The various embodiments herein relate to product processing and, more particularly, various embodiments relate to sorting, moving, and/or packaging products.
Product processing plants may process different products. These products typically may be weighed, sorted into groups, and packaged for transport to stores, restaurants, or end users. Existing processing equipment lacks the automation and the software to accomplish the processing in an efficient manner and limited human input.
There is a need in the art for improved product processing and packing systems.
Discussed herein are various product processing systems for processing and packing a variety of different products and methods of operating those systems. The various embodiments include classification devices, sorting conveyors, loading stations, and packed product conveyors along with processors that utilize various sensors to classify each product and control the sorting and packing based in part on the classification of each product.
In Example 1, a product processing system comprises a sorting conveyor configured to guide a product along the sorting conveyor, at least two product pushing devices associated with the sorting conveyor, wherein each of the at least two product pushing devices is configured to move between a first position and a second position, at least two loading stations associated with the sorting conveyor such that each of the at least two loading stations is disposed adjacent to one of the at least two product pushing devices, and at least one processor. The processor is configured to control one or more sensors to capture sensor data regarding the product as the product moves through the product processing system, determine, based at least in part on the sensor data, a product classification of the product, select, based at least in part on the product classification, the second position for one of the at least two product pushing devices to guide the product into one of the at least two loading stations, and control the one of the at least two pushing devices to be configured in the second position.
Example 2 relates to the product processing system according to Example 1, further comprising a product classification device comprising at least one of the one or more sensors, wherein the at least one of the one or more sensors comprises at least one of a scale, a belt encoder, or an imaging device.
Example 3 relates to the product processing system according to Example 1, wherein the product classification includes a confidence value, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to select the first or second position as a function of the confidence value.
Example 4 relates to the product processing system according to Example 1, wherein the product classification includes a meat cut value, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to select one of the at least two loading stations as a function of the meat cut value.
Example 5 relates to the product processing system according to Example 1, further comprising a spacing conveyor configured to space the product from adjacent products.
Example 6 relates to the product processing system according to Example 1, wherein the at least two product pushing devices comprise pushing paddles or diverter arms.
Example 7 relates to the product processing system according to Example 1, comprising a robotic arm configured to move the product from the one of the at least two loading stations to a bulk package.
Example 8 relates to the product processing system according to Example 1, further comprising a packed box conveyor configured to move packed box from one of the at least two loading stations.
Example 9 relates to the product processing system according to Example 1, wherein the system automates product sorting by meat cut type (i.e., shank brisket, rib, short plate, flank, etc.), weight, geometric features (i.e., length, width, height, cross sectional area, volume, uniformity etc.), and/or product specific features (i.e., % fat cover, parallel end cuts, % bone content etc.).
Example 10 relates to the product processing system according to Example 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to control sorting as a function of a plurality of properties.
In Example 11, a product processing system comprises a spacing conveyor configured to space a product from adjacent products, a product classification device comprising at least one classification sensor, wherein the product classification device is configured to receive the product from the spacing conveyor, a sorting conveyor configured to receive the product from the product classification device, at least two product pushing devices associated with the sorting conveyor, wherein each of the at least two product pushing devices is configured to move between a first position and a second position, at least two product receiving areas associated with the sorting conveyor such that each of the at least two product receiving areas is disposed adjacent to one of the at least two product pushing devices, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to control the at least one classification sensor and at least one additional sensor to capture sensor data regarding the product as the product moves through the product processing system, determine, based at least in part on the sensor data, a product classification of the product, select, based at least in part on the product classification, the second position for one of the at least two product pushing devices to guide the product into one of the at least two product receiving areas, and control the one of the at least two pushing devices to be configured in the second position.
Example 12 relates to the product processing system according to Example 11, wherein the at least one classification sensor comprises a scale, a belt encoder, or an imaging device.
Example 13 relates to the product processing system according to Example 11, wherein the at least two product receiving areas comprises a loading station or a bulk container disposed in the at least two product receiving areas.
Example 14 relates to the product processing system according to Example 13, wherein the loading station comprises a chute disposed adjacent to the sorting conveyor, a product landing area disposed at the bottom of the chute, and a takeaway conveyor disposed under the chute.
Example 15 relates to the product processing system according to Example 14, further comprising a packed box conveyor disposed adjacent to the takeaway conveyor, wherein the packed box conveyor is configured to receive a packed box from the takeaway conveyor and transport the packed box away from the takeaway conveyor.
Example 16 relates to the product processing system according to Example 11, further comprising an empty box conveyor associated with the at least product receiving areas.
In Example 17, a product processing system comprises a product classification device comprising at least one classification sensor and a stacked conveyor structure. The stacked conveyor structure comprises a sorting conveyor configured to receive the product from the product classification device, the sorting conveyor comprising at least two product pushing devices associated with the sorting conveyor, wherein each of the at least two product pushing devices is configured to move between a first position and a second position, and a packed box conveyor disposed under the sorting conveyor, wherein the packed box conveyor is configured to transport at least one packed box. The system further comprises at least two loading stations disposed adjacent to the stacked conveyor structure such that each of the at least two loading stations is disposed adjacent to one of the at least two product pushing devices, and at least one processor configured to control the at least one classification sensor and at least one additional sensor to capture sensor data regarding the product as the product moves through the product processing system, determine, based at least in part on the sensor data, a product classification of the product, select, based at least in part on the product classification, the second position for one of the at least two product pushing devices to guide the product into one of the at least two loading stations, and control the one of the at least two pushing devices to be configured in the second position.
Example 18 relates to the product processing system according to Example 17, further comprising a spacing conveyor configured to space a product from adjacent products and transport the product to the product classification device.
Example 19 relates to the product processing system according to Example 17, wherein the loading station comprises a chute disposed adjacent to the sorting conveyor, a computer interface coupled to the chute, wherein the computer interface is operably coupled to the at least one processor, a product landing area disposed at the bottom of the chute, and a takeaway conveyor disposed under the chute and adjacent to the packed box conveyor.
Example 20 relates to the product processing system according to Example 17, wherein the stacked conveyor structure further comprises a rejected product conveyor disposed under the sorting conveyor.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. As will be realized, the various implementations are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
The various embodiments herein relate to systems and methods for classifying, sorting, and packing products into bulk packaging. Such systems (also referred to herein as “pack-off systems”) can include implementations that receive products from a vacuum sealer, classify the products, sort the products, and pack the products into bulk packaging. While some of the system embodiments discussed in detail herein are configured to process meat products, alternative implementations can process any types of products.
One exemplary system embodiment 10 is shown in
The exemplary product processing system 10 of
Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the sorting conveyor 34, the rejected product conveyor 50, and the packed box conveyor 48 form a stacked conveyor structure 33 as best shown in
Further, as shown in
According to an alternative implementation,
Computing device 54 may be any computer with the processing power required to adequately execute the techniques described herein. For instance, computing device 54 may be any one or more of a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.), a desktop computer, a wearable computing device (e.g., a smart watch, computerized glasses, smart headphones, etc.), a virtual reality/augmented reality/extended reality (VR/AR/XR) system, a video game or streaming system, a network modem, router, or server system, or any other computerized device that may be configured to perform the techniques described herein.
As shown in the example of
One or more processors 72 may implement functionality and/or execute instructions associated with computing device 54 to operate various aspects of the product processing embodiments herein. That is, processors 72 may implement functionality and/or execute instructions associated with computing device 54 to control functionalities such as product spacing, classification, sorting, packing, etc.
Examples of processors 72 include any combination of application processors, display controllers, auxiliary processors, one or more sensor hubs, and any other hardware configured to function as a processor, a processing unit, or a processing device, including dedicated graphical processing units (GPUs). Modules 86 and 88 may be operable by processors 72 to perform various actions, operations, or functions of computing device 54 for operation of the various system embodiments herein (including system 10). In certain specific embodiments, the programmable controller such as the PLC 68 discussed above can also be operable by the processors 72 to perform various actions relating to the product processing systems herein, including, for example, product sorting. In other examples, processors 72 of computing device 54 may retrieve and execute instructions stored by storage components 80 that cause processors 72 to perform the various operations of the system implementations herein. The instructions, when executed by processors 72, may cause computing device 54 to operate the system equipment, including, for example, the conveyors, the classification system, the sorting equipment, the loading stations, etc.
Communication module 86 may execute locally (e.g., at processors 72) to provide functions associated with managing a user interface (e.g., user interfaces 45) that computing device 54 provides at UIC 70 for example, for facilitating interactions between an operator and the system 10. In some examples, communication module 86 may act as an interface to a remote service accessible to computing device 54. For example, communication module 86 may be an interface or application programming interface (API) to a remote server that controls managing user interfaces 45 that computing device 54 provides at UIC 70 for facilitating interactions between an operator and the system.
In some examples, analysis module 88 may execute locally (e.g., at processors 72) to provide functions associated with the various functionalities of the system embodiments herein, such as analyzing the data captured by the various sensors placed throughout product processing system 10 in order to control diverter arm 440. In some examples, analysis module 88 may act as an interface to a remote service accessible to computing device 54. For example, analysis module 88 may be an interface or application programming interface (API) to a remote server that controls the product analysis and receives diverter arm positioning information based on such analysis.
One or more storage components 80 within computing device 54 may store information for processing during operation of computing device 54 (e.g., computing device 54 may store data accessed by modules 86 and 88 during execution at computing device 54). In some examples, storage component 80 is a temporary memory, meaning that a primary purpose of storage component 80 is not long-term storage. Storage components 80 on computing device 54 may be configured for short-term storage of information as volatile memory and therefore not retain stored contents if powered off. Examples of volatile memories include random access memories (RAM), dynamic random access memories (DRAM), static random access memories (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memories known in the art.
Storage components 80, in some examples, also include one or more computer-readable storage media. Storage components 80 in some examples include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums. Storage components 80 may be configured to store larger amounts of information than typically stored by volatile memory. Storage components 80 may further be configured for long-term storage of information as non-volatile memory space and retain information after power on/off cycles. Examples of non-volatile memories include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. Storage components 80 may store program instructions and/or information (e.g., data) associated with modules 86 and 88 and data store 90. Storage components 80 may include a memory configured to store data or other information associated with modules 86 and 88 and data store 90.
Communication channels 94 may interconnect each of the components 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, and 80 for inter-component communications (physically, communicatively, and/or operatively). In some examples, communication channels 94 may include a system bus, a network connection, an inter-process communication data structure, or any other method for communicating data.
One or more communication units 74 of computing device 54 may communicate with external devices—such as the product processing equipment and systems—via one or more wired and/or wireless networks by transmitting and/or receiving network signals on one or more networks. Examples of communication units 74 include a network interface card (e.g., such as an Ethernet card), an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, a GPS receiver, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transceiver, a near-field communication (NFC) transceiver, or any other type of device that can send and/or receive information. Other examples of communication units 74 may include short wave radios, cellular data radios, wireless network radios, as well as universal serial bus (USB) controllers.
One or more input components 76 of computing device 54 may receive input. Examples of input are tactile, audio, and video input. Input components 76 of computing device 54, in one example, include a presence-sensitive input device (e.g., a touch sensitive screen, a PSD), a button or other actuable component, mouse, keyboard, voice responsive system, camera, microphone or any other type of device for detecting input from a human or machine, including such a device associated with the processing equipment of the various systems herein. In some examples, input components 76 may include one or more sensor components (e.g., sensors 92). Sensors 92 may include one or more biometric sensors (e.g., fingerprint sensors, retina scanners, vocal input sensors/microphones, facial recognition sensors, cameras), one or more location sensors (e.g., GPS components, Wi-Fi components, cellular components), one or more temperature sensors, one or more movement sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyros), one or more pressure sensors (e.g., barometer), one or more ambient light sensors, one or more presence sensors such as those used in certain components of the product processing equipment, and one or more other sensors (e.g., infrared proximity sensor, hygrometer sensor, and the like). Other sensors, to name a few other non-limiting examples, may include a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, a sonar sensor, magnetometer, or a compass sensor. The sensors include any sensor that might be incorporated into the product processing equipment of any of the various implementations herein.
One or more output components 78 of computing device 54 may generate output in a selected modality. Examples of modalities may include a tactile notification, audible notification, visual notification, machine generated voice notification, or other modalities. Output components 78 of computing device 54, in one example, include a presence-sensitive display, a sound card, a video graphics adapter card, a speaker, a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a virtual/augmented/extended reality (VR/AR/XR) system, a three-dimensional display, or any other type of device for generating output to a human or machine in a selected modality. In one exemplary embodiment, the output component can be a button on the loading station, as described in further detail elsewhere herein.
UIC 70 of computing device 54 includes display component 82 and presence-sensitive input component 84. Display component 82 may be a screen, such as any of the displays or systems described with respect to output components 78, at which information (e.g., a visual indication) is displayed by UIC 70 while presence-sensitive input component 84 may detect an object at and/or near display component 82. In one specific embodiment, the UIC 70 can be the interface 45 described in additional detail elsewhere herein.
While illustrated as an internal component of computing device 54, UIC 70 may also represent an external component that shares a data path with computing device 54 for transmitting and/or receiving input and output. For instance, in one example, UIC 70 represents a built-in component of computing device 54 located within and physically connected to the external packaging of computing device 54 (e.g., a screen on a mobile phone). In another example, UIC 70 represents an external component of computing device 54 located outside and physically separated from the packaging or housing of computing device 54 (e.g., a monitor, a projector, etc. that shares a wired and/or wireless data path with computing device 54).
UIC 70 of computing device 54 may detect two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional gestures as input from a user of computing device 54. For instance, a sensor of UIC 70 may detect a user's movement (e.g., moving a hand, an arm, a pen, a stylus, a tactile object, etc.) within a threshold distance of the sensor of UIC 70. UIC 70 may determine a two or three-dimensional vector representation of the movement and correlate the vector representation to a gesture input (e.g., a hand-wave, a pinch, a clap, a pen stroke, etc.) that has multiple dimensions. In other words, UIC 70 can detect a multi-dimension gesture without requiring the user to gesture at or near a screen or surface at which UIC 70 outputs information for display. Instead, UIC 70 can detect a multi-dimensional gesture performed at or near a sensor which may or may not be located near the screen or surface at which UIC 70 outputs information for display.
In accordance with one or more techniques of the various system embodiments herein, communication module 86 may control various components of the processing/packing equipment system 11 herein to optimize the operation thereof. For example, the communication module 86 can control one or more sensors to capture sensor data, including, for example, sensor data collected from the camera, scale, and other sensors in the classification system (such as system 32), sensor data collected from the various presence sensors and encoders disposed along the various chutes, conveyors, and pushers (including chutes 40, conveyors 30, 34, 44, 50, 48, 46, pushers 36, etc.) herein, input data collected by the computer interfaces 45, 370 and input buttons 306, 372 as described in detail herein, and any other data collected at any type of sensor, interface, or actuable component (such as a button or the like).
Analysis module 88 may analyze the captured data above in a variety of ways. For example, the analysis module 88 can analyze the captured sensor data from the classification system (such as system 32) to determine a product classification for the product. Based at least in part on the product classification, analysis module 88 may then determine which position of a plurality of positions to place the pusher or diverter arm (such as pusher 36 or diverter arm 440 or any other such device for urging products of the sort conveyor 34) such that the product is guided into the proper loading station (such as station 38), bulk container (such as container 382), other target receptacle or area, or to the defective product conveyor 50 or other area for defective products. Based on the above determinations of the analysis module 88, the communication module 86 may control the pusher 36 or diverter arm 440 (or the like) to place it in the proper position based on the determination made by analysis module 88.
Further, the analysis module 88 can analyze the captured sensor data from the intake conveyor 30 and the sorting conveyor 34 to determine a specific location of each product in the classification system 32 and on the sort conveyor 34. Based at least in part on the product location, analysis module 88 may then determine when to actuate the pusher or diverter arm (such as pusher 36 or diverter arm 440 or any other such device for urging products of the sort conveyor 34) such that the product is guided into the proper loading station (such as station 38), bulk container (such as container 382), or other target receptacle or area. Based on the above determinations of the analysis module 88, the communication module 86 may control the pusher 36 or diverter arm 440 (or the like) to place it in the proper position based on the determination made by analysis module 88.
In addition, as will be described in additional detail herein, the analysis module 88 can analyze the captured sensor data from each loading station chute 40 to determine the number of products in each chute 40 and/or the relative status of the products in the chute 40 (the chute is empty, partially full, or full of products, for example). Based at least in part on the status of the products in the chute 40, analysis module 88 may then determine when/how to send a notification to the computer interface 45, 370 and/or button 306, 372 or other location to notify an operator of the status of the particular chute 40 such that the operator is aware of the status of the various chutes 40 and can focus her attention as needed. Alternatively, or in addition, the analysis module 88 can also determine when to actuate the pushers or diverter arms such that the category of products previously directed to the now-full chute 40 is now directed to a different, less full chute 40. Based on the above determinations of the analysis module 88, the communication module 86 may control the pusher 36 or diverter arm 440 (or the like) to place it in the proper position based on the determination made by analysis module 88.
Additionally, as will be described in additional detail herein, the analysis module 88 can analyze the input data from the computer interface 45 and/or input button 306, 372 at any particular loading station 38 (actuated by an operator in some cases) to determine when a box disposed on the loading area of the takeaway conveyor 44 is packed/full. Based at least in part on the status of the box in the loading area, analysis module 88 may then determine when to actuate the takeaway conveyor 44 to transport the box toward the packed box conveyor 48. Based on the above determinations of the analysis module 88, the communication module 86 may control the conveyor 44 to transport the box toward the packed box conveyor 48 based on the determination made by analysis module 88. In certain specific embodiments as set forth elsewhere herein, the communication module 86 can control the front lifting rails 326 to lower, thereby allowing the box to make contact with the conveyor belts 324A-C and move along the takeaway conveyor 44 toward the packed box conveyor 48 and then subsequently control the rails 326 to raise back up after the box has been transferred from the front rails 326.
Further, as will be described in additional detail herein, the analysis module 88 can analyze the captured sensor data from each takeaway chute 44 and the packed box conveyor 48 to determine when a box disposed on the back of the takeaway conveyor 44 should be transferred to the packed box conveyor 48. Based at least in part on the locations of the packed boxes on the conveyor 48 and the presence of a packed box on the back of the takeaway conveyor 44, analysis module 88 may then determine when to actuate the takeaway conveyor 44 to transfer the packed box from the takeaway conveyor 44 to the packed box conveyor 48. Based on the above determinations of the analysis module 88, the communication module 86 may control the takeaway conveyor 44 to transport the box onto the packed box conveyor 48. In certain specific embodiments as set forth elsewhere herein, the communication module 86 can control the back lifting rails 328 to lower them, thereby allowing the box to make contact with the conveyor belts 324A-C and move off the takeaway conveyor 44 onto the packed box conveyor 48.
Additionally, as will be described in additional detail herein, the analysis module 88 can analyze the input data from trigger sensors 282 adjacent to the empty box conveyor 46 (actuated by an operator in some cases) to determine when to actuate the empty box conveyor 46 to stop urging empty boxes toward the end of the conveyor 46. Based on the above determinations of the analysis module 88, the communication module 86 may control the conveyor 46 to stop the conveyor 46 from continuing to transport boxes. In certain specific embodiments as set forth elsewhere herein, the communication module 86 can control the lifting rails 280A, 280B to move into their raised position, thereby raising the boxes out of contact with the conveyor belt 270 and thereby remove the back pressure on the boxes so that an operator can remove one from the conveyor 46. The communication module 86 can, after a predetermined period of time, subsequently control the rails 280A, 280B to lower back down after the box has been removed such that the boxes are again in contact with the conveyor 270 and urged toward the end of the conveyor 46.
In addition, according to certain implementations, the communication module 86 and analysis module 88 can work together in any other way such that the communication module 86 controls any other components of the processing/packing equipment system 11 herein to optimize the operation thereof while the analysis module 88 analyzes any type of captured or input data from any type of component of the equipment system 11 in a variety of ways to operate with the communication module 86 to operate the system 10 herein.
For example, in certain embodiments, there may be other controllable elements, such as motors and actuators, which the computing device 54—including the communication module 86 and the analysis module 88—may control in fashion similar to that described above. In addition to controlling elements, the communication module 86 and analysis module 88 may use data from the sensors to detect undesirable product flow scenarios and to adjust the system behavior to accommodate the recovery of the system to a stable state whenever unexpected scenarios arise. Additional uses of the sensor data by the communication module 86 and the analysis module 88 may include real time alerting of undesirable production parameters, predictive maintenance alerts, product flow monitoring, product flow optimization recommendations, and the facilitation of improved decision making for plant operations, sales and business leadership teams.
The combination of the various product processing and packing equipment systems 11 herein with the various embodiments of the computing device 54 and related components can provide significant advantages over prior known systems. For example, by enabling communication module 86 to control the pusher 36/diverter arm 440 based on the product classification and other analysis performed by analysis module 88 as described above, the various system 10 embodiments herein can quickly sort and pack multiple different types of products on a same line far more efficiently and with fewer machines/less equipment than known systems. In addition, the operation of the loading stations (such as stations 38) with the computer interfaces 45, release buttons 306, 372, and various presence sensors in the chutes 40 and takeaway conveyors 44 at the loading stations (such as stations 38) via the communication module 86 and analysis module 88 as described above result in faster, more accurate packing of the boxes with the various sorted products. Further, the various other processes that are operated by the communication module 86 and analysis module 88 as discussed above also provide advantages over known systems.
Returning to
In use according to one embodiment, products to be processed are transported along the product receiving conveyor 30 into the product classification system 32, which collects information about each product. The product then moves along the sort conveyor 34 and is pushed into a loading station 38 by one of the pushers 36 based on the information collected by the classification system 32. More specifically, the system 10 uses the information collected by the classification system 32 about the product to identify the appropriate loading station 38 to receive the product and actuates the correct pusher 36 to push the product into the chute 40 of the selected loading station 38. The product moves down the chute 40 to the box loading area 42 and is packed into a waiting box on the takeaway conveyor 44 via automation or a user. Once fully packed, the box is urged along the takeaway conveyor 44 onto the packed box conveyor 48 and out of the system 10. The packed box can then be replaced from the empty box conveyor 46 above—a user reaches up and moves one of the empty boxes from the conveyor 46 down to the end of takeaway conveyor 44 as shown.
If a rejected product reaches the box loading area 42, the user can remove the rejected product from the box loading area 42 and carry it to and place it on the rejected product conveyor 50 via the access area 52. Alternatively, a rejected product can be identified by the classification system 32 at the beginning of the process and transported to the rejected product conveyor 50 by transporting it along the full length of the sort conveyor 34 to an area past the loading stations 38 where the product can be transferred to the rejected product conveyor 50 via any number of mechanisms or methods. Alternatively, the rejected product can be transported along the sort conveyor 34 to a return conveyor (not shown) configured to return such rejected products to the vacuum sealers or to any other location. In certain embodiments, the rejected product conveyor 50 can be positioned to run to another conveyor (not shown) such that the rejected products on the conveyor 50 are transported to the end of the rejected product conveyor 50 and transferred to the other conveyor that transports the rejected products elsewhere. According to various implementations, the rejected product conveyor 50 or the additional conveyor can transport the rejected product to an area where it can be reworked, modified, fixed, or otherwise manipulated to address the issue with the product, or, if beyond repair, it can be discarded appropriately.
According to yet another alternative implementation, the packed box conveyor 48 can run in the opposite direction of the embodiments described above such that the packed boxes travel toward the classification system 32. In this embodiment, a conveyor can be positioned under the classification system 32 and between the legs thereof in the space identified as 53 in
As will be discussed in additional detail below, the system 10 and any other system embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein are configured to handle products (including, in some cases, meat products) of varying shape, size and weight. For example, when the products to be processed are meat products, the meat products may have a weight ranging from about 1 to about 30 pounds and a length ranging from about 4 to about 24 inches. Further, the geometries and shapes of the products—including meat products—may vary widely, complicating sorting processes.
As will also be discussed in additional detail below, the system 10 and any other system implementations herein are formed from a plurality of separate modular components. Thus, the configurations of the pack-off system embodiment in
In accordance with certain implementations, hardware relating to the computer device 54 and operation of the various processing and packing equipment system 11 components may be housed in multiple enclosures distributed around the system 11. For example, as shown in
One exemplary system embodiment 100 that highlights the modularity of the various systems herein is shown in
Thus, any of the various processing and packing equipment systems 11 herein can be configured or arranged to conform to a space requirement of the facility. Further, any of these systems as disclosed or contemplated herein can be arranged in other configurations not illustrated, or be arranged using elements of multiple illustrated configurations in in-line flow and/or using a perpendicular flow or any other arrangement.
In the system 100 and the various other systems disclosed or contemplated herein, the modularity of the system 100 allows for the number of loading stations 38 to adjusted as needed. As noted above, the system 100 as shown has nine product loading stations 38 disposed in pods of three each. Alternatively, the system 100 (and any system herein) can have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or any number of loading stations 38. Further, while the specific implementation as shown has loading stations 38 on only one side of the sort conveyor 102, there can be loading stations 38 positioned on the other side as well. The modularity of any of the system embodiments herein allow for almost limitless configurability depending on the needs of the facility.
In one embodiment, the classification system 32 as best shown in
In certain specific implementations in which the products are meat products, the classification system 32 can be configured to determine a product classification of meat products. Among other things, the product classification may include a “meat cut value,” which identifies a meat cut type, a weight, and/or a dimension. The meat cut value may also identify a defective product, such as a leaking or damaged product (e.g., the seal around the meat may have broken). The product classification also may include a confidence value configured to indicate a likelihood a meat cut value is correct.
According to some embodiments, the classification system 32 can also have a sensor system with one or more sensors (not shown) configured to collect data corresponding to each product. As such, the various system embodiments herein may determine the product classification for each product using the sensor data. The sensor system also may include a belt encoder (not shown) configured to measure a belt speed or position of the scale conveyor. Those in the art may select sensors appropriate for the given system. In further embodiments, the sensor system may include photoelectric sensors configured to detect products moving along the conveyor of the classification system 32 or along the product receiving conveyor 30.
One embodiment of the sorting equipment, including a sort conveyor 34 and pushers 36, is shown in
The pushers 36 herein can be any one of a number of different pusher embodiments. In one specific embodiment as shown in
Further, the pusher 36 has a movable pushing paddle 136 that is slidably coupled to the two guide rails 134A, 134B such that the paddle 136 can move along the guide rails 134A, 134B between the two supports 132A, 132B. In addition, the pusher 36 has an actuation device 138 disposed between the two guide rails 134A, 134B and attached at one end to the support 132B and at the other end to a third support 132C that is disposed between the two supports 132A, 132B and attached to the two guide rails 134A, 134B. In one embodiment, the actuation device 138 is an air cylinder 138. Alternatively, the actuation device 138 can be any known hydraulic actuator such as a piston actuator or other similar actuator. The paddle 136 is coupled to the actuation device 138 such that the paddle 136 can be actuated to move by the actuation device 138, which urges the paddle 130 along the two guide rails 134A, 134B such that the paddle 130 moves in a direction transverse to the direction of the conveyor on which it is positioned (such as conveyor 34).
As best shown in
In addition, the paddle 136 is rotatably attached to the slidable base 140 via a joint 137 such that the paddle 136 can rotate in relation to the base 140 around the joint 137 via a slot 139 defined through the base 140 as best shown in
According to one embodiment, as best shown in
In use, the air cylinder 138 can be used to urge the paddle 136 from the pusher retracted position as shown in
Further, when necessary, the paddle 136 can be actuated to move vertically in relation to the base 140 from its deployed paddle position as shown in
Further, as shown in
In one embodiment, the pusher 36 can move unidirectionally such that it can only urge products toward one side of the conveyor 34. Alternatively, the pusher 36 can move bidirectionally such that it can urge products toward either side of the conveyer 34. Various implementations of the pusher 36 can also be standalone devices that can be easily attached and removed from any of the systems herein (such as system 10). As such, if any pusher 36 coupled to the system develops any operational issues and/or requires any kind of repair or maintenance, the pusher 36 can be quickly and easily removed and replaced, thereby avoiding any significant time delays in operation of the system.
Alternatively, other known mechanisms for urging the products into the loading stations can be used. For example, in some embodiments, diverters or “power diverts” are used. A power divert is a powered arm that is extended across the conveyor 34 at an angle when the correct product is approaching such that it utilizes the motive force of the conveyor 34 to urge the product into the desired loading station. In other words, the conveyor 34 causes the product to make contact with the diverter and urges the product along the diverter as the diverter urges the product toward the loading station.
As shown in
An alternative modular conveyor section 170 is depicted in
It should be noted that other stacked sections of different lengths can also be provided based on the desired configuration of the overall processing/packing equipment system 11.
In certain system embodiments, the drive motors are disposed at one end of the conveyors 34, 50, 48. One specific example is best shown in
As shown in
Thus, the modular components as shown in
One exemplary embodiment of a motor assembly 240 with an encoder 242 that can be incorporated into the various systems disclosed or contemplated herein is depicted in
In this specific embodiment, the motor assembly 240 has a motor 244 and a gear box 246 that transmits the motive force from the motor 244 to the conveyor belt via the drive shaft (such as drive shaft 200 as described above with respect to
As best shown in
Alternatively, any known encoder can be used with the motor assembly 240 or alternatively can be incorporated into any location on the relevant conveyor (such as the sort conveyor 34 and/or the packed box conveyor 48 to track the location of the products/boxes thereon.
As discussed above, certain system embodiments (including system 10) can have an empty box conveyer (such as conveyer 46 as shown in
In known empty box conveyors, the conveyor belt is constantly moving, which results in the boxes being forced together along the conveyor when they reach the end of conveyor. This results in a phenomenon referred to as “back pressure” in which the lateral force of numerous boxes being urged together causes substantial frictional resistance to any one of those boxes being removed from the conveyor. The problem is compounded by the fact that known empty box conveyors used today can be very long (up to 20 or 30 feet long). Given the number of boxes that can be disposed on such long conveyors, the total weight of those boxes can be significant, which creates a lot of back pressure as those boxes are forced together by the continually rotating conveyor belt, especially for the operators near the end of the empty box conveyor. As a result, the operators have to fight this back pressure and can struggle to remove a box from the conveyor. In contrast, the empty box conveyor 46 embodiment herein reduces or eliminates that back pressure, as explained below.
In the embodiment shown, a conveyor 46 providing empty boxes is disposed above and attached to the loading station 38 and thus is positioned above the operator's head. As best shown in
In certain embodiments, the belt 270 is constantly moving. That is, the belt does not stop rotating around the conveyor body 272.
In addition, the conveyor 46 also has at least two lifter rails 280A, 280B disposed on either side of the conveyor body 272 as shown. The rails 280A, 280B are movable between a lowered position as shown in
In one specific embodiment, the lifter rails 280A, 280B can be actuated to move from the lowered position into the raised position by actuators that urge the rails 280A, 280B into their raised position. When the lifters 280A, 280B move into the raised position, the boxes on the conveyor belt 270 are raised up away from the belt 270 such that they are no longer in contact with the belt 270. At this point, the boxes are no longer being urged along the conveyor 46 by the belt 270 and thus are no longer being subjected to the back pressure discussed above. As a result, urging the lifter rails 280A, 280B into the raised position makes it possible for an operator to remove a box from the conveyor 46.
In one embodiment, at least one air cylinder is the actuator coupled to each of the lifter rails 280A, 280B via the rods 281 that extend across the width of the conveyor 46 as shown such that actuation of the air cylinder causes the rails 280A, 280B to move into their raised position. Alternatively, any known actuator can be used for this purpose.
As best shown in
As such, actuation of the actuators 284A-B causes the rails 280A-B to move in relation to the conveyor 46 along the path of the slots 286 defined within the rails 280A-B. Because the path established by the slots 286 is disposed at about a 45 degree angle as described above, the rails 280A-B move both horizontally and vertically as shown. Alternatively, the slots 286 can be disposed at any angle that allows the rails 280A-B to move vertically such that the rails 280A-B can be disposed at a height higher than the conveyor belt 270 in the raised position and lower than the conveyor belt 270 in the lowered position.
In one embodiment, the actuators 284A-B are air cylinders 284A-B. Alternatively, each of the actuators 284A-B can be any hydraulic actuator or a piston actuator.
Thus, actuation of the air cylinders 284A-B causes the rails 280A-B to move between the lowered position as best shown in
In accordance with one embodiment, the lifter rails 280A, 280B can be actuated to move into the raised position (and thereby remove the back pressure from the boxes) via sensors 282 disposed along the outer side 271A of the conveyor 46 as shown. Each of the sensors 282 can be a motion detection sensor 282 or any other type of sensor 282 that can detect the presence of an operator's arm or hand being positioned over the outer side 271A of the conveyor 46 to grasp a box. In one specific embodiment, the sensors 282 are photo eyes 282 that are positioned to be triggered by the operator's arm breaking the “beam” between two of the sensors 282. The sensors 282 are coupled to the computing device 54 as discussed elsewhere herein such that the computing device 54 immediately causes the lifter rails 280A, 280B to be actuated into their raised position, thereby raising the boxes, halting forward movement and force, and thus reducing or eliminating the back pressure on the boxes. As a result, the operator can readily remove a box from the conveyor 46.
According to certain implementations, once the sensors 282 have been triggered and the rails 280A, 280B have been lifted, the rails 280A, 280B are lowered back to their lowered position after a predetermined amount of time. At this point, the boxes are again in contact with the belt 270 and are urged forward along the conveyor 46 to fill the space created by the removal of the previous box, thereby ensuring that another empty box is available to the operator when it is needed.
In some embodiments, the conveyor 46 can be a single conveyor 46 with a single set of sensors 282 along the entire length thereof. Alternatively, the conveyor 46 can be divided into separate sections with separate sets of sensors 282 so that the triggering of the sensors 282 in one section only causes the rails 280A, 280B to be raised in that section, rather than along the entire length of the conveyor 46.
According to certain embodiments, the rails 280A, 280B can not only provide the lifting described herein, but can also provide stability to the empty boxes on the belt 270 as they move along the conveyor 46. Alternatively, there can be at least two additional rails (not shown) that can also be lifter rails like rails 280A, 280B or solely can be stability rails to provide additional stability to the empty boxes.
In accordance with certain embodiments, the empty box conveyor 46 can be curved for the same reasons that the curved portion 102 of the conveyor in
Of course, other embodiments for providing empty boxes can be incorporated into the various system embodiments herein, including an empty box chute, an empty box chain, or any other known mechanism or system for providing empty boxes.
As discussed above, the various systems herein have at least two loading stations, such as the loading stations 38 depicted above in
As best shown in
As best shown in
As best shown in
According to certain embodiments, the inner walls of the sides 308A, 308B can have sensors (not shown) that can detect the presence of products within the chute 40 such that the computing device 54 can track how many products are in the chute 40 or when the chute 40 is full of products. In one embodiment, the sensors are photoelectric sensors. For example, the sensors are through-beam Miniature Photoelectric Sensors model #PR-F51, which are available from Keyence (www.keyence.com). Alternatively, any known photoelectric sensors or other known types of sensors for detecting the presence of objects can be used.
In some implementations, the chute 40 can have a product receiving area (also referred to herein as a “landing pad”) 312 that is configured to receive the products that slide down the chute bed 310. The landing pad 312 can slow products down as they exit the chute bed 310 and can act as a buffer to allow products to accumulate prior to be packed into a box.
According to another embodiment, other chute embodiments can be incorporated into the loading stations 38 and/or the systems (such as system 10) disclosed or contemplated herein. In one specific implementation, a chute can be incorporated that is described in additional detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/449,566, entitled “Variable Friction Chute” and filed on Aug. 14, 2023, a commonly assigned, concurrently filed U.S. patent application, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Below the chute 40 is the takeaway conveyor 44, as best shown in
In certain embodiments, the conveyor belts 324A-C of the takeaway conveyor 44 are continuously rotating in a fashion similar to the conveyor belt 270 of the empty box conveyor 46 as discussed above. As best shown in
As best shown in
As best shown in
The movement of the first rail 326A between the lowered and raised positions is shown in additional detail in
Similarly, the second set of lifter rails 328 can be actuated to move between a lowered position and a raised position by an actuator 350 and a set of three rods 336A-C in the fashion described above with respect to the first set of rails 326. That is, the various components, features, and functionality of the second set of rails 328, the rods 336A-C, and the actuator 350 and related components are substantially similar to the equivalent first set of rails 326, the rods 334A-C, and the actuator 338 and related components, features, and functionalities as discussed above. Thus, in operation, when the air cylinder 350 is actuated such that the piston 352 is urged away from the cylinder 350, the rails 328A-D are urged in the direction opposite the direction of the piston 352 until they reach the raised position (similar to the raised position of the first rail 326A as shown in
In operation, the operator can place an empty box in the box loading area 42 defined by the front lifters 326 disposed in the raised position such that the box remains in place while the operator packs products into the box. Once the box is full, the operator can release the box. For example, in one embodiment, the operator can hit the release button 306 discussed above, thereby notifying the system that the box is packed and ready for transport to the packed box conveyor 48. At this point, the computing device of the system receives the notification from the release button 306 and causes the front lifters 326 to be lowered to their lowered position such that the box makes contact with the belts 324A-C and is urged to the rear rails 328 at the back of the conveyor 44. Once the box has been urged to the back of the conveyor 44, the front rails 326 are urged back into their raised position so that the operator can place a new empty box on the front rails 326 (the box loading area 42).
Meanwhile, the box on the rear rails 328 (the box merge area) is held in place until a space is available on the packed box conveyor 48. More specifically, the computing device 54 can use an encoder, a sensor, or any other similar mechanism to determine when there is a space on the packed box conveyor 48 for the packed box. Once a space is identified, the computing device 54 actuates the rear rails 328 to move into the lowered position, thereby allowing the box to make contact with the belts 324A-C and thus causing the box to be urged into the open space on the packed box conveyor 48.
Further, in certain embodiments, the computing device 54 can also automatically hold a box in place on the front rails 326 if there is still a box on the rear rails 328. In other words, if a box is sitting in the box merge area (the rear rails 328) awaiting a space on the packed box conveyor 48 and the operator fills the box on the front rails 326 and hits the button 306 to release that box, the computing device 54 can override that box release and hold the box on the front rails 326 until the box on the rear rails 328 is finally transferred onto the packed box conveyor 48.
According to some implementations, the conveyor 44 can have sensors (not shown) disposed on the frame 320 that can be used by the computing device 54 to track the presence of a box on the conveyor 44. For example, in one specific embodiment, the sensors can identify when a box is moving along the conveyor 44 toward the packed box conveyor 48 and the computing device 54 can use that information to actuate the rear rails 328 to move into the raised position, thereby holding the box on the rear rails 328 (the box merge area). Once a gap on the packed box conveyor 48 is identified by the computing device 54, the rear rails 328 are lowered and the box moves into that space on the packed box conveyor 48.
Much like the conveyors as discussed above, the takeaway conveyor 44 can be modular, such that two or more such conveyors 44 can be coupled together as needed.
As discussed further above, once the packed boxes are transferred onto the packed box conveyor 48, they can be transferred along the conveyor 48 to a predetermined location. In certain embodiments as mentioned elsewhere herein, the boxes can be transferred to another conveyor that transports the boxes to another location within the facility. According to certain embodiments, the various systems herein can use QR codes to track the contents of a given box, along with any other information that may be useful.
This QR code process can save a lot of time and effort in comparison to the known processes used today for labeling packed boxes. That is, the known process requires the use of rolls of labels with different product names, product codes, and barcodes. The operator chooses the correct label for the box and places it on the box before urging the box onto the box takeaway conveyor. Before boxes are sealed, they are weighed on a certified scale. At that point, a label with the box weight and the product information is printed and placed on the box. There is quite a bit of labor involved in making sure each operator has the correct labels at his/her station and switching those labels out as production changes throughout the day.
In contrast, in certain embodiments herein, an intelligent QR code is applied (stamped/printed/labeled) to the box in the box forming room, prior to the packaging process. The QR code is a unique serial number that has no information other than a URL link and the serial number when it is applied to the box.
As discussed elsewhere herein, the various systems herein result in a predetermined type of product being sorted into a predetermined loading station and packed in a box. Further, this information is provided on the computer interface (such as interface 45) at the loading station 38 so that the operator is aware. Thus, each box contains the products intended to be packed therein.
As described above, after the box is packed, the operator pushes the release button (such as button 306) and the box is ultimately transferred from the takeaway conveyor 44 onto the packed box conveyor 48. In the instant embodiment, the packed box conveyor 48 can have an encoder 360 that the computing device 54 uses to track the exact position of the box on the conveyor 48, along with every other box on the conveyor 48. Alternatively, the encoder can be the encoder 242 depicted in
In addition, the conveyor 48 can also have a QR code scanner 362 positioned adjacent to the conveyor 48 such that the scanner 362 can capture the QR code of each box as it passes by the scanner 362. This QR code scanner 362 makes it possible to capture a great deal of information about the box for future reference. That is, as the box passes the scanner 362, the computing device 54 can use the encoder 360 to identify the exact box and the loading station 38 that it came from. As a result, a great deal of information is known about the box, including (1) the loading station where the box was packed, (2) the time when the first product entered the loading station, (3) the amount of time the box was sitting at the loading station to be packed, (4) the average weight of the products, (5) images (still and/or video of the products placed in the box, and other information. The system—and more specifically, the computing device 54—then digitally applies all that information to that QR code in the cloud database, thereby linking the serial number of the box to the information in the database. And the linking of this information to the box serial number occurs while the box is still on the packed box conveyor 48.
Subsequently, according to some embodiments, once the same box reaches the box room (or other destination within the processing facility), it is placed on a scale certified for selling meat products (when the products in question are meat). At this point, the QR code of the box is scanned by another QR code scanner (not shown) and the computing device 54 accesses the information associated with the QR code/serial number and gives some of that information to the scale, such as the product SKU. In addition, any information created by the scale can also be added to the QR code, including, for example, the final net weight, other product information, etc. According to some exemplary embodiments, a photo image can be captured of the box prior to sealing and the image can be attached to the QR code as well.
Thus, the QR code assigned to each box adds product trackability that is unavailable in known systems.
Alternatively, instead adding a QR code to each box as described above, any system embodiment herein can have a labeler configured to label each box. According to one implementation, each loading station (such as station 38) can have a labeler that labels each box before the box departs the front of the takeaway conveyor 44. Alternatively, any of the various system embodiments herein can have an automatic box labeler that prints and applies labels to filled boxes at the end of the packed box conveyor 48. In yet another alternative, a labeler can be provided at any location with the system that would allow for labelling the box. According to a further alternative, an Inkjet printer can be provided at the end of the full box conveyor 48 to print a QR code or human readable information about the box.
According to various implementations of the systems disclosed or contemplated herein, there can be two primary computer interfaces for the operator(s): a primary interface screen 370 and the computer interface screens 45 disposed on the loading stations 38. As shown in
Further, the various systems herein can also have a computer interface screen 45 on every loading station 38, as discussed in additional detail elsewhere herein.
In accordance with certain embodiments, the primary screen 370 can be the interface where the most interaction between an operator and the computing device 54 occurs. The screen 370 can display all products, product flow, product classification by the vision system, system health, chute configuration, and many other kinds of information.
With respect to the computer interfaces 45 on the loading stations 38, each interface 45 can be a touch screen and typically provides information about that specific loading station 38, including the product type, the SKu, the number of products that go into a box, maintenance information, still or video images (such as, for example, images showing the optimal way to pack a particular product). Further, according to various implementations, information can be input into the computer interfaces 45 as well. For example, the display of the interface 45 can include feedback buttons allowing the operator to provide information (including feedback) to the computing device 54. Such information can include, for example, information about an incorrect product being sorted into the loading station 38, information about a defective product being sorted into the loading station 38, etc. In certain embodiments, the interface 45 provides solely a single button or small number of buttons to allow the operator to press that one button or choose among a small number of buttons. This is because the operator may not have time to provide an explanation/input a lot of information to about the issue. Instead, the actuation of the relevant button by the operator notifies the computing device 54 associated with the various systems herein that an issue exists such that the computing device 54 can flag the timestamp associated with the issue/product so that the computing device 54 (and/or the software therein) can utilize the notification and other information to identify the issue that triggered the negative feedback from the operator.
Further, the computing device 54 in combination with any of the loading station interfaces 45 can provide for dynamic adjustment of the sorting and packing process in real-time. In one specific example to explain the point, a loading station has been assigned to ribeyes, but no ribeyes are being received at the loading station. On the other hand, a large number of tenderloins are being received by the tenderloin loading station such that the tenderloin chute fills up. In this scenario, the computing device can detect that the tenderloin chute has filled up (typically via sensors in the chute) and modify the sorting process in real-time such that the loading station previously assigned to ribeyes is now assigned to tenderloins to accommodate the surge in tenderloins.
According to various embodiments, the product chute assignment for a particular loading station 38 can be determined and modified for a wide variety of reasons. For example, one factor can be ergonomics: keeping high flow products together helps to reduce the distance that the operator is required to travel between common products. The computing device 54 can automatically see the flow and then take steps to minimize the number of steps the operator must take to fill boxes through chute assignments.
According to certain embodiments, each loading station 38 can also have a release button 372 (similar to release button 306 as discussed above) as shown in
Another system embodiment 380 with a different configuration is depicted in
In the exemplary embodiment as shown, the conveyor 34 only has loading stations 38 disposed on one side such that the other side has a space or area 384 into which any type of container (such as the bulk containers 382 as shown) can be placed. The pushers 36 in this implementation are disposed in their typical position on the conveyor 34 such that they can sort products into the loading stations 38 on the one side and further can also sort products into the bulk containers 382 or any other type of containers that can be placed in the receiving space 384 as shown.
According to some alternative implementations, chutes (not shown) similar to any of the chute 40 embodiments herein can be positioned on the side of the conveyor 34 opposite the loading stations 38 to receive and direct any products sorted toward the receiving space 384.
In use, according to one embodiment, the computing device 54 of the system 380 can track the number of products sorted into one of the bulk containers 382 such that the system 380 stops sorting products into that container 382 when the total number of products sorted into the container 382 reach a predetermined maximum number. Alternatively, the system 380 can sort products into one or more bulk containers 382 based on any set of parameters.
In accordance with certain embodiments, any of the various systems disclosed or contemplated herein can also incorporate one or more robotic mechanisms for use in automating any of the various steps in the process. For example, in
Alternatively, or in addition, the robotic arm 402 can also be operated by the computing device 54 to acquire an empty box and place the box on the takeaway conveyor 44 so that products can be packed therein. For example, in one embodiment in which the system 400 has an empty box conveyor (similar to any empty box conveyor 46 disclosed or contemplated herein), when the previous box has been packed and transported toward the packed box conveyor 48, the sensors in the takeaway conveyor 44 can notify the computing device 54 that the conveyor 44 needs a new empty box. At this point, the computing device 54 can also actuate the empty box conveyor 46 to raise the lifter rails into the raised position and halt the movement of the boxes and then actuate the robotic arm 402 to grasp the box from the empty box conveyor 46 and place it on the takeaway conveyor 44. The robotic arm 402 would then be actuated to load products into the box while the computing device 54 tracks the number of products that have been packed and releases the box to move along the takeaway conveyor 44 when the appropriate number had been reached.
In accordance with certain embodiments, the robotic arm 402 (or any other robotic mechanism incorporated into the system 400) can be configured to work with one or more operators. For example, the computing device 54 can operate the arm 402 to pack every product into the box except for the last product such that the operator can pack the last product (which may require additional effort and/or human decision-making to ensure the product fits).
In a further embodiment, instead of using a robotic arm, the end of the chute 40 can be automated to allow for it to be actuated by the computing device 54 to urge the product into the box below. For example, in one embodiment, the landing pad 312 as discussed above could be configured to be automated such that the pad 312 can have a mechanism that urges the products into the box.
In yet another implementation, the system 400 could include the sorting of products from the sort conveyor 34 to another conveyor belt positioned in close proximity with the system 400. For example, the products could be sorted to this additional conveyor belt (not shown), transported to a different area, and then sorted at that point into a container. In one specific embodiment, it could be sorted into a bulk container similar to the containers 382 discussed above. This configuration (with the additional conveyor) would make it possible to position bulk containers in different locations throughout the facility or in a place more accessible to a forklift that could be required to move the full bulk container. Alternatively, instead of placing the products into a bulk container, the additional conveyor could transport the products to another location to be acted on in some other way, such as additional sorting, repair/reworking of the product, boxing of the products, etc.
Other features and mechanism can also be incorporated into any of the various systems disclosed or contemplated herein. For example, in one embodiment as shown in
As shown in
In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the adjustable conveyor 422 is configured to move between two different positions: an upper conveyor position (not shown) and lower conveyor position as shown in
In some embodiments, the system 420 has one or more actuators operably coupled to the adjustable conveyor section 422 to urge the conveyor 422 between the upper and lower positions. Further, the system 420 can have photoelectric sensors configured to detect a meat product or a belt encoder configured to measure the belt speed, to name but a few examples. According to certain embodiments, the computing device 54 can actuate the adjustable conveyor 422 to move into the desired position based on the product classification or sensor data from sensors.
In use, the adjustable conveyor 422 can be used in the following fashion. The computing device 54 of the system 420 can use information about a specific product on the conveyor to determine whether it should be sorted by automated sorting or manual sorting and then actuate the adjustable conveyor 422 to transport the product to the correct conveyor. More specifically, the classification system (such as system 32) can gather information about the particular product and thereby classify the product. Given that some products may be automatically sorted, while others require or are best handled with manual sorting (e.g., using a person in the process), the classification system can determine whether the specific product should be sorted automatically or manually.
If the computing device 54 determines that automatic sorting is appropriate, the adjustable conveyor 422 will be actuated to move into the upper position such that the product is directed to the automated sort conveyor 34. The computing device 54 may classify the product as appropriate for automated sorting based on a number of different factors including, for example, as a function of a confidence value of the product classification. For example, if the confidence value is greater than a threshold, the computing device 54 may direct the product to the automated sort conveyor 34.
On the other hand, if the computing device 54 determines that manual sorting is appropriate, the adjustable conveyor 422 will be actuated to move into the lower position such that the product is directed to the manual sort conveyor 428. The computing device 54 may classify the product as appropriate for manual sorting based on a number of different factors, including, for example, as a function of a confidence value of the product classification, as mentioned above. For example, if the confidence value is less than a threshold, the computing device 54 may direct the product to the manual sorting conveyor 428. A low confidence value may be indicative of an unrecognized product that needs manual assistance for packing, or even for discarding. The product may also be directed to the manual sorting conveyor 428 in response to a number of other requirements, such as in response to determining a given product is an overflow product from another line, there is no available space in the top-level conveyor, there is no available space in a chute of a pack station, multiple products are clumped together, and/or a system malfunction, to name but a few examples.
As noted above, various system embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein can use any number of different pushers or other mechanisms for sorting the products from the sort conveyor 34 into the loading stations 38 or other product receiving mechanisms or equipment. For example, in one specific implementation as shown in
One embodiment of the diverter arm 440 includes a frame 442 with a motor 444 at one end and rollers 446 at the opposite end of the frame 442 as shown with a conveyor belt 448 rotatably disposed around the frame 442. In one embodiment, the motor 444 is a drum-style motor 444 that is configured to rotate and thereby drive the rotation of the conveyor belt 448. Alternatively, any known motor for use with such a conveyor belt can be used.
In addition, the arm 440 is rotatably disposed on a shaft 450 such that the arm 440 can rotate between a retracted position and a deployed position (positioned across the conveyor belt), as shown for example in
In one optional embodiment, the arm 440 has a de-tensioning mechanism 456 that can move the rollers 446 between a tensioned position (as shown in
In operation, the rollers 446 can be moved into the de-tensioned position in order to perform various tasks, including, for example, removing the belt 448, cleaning the arm 440, performing some maintenance or repair, etc.
In use, the diverter arm 440 can be moved into the deployed position such that the arm 440 is disposed across the conveyor 34 as best shown in
In certain embodiments, the diverter arm 440 and any other such arm can be used for products when the shape of the products are unknown or fairly variable. Further, the arm 440 can be used when the products being sorted are groups of loose products that are not separated as may be the case with other products as described elsewhere herein.
According to certain implementations, two or more of the various system 10, 100, 380, 400, 420 embodiments herein can be operated in the same facility or location. One such exemplary operating space 470 includes five processing and packing systems 472 disposed adjacent to each other as shown, wherein each of the systems can be any of the system 10, 100, 380, 400, 420 embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein. In such embodiments, the operation of two or more such systems 472 in the same location increases the processing and packing capacity of that location. Depending on the configuration of the space and the two or more systems (10, 100, 380, 400, 420, etc.) operating therein, one or more common conveyors (not shown) can extend across and link to each of the two or more systems to transport products toward or away from the systems and/or to transport packed boxes of products away from the systems.
As mentioned above, any of the various processing and packing system 10, 100, 380, 400, 420, embodiments herein can be used to process and pack a variety of different products. In certain specific implementations, any of the systems herein can process and pack meat products. Further, the various systems can be used to process/pack a wide variety of meat products, which can be sourced from beef, swine, poultry (e.g., turkey, chicken), deer, fish, etc. In operation according to certain exemplary embodiments, the various systems disclosed or contemplated herein can process and pack meat products in the following fashion. It should be noted that the meat products discussed in detail below are beef products, but any meat products as listed above can be processed/packed in the same fashion using any of the various system embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein.
In accordance with certain aspects, the classification system (such as system 32) can classify the meat products based on a variety of properties, including, for example, product classification/meat cut type (i.e., shank brisket, rib, short plate, flank, etc.), size/volume information (weight, length, width, height, general depth, cross sectional area, volume, surface area, uniformity, etc.), product specific features (i.e., ribeye area, % fat cover, fat to lean ratio, fat thickness, parallel end cuts, % bone content, etc.), color, meat cut values, specification status (whether or not the product meets specific specifications, such as industry standard, customer, or contract-specific specifications to which the product is intended to be cut), or any other parameter that can be identified by the classification system (such as system 32, for example).
Of course, all of the meat properties discussed herein are illustrative and not intended to be an exhaustive list.
Once each meat product has been classified based on the parameters above, the system (such as system 10 or any other system herein) can use the classification information to sort each meat product as desired based on any of the sorting processes and techniques as described in detail above. For example, as discussed above, once the analysis module 88 has analyzed the captured sensor data from the classification system (such as system 32) to determine the product classification (including any of the properties above) for the meat product, the analysis module 88 may then determine which position of a plurality of positions to place the pusher or diverter arm (such as pusher 36 or diverter arm 440 or any other such device for urging products of the sort conveyor 34) such that the meat product is guided into the proper loading station (such as station 38), bulk container (such as container 382), other target receptacle or area, or to the defective product conveyor 50 or other area for defective products. Based on the above determinations of the analysis module 88, the communication module 86 may control the pusher 36 or diverter arm 440 (or the like) to place it in the proper position based on the determination made by analysis module 88.
More specifically, the meat products can be sorted by meat cut values, meat cut type, or any other parameter or property listed above, along with any other know characteristic that can be identified. For example, the meat products can be sorted by weight such that all products of a similar type or weight are sorted to the same loading station, bulk container, or other predetermined area/receptacle. Alternatively, the meat products can be sorted by particular types of meat cuts, by one or more geometric features or any other characteristic. In further alternatives, the meat products can be sorted based on two or more characteristics. For example, the meat products can be sorted first by specific meat cuts and then those specific meat cuts are further divided between two or more loading stations (or other destination) as a function of another characteristic. In one specific example, meat products having the same meat cut type may be sorted into two loading stations, with those products of that particular meat cut are then sorted by weight into one of the two stations. More specifically, the system may sort briskets weighing 18-20 lbs., with a length between 14 and 16 inches, and a 1:3 fat to lean ratio. As yet another example, some embodiments may sort two different types of meat so that they are packaged in the same box.
It should be appreciated that sorting the various meat products into the selected loading stations (such as stations 38 or any other destination) and then into the corresponding box or other bulk packaging enables the delivery and sale of meat products as a function of the characteristic used to sort the meat products, including any of the characteristics discussed or contemplated herein.
In some implementations, the sorting decisions based on meat product characteristics can be made for general or ad-hoc combinations of properties. Alternatively, the analysis module can apply a formula, such as a Boolean function with weighted or unweighted properties. Those of skill in the art may make appropriate elections to control sorting in a desired manner.
According to additional embodiments, the meat may be sorted using other properties that are only indirectly related to the meat itself, such as time of day, location of the plant, intended destination for meat, supervisor or other personnel in the plant (e.g., a supervisor's preference), cost issues, or any other such property. Further, in some cases, these indirect properties may be used in combination or not in combination with direct meat properties discussed above.
Various embodiments of the invention may be implemented at least in part in any conventional computer programming language. For example, some embodiments may be implemented in a procedural programming language (e.g., “C”), or in an object oriented programming language (e.g., “C++”). Other embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a pre-configured, stand-alone hardware element and/or as preprogrammed hardware elements (e.g., application specific integrated circuits, FPGAs, and digital signal processors), or other related components.
In an alternative embodiment, the disclosed apparatus and methods (e.g., see the various flow charts described above) may be implemented as a computer program product for use with a computer system. Such implementation may include a series of computer instructions fixed either on a tangible, non-transitory medium, such as a computer readable medium (e.g., a diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, or fixed disk). The series of computer instructions can embody all or part of the functionality previously described herein with respect to the system.
Those skilled in the art should appreciate that such computer instructions can be written in a number of programming languages for use with many computer architectures or operating systems. Furthermore, such instructions may be stored in any memory device, such as semiconductor, magnetic, optical or other memory devices, and may be transmitted using any communications technology, such as optical, infrared, microwave, or other transmission technologies.
Among other ways, such a computer program product may be distributed as a removable medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the network (e.g., the Internet or World Wide Web). In fact, some embodiments may be implemented in a software-as-a-service model (“SAAS”) or cloud computing model. Of course, some embodiments of the invention may be implemented as a combination of both software (e.g., a computer program product) and hardware. Still other embodiments of the invention are implemented as entirely hardware, or entirely software.
The various system embodiments herein may have a plurality of backup modes to ensure the system can operate at different levels of performance to accommodate a plurality of real world wear and tear and malfunctions of the system.
In addition, any of the processing/packing system implementations herein may include a plurality of real time, near real time, and batched production data analytics and production data that may be viewed and accessed (i.e., average weight, current production rate, product counts, percent reject, etc.) to optimize upstream operations in real time. Among other things, production data analytics may include automated alerts after production parameters indicate a malfunction or reduced system productivity. In some embodiments, the system can feed product and its classification data to a third party sorting system.
While the various systems described above are separate implementations, any of the individual components, mechanisms, or devices, and related features and functionality, within the various system embodiments described in detail above can be incorporated into any of the other system embodiments herein.
The terms “about” and “substantially,” as used herein, refers to variation that can occur (including in numerical quantity or structure), for example, through typical measuring techniques and equipment, with respect to any quantifiable variable, including, but not limited to, mass, volume, time, distance, wave length, frequency, voltage, current, and electromagnetic field. Further, there is certain inadvertent error and variation in the real world that is likely through differences in the manufacture, source, or precision of the components used to make the various components or carry out the methods and the like. The terms “about” and “substantially” also encompass these variations. The term “about” and “substantially” can include any variation of 5% or 10%, or any amount—including any integer—between 0% and 10%. Further, whether or not modified by the term “about” or “substantially,” the claims include equivalents to the quantities or amounts.
Numeric ranges recited within the specification are inclusive of the numbers defining the range and include each integer within the defined range. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this disclosure are presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges, fractions, and individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and decimals and fractions, for example, 1.2, 3.8, 1½, and 4¾ This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. Although the various embodiments have been described with reference to preferred implementations, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
Although the various embodiments have been described with reference to preferred implementations, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 63/397,664, filed Aug. 12, 2022 and entitled “Product Pack-Off;” and U.S. Provisional Application 63/424,043, filed Nov. 9, 2022 and entitled “Product Pack-Off,” both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3653918 | Wallace | Apr 1972 | A |
20040151364 | Kenneway et al. | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20080036139 | Reyner et al. | Feb 2008 | A1 |
20170174439 | Ripley | Jun 2017 | A1 |
20230241776 | Kuck | Aug 2023 | A1 |
20230347386 | Harris | Nov 2023 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
211515240 | Sep 2020 | CN |
Entry |
---|
American Conveyor Group, SmartPace Dynamic Pacing Conveyor, Feb. 23, 2017, https://web.archive.org/web/20170223184834/https://acgconveyors.com/partners/dorner-smartpace-conveyor/ (Year: 2017). |
International Searching Authority, “International Search Report and Written Opinion” from PCT/US23/30162, mailed Jan. 22, 2024, pp. 1-9. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20240050989 A1 | Feb 2024 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
63424043 | Nov 2022 | US | |
63397664 | Aug 2022 | US |