US 6,799,684 B2 · Multi-head portioning system

Abstract

A counting and portioning system which counts discrete articles that conform to predetermined specifications into lots having a predetermined number of articles or a target volume. The system includes at least one portioning bin positioned to receive articles from a conveyor. The at least one bin has at least first and second outlet gates for emptying articles into separate respective first and second locations. A scanner detects and maintains a count of articles that are received in the at least one portioning bin and fall within the predetermined specification. The detector unit generates an out-of-specification signal when an article or group of articles received in the at least one portioning bin falls outside the predetermined specification. A control unit causes the first outlet gate to open when the count or volume of articles is equal to the predetermined number and causes the second outlet gate to open in response to receipt of an out-of-specification signal. The profile/volume signature for every part scanned and delivered from the infeed to the scanner is stored.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A system which portions discrete articles which are within a predetermined range of a predetermined specification, said system comprising:

A. a detector unit which detects and maintains a tally of articles that are received in said system and fall within said predetermined range of a predetermined specification, which detector generates an out-of-specification signal when an article received in said system falls outside said predetermined range;
and
B. a device which comprises:
(1) a portioning bin positioned to receive articles from a flow of articles delivered to said device;
(2) a diverter gate which holds and releases batches of articles for further processing, said diverter gate being disposed in said portioning bin;
(3) at least first and second outlet gates for emptying articles from said device into respective first and second locations which are separated from each other;
and
(4) a control unit which causes said diverter gate to move between a first position where it holds a batch of said articles and a second position where it releases a batch of said articles for further processing;
and
which causes said first outlet gate to open when the articles fall within the predetermined range of the predetermined specification, and causes said second outlet gate to open in response to receipt of an out-of-specification signal from said detector unit.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-head portioning system

Life of this patent

Multi-head portioning system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27