DE1965351A1 - Position storage device - Google Patents

Description

SPHEfiE INVESTMENTS LIMITED 50 Frederick Street
Nassau, Bahamas

Position storage device

I ¹ The priority from British application No. 61888/68 of December 31, 1968 is claimed for this application.

The invention relates to a storage system for storage the location of objects as they move through a zone. In particular, it relates to a storage system for Storage of information about the location of irregularly shaped objects in relation to arbitrarily determined locations.

The storage means may conveniently be used in ore sorting devices to store information relating to the location of each piece of ore and, if desired, other information relating to each individual piece of ore while the pieces of ore are being stored go through a sorting area. The invention will be described in connection with an ore sorting apparatus, but it will be apparent that it can be used with other equipment and devices in which it is desired to store information relating to the location of various objects crossing a zone. 009829/1036

BATH ORIGINAL

It is a kind of time storage device in connection known with a scanning device in a counting device, which is used for counting (particles The area is fixed and the scanner repeatedly scans the area in the transverse direction as it moves itself slowly moved lengthways in the manner common to a scanning beam in a television receiver. During the Beam registers a part, this registration is stored in a simple memory device to be sure that when the scanning beam is scanned once or several times, the same article is counted only once will. A particle is therefore only counted when the scanning device has passed over the particle. One can note here that while the location of a particle is temporary can be saved, but not the location and approximate Size of each can be saved. The storage device according to the invention stores the lateral extent, the lateral position, the longitudinal extent and the longitudinal position of objects while they are a Traverse zone.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a layer storage system is provided in order to store information relating to the position of randomly distributed objects while these objects pass through a sorting area which has at least three arbitrarily defined, imaginary channels. The arrangement has a scanning device which scans across these channels and generates signals which represent the objects traversed by the scanning beam. A time registration device is also provided which generates signals which record the instant when the probe beam strides across the boundary of each channel. Furthermore, the arrangement has a plurality of modules, but fewer in number than the ^two channels, which are arranged in a predetermined sequence and connected in such a way that

003323/1088

BATH ORIGINAL

that they can pick up two types of signals. Every module is trained in such a way that he deals with the information relating to an object and remains in connection with this object, until it has moved past the scanning beam, causing the first module in the sequence that does not hit an object related information is processed, is ready to receive signals from the next object, which for the first time through the Scanning beam is detected. It is still a number of Storage registers, in the same number as the said channels, are present, each associated with one of these channels and shows its lateral position. Each of these storage registers is connected to each module, each of these modules reacts to the two different signals in order to search for the corresponding memory register, which the lateral position and the lateral expansion of a particular one Object that is processed by the module, and apply a third signal to the corresponding storage register, which refers to the extension in the longitudinal direction of the particular object that is processed by this module. This third signal is retained in the storage register and moves at one rate in that register that corresponds to the speed at which the particular item is traversing the zone.

In another embodiment of the invention, the layer storage system is built into a sorting device, and it not only stores the location of the items to be sorted, but also Information of various parameters that are related to the respective object, so that the parameters for each individual Subject matter can be assessed, a decision

whether the object is to be accepted or discarded, can be precipitated and a control signal is fed to a reject device can be to reject the particular object located in a particular situation.

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In the following, the invention is based on a special embodiment will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It shows or show in detail:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a sorting device in which the invention can be practically used,

Fig. 2 is a partial view of one end of the in ^ 'ig. 1 shown Device,

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the manner in which the associated Figures 5 to 8 are to be considered together,

Fig. 4- is a simplified schematic diagram for describing an embodiment of the invention in general terms
and

Figures 5 to 8 are a schematic diagram describing an embodiment of the invention in greater detail.

"For simplicity in the following description of the operation. Attacked" rocks "used for pieces or fragments, which are regarded as unwanted waste, for pieces _s desirable that and are valuable, or pieces or parts that are both worthless and valuable Also in the following description the words "white", "whiter" and likewise, the words "black", "blacker" and corresponding words are used These words refer to rocks to have their relatively lighter or darker surface In other words, a colored surface is described as having "whiter" and "blacker" zones, although these zones are not technically white or black.

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■ - 5 -

■ Figures 1 and 2 show a simplified form Side and end views of a sorting device employing the layer storage system according to the invention can. The sorting device of this type is "known and is used in the German patent ... (German patent application B 18 17 153 · 4 ·) described. A brief explanation of the device is to be given here in order to provide the technical background for the description to show the present invention "

The sorting device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a bunker 10 which is filled with rocks 11. The rocks fall under the influence of gravity and encounter a vibrating or shaking table 12 driven by a motor 14. Such vibrating or Shaking tables are known - ^ he rocks move along the surface of the vibrating table 12 and are at its - ^ de on a second vibrating or shaking table 15t of the is driven by a motor 16, delivered. The rocks migrate over the surface of the vibrating table 15 and fall on a slide at its end 17

The speeds of the vibrating tables 12 and 15 are preferably adjustable independently of one another for better control of the loading. Preferably, the mineral is adjusted so that a close-packed, however, easy location of the Gesteinsbrokken - is achieved ^ walls of the ^x Steam 15th This enables an optimal sorting speed.

The rocks are accelerated as they slide on the chute 17 and fall onto a conveyor belt 18. Das Conveyor belt moves at a faster speed than the speed at which the rocks fall onto the belt, causing the distance between the individual boulders is greater will. The conveyor belt 18 is carried by the idler rollers 20 between the deflection roller 21 and the drive roller 22 and is by means of a spray device $ 2 and a rotating one

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- 6 brush cleaned 24 times.

Rocks 11 are carried by the conveyor belt 18 on a scanning device 25 passed, the repeated scanning operations at right angles to the conveyor belt and absorbs the light that is thrown back by the rocks in the path of the probe beam will. The device estimates the reflected light and makes a decision as to which of the lumps is to be rejected shall be. When the rocks reach the front pulley 21, they fall freely on a rejector 26 over. The illustrated separation arrangement 26 consists of 20 air nozzles 27, which extend across the boulders extend traversed path. Depending on the decision made, one or more air nozzles come in Activity and direct a stream of air at a rock and deflect it. The rocks deflected by the air flow fall onto a conveyor belt 30, while the rocks that are not deflected onto another conveyor belt 31 fall.

It is necessary to separate the scanner 25 from the segregation assembly 26, and it is desirable that it be one Several meters apart. A distance of several meters is desirable for the reason that the Airflow creates splashes and dust that the optical scanning system could influence.

It is therefore evident that there must be a device which registers the position of each rock while it is being scanned and stores this position while the ^; Chunks are guided over the belt and past the separation device in order to activate the correct air nozzles at exactly the right time. It is possible to provide a storage system which is connected to each air nozzle. In the device 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this would require different storage systems.

009829M086

chen. In such a system the voltage would depend on the optical scanning beam electrically divided into 20 parts. Each of these parts would have an imaginary channel running through it each one of the segregation devices is set to be in communication, whereby a rock, which is attached to the scanning device is passed and lies in one of the imaginary channels, would stay in this channel until it reaches the corresponding one Separation order has passed. Such a system would therefore consist of a general optical scanning device, 20 arrangements to estimate part of the scanning beam, 20 arrangements that decide whether a rock is secreted whether or not, 20 arrangements to store the location of a rock and 20 segregation arrangements for the boulders exist. It is doubtful that such a system would sort out rocks, the two or occupying more channels, could perform with great accuracy. Furthermore, such a system would not be desirable because the circuit and the device are complicated and expensive. It is worth striving for the circuit and the number to keep the individual components as small as possible.

The invention reduces the number of components by providing a number of modules less than a number in number that of the imaginary channels to estimate and store the position of each rock. The number of for a special one If necessary modules can be calculated. For example, from the existing lump size range, the conveyor belt speeds, the distance between the chunks and the speed of the scanning beam are calculated, that no more than eight chunks are touched by the passage of a ray, whereby under these conditions eight Modules would be required.

In the following description, general reference will be made to various edges of a rock. in the With regard to the direction of movement of the rock, the

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hereinafter referred to as a leading edge and a trailing edge. As the rocks "move forward" they are scanned and the trajectory of the scanning beam swept the boulder essentially at a right angle to the direction of movement o During the scanning beam a boulder crossed, it should be assumed that it first touches the left edge of the chunk and this on the right edge leaves. That means if you have the 3Pig. 2 considered that the Scanning beam moves from left to right.

P In IFig · 4- a simplified schematic representation is shown, which describes a sorting device in which the layer storage system according to the invention use is made of a light detector together with an amplifier 32 picks up the light, which of the objects that are in the path of the scanning beam repeatedly running transversely to the conveyor belt 18 through the in ^ ig. 1 illustrated scanning device 25 is generated, is located, is reflected. A suitable scanning device is described in the aforementioned German Patent No. ... (German patent application 18 17 153). The output voltage from the light detector with the amplifier 32 becomes one Signal generation circuit 34- supplied. A timer counter 33 has a pair of photodiodes which are in the path of the scanning beam and which generate a signal when the beam starts move across the conveyor belt and another signal when the scanning beam leaves the moving conveyor belt. In the simplified schematic representation, the counter 33 has two outputs. The one output represents the Period of time when the scanning beam traverses an area in which useful information is to be recorded, this being this Output of the signal generating circuit 34 is supplied to to operate them only during the desired period of time. The other output consists of 20 signals, each one-twentieth of the actual ray represented. This exit actually divides the path of the moving boulders into 20 imaginary channels, which correspond to the 20 air nozzles 27

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■ chen. These 20 signals that are actually the limits of the channels correspond, are guided in individual conductors in the cable 35 and are fed to a series of 8 modules 37 to 44. The modules 37 to 4-4 are identical to each other and form part of the layer storage system.

The signal generating circuit 34 receives a signal which represents the usable period of the probe beam, and another signal which is the one picked up by the light detector represents reflected light. The signal generating Circuitry is operated during scanning to produce a plurality of output voltages, each output voltage is a parameter of the signal representing the reflected light. There are 6 parameters shown below

(S 1Q

should be briefly described. The output voltages representing 5 parameters are connected to a selection switch 45, whereby an operator is put in the - ^ age, Any desired output signal, which has a special parameter represents transferring to any one or more of the 6 conductors 46 connected to modules 37-44.

A timer circuit 47 takes a signal from the signal generating circuit 34-, with two signals being generated. One represents the left and the other represents the right edge of every rock that is crossed by the probe beam. These two signals are sent to each of modules 37 through 44 guided.

The modules 37 to 44 will be described in more detail below. At a certain point in time, the scanning beam, while it sweeps over the strip 18, only very briefly becomes a first lump of rock touch. The module 37 will now attach itself to this first rock and the values of the ladders 46 collect incoming signals associated with this first chunk of rock. This means that the values of the the conductors 46 incoming signals are collected during the

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The scanning beam repeatedly traversed this first rock. When the scanning beam encounters a second rock, while module 37 is attached to the first rock, the signals relating to the second rock are passed to the module 38, which is now related to the second Boulders staple. If the scanning beam hits a third rock, the signals from module 39 edited and so on. After the first rock has completely passed the scanning beam, and module 37 die Has finished processing the signals associated with the first rock, module 37 is free and stapled to the next boulder.

Accordingly, one function to be performed by modules 37 "to 44 is to attach to a rock and integrate the values of the input signals representing the parameters for that rock. When the trailing edge of the rock has passed the scanning beam, compare The module in question uses the integrated values of the parameters in a predetermined manner and, based on the comparison, makes a decision as to whether the rock should be accepted or discarded of the rock chunk from the leading edge to the rear edge (i.e. the length dimension) and of course the information relating to the size of the chunk from the left to the right edge (the width dimension) To represent the length and width of each rock guarantee your / · Since each module receives on the scanning time related pulses, it is possible that L _a ge to determine rock of each chunk. If a rock that is being processed by a particular module is not to be separated, the module does not provide an output signal. However, if the rock ":" is to be sorted out, the module sends out two output signals. An output signal from the module is sent to a specific or

009829/1086

- li -

several (depending on the lateral extent of the rock) of control gates 48 supplied. There are 2 ^Ü Steuertorsysteme 48, and one that is provided for each air nozzle, however, for simplicity · shown in the drawing, only three, this output signal represents the lateral position and extent of the rock chunk. The other output signal from the same module is fed to each of the control gate systems 48 and represents the longitudinal extent and the position in relation to the direction of travel of the same rock.

When one of the control gate systems 48 receives two signals, it actuates a corresponding memory system which represents a type of delay arrangement. For example, the memory system 50 may be an arrangement in which the signal representing the length of the chunk, a number of ^ inheitendie the length corresponding actuated, whereupon this information is fed to an ^A usgang through the system. The speed of action of this system can be controlled by means of and according to the speed of the rocks on the conveyor belt. In this way, the control gate systems and the storage arrangements 50, which can also be referred to as storage arithmetic units, transmit or create information relating to the latitude, the lateral position, the longitudinal extent and the position in relation to the direction of movement in an area for each rock, to be set apart. It will be understood that the system can also be tailored to transmit and provide information relating to the location of each rock if it is desired for a purpose other than sorting. If the use relates to sorting, as described, the memory arrangements 50 generate an output signal for an air flow control 51 at a time when the corresponding rock lump is guided past one of the corresponding air nozzles 27.

009829/1088

ßAD OHtGlNAL

Let it now be assumed, for example, that it is is a small rock that is scanned and that is in such a position on the conveyor belt that he occupies only one of the imaginary channels, for example the second channel on the left, like from Pig. 2 can be seen is. After a certain time, this lump of rock is removed from the end of the moving conveyor belt in front of the second air nozzle fall from the left as shown in Figures 2 and 4-. It should also be assumed that this rock has such a composition that it can be discarded target. Now, with continued reference to FIG. 4, the The trailing edge of the rock has passed the scanning beam, the module that processes this rock falls, the decision to discard the chunk and the module gives two output signals. One of these output signals goes to the control gate 48 of the second channel on the left and thus represents a chunk that is not beyond the imaginary The limits of this channel. The other output signal is sent to all control gates 48 and defines the length of the chunk. Only the second control gate 4-8 from the left now has the necessary combination of input signals, so only this one The gate opens and the information about the length of this chunk is sent to the corresponding storage system 50. While now this rock falls from the left in front of the second air nozzle, the corresponding control arrangement 51 actuates the air nozzle, to distract the rock.

It is obvious that most of the rocks are not lie entirely within one of the imaginary channels as determined by the air nozzles 27, i.e. most of the stones will have a width (distance of the left edge from the right) that they are at least partially also in front of the adjoining Air nozzles drop by. However, this does not affect the operation. When such a boulder is to be discarded, the - «- output signal will be from the one on that boulder stapled module a corresponding number of adjacent

; · ■ -... 009829/1086

BATH

Control gates 48 are supplied in order to generate an air flow also from the adjacent air nozzles 2 ^r / , dex ⁱ extending in its entirety over the entire width of the lump.

It is assumed that the foregoing description is sufficient to understand the invention in general terms. A more detailed description follows with reference to FIGS. 5-6, 7 and 8. FIG. 6a shows a slight modification of the circuit according to FIG. . 6. figures 5 to 8 together form a diagram of a - "- usfuhrungsform of the invention, and they can be viewed in a quiet together, as in the diagram according to FIG _e 3 is shown in order to facilitate the reading of the drawings during the transition from. From one figure to the other, reference letters were inserted at the transitions.

Fig. 5 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a portion of the Sorting device, which generates the signals that follow used by the layer storage system according to the invention will. The circuit int shown in FIG. 5 is similar of those in the aforementioned German Patent No. ..... (German patent application P 18 17 153) is »A light detector 32a generates an electrical output voltage, the diffuse light emitted by the rocks and the moving and transporting the rocks Conveyor belt is reflected, represented as the scanning beam passes through the scanning area. The light detector 32a. generated also an output voltage during the scanning beam runs over a white reference reflector (not shown). The output signal of the light detector is generated by means of a direct current amplifier 32b amplified and an area discriminator and square pulse generator 52, a black transition discriminator and square pulse generator 53 »a white transition discriminator and triangular pulse generator 5 ^, a white discriminator 55 and fed to a black discriminator 56.

009829/1086

BATH ORIGINAL

A timer counter 33 has a pair of photodiodes which pick up light at the beginning and at the - & nth of a scanning beam, whereby a signal is available at the beginning and at the - & nth of each scanning beam. The timer counter 33 can generally output three different types of signals as - "- output voltages. The first type of signals consists of 20 gate switching signals, each being carried on a special conductor in the cable 57. These gate switching signals follow one another in time, each The cable 57 leads to reference point A and is continued on the next figure in the drawings. The second type of signal is a timing pulse related to the gate switch 8 pulses for each of the 20 gate circuits, and in addition a number of pulses for the timing of functions to take place before or after the passage of the scanning beam can be discharged. This means that the ^x mpulsfolge of 160 pulses during the sampling period, and an additional 24 pulses The number of pulses is irrelevant as long as it enable appropriate timing. The timing pulses are routed through conductor 58, the transition point of which is marked 0 from one leg to the other. The third type of pulses emitted by the timer counter are gate signals, which are fed to the gate circuit 60 and the amplifier stabilizing circuit 61. The timer gate 60 transmits a control gate pulse to the area discriminator and square pulse generator 52 to turn it on during the time that the scanning beam is providing useful information. The stabilizing circuit 61 for the amplifier is connected to the light detector 32a and is operated while the scanning beam strikes a comparison reflector mounted outside the area swept by the scanning beam on the conveyor belt. It has an automatic gain control that stabilizes the peak value for the brightness of the light detector. The amplifier stabilization circuit is also

009829/1086

is connected to the DC amplifier 32b, and this is turned on when the light detector 32a is to receive reflected light. There is also a black hold circuit which stabilizes the baseline or reference line of DC amplifier 32b.

A belt speedometer 68 sends out signals which are proportional to the speed of the belt and the use of which will be explained in more detail below. The transition point in the drawing is denoted by R. The belt speed meter 68 can be connected to the drive roller or the drive motor, for example. Preferably, the tape 68 consists of a speedometer ^M agnetabnehmer at a part of the belt, ante -k such as at one, to register to the magnetic sweeps past ^ products are attached in gMchmäßigen intervals on the band. The output voltage of the speedometer 68 would in this i'all be represented by a series of pulses which are proportional to the belt speed.

The area discriminator and square wave generator 52, the only then whatever is switched when the scanning beam sweeps the moving tape, it receives the main picture signal from the amplifier 32b and generates a pike-corner pulse, which is the time period from the moment the scanning beam hits a chunk of rock touched for the first time, and represented when he leaves the same rock. That is, the output pulse the lateral extent or width of the rock at the point crossed by the scanning beam, the total of these impulses for a rock corresponds to the scanned area of this lump. The side of the pulse that corresponds to the left edge of a rock is used in the area discriminator and square pulse generator 52 slightly delayed. This serves the purpose of ensuring that the device ignores smaller pieces. In addition, there is a delay useful in a circuit that is described below

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should be practiced. . .. ".--:

The output of the surface discriminator and square pulse generator 52 is shown as forming an entrance at a time for the black transition discriminator and square pulse generator 53 »the white transition di skr imina tor and square pulse generator 54, the white discriminator 55 the black discriminator 56 and also the timing circuit for the rocks 4-7 as well as for one terminal of the changeover switch 4-5 «

The four circuits -53 to 56 are discriminator-like circuits, the respective discrimination level of which can be set individually. As shown in the drawing, the discriminator circuits 53 to 56 are connected to the output of the area discriminator and triangular pulse generator 52, whereby a switching signal ^is transmitted to the circuits 53 ^ is 56 in order to switch them on when the scanning beam sweeps over a rock. Although it may be useful if all four circuits 53 to 5 & are switched, it can be seen from the following description that it is not absolutely necessary in practice to switch all four circuits. Each of the circuits 53 to 56 has a feed of the main scanning or image signal from the DC amplifier 32b.

The black discriminator 56 generates an output signal, respectively when the signal representing the reflected light is blacker than a predetermined level. The output voltage is a linear function of the blackness of a rock and can be described as a linear black signal. The starting Voltage from discriminator 56 is applied across conductor 63 forwarded and is thus each connected to a terminal of the selector switch 4-5 available. It also becomes the square pulse generator 62 supplied, which generates pulses of the same amplitude, the width of the individual rock fragments, the are scanned, "corresponds to that are blacker than the level

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BATH ORIGINAL

of the discriminator. The output voltage of the corner pulse generator 62, which is also known as the black pike-corner signal can be lived on via the conductor 64; and is thus each available at one terminal of the selector switch 45.

Similarly V / else generates white ^ skriminator 55 an output voltage respectively, when the ^D ignal, which represents the reflected light reaches a value _s which is higher than a predetermined level, that is, when one signal is whiter than a predetermined Level. It should be ^{recalled in:} ". Reminder that the white discriminator 55 is only switched on when the scanning beam is just crossing the rock. The -W-usgangsspannung of the discriminator 55 is a linear ^x 'unction the brightness of the chunk and may be referred to as a linear White Öignal. The output voltage from the discriminator 55 is continued via the line 65 and is thus available at a terminal of a selector switch 45 and is also fed to the triangular pulse generator 66, which generates pulses with a constant amplitude that correspond to the width of the respective scanned rock width are whiter than the level of the discriminator. The output voltage of the square-wave pulse generator 66, which can be referred to as a white "true-wave signal, is carried via the line 67 and is thus available at a terminal of one of the selector switches 45.

The white transition discriminator and corner pulse generator 54 works in the same way as the combination of the white discriminator 55 and the square pulse generator 66. The level to which the discriminator is set can of course be different, so the output voltages are not necessarily are identical. The black transition discriminator works in the same way and ^ real corner pulse generator 55 in. the same Way like the combination of the black discriminator 56 with the Square pulse generator 62 *

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J965351

It was mentioned earlier that it in - is essential ^ ractice _n i _c ht that all Diskrimxnatorschaltungen must be switched 53 to 56. For example, the black •. Transition discriminator and real corner pulse generator 53 each have an output voltage when the signal which represents the reflected light is blacker than a predetermined level. Since the conveyor belt is white, no output voltage is generated while the scanning beam hits the belt. There is therefore no need to switch the black-transition discriminator and square-wave pulse generator 53 when a P white conveyor belt is used. Likewise, there would be no need to switch the black discriminator 56. Obviously, the reverse also applies to the white transition discriminator and square pulse generator 54 and the vVeiß discriminator and square pulse generator 55, these having to be switched by a signal from the area discriminator and square pulse generator 52. Similarly, in practice it is necessary to switch the black discriminators 53 and 56 when a black conveyor belt is used.

The -Ausgangsspannungen the übergang- ^u iskriminatoren and square wave pulse generators 53 and 54 are respectively supplied to the variable spreading circuits 7 ^ ¹ and 7I · This spreading circuits extend the pulse duration by an amount have been set to the spreading circuits. The output voltages from the spreading circuits 70 and 71 are fed to the AND gate circuit 72, which only generates an output voltage when a pulse is effective at both feeders. In other words, the AND circuit 72 generates an output voltage only when the main picture signal changes from a predetermined black level to a predetermined white level or from the same white level to the same black level within the spreading time. The speed of change from black to white or vice versa, the one, output signal from the AND-

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© AD

J965351

Gate circuit 72 generated can be changed by the spreading time is set differently »The output voltage from the AND gate circuit 72 therefore represents a number of pulses which practically corresponds to a "count" of the number of times the main signal is received turns from black to white and vice versa, the transition period is less than the spreading time.

It will be understood that, for example, if a black rock were lying on a white conveyor belt, a count would normally be made at the first and last contact of the scanning beam sweeping over the rock. None of these counts represents a change in the Heflektion or color on the ^u berflache of the Brocken, and it would be desirable to eliminate these two counts. The count that occurs when the scanning line passes from the white conveyor belt to the black chunk gives little difficulty. The transition> -Discriminator 54- is switched by the area discriminator and square pulse generator 52, and the transition discriminator 53 can be switched in a similar way or behaves in the same way as has already been described. As already mentioned, there is an edge of the gate stop signal there is a slight delay from circuit 52 'representing the left edge of the rock. In this way, the white transition discriminator and right-hand pulse generator 54- is not switched on at the moment when the scanning beam passes from the conveyor belt onto the rock. As a result, no payment will occur there either if the scanning beam passes from the white conveyor belt onto a black chunk of rock. However, this is not the case when the scanning beam leaves the rock, ie when the scanning beam passes from a black rock on a white conveyor belt. There will be a delimited pause between the time in which the main image signal drops at the edge of the chunk, but is still above the level of the white transition discriminator, and the time when the signal from the area discriminator and -Rectangular-

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pulse generator 52 the white discriminator and square pulse generator 54- turns off. In this way the AND gate 72 / while the scanning beam passes from a black chunk to a white band, receive a spread tail pulse and a spread white pulse. This creates an output voltage or caused a count. The ^ output voltage of AND gate 72 becomes the pulse delay circuit 73 supplied by the area signal from the area discriminator and square-wave pulse generator 52 is switched. The delay in the pulse delay circuit 73 is variable and is set so that a count that = by the Scanning beam is caused by a dark chunk, passes to the white band, just after the switching signal from the area discriminator and square pulse generator 52 to carry out comes. This is used to count the evoked when the scanning beam leaves the rock, To prevent, For each valid count, a pulse is generated by the pulse delay circuit 73, which is passed on via the line 74- and at a terminal of each the selector switch 45 is available.

"There are 6 signals that represent the parameters of the chunk to be scanned and each of which is sent to a terminal of the Selector switch 45 are available. The middle or switch terminal of each selector switch 45 is manually operated with a Connected switching lever, by means of which the connection to any one of the 6 signals leading terminals is established can be. The Waialschalter are set so that a desired Signal at one of the terminals B, C, D, E, F and G is ■ available. The same signal can of course be sent to more than one these clamps will be available if desired.

As already explained before, 20 different lead to terminal A Signals on different conductors of a cable, where these signals represent the consecutive gates for 20 channels. A length of time pulses can be applied to terminal 0

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be removed. The terminals H'and I carry signals that the represent the left and right edges of a rock as captured by the scanning beam.

FIG. 5 shows a circuit which is used in a sorting device only needs to be available once. Figures 6, 7 and a Part of Fig. S show a circuit as used in one of the 8 modules are present «That is, in the embodiment described there would be 8 similar circuits, but in FIGS. 6, 7 and in part of FIG. 8 for simplification the .Explanation is only described one.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the signals represented by reference points A, H, I and O are not used in this part of the circuit and are passed on to FIG. The signals at terminals B, C, D, iS, F and G, which represent the selected parameters, are fed to integrators 80 to 85 with variable configurations. The integrators 80-85 are switched on and off by signals supplied from the terminals J and K via the cable 86. In order to simplify the drawing, cable 86 has been used to show the lines from terminals J and K. The signals at terminals J and K represent the times at which the scanning beam sweeps over the left or right edge of a rock that is to be scanned, the module shown being attached to this rock. The type of signals at terminals J and K as well as those at the terminals. L, M and "S should be swept in connection with FIG.

The integrators 80 to 85 integrate the signals at terminals B to G for a particular rock. The output voltages of the integrators 80 to 85 are signals proportional to the integrated input signals. You will be the Comparators 87, 88 and 89 are supplied. The comparator 87 takes

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the signals from the integrators 80 and 81, while the comparator 88 receives the signals from the integrators 82 and 83 and the comparator 89 receives the signals from the integrators 84 and 85. After a rock has been completely scanned, causes a signal from the terminal 11 via the lead 90 a liücksbell the integrators 80 to 85 »so that they again are ready for further integration. The comparators 87 to 89 compare their input signals in a predetermined one Way, which of course will be done before integrators 80-85 are reset.

Each of the comparators can be set to have a Output voltage generated when a) a - ^ input voltage is greater al j is the other, b) the ratio of an input voltage on the other hand, exceeds a predetermined value or less as this is, and c) if the sum or the difference the input voltages greater or less than a predetermined one It's harder and more expensive to get the ratio to compare two input voltages, which is why the comparator location, yp, which is given under b) is not preferred in practice. The comparators are based on a special ore, which is to be sorted, set, the individual levels being determined experimentally. The comparator output voltage can be such that it causes a simple switch-on or switch-off. For example, with reference to the above Point a) the comparator will generate an output voltage of a fixed predetermined »Vert when a first input voltage is greater than the second input voltage, and no output voltage, when the first input voltage is less than the second. On the other hand, the comparator can be designed in such a way that that the output voltage is variable, so that for example under With reference to point a) above, the comparator generates an output voltage that depends on the amount by which a first input voltage exceeds a second, while a low reference level is provided if the

009829/1086 ORIGINAL BATHROOM

The first input voltage does not exceed the second. So can all comparators must be set up in such a way that they have a - "- output voltage that represent a simple on or off SLgnal, or they can be arranged to have continuously variable output voltages with respect to the points b) or c) as described above for a) generate.

The output voltages from comparators 87 »& 8 and 89 become Comparators 91 and 92 are supplied as shown in the drawing is. The comparators 91 and 92 are similar to that Comparators 87 to 89 built. They can be set in the same way and function in the same way. It is of course evident that if the comparators 87 to 89 on the principle of switching on and off or in digital Way, the comparators 91 and 92 work in the same way Have to work wisely. The "" output voltages from the comparators 87 to 89 can, however, be continuously variable while at the same time the comparators 91 and 92 are so constructed are that they generate digital output voltages "

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the comparators 91 and 92 are each followed by an AND gate 9 and -94, as described below. The AND gates are adapted to process digital signals and accordingly in this embodiment the output voltages from the i 'comparators 91 and 92 are digital in nature. It should be emphasized that many arrangements of integrators ¹²¹ comparators can be put together, which is a characteristic of the present apparatus. It can be easily adapted to the characteristics of any ore or waste.

The output voltage of the comparator 91 is used as the input voltage fed to the AND gate 93 while the output voltage of the comparator 92 as the input voltage to the AND control gate 9 ^ is fed. The second input to each of the AND control gates

009829/1086

0AO OHfQfNAt

■ '- 24 -

93 and -94 "is fed to these via the conductor 95, which is connected to the reference point M. The signal of a decision is present at the reference point M, as will be described in connection with Pig. 7. The decision signal available at the reference point M becomes the AHD control gates 93 and 94 are supplied at a time when a decision is required as to whether or not a rock being processed by this module should be discarded. The output voltages from AND control gates 93 and 94 are used as input voltages fed end comparator 96, which may be an oR or an aND control gate in this embodiment. the comparator 96 generates an output signal which is discharged through the conductor 97, when the rock fragments to be separated. the guided via conductor 97 ^a can usgangssignal are referred to as the blow signal and is guided to the reference point M.

It should also be mentioned that many ore types do not have 6 parameters require as a basis for a decision to be made, as for the value of each piece. In most In cases, 4 parameters are sufficient, and in some cases 3 will suffice. It will be understood that the number of components can be reduced where a fewer number of parameters are used. For example, if 4 parameters are used, 4 signals are provided that represent these parameters, with them through the integrators 80 to 83 can be integrated while the output voltages are compared by means of the comparators 87 and 88 can be, whose outputs finally the final comparison step 91 to be carried out. The blow signal would then be available as the output voltage of the control gate 93. There are many variations possible, since a parameter is multiple in the Comparison steps can be used.

Reference should now be made briefly to FIG. 6a, in which Another circuit is shown in which the output voltages en from the Eomparatoren 91 and 92 directly to the comparator 96a are supplied. The output voltage of the comparator

w ^ - - QQ9829 / 1086

BAt> ORIGINAL

-25 - ■,

96a is in digital form and is fed to an AND gate 98 which is put into action by a decision signal from the reference M. As stated above, the blow signal, which represents the output voltage of the AMD control gate 98, is available at the reference point Έ »

For further understanding of Fig. 7 are the signals as' O-level "or" 1-Nxveau "are referred to, thus a binary system for a low and a high signal level is displayed. It is of course clear _y that many different arrangements in Connection with the circuit according to the present invention and in particular with the circuit shown in FIG. 7 are possible.

In Fig. 7, a circuit is now shown, which enables a module to attach itself to a rock and which generates the signals that were previously described in connection with the reference points J, J £, I>, M and N mentioned. It is believed that Figure 7-9M can best be described by viewing the responses and operation of the circuit while the signals are being applied under various conditions. '

The moment the scanning beam touches the left corner of a chunk, a module can meet one of the following three conditions subject to:

1. The module can be pinned to another rock and thus not · be available.

2. The module can be idle and wait for To be pinned to the nearest available rock when given the opportunity.

3. The module may already be attached to this rock and based on information from the scanning beam that is currently begins to run across the surface, wait.

'BAD ORIGINAL

00 9823/1086

The circuit is intended to under each of the above conditions "are described in ^D as> the timing pulses representing signal is available at the reference point 0, the signal which the the rocks exiting the scanning beam, namely, the right edge represents, is at the reference point;.. Ί, and the signal representing the scanning beam which is just beginning to pass over the rock, namely the left edge of the rock, is available at reference point H. The signals at upper reference point A, which represent the 20 channel signals, are not used in this part of the circuit and are carried on via a cable to the lower reference point A and thus go over to the circuit according to FIG. 8.

Under the condition listed under 1. above, the module is attached to another rock. When the scanning beam reaches the left edge of the rock in question, a signal occurs at the reference point H. This signal traverses all modules sequentially, as indicated by block 100 shown in a dash-dotted line, which is a preceding module. The signal passes through this preceding module and is carried on via conductor 101. The signal can have the form of a pulse that goes from 0 to 1 and back to 0. As can be seen from the drawing, the signal carried through the conductor 101 is used as an input to the AND- Control gates 102, 105 and 104. One output of the multivibrator 105, which is also referred to as SSM, is fed to the AND control gate 102 via the line IJO ("one output"), while the second is fed via the conductor 129 to the AND control gate 103 is supplied (- "zero output") The multivibrator 105 is in the unexcited state, as will be described below, since the module is attached to another rock Q level) on conductor 130, while a signal (ie 1 level) is available on conductor 129. If in this way a signal which is the left edge of a brok-

kens, appears on conductor 101, it does not change the condition of AHD control gate 102, and the output voltage from AND control gate 102 remains at the 0 level. At the control gate 103, however, there are signals at two of its three inputs, as already described, one representing the edge of the chunk over the conductor 101, while the other comes from the multivibrator 105. The third feed to the AND control gate 103 comes from the Output of the NAND control gate 106 * The purpose of the existence of the NAND control gate 106 is that the module does not attach itself to a rock if another module has already attached itself to it. In addition, the NAND control gate 106 is part of a Circuitry that prevents this module from attaching itself to another chunk of rock while it is still about to make a decision or while it stands back after it has worked on a chunk of rock. This process is explained in more detail below. Since the module is attached to another rock, the NAND control gate 106 is in such a position that an activating signal (.1 level) is present at the third input of the AND control gate 103. As a result, the AND gate 103 is activated, and the signal, which represents the left edge of a rock, is forwarded via the conductor 107 to the next module.

With the conditions listed under 2, the module is available and ready to attach itself to a chunk. Assume that the module described here is the first available and that he is the one that attaches itself to a new ken the Brok ·

The multivibrator 105 has not been activated and remains in its rest position. Correspondingly, the conductor 130, which is connected to the AND control gate 102, is at the Q level , and the AND control gate 102 does not pass the signal corresponding to the left chunk edge on to the conductor 101, The condition or the The status of the NAHD ^ control gate 106 has changed

00 98 29/1086, -

but changed with regard to the conditions mentioned under 1 “insofar as the module is ready to attach to a rock. The output voltage of the NAND gate 106 is 0 ^Ü expensive and thus, is there is no activating signal for the third input of the AND gate 103 control available "Therefore, the AND control gate 103, the corresponding one of the left chunks edge signal is not forwards. An inverter 110 is with the. NAND control gate 106 is connected and generates an activating signal (1 level) for a supply of the AND control gate 104. The pulse signal is applied to the other input of the AND control gate 104, which represents the left edge of the rock. The AND gate 104- is activated and its output voltage goes from 0 to 1 and back to 0 in accordance with the pulse corresponding to the left edge. It should also be noted that the signal on conductor 101 and the resulting change in the output voltage of AND gate 104 represent two different things at this point. It represents the left edge of a chunk of rock that falls from the. -Abtaststraiii is crossed. However, since it is the first scan beam to traverse any portion of that rock, it also represents the leading edge of the rock to represent a rock.

The - "- output voltage of the AND control gate 104 is connected to a feed to the OR control gate 111. From the AND control gate © 2 there is now an O supply, while from the AND control gate 104 when the pulse is transmitted, the one from the OR control gate 111 outgoing pulse is generated, which goes from 0 to 1 and back to 0 again. The output voltage is fed to the toggle switch 114, the toggle switch 115 and the OR gate 116 over the line 117 supplied. This output voltage is used to power the tilt holder 114 and 115 to be switched on. When toggle switch 114 is on, conductor 118 is provided with an output voltage from

, '....... UQ 9 8 29/1086

1 level fed as an activating signal as an input ■ is fed to the AED control gate 120.

When switched on, the Eippwitch 115 provides an output voltage at the reference point K and, in the switched position, an output voltage at the reference point J. Der. Toggle switch 115 is switched over by a pulse signal from reference point I via conductor 122, which is provided for all modules. In this way, the length of time that the toggle switch 115 is on represents the time it takes for the scanning beam to traverse a particular rock to which the module is attached, and the length of time it is also the signals that represent the various parameters are to be integrated. The integrated signal is at reference points J and E for the use of the in ^ ig. 6 is available, as has already been explained, while the signal representing the end of the scanning beam above the rock (ie the signal of the right edge) is available at reference point J for use in the circuit according to FIG. ^{5 1 Ig.} 8 is available. /.--:-

As already explained, a signal is sent to the OB control gate 116 via the conductor 117, which goes from 0 to 1 and then back to 0 individual count is set in action after it has been reset to supply a count * The counter 125, when activated by a count, generates a signal (a 1-level) which is sent via the conductor 124- to the AOT = control gate 120 _o The two signals flowing through conductors 118 and 124- allow the sequence of timing pulses available at reference point 0 to pass through control gate 120. The. If the time pulses rise, the OS control gate 116 passes into the counter 123. It

009829/1066

BATH

19S5351

should be reminded once again that the number of time pulses is in a fixed relationship with the scanning beam. The counter 123 is constructed to have a predetermined number counts of time pulses and then generates an output voltage, to switch the multivibrator 105. The number of counted Impulse is set in such a way that the probe beam has started its next pass and is almost at the same lateral position in which it determined the left edge of the rock on the previous pass. In this way the multivibrator 105 will be a little before the scanning beam reaches the position in which the previous ray hit the left edge of the rock, switched, and the Time that the multivibrator 105 is in its switched-on position remains, is set so that it returns to its switched-off state a little later than the scanning beam has reached the position at which it was in the previous. the left one. Edge of the rock. The multivibrator · 105 thus creates a short period of time in which this module generates a pulse that is the left edge of the same Rock during the next "sweep, can accommodate, causing the module to attach to these boulders is pinned. While the multivibrator 105 is switched on, it generates at the terminal "the one with the conductor 130 is connected, an output voltage. This-is through the Inverter 125 reversed to put a signal in conductor 126 to generate at the 0 level. The conductor 126 is with the conductor. 127 connected, which in turn connects to all modules manufactures. If a signal with a low level or a 0 signal is fed to conductor 127, all other modules' / = prevented from picking up any- signal on conductor 101, or ο to work. One can therefore say that the head able to carry a reception obstruction signal.

A reception prohibition signal or a signal of low ' Level on ladder 127 prevents the other modules from

ÄUf

to process a pulse signal to the conductor 101, since it is via the V HV ^ f ^ _v . 009823/1086 -

Conductor 128 is fed to the IfAND control gate 106. An O potential on some feed to the NANO control gate 106 one calls 1 output voltage, which is used as an activation signal for the AND control gate 10J is fed. If the multivibrator 105 doesn't is switched, another activating signal is applied to the AND gate 103, and a pulse signal is over the conductor 101 led through this module to the next «

It should now come back to the condition mentioned under 3 above in which the module is attached to a rock and waits for the next scanning beam, the moves across the surface of this boulder. Of the Counter 123 has just finished counting, whereupon it is reset to the same time, generating a '-' signal to indicate the To switch multivibrator 105, and a 0 level in conductor 124 produces «The 0 signal in conductor 124 ensures that the AND control gate 120 is not activated and that there is no pulse signal sequence from the reference point 0. When the multivibrator 105 is in the on state, a pickup inhibit signal is applied to conductors 126 and 12V while An activation signal (i.e. 1 level) is fed to the AND control gate 102 via the - ^ output 130 * In this way, the Pulse representing the left edge of the rock when it arrives past the AND control gate 102 and the OE control gate 111 supplied. In this way, the OR control gate 111 has an O supply which is connected to the AND control gate 104, while a pulse signal, which represents the left edge of the rock, is fed in via the other feed. A pulse signal is therefore applied to the conductor II7 to reduce the Start counting again and turn toggle switch 115 to on Switch position. The toggle switch 114 is of course still in its on position and remains in place even there.

Let us now consider that part of the circuit which is provided is to work on the situation when the broken rock

009 8 _{29/1 08 6:} BAP QBJGlNAt.

to which the module is attached has passed the scanning beam. Assuming once that the module is in the under 1. listed position, in which it is attached to another rock, and counts the time impulses. The module that is pinned to another chunk, reacts to that particular chunk of rock that passes through the scanning zone "He still works in the same way «, that is, it is located get a 1 level on conductor 124, and because of the inverter 142 there is an O level on the ladder 131 »This generates a 1 output voltage from NAND control gate 106 and ensures that the AND control gate 103 is open and passes the signals on to the next module, as already described was «The part of the circuit that deals with the reset concerned, remains inactive and calm. However, to give a complete description, the remainder of the circuit is presented now spoken and its mode of operation discussed. The head 131 is connected to a feed of the NAND control gate 132 and carries an O signal. The multivibrator 105 is not turned on, and on conductor 129 and the other feeder to the NAND control gate 132 is a 1 »level. The output voltage from the NAND control gate 132 is at the 1 level and is fed to the multivibrator 133. The multivibrator 133 is designed in such a way that when its supply of 1 to 0 is switched on. In its switched off or idle state, the multivibrator 133 calls an O level on the conductor 134 and a 1 level on ladder 135. The head 134 is in connection with the reference point M and the multivibrator 137, while the - "pus 135 with the AND gate 136 connected as a supply »The multivibrator 137 is in its switched off or rest position * consequently on the ladder 138 an O-level and on the ladder 140 a 1 ~ level. The conductor 138 is at the reference point L in connection, while the conductor 14 ^ is in connection with both the AND control gate I36 and the reset terminal of the toggle switch II4.

_mP 009829/1086 _@A p ORIGINAL

-. ■. ■■■ .. -3?. ■ - ■ \ ^: - ■; ■

, The AHD-St euert or 136 bejsi-fezt-4 additions, of which-3 have already been described, on which at this point in time one acfcivie: eungs signal is applied * The fourth addition is available? with the .bounce circuit 14-1, in connection with that at this moment also edn activation signal generated, Bas AOT control gate is activated and gives the HAND-Stetiertor 106 a 1-level. The NAND control gate 106 is not affected by this signal As already explained, the O level is generated on the conductor a 1 level at the output of the NAND control gate 106, which ensures is that the AND gate 103 is open.

Let it now be assumed that. the module has just finished counting the time pulses, which has been described in connection with the conditions mentioned in FIG. With the completion of counting the multivibrator IO5 is switched, and the _signal: level on conductor 124 · If "This will change just vorausgehecd, was located on the conductor 129 is a 1-level, while on the conductor 131 a 0-level found. Hun, after switching the multivibrator I05, there is a 0-I level on conductor 129, while there is a 1 -five'au on conductor 131. It becomes clear that the leads to the H ^- AlD control gate 132 have been reversed, but they are still at the 0 and 1 level. . As a result, the output of the UAND control gate 132 remains at the 1 level, and no switching of the multivarators 133 and 13? is carried out. However, we consider the situation in which a particular rock to which the module was attached has just passed the scanning beam. There is therefore no pulse signal on the conductor 101 during the period in which the multivibrator 105 is switched. The multivibrator is now reset and changes the signal on the conductor 129 zma. 1 — Five au “, there are two 1 levels on the leads to the MAND control gate 132, while the output of the IAID control gate 132 changes from 1 to 0. The multivibrator 133 is designed in such a way that it is switched in response to this change and generates a

00 9 82S / 10SS

Signal on conductor 134-, weleh.es. can be described as a decision signal. This signal is available at the reference point E and means that a rock has been completely scanned. It puts a circuit into action? to make a decision as to whether the rock should be accepted or discarded, which was described in connection with I? ig · 6. The conductor 134 is also connected to the feed-in to the multivibrator 137, and the multivibrator 137 is switched when the multivibrator 133 is reset, ie when the signal on the conductor 134 changes from the 4 level to the 0 level changes. If the multivibrator is in its switched-on state, it generates a ^ö ignal on the conductor 138, which may also be referred to as Bückstellungssignal and which is available at the reference point L to the circuit shown in? Ig. 6 to be set aside for the treatment of another rock. When the multivibrator 137 resets, the toggle switch 114- is also reset to disconnect the signal associated with the module from the conductor 118 «

During the time in which the multivibrator 133 is switched, "there is a 0 level on the conductor 135 and consequently also on a feed to the AND control gate 136. While the multivibrator 137 is switched, there is a 0 level on the conductor 140. Level and possibly also at a feed of the AND control gate 136. When the multivibrators 133 ¹ ^ d 137. reset, they generate a signal at the 1 level in the two feeds to the UTO control gate 136. There is of course a signal 'at the 1 level on conductor 129, which is connected to the second feed of AND control gate 136. > However, the spreading circuit 14-1 has a 0 output voltage at the moment in which the multivibrators 133 and 137 reset wherein the circuit 14-1 produces a small delay, it -before a signal on the * 1 level of the last injection of the aND St; your gate 136 supplies - ⁴¹ Uf these '"manner, the control gate 136 is not enabled until. the whole mte

.- ■ - · "·: va ^. _F ,;, 009829/1086

Circuit ■ Ze ± t ^f .zür.Version had to reset itself, whereupon the AND gate: 136 forwards an output voltage at the 1 level to the NAND control gate 1Q6, which generates an O level signal (it should here Assuming that there is no pick-up inhibit signal on conductor 127), which in turn enables AND gate 104- to pick up signals from the next available rock. With others. Words, the circuit is now in the position described under 2. ·.

In Fig. 8, a broken partial line 145 is shown. These Partial line is intended to divide FIG. 8 into two different parts. The portion of the circuit in Fig. 8 that is above and to the left of the partial line describes the circuit, the is related to a module. The part of the circuit in Fig. 8, which is to the right and below the partial line, belongs to the device, i.e. each of the 8 modules is connected to this general circuit.

The reference points R, A, F, J, L and N in Fig. 8 are related to the same signals as previously described. The transversely extending section should first be considered here, this being the part of the circuit which transmits the signals to certain of the ^2½ channels which extend transversely across FIG. At reference point A, 20 consecutive gate signals are available which are routed to a series of 20 AND control gates 150 via cable 14-7. Only the first two and the last of the series of 20 AND control gates I50 are for simplicity. Drawing shown and designated with 15I ₁ 152 and 153. An active gate signal is now fed to a specific one of the row of AND control gates 150 via a conductor in the cable 147, so that the active signals are carried out successively to the row of control gates in accordance with the age of the scanning beam. The integrating signal for this module is fed in via the reference point J, which indicates when the sampling

00 9 8 29/1086

8ADORK5MÄI.

beam crossed the rock on which this module is stapled, this integrating signal over the conductor

154 is fed as an activating signal to the leads of each of the series of AND control gates 150. Whenever two activating signals are present at the inputs of one of the series of UTD control gates 150, this particular gate generates an output voltage ₌ one off the series of 20 toggle switches 155 toggles. Of the 20 toggle switches 155, only 3 are shown here and denoted by 156, 157 and 158. It indicates that one or more of the series of toggle switches

155 are toggled when a module is attached to a rock, the toggle switches, the number and lag ^{e representing} imaginary channels that are occupied by the rock as it passes through the sorting area. The toggle switches remain in their toggle position until a reset signal appears from reference point L via conductor 160. As already mentioned, a reset signal is only generated when a module has finished processing a particular rock *

Whenever one of the toggle switches 155 changes is switched on, it produces an output voltage that is an ac-

M -

^{represents the} activating signal which is fed to a feed of a respective corresponding one from the list of 20 AND control gates 161. Here, too, only 3 control gates are shown and labeled 162, 163 and 164. The respective other leads of the AND control gates 161 are connected in parallel via the conductor 165 to the reference point N, via which the blow signal is supplied. If the decision has now been made that a rock to which the module is attached should be sorted out, a blow signal is fed to Yard via the conductor 165, and the AND control gates 161, which correspond to the position and the lateral extent of the rock, are activated. These activated control gates generate a signal which corresponds to a corresponding one of the 2 ύ OR ^{control gates}

3 ^ m ^ mm ^^ 9 8 2 9/1086

badoriginal

166 is fed. The OR control gates shown in the figure are labeled 167, 168 and 169. The range of OR control gates 166 is only provided once in the device and therefore there are feeds to each of these ORJ control units (each one of the corresponding AND control gates 161 in each module). \ "■■" '".

Before proceeding with the further description of the general portion of the circuit, the description of the circuit associated with each module will first be completed. A toggle switch 171 is provided in each module, which when switched on is connected to reference point P via conductor 172, while in the switched-over condition a connection to reference point L is established via conductor 193. The output of the toggle switch 171 is connected to a feed to the AND control gate 173 via the conductor 174-. The other feed to the AND control gate 173 is connected to the reference point R via the conductor 175. The reference point R relates to a line carrying signals representing the speed of the conveyor belt 18 (FIG. 1). As already mentioned, the drive motor can be designed in such a way that it generates corresponding signals, but preferably magnetic particles are provided along the conveyor belt at an even distance on an edge, which sweep past a magnetic pickup or sensor 68 (Fig ₆ * 5). The toggle holder 171 is in the switched-on state from the point in time at which the rock to which the module is attached first touches the scanning area until it leaves it again Signal so that the output voltage from the AND gate 173 corresponds to the series of pulses from the reference point R * The series of pulses coming from the AND gate 173 can be referred to as switching pulses To reduce the number and

009829/1080 _ÖAD

to keep the following counter at a manageable size »

The switching pulses, which are related to the speed of the conveyor belt (ie the speed of the rocks, -, which sweep past the scanning beam) are fed to a counting arrangement 177. The counting arrangement 17? (two of which, the first 3 with 180, 181 and 182 hereinafter) can have a number of toggle switches, the sifLd arranged so that the switching pulses turn on the toggle switch in turn. This means that first the toggle switch 180 , then the toggle 181, then the toggle switch 182, etc. are switched on. that is processed by this module. All of the toggle switches in the counting arrangement 177 are connected to a feed to a corresponding tier AND control gates 185. The other feed of each of these AND control gates is connected to the reference point N via the conductor 184-. The reference point N denotes a line that carries the blow signal. When the blow signal has been generated, an activating signal is fed to one of the inputs of each of the AND control gates 183, and when a corresponding unit in the counting arrangement 177 is in the switched-on state, a. Signal of a supply of a corresponding OR control gate 185 is fed. The OR control gates are designated in detail with the reference numerals 186 to 192, ^ each unit in the counting arrangement 177 is connected to the reference point L via the conductor 193. This ensures that the counting arrangement 177 is reset when the module has finished processing the rock.

The row of OR = control gates 185 belongs to the simply existing part of the device, and thus they each have 8 feeds (one from a corresponding AND control gate 183 of each of the 8 modules). This Yfeise is a number of 20 OR control gates 166 and a series of 7 OR control gates 185,: ₅ ^ ί:, .-. ^ 009829/1088

BAt) &

available, vbii each of which has 8 "inputs".

In the circuit according to FIG. 8, which is only simply present in the device, 20 step counters are provided, of which only 3 are shown in order to simplify the drawing. These 3 counters are designated with the reference numbers "194-, 195 and 196". Each of these counters 194 to 196 has a plurality of units which are determined by the belt speed and the distance between the scanning area and the separating device. The first 7 units in counters 194 to 196 are fully marked, whereupon the drawing is interrupted and only part of the last unit has been shown. Only the counter 195 will be described in more detail, since all 20 counters are identical to one another. The units in the counter 195 are denoted by the reference numerals 200 to 207. The first 7 units of the counter 195 are connected to the output voltage of a corresponding one of the series of 7 AND ~ control gates 208. The row of 7 AND control gates that are connected to the counters 194 and 196 are denoted by the reference numbers 209 and 217. Row 208 AND control gates are designated by reference numerals 210 to 216, each having 2 inputs. An input of each of the AND control gates 208 is connected to the output of the OR control gate 168 via the conductor 217. The other supply of each of the control gates 208 is each connected to a corresponding output of one of the OR control gates 185. This means that the second supply of the AND control gate 210 is connected to the output of the OR control gate 186, while a connection between the second supply ^ - ^es AUD control gate 211 is connected to the output of the OR control gate 187 and so on.

If a blow signal is now at the reference point N, it will be on appear on the ladders 165 and 184- of each module, and it are signals at the outputs of certain OR control gates the rows 166 and 185 are. At certain AND control gates of the

009829/1088

⁸ AD ORIGINAL

20 rubbing, of which those are shown by the reference numerals 209 '208 and 217, a ^ö ignal both inputs are at ", whereby this AND ^ control gates are activated. The AND control gates are in turn the corresponding unit in a respective one of the 20 Switch counter arrangements (of which those with the reference numbers 194-, 195 and 196 are shown) “At this point the units set in the counters will represent the lateral position, the lateral extent and the extent in the direction of movement, ie the length of the rock. The counting assemblies are driven or stepped by the switching pulses used for the counting assembly 177. In this manner, the counting assemblies are arranged to continuously advance toward the far end at a speed equal to the speed of the conveyor belt It is important that the time setting of the Bla s process and its duration are set to the speed of the conveyor belt. When the switched-on units in the counting assemblies reach the end of the counting assembly, they actuate the appropriate airflow control units 51. The airflow control units generate an airflow which is directed at the rock as it passes through the air nozzles.

009829/1086 ORIGINAL BATHROOM

Claims (8)

P a t e n t a ns p> return Position storage device for storing information relating to the position of randomly distributed objects while they pass through a scanning area, characterized by a scanning area which is divided into at least three arbitrarily defined, imaginary channels, a scanning device (25) for receiving Sig ~ nal "which relate to the objects (11) that are traversed by the scanning beam, a Zeitgeberzählwerk (33) for generating ^u ignalen representing the time at which the scanning beam crosses the boundaries of the channel," a number of modules (37 "to 44), the number of which is less than the number of channels and which receive the signals generated by the objects (11) and the timer counter (33), each module (37 t> is 44} having the property that the information that relate to an object (11), to process and to remain connected to this object (11) while it is on the scanning beam moved past, the first in the series of modules (37 to 44), which does not process signals relating to an object (11), is ready to receive signals of a new object (11) struck by the scanning beam, a number of Sp Eicher means (50) in equal number "(as the channels are provided and each having a Kan'al related and display their lateral position, egg wob all memory devices (50) with each module 37" to 44) are while each module (37 "to 44) _? which picks up the two signals, selects a corresponding memory device j which the lateral position and the extent of the opposite 003829/1086 BADORfGtNAi , Said third ^ö ignal is retained in the storage device and is continued at a speed prior represents (11) and that a third ^D zufuhrt ignal with respect to the longitudinal extension of the object ClI) to that of the moving through the scanning object (11 ) is equivalent to. 2. Position storage device according to claim 1, characterized marked, .that the objects (11) are guided on a conveyor belt (18) through the scanning area » 3 «position storage device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a reset device (133, 134) is available, which the {respective module (37 to 4-4), after he has given his information, for recording new information from a new item (ll) into the Postpones the starting position. 4. Position storage device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the scanning device (25) consists of a light beam and light-sensitive detectors _.._ that consists of that of the object (11 *), that of the ray of light is crossed, receive reflected light, generating a signal corresponding to the reflected light »- --.-" ". 5 · Position storage device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that by the scanning device ("25") various parameters of the object ClI) can be determined via the reflected light, which parameters are transmitted in connection with the signal. 6. Position storage device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that each module (37 to 44) has an integrating arrangement for integration and storage the parameters related to the item (11) auiteisb. (V: 009829/1086 BAD ORIG.NAL 7 · Position storage device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a sorting device "(26) is intended for jecten of the canals that '' each from a corresponding storage device (50) is controllable, with the modules (37 "to 44 ·) the parameters of the objects' ClI) in a predetermined. Way to compare and, if the item (II) is to be rejected. emit a signal, whereupon the presence of this signal in the memory device (50) the actuation of the special arrangement (26) triggers when the influence of the signal a certain point within the memory arrangement (50) has reached, which corresponds to the passing of the object (II) on the separation arrangement (26) 8. Position storage device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the separation arrangement (26) consists of a number of air nozzles (27) ", which extend side by side across the width of the scanning zone ORIGINAL 009829/1086