APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SORTING OBJECTS

摘要

An apparatus for sorting objects (12) according to preselected weight and visually ascertainable criteria. Each object (12) is singulated and transported between adjacent pairs of a plurality of roller assemblies (100) attached to a conveyor chain (40) to be freely rotatable on a vertically slidable axis oriented normal to the conveying path. A control surface (162) along the conveying path causes rotation in the roller assemblies and in the object supported therebetween, increasing the surface of the object accessible for optical scanning (70). Mounted between each pair of roller assemblies (100) is a weighing cradle (103) subtending the object transported therebetween. The weighting cradle (103) elevates and captures the object from its support between roller assemblies (100) so that the cradle (103) can engage a load cell (78). Pivotally mounted between each pair of rollers and subtending the object transported therebetween is an elongated discharge plate (104). Each object (12) is unloaded at an appropriate discharge location by pivoting upwardly the discharge plate (104).