US3782544A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic grader
Assignee: AMF Inc
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Filing: 1972-08-03
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Granted: 1974-01-01
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Expires: 1992-08-03
Abstract
Abstract A system and apparatus for grading and sorting tobacco leaves and the like according to color and brightness are provided. The color of each tobacco leaf is compared photoelectrically with the color of a replaceable background color standard over which each leaf is conveyed. The system can be operated in either a normal mode, i.e., detecting and separating all those leaves darker than the background standard, or a reverse mode, i.e., detecting and separating all those leaves that are lighter than the background standard. A plurality of such systems are set to perform a series of sequential detections and separations, against a selected plurality of background color standards to effect separation of a plurality of tobacco leaves into a preselected number of grades or classifications. The system and apparatus can be embodied in a transducer unit for converting existing tobacco sorting machinery from a manual to an automatic sorting mode of operation. Two color detection of reflected light is used to determine brightness as well as greenness. A separate detector for each color is positioned behind a broad band color filter to sense reflected light from the tobacco leaves and the background standard. Either one or the sum of the resulting signals for each detected color is indicative of the brightness of the leaves while the difference between the signals is indicative of the greenness. A pneumatic reject mechanism is actuated in response to given leaf grade conditions, or a lack thereof, to separate undesired grades of leaves from the plurality of leaves being graded.
Inventors
- 👤 J Perkins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:32
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07C; B07C5/00; B07C5/34; B07C5/342; A; A24; A24B; A24B1/00; A24B1/04; B07C5/36; B07C5/363; B07C5/365; B07C5/366
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
290 words
Grading and sorting means for comparing objects with a background color reference having an obverse surface over which said objects are transported, comprising: a background color reference; source means impinging polychromatic light on the obverse surface of said background reference; conveyor means directing objects to be graded over said obverse surface; first and second light detector means positioned over said obverse surface to receive light reflected therefrom and constrained to respond to first and second respectively distinct portions of the spectrum and providing first and second output parameters representative of the respective intensity of the reflected light in said portions of the spectrum; reference means establishing a reference parameter representative of said color of said background reference and normalizing said detector means thereto; first computer means responsive to at least one of said first and second output parameters, comparing same with a representation of said reference parameter and generating a first intermediate output and a first logic signal representative of the relative brightness of each object traversing said obverse surface to the brightness of said surface; second computer means deriving a difference between said first and second output parameters and generating a second intermediate output and a second logic signal representative of the relative color tone of each said object traversing said obverse surface to a preselected color tone of said surface; means selectively sorting objects of like grade into common paths of travel; and logic means, responsive to said first and second logic signals and programmed to respond to selected ones of said logic signals representing a given grade of each of said objects relative to said background reference, generating an actuating signal for said sorting means upon the occurrence of a said selected one of said logic signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
290 words
Grading and sorting means for comparing objects with a background color reference having an obverse surface over which said objects are transported, comprising: a background color reference; source means impinging polychromatic light on the obverse surface of said background reference; conveyor means directing objects to be graded over said obverse surface; first and second light detector means positioned over said obverse surface to receive light reflected therefrom and constrained to respond to first and second respectively distinct portions of the spectrum and providing first and second output parameters representative of the respective intensity of the reflected light in said portions of the spectrum; reference means establishing a reference parameter representative of said color of said background reference and normalizing said detector means thereto; first computer means responsive to at least one of said first and second output parameters, comparing same with a representation of said reference parameter and generating a first intermediate output and a first logic signal representative of the relative brightness of each object traversing said obverse surface to the brightness of said surface; second computer means deriving a difference between said first and second output parameters and generating a second intermediate output and a second logic signal representative of the relative color tone of each said object traversing said obverse surface to a preselected color tone of said surface; means selectively sorting objects of like grade into common paths of travel; and logic means, responsive to said first and second logic signals and programmed to respond to selected ones of said logic signals representing a given grade of each of said objects relative to said background reference, generating an actuating signal for said sorting means upon the occurrence of a said selected one of said logic signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said reference means comprises data storage means, connected in a negative feedback configuration with said detector means and constrained by said first and second intermediate outputs in the absence of an object over said obverse surface, to effectuate and store said reference parameter and apply same as a normalizing bias to said detector means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
144 words
The invention defined in claim 1, where said reference means comprises data storage means, connected in a negative feedback configuraTion with said detector means, constrained by said first and second intermediate outputs, in the absence of an object over said obverse surface, to effectuate and store said reference parameter and apply same as a normalizing bias to said detector means, and gate means selectively directing said intermediate outputs into said data storage means, wherein said logic means further provides, in response to said first and second logic signals, an object presence signal; and wherein said gate means is interconnected with said logic means to receive said object presence signal, the latter disabling said gate means to preclude the imposition of a constraint on said data storage means by said first and second intermediate outputs during the presence of an object over said obverse surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said objects comprise tobacco leaves; said first and second portions of the spectrum comprise the orange and red bands thereof; and said preselected color tone of said obverse surface is a green color tone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said objects traverse said obverse surface and fall therefrom in a normal trajectory unless otherwise constrained; and wherein said sorting means comprise a pneumatic jet, selectively actuate by said logic means to emit and impinge a jet of air upon those said objects of undesirable brightness and color tone relative to said standard color.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
122 words
The grading and sorting means defined in claim 1, wherein said reference means comprises data storage means, connected in a negative feedback configuration with said detector means and constrained by said first and second intermediate outputs in the absence of an object over said obverse surface, to effectuate and store said reference parameter and apply same as a normalizing bias to said detector means, and color tone selection means superimposing, on said first and second detector means, first and second sensitivity constraints, respectively, to selectively vary the individual response of said detectors to said respective portions of the spectrum and thereby adjust the sensitivity of said grading and sorting means to the color tone of said objects relative to said standard color.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
225 words
The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said detector means each comprises a photoelectric cell having an anode, a cathode and a load resistance in series with said anode and said cathode, and voltage follower amplifier means having an input connected with said anode and an output carrying a respective one of said output parameters; wherein said reference means comprises gate means and timing resistance means in series with each said load resistance, a source of reference voltage, and storage capacitance means connected from the common connection between said load resistance means and said timing resistance means to said source of reference voltage; wherein said first computer means comprises a differential operational amplifier having a first input connected to receive at least one of said output parameters from said voltage follower amplifier means, a second input terminal receiving said reference voltage and having an operational output at which is generated a voltage comprising said first intermediate output; and wherein said second computing means comprises a second differential operational amplifier having inputs respectively receiving said output parameters from said voltage follower amplifier means and having an operational output at which is generated a voltage comprising said second intermediate output; said first and second intermediate outputs being fed back through said gate means, in the absence of an object over said obverse surface, through said timing resistances.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
177 words
The invention defined in claim 7, wherein said grading and sorting means further includes color tone selection means superimposing, on said first and second detector means, first and second sensitivity constraints, respectively, to selectively vary the individual response of said detectors to said respective portions of the spectrum and thereby adjust the sensitivity of said grading and sorting means to the color tone of said objects relative to said standard color; said color tone selection means including selectively variable resistance means in series with said load resistance and said timing resistance of each said detector means, into said storage capacitance means to thereby charge said capacitance means to a voltage representative of said standard color of said background reference and place a normalizing voltage constraint on the said anode of each said detector means; each said gate means having a control terminal connected with said logic means to receive said object presence signal whereby said gate is disabled precluding a voltage change in said storage capacitance means during the presence of an object over said obverse surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said sorting means further includes delay means precluding actuation of said reject means by said logic means for a selected time subsequent to the advent of traverse of one of said objects over said obverse surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
188 words
The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said reference means comprises data storage means, connected in a negative feedback configuration with said detector means and constrained by said first and second intermediate outputs in the absence of an object over said obverse surface, to effectuate and store said reference parameter and apply same as a normalizing bias to said detector means, and color tone selection means superimposing, on said first and second detector means, first and second sensitivity constraints, respectively, to selectively vary the individual response to said detectors to said respective portions of the spectrum and thereby adjust the sensitivity of said grading and sorting means to variations in the relative color tone of said objects; wherein said logic means further provides, in response to said first and second logic signals, an object presence signal; and wherein said gate means is interconnected with said logic means to receive said object presence signal, the latter disabling said gate means to preclude the imposition of a constraint on said data storage means by said first and second intermediate outputs during the presence of an object over said obverse surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
115 words
The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said reference means comprises data storage means, connected in a negative feedback configuration with said detector means and constrained by said first and second intermediate outputs in the absence of an object over said obverse surface, to effectuate and store said reference parameter and apply same as a normalizing bias to said detector means; wherein said objects traverse said obverse surface and fall therefrom in a normal trajectory unless otherwise constrained; wherein said sorting means comprises a pneumatic jet, selectively actuated by said logic means to emit and impinge a jet of air upon those said objects of undesirable brightness and color tone relative to said standard color.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
192 words
The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said reference means comprises data storage means, connected in a negative feedback configuration with said detector means, constrained by said first and second intermediate outputs, in the absence of an object over said obverse surface, to effectuate and store said detector means, and gate means selectively directing said intermediate outputs into said data storage means; wherein said logic means further provides, in response to said first and second logic signals, an object presence signal; wherein said gate means is interconnected with said logic means to receive said object presence signal, the latter disabling said gate means to preclude the imposition of a constraint on said data storage means by said first and second intermediate outputs during the presence of an object over said obverse surface; wherein said objects traverse said obverse surface and fall therefrom in a normal trajectory unless otherwise constrained; and wherein said sorting means comprises a pneumatic jet, selectively actuated by said logic means to emit and impinge a jet of air upon those said objects of undesirable brightness and color tone relative to said standard color and constrain another trajectory thereon.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
177 words
The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said reference means comprises data storage means, connected in a negative feedback configuration with said detector means and constrained by said first and second intermediate outputs in the absence of an object over said obverse surface, to effectuate and store said reference parameter and apply same as a normalizing bias to said detector means, and color tone selection means superimposing, on said first and second detector means, first and second sensitivity constraints, respectively, to selectively vary the individual response to said detectors to said respective portions of the spectrum and thereby adjust the sensitivity of said grading and sorting means to variations in the relative color tone of said objects; wherein said objects traverse said obverse surface and fall therefrom in a normal trajectory unless otherwise constrained; and wherein said sorting means comprises a pneumatic jet, selectively actuated by said logic means to emit and impinge a jet of air upon those said objects of undesirable brightness and color tone relative to said standard color to constrain another trajectory thereon.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
103 words
The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said objects traverse said obverse surface and fall therefrom in a normal trajectory unless otherwise constrained; wherein said sorting means comprise a pneumatic jet, selectively actuated by said logic means to emit and impinge a jet of air upon those said objects of undesirable brightness and color tone relative to said standard color to constrain another trajectory thereon; and wherein said sorting means further includes delay means precluding actuation of said sorting means by said logic means for a selected time subsequent to the advent of traverse of one of said objects over said obverse surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
248 words
The invention defined in claim 1, wherein said reference means comprises data storage means, connected in a negative feedback configuration with said detector means and constrained by said first and second intermediate outputs in the absence of an object over said obverse surface, to effectuate and store said reference parameter and apply same as a normalizing bias to said detector means, and color tone selection means superimposing, on said first and second detector means, first and second sensitivity constraints, respectively, to selectively vary the individual response to said detectors to said respective portions of the spectrum and thereby adjust the sensitivity of said grading and sorting means to variations in the relative color tone of said objects; wherein said logic means further provides, in response to said first and second logic signals, an object presence signal; and wherein said gate means is interconnected with said logic means to receive said object presence signal, the latter disabling said gate means to preclude the imposition of a constraint on said data storage means by said first and second intermediate outputs during the presence of an object over said obverse surface; wherein said objects traverse said obverse surface and fall therefrom in a normal trajectory unless otherwise constrained; and wherein said sorting means comprise a pneumatic jet, selectively actuated by said logic means to emit and impinge a jet of air upon those said objects of undesirable brightness and color tone relative to said standard color to constrain another trajectory thereon.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
214 words
Transducer means determining the relative brightness and greenness of tobacco leaves and the like to a known color standard comprising: a reference surface having A standard color; source means impinging polychromatic light on the obverse surface of said reference standard to reflect light therefrom; first and second detector means receiving reflected light from said obverse surface in the red and orange bands of the spectrum, respectively, and producing first and second output parameters representative of the respective intensities of said red and orange reflected light, said parameters being modified in response to the color of a leaf present over said obverse surface; feedback means including gated data storage means responsive to said output parameters normalizing the respective output parameters of said detector means to said standard color; logic means precluding further response of said storage means to said output parameters in response to the presence of a leaf over said obverse surface; and computer means, responsive to said modified output parameters of said first and second detector means, responding to at least one of said modified parameters to derive a first signal representing the relative brightness of said leaf to said standard color, and subtracting said modified parameters to derive a second signal representing the relative greenness of said leaf to said standard color.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
214 words
Transducer means determining the relative brightness and greenness of tobacco leaves and the like to a known color standard comprising: a reference surface having A standard color; source means impinging polychromatic light on the obverse surface of said reference standard to reflect light therefrom; first and second detector means receiving reflected light from said obverse surface in the red and orange bands of the spectrum, respectively, and producing first and second output parameters representative of the respective intensities of said red and orange reflected light, said parameters being modified in response to the color of a leaf present over said obverse surface; feedback means including gated data storage means responsive to said output parameters normalizing the respective output parameters of said detector means to said standard color; logic means precluding further response of said storage means to said output parameters in response to the presence of a leaf over said obverse surface; and computer means, responsive to said modified output parameters of said first and second detector means, responding to at least one of said modified parameters to derive a first signal representing the relative brightness of said leaf to said standard color, and subtracting said modified parameters to derive a second signal representing the relative greenness of said leaf to said standard color.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention defined in claim 16, wherein said transducer means further includes control means selectively programmed to respond to said first and second signals from said computer means to impose a physical constraint on each leaf of preselected brightness and greenness relative to said standard color.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention defined in claim 17, wherein said control means includes pneumatic jet means selectively directing a jet of air against and effecting a predetermined displacement of each said leaf of preselected brightness and greenness relative to said standard color.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
49 words
The invention defined in claim 16, wherein said red and orange bands of the spectrum are defined by broad band red and orange optical filters centered at 655 nm and 600 nm, respectively, said red filter being so disposed as to view said obverse surface through said orange filter.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
109 words
The invention defined in claim 16, wherein said red and orange bands of the spectrum are defined by broad band red and orange optical filters centered at 655 nm and 600 nm, respectively, said red filter being so disposed as to view said obverse surface through said orange filter; said red filter being disposed at an angle to said obverse surface to reflect said orange band from the front surface thereof; said first detector means disposed including first photoelectric means to receive light through said red filter; and said second detector means including second photoelectric means disposed to receive light reflected from the front surface of said red filter.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
209 words
Circuit means detecting and providing an output signal representative of the relative brightness of an object with reference to the color of the obverse surface of a background reference over which said object is passed, comprising, photoelectric means responsive to light reflected from said surface in a selected band of the spectrum to produce a color output signal representative of the intensity of reflected light in said band; differential operational amplifier means including first and second inputs, an output and a source of reference potential connected with one of said inputs, the other of said inputs being connected to receive said output signal; said amplifier means producing an operational signal, at said output, representative of the change in said output signal from a given normalized level; and feedback means from said output to said other of said inputs holding said operational output signal at said reference voltage and normalizing said color output signal to said reference voltage in the absence of a said object over said surface; said feedback means comprising gate means and voltage storage means selectively connected betwEen said output and said photoelectric means by said gate means; and control means disabling said gate means in response to the presence of a said object over said surface.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
209 words
Circuit means detecting and providing an output signal representative of the relative brightness of an object with reference to the color of the obverse surface of a background reference over which said object is passed, comprising, photoelectric means responsive to light reflected from said surface in a selected band of the spectrum to produce a color output signal representative of the intensity of reflected light in said band; differential operational amplifier means including first and second inputs, an output and a source of reference potential connected with one of said inputs, the other of said inputs being connected to receive said output signal; said amplifier means producing an operational signal, at said output, representative of the change in said output signal from a given normalized level; and feedback means from said output to said other of said inputs holding said operational output signal at said reference voltage and normalizing said color output signal to said reference voltage in the absence of a said object over said surface; said feedback means comprising gate means and voltage storage means selectively connected betwEen said output and said photoelectric means by said gate means; and control means disabling said gate means in response to the presence of a said object over said surface.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention defined in claim 21, wherein said voltage storage means comprises timing resistance means and a non-polarized capacitance means connected from said source of reference voltage to said gate means through said timing resistance means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
88 words
The invention defined in claim 21, wherein said voltage storage means comprises timing resistance means and a non-polarized capacitance means connected from said source of reference voltage to said gate means through said timing resistance means; and wherein said control means includes pulse generating means applying variable duration control pulses to said gate means to selectively vary the rate of information to said voltage storage means as a function of the apparent duration of the presence of a said object over the said surface of said background reference.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
79 words
The invention defined in claim 21, wherein said photoelectric means includes a phototube and a load resistance in series therewith, both connected in series with said gate means; and wherein said voltage storage means comprises timing resistance means and a non-polarized capacitance means connected from said source of reference voltage to said gate means through said timing resistance means; said timing resistance being in series with said load resistance and phototube and said capacitance means being in parallel therewith.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
111 words
The invention defined in claim 21, wherein said photoelectric means includes a phototube and a load resistance in series therewith, both connected in series with said gate means, and wherein said voltage storage means comprises timing resistance means and a non-polarized capacitance means connected from said source of reference voltage to said gate means through said timing resistance means; said timing resistance being in series with said load resistance and phototube and said capacitance means being in parallel therewith; and wherein said control means includes pulse generating means applying variable duration control pulses to said gate means to selectively vary the rate of input of information to said voltage storage means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
215 words
Transducer means determining the relative brightness and color tone of tobacco leaves and the like to a known color standard comprising: a reference surface having a standard color; source means impinging polychromatic light on the obverse surface of said reference standard to reflect light therefrom; first and second detector means receiving reflected light from said obverse surface in first and second and of the spectrum, respectively, and producing first and second output parameters representative of the respective intensities of reflected light in said respective bands said parameters being modified in response to the color of a leaf present over said obverse surface; feedback means including gated data storage means responsive to said output parameters normalizing the respective output parameters of said detector means to said standard color; logic means precluding further response of said storage means to said output parameters in response to the presence of a leaf over said obverse surface; and computer means, responsive to said modified output parameters of said first and second detector means, responding to at least one of said modified parameters to derive a first signal representing the relative brightness of said leaf to said standard color, and subtracting said modified parameters to derive a second signal representing the relative color tone of said leaf to said standard color.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
215 words
Transducer means determining the relative brightness and color tone of tobacco leaves and the like to a known color standard comprising: a reference surface having a standard color; source means impinging polychromatic light on the obverse surface of said reference standard to reflect light therefrom; first and second detector means receiving reflected light from said obverse surface in first and second and of the spectrum, respectively, and producing first and second output parameters representative of the respective intensities of reflected light in said respective bands said parameters being modified in response to the color of a leaf present over said obverse surface; feedback means including gated data storage means responsive to said output parameters normalizing the respective output parameters of said detector means to said standard color; logic means precluding further response of said storage means to said output parameters in response to the presence of a leaf over said obverse surface; and computer means, responsive to said modified output parameters of said first and second detector means, responding to at least one of said modified parameters to derive a first signal representing the relative brightness of said leaf to said standard color, and subtracting said modified parameters to derive a second signal representing the relative color tone of said leaf to said standard color.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention defined in claim 26, wherein said transducer means further includes control means selectively programmed to respond to said first and second signals from said computer means to impose a physical constraint on each leaf of preselected brightness and color tone relative to said standard color.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention defined in claim 26, wherein said control means includes pneumatic jet means selectively directing a jet of air against and effecting a predetermined displacement of each said leaf of preselected brightness and color tone relative to said standard color.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
280 words
Grading and sorting means for comparing objects with a background color reference having an obverse surface over which said objects are transported, comprising: a background color reference; source means impinging polychromatic light on the obverse surface of said background reference; conveyor means directing objects to be graded over said obverse surface; first and second light detector means positioned over said obverse surface to receive light reflected therefrom and constrained to respond to first and second respectively distinct portions of the spectrum and providing first and second output parameters representative of the respective intensity of the reflected light in said portions of the spectrum; reference means establishing a reference parameter representative of said color of said background reference and normalizing said detector means thereto; first computer means responsive to at least one of said first and second output parameters, comparing same with a representation of said reference parameter and generating a first logic signal representative of the relative brightness of each object traversing said obverse surface to the brightness of said surface; second computer means deriving a difference between said first and second output parameters and generating a second logic signal representative of the relative color tone of each said object traversing said obverse surface to a preselected color tone of said surface; means selectively sorting objects of like grade into common paths of travel; and logic means, responsive to said first and second logic signals and programmed to respond to selected ones of said logic signals representing a given grade of each of said objects relative to said background reference, generating an actuating signal for said sorting means upon the occurrence of a said selected one of said logic signals.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
280 words
Grading and sorting means for comparing objects with a background color reference having an obverse surface over which said objects are transported, comprising: a background color reference; source means impinging polychromatic light on the obverse surface of said background reference; conveyor means directing objects to be graded over said obverse surface; first and second light detector means positioned over said obverse surface to receive light reflected therefrom and constrained to respond to first and second respectively distinct portions of the spectrum and providing first and second output parameters representative of the respective intensity of the reflected light in said portions of the spectrum; reference means establishing a reference parameter representative of said color of said background reference and normalizing said detector means thereto; first computer means responsive to at least one of said first and second output parameters, comparing same with a representation of said reference parameter and generating a first logic signal representative of the relative brightness of each object traversing said obverse surface to the brightness of said surface; second computer means deriving a difference between said first and second output parameters and generating a second logic signal representative of the relative color tone of each said object traversing said obverse surface to a preselected color tone of said surface; means selectively sorting objects of like grade into common paths of travel; and logic means, responsive to said first and second logic signals and programmed to respond to selected ones of said logic signals representing a given grade of each of said objects relative to said background reference, generating an actuating signal for said sorting means upon the occurrence of a said selected one of said logic signals.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention defined in claim 29, wherein said objects comprise tobacco leaves; said first and second portions of the spectrum comprise the orange and red bands thereof; and said preselected color tone of said obverse surface is a green color tone.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
61 words
The invention defined in claim 29, wherein said objects traverse said obverse surface and fall therefrom in a normal trajectory unless otherwise constrained; and wherein said sorting means comprise a pneumatic jet, selectively actuate by said logic means to emit and impinge a jet of air upon those said objects of undesirable brightness and color tone relative to said standard color.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention defined in claim 29, wherein said sorting means further includes delay means precluding actuation of said reject means by said logic means for a selected time subsequent to the advent of traverse of one of said objects over said obverse surface.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
103 words
The invention defined in claim 29, wherein said objects traverse said obverse surface and fall therefrom in a normal trajectory unless otherwise constrained; wherein said sorting means comprise a pneumatic jet, selectively actuated by said logic means to emit and impinge a jet of air upon those said objects of undesirable brightness and color tone relative to said standard color to constrain another trajectory thereon; and wherein said sorting means further includes delay means precluding actuation of said sorting means by said logic means for a selected time subsequent to the advent of traverse of one of said objects over said obverse surface.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
277 words
Grading and sorting means for comparing objects with a background color reference having an obverse surface over which said objects are transported, comprising: a background color reference; SOURCE means impinging polychromatic light on the obverse surface of said background reference; conveyor means directing objects to be graded over said obverse surface; first and second light detector means positioned over said obverse surface to receive light reflected therefrom and constrained to respond to first and second respectively distinct portions of the spectrum and providing first and second output parameters representative of the respective intensity of the reflected light in said portions of the spectrum; reference means establishing a reference parameter representative of said color of said background reference and normalizing said detector means thereto; computer means responsive to at least one of said first and second output parameters, comparing same with a representation of said reference parameter and generating a first logic signal representative of the relative brightness of each object traversing said obverse surface to the brightness of said surface and deriving a difference between said first and second output parameters and generating a second logic signal representative of the relative color tone of each said object traversing said obverse surface to a preselected color tone of said surface; means selectively sorting objects of like grade into common paths of travel; and logic means, responsive to said first and second logic signals and programmed to respond to selected ones of said logic signals representing a given grade of each of said objects relative to said background reference, generating an actuating signal for said sorting means upon the occurrence of a said selected one of said logic signals.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
277 words
Grading and sorting means for comparing objects with a background color reference having an obverse surface over which said objects are transported, comprising: a background color reference; SOURCE means impinging polychromatic light on the obverse surface of said background reference; conveyor means directing objects to be graded over said obverse surface; first and second light detector means positioned over said obverse surface to receive light reflected therefrom and constrained to respond to first and second respectively distinct portions of the spectrum and providing first and second output parameters representative of the respective intensity of the reflected light in said portions of the spectrum; reference means establishing a reference parameter representative of said color of said background reference and normalizing said detector means thereto; computer means responsive to at least one of said first and second output parameters, comparing same with a representation of said reference parameter and generating a first logic signal representative of the relative brightness of each object traversing said obverse surface to the brightness of said surface and deriving a difference between said first and second output parameters and generating a second logic signal representative of the relative color tone of each said object traversing said obverse surface to a preselected color tone of said surface; means selectively sorting objects of like grade into common paths of travel; and logic means, responsive to said first and second logic signals and programmed to respond to selected ones of said logic signals representing a given grade of each of said objects relative to said background reference, generating an actuating signal for said sorting means upon the occurrence of a said selected one of said logic signals.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention defined in claim 34, wherein said objects comprise tobacco leaves; said first and second portions of the spectrum comprise the orange and red bands thereof; and said preselected color tone of said obverse surface is a green color tone.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
61 words
The invention defined in claim 34, wherein said objects traverse said obverse surface and fall therefrom in a normal trajectory unless otherwise constrained; and wherein said sorting means comprise a pneumatic jet, selectively actuate by said logic means to emit and impinge a jet of air upon those said objects of undesirable brightness and color tone relative to said standard color.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention defined in claim 34, wherein said sorting means further includes delay means precluding actuation of said reject means by said logic means for a selected time subsequent to the advent of traverse of one of said objects over said obverse surface.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
103 words
The invention defined in claim 34, wherein said objects traverse said obverse surface and fall therefrom in a normal trajectory unless otherwise constrained; wherein said sorting means comprise a pneumatic jet, selectively actuated by said logic means to emit and impinge a jet of air upon those said objects of undesirable brightness and color tone relative to said standard color to constrain another trajectory thereon; and wherein said sorting means further includes delay means precluding actuation of said sorting means by said logic means for a selected time subsequent to the advent of traverse of one of said objects over said obverse surface.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-31 | 1977-07-02 | 1978-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-31 | 1981-07-02 | 1982-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-31 | 1985-07-02 | 1986-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |