公开(公告)号：US5464981A

公开(公告)日：1995-11-07

申请号：US386329

申请日：1995-02-10

Applicant: Henry P. Squyres ,  Duncan B. Campbell

Inventor： Henry P. Squyres ,  Duncan B. Campbell

IPC: B07C5/342 ,  G01N21/88

CPC classification number: B07C5/3422 ,  G01N21/8806 ,  G01N2021/8466 ,  Y10S250/91

Abstract: Methods of operating an automated optical inspection system to separate selected items, e.g., grape stems (124, 126, 128), grape leaves (122), or rocks from a mixture (16) of those items and raisins (120) include illuminating the mixture with illumination (37', 37") characterized by a spectral power distribution (86, 98) in the near infrared (88, 90, 100, 102), detecting reflections of wavelengths of the illumination in the near infrared, identifying the selected items based on the detected reflections, and sorting the selected items from the mixture.

Abstract translation: 操作自动光学检查系统以分离所选项目的方法，例如葡萄茎（124,126,128），葡萄叶（122）或来自这些物品和葡萄干（120）的混合物（16）的岩石包括照亮 以近红外线（88,90,100,102）中的光谱功率分布（86,98）为特征的照明（37'，37“）的混合物，检测近红外光的波长的反射，识别 基于检测到的反射选择的项目，以及从混合物中排序所选项目。

公开(公告)号：US5440127A

公开(公告)日：1995-08-08

申请号：US63401

申请日：1993-05-17

Applicant: Henry P. Squyres

Inventor： Henry P. Squyres

IPC: B07C5/342 ,  G01N21/88 ,  G01N21/35

CPC classification number: G01N21/8806 ,  B07C5/3422 ,  G01N21/8901 ,  Y10S250/91

Abstract: An illumination system (12) for an optical inspection and sorting apparatus (10) includes a rare gas discharge lamp (36) for emitting select wavelengths of radiation. Rare gas discharge lamp (36) includes a light transmissive outer envelope (58) and contains one or more rare gases, and in particular neon, argon, or xenon. A hemi-elliptical reflector (48) having reflecting surface (38) directs the select wavelengths of radiation toward target specimens (16) in optical scanning area (24) in illumination area (20).

Abstract translation: 用于光学检查和分拣装置（10）的照明系统（12）包括用于发射选定波长的辐射的稀有气体放电灯（36）。 稀有气体放电灯（36）包括透光外壳（58）并且包含一种或多种稀有气体，特别是氖气，氩气或氙气。 具有反射表面（38）的半椭圆形反射器（48）将照射区域（20）中的光学扫描区域（24）中的选定波长的辐射引向目标样本（16）。

公开(公告)号：US5201576A

公开(公告)日：1993-04-13

申请号：US876922

申请日：1992-04-30

Applicant: Henry P. Squyres

Inventor： Henry P. Squyres

IPC: G01N21/85 ,  G01N21/88

CPC classification number: G01N21/8806 ,  G01N2021/8592 ,  G01N2201/065

Abstract: A shadowless illumination system (10) according to the present invention includes a spherical chamber (14) having a chamber entrance opening (18) and a chamber exit opening (20). The inside surface (32) of the spherical chamber is coated with highly reflective flat white paint. A clear rigid plastic cylindrical tube (22) is positioned in the spherical chamber between the chamber entrance and exit openings. A circular fluorescent ring lamp (36) is positioned inside the spherical chamber to form an annulus around the tube. The lamp and the white inside surface of the spherical chamber provide shadowless illumination for articles (30) that are dropped or otherwise projected through the tube. The articles are inspected as they pass through the tube by at least two video inspection cameras (52 and 62) that view opposite sides of the articles through respective viewing openings (44 and 48). Whenever no articles are present in the image plane of a camera, the lamp provides a saturated background for the camera. A ballast (140) controls the voltage to the lamp to provide constant light intensity.

Abstract translation: 根据本发明的无阴影照明系统（10）包括具有室入口（18）和室出口（20）的球形室（14）。 球形室的内表面（32）涂覆有高反射平面白色涂料。 清晰的刚性塑料圆柱形管（22）位于室入口和出口之间的球形室中。 环形荧光环形灯（36）位于球形室内部以形成围绕管的环形空间。 灯泡和球形腔室的白色内表面为物品（30）提供无阴影照明，用于通过管子掉落或以其他方式投射的物品（30）。 当物品通过至少两个通过相应的观察开口（44和48）看待物品的相对侧的视频检查照相机（52和62）通过管时进行检查。 每当相机的图像平面中没有物品时，灯将为相机提供饱和的背景。 镇流器（140）控制灯的电压以提供恒定的光密度。

公开(公告)号：US5419438A

公开(公告)日：1995-05-30

申请号：US157839

申请日：1993-11-24

Applicant: H. Parks Squyres ,  William S. Drummond

Inventor： H. Parks Squyres ,  William S. Drummond

IPC: B07C5/342 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/89 ,  B07C5/02

CPC classification number: G01N21/6456 ,  B07C5/3427 ,  B29B17/02 ,  G01N21/85 ,  G01N21/8901 ,  B29B2017/0279 ,  B29B2017/0289 ,  B29K2027/06 ,  B29K2067/00 ,  B29L2031/7158 ,  Y02W30/622

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a sorting apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveyor belt for carrying a stream randomly-arranged articles, at least some of which are post-consumer plastic articles made of PVC and others of which are made of PET. The conveyor belt carries the articles to an irradiation area where they are irradiated with ultraviolet light that induces the post-consumer articles of PVC to emit phosphorescent light that persists after the irradiation ends. The conveyor belt then carries the articles to an inspection zone that is isolated from the ultraviolet light. A video camera is positioned to receive phosphorescent light emitted from post-consumer articles made of PVC. Other articles commonly in the stream of post-consumer plastic articles (e.g., PET) do not emit phosphorescent light and are, therefore, distinguishable from the PVC articles.

Abstract translation: 在一个优选实施例中，根据本发明的分拣装置包括用于携带流随机布置的物品的输送带，其中至少一些是由PVC制成的消费后塑料制品，而其它物品由PET制成。 输送带将物品运送到照射区域，在那里照射紫外线的紫外线，其引起消费后的PVC物品发射在照射结束后持续的磷光。 然后，输送带将物品运送到与紫外线隔离的检查区域。 定位摄像机以接收由PVC制成的消费后产品发出的磷光。 通常在消费后塑料制品（例如PET）流中的其它制品不会发射磷光，因此与PVC制品不同。

公开(公告)号：US5315384A

公开(公告)日：1994-05-24

申请号：US982148

申请日：1992-11-25

Applicant: Jack C. Heffington ,  H. Parks Squyres

Inventor： Jack C. Heffington ,  H. Parks Squyres

IPC: H04N9/097 ,  H04N7/18

CPC classification number: H04N9/097

Abstract: A color line scan video camera (50) for inspecting articles (18) includes a prismatic beam splitter arrangement (52) that receives a wide spectrum of visible light from a variable magnification objective lens arrangement (54) to provide improved multi-color inspection capability. The prismatic beam splitter separates the light received from the scanned articles into three preselected spectral bands of light, each of which is imaged upon a different charge-coupled device line scan sensor that generates a corresponding color component video signal. The light transmission characteristics of the lens are "color-corrected" to transmit uniformly the light received from the scanned articles.

Abstract translation: 用于检查物品（18）的彩色线扫描摄像机（50）包括棱镜分束器装置（52），其接收来自可变放大物镜装置（54）的宽范围的可见光，以提供改进的多色检查能力 。 棱镜分束器将从被扫描的物品接收的光分成三个预选的光谱带，每个光谱带在不同的电荷耦合器件线扫描传感器上成像，该传感器产生相应的颜色分量视频信号。 透镜的透光特性被“颜色校正”以均匀地传输从被扫描的物品接收的光。

公开(公告)号：US5297667A

公开(公告)日：1994-03-29

申请号：US974410

申请日：1992-11-12

Applicant: Philip L. Hoffman ,  David A. Welbon ,  Richard J. Signorello

Inventor： Philip L. Hoffman ,  David A. Welbon ,  Richard J. Signorello

IPC: B65G21/20 ,  B65G47/22

CPC classification number: B65G21/2054 ,  B65G2201/0211

Abstract: A stabilizing system stabilizes articles carried on conveyors for automated bulk processing equipment. In a preferred embodiment, a flow of gas (e.g., air) is projected along a conveyor belt in a direction generally parallel to that in which articles are carried by the belt. The air flow has a velocity (i.e., speed and direction) substantially the same as that of the belt to reduce aerodynamic resistance that would otherwise bear against the articles. As a result, the articles may be transported on the conveyor belt at high speeds with substantially increased stability or throughput.

Abstract translation: 稳定系统稳定了自动化批量处理设备的传送带上携带的物品。 在一个优选实施例中，气体（例如空气）的流动沿着传送带沿大致平行于物品由带承载的方向突出。 空气流具有与带的速度（即，速度和方向）基本上相同的速度，以减小否则会对制品产生的空气阻力。 结果，物品可以高速运输在传送带上，其稳定性或生产量大大增加。

公开(公告)号：US5529169A

公开(公告)日：1996-06-25

申请号：US502925

申请日：1995-07-17

Applicant: John H. Wilbur ,  Robert A. Cole ,  Frank B. Thomason

Inventor： John H. Wilbur ,  Robert A. Cole ,  Frank B. Thomason

IPC: B07C5/342 ,  B07C5/00

CPC classification number: B07C5/3422 ,  B07C5/366

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sorting meat chunks of variable fat and lean meat content, in which some of the meat chunks are interconnected by stringy tissue, the method including providing a roller located above a separation panel separating a lean meat outfeed location and a fat meat outfeed location, the roller being rotatable about a central axis in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to actively displace interconnected meat chunks striking the roller into either the lean meat outfeed location or the fat meat outfeed location and prevent build-up of interconnected meat chunks on the separation panel.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种用于分选可变脂肪和瘦肉含量的肉块的方法，其中一些肉块通过线状组织相互连接，该方法包括提供一个位于分离板上方的辊，分离板将瘦肉出料位置和 肥胖的肉出口位置，滚筒可绕顺时针或逆时针方向的中心轴线旋转，以将互相连接的打入滚筒的肉块主动地置于瘦肉出料位置或肥肉出料位置，并防止 分离面板上的相互连接的肉块。

公开(公告)号：US5339964A

公开(公告)日：1994-08-23

申请号：US124404

申请日：1993-09-20

Applicant: Calvin G. Gray ,  Frank B. Thomason

Inventor： Calvin G. Gray ,  Frank B. Thomason

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

CPC classification number: B07C5/362 ,  B07C5/3422 ,  B07C5/368

Abstract: A passively vented rejected article chute (40) includes at least two vents (44, 45) extending downwardly into the chute to vent air in directions (50) safely away from sorting and conveying functions, thereby improving sorting effectiveness. Rejected articles (14) that include defects (24) are deflected by an air ejector module (30) into the vented chute and are directed downwardly past the vents to preventing the vents from being blocked. The vents, formed by panels (46, 48), are flared open at their outer ends (54, 56) to decrease the velocity of exhaust air as it passes upwardly through them. Reducing the exhaust air velocity allows small and/or light weight articles entrained in the exhaust air to fall back into the reject chute, thereby preventing spillage of the entrained articles.

Abstract translation: 被动排气的废弃物滑槽（40）包括至少两个向下延伸到滑槽中的通风口（44,45），以将方向（50）上的空气安全地排除在分类和输送功能之外，从而提高排序效率。 包括缺陷（24）的被拒绝的物品（14）被空气喷射器模块（30）偏转到通风槽中并且被引导向下通过通风口以防止通风孔被阻塞。 由面板（46,48）形成的通风口在其外端（54,56）处张开开口，以便在向上穿过它们时降低排出空气的速度。 减少排气速度允许携带在废气中的小型和/或重量轻的物品落回到废料槽中，从而防止夹带物品溢出。

公开(公告)号：US5335791A

公开(公告)日：1994-08-09

申请号：US105438

申请日：1993-08-12

Applicant: Neal P. Eason

Inventor： Neal P. Eason

IPC: B07C5/34 ,  B07C5/00

CPC classification number: B07C5/3416 ,  Y10S209/938 ,  Y10S209/939

Abstract: A sorting apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveyor belt having a solid translucent sheet segment for carrying a stream randomly-arranged articles, ones of which are translucent and others of which are opaque. Preferably, the translucent articles are pieces of post-consumer plastic products (e.g., beverage containers) and the opaque articles are foreign matter, such as aluminum or polypropylene container tops or caps of the beverage containers. The conveyor belt carries multiple articles simultaneously through an inspection zone. A background light source is positioned in the inspection zone opposite the translucent sheet segment from the articles to direct light through the translucent sheet segment toward the articles. A video camera is positioned to receive light from the background light source transmitted through the translucent sheet segment and translucent ones of the articles. The opaque ones of the articles prevent light from the background light source from reaching the video camera. The video camera generates a video signal from which a system processor identifies the opaque articles and activates a separator to remove the opaque articles from the stream of articles.

Abstract translation: 根据本发明的分选装置包括具有固体半透明片段的传送带，用于承载流随机布置的物品，其中一个是半透明的，其它的是不透明的。 优选地，半透明制品是消费后塑料制品（例如饮料容器），不透明制品是异物，例如饮料容器的铝或聚丙烯容器顶部或盖子。 传送带通过检查区同时携带多个物品。 背景光源位于与物品相对的半透明片段的检查区域中，以将光引导通过半透明片段朝向物品。 摄像机被定位成接收来自透过透光片段的背景光源和半透明片的物体的光。 不透明的物品防止来自背景光源的光到达摄像机。 摄像机产生视频信号，系统处理器从该视频信号识别不透明物品，并激活分离器以从物品流中去除不透明物品。

公开(公告)号：US5048674A

公开(公告)日：1991-09-17

申请号：US587641

申请日：1990-09-24

Applicant: John H. Wilbur ,  Michael D. Schey

Inventor： John H. Wilbur ,  Michael D. Schey

IPC: B07C5/02 ,  B65G21/20

CPC classification number: B07C5/02 ,  B07C5/367 ,  B65G21/2054 ,  B65G2201/0211 ,  Y10S209/939

Abstract: A product stabilizer for fruits and vegetables on a moving belt includes a very flexible rubber bladder, forming an airtight chamber between two hubs which are mounted for rotation astride the conveyor belt. The bladder is inflated to relatively low pressure less than 1 psi. When the product passes under the pliable surface of the inflated bladder, the bladder conforms to the product and serves to stabilize the product.

Abstract translation: 用于水果和蔬菜的产品稳定剂在移动带上包括非常柔性的橡胶囊，在两个轮毂之间形成气密室，这两个轮毂安装成横跨传送带旋转。 膀胱膨胀至小于1psi的相对较低的压力。 当产品通过充气囊的柔韧表面下方时，气囊符合产品并用于稳定产品。