US 5,473,703 A · Methods and apparatus for controlling the feed rate of a discrete object sorter/counter

Abstract

An object sorter/counter for controlling the feed rate of a sorter/counter includes a feed bowl which is oscillated by an adjustable amplitude vibrator and an exit assembly having a chute with a sensor array for registering the passage of objects through the exit assembly. The feed bowl is provided with a shutter which interposes a photodetector and a light source so that light from the light source is blocked from detection by the photodetector intermittently as the feed bowl oscillates. A circuit coupled to the photodetector generates a series of pulses having widths inversely proportional the amplitude of bowl oscillation. A controller adjusts the vibrator to oscillate the feed bowl at a predetermined amplitude until the sensor array senses a first object. The controller then adjusts the vibrator to oscillate the feed bowl at a lower amplitude and monitors the sensing of other objects. Time intervals between objects being sensed are monitored and the controller adjusts the vibrator to oscillate the feed bowl at a lower or higher amplitude to maintain a constant feed rate. A count of objects sensed is maintained and compared to a predetermined maximum count. When the count of objects equals a predetermined number less than the maximum count, the controller adjusts the vibrator to oscillate the feed bowl at a lower amplitude to lower the feed rate. When the count of objects equals the maximum count, the controller activates a gate closing the chute.

Claims10

Dependent claims

An apparatus for counting discrete objects comprising:

a) an object feeder for feeding objects to be counted, said object feeder having an output opening;
b) adjustable amplitude oscillating means coupled to said object feeder for oscillating said object feeder at an amplitude to align said objects in said feeder whereby said objects exit said output opening substantially one at a time;
c) receiving means coupled to said output opening of said object feeder for receiving said objects from said output opening;
d) first sensor means adjacent said receiving means for registering each of said objects received by said receiving means;
e) counting means for counting each of said objects;
f) second sensor means coupled to said object feeder for sensing the amplitude of oscillation of said object feeder;
and
g) control means coupled to said adjustable amplitude oscillating means and coupled to said first and second sensor means for controlling said amplitude of oscillation of said object feeder,
wherein said control means adjusts said adjustable amplitude oscillating means to oscillate said object feeder at a first predetermined amplitude greater than zero until said first sensor means registers a first object received by said object receiver after which said control means adjusts said adjustable amplitude oscillating means to oscillate said object feeder at a second predetermined amplitude greater than zero, said second predetermined amplitude being less than said first predetermined amplitude.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and apparatus for controlling the feed rate of a discrete object sorter/counter

Life of this patent

Methods and apparatus for controlling the feed rate of a discrete object sorter/counter

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10