21/00

CPC classification number: B07C5/365 ,  B07C5/3416 ,  B07C5/3422 ,  Y10S209/938

Abstract: A plastic container sorter (10) moves labeled plastic containers (14, 20, 48, 54, 58) of various colors and transparencies through an inspection zone (18). A pair of line-scanning color cameras (22, 24) capture respective transmittance and reflectance images of the containers and generate raw transmittance and reflectance image data. The raw container data are digitized, normalized, and binarized to provide accurate transmittance and reflectance container RGB image data and binarized image data for differentiating container image data from background data. Container sorting entails eroding (120) the binarized transmittance image and merging (122) the eroded image with the transmittance image data to yield a transmittance image. The eroded transmittance image is analyzed (124, 126) to determine whether the container is opaque. If the container is opaque, color analysis proceeds by analyzing the reflectance image data. If, however, the container is not opaque, transmittance image data are used to classify the container as green transparent (140), translucent (142), or clear transparent (142). Classified containers are transferred to an ejection conveyor (46). Side discharge of a classified container is effected by an air ejector (64) blast that is timed in response to sensing a particular container adjacent to an appropriate side discharge station (60).

Abstract translation: 塑料容器分类器（10）通过检查区（18）移动各种颜色和透明胶片的标签塑料容器（14,20,48,54,58）。 一对线扫描彩色摄像机（22,24）捕获容器的各个透射率和反射率图像，并产生原始透射率和反射率图像数据。 原始容器数据被数字化，归一化和二值化，以提供准确的透射率和反射容器RGB图像数据和用于将容器图像数据与背景数据区分开的二值化图像数据。 容器排序需要侵蚀（120）二值化的透射图像并将侵蚀的图像与透射图像数据合并（122）以产生透射图像。 分析侵蚀的透射率图像（124,126）以确定容器是不透明的。 如果容器是不透明的，则通过分析反射率图像数据进行颜色分析。 然而，如果容器不是不透明的，则透射率图像数据用于将容器分类为绿色透明（140），半透明（142）或透明透明（142）。 分类容器被转移到排出输送机（46）。 分类容器的侧排放通过响应于感测到与适当侧排放站（60）相邻的特定容器而定时的空气喷射器（64）爆炸来实现。

公开(公告)号：US5406905A

公开(公告)日：1995-04-18

申请号：US69123

申请日：1993-05-28

Applicant: Mengistu Yemane-Berhane ,  Bruce L. Colburn

Inventor： Mengistu Yemane-Berhane ,  Bruce L. Colburn

IPC: C30B15/00 ,  C30B15/04 ,  H01L21/24 ,  C30B15/32

CPC classification number: C30B29/06 ,  C30B15/04 ,  Y10S117/911

Abstract: A dopant (76), such as antimony, is cast around a seed crystal (10) to form a seed-dopant assembly (14) that facilitates doping of a molten semiconductor (36), such as silicon, in a crystal-growing furnace (34). To grow a doped ingot, the seed-dopant assembly is held in a relatively cool part of the furnace while the semiconductor is melted. When the semiconductor melt is ready for doping, the seed-dopant assembly is lowered to a position just above the melt. Heat transferred to the seed dopant assembly from the melt causes the dopant to drop off the seed into the molten semiconductor without splashing and without immersing the seed.

Abstract translation: 将诸如锑的掺杂剂（76）浇铸在晶种（10）周围以形成种子掺杂剂组件（14），其有助于在晶体生长炉中掺杂诸如硅的熔融半导体（36），例如硅 （34）。 为了生长掺杂的锭，当半导体熔化时，种子 - 掺杂剂组件被保持在炉子的相对较冷的部分中。 当半导体熔体准备进行掺杂时，种子 - 掺杂剂组件被降低到刚好在熔体上方的位置。 从熔体转移到种子掺杂剂组合物的热量使得掺杂剂从籽晶中脱落而不飞溅并且不浸没种子。

公开(公告)号：US5337884A

公开(公告)日：1994-08-16

申请号：US105313

申请日：1993-08-09

Applicant: Philip L. Hoffman ,  Richard J. Signorello

Inventor： Philip L. Hoffman ,  Richard J. Signorello

IPC: B65G45/22 ,  F16N7/24 ,  B65G45/02

CPC classification number: F16N7/24 ,  B65G45/22 ,  B65G2201/0211

Abstract: An optical inspection system (10) has a conveyor belt (18) that turns at a non-rotating turning bar (22). An inner surface (20) of the conveyor belt contacts a turning surface (22T) of the turning bar. A reservoir (60) for holding a lubricant (62), such as water, is formed by a free surface (22F) of the turning bar, two reservoir side walls (54, 56), a free surface (52F) of a feed bar (52), and a lower surface (58). The feed bar has orifices (69) for discharge of the lubricant into the reservoir and is connected to a source of lubricant subject to volume regulation. When the conveyor belt is in operation, the volume of lubricant supplied to the reservoir keeps the line of contact (22L) between the inner surface and the turning surface covered with lubricant. Rods (64, 66) regulate the flow of lubricant so as to maintain adequate coverage with lubricant of the region (46) where the conveyor belt turns over the turning bar and of the line of contact between the inner surface and the turning surface. The top (22H) of the turning bar is a distance (H) lower than the common level of the top (52H) of the feed bar, the top of the side walls, and the tops (64H, 66H) of the rods. The volume of lubricant supplied to the reservoir through the orifices is regulated so that the supply slightly exceeds the outflow of lubricant between the inner surface and the turning bar.

Abstract translation: 光学检查系统（10）具有在非旋转转杆（22）处转动的传送带（18）。 传送带的内表面（20）接触转向杆的转动表面（22T）。 用于保持诸如水的润滑剂（62）的储存器（60）由转向杆的自由表面（22F）形成，两个储存器侧壁（54,56），进料的自由表面（52F） 杆（52）和下表面（58）。 进料棒具有用于将润滑剂排放到储存器中并且连接到经受体积调节的润滑剂源的孔口（69）。 当输送带运行时，供应到储存器的润滑剂的体积保持内表面和转向表面之间的接触线（22L）被润滑剂覆盖。 杆（64,66）调节润滑剂的流动，以便通过传送带转过转向杆和内表面和转向表面之间的接触线的区域（46）的润滑剂来保持足够的覆盖。 转向杆的顶部（22H）的距离（H）低于进给杆的顶部（52H），侧壁的顶部和杆的顶部（64H，66H）的共同水平。 通过孔口供应到储存器的润滑剂的体积被调节，使得供给略微超过润滑剂在内表面和转向杆之间的流出。

公开(公告)号：US5085325A

公开(公告)日：1992-02-04

申请号：US415056

申请日：1989-09-29

Applicant: Clarence S. Jones ,  Arthur W. Coolidge ,  Dennis Cavin, deceased ,  Norman L. Betts ,  Jeffrey M. Moser ,  Kenneth J. McGarvey

Inventor： Clarence S. Jones ,  Arthur W. Coolidge ,  Dennis Cavin, deceased ,  Norman L. Betts ,  Jeffrey M. Moser ,  Kenneth J. McGarvey

IPC: B07C5/342

CPC classification number: B07C5/3422 ,  Y10S209/939

Abstract: Color sorting system and method which are particularly suitable for sorting fruits and vegetables. The objects to be sorted are scanned with a color video camera, and the signals from the camera are digitized and utilized to address a look up table. The look up table is preloaded to provide reject data at those addresses for colors to be rejected. Several techniques for loading the look up table are disclosed. Then, on an online basis, the successive images address the look up table and the reject data is analyzed to drive appropriate reject apparatus. In one embodiment, the data from the look up table is applied to a spatial filter, and objects are rejected only if they have a certain number or sequence of unacceptable colors.

Abstract translation: 特别适用于分拣水果和蔬菜的分选系统和方法。 用彩色摄像机扫描要分类的物体，并将来自相机的信号数字化并用于寻址查询表。 查找表预加载，以在这些地址提供拒绝数据的颜色被拒绝。 公开了用于加载查找表的几种技术。 然后，在在线的基础上，连续的图像寻址查找表，并且分析拒绝数据以驱动适当的拒绝装置。 在一个实施例中，来自查找表的数据被应用于空间滤波器，并且只有当对象具有一定数量或不可接受的颜色序列时，对象才被拒绝。