US3599789A - High-speed case-sorting apparatus - Google Patents
High-speed case-sorting apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US3599789A US3599789A US847580A US3599789DA US3599789A US 3599789 A US3599789 A US 3599789A US 847580 A US847580 A US 847580A US 3599789D A US3599789D A US 3599789DA US 3599789 A US3599789 A US 3599789A
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- Prior art keywords
- stack
- cases
- outlet
- branch
- conveyor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
- B65G47/74—Feeding, transfer, or discharging devices of particular kinds or types
- B65G47/76—Fixed or adjustable ploughs or transverse scrapers
- B65G47/766—Adjustable ploughs or transverse scrapers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
- B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
- B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
Definitions
- the apparatus includes diverting means positioned proximate the juncture of the respective conveyor branches, and operable to direct cases entering the junction to a selected one of the outlet branches depending on the type of cases in the stack.
- Direction of the stacks to the outlet branches is achieved by a sensing arrangement which functions in conjunction with various control elements for the diverting means.
- the sensing arrangement produces a control signal dependent upon the nature of the stack entering the conveyor junction, which signal is operable through the various control elements to effect indexing of the diverting means to the position for directing the stacks to the proper conveyor outlet branch.
- the present invention relates to materials-handling apparatus. More particularly, said invention is directed to sorting apparatus for a conveyor system designed to handle stacks of both empty and filled milk cases.
- SUMMARY-OF T'I-IE INVENTION means disposed proximate the point of intersection of said respective branches, said diverting-means being operable to direct or channel astack of cases from said inlet-branch to either outlet branch; and sensingmeans for ,providinginformation as to whether a-stack'of cases contains cases" of a full or empty nature, said sensingmearts being operably connected with the diverting means to properly position same once said detection is made, thereby to effect channeling of said cases to the desired conveyor branch.
- FIG. I is a plan view showing the apparatus of the present invention positioned at a-junction point in a conveyor system for diverting stacks of cases to-a desired branch.
- FIG. 2' is a side elevational view of the apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. l and. 2.
- FIG. dis a schematic representation of thecase-sorting arrangement of the present invention in "conjunction with a hydraulic control system for operating said apparatus.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating one form of sensing means or arrangement that may be employed to operate the control system of FIG.4.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic representationof a modifiedform of sensing arrangement to be employed with the diverting means.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating how the sensing arrangement of FIG. 6 is employed to operate the control system.
- high-speed case-sorting apparatus indicated generally as 20, is shown positioned proximate. the junction point of a'conveyor 22.
- the conveyor 22 includes an inlet-branch 24 and a pair of outlet branches 26 and 28. Accordingly, during operation, stacks of cases 30 are transported along conveyor 22 in a direction indicated by arrow 32. Since the stacks 30 being conveyed contain cases of either the full or empty variety, at some point along the length of conveyor 22 it is necessary to separate or sort one from the other, and to divert the respective stacks to one or the other outlet branch. For purposes of description, it will be assumed that stacks containing empty cases will be diverted to branch 28, while the full cases are directed to the outlet branch 26. e I
- automatic sorting apparatus 20 To effect the aforementioned diversion of the stacks of cases to the proper outlet branch, automatic sorting apparatus 20, according to the present invention, is employed, said apparatus being positioned at a junction point in conveyor 22.
- Sorting and diverting apparatus 22 includes generally the following; sensing means to determine whether a stack contains casesof .a fullor empty type; diverting means for effecting channeling of :a stack of cases to one or the other of the outlet branches 26 or 28; and .control means for operating the diverting means in response to said sensing means.
- Diverting means .40 is primarily comprised of deflector apparatus 41 and a guide arrangement 42, each to be described in detail hereinafter.
- Thedeflector apparatus 41 is operable to direct a stack of cases 30 toward one or the other of the outlet branches 26 or 28.
- the guide arrangement 42 is journaled for controlled movement between the respective outlet branches 26 and 28 for cooperative operation with the deflector apparatus 41 to assure that the stacks 30 are introduced or guided into the proper outlet branch.
- the deflector apparatus 41 includes a frame arrangement -50, having portions thereof on opposite sides of the inlet branch 24. 'Journaled to the frame 50 for pivotal movement :is a deflector plate 52, which is adapted to be moved between the operating position illustrated in the upper portionoffFlG. 1 and-that corresponding to plate 52a, illustrated in the lower portion of said figure.
- the deflector plate 52 has anauxiliary armrmember 54 pivotally mounted andcarried-thereon.
- the auxiliary arm 54 is of considerably less height than plate 52 and will engage only thelowermost case of a stack. Movement ofthe auxiliary arm 54 and deflector plate 52 between the illustrated positions is effected by a pair of operating cylinders "58 and 60, respectively.
- the hydraulic cylinder 58 associated with the deflector plate 52 is pivotally mounted to frame 50 at 62, and includes a movable rod element 64 affixed to said plate 52 by means of a bracket 66. Accordingly, upon the operation of cylinder 58 rod 64 will move outwardly of the cylinder to bias plate 52 to the operating position. [Upper portion of FIG. 1].
- the hydraulic cylinder 60 which operates auxiliary arm 54 is of similar construction to cylinder 58.
- the arm 54 is pivotally mounted to deflector plate 52 by means of an integral bracket portion 67 at a location designated 68.
- An operating rod 69 extends from cylinder 60 and is pivotally connected to bracket portion 67, such that upon reciprocation of said rod 69, arm 54 will be moved between the operating position [upper portion of FIG. 1] and the retracted position [lower portion of FIG. 1].
- the diverting means 40 also includes the guide arrangement 42.
- the deflector apparatus 41 will divert the stacks toward the outlet branches 26 or 28, however, it is the guide arrangement 42, along with the auxiliary arm member 54, which assures that said stacks are properly orientated upon entry into said outlet branches.
- guide arrangement 42 is best viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- said arrangement includes a pivotally mounted T-shaped frame 70.
- a roller member 72 is carried by the forward end of said frame 70 by means of a pair of spaced parallel plates 74 and an axle 76.
- the frame 70 also has a guide rail 78 disposed on each side thereof.
- the frame 70 is mounted for controlled pivotal movement relative to a stationary bifurcated bracket member 80, by me'ansof a hinge-type connection, designated generally 82.
- Pivotal movement of the frame 70 is effected by means of a pair of hydraulic operating cylinder assemblies, 84 and 86, which are connected'to the cross portion of T-shaped frame 70 so as to work in opposition to each other. Accordingly, movement of the T-shaped frame 70 is between two positions; viz., as illustrated in FIG. 1, the roller 72 being disposed to one side of the centerline for the inlet branch 24, and in the other position, [not shown] the roller 72 being disposed on the opposite side of said centerline.
- Movement of diverting means 40 between the two operating positions is effected by the control means of the overall system, which means are activated by a signal from the sensing means upon the determination of whether or not a stack 30 approaching the junction contains full or empty cases.
- Sensing means 90 is positioned just forward of the deflector apparatus 41, and at the juncture of inlet branch 24 with the respective outlet branches 26 and 28.
- the sensing means may take various formsand its positioning adjusted accordingly, however, in the preferred, illustrated embodiment a photoelectric eye arrangement is used.
- light source 92 is positioned on one side of the conveyor 22 and a photoelectric cell 94 is mounted on the opposite side of said conveyor in alignment with said lightsource 92.
- photoelectric cell 92 is associated with the control means for operating the diverting means 40, in a manner to be detailed hereinafter in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5.
- the deflector plates 52 will be positioned so that stacks of cases 30 traveling along the conveyor 22 and entering the inlet branch 24 will be diverted to the outlet branch 28.
- said branch 28 handles stacks of empty eases. Accordingly, when no 'siacks are being conveyed, or when empty cases are traveling along the conveyor, the light from source 92 will strike the photoelectric cell 94, said cell producing control to maintain the diverting means 40 in the illustrated position. However, when a stack of full cases startsto pass between light source 92 and photocell 94, it will break the light beam and actuate the photoelectric cell to produce a control signal which indexes the diverting means 40 to channel the stack of cases to outlet branch 26.
- the sensing means may include a pair of spaced light sources 92 and photoelectric cells 94. Accordingly, with such an arrangement, the output of said photocells would be connected to the control means by a two-pulse trigger such that only simultaneous disruption of the light beams will activate the control apparatus, simultaneous interruption occurring only when the cases are full.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 the control means for diverting apparatus 40 are illustrated in FIG. 4, while in FIG. 5 the operable relationships between sensing means and certain electromechanical actuating devices are shown.
- photocell 94 is operably interconnected with a pair of switches and 102, which are of a normally closed type and a normally open type, respectively.
- switches 100 and 102 Upon the output of a signal from photocell 94, which in the illustrated arrangement of the'invention occurs when the light beam from source 92 is broken by a stack of full cases, the switches 100 and 102 will be operated, viz., switch 100 will open, while switch 102 is biased to a closed position.
- Each of said switches 100 and 102 is in circuit with a pair of solenoids, designated A and A for switch 100, and B and B for switch 102. As will be detailed with regard to the discussion of FIG. 4, these solenoids operate a pair of valve arrangements which control the flow of actuating fluid to the hydraulic operating cylinder for the diverting means 40.
- valve 104 determines the operation of the guide arrangement 42, while valve 106 performs the same function for the deflector apparatus 41.
- Each valve has four external ports, which are utilized as follows; one external port of each valve ispermanently connected to a sump, 108 and 110; another is connected to an actuating fluid inlet line, 112 and 114; and the'remaining two ports are associated with a pair of fluid lines leading to the apparatus to be operated, and are adapted to function as fluid supply and return ports depending on the position of the valve.
- valves 104 and 106 each includes an internal member that has a pair of passages formed therein, and is movable relative to the valve body and the external ports between two distinct positions.
- one of the external ports associated with the guide arrangement 42 is connected with the sump 110, while the other is connected to the actuating fluid supply line 114.
- the connection to sump 110 and supply line 114 is reversed.
- solenoids A and B for valve 104 and A and B foqvalve 106.
- solenoids A and B for valve 104 and A and B foqvalve 106.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 Considering now a detailed description of the apparatus of the present invention, and the interaction of the diverting means 140 in conjunction with the sensing means 90 and the control means, attention is invited to FIGS. 4 and 5.
- switches 100 and 102 are disposed as illustrated in FIG. 4.
- the solenoids A, and A are ener' gized, while solenoids B and B are maintained in a deenergized state due to the open nature of switch 102.
- FIG. 4 With reference to FIG. 4 and the valves 104 and 106, it can be seen that when energized said solenoids A, and A will bias valves 104 and 106 to the illustrated dispositions, which in turn is effective to index the diverting means 40 to the illustrated positioning, for channeling stacks of cases to the outlet branch 28.
- actuating fluid is supplied from a source 120 to the inlet lines 112 and 114. From the inlet lines 112 and 114 fluid will be directed by valves 104 and 106 to the operating cylinders, as detailed immediately hereinafter.
- valve 104 With reference to valve 104, actuating fluid flows through the valve 104 into fluid line 122 and enters the right-hand chamber 86' of cylinder 86 and the left-hand chamber 84' of cylinder 84 to bias frame 70 to a position wherein the roller 72 is disposed slightly above the centerline of the inlet conveyor 24.
- actuating fluid flows through the valve 104 into fluid line 122 and enters the right-hand chamber 86' of cylinder 86 and the left-hand chamber 84' of cylinder 84 to bias frame 70 to a position wherein the roller 72 is disposed slightly above the centerline of the inlet conveyor 24.
- solenoid A is deenergized while solenoid E, is energized to index valve 104 to the right, which reverses the disposition of lines 122 and 124 with respect to sump 110 and supply line 114. That is to say, in the second position [not illustrated] actuating fluid from line 114 is directed into line 124, and from there into chambers 84" and 86".
- the net result is a reversal of the operation discussed above so that the guide arrangement 42 is indexed to a position for directing stacks of cases to conveyor outlet branch 26. correspondingly, in this instance fluid is displaced from chambers 84 and 86' such that the fluid line 122 acts as a return line, being now connected with the sump 110.
- valve 106 is operated by solenoids A and B which are selectively energized and deenergized via switchesltitl and 102.
- a pair of fluid lines 126 and 128 are coupled to the external ports of said valve 106.
- the line 125 is operably connected to the cylinder chambers 58' and 60' for the deflector plate 52 and auxiliary arm 54, and the corresponding cylinder chambers 58a and 60a for the plate 52:: and arm 54a.
- valve in the illustrated position valve the supplies actuating fluid from source i213 to line 126, which is functioning as a supply line, and will actuate the respective operating cylinders to extend the deflector plate 52 and arm 54, while retracting plate 52a and arm 54a, so that stacks 351 will be deflected or channeled to the outlet branch 28.
- line 128, in the situation under discussion will function as a return line so that any fluid displaced from the cylinder chambers designated by a double prime notation will be expelled to the sump 108 via fluid line 128 and valve106.
- valve 106 When valve 106 is indexed to the right by solenoid B line 128 is connected to the actuating fluid supply line 112, while line 126 is associated with sump 108. Accordingly, the actuating fluid will now enter the piston chambers 58", 60", 58a and 60a" via line 128 to extend the deflector plate 52a and arm 540, while retracting plate 52 and arm 54. As can be appreciated from this description, the deflector apparatus 41 is now in position to divert stacks 30 to the outlet branch 26.
- the net result is that the operation of the various double-acting operating cylinders is reversed, with guide arrangement 42 and deflector apparatus 41 being indexed to engage and divert the stack of full cases to outlet branch 26.
- the diverting means 40 will remain in a position for directing cases to branch 26 so long as the succeeding cases are full and interruption of the light beam is continued; however, upon a reestablishment of the uninterrupted condition for the light beam, the sensing means and control means will index the diverting means 40 to the illustrated condition.
- auxiliary arm 54a is retracted from its operating position with respect to deflector plate 52a.
- the purpose for this is that during reorientation, movement of the auxiliary arm 54a to the operating position is delayed somewhat.
- the initial redirection of a stack 30 is effected by the deflector plate 52a, with the auxiliary arm 54a engaging said stack 30 only after a major portion of the reorientation movement has taken place.
- auxiliary arm 540 it is possible to time the operation of auxiliary arm 540 such that it engages the stack 30 somewhere between the leading edge and the midpoint thereof.
- the result of this delayed engagement is that any twisting moment created during initial reorientation is cancelled, and the stack 30 will enter the outlet branch 26 in proper alignment.
- the operation of auxiliary arm 54 is the same as that herein discussed forarm 540.
- each of the secondary fluid lines linking chambers 60" and 60a to their respective main fluid lines include a flow control member 132.
- control members 132 are employed to restrict the flow of actuating fluid from chambers 60" and 60a so that movement of the auxiliary arms 54 and 54a to the operating position is delayed with respect to the deflector plates 52 and 52a.
- control members 132 are designed to restrict fluid flow in only one direction and only upon displacement of fluid from chambers 60 and 60a, so that upon retraction of the arms 54 and 54a, which requires that actuating fluid enter said chambers, no delay is encountered.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 there is illustrated a modified form of sensing arrangement which may be employed to control the operation of the diverting means 40.
- the sensing means of the embodiment of FIGS. l will maintain the diverting means 40 in a position to divert the cases to the left, that is to say, to outlet branch 28; and that said means is only indexed to the deflect-right position, i.e. to outlet branch 26, upon breaking of the light beam of the photocell arrangement 90 by a stack 30 of full cases.
- the deflector apparatus 41 and guide arrangement 42 are indexed back to their normal, deflect-left position.
- a holding circuit means is employed in conjunction with an additional photocell, disposed rearwardly of the aforementioned photocell arrangement 90.
- the additional photocell senses the nature of the next succeeding case and, depending thereon, will maintain the diverting means 40 in the deflect-right position, or permit said diverting means 40 to index back to the deflect-left position.
- FIG. 6 there is illustrated schematically diverting means 40 employing the modified sensing arrangement; however, for purposes of disclosure only the deflector apparatus 41 is shown, it being understood that a guide arrangement 42 is employed which functions in the same manner as described hereinbefore.
- the elements functioning similar to those discussed with regard to FIGS. l--S are designated by the identical reference characters employed previously, even though they may differ somewhat in general construction.
- this embodiment includes frame member 51) that has the deflector arms 52 and 52a journaled thereto for pivotal movement.
- the photoelectric sensing arrangements of this embodiment include three photoelectric devices, designated 141, 142 and 143, which in turn establish the light beams 141', 142 and 143', respectively.
- the first two light sources, 141 and 142 are disposed slightly downstream of the forward end of the deflector plates 52 and 52a as was the case with the prior embodiment, while the third photoelectric device 143 is positioned upstream of said devices 141 and 142.
- the spacing or distance between the third photoelectric device 143 and the first two devices 141 and 142 depends upon the nature or size of the cases being conveyed, and may be adjusted.
- the photoelectric devices 141 and 142 sense whether a stack 30 contains cases of a full or empty variety, and will index the diverting means 40 accordingly.
- the purpose of the third sensing element, photoelectric device 143 is to sense the condition of a succeeding stack so that once the diverting means 40 has been indexed to the deflect-right position, i.e., to outlet branch 26, it will remain in, that position so long as stacks of full cases are being introduced to the conveyor juncture.
- a limit switch 145 is utilized, which is operated by the deflector arm 52. The function of limit switch 145 will be detailed hereinafter with regard to the electrical diagram of FIG. 7.
- this embodiment employs control means similar to that of FIG. 4 such that indexing is controlled by two pairs of solenoids, which are designated A-1 and A-2, and B-1 and 3-2, respectively.
- the solenoids A-1 and A-2 will index the diverting means 40 to a deflect-left position, i.e., to outlet branch 28, while the solenoids B-1 and 8-2 will index the diverting means 40 to a deflect-right position, i.e., to outlet branch 26.
- the elements of the sensing means circuit are illustrated in the condition realized upon closing of the main control switch to establish the light beams 141', 142 and 143'.
- the photocell arrangement 141, 142 and 143 upon the closing of the main switch 130, the photocell arrangement 141, 142 and 143 will be energized to establish the light beam 141, 142' and 143'.
- the ganged switches 100 and 102 assume the illustrated position which, due to the closing of switch 100, energizes the solenoids A-1 and A-2 to index the diverting means 40 to a deflect-left position, the solenoids B-l and B-2 remaining deenergized due to the normally open condition of switch 102.
- switches 100 and 102 The operation of switches 100 and 102 is controlled by a time delay relay designated 146 which is in circuit with two pair of normally closed contacts, designated C2 and CR-l, respectively.
- the contacts C-2 are associated with the photocell arrangement 142 and are normally closed upon the establishment of the light beam 142'.
- the contacts CR-l are associated with a control relay 148, the purpose of which will be discussed hereinafter, and are closed upon initial energization of the system.
- contacts C-1 and C-3 are pro vided, which are opened or closed by the photocell arrangements 141 and 143, respectively. As illustrated, these contacts assume a normally open condition upon the establishment of the light beams 141 and 143.
- switch 100 deenergizes the solenoids A-1 and A-2, however, the solenoids B-1 and 8-2 will not be energized immediately, even though switch 102 is closed, due to the fact that the contacts C-l are still in the normally open condition; this being occasioned by the fact that the light beam 141' has not as yet been interrupted. As a stack proceeds into the conveyor juncture, it will break the light beam 141' which now closes contacts C-l, thus energizing the solenoids B-l and B-2 to index the diverting means 40 to the deflect-right position.
- the holding circuit means for the deflect-right position of diverting means 40 is provided by the limit switch 145 and the control relay 148.
- the control relay l48' has two pair of associated contacts CR-l and CR-2, which remain in the illustrated position-until said relay is energized.
- the control relay 148 is in series with the normally open contacts C-3 and the limit switch 145, thus it can be energized only when the light beam 143 is interrupted to close said contacts, and limit switch 145 is closed by deflector arm 52.
- control relay 148 is energized to open the contacts-CR-land close the contacts CR-Z.
- the opening of contacts CR-l disables the time delay relay 146 so that itcannotbe energized to index the switches 100 and 102 to their normal condition, irrespective of the condition of. contacts C-2.
- the contacts CRT-2 which are now closed are in parallel with closed, normally open switch 102 such that the'solenoids-B-l andB-Z can be energized' by way of either. the circuit line containing.
- Automatic case-sorting apparatus for use with a c system of the type having a branched section whic an inlet branch and at least two outlet brancheg' paratus including: diverting means adapted to be drsp ed proximate the point'oi' intersectionof inletrand outle veyor branches and-positionable to channela stack 0 from'an inlet branch to a selected outlet "branchysensing means for providing information asto' whether astack ofcases I contains cases of a full or empty'nature, said sensing means being operably connected with said diverting means to effect proper positioning thereof.
- said diverting means including a pair of deflector panels positioned on opposite sides of said conveyor inlet branch, and pivotal guide means disposed intermediate said outlet branches, said deflector panels being selectively movable to engage and channel a stack of cases to the desired conveyor outlet'branch, said guide means r'i'cx'aperating with said deflector panels in said engagement and channeling of a stack of cases in blocking passage to the other outlet branch.
- Case-sorting apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said guide means includes a piv'otally mounted frame of a generally triangular configuration, said frame having a roller at the apex portion thereof and dispbsed with said roller in position to engage stacks of cases as they pass from said'inlet branch to the desired outlet branch, and drive means operably connected to the base portion of said' triangular frame to effect proper positioning thereof, said drive means being operated selectively by said sensing means.
- Case-sorting-apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including deflector arms'associated with each said deflector panel, said arms being of substantially less height than said panels whereby they increase the effective length of .said panels tofacilitate diversion of said stacks of cases.
- Case-sorting apparatus as defined in claim l, further including control. apparatus operable to effect the desiredpositioning of said diverting means, said control apparatus being .operatively coupled to and activated by said sensing means.
- circuit means includes: .means maintaining the diverting means in an initial position for direction of a stack to one said outlet branch; and means for monitoring the nature of the stack of cases entering said 'branchedsection and producing a control signal upon the detection of a stack of aparticular nature, which signal is effective to index said divertingmeans to asecond' position for directing saidstack to the other said outlet branch.
- Case-sorting apparatus as defined in claim 9, saidholding means comprisingz-additional monitoring .means for detectingthe'nature of said succeeding stack of cases, and switch 'meansoperated by said diverting meansuponindexing thereof to said'secondposition; and control relay means in circuit with said switch means and said additional monitoring means adaptedwhen energized to maintain said diverting means in said second position, whereby'said relay-means will beenerg'ized only when said switch means is closed and said succeeding stack is of said particular'nature.
- Case-sorting apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said control apparatus includes a pair of alternately operable position said diverting means for channeling a stack of cases to oneor the other of said conveyor outlet branches, one said pair being a normally closed switch while the other is a normally opened switch, and said control apparatus with said switches in their normal condition positioning the diverting means for channeling a stack of cases to one of said conveyor outlet branches, and said sensing means upon detection of a stack of cases of a particular nature being effective to open said normally closed switch while closing said normally open switch, thereby to position said diverting means for channeling a stack of cases to said other outlet branch.
- a conveyor arrangement for transporting stacks of cases said arrangement being of the type having a branch section which includes an inlet branch and at least two outlet branches; and automatic stack-sorting apparatus, said apparatus comprising case-diverting means disposed proximate the point of intersection of said respective conveyor branches, said diverting means being operable to channel a stack of cases from said inlet branch to either said outlet branch; and sensing means for detecting whether a stack contains cases of a full or an empty variety, said sensing means being operably connected with said diverting means to effect proper positioning of same for channeling said stack to the desired conveyor outlet branch; said diverting means including a pair of deflector panels positioned on opposite sides of said conveyor inlet branch, and pivotal guide means disposed intermediate said outlet branches, said deflector panels being selectively movable to engage and channel a stack of cases to the desired conveyor outlet branch, said guide means cooperating with said deflector panels in said engagement and channeling of a stack of cases in blocking passage to the other outlet branch.
- control-apparatus which provide said association between the deflecting means and the sensing means, said control apparatus normally maintaining the deflecting means in a posi tion to channel a stack of cases to one of said outlet branches, and said control means being operable upon reception of a signal from said sensing means to position said deflecting means for channeling a stack of cases to the other of said outlet branches.
- Automatic case-sorting apparatus for use with a conveyor system of the type having a branched section which includes an inlet branch and at least two outlet branches, said apparatus including: diverting means adapted to be disposed proximate the point of intersection of inlet and outlet conveyor branches and positionable to channel a stack of cases from an inlet branch to a selected outlet branch; sensing means for providing information as to whether a stack of cases contains cases of a full or empty nature, said sensing means being operably connected with said diverting means to effect proper positioning thereof in order to direct said stack to the desired outlet branch; said diverting means including a pair of deflector panels positioned on opposite sides of said conveyor inlet branch, said deflector panels being selectively movable to engage and channel a stack of cases to the desired conveyor outlet branch, and deflector arms associated with each said deflector panel, said arms being of substantially less height than said panels whereby they increase the effective length thereof to facilitate diversion of said stacks of cases.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Separation, Sorting, Adjustment, Or Bending Of Sheets To Be Conveyed (AREA)
- Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (15)
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US84758069A | 1969-08-05 | 1969-08-05 |
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US847580A Expired - Lifetime US3599789A (en) | 1969-08-05 | 1969-08-05 | High-speed case-sorting apparatus |
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Cited By (19)
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US6126383A (en) * | 1998-06-09 | 2000-10-03 | Hk Systems, Inc. | Apparatus for the in-line turning of selected articles |
US20040112711A1 (en) * | 2001-07-30 | 2004-06-17 | Gianluigi Gamberini | Device and method for sorting items, such as rolls |
US20040129533A1 (en) * | 2002-11-02 | 2004-07-08 | Thomas Spangenberg | Apparatus for diverting successive articles in a single lane to plural lanes |
US6910568B1 (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2005-06-28 | Sandvik Ab | Methods and apparatus for diverting articles from a conveyor |
US20070261936A1 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2007-11-15 | Garvey Mark C | Differential speed conveyor accumulation system and method |
WO2008028558A1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2008-03-13 | CFS Bühl GmbH | Method and apparatus for lining up packaging troughs |
US20110220460A1 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-15 | Krones Ag | Apparatus and Method for Distributing Articles within a Stream of Articles |
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US3768644A (en) * | 1972-09-11 | 1973-10-30 | Owens Illinois Inc | Method and apparatus for individually diverting selected sheets from a corrugator bridge |
US4715286A (en) * | 1985-11-27 | 1987-12-29 | General Electric Company | Conveyer system |
US4643291A (en) * | 1986-01-21 | 1987-02-17 | Rexnord Inc. | Linear articulated pusher |
US5186306A (en) * | 1989-11-23 | 1993-02-16 | Tetra Alfa Holdings S.A. | Method and an apparatus for marshalling objects |
US5109987A (en) * | 1989-12-04 | 1992-05-05 | National Presort, Inc. | Multi-level sort machine |
US5195627A (en) * | 1990-02-26 | 1993-03-23 | Wyard Industries, Inc. | Pattern-forming method apparatus for container palletizing |
EP0478211A1 (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1992-04-01 | Fluid Management Limited Partnership | Automated paint production apparatus |
US5257716A (en) * | 1992-09-10 | 1993-11-02 | Armco Inc. | Pipe manufacturing method and apparatus |
US5411129A (en) * | 1993-11-10 | 1995-05-02 | B & B Equipment, Inc. | Dual motion divider for non-round bottles |
US5603398A (en) * | 1993-11-10 | 1997-02-18 | B&B Equipment, Inc. | Regulating assembly and conveyor |
US5944165A (en) * | 1995-05-02 | 1999-08-31 | Lever Brothers Company | Lane distribution apparatus |
US5787679A (en) * | 1995-06-24 | 1998-08-04 | Defabs Engineering Systems Limited | Article distribution |
US6126383A (en) * | 1998-06-09 | 2000-10-03 | Hk Systems, Inc. | Apparatus for the in-line turning of selected articles |
US20040112711A1 (en) * | 2001-07-30 | 2004-06-17 | Gianluigi Gamberini | Device and method for sorting items, such as rolls |
US20070119756A1 (en) * | 2001-07-30 | 2007-05-31 | Gamberini Gianluigi | Device and method for sorting items, such as rolls |
US7380650B2 (en) | 2001-07-30 | 2008-06-03 | T.M.C. S.P.A. | Device and method for sorting items, such as rolls |
US7237668B2 (en) * | 2001-07-30 | 2007-07-03 | T.M.C. S.P.A. | Device and method for sorting items, such as rolls |
US20040129533A1 (en) * | 2002-11-02 | 2004-07-08 | Thomas Spangenberg | Apparatus for diverting successive articles in a single lane to plural lanes |
US6772872B2 (en) | 2002-11-02 | 2004-08-10 | Ambec, Inc. | Apparatus for diverting successive articles in a single lane to plural lanes |
WO2005077792A1 (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2005-08-25 | Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab | Methods and apparatus for diverting articles from a conveyor |
US6910568B1 (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2005-06-28 | Sandvik Ab | Methods and apparatus for diverting articles from a conveyor |
CN1918053B (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2012-10-03 | 山特维克知识产权股份有限公司 | Methods and apparatus for diverting articles from a conveyor |
US20070261936A1 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2007-11-15 | Garvey Mark C | Differential speed conveyor accumulation system and method |
US7322459B2 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2008-01-29 | Garvey Corporation | Differential speed conveyor accumulation system and method |
WO2008028558A1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2008-03-13 | CFS Bühl GmbH | Method and apparatus for lining up packaging troughs |
DE102006042504A1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2008-03-27 | CFS Bühl GmbH | Method and device for stringing packaging trays |
US20110220460A1 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-15 | Krones Ag | Apparatus and Method for Distributing Articles within a Stream of Articles |
US8544631B2 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2013-10-01 | Krones Ag | Apparatus and method for distributing articles within a stream of articles |
US20110308915A1 (en) * | 2010-06-22 | 2011-12-22 | Uhlmann Pac-Systeme Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for dividing a transport stream of upright containers |
US8418833B2 (en) * | 2010-06-22 | 2013-04-16 | Uhlmann Pac-Systeme Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device for dividing a transport stream of upright containers |
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