Spacing and classification conveyors and related systems and methods
AssigneeMarble, Inc.
InventorTyler Randolph
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various gapping conveyors and classification conveyors, including combination gapping and classification conveyors along with separate gapping conveyors and classification devices. In some embodiments, the gapping scale conveyor system includes both a gapping conveyor and a multi-zone scale conveyor in the same device and further includes a computing device for controlling the two conveyors. In other embodiments, a gapping conveyor having three conveyor belts is provided, and separately a classification device is provided having a conveyor with a scale and a hood with various sensors therein, including an imaging device.
Claims20
A gapping in-motion scale conveyor system for a plurality of products, the system comprising:
- (a) a gapping conveyor;
- (b) a multi-zone scale conveyor;
- and
- (c) a control system configured to selectively activate the gapping conveyor to move the plurality of products, in series, toward the scale conveyor,
- wherein the control system is configured to move the plurality of products onto the scale conveyor to form substantially the same gap between each of the products in a series of three or more products traversing the scale conveyor, and
- wherein the control system is configured to determine the location of product relative to each scale zone.
A conveyor system for a plurality of products, the system comprising:
- (a) a gapping conveyor comprising three conveyor sections;
- (b) a classification device disposed adjacent to and coupled with the gapping conveyor, the classification device comprising:
- (i) a conveyor comprising a scale disposed within the conveyor;
- and
- (ii) a sensor enclosure disposed over the conveyor, the sensor enclosure comprising an imaging device;
- and
- (c) at least one processor configured to:
- (i) control one or more sensors to capture sensor data regarding the product as the product moves along the gapping conveyor;
- (ii) determine, based at least in part on the sensor data, a position of the product in relation to adjacent products;
- (iii) select, based at least in part on the position of the product, a desired gap between the product and the adjacent products;
- (iv) control the three conveyor sections to create the desired gap between the product and the adjacent products;
- (v) control one or more sensors and the imaging device to capture sensor data regarding the product as the product moves through the classification;
- (vi) determine, based at least in part on the sensor data, a classification of the product;
- (vii) select, based at least in part on the classification of the product, a desired action relating to the product;
- and
- (viii) control any component of a corresponding processing system to perform the desired action relating to the product.
A conveyor system for a plurality of products, the system comprising:
- (a) a gapping conveyor;
- (b) a scale conveyor comprising at least two scale zones;
- and
- (c) a control system configured to selectively activate the gapping conveyor to move the plurality of products, in series, toward the scale conveyor,
- wherein the control system is configured to move the plurality of products onto the scale conveyor to form substantially the same gap between each of the plurality of products in a series of three or more products traversing the scale conveyor, and
- wherein the control system is configured to receive a set of measurements from the at least two scale zones corresponding to an instant where a first product and a second product of the plurality of products are traveling through the at least two scale zones.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.