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Automatic tie plate orientation sensing system

  • US 4,727,989 A
  • Filed: 01/27/1987
  • Issued: 03/01/1988
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/27/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for sensing the orientation of a conveyed article having a detectable top and bottom comprising:

  • a conveyor surface;

    a sensor means comprising;

    a sensor frame mounted in operational proximity to said conveyor surface;

    a transverse pivot axis mounted to said sensor frame;

    a plurality of sensor fingers, each pivotably mounted to said transverse pivot axis and positioned to intercept said conveyed articles on said conveyor surface and to freely pivot upon said axis in response to said interception;

    biasing means to return said fingers to an operating position close to said conveying surface;

    a plurality of sensor actuator means, each of said actuator means constructed and arranged to be electronically activated by the pivoting action of said sensor fingers; and

    logic circuit means connected to said actuator means;

    wherein the top-to-bottom orientation of said conveyed article is sensed by the pattern of said fingers intercepting said conveyed articles, said fingers transmitting said pattern to said actuators, and said logic means receiving said patterns from said actuators and sending a signal indicating the top side up or bottom side up orientation of said conveyed article.

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