Patent ID: 6286656
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: B65G,G06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring the length of an accumulated package line comprised of a plurality of packages in line contact along their lengths, said apparatus comprising:a) an accumulating conveyor defining a reference end stop surface of known location and also defining a side alignment surface, said conveyor configured for accumulating said accumulated package line by accepting said plurality of packages along a load axis substantially parallel to said side alignment surface with the first accumulated package urged against said reference end stop, the side of at least one accumulated package against said side alignment surface, and the last package in said accumulated package line having an exposed end surface facing opposite the location of said reference end stop; andb) a distance-determining beam-generating sensor member configured to sense said exposed end surface of said last package in said accumulated package line, said beam-generating sensor member configured for generating a beam having a beam axis at an acute angle relative to said package path such that said last package can pass along said load axis without interfering with said sensor, yet said sensor member can sense the location of said package exposed end surface of said last package as well as the distance of said exposed end surface of said last package from said reference end stop.