Sorting system and apparatus

Abstract

Method and apparatus for sorting objects exhibiting identifiable dynamic response to vibrational phenomena, such objects including potatoes, onions, tomatoes and other comestibles. The system utilizes an elongate sorting zone incorporating a surface which oscillates at a predetermined frequency and amplitude which varies from a minimum at the input of the zone to a maximum value at the output thereof. The objects to be sorted move along the zone supported from two positions for a coding interval promoting their dynamic reaction with the oscillatory surface. Objects with higher resilience characteristic are rejected from the zone, while those exhibiting a lesser resilience are transported therethrough. The oscillatory surface is dynamically balanced and readily mounted upon field harvesting devices. .[.By adjustment of frequency of the sorting zone oscillatory surfaces, a multi-stage sorting system is made available..].

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Sorting apparatus for objects exhibiting identifiable dynamic response to vibrational phenomena comprising: means for introducing a quantity of said objects at the entrance location of a sorting zone extending along a given longitudinal axis to an exit location;   means defining an oscillatory surface within said zone and extending along said longitudinal axis;   drive means including a dynamically balanced rotative drive member actuable to impart oscillation of predetermined frequency and amplitude characteristics to said oscillatory surface;   transporter means including a plurality of regularly-spaced parallel carrier components pivotally interconnected in endless chain-like fashion to define a conveyor within said zone extending from said entrance location in parallel relationship with said longitudinal axis, each said carrier component having an upwardly disposed support surface when within said zone extending outwardly from a location adjacent said oscillatory surface at a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to horizontal, said spacing being selected to provide a two position support for said objects upon adjacent said support surfaces while moving them within said zone in orientations promoting the kinetic reaction thereof with said oscillatory surface;   means adjacent said zone for receiving reacted said objects exhibiting predetermined dynamic response characteristics to said kinetic reaction; and   means for simultaneously actuating said drive means and said transporter means.   
     
     
       2. The sorting apparatus of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.35 .Iaddend.in which said .[.drive.]. .Iadd.oscillating .Iaddend.means .[.rotative drive member.]. is configured to impart .[.a said.]. an oscillation of varying amplitude commencing from a lowest value in the vicinity of .[.said.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.entrance location .[.of said sorting zone.]. and progressively increasing outwardly therefrom. 
     
     
       3. The sorting apparatus of claim 2 in which said objects are potatoes, earth clods and rocks and .[.said drive means.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.frequency .Iadd.of said oscillating means .Iaddend.is selected from between about 30 and 70 Hertz and said amplitude is selected between about 0.0 and 0.150 inch. 
     
     
       4. The sorting apparatus of claim 3 in which said .[.transporter means support surfaces.]. predetermined angle is selected from between about 20 degrees and 40 degrees. 
     
     
       5. The sorting apparatus of claim 2 in which: (a) said .[.drive.]. .Iadd.oscillating .Iaddend.means comprises:   a .[.said.]. drive member present as a elongate shaft extending along said longitudinal axis from a first terminus in the vicinity of said entrance location to a second terminus in the vicinity of .[.said.]. an exit location;   bearing means for supporting said shaft at least in the vicinity of said first and second termini for symmetrical rotation about said longitudinal axis;   means defining a first bearing surface situate upon said shaft in the vicinity of said first terminus, moveable in driven relationship with said shaft and having an axis of rotation eccentric with respect to said longitudinal axis;   means defining a second bearing surface situate upon said shaft in the vicinity of said second terminus, moveable in driven relationship with said shaft and having an axis of rotation eccentric with respect to said longitudinal axis, the extent of said eccentricity being greater than that of said first bearing surface; .Iadd.and .Iaddend.   counterweight means associated with said shaft for deriving said dynamic balance;   (b) said .[.means defining an.]. oscillatory surface comprises:   a first supporting component arranged in driven relationship with said first bearing surface and fixed to said oscillatory surface so as to convey an oscillatory motion thereto of said first amplitude value when said shaft is rotated; and   a second supporting component arranged in driven relationship with said second bearing surface and fixed to said oscillatory surface so as to convey and oscillatory motion thereto of second amplitude value when said shaft is rotated.   
     
     
       6. The sorting apparatus of claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.35 .Iaddend..[.in which said.]. .Iadd.further comprising .Iaddend.introducing means .[.is.]. configured with respect to said .[.drive.]. .Iadd.oscillating .Iaddend.means to effect a sequential single-file introduction of said objects only to said support surfaces .[.of transporter means carrier components.].. .[.7. Sorting apparatus for objects exhibiting identifiable dynamic response to vibrational phenomena comprising: means for introducing a quantity of said objects at the entrance location of a sorting zone extending along a given longitudinal axis to an exit location;   Means defining an oscillatory surface within said zone and extending along said longitudinal axis;   drive means including a dynamically balanced rotative drive member actuable to impart oscillation of predetermined frequency and amplitude characteristics to said oscillatory surface;   transporter means including a plurality of regularly-spaced parallel carrier components pivotally interconnected in endless chain-like fashion to define a conveyor within said zone extending from said entrance location to said exit location in parallel relationship with said longitudinal axis, each said carrier component having an upwardly disposed support surface when within said zone extending outwardly from a location adjacent said oscillatory surface to a terminus at a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to horizontal, said spacing being selected to provide a two position support upon adjacent said support surfaces for said objects while moving them within said zone in orientations promoting the kinetic reaction thereof with said oscillatory surface, each said carrier component further having an upwardly disposed receiving surface when within said zone extending horizontally outwardly from the vicinity of said terminus for receiving and transporting reacted said objects exhibiting predetermined dynamic response characteristics of said kinetic reaction;   means adjacent said zone exit location for receiving said reacted objects; and   means for simultaneously actuating said drive means and said transporter   
     
     
        means..]. 8. The sorting apparatus of .[.7.]. .Iadd.36 .Iaddend.in which said .[.drive.]. .Iadd.oscillating .Iaddend.means .[.rotative drive member.]. is configured to impart .[.a said.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.oscillation of varying amplitude commencing from a lowest value in the vicinity of .[.said.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.entrance location .[.of 
     
     
        said sorting zone.]. and progressively increasing outwardly therefrom. 9. The sorting apparatus of claim 8 in which said objects are potatoes, earth clods and rocks and .[.said drive means.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.frequency .Iadd.of said oscillating means .Iaddend.is selected from between about 30 and 70 Hertz and said amplitude is selected between 
     
     
        about 0.0 and 0.150 inch. 10. The sorting apparatus of claim 9 in which said .[.transporter means support surfaces.]. predetermined angle is 
     
     
        selected from between about 20° and 40°. 11. The sorting apparatus of claim 9 in which said support surface has .[.a lengthwise.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.extent of about three inches .Iadd.measured 
     
     
        perpendicular to said axis.Iaddend.. 12. The sorting apparatus of claim 9 in which the said regular spacing of said parallel carrier components is selected between about one and two inches. .[.13. The sorting apparatus of claim 7 in which the receiving surface of each said carrier component is positioned at a level beneath said coding support surface terminus when 
     
     
        within said sorting zone..]. 14. The sorting apparatus of claim .[.7.]. .Iadd.36 .Iaddend.in which: (a) said .[.drive.]. .Iadd.oscillating .Iaddend.means comprises:   .[.a said drive member present as.]. an elongate shaft extending along said longitudinal axis from a first terminus in the vicinity of .[.said.]. an entrance location to a second terminus in the vicinity of .[.said.]. an exit location;   bearing means for supporting said shaft at least in the vicinity of said first and second termini for symmetrical rotation about said longitudinal axis;   means defining a first bearing surface situate upon said shaft in the vicinity of said first terminus, moveable in driven relationship with said shaft and having an axis of rotation eccentric with respect to said longitudinal axis;   means defining a second bearing surface situate upon said shaft in the vicinity of said second terminus, moveable in driven relationship with said shaft and having an axis of rotation eccentric with respect to said longitudinal axis, the extent of said eccentricity being greater than that of said first bearing surface;   counterweight means associated with said shaft for deriving said dynamic balance;   (b) said .[.means defining an.]. oscillatory surface comprises;   a first supporting component arranged in driven relationship with said first bearing surface and fixed to said oscillatory surface so as to convey an oscillatory motion thereto of first amplitude value when said shaft is rotated; and   a second supporting component arranged in driven relationship with said second bearing surface and fixed to said oscillatory surface so as to convey an oscillatory motion thereto of second amplitude value when said   
     
     
        shaft is rotated. 15. The sorting apparatus of claim 14 in which said objects are potatoes, earth clods and rocks and said first amplitude value is about 0.075 inch and said earth clods and rocks and said first amplitude value is about 0.075 inch and said second amplitude value is 
     
     
        about 0.150 inch. 16. The sorting apparatus of claim .[.7.]. .Iadd.36 .Iaddend..[.in said said.]. .Iadd.further comprising .Iaddend.introducing means .[.is.]. configured with respect to said .[.drive.]. .Iadd.oscillating .Iaddend.means to effect a sequential, single-file introduction of said objects only to said support surfaces .[.of 
     
     
        transporter means carrier components.].. 17. The method for sorting a quantity of discrete objects exhibiting classifiable dynamic response to vibrational phenomena comprising the steps of: introducing a quantity of said objects to the input of a sorting zone;   supporting each said object by two spaced .[.thin linear.]. .Iadd.narrow elongate .Iaddend.support surfaces while moving said objects in sequential, single-file fashion in a given direction through said zone;   simultaneously with said movement, promoting a kinetic reaction of said objects with a .[.curved.]. surface disposed along said zone and oscillating at a predetermined frequency and .[.at amplitudes.]. .Iadd.so as to move any point on the oscillatory surface above a circular locus the diameter of which is equivalent to the amplitude of the oscillation, said amplitude .Iaddend.increasing in value along said zone .[.respectively.]. from said input to the output thereof;   receiving said objects of one class dynamically reacting to said contact by ejective movement transverse to said given direction; and   receiving said objects of another class transported through said zone and   
     
     
        exiting from said output thereof. 18. The method for sorting objects of claim 17 wherein said objects are potatoes, earth clods and rocks and said amplitudes .[.are.]. .Iadd.is .Iaddend.selected within a range of about 
     
     
        0.075 to 0.150 inch. 19. The method for sorting objects of claim 17 wherein said objects are potatoes, earth clods and rocks and said 
     
     
        frequency is selected from within the range of about 30 to 70 Hertz. 20. The method for sorting objects of claim 17 wherein said objects are potatoes, earth clods and rocks in which the step for promoting a kinetic reaction by contact with said oscillating surface is gravitationally .[.affected.]. .Iadd.effected .Iaddend.by the inclination of said .[.coding.]. support surfaces, said inclination being selected between about 20 degrees and 40 degrees with respect to .Iadd.the .Iaddend.horizontal. .[.21. The method for sorting objects of claim 17 in which the step for promoting a kinetic reaction by contact with said surface is provided by an oscillation thereof wherein any point of the surface moves about a circular locus, the diameter of which is equivalent 
     
     
        to the said amplitude of oscillation..]. 22. In potato harvesting apparatus of a variety wherein means are provided for mechanically removing potato laden vines from beneath the surface of the earth situs of their growth, means for separating said vines therefrom, means conveying said potatoes with unseparated rocks and earth clods to a region upon said apparatus designated for separating said potatoes from said rocks and earth clods, the improvement comprising: means for introducing said potatoes with unseparated rocks and earth clods from said conveying means to the entrance of a sorting zone situate upon said harvesting apparatus and extending along a given longitudinal axis to an exit location;   means defining an oscillatory surface within said zone and extending along said longitudinal axis;   drive means including a dynamically balanced rotative drive member actuable to impart to said oscillatory surface oscillation of predetermined frequency and at amplitudes increasing in value along said zone from said entrance toward said exit;   transporter means including a plurality of regularly-spaced parallel carrier components pivotally interconnected in endless chain-like fashion to define a conveyor within said zone extending from said entrance in parallel relationship with said longitudinal axis, each said carrier component having an upwardly disposed support surface when within said zone extending outwardly from a location adjacent said oscillatory surface at a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to horizontal, said spacing being selected to provide a two position support for said potatoes, rocks and earth clods upon adjacent said support surfaces while moving them within said zone in an orientation promoting the kinetic reaction thereof with said oscillatory surface;   means adjacent said conveyor for receiving potatoes transversely ejected from said zone; and   means adjacent said zone exit for disposing of said rocks and earth clods.   
     
     
         3. The improved potato harvesting apparatus of claim 22 wherein said drive means frequency is selected from between about 30 and 70 Hertz and 
     
     
        said amplitudes are selected between about 0.0 and 0.150 inch. 24. The improved potato harvesting apparatus of claim 22 in which said transporter means support surfaces predetermined angle is selected from between about 
     
     
        20° and 40°. 25. In potato harvesting apparatus of a variety wherein means are provided for mechanically removing potato laden vines fom beneath the surface of the earth situs of their growth, means for separating said vines therefrom, means conveying said potatoes with unseparated rocks and earth clods to a region upon said apparatus designated for separating said potatoes from said rocks and earth clods, the improvement comprising: means for introducing said potatoes with unseparated rocks and earth clods from said conveying means to the entrance of a sorting zone situate upon said harvesting apparatus and extending along a given longitudinal axis to an exit location;   means for defining an oscillatory surface within said zone and extending along said longitudinal axis;   drive means including a dynamically balanced rotative drive member actuable to impart to said oscillatory surface oscillation of predetermined frequency and at amplitudes increasing in value along said zone from said entrance toward said exit;   transporter means including a plurality of regularly-spaced parallel carrier components pivotally interconnected in endless chain-like fashion to define a conveyor within said zone extending from said entrance to said exit in parallel relationship with said longitudinal axis, each said carrier component having an upwardly disposed support surface when within said zone extending outwardly from a location adjacent said oscillatory surface to a terminus at a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to horizontal, said spacing being selected to provide a two position support upon adjacent said support surface for said potatoes, rocks and earth clods while moving them within said zone in orientations promoting the kinetic reaction thereof with said oscillatory surface, each said carrier component further having an upwardly disposed receiving surface when within said zone extending horizontally outwardly from the vicinity of said terminus for receiving and transporting reacted said potatoes;   means adjacent said zone exit location for disposing of said reacted stones and earth clods; and   loading having an input adjacent said zone exit and said carrier receiving   
     
     
        surface for conveying said reacted potatoes to containment means. 26. The improved potato harvesting apparatus of claim 25 wherein a plurality of said sorting zones are mounted upon said apparatus in parallel adjacency each having a cylindrically-shaped said oscillatory surface; and said transporter means intermediate adjacent ones of said oscillatory surfaces having said carrier components configured to provide a single said upwardly disposed receiving surface positioned intermediate   
     
     
        oppositely disposed said support surfaces. 27. The improved potato harvesting apparatus of claim 25 wherein said drive means frequency is selected from between about 30 and 70 Hertz and said amplitudes are 
     
     
        selected between about 0.0 and 0.150 inch. 28. The improved potato harvesting apparatus of claim 25 in which said support surface as a 
     
     
        lengthwise extent of about three inches. 29. The improved potato harvesting apparatus of claim 27 in which said support surface has a 
     
     
        lengthwise extent of about three inches. 30. The improved potato harvesting apparatus of claim 25 in which the said regular spacing of said parallel carrier components is selected between about one and two inches. 
     
     
         1. The improved potato harvesting apparatus of claim 25 in which: (a) said drive means comprises:   a said drive member present as an elongate shaft extending along said longitudinal axis from a first terminus in the vicinity of said entrance location to a second terminus in the vicinity of said exit location;   bearing means for supporting said shaft at least in the vicinity of said first and second termini for symmetrical rotation about said longitudinal axis;   means defining a first bearing surface situate upon said shaft in the vicinity of said first terminus, moveable in driven relationship with said shaft and having an axis of rotation eccentric with respect to said longitudinal axis;   means defining a second bearing surface situate upon said shaft in the vicinity of said second terminus, moveable in driven relationship with said shaft and having an axis of rotation eccentric with respect to said longitudinal axis, the extent of said eccentricity being greater than that of said first bearing surface;   counterweight means associated with said shaft for deriving said dynamic balance;   (b) said means defining an oscillatory surface comprises:   a first supporting component arranged in driven relationship with said first bearing surface and fixed to said oscillatory surface so as to convey an oscillatory motion thereto of first amplitude value when said shaft is rotated; and   a second supporting component arranged in driven relationship with said second bearing surface and fixed to said oscillatory surface so as to convey an oscillatory motion thereto of second amplitude value when said   
     
     
        shaft is rotated. 32. The improved potato harvesting apparatus of claim 31 in which said first amplitude value is about 0.075 inch and said second 
     
     
        amplitude value is about 0.150 inch. 33. The improved potato harvesting apparatus of claim 25 in which said introducing means is configured with respect to said drive means to effect a sequential, single-file introduction of said objects only to said support surfaces of transporter 
     
     
        means carrier components. 34. The improved potato harvesting apparatus of claim 25 in which the receiving surface of each said carrier component is positioned at a level beneath said support surface terminus when within said sorting zone. .Iadd. 35. Sorting apparatus for objects comprising: an oscillatory surface having a longitudinal axis;   means for oscillating said oscillatory surface so as to move any point on said oscillatory surface about a circular locus the diameter of which is equivalent to the amplitude of the oscillation;   a conveyor means comprising a plurality of spaced parallel carrier components interconnected in endless fashion, each said carrier component when adjacent said oscillatory surface having an upwardly disposed support surface extending outwardly from a location adjacent said oscillatory surface at a angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal, the spacing between adjacent carrier components being selected to permit each of said objects to be supported by said support surfaces of two adjacent carrier components, said conveyor means extending along said oscillatory surface generally parallel to said axis; and   means for moving said conveyor means in a longitudinal path generally parallel to said axis. .Iaddend..Iadd. 36. Sorting apparatus for objects comprising:   an oscillatory surface having a longitudinal axis;   means for oscillating said oscillatory surface;   conveyor means comprising a plurality of spaced parallel carrier components interconnected in endless fashion, each said carrier component when adjacent said oscillatory surface having an upwardly disposed support surface extending outwardly from a location adjacent said oscillatory surface to a terminus at an angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal, and an upwardly disposed receiving surface extending horizontally outwardly from below said terminus for receiving objects which react in a predetermined manner with said oscillatory surface, the spacing between adjacent carrier components being selected to permit each of said objects to be supported by said support surfaces of two adjacent carrier components, said conveyor means extending along said oscillatory surface generally parallel to said axis; and   means for moving said conveyor means in a longitudinal path generally parallel to said axis. .Iaddend..Iadd. 37. The sorting apparatus of claim 36 wherein means are provided adjacent the point wherein said conveyor means separates from said oscillatory surface for receiving objects received and carried on said receiving surfaces. .Iaddend..Iadd. 38. The sorting apparatus of claim 35 wherein said oscillating means provides oscillations of a frequency not substantially greater than 70 Hertz. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 39. The sorting apparatus of claim 38 wherein said oscillating means provides oscillations of an amplitude not substantially greater than 0.15 inches. .Iaddend..Iadd. 40. The sorting apparatus of claim 39 wherein said oscillating means comprises a dynamically balanced rotational drive member. .Iaddend..Iadd. 41. The sorting apparatus of claim 35 wherein said oscillating means comprises a dynamically balanced rotational drive member. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 42. Sorting apparatus for objects comprising:   (a) first and second oscillatory surfaces having longitudinal axes which are generally parallel to one another;   (b) means for oscillating said oscillatory surfaces;   (c) a conveyor extending between said oscillatory surfaces and including a plurality of carrier components interconnected in endless fashion, each said carrier component having first and second upwardly disposed support surfaces respectively adjacent said oscillatory surfaces and extending away therefrom towards a central region between said support surfaces, the support surfaces being disposed to support the objects to be sorted and to promote the kinetic reaction between the objects and the respective oscillatory surface, the central region and the support surfaces defining a depository for sorted objects; and   (d) means for moving the conveyor. .Iaddend..Iadd. 43. Sorting apparatus for objects comprising:   (a) first and second oscillatory surfaces having longitudinal axes which are generally parallel to one another,   (b) means for oscillating said oscillatory surfaces;   (c) means defining a first moveably and upwardly disposed support surface adjacent said first oscillatory surface and extending away therefrom towards a central region for supporting objects to be sorted;   (d) means defining a second moveably and upwardly disposed support surface adjacent said second oscillatory surface and extending away therefrom towards the central region for supporting objects to be sorted;   (e) means for moving the upwardly disposed supported surfaces along the respective oscillatory surfaces; and   (f) wherein the support surfaces are disposed to promote the kinetic reaction between the respective objects being sorted and the respective oscillatory surfaces, and wherein the central region and the support surfaces define a common depository for objects sorted by both said oscillatory surfaces. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 44. A method of sorting objects using first and second oscillatory surfaces having their respective longitudinal axes extending generally parallel to one another, comprising the steps of:   (a) supporting first and second rows of the objects to be sorted along the respective oscillatory surfaces in a manner to allow a kinetic reaction between the respective objects and surfaces such that sorted objects are removed transversely to the oscillatory surfaces to a central region; and   (b) providing a central area between the first and second oscillatory surfaces for commonly collecting sorted objects resulting form step (a). .Iaddend.