US3774040A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photoelectric system for grading objects according to size
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-05-10
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Granted: 1973-11-20
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Expires: 1992-05-10
Abstract
Abstract A device for sorting articles according to size in which the articles are conveyed through a photoelectric sensor. An article interrupts light beams which sense the length and width of the article. A pulse is generated for each linear increment the article advances, and the pulses are summed by digital counters while the length-sensing beam is interrupted. If the count has reached a predetermined range when the article passes out of the length-sensing beam, the article is of the desired length. If the width-sensing beam is interrupted, indicating the article is also greater in width than a predetermined minimum, the article is the desired size, and is ejected into an article collecting device.
Inventors
- 👤 S Stephanos
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 04:11
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07C; B07C5/00; B07C5/04; B07C5/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
213 words
A photoelectric system for grading objects according to size, comprising: means to direct said objects along a path, first photoelectric sensing means to generate a first photoelectric signal while each of said objects translate through a predetermined distance along said path; pulse generator means, associated with said means to direct said objects along a path, to generate an electrical pulse for each uniform incremental distance translated by said objects; counter means, associated with said first photoelectric sensing means and with said pulse generator means, for counting said pulses while said objects translate through said predetermined distance, said counter means including a minimum length counter for generating a minimum length signal upon counting a number of said pulses equal to a preset minimum length number, and further including a range counter activated by said minimum length signal for producing a range signal upon counting a number of said pulses corresponding to a preset length range; logic means, associated with said counter means and said first photoelectric sensing means, for generating a sort signal upon receiving said first photoelectric signal, said minimum length signal and said range signal in a predetermined sequence; and transducer means connected to said logic means to remove said one of said objects frOm said path upon receiving said sort signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
213 words
A photoelectric system for grading objects according to size, comprising: means to direct said objects along a path, first photoelectric sensing means to generate a first photoelectric signal while each of said objects translate through a predetermined distance along said path; pulse generator means, associated with said means to direct said objects along a path, to generate an electrical pulse for each uniform incremental distance translated by said objects; counter means, associated with said first photoelectric sensing means and with said pulse generator means, for counting said pulses while said objects translate through said predetermined distance, said counter means including a minimum length counter for generating a minimum length signal upon counting a number of said pulses equal to a preset minimum length number, and further including a range counter activated by said minimum length signal for producing a range signal upon counting a number of said pulses corresponding to a preset length range; logic means, associated with said counter means and said first photoelectric sensing means, for generating a sort signal upon receiving said first photoelectric signal, said minimum length signal and said range signal in a predetermined sequence; and transducer means connected to said logic means to remove said one of said objects frOm said path upon receiving said sort signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The photoelectric grading system of claim 1, wherein said means to direct said objects along said path comprises conveyor means driven by motor means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The photoelectric grading system of claim 2 wherein said pulse generating means comprises magnet means, and magnetic pickup means adjacent said magnet means, said magnet means being driven by said magnetic pickup means and inducing electrical pulses in said magnetic pickup means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The photoelectric grading system of claim 3, wherein said pulse generating means further includes trigger circuit means to shape said pulses induced in said magnetic pickup means, and amplifier means connected to said trigger circuit means to amplify said shaped pulses.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The photoelectric grading system of claim 3, further including second photoelectric sensing means for sensing the width of said objects on said conveyor means, said second photoelectric sensing means generating a second photoelectric signal upon sensing an object greater in width than a predetermined minimum width.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The photoelectric grading system of claim 5, wherein said logic means receives said second photoelectric signal, the generation of said sort signal being prevented without reception of said second photoelectric signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The photoelectric grading system of claim 6, further including warning light means, actuated by receiving either said first or said second photoelectric signal, to indicate actuation of at least one of said photoelectric sensing means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The photoelectric grading system of claim 6, further including delay amplifier means, interposed between said logic circuit means and said transducer means, to delay said sort signal and delay actuation of said transducer means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The photoelectric grading system of claim 8, further including dwell amplifier means, interposed between said delay amplifier means and said transducer means to increase the duration of said sort signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
81 words
The photoelectric grading system of claim 1, wherein said first photoelectric sensing means comprises a first light source forming a first light beam projected transversely through said path, a first photoelectric transducer receiving said first light beam after it transverses said path and generating said first photoelectric output signal when said first light beam is interrupted by said objects passing through said first light beam, said predetermined distance being the distance travelled by said objects while interrupting said first light beam.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-19 | 1977-05-21 | 1977-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-19 | 1981-05-21 | 1981-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-19 | 1985-05-21 | 1985-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |