US3790759A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pitch matching detecting and counting system
Assignee: Spartanics Ltd
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Filing: 1971-03-04
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Granted: 1974-02-05
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Expires: 1991-03-04
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for counting stacked sheet-like materials having no sheet separation requirements. The active area of the sensor array is matched to the width of a sheet of the stack and the sensor array caused to traverse the stack, the complex signal output of the sensor array being stripped of the unwanted components in a high gain, diode clamped capacitive input operational amplifier whose square wave output is processed and counted in conventional counting circuits.
Inventors
- 👤 W Mohan
- 👤 S Willits
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 07:28
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K21/00; H03K21/02; G; G06; G06M; G06M1/00; G06M1/08; G06M1/10; G06M1/101; G06M9/00; B; B65; B65H; B65H2301/00; B65H2301/50; B65H2301/54; B65H2301/541
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
272 words
In a method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects arranged in a stack having the steps of effecting relative movement between a sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked objects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating current component of said composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvements comprising the step of confining the effective area of each of said sensor means to an elongated strip whose effective width is correlated to the edge thickness of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
272 words
In a method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects arranged in a stack having the steps of effecting relative movement between a sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked objects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating current component of said composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvements comprising the step of confining the effective area of each of said sensor means to an elongated strip whose effective width is correlated to the edge thickness of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 1 further comprising the steps of matching the effective width of a sensor pair comprising said sensor array to the thickness of individual ones of said similar stacked objects, the match being between 50/N percent less than the thickness of one of said similar stacked objects and 80/N percent more than the thickness of one of said similar stacked objects where N is the number of sensor pairs comprising said array.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
334 words
In a method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects arranged in a stack having the steps of effecting relative movement between a sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked objects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating curRent component of said composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvement comprising the steps of matching the effective width of each of said sensor means to the edge thickness of individual ones of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train, and selectively filtering said pitch match filtered sensor output signals to enhance said second alternating current component thereof producing cyclic slope reversals that are indicative of individual ones of said similar stacked objects and reject other signal components and thereby provide a pulse train wherein the total quantity of pulses is equal to the quantity of slope reversal cycles and thereby the quantity of said similar stacked objects.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
334 words
In a method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects arranged in a stack having the steps of effecting relative movement between a sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked objects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating curRent component of said composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvement comprising the steps of matching the effective width of each of said sensor means to the edge thickness of individual ones of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train, and selectively filtering said pitch match filtered sensor output signals to enhance said second alternating current component thereof producing cyclic slope reversals that are indicative of individual ones of said similar stacked objects and reject other signal components and thereby provide a pulse train wherein the total quantity of pulses is equal to the quantity of slope reversal cycles and thereby the quantity of said similar stacked objects.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 3 further comprising the steps of shaping said pulse train to clearly separate the pulses indicative of individual ones of said similar stacked objects, and accumulating a total count of the pulses indicative of individual ones of said similar stacked objects.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
85 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 3 further comprising the step of optically imaging said sensor array on the edges of said similar stacked objects, said imaging comprising utilizing an objective lens to bring the image of said sensor array to a focus in the plane of a field lens within 10 percent, said field lens being located intermediate said similar stacked objects and said sensor array, said objective lens being located at the back focus of said field lens within 10 percent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 3 further comprising the steps of optically imaging said sensor array on the edges of said similar stacked objects, and varying the relative spacing between said sensor array, said similar stacked objects and said optical imaging means to thereby effect said matching of effective width.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 6 further comprising the step of minimizing the number of Moire optical interference patterns present when said edges of said similar stacked objects are viewed through an optical grating and said imaging means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 3 wherein said match is between 50/N percent less than the thickness of one of said similar stacked objects and 80/N percent more than the thickness of one of said similar stacked objects where N is the number of sensor pairs comprising said sensor array.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 8 further comprising the steps of shaping said pulse train to clearly separate the pulses indicative of individual ones of said similar stacked objects, and accumulating a total count of the pulses indicative of individual ones of said similar stacked objects.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 8 further comprising the step of demodulating the output of two sensors comprising a sensor pair to thereby provide a demodulated signal indicative of the phase mismatch between said two sensors.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 10 further comprising the step of applying said demodulated signal to servo means responsive thereto to selectively vary said phase mismatch.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 3 further comprising the steps of selectively illuminating the area of said edges of said similar stacked objects presented to said sensor array, and controlling both the angle of incidence of said illumination and the angle of sensing of said sensor array with respect to said similar stacked objects.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 12 wherein said said angle of sensing is maiNtained between normal and 20* from normal with respect to said edges and said illumination angle is maintained substantially greater than said sensing angle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 12 wherein said sensing angle as measured from a normal to said edges is between 40* and 60* and said illumination angle is within 20* of said sensing angle.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 3 further comprising the steps of measuring the level of the output signal of the sensor in said sensor array whose image first traverses said edges, generating a correction signal whenever said output signal level falls below a predetermined minimum, and utilizing said correction signal to blank out one or more pulses in said pulse train.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 3 further comprising the steps of accumulating a count of the quantity of pulses in said pulse train and generating a correction signal when said accumulation is equal to the number of sensor arrays in excess of one, and utilizing said correction signal to inhibit effective counting of said pulses until said correction signal is generated.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
293 words
In a method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects arranged in a stack having the steps of effecting relative movement between a sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects, said sensor means continuously sensing an illuminated area on the edge portions of said stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked objects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating current component of said composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvement comprising the steps of confining said illuminated area on the edges of said similar stacked objects to an elongated strip whose effective width is correlated to the edge thickness of individual ones of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
293 words
In a method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects arranged in a stack having the steps of effecting relative movement between a sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects, said sensor means continuously sensing an illuminated area on the edge portions of said stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked objects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating current component of said composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvement comprising the steps of confining said illuminated area on the edges of said similar stacked objects to an elongated strip whose effective width is correlated to the edge thickness of individual ones of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
347 words
In a method for counting a quantity of a plurality of similar objects arranged in a stack having the steps of effecting relative movement between a sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects, a plurality of discrete areas of said edge portions being illuminated, said sensor means continuously sensing said illuminated areas on the edge portions of said similar stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked objects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating current component of said composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvement comprising the step of confining the width of illumination of each of said discrete areas to an elongated strip whose effective width is correlated to the edge thickness of individual ones of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train, the width axis of each of said illuminated discrete areas being disposed substantially parallel to the thickness axis of each of said similar stacked objects, the center-to-center distance of adjacent illuminated discrete areas being substantially matched to the center-to-center distance of adjacent sheets.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
347 words
In a method for counting a quantity of a plurality of similar objects arranged in a stack having the steps of effecting relative movement between a sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects, a plurality of discrete areas of said edge portions being illuminated, said sensor means continuously sensing said illuminated areas on the edge portions of said similar stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked objects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating current component of said composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvement comprising the step of confining the width of illumination of each of said discrete areas to an elongated strip whose effective width is correlated to the edge thickness of individual ones of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train, the width axis of each of said illuminated discrete areas being disposed substantially parallel to the thickness axis of each of said similar stacked objects, the center-to-center distance of adjacent illuminated discrete areas being substantially matched to the center-to-center distance of adjacent sheets.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 18 further comprising the steps of optically imaging the source of illumination on the edges of said similar stacked objects, and varying the relative spacing between said source of illumination, said similar stacked objects and the optical imaging means to thereby effect the width adjustment of said plural illuminated discrete areas.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
292 words
The method of counting a plurality of stacked objects by means of an apparatus of the type including an irradiation source, a sensor for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from the generally aligned, but otherwise untreated edge portions of said stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train indicative of the space varying reflectance characteristic of said stacked objects, an amplifier coupled to said sensor for developing electrical signals proportional in amplitude to the radiation detected by said sensor and a filter means for stripping unwanted signal components from the output signals of said amplifier and for developing an output signal to index a counter one unit for each of said stacked objects edge portions, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, said method comprising the steps of: confining the effective area of said sensor to an elongated strip having its width axis oriented parallel to said object edge portions; adjusting the width of said effective sensor area to a predetermined value correlated to the thickness of said object edge portions to pitch match filter to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
292 words
The method of counting a plurality of stacked objects by means of an apparatus of the type including an irradiation source, a sensor for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from the generally aligned, but otherwise untreated edge portions of said stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train indicative of the space varying reflectance characteristic of said stacked objects, an amplifier coupled to said sensor for developing electrical signals proportional in amplitude to the radiation detected by said sensor and a filter means for stripping unwanted signal components from the output signals of said amplifier and for developing an output signal to index a counter one unit for each of said stacked objects edge portions, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, said method comprising the steps of: confining the effective area of said sensor to an elongated strip having its width axis oriented parallel to said object edge portions; adjusting the width of said effective sensor area to a predetermined value correlated to the thickness of said object edge portions to pitch match filter to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 20 further comprising the step of differentiating the output of said sensor for developing an electrical signal at least approximately representative of the first derivative of said Detected radiation.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 20, further comprising the step of coupling a second sensor to said sensor in parallel phase opposition for developing a combined output signal representative of the differential in amplitude of the radiation detected by said sensor.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
297 words
The method of counting a plurality of stacked objects by means of an apparatus of the type including an irradiation source, a sensor for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from the generally alinged, but otherwise untreated edge portions of said stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train indicative of the space varying reflectance characteristic of said stacked objects, a means for confining the effective area of said sensor to an elongated strip having its width axis oriented parallel to said object edge portions, an amplifier coupled to said sensor for developing electrical signals proportional in amplitude to the radiation detected by said sensor and a filter means for stripping unwanted signal components from the output signals of said amplifier and for developing an output signal to index a counter one unit for each of said stacked objects edge portions, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, said method comprising the step of: selecting said confining means to obtain an effective sensor width correlated to the edge thickness of the objects to be counted to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train signals.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
297 words
The method of counting a plurality of stacked objects by means of an apparatus of the type including an irradiation source, a sensor for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from the generally alinged, but otherwise untreated edge portions of said stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train indicative of the space varying reflectance characteristic of said stacked objects, a means for confining the effective area of said sensor to an elongated strip having its width axis oriented parallel to said object edge portions, an amplifier coupled to said sensor for developing electrical signals proportional in amplitude to the radiation detected by said sensor and a filter means for stripping unwanted signal components from the output signals of said amplifier and for developing an output signal to index a counter one unit for each of said stacked objects edge portions, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, said method comprising the step of: selecting said confining means to obtain an effective sensor width correlated to the edge thickness of the objects to be counted to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train signals.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
310 words
The method of counting stacked objects where the thickness and reflectance characteristics of the objects vary materially from stack to stack and wherein the apparatus is of a type including an irradiation source, a sensor for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from the generally aligned, but otherwise untreated edge portions of said stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train indicative of the space varying reflectance characteristic of said stacked objects, an amplifier coupled to said sensor for developing electrical signals proportional in amplitude to the radiation detected by said sensor and a filter means for stripping unwanted signal components from the output signals of said amplifier and for developing an output signal to index a counter one unit for each of said stacked objects edge portions, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, said method comprising the steps of: interposing an adjustable means between said irradiation source and said sensor for confining the effective area of said sensor to an elongated strip having its width axis oriented parallel to said objects edge portion; anD adjusting said adjustable means to provide an effective width of said sensor to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train signals.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
310 words
The method of counting stacked objects where the thickness and reflectance characteristics of the objects vary materially from stack to stack and wherein the apparatus is of a type including an irradiation source, a sensor for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from the generally aligned, but otherwise untreated edge portions of said stacked objects to thereby generate a composite output wave train indicative of the space varying reflectance characteristic of said stacked objects, an amplifier coupled to said sensor for developing electrical signals proportional in amplitude to the radiation detected by said sensor and a filter means for stripping unwanted signal components from the output signals of said amplifier and for developing an output signal to index a counter one unit for each of said stacked objects edge portions, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, said method comprising the steps of: interposing an adjustable means between said irradiation source and said sensor for confining the effective area of said sensor to an elongated strip having its width axis oriented parallel to said objects edge portion; anD adjusting said adjustable means to provide an effective width of said sensor to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train signals.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
211 words
The method of counting a plurality of stacked objects by means of an apparatus of the type including an irradiation source, a plurality of sensor means comprising a sensor array for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from the generally aligned, but otherwise untreated edge portions of said stacked objects, an amplifier coupled to said sensor means for developing electrical signals proportional in amplitude to the radiation detected by said sensor means and a filter means for stripping unwanted signal components from the output signals of said amplifier and for developing an output signal to index a counter one unit for each of said stacked objects edge portion, said method comprising the steps of confining the effective area of each of said sensor means to an elongated strip having its width axis oriented parallel to said object edge portions; adjusting the width of each of said effective sensor areas to a predetermined value correlated to the thickness of said object edge portions to effect pitch match filtering to suppress reversals in the slope of the primary signal component of said proportional electrical signals associated with multiple natural contrast characteristics across each object edge portion and for developing a single cycle of slope reversals for each of said objects edge portions.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
211 words
The method of counting a plurality of stacked objects by means of an apparatus of the type including an irradiation source, a plurality of sensor means comprising a sensor array for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from the generally aligned, but otherwise untreated edge portions of said stacked objects, an amplifier coupled to said sensor means for developing electrical signals proportional in amplitude to the radiation detected by said sensor means and a filter means for stripping unwanted signal components from the output signals of said amplifier and for developing an output signal to index a counter one unit for each of said stacked objects edge portion, said method comprising the steps of confining the effective area of each of said sensor means to an elongated strip having its width axis oriented parallel to said object edge portions; adjusting the width of each of said effective sensor areas to a predetermined value correlated to the thickness of said object edge portions to effect pitch match filtering to suppress reversals in the slope of the primary signal component of said proportional electrical signals associated with multiple natural contrast characteristics across each object edge portion and for developing a single cycle of slope reversals for each of said objects edge portions.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
416 words
The method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects stacked adjacent one another by an apparatus of the type including an irradiation source, a first sensor means comprising a first sensor array for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from a first discrete area of the edge portions of stacked objects for generating composite sensor output signals indicative of a natural contrast characteristic of individual ones of said similar stacked objects, the effective width of each of said sensor means being correlated to the thickness of one of said similar stacked objects and within the range of 20 percent to 100 percent of said thickness to effect pitch match filtering to suppress sensor output signals associated with multiple contrast characteristics across the thickness of one of said similar stacked objects and for emphasizing in said sensor output signals a single signal cycle for each of said objects, said composite sensor output signal including a direct current component representative of the average brightness of the reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects and an enhanced second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic associated with individual ones of said stacked objects, but including extraneous components of an amplitude substantially less than that of said second components, and amplifying and counting means coupled to said first sensor array for amplifying said second alternating current component and for utilizing said second alternating current component to count the number of said stacked objects, said method comprising the steps of filtering said composite sensor output signals for developing an output signal of a first amplitude in response to departure of said second components in a first polarity from said reference level and by an amount in excess of a threshold value set above the level of said extraneous components and for developing an output signal of a second, materially different, amplitude in response to departure of said second component in a second, opposite polarity relative to said reference level and by an amount in excess of a threshold value set above the level of said extrAneous components for enhancing in said output signal those cyclic reversals in polarity of said second component exceeding in succession both of said threshold levels and for suppressing in said output signal those reversals in polarity of said extraneous signals of an amplitude insufficient to successively exceed both of said threshold levels.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
416 words
The method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects stacked adjacent one another by an apparatus of the type including an irradiation source, a first sensor means comprising a first sensor array for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from a first discrete area of the edge portions of stacked objects for generating composite sensor output signals indicative of a natural contrast characteristic of individual ones of said similar stacked objects, the effective width of each of said sensor means being correlated to the thickness of one of said similar stacked objects and within the range of 20 percent to 100 percent of said thickness to effect pitch match filtering to suppress sensor output signals associated with multiple contrast characteristics across the thickness of one of said similar stacked objects and for emphasizing in said sensor output signals a single signal cycle for each of said objects, said composite sensor output signal including a direct current component representative of the average brightness of the reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects and an enhanced second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic associated with individual ones of said stacked objects, but including extraneous components of an amplitude substantially less than that of said second components, and amplifying and counting means coupled to said first sensor array for amplifying said second alternating current component and for utilizing said second alternating current component to count the number of said stacked objects, said method comprising the steps of filtering said composite sensor output signals for developing an output signal of a first amplitude in response to departure of said second components in a first polarity from said reference level and by an amount in excess of a threshold value set above the level of said extraneous components and for developing an output signal of a second, materially different, amplitude in response to departure of said second component in a second, opposite polarity relative to said reference level and by an amount in excess of a threshold value set above the level of said extrAneous components for enhancing in said output signal those cyclic reversals in polarity of said second component exceeding in succession both of said threshold levels and for suppressing in said output signal those reversals in polarity of said extraneous signals of an amplitude insufficient to successively exceed both of said threshold levels.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
360 words
In a method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects stacked adjacent one another and not having special treatment to faciliate sensing or counting, having the steps of irradiating said stacked objects with a source, effecting relative movement between a first sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects to thereby detect radiation from said source as reflected from a first discrete area of said edge portions to generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked obects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, and amplifying and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating current component of said composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvement comprising the steps of confining the effective area of each of said sensor means to an elongated strip whose effective width is correlated to the edge thickness of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train, and differentiating said pitch match filtered composite output wave train to develop an electrical signal output at least approximately representative of the first derivative of brightness detected by said sensor array to thereby effectively enhance said second alternating current component relative to the other components of said composite output wave train.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
360 words
In a method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects stacked adjacent one another and not having special treatment to faciliate sensing or counting, having the steps of irradiating said stacked objects with a source, effecting relative movement between a first sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects to thereby detect radiation from said source as reflected from a first discrete area of said edge portions to generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked obects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current component representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, and amplifying and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating current component of said composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvement comprising the steps of confining the effective area of each of said sensor means to an elongated strip whose effective width is correlated to the edge thickness of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train, and differentiating said pitch match filtered composite output wave train to develop an electrical signal output at least approximately representative of the first derivative of brightness detected by said sensor array to thereby effectively enhance said second alternating current component relative to the other components of said composite output wave train.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
102 words
The method of counting set forth in claim 27 wherein said differentiation comprises the steps of including a second sensor in said first sensor array for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from a second discrete area of said edge portions, the effective width of each of said first and said second discrete areas being equal to or less than the thickness of each object, and electrically coupling said first sensor in phase opposition with said second sensor to develop a combined signal therefrom representative of the difference in the amplitudes of the radiation detected by said first and second sensors.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 27 wherein said step of differentiating is further effective to eliminate said direct current component from said composite output wave train.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 27 further including the step of including a capacitor circuit having a time constant of operation effective for establishing a reference level for said second alternating current component and for effectively suppressing said first alternating current component.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
186 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 27 further comprising the step of filtering said output electrical signAls to remove extraneous components thereof of an amplitude substantially less than that of said second component, said filtering comprising development of an output signal of a first amplitude in response to departure of said second alternating current component in a first polarity from a reference level and by an amount in excess of a threshold value set above the level of said extraneous components and for developing a an signal of a second, materially different, amplitude in response to departure of said second alternating current component in a second, opposite polarity relative to said reference level and by an amount in excess of a threshold value set above the level of said extraneous components for thus enhancing in said output signal those cyclic reversals in polarity of said second alternating current components exceeding in succession both of said threshold levels and for suppressing in said output signal those reversals in polarity of said extraneous signals of an amplitude insufficient to successively exceed both of said threshold levels.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
383 words
In a method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects arranged in a stack having the steps of irradiating said stacked objects with a source, effecting relative movement between a first sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects to thereby detect radiation from said source as reflected from a first discrete area of the generally aligned but otherwise untreated edge portions of said stacked objects to generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked objects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current components representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, amplifying and filtering said composites output wave train for stripping unwanted signal components therefrom and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating current component of said amplified and filtered composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvement comprising the steps of including at least one additional sensor array moving with said first sensor array, each additional array including at least one sensor for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from respective discrete areas of said object edge portions which areas are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance, electrically coupling each of said sensor arrays in parallel, and confining the effective area of each of said sensor means to an elongated strip whose effective width is correlated to the edge thickness of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
383 words
In a method for counting the quantity of a plurality of similar objects arranged in a stack having the steps of irradiating said stacked objects with a source, effecting relative movement between a first sensor array having at least one sensor means and the edge portions of said similar stacked objects to thereby detect radiation from said source as reflected from a first discrete area of the generally aligned but otherwise untreated edge portions of said stacked objects to generate a composite output wave train having cyclic components indicative of naturally occurring space varying reflectance characteristics associated with individual ones of said similar stacked objects, said composite output wave train including one or more of the following components, a direct current component representative of the average brightness of reflected radiation, a first comparatively low frequency alternating current component representative of gradual changes to the average brightness over multiple ones of said stacked objects, a second alternating current component representative of a natural contrast characteristic of each of said stacked objects and having a single signal cycle for each of said objects and a third alternating current components representative of plural natural contrast characteristics of each of said objects, amplifying and filtering said composites output wave train for stripping unwanted signal components therefrom and counting the cycles contained in said second alternating current component of said amplified and filtered composite sensor output wave train to thereby provide an indication of the total quantity of said similar stacked objects, the improvement comprising the steps of including at least one additional sensor array moving with said first sensor array, each additional array including at least one sensor for detecting radiation from said source as reflected from respective discrete areas of said object edge portions which areas are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance, electrically coupling each of said sensor arrays in parallel, and confining the effective area of each of said sensor means to an elongated strip whose effective width is correlated to the edge thickness of said objects and equal to or less than the edge thickness of each object to effect pitch match filtering to suppress said third alternating current component in said composite output wave train and for enhancing said second alternating current component in said composite output wave train.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
89 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 32 further comprising the steps of adjusting said predetermined distance of said adjacent discrete areas to maintain their center-to-center distance substantially equal to the thickness of an individual one of said similar stacked objects edge portions, and differentiating said pitch match filtered composite output wave train to develop an electrical siGnal output at least approximately representative of the first derivative of brightness detected by said sensor arrays to thereby effectively enchance said second alternating current component of said composite output wavetrain.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method for counting set forth in claim 32 further comprising the step of subtracting one count from each count total for each sensor array in excess of one to thereby ensure that the count total developed is in each instance equal to the number of stacked objects counted.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-04 | 1977-08-06 | 1978-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-04 | 1981-08-06 | 1982-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-04 | 1985-08-06 | 1986-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |