Systems and methods for object processing using levitation
AssigneeBAADER Food Systems USA, Inc.
InventorsRyan John Foltz, Ryan Wesley O'Dell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for object processing using magnetic levitation includes moving carriers with drive magnets across an array of planar motors. Food items on the carriers are moved through processing steps. The system determines the weight of multiple food items and coordinates and arranges for the batching of food items totaling a desired weight from an assembly of available food items and presents the selected food items to an operator for further processing. The system moves the carriers to engage the food items with processing equipment, such as for attaching to poultry shackles, or for cutting by a filet machine.
Claims20
A food processing system, comprising:
- a plurality of planar motors forming a conveyor system, wherein the planar motors produce magnetic fields, and wherein the conveyor system forms a holding area disposed between a first area and a second area;
- a plurality of carriers disposed above the planar motors, wherein the carriers include one or more magnets that interact with the magnetic fields, and wherein the magnetic fields are modulated to independently move the carriers relative to the planar motors;
- wherein the plurality of carriers include a first carrier, and a second carrier,
- wherein the first carrier supports a first food part with a first overall characteristic, and the second carrier supports a second food part with a second overall characteristic;
- wherein the second area includes a first desired batch overall characteristic;
- wherein the first overall characteristic and second overall characteristic are identified by a carrier distribution computer to meet the first desired batch overall characteristic;
- and
- wherein the carrier distribution computer commands the planar motors to move the first carrier and second carrier from the holding area to the second area.
A method of food processing, comprising:
- providing a plurality of planar motors forming a holding area between a first area and a second area;
- providing a plurality of carriers that are moved by the planar motors under control of a carrier distribution computer, wherein the vertical distance between a carrier and a planar motor forms an air gap, separating the carrier and planar motor from contact;
- determining a characteristic of a first food item on a first carrier by the carrier distribution computer;
- and
- moving the first carrier from the first area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.