Sorting system for damaged product
View Patent ↗A sorting system having a plurality of sorting assemblies where each sorting assembly has an image device that transmits an image of product to a controller that then actuates a robotic sorting device to remove damaged product through a suction tube based upon the transmitted image.
1. A sorting system, comprising:
a first conveyor mounted to a frame;
an image device mounted to the frame above the first conveyor that transmit an image of product on the first conveyor to a controller;
a moveable sorting device operated by the controller that removes damaged product through a suction tube based on the transmitted image; and,
a moveable gate positioned at an opening at an end of the suction tube.
2. The sorting system of claim 1 wherein the sorting device comprises robotic arms with a compressed air tube connected to a source of compressed air at one end and the suction tube connected to the robotic arms at the opposite end.
3. The sorting system of claim 1 wherein a third conveyor having a third sorting assembly receives damaged product from the first conveyor through the suction tube.
4. The sorting system of claim 1 having a second conveyor and second sorting assembly downstream the first conveyor.
5. The sorting system of claim 4 wherein the second conveyor dwells in a horizontal plane below a horizontal plane of the first conveyor.
6. The sorting system of claim 4 wherein an image device is mounted at a discharge end of the second conveyor.
7. A sorting system, comprising:
at least one robotic arm connected to a suction tube and
a compressed air tube connected to the suction tube such that when compressed air is released from a source of compressed air through the compressed air tube and the suction tube a venturi is created within the suction tube wherein a moveable gate is positioned at an opening at an end of the suction tube.
8. The sorting device of claim 7 wherein the at least one robotic arm, source of compressed air, and moveable gate are connected to and controlled by a controller.
9. The sorting device of claim 8 wherein the controller selects the most efficient order of removing damaged product based upon a position of the damaged product.