US3838292A - Tapered object attitude sensing and turning system - Google Patents

Abstract

A tapered object attitude sensing and turning system is described wherein a sensor assembly includes a detector head comprising a butt-end and a tapered-end pivotal feeler arms for making contact with the same side of each tapered object passing the detector head. The feeler arms have freedom of movement such that contact with tapered objects causes them to pivot outwardly. In addition, a mechanical linkage between the feeler arms causes the tapered-end feeler arm to pivot in response to pivoting of the butt-end pivot arm, but at a faster angular rate than the butt-end feeler arm. A butt-end sensor switch is actuated in response to pivoting of the butt-end feeler arm and a tapered-end sensor switch is actuated in response to pivoting of the taperedend feeler arm which is caused by tapered objects. Two structural embodiments of the detecting head are described. The sensing and turning system also includes a sensing circuit which comprises storage circuits for storing signals produced by actuation of the butt-end and tapered-end switches. In addition, the circuit includes clearing switches which are actuated by the tapered objects. The clearing switches are arranged so that the storage circuits only store the signals derived from the butt-end and tapered-end switches while detected tapered objects actuate these switches. A turning system is located immediately following the clearing switches and is actuated in response to tapered objects passing the clearing switches. The turning system includes a gate for sweeping a tapered end of a tapered object off a main conveyor onto a side conveyor which conveys at a different speed than the main conveyor.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Sullivan 1 Sept. 24, 1974 TAPERED OBJECT ATTITUDE SENSING AND TURNING SYSTEM [76] Inventor: Robert Roy Sullivan, P.O. Box 236,

Fowler, Colo. 81039 22 Filed: May 10, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 358,903

[52] US. Cl. 307/112, 198/40 [51] Int. Cl. 365g 47/24 [58] Field of Search 198/40, 31, 32, 33 R;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,581,867 6/1971 Filz et al. 198/33 R Primary Examinerl-lerman Hohauser Attorney, Agent, or F irmGriffin, Branigan and Butler [57] ABSTRACT A tapered object attitude sensing and turning system is described wherein a sensor assembly includes a detector head comprising a butt-end and a tapered-end pivotal feeler arms for making contact with the same side of each tapered object passing the detector head. The

feeler arms have freedom of movement such that contact with tapered objects causes them to pivot outwardly. In addition, a mechanical linkage between the feeler arms causes the tapered-end feeler arm to pivot in response to pivoting of the butt-end pivot arm, but at a faster angular rate than the butt-end feeler arm. A butt-end sensor switch is actuated in response to pivoting of the butt-end feeler arm and a tapered-end sensor switch is actuated in response to pivoting of the tapered-end feeler arm which is caused by tapered objects. Two structural embodiments of the detecting head are described.

The sensing and turning system also includes a sensing circuit which comprises storage circuits for storing signals produced by actuation of the butt-end and tapered-end switches. In addition, the circuit includes clearing switches which are actuated by the tapered objects. The clearing switches are arranged so that the storage circuits only store the signals derived from the butt-end and tapered-end switches while detected tapered objects actuate these switches.

A turning system is located immediately following the clearing switches and is actuated in response to tapered objects passing the clearing switches. The turning system includes a gate for sweeping a tapered end of a tapered object off a main conveyor onto a side conveyor which conveys at a different speed than the main conveyor.

7 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures TAPERED OBJECT ATTITUDE SENSING AND TURNING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates broadly to the art of sorting and arranging machines and more particularly to machines which sense the attitudes of tapered objects being conveyed along a conveyor and then turn those objects which do not have correct attitudes.

It is often desirable when processing tapered agricultural products such as corn, carrots, parsnips etc., for canning or feezing, to align each of the pieces of the products along a conveyor, with each piece being similarly oriented. The reason for this is that the pieces can then be fed to processing machines which are designed to accept the pieces in certain orientations.

In some cases orienting the tapered pieces is accomplished by visual inspection and hand positioning. However, this is time consuming and presents some hazards to operators who have their hands close to moving machinery. In addition, there have been quite a few machines designed to orient tapered objects and at least some of these devices are described in US. Pat. Nos. to: Smith (1,602,716); Simmons (3,289,808); Ross et al, (3,268,057); Leth (3,367,477); Ross et al, (3,386,560); Ross et al, (3,394,805); Filz (3,581,867); and Oldershaw (3,605,983).

Some of the devices described in these patents do not positively sense the orientations of tapered objects but rather they take advantage of the manner in which tapered objects react to certain conveying situations. For example, in Oldershaw US. Pat. No. (3,605,983), as ears of corn roll on conveyor belts they automatically orient themselves. Because many tapered objects, such as ears of corn, have widely varying shapes (with some ears of corn having long stems an their butt ends, for example) these devices would not appear to be particularly accurate, in that some tapered objects would therefore, probably not achieve the proper orientations by rolling.

Another of these devices, Simmons US. Pat. No. (3,289,808) comprises a triangular array of lights with complementary opposite, photocells. A tapered end of a tapered object passes through two laterally spaced photocells and then covers a third positioned between the first two. On the other hand, a butt-end covers the first two photocells first. Again, this device is thought to be somewhat inaccurate because of the varying shapes of tapered objects and stems on the butt ends of many tapered objects. Also, the positions of the photocells would be difficult to adjust to meet various tapered object sizes and taper angles.

The device described in Filz US. Pat. No. (3,581,867) comprises pivoted shoes which close on tapered objects on both sides as they are conveyed along a conveyor. The shoes are rather elongated and assume the angular attitudes of the sides of the tapered objects. It is thought that in order for Filzs device to operate properly the shoes must be biased inwardly rather strongly so that they quickly follow the contours of tapered objects. This would tend to obstruct movement of the tapered objects along the conveyor and it is noted that Filzs shoes appear to comprise rollers which are probably intended to enable tapered objects to slide along the shoes.

It is desirable that a tapered-object detector head have the following characteristics:

it should be accurate;

it should be fast in sensing and have a quick recovery to be ready for a new tapered object;

it should not obstruct the flow of tapered objects along a conveyor; and

it should be relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive to manufacture.

It is an object of this invention to provide a taperedobject detecting head havingthese characteristics.

It is another object of this invention to provide an orienting system which provides positive detection and positive orienting of tapered objects.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an uncomplicated, but accurate, turning system for turning tapered objects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the principles of this invention, a tapered-object detecting head of a tapered-object detecting system comprises respectively, a butt-end and a tapered-end feeler arm, each for making contact with the same side of conveyed tapered objects. The feeler arms have freedom of movement such that, on contact with tapered objects, they pivot outwardly on the same angular directions. However, a mechanical linkage between the feeler arms also causes the tapered-end feeler arm to pivot in the same direction in response to pivoting of the first pivot arm but at a faster angular rate. A butt-end sensor switch is actuated in response to pivoting of the butt-end feeler arm and a taperedend sensor switch is actuated in response pivoting of the tapered-end feeler arm caused by tapered objects. In this manner, when the butt-end feeler arm is contacted and caused to pivot outwardly the tapered-end feeler arm is also caused to pivot outwardly, but at a faster rate, so that it is moved out of the path of the tapered object.

A turning system immediately follows the detecting system to turn tapered objects which are detected to be in improper orientations by the detecting system. The turning system comprises a deflector for deflecting the tapered end of a tapered object to be turned laterally and a conveyor which conveys at a different speed than the main conveyor for conveying the tapered end parallel to the main conveyor. The arrangement has the effect of turning the tapered object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on illustrating the principles of the invention in a clear manner.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of portions of a main tapered object conveyor and a first embodiment of a sensor assembly employing principles of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of portions of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 but employing an overhead guide chain;

FIGS. 3-5 depicts the first embodiment of a detecting head employing principles of this invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a second embodiment of a detecting head employing principles of this invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a top, partially schematic, view of a main conveyor, a portion of a sensor assembly, and a turning system employing principles of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an assembly employing principles of this invention in combination with a block diagram of a sensing circuit and a schematic representation of a tapered object turner; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the sensing circuit of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to FIG. 1, a main tapered-object conveyor 11 comprises a slow conveyor 13 and a faster, sensing conveyor 15 to assure separation of tapered objects. Each of the conveyors comprises laterally spaced chains 16 which are driven at equal speeds.

Mounted above the conveyor 15 is a sensor assembly 17, which is attached, by means of a mounting bar 19, to a stationary frame (not shown). The sensing assembly 17 comprises a pantograph frame 21, a guiding funnel 23 and a detecting assembly 25. The detecting assembly 25 comprises right and left detector heads 27 A and B. The detector heads 27 are rigidly mounted on the guiding funnel 23 and the guiding funnel 23 is mounted on the pantograph frame 21. The pantograph frame 21 is biased to move the detector heads 27 downwardly by means of a spring 29. Thus, tapered objects moving along the main tapered object conveyor 11 lift the guiding funnel 23 and pass between the detector heads 27 so that they are contacted on either side by the detector heads 27.

FIG. 2 shows schematically the same apparatus depicted in FIG. 1, with the exception that, rather than a funnel guide 23, a moving guide chain 31 comes in contact with tops of tapered objects. In one embodiment the guide chain 31 is driven and in another it is merely free to rotate. The guide chain 31 has the advantage of not hindering the movement of tapered objects as a static guide might do. In this case, sprockets 33 are mounted on a pantograph frame similar to the pantograph frame 21 depicted in FIG. 1. In this embodiment the detector heads 27 are rigidly mounted on a part of the pantograph frame.

' Also depicted in FIG. 2 is a very fast turning conveyor 37 which will be described in more detail below.

FIGS. 3 through depict in detail one embodiment of the detector heads 27 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Each of the detector heads comprises a stationary frame 39, a buttend feeler arm 41, a tapered-end feeler arm 43, a buttend sensor switch 45, and a tapered-end sensor switch 47.

The butt-end feeler arm 41 is pivotally mounted to the stationary frame 39 at a pivot point 49. Inward (or downward as seen in FIG. 3) pivoting of the butt-end feeler arm 41 is limited by the position of adjusting screw 51 which is mounted on the stationary frame 39.

The butt-end sensor switch 45 is also mounted on the stationary frame 39 and this switch is actuated by upward (as seen in FIG. 3) pivoting of the butt-end feeler arm 41 via a protruding member 53.

The tapered-end feeler arm 43 comprises a primary lever 55 and a secondary lever 57. The primary lever 55 is pivotally attached to the stationary frame 39 at a pivot point 59. The primary lever 55 is biased to pivot downwardly (as seen in FIG. 3) from the pivot point 59 by means of a spring 61. In this regard, the primary lever 55 also presses against the butt-end feeler arm 41 and biases it downwardly also.

The secondary lever 57 is attached to the primary lever at an attachment area 61 and is constructed of spring steel. The secondary lever 57 is prestressed so that it impinges on the primary lever 55 at the end 63; but if an object makes contact with the secondary lever 57, and urges it upwardly (as seen in FIG. 3), it separates from the primary lever 55 and rotates upwardly. In this regard, the tapered-end sensor switch 47 is mounted rigidly on the primary lever 55 above the secondary lever 57, so that upward movement of the secondary lever 57, relative to the primary lever 55, activates the tapered-end sensor switch 47. An adjusting screw 65 allows an operator to adjust the position of the tapered-end feeler arm relative to the butt-end feeler arm 41.

In operation of the detector head 27 of FIGS. 35, when a tapered object moves along a conveyor, buttend forward, the butt-end makes contact with the buttend feeler arm 41 and pivots it laterally (upwardly as shown in FIG. 4). This activated the butt-end sensor switch 45 first. The butt-end feeler arm 41, in turn, causes the tapered-end feeler arm 43 to also pivot upwardly via adjusting screw 65, but at a faster rate than the butt-end feeler arm 41. In this manner, the secondary lever 57 is moved completely out of the path of the tapered object.

But when the tapered object travels along the conveyor tapered-end forward the tapered end impinges on the secondary lever 57 and causes it to pivot upwardly, as shwon in FIG. 5, relative to the tapered-end feeler armss primarly lever 55, thereby activating the tapered-end sensor switch 47 first.

It should be noted that adjustment of the adjusting screws 51 and 65 can adjust the detector head 278 to accommodate various sizes and shapes of tapered objects.

Turning now to FIG. 6, there is depicted another embodiment of a detector head 67 similar to the detector heads 27. The detector head 67 comprises a stationary frame 69, a butt-end feeler arm 71, a tapered-end feeler arm 73, a butt-end sensor switch 75, and a tapered-end sensor switch 77. The butt-end feeler arm 71 is pivotally attached to the stationary frame 69 at a pivot point 79 and is linked to the stationary butt-end sensor switch by means of intermediate links 81, 83, and 85. The intermediate link 83 is pivotally mounted to the stationary frame 69 at pivot point 87, the intermediate link 81 is pivotally mounted to the butt-end feeler arm 71 at a pivot point 89 and to the intermediate link 83 at a pivot point 91. The intermediate link 85 is rigidly attached to a butt-end sensor switch housing 92 but is constructed of a spring material so that it can pivot relative to the butt-end sensor switch housing 92. The intermediate link 83 impinges on the intermediate link 85 at a impingement point 93.

The tapered-end feeler arm 73 is pivotally attached to an intermediate link 95 at a pivot point 97 and to a switch actuator link 99 at a pivot point 101. The intermediate link 95 is pivotally attached to the stationary frame 69 at the pivot point 79 and is slidingly/pivotally attached to the intermediate link 83 at a joint 103. In this regard, it will be noted that the intermediate link 83 has a U-shaped slot 105 formed therein in which a pin 107, integral with the intermediate link 95, rides. The switch-actuator link 99 is also slidingly/pivotally attached at the pivot point 79, with an elongated slot 109 of the switch-actuator link 99 enclosing a stationary pin 103. A cam surface 113 on the end of the switch-actuator link 99 impinges on a switch actuator link 115 which when pressed to the left as seen in FIG. 6, actuates the tapered-end sensor switch 77.

In operation, when a tapered object travels along a path 116, butt-end forward, it first strikes the butt-end feeler arm 71, rotating it upwardly (FIG. 6) about the pivot point 79. This movement is transmitted through the intermediate link 81 to cause the intermediate link 83 to rotate in a clockwise direction about the pivot point 87. Such rotation should activate the butt-end sensor switch 75 first and cause the intermediate link 95 to rotate counterclockwise about the pivot point 79. The mechanical advantage of the system is such that a this rotation causes the tapered-end feeler arm 73 to move upwardly as seen in FIG. 6, completely out of the path of tapered objects.

On the other hand, should a tapered object travel tapered-end forward, the tapered-end feeler arm 73 would be caused to move upwardly (as seen in FIG. 6). This movement causes the tapered-end feeler arm 73 to rotate counterclockwise about the pivot point 97 and drive the switch-actuator link 99 to the left, as seen in FIG. 6. The cam surface 113 would, in turn, drive the switch-actuator link 115 to the left and should actuate the tapered-end sensor switch 77 first.

Operations of the embodiments of the detector heads 27 and 67 of FIGS. 3-5 and FIG. 6 are quite similar; however, the FIG. 6 embodiment has the advantage that the switches are stationary and therefore the feeler arms do not have to be quite as large as in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5.

FIG. 7 depicts a tapered-object turning system the structure of which is best described with reference to its operation. As a tapered object is being conveyed on a main conveyor 11, a detecting assembly 25 (as previously described) detects the orientations of the objects. If an object is improperly oriented, upon passing the detecting assembly 25, the back end of the improperly oriented tapered object is swept laterally by a turning lever 117. The rear end of the tapered object is brought to rest on the very fast turning conveyor 37 which was previously mentioned with reference to FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 it can be seen that the turning conveyor 37 angles upwardly so that at its downstream end it is raised approximately 1/2 inch above the main conveyor 11 to insure that the rear end of the tapered object makes contact with the turning conveyor 37. The turning conveyor, travelling much faster than the main conveyor 11 carries the rear end forwardly relative to the front end until the rear end actually becomes the front end. Thus, the object is turned completely around and continues on its way on the main conveyor 11. It should be understood that the turning conveyor 37 could have outwardly radiating rods to drive the tapered ends rather than relying on the tapered ends resting on top of the turning conveyor 37.

FIG. 8 depicts, in block diagram form, a control circuit which is employed between detector heads 121 (such as the detector heads 27 and 67 of FIG. 35 and FIG. 6, for example) and a turning system 123 (such as the turning system described with reference to FIG. 7). The detector heads 121 comprise butt-end feeler arms 125, butt-end sensor switches 127, tapered-end feeler arms 129 and tapered-end sensor switches 131. Dashed lines 133 represent mechanical kinkages between the butt-end feeler arms and the tapered-end feeler arms as described with reference to FIGS. 3-5 and FIG. 6. Other dashed lines 135 represent a tapered object conveying path.

The butt-end sensor switches 127 are connected to separate terminals of an AND circuit 137. The AND- circuit output travels through disabling gates 139 and 141 to a butt-end-forward storage circuit 143. At the same time, this signal energizes a disabling gate 145 to cut off signals which might arise in the tapered-end sensor switches 131.

The butt-end-forward storage circuit 143 is connected to a voltage source 147 through a gate 149. The gate is energized by actuation of either of butt-endforward clearing switches 151. These switches are actuated by the presence of tapered objects. The butt-endforward storage circuit 143 is also connected to a disabling gate 153, again to interrupt signals coming from the tapered-end sensor switches 131.

The tapered-end sensor switches 131 are connected through an AND circuit 155, a disabling gate 145 and a disabling gate 153, to a tapered-end-forward storage circuit 157. Signals which pass the AND gate first energize the disabling gate 139, and when the taperedend-forward storage circuit 157 is energized it in turn energizes the disabling gate 141. The tapered-end forward storage circuit 157 is connected to the voltage source 147 through a gate 159 which is energized by a tapered-end-forward clearing switch 161 which, in turn, is actuated by the presence of a tapered object.

A turning gate actuator 163 is coupled to both the butt-end-forward storage circuit 143 and a line coming from an OR circuit 164.

In operation, when a tapered object travels along the path 135, butt-end-forward, it actuates the butt-end sensor switches 127 which immediately send a signal through the AND circuit 137 and the disabling gates 139 and 141 to the butt-end-forward storage circuit 143. This signal also energizes the disabling gate 145 to temporarily interrupt any signals originating in the tapered-end sensor switches 131. Once the tapered object actuates either one of the butt-end-forward clearing switches 151 the butt-end-forward storage circuit 143 is connected to a voltage source 147 and therefore stores the signal received from the butt-end sensor switches 127 as long as it remains so energized. In so doing the butt-end-forward storage circuit also energizes the disabling gate 153 to continually insure that signals originating in the tapered-end sensor switches 131 do not reach the tapered-end-forward storage circuit 157. The reason such continuing disabling is necessary is that as the tapered-object passes the butt-end feeler arms 125 the tapered-end feeler arms 129 alone make contact with the tapered object, but such contact should not store a signal. The signal stored in the buttend-forward storage circuit 143 informs the turning gate actuator 163 whether or not it is to activate the turning system 123. Once the tapered object passes the butt-end-forward clearing switches 151, the gate actuator 163 either actuates the turning system 123 or not, depending on the circumstances.

Assuming now that an article travels along the path 135 in a tapered-end-forward configuration. The tapered-end-forward causes movement of the tapered-end feeler arms 129 first because the tapered end is too narrow to cause movement of the butt-end feeler arms 125. The tapered-end sensor switches 131 send a signal to the tapered-end-forward storage circuit 157, disabling the gate 139 in the process. Once the tapered object passes the tapered-end-forward clearance switch 161, the tapered-end-forward storage circuit 157 is connected to the voltage source 147 and therefore stores the signal received from the tapered-end sensor switches 131 as long as it is so connected. The taperedend-forward storage circuit 157 also energizes the disabling gate 141 to continually disable signals originating in the butt-end sensor switches 127. Again, such continuing disabling is necessary because as the butt of the tapered object begins to spread the butt-end feeler arms 125, the mechanical linkage indicated by dashed lines 133, and described in detail with'reference to FIG. 3-5 and FIG. 6 embodiments. rotates the tapered-end feeler arms 129 away from the path 135 so that the tapered-end sensor switches 131 are eventually no longer actuated but butt-end sensor switches 127 are.

Turning now to FIG. 9, which depicts a schematic diagram of the control circuit of FIG. 8, the butt-end sensor switches 127 and the tapered-end sensor switches 131 are respectively connected in AND configurations wherein both respective switches (either both switch 127 or both switches 131) must be actuated in order to energize solenoids 165 and 167. When a buttend-forwa'rd tapered object actuates the butt-end sensor switches 127 first the soleoid 165 opens the disabling gate 145 and closes a switch 169. When either of the butt-ene-forward clearing switches 151 is opened, the gate 149 allows the normally closed switch 171 to remain closed. Thus, with the closing of switch 169 a solenoid 173 in the butt-end-forward storage circuit 143 is energized. Energization of the solenoid 173 closes a normally open switch 175 to thereby lock the solenoid 175 in an energized configuration, and also open the normally closed disabling gate 145. Once the tapered object passes over both of the butt-endforward switches 151, a solenoid 177 is energized to close a normally open switch 179. This, in turn, energizes a solenoid 181 to open the normally closed switch 171. Opening of the switch 171 deenergizes the solenoid 173 and allows the normally open switch 175 to open. Thus, the butt-end-forward storage circuit 143 no longer stores a signal.

Assuming that a tapered object travels along a path tapered-end-forward, and contacts the tapered-end sensor switches 131, for instance, both switches 131 close, thereby energizing the solenoid 167 which opens the disabling gate 139 and closes a normally open switch 183. Closing of the normally open switch 183 energizes a solenoid 185 of the tapered-end-forward storage circuit 157 which closes a normally open switch 187. This, of course, locks the solenoid 185 in an energized configuration. At the same time, the solenoid 185 opens the disabling gate 141 so that signals originated in the butt-end sensor switches 127 are continually prevented from energizing the butt-end-forward storage circuit 143.

Once the tapered object passes over the tapered-endforward clearing switch 161, this switch is allowed to open and deenergizes the tapered-end-forward storage circuit 157.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the mechanical linkages between the butt-end and tapered-end feeler arms provide detector heads which are highly accurate and quick in operation. In this regard, even when the butt end of a tapered object has an elongated stem projecting therefrom it is highly unlikely that the stem will both spread the tapered-end feeler arms 129 (FIG. 8) and actuate the tapered-endforward clearing switch 161 before the tapered-end feeler arm has been rotated out of the tapered objects path by means of the mechanical linkage. On the other hand, tapered ends easily spread the tapered-end feeler arms 129 and actuate the tapered-end-forward clearing switch 161 before the butt-end feeler arms are spread. Tests have shown that a tapered object detecting head employing such mechanical linkages are more reliable than those without them.

Further, the turning mechanism of this invention is unusually convenient in that turned tapered objects remain on a conveyor path and it is not necessary to impede their forward travel. In addition, it is uncomplicated and takes up relatively little space.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, instead of the many solenoids and movable switches, many other types of logic circuitry could be employed. Further, the turning conveyor 37 (FIG. 2) could actually comprise a plurality of parallel chains or belts, with those chains or belts furthest from the main conveyor conveying at faster speeds than those closer to the main conveyor.

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege are claimed are as follows:

1. A sensing system for sensing the orientations of tapered objects conveyed, single file, along a path, said system including a detecting head assembly for engaging each conveyed tapered object as it passes by the sensing system, said detecting head assembly including a detecting head which comprises:

a butt-end feeler arm and a tapered-end feeler arm,

' each being separately pivotal, and each being normally located in said path for making contact with the same side of each of said tapered objects, said butt-end feeler arm being upstream of said taperedend feeler arm, said feeler arms respectively having freedom of movement such that on contact with said tapered objects as said tapered objects move along said path, said tapered objects cause said respective butt-end and tapered-end feeler arms to pivot outwardly, in the same angular directions;

linkage between said feeler arms which also causes said tapered-end feeler arm to pivot in said same direction in response to pivoting of said butt-end pivot arm, but at a faster angular rate than said butt-end feeler arm pivots;

a butt-end switch which is actuated in response to pivoting of said butt-end feeler arm and a taperedend switch which is actuated in response to pivoting of said tapered-end feeler arm caused by said tapered objects; and,

a signal processing means attached to said first and second switches for receiving signals from said first and second switches and for processing said signals so as to store signals indicative of the orientations of said tapered objects.

2. A sensing system as claimed in claim ll wherein said detecting head comprises an elongated stationary frame to which said butt-end and tapered-end feeler arms are pivotally attached, said tapered-end feeler arm impinging on said butt-end feeler arm and being biased inwardly to urge said butt-end and tapered-end feeler arms to pivot inwardly, but the inward pivoting of said butt-end feeler arm being limited so that said butt-end and tapered-end feeler arms normally remain at an angle to said elongated frame and in said path, said butt-end switch being mounted on said frame and actuated in response to pivoting of said butt-end feeler arm, said tapered-end feeler arm including a primary and a secondary lever, said secondary lever being pivotally mounted on said primary lever and said secondary lever extending beyond said primary lever so as to come into contact with tapered objects traveling along said path, wherein said tapered-end sensor switch is mounted on said primary lever and is actuated in response to movement of said secondary lever relative to said primary lever.

3. A sensing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detecting head comprises a stationary frame located adjacent said path and wherein:

said butt-end feeler arm is pivotally attached to said frame, said butt-end sensor switch is rigidly attached to said frame and there is further included 1 feeler arm to move said tapered-end feeler arm away from said path in response to movement of said butt-end tapered arm away from said path, but at a faster rate, and said second link for actuating said tapered-end sensor switch in response to a tapered object impinging on said tapered-end feeler arm; and

said tapered-end sensor switch is fixidly mounted on said frame.

4 A sensing system as claimed in claim ll wherein said signal processing means includes two signal storage circuits, said first signal storage circuit being for storing signals received from said butt-end sensor switch and said second signal storage circuit being for storing signals received from said tapered-end sensor switch.

5. A sensing system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said signal processing means further includes at least two clearing switches mounted along said path approximately adjacent said detecting head, said first clearing switch being coupled to said first storage circuit and said second clearing switch being coupled to said second storage circuit and said first and second clearing switches being actuated by the presence of tapered objects to provide the storage circuits with signals which allow the storage circuits to store signals originating in said sensor switches, but which, upon passing of said tapered objects, disable said storage circuits from storing said sensor-switch signals. 7

6. A sensing system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first clearing switch is located upstream of said second clearing switch along said path.

7. A sensing system as claimed in claim 6 wherein there is a third clearing switch positioned adjacent said second clearing switch and which is coupled, along with said first clearing switch, through an OR circuit to said first storage circuit.

33 33 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent N 3, 838,292 Dated September 24, 1974 Inventor(s) Robert Y Sullivan It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the drawings, Sheet 1, FIG. 1, a reference numeral 19 should be added to identify the mounting bar, which is the uppermost element depicted in FIG. 1 and which supports the frame 21. Further in FIG. 1, a spring identified by a reference numeral 29 should be shown attached to the pantograph frame 21 causing the frame to rotate in a clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 1, about the mounting bar 19. Also in FIG. 1, a reference numeral 17 should be added identifying generally the sensor suspended from the pantograph frame 21.

In the drawings, Sheet 2, FIG. 6, the butt-end feeler arm 71 should be shown including a' mounting protrusion which is pivotally mounted at a pivot point 79; and a reference line should be added extending between the reference numeral 107 and the pivot pin positioned inside the U-shaped slot 105.

In the drawings, Sheet 4, FIG. 8, each of the butt-end forward clearing switches 151 should be shown connected only to the OR circuit 164 and the tapered-end-forward clearing switch 161 should be shown connected only to the gate 159.

Column 4, line 6, "61" should bechanged to -62--; line 24, "35" should be changed to -3-5-; line 38, the spelling of "shown" should be corrected; line 39, the spelling of "primarily" should be corrected; and line 64, the spelling of "an" should be corrected.

Column 7, line 32 "switch" should be changed to --switches-.

Signed and Scaled This 7 Twenty-ninth D2) Of March 1977 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer Commissioner nflalms and Trademarks Q 5333 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION P tent 3,838,292 Dated September 24, 1974 Inventor(s) Robert Y Sullivan It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that: said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

OF I

In the drawings, Sheet 1, FIG. 1, a reference numeral 19 should be added to identify the mounting bar, which is the uppermost element depicted in FIG. I and which supports the frame 21. Further in FIG. 1, a spring identified by a reference numeral 29 should be shown attached to the pantograph frame 21 causing the frame to rotate in a clockwise direction as seen in FIG. I, about the mounting bar 19. Also in FIG. 1, a reference numeral 17 should be added identifying generally the sensor suspended from the pantograph frame 21.

. In the drawings, Sheet 2, FIG. 6, the butt-end feeler arm '71 should be shown including a' mounting protrusion which is pivotally mounted at a pivot point 79; and a reference line should be added extending between the reference numeral 107 and the pivot pin positioned inside the U-shaped slot 105.

In the drawings, Sheet 4, FIG. 8, each of the butt-end forward clearing switches 151 should be shown connected only to the OR circuit 164 and the tapered-end-forward clearing switch 161 should be shown connected only to the gate 159.

Column 4, line 6, "61" should be changed to --62-; line 24, "35" should be changed to -3-5-; line 38, the spelling of "shown" should be corrected; line 39, the spelling of "primarily" should be corrected; and line 64, the spelling of "an" should be corrected.

Column 7, line 32 "switch" should be changed to -switches-.

Signal and Salad this Twenty-ninth Day Of March 1977 [SEAL] v Q Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer Commissioner nflarems and Trademarks

Claims (7)

1. A sensing system for sensing the orientations of tapered objects conveyed, single file, along a path, said system including a detecting head assembly for engaging each conveyed tapered object as it passes by the sensing system, said detecting head assembly including a detecting head which comprises: a butt-end Feeler arm and a tapered-end feeler arm, each being separately pivotal, and each being normally located in said path for making contact with the same side of each of said tapered objects, said butt-end feeler arm being upstream of said tapered-end feeler arm, said feeler arms respectively having freedom of movement such that on contact with said tapered objects as said tapered objects move along said path, said tapered objects cause said respective butt-end and tapered-end feeler arms to pivot outwardly, in the same angular directions; linkage between said feeler arms which also causes said taperedend feeler arm to pivot in said same direction in response to pivoting of said butt-end pivot arm, but at a faster angular rate than said butt-end feeler arm pivots; a butt-end switch which is actuated in response to pivoting of said butt-end feeler arm and a tapered-end switch which is actuated in response to pivoting of said tapered-end feeler arm caused by said tapered objects; and, a signal processing means attached to said first and second switches for receiving signals from said first and second switches and for processing said signals so as to store signals indicative of the orientations of said tapered objects.

2. A sensing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said detecting head comprises an elongated stationary frame to which said butt-end and tapered-end feeler arms are pivotally attached, said tapered-end feeler arm impinging on said butt-end feeler arm and being biased inwardly to urge said butt-end and tapered-end feeler arms to pivot inwardly, but the inward pivoting of said butt-end feeler arm being limited so that said butt-end and tapered-end feeler arms normally remain at an angle to said elongated frame and in said path, said butt-end switch being mounted on said frame and actuated in response to pivoting of said butt-end feeler arm, said tapered-end feeler arm including a primary and a secondary lever, said secondary lever being pivotally mounted on said primary lever and said secondary lever extending beyond said primary lever so as to come into contact with tapered objects traveling along said path, wherein said tapered-end sensor switch is mounted on said primary lever and is actuated in response to movement of said secondary lever relative to said primary lever.

3. A sensing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detecting head comprises a stationary frame located adjacent said path and wherein: said butt-end feeler arm is pivotally attached to said frame, said butt-end sensor switch is rigidly attached to said frame and there is further included linkage between said butt-end feeler arm and said butt-end sensor switch which actuates the butt-end sensor switch in response to pivoting of the butt-end feeler arm out of said path; said tapered-end feeler arm is pivotally mounted on two links, said first link providing linkage between said tapered-end feeler arm and said butt-end feeler arm to move said tapered-end feeler arm away from said path in response to movement of said butt-end tapered arm away from said path, but at a faster rate, and said second link for actuating said tapered-end sensor switch in response to a tapered object impinging on said tapered-end feeler arm; and said tapered-end sensor switch is fixidly mounted on said frame.

4. A sensing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said signal processing means includes two signal storage circuits, said first signal storage circuit being for storing signals received from said butt-end sensor switch and said second signal storage circuit being for storing signals received from said tapered-end sensor switch.

5. A sensing system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said signal processing means further includes at least two clearing switches mounted along said path approximately adjacent said detecting head, said first clearing switch being coupled to said first storage circuit and said second clearing switch being coupled to said second storage circuit and said fiRst and second clearing switches being actuated by the presence of tapered objects to provide the storage circuits with signals which allow the storage circuits to store signals originating in said sensor switches, but which, upon passing of said tapered objects, disable said storage circuits from storing said sensor-switch signals.

6. A sensing system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first clearing switch is located upstream of said second clearing switch along said path.

7. A sensing system as claimed in claim 6 wherein there is a third clearing switch positioned adjacent said second clearing switch and which is coupled, along with said first clearing switch, through an OR circuit to said first storage circuit.

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