Patent ID: 6690995
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: B07C,B65G,G01G,G01M

Abstract:
A conveying apparatus for evaluating a plurality of parcels being conveyed thereon, said plurality of parcels having differing lengths, said plurality of parcels including a parcel, said apparatus comprising:A) a first conveyor defining a first conveying surface and including an exit location; said first conveyor having a first conveyor portion which includes a crest located adjacent the exit location; B) a first sensor configured for sensing the presence of a first parcel portion of said parcel while said parcel is on said conveying surface, said first sensor configured to provide a first sensor signal when said first parcel portion moves out of the sensing range of said first sensor due either to tilting of said parcel over said crest, or alternatively due to movement of said parcel along said first conveyor portion without tilting, said first sensor being a first distance from said exit location; C) a second sensor configured for sensing the presence of a second parcel portion of said parcel while said parcel is on said conveying surface, said second sensor configured to provide a second sensor signal when said second parcel portion moves out of the sensing range of said second sensor due to tilting of said parcel over said crest, or alternatively due either to movement of said parcel along said first conveyor portion without tilting, said second sensor being a second distance from said exit location, said second distance being less than said first distance; and D) a signal processing device for receiving said first and second signals and for determining for each of said parcels if one of two conditions is met: 1) a first condition in which said first and second sensor signals are generated within a predetermined time; 2) a second condition in which said first and second sensor signals are not generated within said predetermined time, said signal processing device providing a different output regarding parcel length depending on whether said first or second condition is met; whereby a tilting evaluation is also based upon the determination of said first or second condition.