Apparatus for sensing objects on a moving conveyor
AssigneeQuad/Tech, Inc.
InventorDale Konle
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sensor for sensing and counting objects on a moving conveyor. Objects are moved on the conveyor past a sensor having first and second legs pivotally mounted about a fixed axis above the conveyor. The second leg is offset from the first leg in the direction of conveyor movement. As an object encounters the first leg, it causes the first leg to rotate toward the second leg. A proximity detector includes a target mounted on the first leg and a sensing element mounted on the second leg. The proximity detector detects movement of the first leg relative to the second leg and generates a pulse, thereby counting the object, when the first leg assumes a predetermined position relative to the second leg.
Claims19
Apparatus for sensing objects moving relative thereto in a predetermined direction in a plane of conveyance, said apparatus comprising:
- a proximity detector having first and second elements for generating a signal each time said first and second elements assume a predetermined proximity relation;
- a first leg, pivotally mounted about a first axis, said first axis being disposed substantially perpendicular to said predetermined direction in a plane substantially parallel to said plane of conveyance, said first leg being disposed with a free end thereof proximate to said plane of conveyance;
- said first detector element being mounted on said first leg;
- a second leg, pivotally mounted about a second axis parallel to said first axis in a plane parallel to said plane of conveyance, offset by a predetermined distance in said predetermined direction, said second leg being disposed with a free end thereof proximate to said plane of conveyance;
- said second detector element being mounted on said second leg, in a position corresponding to the position of said first detector element on said first leg.
Apparatus for sensing objects moving along a path in a predetermined direction, comprising:
- a first follower having a first detector element rigidly mounted thereto;
- a second follower having a second detector element associated therewith;
- means for disposing said first follower for pivotal movement about a first axis in response to passage of said object;
- means for disposing said second follower for pivotal movement abut a second axis in response to passage of said object, said second axis being offset from said first axis in said predetermined direction;
- and
- means for generating indicia of passage of said object in response to said followers assuming a predetermined relative angular disposition.
A method for sensing objects moving along a predetermined path:
- disposing a first leg for pivotal motion about a first axis such that passage of an object causes angular movement of said first leg about said first axis;
- disposing a second leg for pivotal motion about a second axis such that passage of an object causes angular movement of said second leg about said second axis and said second axis being offset from said first axis by a predetermined amount in a direction of movement of said object along said path;
- positioning a first element of a proximity detector in accordance with an angular position of said first leg;
- positioning a second element of said proximity detector in accordance with an angular position of said second leg;
- maintaining a fixed relative disposition between said first element and said first leg;
- and
- generating indicia of passage of said object in response to said legs assuming a predetermined relative angular disposition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.