US 5,244,100 A · Apparatus and method for sorting objects

Abstract

An apparatus for sorting objects according to preselected weight and/or visually ascertainable criteria. Each object is singulated and transported between adjacent pairs of a plurality of roller assemblies attached to a conveyor chain to be freely rotatable on an vertically slidable axis oriented normal to the conveying path. A rotation control surface along the conveying path causes rotation in the roller assemblies and in the object supported therebetween, increasing the surface of the object accessible for optical scanning. Mounted between each pair of roller assemblies is a weighing cradle subtending the object transported therebetween. The weighing cradle elevates and captures the object from its support between roller assembly so that the cradle can engage a load cell for weighing the object. Pivotally mounted between each pair of rollers and subtending the object transported therebetween is an elongated discharge plate. Each object is unloaded at an appropriate discharge location by pivoting upwardly the discharge plate. Pivoting of the discharge plate is caused by the activation of a diverter arm at the discharge location. The activated diverter arm directs an orientation control surface attached to the discharge plate onto a ramp adjacent the conveying path. The apparatus involves a single sorter chain having attached thereto a plurality of component parts: roller assemblies, weighing cradles, discharge plates, and roller mounts. Roller assemblies, weighing cradles, and discharge plates are supported on the roller mounts, which are in turn releasably secured to the sorter chain.

Claims76

Dependent claims

An apparatus for handling objects comprising:

conveying means for rotatably supporting and transporting the objects along a conveying path from an object input station to an object output station, comprising a frame, a chain movably suspended from said frame along said conveying path, said chain comprising a plurality of links connected to form an endless loop, and a plurality of chain attachment assemblies releasably secured to said chain and adjacent pairs of chain attachment assemblies defining individual conveying pockets, said chain attachment assemblies comprising:
a mount connected to said chain;
a roller assembly connected to said mount in rotatable engagement;
a cradle connected to said mount in vertically slidable engagement;
and
a discharge member connected pivotally to said mount;
rotation control means adjacent said path of travel of said conveying means for interacting with said conveying means to rotate the objects supported thereon;
weighing means for interacting with said conveying means to weigh each object;
activation means for selectively interacting with each discharge member for off-loading individual ones of the objects to remove selected objects from said conveying means;
and
collection means located at said object output station for receiving the selected objects off-loaded from said conveying means.

8 more elements

An apparatus for handling objects comprising:

conveying means for rotatably supporting and transporting the objects along a conveying path from an object input station to an object output station, comprising a frame, a chain movably suspended from said frame along said conveying path, said chain comprising a plurality of links connected to form an endless loop, and a plurality of chain attachment assemblies releasably secured to said chain and adjacent pairs of chain attachment assemblies defining individual conveying pockets, said chain attachment assemblies comprising:
a mount connected to said chain;
a roller assembly connected to said mount in vertically slidable and rotatable engagement;
a cradle connected to said mount in vertically slidable engagement;
and
a discharge member connected pivotally to said mount;
rotation control means adjacent said path of travel of said conveying means for interacting with said conveying means to rotate the objects supported thereon;
weighing means for interacting with said conveying means to weigh each object;
activation means for selectively interacting with each discharge member for off-loading individual ones of the objects to remove selected objects from said conveying means;
and
collection means located at said object output station for receiving the selected objects off-loaded from said conveying means.

8 more elements

An apparatus for handling objects comprising:

conveying means for rotatably supporting and transporting the objects along a conveying path from an object input station to an object output station, comprising a frame, a chain movably suspended from said frame along said conveying path, said chain comprising a plurality of links connected to form an endless loop, and a plurality of chain attachment assemblies releasably secured to said chain and adjacent pairs of chain attachment assemblies defining individual conveying pockets, said chain attachment assemblies comprising:
a mount connected to said chain;
a roller assembly connected to said mount in rotatable engagement;
a discharge cradle connected to said mount in vertically slidable and pivotal engagement;
rotation control means adjacent said path of travel of said conveying means for interacting with said conveying means to rotate the objects supported thereon;
weighing means for interacting with said conveying means to weigh each object;
activation means for selectively interacting with each discharge cradle for off-loading individual ones of the objects to remove selected objects from said conveying means;
and
collection means located at said object output station for receiving the selected objects off-loaded from said conveying means.

6 more elements

An apparatus for handling objects comprising:

conveying means for rotatably supporting and transporting the objects along a conveying path from an object input station to an object output station, comprising a frame, a chain movably suspended from said frame along said conveying path, said chain comprising a plurality of links connected to form an endless loop, and a plurality of chain attachment assemblies releasably secured to said chain and adjacent pairs of chain attachment assemblies defining individual conveying pockets, said chain attachment assemblies comprising:
a mount connected to said chain;
a roller assembly connected to said mount in vertically slidable and rotatable engagement;
a discharge cradle connected to said mount in vertically slidable and pivotal engagement;
rotation control means adjacent said path of travel of said conveying means for interacting with said conveying means to rotate the objects supported thereon;
weighing means for interacting with said conveying means to weigh each object;
activation means for selectively interacting with each discharge cradle for off-loading individual ones of the objects to remove selected objects from said conveying means;
and
collection means located at said object output station for receiving the selected objects off-loaded from said conveying means.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus and method for sorting objects

Life of this patent

Apparatus and method for sorting objects

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims76