US2054319A

US2054319A - Sorting apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2054319A
Application number: US489798A
Authority: US
Inventors: Martin C Hanson
Original assignee: ELECTRIC SORTING MACHINE COMPA
Current assignee: ELECTRIC SORTING MACHINE Co; ELECTRIC SORTING MACHINE COMPA
Priority date: 1930-10-20
Filing date: 1930-10-20
Publication date: 1936-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 1953-09-15

Description

Sept. 15, 1936. Ma C;- HANSON 2,054,319

soRTING APPARATUSv Filed oct. 2o, 1930 2 sheets-sheet 1 Sept. 15, 1936. M. c. HANsoN SORTING APPARATUS Filed 0st. 20'. 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Mavim O. Hanson BY ATTQQNEYS Patented' Sept. 15, 1936 PATE-NT lori-letz '2,054,319' `soirrmc. marinus Martin C. Hanson. Grand Rapids, Mich., assigner, by direct and mesne assignments, to Electric Sorting Machine Company, a corporation o! Michigan Application october zo, leso, serial Nc. 439,198

42 claims. (ci. zoo- 111) The main objects of this invention are: First, -to provide a sorting machine or` apparatus which is'well adapted for use in sorting beans, the fractured or discolored beans being side of the rim by means of the spring I4 so' that removed lor rejected by the machine. A

Second, to provide a machine of this charvacter which is very compact and at the Vsame time of very large capacity.

Third, to provide a machine of this character which is very accurate in operation.

Objects pertaining to'details and economi of my invention will .definitely appear from the description to follow. The invention isv defined in the claims.

A structure which embodies the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary'view mainly in vertical section of my improved sorting machine, parts being shown in conventional form for convenience in illustration.

Fig. 2 is a view partially in section on line 2--2 of Fig. 1 and partially in vertical central section.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary View partially in section on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the suction tips.

In' the embodiment of my invention illustrated I provide a base I having pedestals 2 and 3 thereon, the pedestal 3 being hollow to provide a conduit to which the suction pipe 4 of the suction producing means shown conventionally at 5 is connected.

I provide a hollow drum-like conveyor 6 having a journal 1 mounted within the pedestal 2 and a hollow journal mounted on the pedestal 3 so that the interior of the conveyor communicates with the suction conduit. The drum is provided with a spaced series of peripheral suction orifices 9, andis preferably provided with a facing rim I of a uniform neutral color, preferably white. This rim is of -hard-surfaced material such as some of the pyroxylin products which permits its ready cleaning and provides a smooth durable surface.

The suction orifices are provided with suction tips II which project slightly above the surface of the rim as best shown in Fig. 3. These suction orifices are all open to the suction within the conveyor except as they may be closed by the valve I2, which for convenience I designate as a selecting valv and the valve I3, which for convenience I- designate as a discharge valve. The valve I2 is normally open, it being shown in closed position, however, in Fig. 1.

The valve I3 is yieldingly held against the inthe orifices are successively closed by this valve as the drum rotates. To prevent the suction orices becoming airbound when the valve is closed, the tips II-are preferably notched at I5.

thus insuring a prompt release of the bean whenthe valve is closed.

At one side of the conveyor-I arrange a hopper I6 which is open adjacent the conveyor so thatV the periphery of the conveyor sweeps through the hopper on its up-stroke into contact with thebeans or other articlesto -be sorted, indicated l at I'I. The feed chute I8 maintains a uniform supply of beans in the hopper.

The conveyor is 'driven with a step by step movement, the driving means illustrated comprising a gear I9 having radial slots 20 which are engaged by the pins 2l on the driving gear 22. The shaft 23 of this driving Bear being continuously driven imparts a stel? by step movement to the conveyor. This movement has a relatively slow ,starting and stopping action, which is also of advantage.

The rockshaft 24 is disposed transversely of the hopper above the feed level thereof and carries anarm 25 with which the gear pins 2l coact as tappets so that the -arm is rocked in synchronism with the movements of the conveyor. shaft is provided with spring fingers 2i and 2T which are disposed to strike the beans, uniformly positioning them on the tips. Frequently thebeans are picked up in the hopper with their ends engaging the tips; these positioning members .acting whilethe beans are held upon the tips by suction with a tapping action, place the cell is focused upon a bean fheld by one of the tips ornipples while the conveyor is at rest.

A lamp housing 30 is operatively associated with c the cell and disposed so that a portion of the periphery' of the drum sweeps intothe housing on the down-stroke. Lampsl 3l are arranged within this housing at each side 0f the path of, the tips so that the articles carried by the conveyor are very effectively illuminated.

vlwithin the conveyor and mounted on the barlike bracket 36, one end of which is supported at 31 lon the pedestal. The other end has a pilot pin 38 engaging a bearing 39 in the journal I of the conveyor. The valve i3 is pivoted at 40 on the arm 4l projecting from this bracket 36. Thephoto-electric cell or other light-sensitive element 28 is connected by the wires 42 and 43 to an amplifier 44 which is in turn connected by the wires 45 and 46 to th electromagnet. 35. The details of these partsare not illustrated.

With the parts thus arranged the beans are automatically picked up as the conveyor rotates,

are positioned on their sides on the conveyor bymeans of the fingers 26 and 21, and are then Y carried to the detector mechanism described where the discolored, or defective beans in which the defect is of a character to affect the color, are discharged into the discharge chute 32, the good beans being carried on to the discharge chute 34.

The apparatus is of large capacity and very accurate in the performance of the work intended. At the sametime the structure may be made very compact.

I have illustrated and described my improvements in an embodiment which I have found highly practical. I have not attempted to illustrate various adaptations and modifications which I contemplatey as it is believed that this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my improvements as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure` by Letters Patent is:

1. In a sorting machine, the combination with a feed hopper open at one side, a drum-like conveyor disposed so that an annular portion thereof sweeps upwardly in the side opening of said feed hopper, said annular portion having a neutral color and radially disposed suction tips projecting slightly above the surface thereof, suction means connected to the interior of said conveyor, means for driving said conveyor stepjby step, a lamp housing having an opening receiving a portion of' the edge of the conveyor on the down sweep thereof, lamps arranged within said housing on opposite sides of the vertical plane of said s uction tips, a photo-electric cell disposed to focus on an article withinsaid lamp housing while the conveyor is at rest, an electromagnet mounted yWithin said conveyor and oper' atively associated with said photo-electric cell, a selecting valve operatively connected to 'said electromagnet and arranged within said conveyor so that the uction tips are successively brought into operative relation thereto whileA they are in operative relation to said cell, and

f. a discharge, valve arranged within said conveyor at the rear of said selecting valve to successively close said suction tips as the conveyor revolves. 2. In a sorting machine, the combination with a feed hopper open at one side, a drum-like conveyor disposed so that'a portion of its periphery sweeps upwardly in the side opening of said feed hopper, said conveyor having a rim of neutral color and radially disposed suction tips projecting slightly above the surface of the rim, suction means connected to the interior of said conveyor, means for driving said conveyor step by step, a photoelectric cell disposed to focus on an article while the conveyor is at rest, an electromagnet mounted within said conveyor and opfA eratively associated with said photo-electric cell,

a selecting valve operatively connected to said electromagnet and arranged within said conveyor so that the suction tips are successively brought into operative relation thereto while they are in operative relation to said cell, and

a discharge valve arranged within said conveyor e Within said housing on opposite sides of the vertical plane of said suction tips. a photo-electric cell disposed to focus on an article within said lamp housing while the conveyor is at rest, an electromagnet mounted within said conveyor and operatively associated with 'said photo-#electric cell, a selecting valve operatively connected to said electromagnet and arranged within said conveyor so that the suction tips are successively brought into operative relation thereto when they are in operative relation to said cell, and a discharge valve arranged within said conveyor at the rear of said selecting valve to successively close said suction tips as the conveyor revolves.

4. In a sorting machine, the combination with a feed hopper open at one side, a 'drumlike conveyor disposed so that a portion of its periphery sweeps upwardly in the side opening of said feed hopper, said conveyor having an annular series of suction tips projecting slightly above the surface thereof, means for driving said conveyor. a photo-electric cell disposed to focus on an article Whilethe conveyor is'at rest, an electromagnet mounted within said conveyor and operatively associated, with said photo-electric cell, a selecting valve operatively connected to said electromagnet and arranged within said conveyor so that the suction tips are successively brought into operative relation thereto when they are in operative relation to saidcell, and a discharge valve arranged within said conveyor at the rear of said selecting valve to successively close said suction tips as the conveyor revolves.

5. In a sorting machine, the combination with a feed hopper, of a drum-like conveyor having peripherally disposed series of suctionv orices,

"said conveyor being disposed so dthat a portion of its vperiphery sweeps through said feed hopper, means for driving said conveyor step by step, an oscillatin'gly mounted spring finger actuated in synchronism with said conveyor for positioning the articles thereon, a lamp housing disposed so that a portion of the periphery of the conveyor sweeps therethrough as the conveyor rotates, lamps arranged within said housing on opposite the conveyor f a discharge valve arranged within said conveyor atL the rear of said selecting valve to successively close said suction orifices as the conveyor revolves.

6. In a sorting machine, the combination of a drum-like conveyor having aniannular series of suction orices, a lamp housing disposed so that a portion thereof of the conveyor sweeps therethrough as the conveyor rotates, lamps arranged Within said housing on opposite sides of the plane of the suction orifices of said conveyor, a photoelectric cell disposed to .focus on an article within said lamp housingwhile the conveyor is at rest, an electrically actuated'selecting valve arranged within said conveyor so that the suction orifices are successively brought into operative relation thereto while they are in operative relation to 'said photo-electric cell, and a discharge valve arranged within said conveyor at the rear of said selecting valve to successively close said suction oriiices as the conveyor revolves.

7. In a sorting machine, the combination with a feed hopper, of a rotatably mounted suction head having a rim of neutral color and a peripherally disposed series of uniformly spaced su'ction tips projecting slightly above the surface of the rim, said conveyor. being disposed so that a portion of its periphery sweeps through said feed hopper in. contact with the material to be sorted, an electrically actuated selecting valve disposed within said suction head and arranged so that the suction tips are successively brought into operative relation thereto, and means for actuating said selecting valve including a color-sensitive element subject to the articles carried by said head.

8. In a sorting machine, the combination of a rotatably mounted. suction head having a rim of neutral color and la peripherally disposed series of uniformly spaced suction tips projecting slightly above the surface of the rim, means for driving said suction head step by step, ngers adapted to successively strike the articles carried by the head for positioning the same thereon, means for actuating said ngers in synchronism with the movement of said head, an electrically actuated selecting valve disposed within sa'zid -head and arranged so that the suction tips arey successively brought into operative relation thereto, and means for actuating said selecting valve including a color-sensitive element subject to the articles carried by said head.

9. In a sorting machine, the combination with a feed hopper, of a rotatably mounted suction head having a peripherally disposed series of uniformly spaced suction orifices, said head being disposed so that a portion of its periphery sweeps through said feed hopper in contact with the material to be sorted, means for driving said suction head step by step, a iinger adapted to successively engage the articles carried by the headfor positioning the same thereon, an electrically actuated selecting va1ve disposed within said head and arranged so that the suction oriiices are successively brought into operative relatior` thereto, and means for actuating said valve including a color-sensitive element subject to the articles-carried by said head.

10. In a sorting machine, the combination with a feed hopper, of a rotatably mounted suction head having an annular series of uniformly spaced suction orices, said head being disposed so that a portion thereof sweeps through said feed hopper in contact with the material to be sorted,

an electrically actuated selecting valve disposed I within said head and arranged so that the suction orifices are successively brought into loperative relation thereto, and means for actuating said valve including a color-sensitive element subject to the articles carried by said head.

11. In a sorting machine, the combination of a rotatably mounted suction head having an annular series 'of spaced suction tips projecting slightly above thesurface thereof, an electrically actuated selecting valve disposed within said head and arranged so that the suction tips are successively brought into operative relation thereto, and means for actuating said selecting valve including a color-sensitive element subject to the articles carried by said head.

12. In a sorting machine, the combination of a rotatably mounted suction head having an annu-` lar series of suction orices adapted -to pick 'up and carry articles tobe sorteda lamp housingl through which a, portion of the conveyor projects, lamps arranged within said housing, a photoelectric cell disposed to focus on an article carried by said conveyor while within said housing, an electrically actuated selecting valvel arranged within said conveyor and operatively associated Vwith said photo-electric cell, and a discharge valve arranged within said conveyor at the rear of said selecting valve to successively close said suction oriiices.

13. In a sorting machine, the combination of a rotatably mounted suction head having an annular series of suction orifices adapted to pick up and carry articles to be sorted, a lamp housing through which a portion of the conveyor projects, lamps arranged within said housing, a photoelectric cell disposed to focus on an article carried by said conveyor while Within said4 housing, and an electrically actuated selecting valve arranged within said conveyor and operatively associated with said photo-electric cell.

14. In a sorting machine, the combination of a rotatably mounted suction head having an annular series of suction orifices adapted to pick up and carry articles to be sorted, a photo-electric cell disposed to focus on an article carried by said conveyor, an electrically actuated selecting valve arranged Within said conveyor and operatively associated with said photo-electric cell, and a discharge valve arranged within said conveyor at the rear of said selecting valve to successively close said suction orifices.

15. In a sorting machine, the combination of rotatably mounted suction head having an annu-- sweeps upwardly through the mass of objectsin the hopper, means for positioning the articles to be sorted on said suction tips as the conveyor revolves, a color-sensitive elementV operatively associated with said conveyor so that the articles to be sorted are successively brought into operative relation thereto as the conveyor revolves, and means operatively associated with said color-sen- I. sitive element for releasing selected articles from said conveyor on the down sweep side thereof, the suction being maintained on the articles carried by the suction tips 'until the articles are discharged from the conveyor.

18. In a sorting machine, the combination of a drum-like conveyor having an annular series of suction oriiices, a color-sensitive element operatively associated with said conveyor so that the Varticles to be sorted are successively brought into operative relation thereto as the conveyor revolves, and means operatively associated with said color-sensitive element and including a suction valve coacting with'said suction orifices for releasing selected articles from said conveyor.

19. In a sorting machine, the combination of a rotatable conveyor having an annular series of suction oriices, `a feed hopper disposed so that a pprtion of the rim sweeps upwardly through the mass of objects in the hopper. means for positioning the articles to be sorted on said conveyor, a color-sensitive element operatively associated with said conveyor lo that the articles to be sorted are successively brought into operative relation thereto as the conveyor revolves, and means operatively associated with said colorsensitive element for releasing selected articles from said conveyor on the down sweep side thereof, the suction being maintained on the articles carried by the conveyor until they are discharged from the conveyor.

20. In a sorting machine, the combination of a rotatable conveyor having a peripherally disposed series of suction orifices, a color-sensitive element operatively associated with said conveyor so that the articles to be sorted are successively brought into operative relation thereto as the conveyor revolves, and means operatively associated with said color-sensitive element for releasing selected articles from said conveyor, said means including a valve operatively associated with said orifices, including an electro-magnet arranged within said conveyor.

2,1. In a sorting machine, the combination of a conveyor having a series of suction orifices, means for driving said conveyor, means for positioning the articles upon said conveyor, a selecting valve operatively associated with said suction orifices for controlling the suction thereof, and a colorsensitive element operatively associated Awith said. 'conveyor so that the articles carried thereby areV successively brought into operative relation thereto, said selecting valve being operatively associ'- atedwith said color sensitive element.

22. In a. sorting machine, the combination of aconveyor having a series of suction orifices, a.

color-sensitive element operatively associated with said conveyor so that the articles to besortedare successively brought into operative relation thereto, and means operativelyassociated with said color sensitive element for releasing selected articles from said conveyor, said means including a valve operatively associated with said orifices, including an electro-magnet arranged within said COIIVeyDI'.

23. In a sorting machine, the combination of a rotatable drum-like conveyor having an annular series oi' suction tips projecting slightly above the surface thereof, said suction tips being notched, a feed hopper disposed so that a portion of the conveyor sweeps therethrough, means for positioning the articles carried by said conveyor disposed at the rear of the hopper, a selecting valvel arranged within said conveyor so that the suction tips are successively brought into operative relation thereto as the conveyor revolves, means for actuating said valve, and a discharge valve arranged within said conveyor at the rear of said selecting valve to successively close said suction tips.

24. In a sorting machine, the rotatable drum-like conveyor having an annular series of suction tips projecting slightly above the surface thereof, said suction tips being notched, a selecting valve arranged within said conveyor so that the suction tips are successively brought into operative relation thereto as the cnveyor revolves, means for` actuating said valve, and a discharge valve arranged within said conveyor at the rear of said selecting valve to successively close said suction tips.

25. In a sorting machine, the combination of -a rotatable drum-like conveyor having an annular series of suction tips projecting slightly above the surface of the rim, saidsuction tips being notched, a feed hopper disposed `so that a portion of the rim sweeps'therethrough, means for positioning the articles carried by said conveyor disposed at the rear of the hopper, a selecting valve arranged within said conveyor so that the suction tips are successively brought into operative relation thereto as the conveyor revolves, and means for actuating said valve. Y

26. In a sorting machine, thecombination of a rotatable drum-like conveyor having an annularseries of suction tips projecting slightly above the surface thereof, said suction tips being notched,`

combination of a a selecting vala arranged within said conveyor so that the suctionv tips are successively brought into operative relation thereto as the conveyor revolves, and selecting means for valve.

27. In a sorting machine, the combination of a rotatably mounted-suction head having an annular series of uniformly spaced suction oriiices, means for driving said suction head, a selecting valve disposed within said head and arranged so that the suction tips are successively brought into operative relation thereto, and a discharge valve arranged within said conveyor at the rear of said selecting valve to successively close said suction tips.

28. A sorting machine comprising a rotatable conveyor having an annular series of suction orifices, a-feedhopper disposed so that a portion of the conveyor sweeps therethrough, means for driving said conveyor step by step, a positioning means actuated in synchronism with said conveyor to radially strike the articles supported by actuating said the conveyor while the conveyor is at rest, and means at the rear of said positioning means for releasing selected articles from said conveyor including a color-sensitive element positioned so that it is focused upon an article carried by the conveyor while the conveyor is at rest.

29. A sorting machine comprising a rotatable conveyor having 'an annular series of suction orifices, a feed hopper disposed so that a por tion of the conveyor sweeps therethrough, means for driving said conveyor step by step, and a positioning means actuated in synchronism with said conveyor to radially strike the articles supported by the conveyor while the conveyor is at rest.

30. In a sorting machine, the combination'f a rotatably mounted suction head having anannular series of suction orifices provided with notched tips, means adapted when actuated to cut oi the suctioniof one of said oriiices, and selecting means for actuating said last named means. p

3l. In a sorting machine, the combination of a feed hopper, a conveyor disposed to sweep upwardly through the mass of objects within' said hopper and having a series of suction oriiices, resilient wiping means for positioning the articles to be sorted on said conveyor disposed at the rear of the hopper so that the articles picked up from the hopper are brought into operative relation thereto, and means at the rear of said positioning means for releasing selected articles from the conveyor including a color sensitive element positioned so that the articles carried by the conveyor are successively brought into operative relation thereto.

32. A sorting `machine comprising a rotatable conveyor having an annular series of suction orices, means for driving said conveyor step by step, and a spring nger actuated in synchronism with said conveyor to radially strike the articles supported by the suction tips while the conveyor is at rest.

33. A sorting machine vcomprising a rotatable conveyor having an annular series of suction oriiices, means for removing selected articles from said conveyor comprising a color sensitive element disposed so that the articles carried by the conveyor are successively presented thereto, a normally open valve controlled by said element to close when a discolored article is presented, and a valve disposed at the rear of said selecting means and normally acting vto successively close the suction orifices of said conveyor thereby-dis` charging the articles carried past the said selecting means.

34. A sorting machine comprising a rotatable conveyor having an annular series of suction orices, a hopper disposed at one side of said conveyor so that the conveyor sweeps upwardly through the mass of objects within the hopper, a lamp housing disposed at the opposite side ot said conveyor so that the conveyor sweeps downwardly therethrough, lamps Within said housing, electrically controlled means for removing selected articles from said conveyor comprising a light sensitive element arranged so as to focus upon the articles as they are successively carried into said lamp housing, and a valve disposed to successively close said orices after they have left said lamp housing to eiect the removal of the articles not rejected by the light sensitive 'means the suction being maintained on the ar- 35. A sorting machine comprising a rotatable conveyor having an annular series of suction orices, a hopper disposed at one side of said conveyor so 'that theV conveyor sweeps upwardly therethrough, a. lamp housing disposedat the opposite side-of said conveyor so that the conveyor sweeps downwardly therethrough, lamps .within said housing, electrically controlled means for removing selected oiLcolor-articles from said conveyor comprising a light sensitive element arranged so as to focus uporthe articles as they are successively carried into the housing, a normally open suction orifice valve controlled by said light sensitive element to close the suction oriiice carrying an off-color article to discharge the same, and normally closed suction orifice valve means for removing the remaining articles from said conveyor carried beyond said housing.

36. In a, sorting machine, the combination of a conveyor having a series of suction oriiices, a color sensitive element operatively associated with said conveyor so that the articles to be sorted are successively brought into operative relation thereto by the conveyor, normally open valve means operatively associated with said suction orices and controlled by said sensitive element for Adischarging selected off-color articles fromv said conveyor by closing said valve, and a normally closed suction orice valve for discharging the remaining articles from the conveyor.

37. In a sorting machine, the combination of a hopper adapted to receive the articles to be sorted `such as beans en masse and having 'a side opening, e a conveyor disposed` so as to sweep upwardly articles dislodged thereby fall back into the hopper.

38. In a sorting machine, the combination with a feed hopper, of a rotatable drum-like conveyor disposed so that a portion of its periphery sweeps upwardly through said feed hopper and having a peripherally disposed series of suction oriiices, a cylindrical lamp housing disposed so that a portion of the periphery of the conveyor sweeps downwardly therethrough as the conveyor rotates, said housing having a discharge at the bottom thereof, lamps disposed radially within said housing on opposite sides of the vertical plane of said conveyor, a photo-electric cell disposed to focus successively on the articles carried by the conveyor,'and means controlled by said photo-electric i cell for removing selected articles from said conseries of suction orifices, a cylindrical lamp housing disposed so that a portion of the conveyor sweeps downwardly therethrough as the conveyor rotates, said housing having a discharge, at the bottom thereof, lamps disposed radially within said housing on opposite sides of the vertical 'l plane of said conveyor, a photo-electric cell disposed to focus on the periphery of said conveyor within said lamp housing and centrally relative to said lamps to focus successively on the articles carried by the conveyor, and means controlled by said photo-electric cell for 'removing selected articles from said conveyor within said lamp l housing, the suction being maintained on the articlescarriedbytheconveyoruntiltheyaredischarged therefrom.

40. A sorting machine havingy in combination a hollow drum-like conveyor provided with a spaced series oi peripheral suction oriiices and a facing rim of uniform neutral color, such,as white, and

ot hard-surfaced material, such as pyroxylin,v

which permits its ready cleaning and provides a smooth durable surface, said suction oriiioes hav- .ing notches to prevent their becoming air bound when the suction is released and thereby insuring the discharge or the conveyed article from the orifice.

41. A sorting machine having in combination a hollowdrum-like conveyor provided with a spaced series of peripheral suction orifices and a facing rim ot uniform neutral color and oi' hard-surfacedmaterial which permits its ready cleaning and provides a smooth durable surface. said suction orifices having suction tips which project slightly above the said rim, and light sensitive. means coacting with said rim to close each suction orifice carrying an article varying in color from that of said rim. s

42. A sorting machine having in combination a hollow drum-like conveyor provided with a spaced series of peripheral suction orifices and a facing rim, said suction orifices having suction tips which project slightly above the said rim, and light.

sensitive means coacting with said rim to close each suction orifice carrying an article varying in color from that of said rim.

MARTIN C. HANSON.