US3603458A - Apparatus for the detection and removal of selected foreign matter from a material - Google Patents

Apparatus for the detection and removal of selected foreign matter from a material Download PDF

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Publication number
US3603458A
US3603458A US864490A US3603458DA US3603458A US 3603458 A US3603458 A US 3603458A US 864490 A US864490 A US 864490A US 3603458D A US3603458D A US 3603458DA US 3603458 A US3603458 A US 3603458A
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United States
Prior art keywords
light
further characterized
albumen
balance
photosensitive
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Expired - Lifetime
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US864490A
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English (en)
Inventor
George N Bliss
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Diamond Automations Inc
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Diamond International Corp
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Assigned to DIAMOND AUTOMATIONS, INC. reassignment DIAMOND AUTOMATIONS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: DIAMOND INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
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    • 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
    • B07C5/34—Sorting according to other particular properties
    • B07C5/342—Sorting according to other particular properties according to optical properties, e.g. colour

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to means for detecting and removing small amounts of foreign matter from material as it passes along a chute or conveyor and more particularly to the automatic detection and separation of albumen contaminated -with yolk from clear albumen by analysis of reflected light ,rays.
  • a second operator is usually stationed at the discharge end of the machine. She is provided with a spatula; her duty being to scrape out any residual bits of yolk from the albumen as it flows by her on a tray.
  • the present invention is designed to eliminate the need for this second operator, by removing the yolk automatically.
  • Normal albumen as it comes from a breaker contains numerous bits of foreign matter such as, pieces of chopped off chalaza and shell fragments. These may easily be filtered out during processing by means ol'a screen. Since any type of gate or deflecting device would necessarily remove amounts of good albumen along with foreign particles, it is desirable that any detector or scanning device be sensitive only to yolk.
  • the present invention comprises apparatus for the detection and removal of foreign matter from a substance comprising detection means inspecting the substance being conveyed thereby and diverting means located downstream from the detection means with the detection means including a scanned area on the conveying means and a means to separate reflected light from the substance into separate beams to separate light-sensitive means which are connected to detect differences in light strength received and thus operate the diverting means.
  • the present invention further utilizes a black or a dark colored trough through which the albumen flows as it is simultaneously scanned by two phototubes.
  • the light reaches one phototube through a blue filter and the other through a green filter. Since the albumen is essentially transparent, and flowing over a dark background, even a small amount of opaque yellow material, such as yolk, passing the scanned area will reflect light which is focused through the two filters simultaneously by means of a beam splitter mirror.
  • Light passing the green filter causes an increased current in the associated phototube. Since the blue filter blocks the yellow image, its phototube current remains unchanged.
  • the state ofimbalance thus caused is amplified, and a gate or diverting device is actuated to remove the immediate material containing the yolk.
  • Pieces of white foreign matter on the other hand, such as shell or chalaza, transmit images of equal intensity through both fil ters, retaining a state of balance between the phototubes and therefore do not activate the diverting device.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the apparatus to detect yolk in albumen after opening of an egg and separation of yolk and albumen;
  • FIG. 2 is a detail view of a portion of the chute over which the albumen travels.
  • FIG. 3 is a partial sectioned view of a second embodiment of diverting mechanism for albumen mixed with yolk.
  • Albumen in larger quantities has a definite yellow cast. Viewed through a blue filter it appears to have varying amounts of ink dissolved in it, making, small amounts of yolk very difficult to distinguish. Further refinement of the principle is used to gain the performance of the present invention.
  • albumen flows down gravity chute l, and is illuminated by light source 2.
  • camera 3 comprising lens 4, and beam splitter 5, a semireflecting mirror which transmits half the light to focal plane 7 and reflects the other half to focal plane 9.
  • Focal planes 7 and 9 are equidistant from reflecting surface 10 of beam splitter mirror 5, lens 4 being focused so that the image of any object passing beneath camera 3 is projected simultaneously on focal planes 7 and 9.
  • Centered in focal plane 7 is a rectangular slit 6. Only light projected between points A and B on chute l, is transmitted by slit 6. More specifically, referring to FIG. 2, only light transmitted from the rectangular area ABCD of chute l is transmitted through the slit.
  • Area ABCD is hereinafter referred to as the scanning area. Centered in focal plane 9 is a similar rectangular slit 8 and centered so that it also receives light from area ABCD. Thus the narrow precise scanning area ABCD is simultaneously kept under surveillance by both phototubes at all times. Even a small object passing the scanning area will have a marked effect on both phototubes.
  • Light reflected from any object within scanning area ABCD is transmitted through rectangular opening 6, and through blue filter 11, energizing phototube R3.
  • the image is also reflected by beam splitter 5, focused through rectangular opening 3, and through green filter R2, energizing phototube 14.
  • Filter 12 while not necessary, is desirable since it transmits wavelengths immediately adjacent to blue area of the spectrum while being unaffected by yellow.
  • variable apertures or similar devices may be placed in front of one or both photocells, such as twin Polaroid discs 15 and 16. When these discs are turned in relation to each other, the light reaching phototube 14 is thereby reduced.
  • multiplier phototubes may be balanced electrically by varying the dynode voltage by means of balancing potentiometer 17.
  • the output voltages of the two phototubes are fed to balanced amplifier 18, They may be independently read on meters 19 and 20, meter 19 indicating the amount of blue light striking phototubes 13, and meter indicating the amount of green light striking phototube 14.
  • Meter 21 indicates the difference of imbalance.
  • Amplifier 18, when in a state of imbalance energizes solenoid valve 22, actuating air cylinder 23, causing diverter chute 24 to move into the dashed position by means of crank 25.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 The operation of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 is as follows. Albumen flows by gravity down chute 1, passing over scanning area ABCD and flows through diverter chute 24, into clear chute 26. When even a small amount of yolk enters area ABCD its image is projected simultaneously through rectangular slits 6 and 8. Since yellow light is blocked by blue filter 11, no extra light is received by phototube 13. Thus meter 19 remains stationary. Light projected through slit 8, however, is transmitted by filter 12, causing an increase in voltage from phototube 14, causing meter 20 to rise. Meter 21 will also rise indicating a state of imbalance in amplifier 18. Solenoid valve 22 is then energized, actuating air cylinder 23, and moving deflector chute 24 into the dotted position shown, causing contaminated albumen to flow into contaminated chute 27.
  • Polaroid disc 28 may be inserted in front of camera lens 4, and Polaroid disc 29 may be inserted in front of light source 2. Discs 28 and 29 are turned so that their planes of polarization are at right angles to each other. Thus disc 28 filters out light from the direct reflection of any bubbles which may be present on the surface of the albumen.
  • FIG. 3 Another device differing from that shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 3 wherein an unbalance signal from amplifier 18, obtained as described before, energizes magnetic clutch 32, causing motor 33 to momentarily drive positive displacement pump 31. Contaminated matter is thus sucked down pipe 30 through an opening in the chute 1.
  • Pump 31 is operated only long enough to remove contaminated albumen from the chute l but not necessarily to empty pipe 30 since the contaminated albumen in pipe 30 cannot reenter the chute and also forms a surface at the entrance to pipe 30 over which the clear albumen can pass.
  • any type of phototubes or photocells may be used which are sensitive in the blue-green area.
  • green filter 12 shown in FIG. 1 while desirable, does not necessarily have to be used to obtain good results.
  • Polaroid balancing discs 15 and 16 need not be used if the phototubes are balanced electrically.
  • a beam splitter prism may be used in place of beam splitter mirror 5.
  • Apparatus for the detection and removal of selected foreign matter from a liquid substance containing several types of foreign matter comprising:
  • said detection means including a scanned area delineated on said conveying means and said area being dark so as to minimize the reflection of light
  • receiving means adapted to receive light reflected from the liquid only within the scanned area, including:
  • one said light-sensitive means sensitive to light reflected from all foreign matter and the other ofsaid light-sensitive means being insensitive to foreign matter to removed while being sensitive to remaining foreign matter to be retained;
  • Apparatus for detecting and removing yolk contaminated albumen from a mass of albumen uncontaminated by yolk comprising conveying means through which said albumen flows having a dark area over which the albumen passes;
  • detection means focused on said dark area including a lens focusing light reflected only from the dark area onto one focal plane having an aperture to pass light therethrough from said dark area,
  • a beam splitter diverting a portion of said reflected light onto a second focal plane having an aperture to pass light therethrough received from said dark area
  • photosensitive means at each of said apertures, one of said photosensitive means being responsive to yellow light, the other of said photosensitive means being substantially nonresponsive to yellow light,
  • balance-detecting means connected to said photosensitive means to detect an unbalancing of signals received from both said photosensitive means
  • a diverting means located downstream of the flow of albumen from said dark area operable by signal from said balance-detecting means when said balance-detecting means detects a state of unbalance between said photosensitive means.
  • said photosensitive means being responsive to yellow light including a green filter in the path of said reflected light.
  • said means connecting said movable conveying means to said solenoid means including a fluid-operated piston means operated by said solenoid means, and lever means connecting said movable conveying means to said solenoid means to move said movable conveying means between alternate positions. l2.
  • said photosensitive means and said balance detecting means respectively including multiplier phototubes connected to a balanced amplifier. H5.
  • at least one of said apertures being variable in size.

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  • Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
US864490A 1969-10-07 1969-10-07 Apparatus for the detection and removal of selected foreign matter from a material Expired - Lifetime US3603458A (en)

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US86449069A 1969-10-07 1969-10-07

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US3603458A true US3603458A (en) 1971-09-07

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US (1) US3603458A (da)
BE (1) BE755016A (da)
DE (1) DE2043393C3 (da)
DK (1) DK128059B (da)
FR (1) FR2065860A5 (da)
GB (1) GB1293208A (da)
NL (1) NL149284B (da)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4190020A (en) * 1978-01-03 1980-02-26 Mezogazdasagi Foiskola, Kaposvar Process and equipment for machine milking to provide sterile milk free from blood and pus
JPS55116229A (en) * 1979-02-28 1980-09-06 Satake Eng Co Ltd Automatic control device for color selector
US4241835A (en) * 1976-07-12 1980-12-30 Geosource Inc. Sorting apparatus
US4439892A (en) * 1982-02-23 1984-04-03 W. F. Altenpohl, Inc. Severed poultry neck selection system
US4519489A (en) * 1983-06-27 1985-05-28 Reynolds Metals Company Can end sampler
EP0677731A3 (en) * 1994-03-25 1996-02-07 Omron Tateisi Electronics Co Optical sensor arrangement.
EP0838274A3 (en) * 1996-10-28 1999-03-17 Sortex Limited Optical systems for use in sorting apparatus

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111375569B (zh) * 2018-12-29 2023-08-01 乐山希尔电子股份有限公司 测试一体机

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3066797A (en) * 1958-10-20 1962-12-04 R W Gunson Seeds Ltd Colour sorting machines
US3283644A (en) * 1962-11-27 1966-11-08 Du Pont Apparatus for determining the concentration of dispersed particulate solids in liquids
US3283896A (en) * 1964-09-28 1966-11-08 Chemical Holding Company Inc Sorting apparatus
US3514210A (en) * 1968-01-15 1970-05-26 Jiri Hrdina Device for programmed drawing off of gas bubbles from a measuring cell separator and the liquid from the extinction cell space

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3066797A (en) * 1958-10-20 1962-12-04 R W Gunson Seeds Ltd Colour sorting machines
US3283644A (en) * 1962-11-27 1966-11-08 Du Pont Apparatus for determining the concentration of dispersed particulate solids in liquids
US3283896A (en) * 1964-09-28 1966-11-08 Chemical Holding Company Inc Sorting apparatus
US3514210A (en) * 1968-01-15 1970-05-26 Jiri Hrdina Device for programmed drawing off of gas bubbles from a measuring cell separator and the liquid from the extinction cell space

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4241835A (en) * 1976-07-12 1980-12-30 Geosource Inc. Sorting apparatus
US4190020A (en) * 1978-01-03 1980-02-26 Mezogazdasagi Foiskola, Kaposvar Process and equipment for machine milking to provide sterile milk free from blood and pus
JPS55116229A (en) * 1979-02-28 1980-09-06 Satake Eng Co Ltd Automatic control device for color selector
US4439892A (en) * 1982-02-23 1984-04-03 W. F. Altenpohl, Inc. Severed poultry neck selection system
US4519489A (en) * 1983-06-27 1985-05-28 Reynolds Metals Company Can end sampler
EP0677731A3 (en) * 1994-03-25 1996-02-07 Omron Tateisi Electronics Co Optical sensor arrangement.
US5844682A (en) * 1994-03-25 1998-12-01 Omron Corporation Optical sensor device
EP0838274A3 (en) * 1996-10-28 1999-03-17 Sortex Limited Optical systems for use in sorting apparatus
US6191859B1 (en) 1996-10-28 2001-02-20 Sortex Limited Optical systems for use in sorting apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1293208A (en) 1972-10-18
DK128059B (da) 1974-02-25
NL149284B (nl) 1976-04-15
DE2043393B2 (de) 1973-08-30
DE2043393A1 (de) 1971-05-27
DE2043393C3 (de) 1974-04-04
FR2065860A5 (da) 1971-08-06
NL7010448A (da) 1971-04-13
BE755016A (fr) 1971-02-19

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AS Assignment

Owner name: DIAMOND AUTOMATIONS, INC., MICHIGAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DIAMOND INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004157/0383

Effective date: 19830627

Owner name: DIAMOND AUTOMATIONS, INC., 23400 HAGGERTY ROAD, FA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:DIAMOND INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004157/0383

Effective date: 19830627