The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 05, 1995
Filed:
May. 13, 1993
Timothy R Smith, Stamford, CT (US);
Kirby Lester, Inc., Stamford, CT (US);
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.