US 6,606,405 B1Granted

Wood chips analyser

AssigneeAutolog Inc.

InventorsJoseph Nader, Réal Frenette

Life of this patent

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Abstract

The present invention concerns a wood chips analyser. A sample of a load of chips is weighed, and then inserted into the analyser. A sifting drum sifts out any dust present in the sample. The chips are then spread out through the use of a spreader drum and two vibrating trays, which insure that the chips are oriented horizontally. The chips are then fed to a transparent conveyor. A pair of cameras are arranged about the conveyor, one camera facing each surface of the conveyor. The output of the cameras is sent to a controller, which makes a three-dimensional representation of each chip. Once the sample have been analysed, a report is generated according to modifiable criteria. A typical report will indicate the percentage of a category of chips. This information is then used by paper mills to treat the chips accordingly.

Claims5

Dependent claims

A wood chips analyser comprising:

a transparent conveyor for conveying the chips from an upstream position to a downstream position, the transparent conveyor having a top and a bottom surfaces;
means for feeding the chips to the transparent conveyor;
means for spreading the chips on the transparent conveyor;
a pair of cameras, one of the cameras facing the top surface of the transparent conveyor, the other camera facing the bottom surface of the transparent conveyor, both cameras being focused on an imaginary line crossing the transparent conveyor, each camera having an output;
means for receiving the output of each camera and analysing the same in order to categorize the chips according to predetermnined criteria and produce an output;
means for controlling the transparent conveyor, the pair of cameras, the means for feeding the chips, the means for spreading the chips and the means for receiving the output of each camera;
and
means for collecting and weighing dust contained in said chips, said means for collecting and weighing being placed upstream of said means for spreading the chips on the transparent conveyor.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/492,427Filed 27 Jan 2000
Priority: CA 225898227 Jan 1999
Granted: 12 Aug 2003
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

G01N 21/85
Systems specially adapted for particular applications: investigating moving fluids or granular solids
D21B 1/028
Separating fibrous materials from waste: by dry methods
G01N 21/8806
Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination: specially adapted optical and illumination features
G01N 21/89
Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination: in moving material, e.g. running paper or textiles