US3816746A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for inspecting hardware items
Assignee: COLONIAL BANK
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Filing: 1973-04-06
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Granted: 1974-06-11
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Expires: 1993-04-06
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for automatically examining the surfaces of hardware items progressing along a track toward a first receiving location and for urging the items toward a second receiving location when a specified surface condition is detected; viz., the absence of threading. In accordance with the invention, means are provided for determining the entry of a hardware item into a predetermined examination position along the track. Further means are provided for directing a beam of light toward the examination position. A photodetector is disposed to detect the light reflected from the surface of the item at the examination position. Also, deflection means are positioned alongside the track and are responsive to the output of the photodetector to deflect the items toward the second receiving location. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the photodetector is positioned approximately in the path of the beam when assuming the beam to have been reflected off a smooth unthreaded surface. In this preferred embodiment an occurrence indication is generated when the output of the photodetector exceeds a predetermined threshold level. The deflection means is then responsive to this occurrence indication.
Inventors
- 👤 G Gugliotta
- 👤 D Bradt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 13:15
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C3/00; G07C3/14; B; B07; B07C; B07C5/00; B07C5/04; B07C5/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
In a system where hardware items are progressing along a track past an inspection position, an apparatus for examining a surface of a hardware item located at the inspection position to determine if threading is present on said surface, comprising: means for scanning a beam of light over said surface, said scan having a component of motion perpendicular to the direction in which threads are supposed to be running on said surface; a photodetector for receiving light reflected from said surface, said photodetector being positioned approximately in the path of the beam when assuming the beam to have been reflected off an unthreaded surface; and means responsive to the output of said photodetector for generating an occurrence indication when the output of said photodetector exceeds a prescribed level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
In a system where hardware items are progressing along a track past an inspection position, an apparatus for examining a surface of a hardware item located at the inspection position to determine if threading is present on said surface, comprising: means for scanning a beam of light over said surface, said scan having a component of motion perpendicular to the direction in which threads are supposed to be running on said surface; a photodetector for receiving light reflected from said surface, said photodetector being positioned approximately in the path of the beam when assuming the beam to have been reflected off an unthreaded surface; and means responsive to the output of said photodetector for generating an occurrence indication when the output of said photodetector exceeds a prescribed level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said beam of light is a laser beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 2 further comprising a light filter interposed between said surface and said photodetector.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
143 words
Apparatus for automatically examining the surfaces of hardware items progressing along a track toward a first receiving location to determine if threading is present on a surface of each item and for urging said items toward a second receiving location when an absence of threading is detected, comprising: means for determining the entry of an item into a predetermined inspection position along the track; means for directing a beam of light toward said inspection position; means for scanning said beam transverse the direction in which threads are supposed to be running on a surface of the item at the inspection position; a photodetector positioned to detect the light reflected from said surface of the item at the inspection position; and deflection means positioned along said track and responsive to the output of said photodetector to deflect said item towards said second receiving location.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
143 words
Apparatus for automatically examining the surfaces of hardware items progressing along a track toward a first receiving location to determine if threading is present on a surface of each item and for urging said items toward a second receiving location when an absence of threading is detected, comprising: means for determining the entry of an item into a predetermined inspection position along the track; means for directing a beam of light toward said inspection position; means for scanning said beam transverse the direction in which threads are supposed to be running on a surface of the item at the inspection position; a photodetector positioned to detect the light reflected from said surface of the item at the inspection position; and deflection means positioned along said track and responsive to the output of said photodetector to deflect said item towards said second receiving location.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
171 words
Apparatus for inspecting hardware nuts to determine if threading is present on the inner surfaces thereof, comprising: a ramp for carring said nuts, said ramp having a slot which defines an inspection position; means for generating a laser beam; means for splitting said laser beam into an inspection beam and an active beam; means for directing said activate beam over said slot at the inspection position; first photodetector means for receIving said activate beam in the absence of a nut at the inspection position; enable means responsive to the output of said first photodetector for generating an enable signal when a nut is at the inspection position; means for scanning the inspection beam over the inner surface of a nut at the inspection position; second photodetector means for receiving through said slot the light reflected from said inner surface; and means enabled by said enable signal and responsive to the output of said second photodetector for generating an occurrence indication when the output of said photodetector exceeds a predetermined threshold level.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
171 words
Apparatus for inspecting hardware nuts to determine if threading is present on the inner surfaces thereof, comprising: a ramp for carring said nuts, said ramp having a slot which defines an inspection position; means for generating a laser beam; means for splitting said laser beam into an inspection beam and an active beam; means for directing said activate beam over said slot at the inspection position; first photodetector means for receIving said activate beam in the absence of a nut at the inspection position; enable means responsive to the output of said first photodetector for generating an enable signal when a nut is at the inspection position; means for scanning the inspection beam over the inner surface of a nut at the inspection position; second photodetector means for receiving through said slot the light reflected from said inner surface; and means enabled by said enable signal and responsive to the output of said second photodetector for generating an occurrence indication when the output of said photodetector exceeds a predetermined threshold level.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 further comprising means responsive to said occurrence indications for deflecting unthreading nuts off said ramp.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 further comprising a light filter interposed between said inspection position and said second photodetector.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said means for generating said occurrence indication includes means for filtering selected frequencies from said photodetector output.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said second photodetector is positioned approximately in the path of the beam when assuming the beam to have been reflected off an unthreaded surface.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-10 | 1977-12-10 | 1978-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-10 | 1981-12-10 | 1982-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-10 | 1985-12-10 | 1986-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |