US 2026/0062224 A1 · CASSETTE GRADER AND METHOD

Abstract

A grader system for weighing and distributing food parts to achieve a desired batch weigh includes a conveyor system with a plurality of cups moving along a pathway that encounter a weigh station. The cups are mounted on a tilt frame that is connected to the conveyor system by a support frame assembly and an arm assembly. The support frame assembly is constructed with an open design forming cavities that can be cleaned when the grader system is in use. The arm assembly is at the exterior of the frame assembly and is constructed having a T-shaped cross section permitting cleaning. The tilt frame assembly includes feet that move along rails connected to a load cell at the weighing station.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A grader apparatus, comprising:

a first conveyor system;
a plurality of cassettes connected to the first conveyor system, each cassette comprising:
a first cup extending from a front portion to a rear portion;
a support frame assembly connected to the first conveyor system;
a tilt frame, wherein the first cup is mounted to the tilt frame;
a pivot frame mount connected to the tilt frame;
and
an arm assembly connected to the pivot frame and the support
frame assembly, wherein the arm assembly comprises:
a front lateral and a rear lateral, wherein the front lateral and rear lateral are formed from a lateral flange support structure and a vertical web support structure, and wherein the front lateral and rear lateral form a T-shaped cross section.

7 more elements

A grader apparatus, comprising:

a first conveyor system;
a plurality of cassettes connected to the first conveyor system, comprising:
a first cassette, comprising:
a first cup extending from a front portion to a rear portion;
a support frame assembly connected to the first conveyor system;
a first tilt frame assembly forming a front foot and a rear foot;
and
wherein the first cup is mounted to the first tilt frame assembly;
and
a second cassette, comprising:
a second cup extending from a front portion to a rear portion;
a support frame assembly connected to the first conveyor system;
a second tilt frame assembly forming a front foot and a rear foot;
and
wherein the second cup is mounted to the second tilt frame assembly;
a first weigh station, comprising;
a front contact formed by an elongated rail, wherein the front contact is adapted to engage the first tilt frame front foot;
a rear contact formed by an elongated rail, wherein the rear contact is adapted to engage the first tilt frame rear foot;
and
wherein the front contact and rear contact are operably connected to a first load cell;
a second weigh station, comprising:
a front contact formed by an elongated rail, wherein the front contact is adapted to engage the second tilt frame front foot;
a rear contact formed by an elongated rail, wherein the rear contact is adapted to engage the second tilt frame rear foot;
and
wherein the front contact and rear contact are operably connected to a second load cell;
and
wherein the first weigh station front contact is disposed adjacent the second weigh station front contact, and wherein the first weigh station rear contact is disposed adjacent the second weigh station rear contact.

24 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cassette grader and method

Life of this patent

Cassette grader and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19