US 10,890,536 B2Granted

Gemstone handling and analysis system

AssigneeGemEx Systems, Inc.

InventorsRandall M. Wagner, Kurt P. Schoeckert

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Abstract

A gemstone cleaning and analysis system and a method for cleaning and analyzing one or more gemstones using the system. The system includes a platform and an automated positioning system connected to the platform. The automated positioning system selects a gemstone from a plurality of gemstones, deposits the gemstone onto a cleaning stand connected to the platform, cleans at least one side of the gemstone by rubbing at least one side of the gemstone with at least one cleaning tool, and moves the gemstone to a gemstone imaging device connected to the platform. The gemstone imaging device has a plate, and the automated positioning system deposits the gemstone onto the plate. The gemstone imaging device identifies the gemstone. The automated positioning system moves the gemstone to a holding plate that is connected to the platform and deposits the gemstone at a particular location of the holding plate.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A gemstone handling and analysis system capable of cleaning and analyzing a series of gemstones, comprising:

a platform;
a plurality of stations, each positioned on the platform, the plurality of stations including:
a gemstone repository having a ridged support surface and a slidable gemstone uprighting mechanism, positioned such that at least part of the gemstone uprighting mechanism slides over the support surface;
a cleaning station for cleaning at least one side of each of at least some of the gemstones, the cleaning station having a rotatable cleaning stand capable of accepting a gemstone and a reservoir holding a gemstone cleaning solution;
a gemstone imaging station having a gemstone imaging device capable of performing a light return analysis on a gemstone, a plate attached to the gemstone imaging device, the plate sized to receive a gemstone to be analyzed, and a removable cover capable of covering, at least in part, the plate;
and
a scale capable of weighing a gemstone;
a gemstone color analyzer capable of determining a color grade for a gemstone;
a gemstone clarity analyzer capable of determining a clarity grade for a gemstone;
a gemstone origin analyzer capable of authenticating a gemstone;
and
a holding plate capable of holding gemstones in a particular location;
a robotic arm connected to the platform, the robotic arm including:
a gemstone gripper tool capable of selecting, moving, and depositing a gemstone;
at least one tool capable of performing a cleaning function on at least one surface of a gemstone;
and
a plurality of external panels at least partially surrounding the platform and supported by a frame, at least one of the external panels being openable;
a locking mechanism attached to one or more of the openable panels;
and
an input mechanism capable of receiving an input associated with a particular location on the holding plate and providing information to the robotic arm to select a gemstone positioned at the particular location on the holding plate.

17 more elements

A method of cleaning and analyzing a gemstone using a gemstone cleaning and analysis system including a platform and an automated positioning system connected to the platform, the method comprising:

using the automated positioning system to select a first gemstone from a plurality of gemstones;
using the automated positioning system to place the first gemstone onto a cleaning stand connected to the platform;
using the automated positioning system to clean at least one side of the first gemstone by rubbing at least one side of the first gemstone with at least one cleaning tool;
using the automated positioning system to remove, at least partially, a gemstone imaging device cover from a first gemstone imaging device connected to the platform, exposing at least part of a plate of the first gemstone imaging device;
using the automated positioning system to deposit the first gemstone onto the plate of the first gemstone imaging device;
using the automated positioning system to replace the gemstone imaging device cover of the first gemstone imaging device;
performing a light return analysis on the first gemstone, using the first gemstone imaging device;
using the automated positioning system to select a second gemstone from the plurality of gemstones;
using the automated positioning system to place the second gemstone onto the cleaning stand;
using the automated positioning system to clean the second gemstone by rubbing at least one side of the second gemstone with one or more polishing tools;
using the automated positioning system to remove, at least partially, a gemstone imaging device cover from a second gemstone imaging device connected to the platform, exposing at least part of a plate of the second gemstone imaging device;
using the automated positioning system to deposit the second gemstone onto the plate of the second gemstone imaging device;
using the automated positioning system to replace the gemstone imaging device cover of the second gemstone imaging device;
performing a light return analysis on the second gemstone, using the second gemstone imaging device;
using the automated positioning system to remove, at least partially, the gemstone imaging device cover of the first gemstone imaging device;
using the automated positioning system to move the first gemstone to a first location on a holding plate connected to the platform;
using the automated positioning system to remove, at least partially, the gemstone imaging device cover of the second gemstone imaging device;
and
using the automated positioning system to move the second gemstone to a second location on the holding plate.

16 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 16/106,666Filed 21 Aug 2018 · us provisional application
Priority: 21 Aug 2017
Published: US 2019/0056330 A121 Feb 2019
Granted: 12 Jan 2021
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification19 codes

G01N 21/87
Systems specially adapted for particular applications: investigating jewels
B08B 1/12
Characterised by the type of cleaning tool: brushes
B08B 1/14
Characterised by the type of cleaning tool: wipes; Absorbent members, e.g. swabs or sponges
B08B 1/143
Wipes; Absorbent members, e.g. swabs or sponges: wipes