Verification systems for small objects
First Claim
1. A verification system for capsules, tablets or similar small objects, comprising:
- a test block having a slot extending through the block;
conveyor means for directing the objects under test through said slot;
means for providing first and second longitudinally spaced color testing zones in said test block, said means including fiber optic arrays at the top and both sides of said slot at each of said two zones;
means for directing light to all six of the fiber optic arrays;
high speed spectrophotometer means coupled to receive light having spectral characteristics conforming to that of said object from all three fiber optic arrays at said first zone, and separately from all these arrays at said second zone;
means for comparing said sensed spectral characteristics with predetermined spectral characteristics;
means for initially directing all objects leaving said test block along an "acceptance" path; and
means for diverting objects having spectral characteristics which do not match said predetermined spectral characteristics from said "acceptance" path to a "rejection" path.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A verification system for capsules, tablets and the like includes a test block having a slot through which the capsules are directed by a conveyor. The test block includes first and second spaced sensing planes each having bifurcated fiber optic input and output arrays on the top and both sides of the slot. An optical system provides a planar light beam for sensing the position of the capsules being tested at the output from the test block. The length of the capsule is determined from the speed of the conveyor and the time of interruption of planar light beam. If the capsule is not of the proper colors and length, it is pneumatically ejected into a rejection chute.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A verification system for capsules, tablets or similar small objects, comprising:
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a test block having a slot extending through the block; conveyor means for directing the objects under test through said slot; means for providing first and second longitudinally spaced color testing zones in said test block, said means including fiber optic arrays at the top and both sides of said slot at each of said two zones; means for directing light to all six of the fiber optic arrays; high speed spectrophotometer means coupled to receive light having spectral characteristics conforming to that of said object from all three fiber optic arrays at said first zone, and separately from all these arrays at said second zone; means for comparing said sensed spectral characteristics with predetermined spectral characteristics; means for initially directing all objects leaving said test block along an "acceptance" path; and means for diverting objects having spectral characteristics which do not match said predetermined spectral characteristics from said "acceptance" path to a "rejection" path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A verification system for capsules, tablets or similar small objects, comprising:
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a test block having an opening extending through the block; means for directing the objects under test through said opening; means for providing first and second longitudinally spaced color testing zones in said test block, said means including fiber optic arrays at least at two opposed sides of said opening at each of said two zones; means for directing light to each of the fiber optic arrays; high speed spectrophotometer means coupled to receive light having spectral characteristics conforming to that of said object from at least said two fiber optic arrays at said first zone, and separately from at least said two opposed arrays at said second zone; means for comparing the sensed spectral characteristics with predetermined spectral characteristics; means for initially directing all objects leaving said test block along an "acceptance" path; and means for diverting objects having spectral characteristics which do not match said predetermined spectral characteristics from said "acceptance" path to a "rejection" path. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A verification system for capsules, tablets or similar small objects comprising:
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a test assembly having an opening extending through the assembly; means for directing the objects under test through said opening; means for providing first and second longitudinally spaced color testing zones in said test block, said means including fiber optic arrays at least at two opposed sides of said opening at each of said two zones; means for directing light to each of said fiber optic arrays; high speed spectrophotometer means coupled to receive light having spectral characteristics conforming to that of said object from at least two opposed fiber optic arrays at said first zone, and separately from at least said two opposed arrays at said second zone; means for comparing the sensed spectral characteristics with predetermined spectral characteristics; means for initially directing all objects leaving said test assembly along an "acceptance" path; means for diverting objects having spectral characteristics which do not match said predetermined spectral characteristics from said "acceptance" path to a "rejection" path; means for providing a substantially planar light beam extending transverse to and across the path of the objects to be tested passing through said opening; light sensor means for determining when said planar light beam is interrupted;
means for providing an indication of the speed at which said objects are travelling;means for determining the length of said objects and whether said objects are within a predetermined length range; and means for selectively actuating said means for diverting objects to the "rejection" path if the length of the objects is not within the predetermined length range. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification