Daniel T Mills

US Patent:

6380503, Apr 30, 2002

Filed:

Mar 3, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/519726

Inventors:

Daniel G. Mills - Stockton CA 95207
Michael A. Valdez - Stockton CA 95209

International Classification:

B07C 510

US Classification:

209586, 209579, 356385

Abstract:

An apparatus and a method for sizing and sorting articles in an article stream. A scanning station includes a plurality of laser line beam generators and a linear array including a plurality of photo detectors. A first group of generators and detectors is horizontally oriented, and second group is vertically oriented. The area between the generators and the detectors defines an exposure window through which the articles are passed. Each line beam generator has a respective cylindrical lens for collimating its output across the exposure window. The output information is sampled, digitized, stored, and analyzed. Computer-based determinations are made regarding the size, configuration, and weight of the articles. Articles determined to have predetermined physical characteristics are selectively removed from the article stream, and directed to diverting conveyors carrying articles having like characteristics.

US Patent:

D485411, Jan 13, 2004

Filed:

Mar 19, 2003

Appl. No.:

29/178070

Inventors:

Michael A. Valdez - Acampo CA 95220
Daniel G. Mills - Acampo CA 95220

International Classification:

1205

US Classification:

D34 29

US Patent:

20180031494, Feb 1, 2018

Filed:

Jul 27, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/221564

Inventors:

Daniel G. Mills - Acampo CA, US

International Classification:

G01N 23/02
G01N 33/10
G01N 33/02
B07C 1/04
B07C 5/04

Abstract:

A sizing apparatus has input and output ends and a sampling window therebetween. Sizing means determines the size of each item passing through the sampling window. Singulating means arranges the items in a line and delivers them sequentially at the input end of the sizing apparatus. A lower conveyor belt extends through the sizing apparatus from the input end through the sampling window to the output end. The lower conveyor belt is translated at a speed sufficient to receive, transport, and maintain the items in sequential fashion. A flexible upper stabilizer belt is arranged above and generally in alignment with the lower conveyor belt, and is driven to match the speed of the lower conveyor belt. The upper stabilizer belt is suspended so as to engage the items incoming from said singulating means and to maintain loose contact with them until the items have passed through the sampling window.