Separator tables, deck mounting systems, deck assemblies, and related methods

Abstract

A separator table includes a deck assembly including an upper deck surface that is inclined in a first direction falling within a first vertical plane and in a second direction falling within a second vertical plane that is orthogonal to the first vertical plane. The separator table also includes a monitoring system disposed at a discharge of the deck assembly and including a flow sensor and a controller operably coupled to the monitoring system. The controller receives flow data from the flow sensor of the monitoring system; analyzes the flow data to determine if a product is flowing through the discharge at a predetermined flow rate, and responsive to a determination that the product is not flowing through the discharge at the predetermined flow rate, adjusts at least one of the first direction or the second direction in which the upper deck surface is inclined.

Description

SEPARATOR TABLES, DECK MOUNTING SYSTEMS, DECK ASSEMBLIES, AND RELATEDMETHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 625,634, filed January 26, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to separator tables and the operation thereof.BACKGROUND

[0003] Gravity separators are used in various industries. Gravity tables are generally used for separating dry particles of similar, or identical, size and shape, but which vary in specific gravity and / or weight. For example, in the seed industry, low germination seed generally is lower density than seed with desired germination characteristics. Thus, the light seed is separated and discarded while the heavy seed goes on to be used. A middlings fraction (weight in between the light and heavy seed) is usually rerun for better separation and then discarded.

[0004] The grains or particles of product are fed continuously onto the separating deck surface of a gravity separator providing a bed of material over the surface. The bed is fluidized by a uniform pressurized air system, thereby stratifying the light material to the top of the product bed and allowing the heavy material to contact the deck surface. The deck is inclined from side to side and from inlet end to discharge end at adjustable angles. The deck is moved at low amplitude and high frequency up hill. The heavy material contacting the wire mesh deck surface moves up, while the light material fluidized by the air system moves down due to gravity. Flaps, or discharge gates, direct the weight fractions off the appropriate edge of the table.

[0005] Conventional wisdom in gravity tables is to utilize the movement of the deck and air pressure to start moving light product up while allowing the heavy product to contact the deck and begin its movement to the high side of the table. Because the depth of the product in the feed zone is much deeper due to the smaller area of the deck and there is an initial lack ofmovement of the product, it is difficult to effectively stratify the product in this crowded area. This crowding significantly reduces the throughput capacity of the machine and can reduce the separating efficiency. Attempts at better distribution of product have been made using various levels of airflow, pitch and slope, screen designs deck configurations, and the like, however, these design changes have only resulted in minimal increases in separation efficiency. Therefore, there is a need for an improved gravity table which achieves increased efficiency.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] One or more embodiments include a separator table. The separator table may include a base frame and a deck assembly movably coupled to the base frame. The deck assembly may include a mounting frame movably coupled to the base frame, a first removable portion, a second removable portion, and a plurality of mounting systems securing the first removable portion and the second removable portion to the mounting frame. Each of the plurality of mounting systems may include a pneumatic cylinder, a barrel mounted to the mounting frame, a piston housed within the barrel, a piston rod extending from the piston and out of the barrel, and a rod head attached to a longitudinal end of the piston rod opposite the piston and engaged with one of the first removable portion or the second removable portion.

[0007] Each of the first removable portion and the second removable portion may include a lower frame, an upper mesh panel oriented above the lower frame, and a plurality of spacers disposed between the upper mesh panel and the lower frame.

[0008] The lower frame may include at least one lower wall having major surfaces extending within horizontal planes and defining an opening extending from a lower major surface of the at least one lower wall to an upper major surface of the at least one lower wall.

[0009] A piston rod of a respective pneumatic cylinder of the plurality of mounting systems extends through the opening, and a rod head of the respective pneumatic cylinder may abut against the upper major surface of the at least one lower wall.

[0010] A maximum width of the rod head in a horizontal direction may exceed at least one width of the opening in a horizontal direction.

[0011] The opening may include an open-ended cutout extending into the lower wall from an edge of the at least one lower wall.

[0012] The opening may include an aperture where an entire, continuous horizontal boundary of the aperture is defined by the at least one lower wall.

[0013] The rod head may a T-head with the piston rod.

[0014] Each of the pneumatic cylinders of the plurality of mounting systems may further include a rod-end port providing a first openable and closable pathway for air to enter and exit the barrel above the piston and a cap-end port providing a second openable and closable pathway for air to enter and exit the barrel below the piston.

[0015] The separator table may also include a plurality of blowers oriented below the deck assembly and configured to blow air vertically upward through the deck assembly and a plurality of blower motors operably coupled to the plurality of blowers and configured to drive the plurality of blowers.

[0016] The separator table may also include a drive cylinder mounted to the deck assembly, the drive cylinder being at least one of configured to rotate about an offset longitudinal axis or weighted toward one lateral side of the drive cylinder, and a shaker motor operably coupled to the drive cylinder and configured to rotate the drive cylinder to cause the deck assembly to move in a reciprocating manner.

[0017] The separator table may also include a plurality of heavy discharge hoppers mounted to a lateral side of the deck assembly and at least one light discharge hopper mounted at a longitudinal end of the deck assembly.

[0018] The separator table may also include a plurality of openable and closable discharge gates aligned next to each other along receiving areas of the plurality of heavy discharge hoppers and the at least one light discharge hopper.

[0019] One or more embodiments include a separator table. The separator table may include a base frame and a deck assembly movably coupled to the base frame. The deck assembly may include a mounting frame movably coupled to the base frame, a plurality of removable portions, and a plurality of mounting systems securing the plurality of removable portions to the mounting frame. Each of the plurality of mounting systems may include a pneumatic cylinder mounted to the mounting frame and engaged with one removable portion of the plurality of removable portions.

[0020] Each pneumatic cylinder of the plurality of mounting systems may include a barrel mounted to the mounting frame, a piston housed within the barrel, a piston rod extending from the piston and out of the barrel, and a rod head attached to a longitudinal end of the piston rod opposite the piston and engaged with one removable portion of the plurality of removable portions.

[0021] Each of the removable portions of the plurality of removable portions may include a lower frame, an upper mesh panel oriented above the lower frame, and a plurality of spacers disposed between the upper mesh panel and the lower frame.

[0022] The lower frame may include at least one lower wall having major surfaces extending within horizontal planes and defining an opening extending from a lower major surface of the at least one lower wall to an upper major surface of the at least one lower wall.

[0023] A piston rod of a respective pneumatic cylinder of the plurality of mounting systems may extend through the opening, and a rod head of the respective pneumatic cylinder may abut against the upper major surface of the at least one lower wall.

[0024] The separator table may also include a drive cylinder mounted to the deck assembly, the drive cylinder being at least one of configured to rotate about an offset longitudinal axis or weighted toward one lateral side of the drive cylinder, and a shaker motor operably coupled to the drive cylinder and configured to rotate the drive cylinder to cause the deck assembly to move in a reciprocating manner.

[0025] Some embodiments include a deck assembly configured to be movably coupled to a base frame of a separator table. The deck assembly may include a mounting frame configured to be movably coupled to the base frame, a plurality of removable portions, and a plurality of mounting systems securing the plurality of removable portions to the mounting frame, each of the plurality of mounting systems includes a pneumatic cylinder mounted to the mounting frame and engaged with one removable portion of the plurality of removable portions.

[0026] One or more embodiments include a separator table. The separator table may include a base frame and a deck assembly movably coupled to the base frame. The deck assembly may include a mounting frame movably coupled to the base frame, a first removable portion defining a first portion of an upper deck surface, and a second removable portiondefining a second portion of the upper deck surface, where an edge of the first removable portion interfacing with an edge of the second removable portion is vertically offset from the edge of the second removable portion.

[0027] A portion of the first removable portion may vertically overlap with a portion of the second removable portion.

[0028] The edge of the first removable portion interfacing with the edge of the second removable portion may be vertically offset from the edge of the second removable portion by about 20 mm.

[0029] The deck assembly may further include a slide member disposed along an interface between the first removable portion and the second removable portion.

[0030] The slide member may define an angled surface extending from the edge of the first removable portion to the edge of the second removable portion.

[0031] The separator table may also include a plurality of mounting systems securing the first removable portion and the second removable portion to the mounting frame, each of the plurality of mounting systems includes a pneumatic cylinder including a barrel mounted to the mounting frame, a piston housed within the barrel, a piston rod extending from the piston and out of the barrel, and a rod head attached to a longitudinal end of the piston rod opposite the piston and engaged with one of the first removable portion or the second removable portion.

[0032] Each of the first removable portion and the second removable portion may include a lower frame, an upper mesh panel oriented above the lower frame, and a plurality of spacers disposed between the upper mesh panel and the lower frame.

[0033] The lower frame may include at least one lower wall having major surfaces extending within horizontal planes and defining an opening extending from a lower major surface of the at least one lower wall to an upper major surface of the at least one lower wall.

[0034] A piston rod of a respective pneumatic cylinder of the plurality of mounting systems may extend through the opening, and a rod head of the respective pneumatic cylinder may abut against the upper major surface of the at least one lower wall.

[0035] The separator table may also include a plurality of blowers oriented below the deck assembly and configured to blow air vertically upward through the deck assembly and aplurality of blower motors operably coupled to the plurality of blowers and configured to drive the plurality of blowers.

[0036] The separator table may also include a drive cylinder mounted to the deck assembly, the drive cylinder being at least one of configured to rotate about an offset longitudinal axis or weighted toward one lateral side of the drive cylinder, and a shaker motor operably coupled to the drive cylinder and configured to rotate the drive cylinder to cause the deck assembly to move in a reciprocating manner.

[0037] The separator table may also include a plurality of heavy discharge hoppers mounted to a lateral side of the deck assembly and at least one light discharge hopper mounted at a longitudinal end of the deck assembly.

[0038] The separator table may also include a plurality of openable and closable discharge gates aligned next to each other along receiving areas of the plurality of heavy discharge hoppers and the at least one light discharge hopper.

[0039] One or more embodiments include a separator table. The separator table may include a base frame and a deck assembly movably coupled to the base frame. The deck assembly may include a mounting frame movably coupled to the base frame and a plurality of removable portions. Each removable portion may define a respective portion of an upper deck surface, where an edge of a first removable portion of the plurality of removable portions interfacing with an edge of a second removable portion of the plurality of removable portions is vertically offset from the edge of the second removable portion.

[0040] A portion of the first removable portion may vertically overlap with a portion of the second removable portion.

[0041] The edge of the first removable portion interfacing with the edge of the second removable portion may be vertically offset from the edge of the second removable portion by about 20 mm.

[0042] The deck assembly may further include a slide member disposed along an interface between the first removable portion and the second removable portion.

[0043] The slide member may define an angled surface extending from the edge of the first removable portion to the edge of the second removable portion.

[0044] The separator table may also include a plurality of mounting systems securing the plurality of the removable portions to the mounting frame, each of the plurality of mounting systems comprising a pneumatic cylinder. Each pneumatic cylinder of the plurality of mounting systems may include a barrel mounted to the mounting frame, a piston housed within the barrel, a piston rod extending from the piston and out of the barrel, and a rod head attached to a longitudinal end of the piston rod opposite the piston and engaged with one removable portion of the plurality of removable portions.

[0045] Some embodiments include a deck assembly configured to be movably coupled to a base frame of a separator table. The deck assembly may include a mounting frame configured to be movably coupled to the base frame and a plurality of removable portions. Each removable portion may define a respective portion of an upper deck surface, and an edge of a first removable portion of the plurality of removable portions interfacing with an edge of a second removable portion of the plurality of removable portions may be vertically offset from the edge of the second removable portion.

[0046] One or more embodiments include a separator table. The separator table may include a base frame and a deck assembly movably coupled to the base frame. The deck assembly may have an upper deck surface that is inclined in a first direction falling within a first vertical plane and in a second direction falling within a second vertical plane that is orthogonal to the first vertical plane. The separator table may also include a monitoring system disposed at at least one discharge of the deck assembly and including at least one flow sensor. The separator table may also include a controller operably coupled to the monitoring system including at least one processor, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to: receive flow data from the at least one flow sensor of the monitoring system; analyze the flow data to determine if a product is flowing through the at least one discharge at a predetermined flow rate, and responsive to a determination that the product is not flowing through the at least one discharge at the predetermined flow rate, adjust at least one of the first direction or the second direction in which the upper deck surface is inclined.

[0047] The at least one flow sensor may include one or more plates and one or more sensors configured to measure vibrations experienced by the one or more plates.

[0048] The monitoring system may include a housing, a product inlet formed at a top of the housing and for receiving product from the upper deck surface of the deck assembly, a slide leading from the product inlet to the at least one flow sensor, and a product outlet formed at a bottom of the housing and for permitting product to exit the housing after passing over the at least one flow sensor.

[0049] The flow data may include frequency and amplitude data of vibrations measured by the at least one flow sensor.

[0050] The separator table may also include a first inclination actuator configured to control the first direction in which the upper deck surface is inclined, and a second inclination actuator configured to control the second direction in which the upper deck surface is inclined.

[0051] The at least one discharge may include at least one of a heavy discharge hopper or a light discharge hopper.

[0052] The separator table may also include a mounting frame movably coupled to the base frame, a first removable portion, a second removable portion, and a plurality of mounting systems securing the first removable portion and the second removable portion to the mounting frame, each of the plurality of mounting systems includes a pneumatic cylinder including a barrel mounted to the mounting frame, a piston housed within the barrel, a piston rod extending from the piston and out of the barrel, and a rod head attached to a longitudinal end of the piston rod opposite the piston and engaged with one of the first removable portion or the second removable portion.

[0053] Each of the first removable portion and the second removable portion may include a lower frame, an upper mesh panel oriented above the lower frame, and a plurality of spacers disposed between the upper mesh panel and the lower frame.

[0054] Each of the pneumatic cylinders of the plurality of mounting systems may further include a rod-end port providing a first openable and closable pathway for air to enter and exit the barrel above the piston and a cap-end port providing a second openable and closable pathway for air to enter and exit the barrel below the piston.

[0055] The separator table may also include a plurality of blowers oriented below the deck assembly and configured to blow air vertically upward through the deck assembly and aplurality of blower motors operably coupled to the plurality of blowers and configured to drive the plurality of blowers.

[0056] The separator table may also include a drive cylinder mounted to the deck assembly, the drive cylinder being at least one of configured to rotate about an offset longitudinal axis or weighted toward one lateral side of the drive cylinder, and a shaker motor operably coupled to the drive cylinder and configured to rotate the drive cylinder to cause the deck assembly to move in a reciprocating manner.

[0057] The separator table may also include a plurality of heavy discharge hoppers mounted to a lateral side of the deck assembly and at least one light discharge hopper mounted at a longitudinal end of the deck assembly.

[0058] The separator table may also include a plurality of openable and closable discharge gates aligned next to each other along receiving areas of the plurality of heavy discharge hoppers and the at least one light discharge hopper.

[0059] One or more embodiments include a method of separating product. The method may include causing product to flow through a monitoring system at a selected discharge of an upper deck surface of a separator table, receiving measured flow data from the monitoring system, analyzing the received flow data, based at least partially on the analysis of the received flow data, determining whether the product is flowing through the selected discharge at a predetermined flow rate, and responsive to a determination that the product is not flowing through the selected discharge at the predetermined flow rate, and automatically adjusting one or more directions in which the upper deck surface is inclined.

[0060] Receiving measured flow data may include receiving frequency and amplitude data of vibrations measured by one or more sensors of the monitoring system.

[0061] Some embodiments include a separator table. The separator table may include a base frame and a deck assembly movably coupled to the base frame. The deck assembly having an upper deck surface that is inclined in a plurality of directions. The separator table also includes a monitoring system disposed at at least one discharge of the deck assembly and includes at least one flow sensor. The separator table also includes a controller operably coupled to the monitoring system includes at least one processor and at least one non- transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that, whenexecuted by the at least one processor, cause the controller to: receive flow data from the at least one flow sensor of the monitoring system; analyze the flow data to determine if a product is flowing through the at least one discharge at a predetermined flow rate, and responsive to a determination that the product is not flowing through the at least one discharge at the predetermined flow rate, adjust one or more directions of the plurality of directions which the upper deck surface is inclined.

[0062] The at least one flow sensor may include one or more plates and one or more sensors configured to measure vibrations experienced by the one or more plates.

[0063] The monitoring system may include a housing, a product inlet formed at a top of the housing and for receiving product from the upper deck surface of the deck assembly, a slide leading from the product inlet to the at least one flow sensor, and a product outlet formed at a bottom of the housing and for permitting product to exit the housing after passing over the at least one flow sensor.

[0064] The flow data may include frequency and amplitude data of vibrations measured by the at least one flow sensor.

[0065] The separator table may also include a first inclination actuator configured to control the first direction in which the upper deck surface is inclined, and a second inclination actuator configured to control the second direction in which the upper deck surface is inclined.

[0066] Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

[0067] Within the scope of this application, it should be understood that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out herein, and individual features thereof may be taken independently or in any possible and compatible combination. Where features are described with reference to a single aspect or embodiment, it should be understood that such features are applicable to all aspects and embodiments unless otherwise stated or where such features are incompatible.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming what are regarded as embodiments of the present disclosure, variousfeatures and advantages may be more readily ascertained from the following description of example embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 4A shows a side, cross-sectional view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG. 4B shows a perspective, cross-sectional view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 4C shows another perspective, cross-sectional view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG. 5A shows an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG. 5B shows another enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIG. 5C shows another enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIG. 5D shows another enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a portion of a control system of the separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0080] FIG. 7A shows a side, cross-sectional view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0081] FIG. 7B shows an enlarged, partial, cross-sectional view of a separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0082] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a monitoring system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0083] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a flow sensor according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0084] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a portion of a control system of the separator table according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0085] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a method of sorting product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0086] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a computer device according to embodiments of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular separator table, deck assembly, monitoring system, component, or system, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe embodiments of the disclosure. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation for convenience and clarity.

[0088] The following description provides specific details of embodiments. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without employing many such specific details. Indeed, the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with conventional techniques employed in the industry. In addition, the description provided below does not include all the elements that form a complete structure or assembly. Only those process acts and structures necessary to understand the embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. Additional conventional acts and structures may be used. The drawings accompanying the application are for illustrative purposes only, and are thus not drawn to scale.

[0089] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, but also include the more restrictive terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" and grammatical equivalents thereof.

[0090] As used herein, the singular forms following "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0091] As used herein, the term "may" with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term "is" so as to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.

[0092] As used herein, the term "configured" refers to a size, shape, material composition, and arrangement of one or more of at least one structure and at least one apparatus facilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the apparatus in a predetermined way.

[0093] As used herein, the term "substantially" in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least 99.9% met.

[0094] As used herein, the term "about" used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter, as well as variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances, etc.).

[0095] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0096] As used herein, the term "product" may refer to one or more of particles, grains, kernels, and / or seeds of material.

[0097] Embodiments of the present disclosure include separator tables for fine cleaning, sorting, and separating product to remove one or more of bad, immature, insect damaged, moldy and germinated seeds, impurities, and admixtures, such as same-size stones but with different specific weight, from the product. For example, product (e.g., seeds and grains) maybe separated and graded by suspension and friction characteristics. In embodiments described herein, the product flows over an inclined, vibrating, screen-covered rectangular deck. Pressurized air is forced upward through the rectangular deck causing the product to be suspended and to stratify according to its specific weight. Heavy particles of the product float uphill (e.g., up the incline) while light particles of the product travel downhill (e.g., down the incline) or less uphill. The rectangular deck makes the product travel a longer distance, ensuring a cleaner separation of light and heavy particles of product and a lower percentage of middlings, thus improving a quality of an end product.

[0098] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a separator table 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the separator table 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is yet another perspective view of the separator table 100 of FIG. 1. One or more elements and / or portions of the separator table 100 is removed in one or more of FIG. 1 through FIG. 3 to better show one or more elements of the separator table 100.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3 together, the separator table 100 may include a base assembly 102 and a dust hood 104 connected to and oriented above the base assembly 102. One or more portions of the dust hood 104 are removed in FIG. 1 through FIG. 3 to better show elements of the base assembly 102. The base assembly 102 may include a base frame 106, a deck assembly 108, a plurality of blowers 302, a plurality of blower motors 304, a drive cylinder 202, and a shaker motor 204.

[0100] The deck assembly 108 may be movably coupled to the base frame 106. For example, the deck assembly 108 may be coupled to the base frame 106 via one or more of a piston and cylinder assemblies, springs, rods and joints, gear and chain / belt assemblies, or any other known connections assembly that permit repetitive movement of one object relative to another. The plurality of blowers 302 may be mounted to the base frame 106 below the deck assembly 108 and may be configured to blow air upward through the deck assembly 108 during operation of the separator table 100. The blower motors 304 may be operably coupled to the plurality of blowers 302 and may drive the blowers 302 during operation.

[0101] Furthermore, the drive cylinder 202 may be coupled to the deck assembly 108 and may be configured to cause the deck assembly 108 to move in a reciprocating manner. For instance, the drive cylinder 202 may be configured to cause the deck assembly 108 to shake,vibrate, and / or translate back and forth. In some embodiments, the drive cylinder 202 may be weighted toward one lateral side such that when the drive cylinder 202 is rotated, the drive cylinder 202 causes the deck assembly 108 to move (e.g., shake, vibrate, and / or translate back and forth) relative to the base frame 106. In additional embodiments, the drive cylinder 202 may be configured to rotate about an offset longitudinal axis such that when the drive cylinder 202 is rotated, the drive cylinder 202 causes the deck assembly 108 to move (e.g., shake, vibrate, and / or translate back and forth) relative to the base frame 106. The shaker motor 204 may be operably coupled to the drive cylinder 202 and may cause the drive cylinder 202 to rotate during operation of the separator table 100.

[0102] The base assembly 102 may define an input area 110 on the deck assembly 108 proximate a first longitudinal end of the deck assembly 108 and located and configured to receive product from a hopper (e.g., a feeding device). The base assembly 102 may further include a maximizer 112 disposed on top of an upper deck surface 124 and to a lateral side of the deck assembly 108. The maximizer 112 may reduce a middling fraction (e.g., a random mixing of heavy product and light product at an interface of the heavy product and the light product on the deck assembly 108) of the product during operation.

[0103] Additionally, the base assembly 102 may include a plurality of heavy discharge hoppers 114, 116, 118 mounted to a lateral side of the base assembly 102 and oriented to receive product (e.g., relatively heavy product) off of a lateral side of the upper deck surface 124 of the deck assembly 108 and at least one light discharge hopper 120 mounted to a second longitudinal end of the base assembly 102 and oriented to receive product (e.g., relatively light product) off of a longitudinal end of the upper deck surface 124 of the deck assembly 108. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of heavy discharge hoppers 114, 116, 118 and / or the light discharge hopper 120 may be configured to vibrate during operation of the separator table 100 to further sort the product received into the hoppers.

[0104] Furthermore, the base assembly 102 may include a plurality of openable and closable discharge gates 122. For example, the plurality of discharge gates 122 may be aligned next to each other along receiving areas of the heavy discharge hoppers 114, 116, 118 and the at least one light discharge hopper 120. The plurality of discharge gates 122 enable operators to further determine (e.g., select) how the product will be sorted, further distinguish whichproduct is received into which hopper, and determine how long the product is sorted prior to falling into a given hopper. For example, the discharge gates 122 direct weight fractions of the product off an appropriate edge of the upper deck surface 124 of the deck assembly 108.

[0105] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of the separator table 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4B is an enlarged, cross-sectional perspective view of the separator table 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4C is a partial, enlarged, cross-sectional perspective view of the separator table 100 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4C together, the deck assembly 108 may include a mounting frame 402, a first removable portion 404, and a second removable portion 406. Each of the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406 may be removably mounted (e.g., coupled) to the mounting frame 402, and the mounting frame 402 may be movably coupled to the base frame 106 of the separator table 100 to enable the deck assembly 108 to move (e.g., shake) relative to a remainder of the separator table 100. The connections (e.g., mountings) between the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406 and the mounting frame 402 are described in greater detail below in regard to FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D. When mounted to the mounting frame 402, the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406 may be aligned next to each other in horizontal direction and may, together, form the upper deck surface 124 (e.g., a separating deck surface) upon which the product is placed and sorted during operation. For instance, the first removable portion 404 may define a first portion of the upper deck surface 124, and the second removable portion 406 may define a second portion of the upper deck surface 124.

[0106] Furthermore, during operation, the mounting frame 402, the first removable portion 404, and the second removable portion 406 may be oriented such that the upper deck surface 124 is inclined from the input area 110 to the heavy discharge hoppers 114, 116, 118 and declined or less inclined from the input area 110 to the light discharge hopper 120. Moreover, as is discussed in greater detail below, the inclination (e.g., inclination angles in XZ and YZ planes (as depicted in FIG. 1)) of the deck assembly 108 and, particularly, the inclination of the upper deck surface 402 is adjustable and may be performed manually and / or automatically.

[0107] Each of the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406 may include a lower frame 408, a plurality of spacers 410, and an upper mesh panel 412. Theplurality of spacers 410 may be disposed between the lower frame 408 and the upper mesh panel 412. In some embodiments, the upper mesh panel 412 may include a wire mesh panel. In one or more embodiments, the upper mesh panel 412 may include a square-wire mesh panel.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4C, in operation, product may be fed continuously into the input area 110 of the deck assembly 108 and onto the upper deck surface 124 of the deck assembly 108 to a bed of product (e.g., material) over the upper deck surface 124. The bed of product may be fluidized via the blowers 302 passing air from beneath the deck assembly 108 vertically upward through the deck assembly 108, thereby stratifying light product to the top of the bed of product and allowing heavy product to contact the deck surface. Moreover, the drive cylinder 202 may be rotated by the shaker motor 204 to cause the deck assembly 108 and the upper deck surface 124 to move (e.g., translate in an inclined and then a declined direction (e.g., back and forth)) at a low amplitude and a high frequency. Because of the inclination of the upper deck surface 124, heavy product contacting the upper deck surface 124 moves up, while light product fluidized by the air system moves down due to gravity. As a result, the heavy product is passed through open discharge gates 122 and into one or more of the heavy discharge hoppers 114, 116, 118, and the light product is passed through open discharge gates 122 and into the at least one light discharge hopper 120.

[0109] FIG. 5A is a partial, cross-sectional, perspective view of a mounting system 500 between a removable portion (e.g., the first removable portion 404 or the second removable portion 406) of the deck assembly 108 and the mounting frame 402 of the deck assembly 108. FIG. 5B is another cross-sectional, side view of the mounting between the removable portion of the deck assembly 108 and the mounting frame 402 of the deck assembly 108. FIG. 5C is another cross-sectional, perspective view of the mounting between the removable portion of the deck assembly 108 and the mounting frame 402 of the deck assembly 108. FIG. 5D is another cross- sectional, perspective view of the mounting between the removable portion of the deck assembly 108 and the mounting frame 402 of the deck assembly 108. For purposes of the description of FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D, the removable portion may be referred to as the first removable portion 404 of the deck assembly 108; however, it is understood that the description provided in regard to FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D is equally applicable to the second removable portion 406 of the deck assembly 108. Referring to FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D together, in someembodiments, the first removable portion 404 may be mounted to the mounting frame 402 of the deck assembly 108 via a plurality of mounting systems 500, and each of the mounting systems may include a pneumatic cylinder 502 (e.g., one mounting system 500 at each corner of the first removable portion 404).

[0110] Each pneumatic cylinder 502 may include a barrel 504, a piston 506, a piston rod 508, a rod head 510, a rod-end port 512, and a cap-end port 514. The barrel 504 (i.e., a hollow cylindrical body) may house the piston 506, and the piston rod 508 may be connected to and extend from the piston 506. The piston rod 508 may be coaxial with the piston 506. Also, the piston rod 508 may extend out of the barrel 504, and the rod head 510 may be attached to a longitudinal end of the piston rod 508 opposite to the piston 506. The rod head 510 may include a flange that forms a T-head with the piston rod 508. The rod-end port 512 may include a port where compressed air may enter and exit the barrel 504 above the piston 506 according to the views depicted in FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D to retract the piston rod 508. In other words, the rodend port 512 may provide a first openable and closable pathway for air to enter and exit the barrel 504 above the piston 506. The cap-end port 514 may include a port where compressed air may enter and exit the barrel 504 below the piston 506 according to the views depicted in FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D to extend the piston rod 508. In other words, the cap-end port 514 may provide a second openable and closable pathway for air to enter and exit the barrel 504 below the piston 506.

[0111] The barrel 504 of the pneumatic cylinder 502 may be mounted to the mounting frame 402, and the piston rod 508 and rod head 510 may be configured to engage with the lower frame 408 of the first removable portion 404 of the deck assembly 108. For example, as shown in FIG. 5D, the lower frame 408 may include an opening 516 formed in a lower wall 518 of the lower frame 408 and extending through the lower wall 518 of the lower frame 408 in a vertical direction. Put another way, the lower wall may include major surfaces extending within horizontal planes and defining the opening 516 extending from a lower major surface of the lower wall 518 to an upper major surface of the lower wall 518. The opening 516 may be sized and shaped to receive the piston rod 508 with the piston rod 508 extending through the opening 516 and the rod head 510 being on a side of the opening 516 (i.e., a side of the lower wall 518) opposite the barrel 504 and piston rod 508.

[0112] Furthermore, a maximum width of the rod head 510 of the pneumatic cylinder 502 within a horizontal plane may exceed at least one width of the opening 516 (referred to hereinafter as the "smaller width of the opening") within a horizontal plane such that when the maximum width of the rod head 510 is vertically aligned with the smaller width of the opening 516, the rod head 510 cannot freely pass through the opening 516 due to mechanical interference between an upper major surface of the lower wall 518 of the lower frame 408 and a lower surface of the rod head 510, as depicted in FIG. 5A through FIG. 5D. In other words, the rod head 510 may abut against the upper major surface of the lower wall 518.

[0113] In some embodiments, the opening 516 may include an open-ended cutout extending into the lower wall 518 from an edge of the lower wall 518. In other embodiments, the opening 516 may include an aperture where an entire, continuous horizontal boundary of the aperture is defined by lower wall 518. In such embodiments, the opening 516 may include a rectangular-shaped, oval-shaped, or pill-shaped aperture. Furthermore, at least one width of the aperture within a horizonal plane must exceed a maximum width of the rod head 510 within horizontal planes, and at least one other width of the aperture within a horizonal plane must be smaller than the maximum width of the rod head 510 within horizontal planes.

[0114] In one or more embodiments, the piston rod 508 may be keyed such that, when the piston rod 508 is extended from the barrel 504, the piston rod 508 and the rod head 510 rotate about a center longitudinal axis in a first direction, and when the piston rod 508 is retracted into the barrel 504, the piston rod 508 and the rod head 510 rotate about the center longitudinal axis in second, opposite direction. In some embodiments, the piston rod 508 and the rod head 510 may rotate by about 90° in the first direction during extension and by about 90° in the second direction during retraction. For example, in some embodiments, the piston rod 508 and barrel 504 may include a groove and pin (e.g., key) combination that facilitates and causes the rotation during extension and retraction.

[0115] In some embodiments, when the piston rod 508 is in a fully retracted position, the rod head 510 may be oriented with the maximum width of the rod head 510 being vertically aligned with the smaller width of the opening 516 such that the rod head 510 cannot freely pass through the opening 516 due to mechanical interference between an upper major surface of the lower wall 518 of the lower frame 408 and a lower surface of the rod head 510. Additionally,in some embodiments, when the piston rod 508 is in fully extended position, the rod head 510 may be oriented such that the maximum width of the rod head 510 is vertically aligned with a maximum width of the opening 516 such that the rod head 510 can freely pass through the opening 516.

[0116] During operation, when the first removable portion 404 is installed (e.g., mounted) to the mounting frame 402 of the deck assembly 108, the first removable portion 404 may be placed over the mounting frame 402 such that openings 516 of the lower wall 518 of the first removable portion 404 align with rod heads 510 of pneumatic cylinders 502 mounted to the mounting frame 402. Furthermore, the piston rods 508 of the pneumatic cylinders 502 may be in fully extended positions such that the rod heads 510 of the pneumatic cylinders 502 can freely pass through openings 516 of the lower frame 408. Once the piston rods 508 of the pneumatic cylinders 502 are extending through respective openings 516 of the lower frame 408, the pneumatic cylinders 502 may be pneumatically operated to retract and rotate the piston rods 508, thus securing and mounting the first removable portion 404 to the mounting frame 402 via mechanical interference between the rod heads 510 of the pneumatic cylinder 502 and lower frame 408 of the first removable portion 404. The same procedure may be performed with the second removable portion 406 and respective pneumatic cylinders 502.

[0117] In some embodiments, each of the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406 may be mounted to the mounting frame 402 via at least four mounting systems 500 (i.e., at least four pneumatic cylinders 502) located proximate respective corners of each of the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406. In additional embodiments, the first removable portion 404 may be mounted to the mounting frame 402 via at least four mounting systems 500, and the second removable portion 406 may be mounted to the mounting frame 402 via fewer mounting systems 500 than the first removable portion 404 (e.g., two mounting systems).

[0118] In view of the foregoing, the mounting systems 500 (e.g., the pneumatic cylinders 502 and the opening 516 in the lower frame 408) of the present disclosure provide an easier and more efficient mounting procedure in comparison to conventional mounting systems. For example, conventionally, decks of separator tables are mounted via bolts and / or conventional fasteners. Each of the bolts must be individually placed and fastened. This can prove difficultwith little to no clearance when fastening the bolts. Furthermore, each of the mounting systems 500 of the present disclosure can be operated simultaneously via pneumatic actuation, where, in comparison, conventional fasteners need to be installed individually in series, or require multiple installers. As a result, installation and removal difficulties and times are reduced in comparison to conventional mounting systems. Furthermore, repair difficulties and times are reduced in comparison to conventional mounting systems.

[0119] Additionally, the mounting systems 500 of the present disclosure provide a more durable connection between the removable portions of the deck assembly 108 and the mounting frame 402 in comparison to conventional mounting systems. In particular, conventional mounting systems, such as bolts and / or fasteners, often break, shear off, and or loosen during operation of the separator table 100 due to the movement of the deck assembly 108. In comparison, the mounting systems 500 of the present disclosure may provide a more durable solution and do not loosen during use.

[0120] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a portion of a control system 600 of the separator table 100 and for controlling operation of the mounting systems 500 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The control system 600 may include a controller 602, which is operably coupled to a first air supply 604 and a second air supply 606. The first air supply 604 may be operably coupled to and may provide pressurized air to a first plurality of mounting systems 608 for securing and mounting the first removable portion 404 of the deck assembly 108 to the mounting frame 402, and the second air supply 606 may be operably coupled to and may provide pressurized air to a second plurality of mounting systems 610 for securing and mounting the second removable portion 406 of the deck assembly 108 to the mounting frame 402.

[0121] In some embodiments, each of the first air supply 604 and the second air supply 606 may include a respective pneumatic solenoid or pneumatic solenoid valve in fluid (e.g., air) communication with respective mounting systems. In some embodiments, each of the first air supply 604 and the second air supply 606 may include a compressors and valves. Regardless, each of the he first air supply 604 and the second air supply 606 may be controlled and operated by the controller 602 for supplying air to the mounting systems.

[0122] In one or more embodiments, the control system 600 may further include first pressure sensors 612 in fluid communication with the first plurality of mounting systems 608 and second pressure sensors 614 in fluid communication with the second plurality of mounting systems 610. Each of the first pressure sensors 612 and the second pressure sensors 614 may be operably coupled to the controller 602 and may provide pressure data to the controller 602. For example, during operation, when the mounting systems 500 are actuated to mount the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406, the first pressure sensors 612 and the second pressure sensors 614 may provide pressure measurements (e.g., pressure measurements of air pressures within the barrels 504 of the pneumatic cylinders 502) to the controller 602, and the controller 602 and / or an operator may monitor the pressure measurements to determine whether the mounting systems 500 are properly actuated to reflect proper mounting of the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406.

[0123] Furthermore, in some embodiments, responsive to pressure measurements that do not reflect proper operation of the mounting systems 500, the controller 602 may provide one or more alarms and / or notifications. The controller 602 is described in greater detail in regard to FIG. 12.

[0124] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional, side view of the separator table 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the separator table 100. As discussed above, the deck assembly 108 may include a first removable portion 404 and a second removable portion 406. For example, the deck assembly 108 may include a split deck assembly.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 7B together, the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406 may be oriented adjacent to each other, with the first removable portion 404 defining the input area 110 and the second removable portion 406 interfacing with the heavy discharge hoppers 114, 116, 118 and the light discharge hopper 120. Accordingly, during operation, product may begin at the input area 110 of the first removable portion 404 and may travel to the second removable portion 406. Furthermore, an edge of the first removable portion 404 interfacing with an edge of the second removable portion 406 may be elevated relative to edge of the second removable portion 406. In particular, an edge of the 1first removable portion 404 interfacing with an edge of the second removable portion 406 may be vertically offset from the edge of the second removable portion 406. For example, an edge of the first removable portion 404 interfacing with an edge of the second removable portion 406 may be elevated by a distance of between 10 mm and 30 mm relative to the edge of the second removable portion 406. For instance, the edge of the first removable portion 404 interfacing with an edge of the second removable portion 406 may be elevated by a distance of about 20 mm.

[0126] Additionally, a portion of the first removable portion 404 may overlap a portion of the second removable portion 406. For instance, the first removable portion 404 may partially overlap the second removable portion 406. In particular, the first removable portion 404 may overlap (e.g., vertically overlap) a portion of the second removable portion 406 along the interface between the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406, as depicted in FIG. 7B.

[0127] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the deck assembly 108 may further include slide member 702 disposed along the interface between the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406. In some embodiments, the slide member 702 may define an angled surface 704 along which product can travel from the first removable portion 404 to the second removable portion 406. In some embodiments, the angled surface 704 may define an angle with the upper deck surface 124 of the first removable portion 404 within a range of about 20° and about 70°. For instance, the angle may be about 45°.

[0128] In some embodiments, the slide member 702 may partially overlay a portion of the upper deck surface 124 of the first removable portion 404 and a portion of the upper deck surface 124 of the second removable portion 406 and may span the elevation difference between the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406. In one or more embodiments, the slide member 702 may include porous material such that air can pass upward through the slide member 702. In additional embodiments, the slide member 702 may include a solid material.

[0129] Referring still to FIG. 1 through FIG. 7B, in embodiments where the first removable portion 404 partially overlaps with the second removable portion 406, the separator table 100 may only include six mounting systems 500 (e.g., pneumatic cylinders 502). Forexample, the separator table 100 may include four mounting systems 500 for mounting the first removable portion 404 to the mounting frame 402 and two mounting systems 500 for mounting the second removable portion 406 to the mounting frame 402. In particular, one end of the second removable portion 406 may be secured to the mounting frame 402 by the first removable portion 404 due to the overlap between the first removable portion 404 and the second removable portion 406.

[0130] The deck assembly 108 of the present disclosure provides advantages over conventional deck assemblies. For example, in comparison to conventional deck assemblies, which include a single piece defining an upper deck surface, the deck assembly 108 of the present disclosure, which includes multiple removable portions that define the upper deck surface, the deck assembly 108 of the present disclosure is easier to assemble, does not require large equipment (e.g., a crane) to assemble, and is cheaper to manufacture. The deck assembly 108 of the present disclosure is cheaper to manufacture as it requires fewer complex welds and shorter pieces of material.

[0131] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a monitoring system 802 for use with the separator tables 100 described herein. For example, as is discussed in greater detail below, the monitoring system 802 of the present disclosure may be disposed at one or more of the heavy discharge hoppers 114, 116, 118 and / or the light discharge hopper 120 and may be utilized to measure the flow of product out of the respective hopper or hoppers. In particular, the monitoring system 802 may be operably coupled to the controller 602 (FIG. 6) and may provide flow data (e.g., measured product flow data) to the controller 602.

[0132] In some embodiments, the monitoring system 802 may include a housing 804, a product inlet 806, a slide 808, a product outlet 810, and a flow sensor 812. The product inlet 806 may be formed at a top of the housing 804 and may be sized and shaped to receive product from one or more of the heavy discharge hoppers 114, 116, 118 and / or the light discharge hopper 120 and / or a side of the upper deck surface 124 of the deck assembly 108. The product inlet 806 may guide product to the slide 808, and the slide 808 may be oriented to cause falling product to pass over and impact the flow sensor 812. For instance, the slide 808 may lead from the product inlet 806 to the flow sensor 812. From the flow sensor 812, the product may exit the monitoring system 802 through the product outlet 810. In particular, the product outlet 810may be formed at a bottom of the housing 804 and may permit product to exist the housing after passing over the flow sensor 812.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 9, which shows a perspective view of the flow sensor 812 of FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the flow sensor 812 may include one or more plates 902 and one or more sensors configured to measure vibrations (e.g, amplitude and frequency of vibrations) caused by the product falling onto and over the one or more plates 902 (e.g., experienced by the one or more plates 902).

[0134] As is described in greater detail below, the separator table 100 (e.g., the controller 602) may utilize flow data received from the monitoring system 802 (e.g., data regarding the flow of product through the monitoring system 802) to automatically change the orientation (e.g., inclination levels) of the deck assembly 108 (e.g., the upper deck surface 124 of the deck assembly 108).

[0135] FIG. 10 is another schematic representation of a portion of the control system 600 of the separator table 100. In some embodiments, the control system 600 may include the controller 602, which may include the same controller 602 as the controller 602 described above in regard to FIG. 6, or the controller 602 may include different controller. Regardless, the controller 602 may be operably coupled to the monitoring system 802 and may receive flow data from the monitoring system 802. Furthermore, the controller 602 may be operably coupled to a first inclination actuator 1002 and a second inclination actuator 1004. The first inclination actuator 1002 and the second inclination actuator 1004 may include any conventional inclination actuators coupled to a motor.

[0136] The first inclination actuator 1002 may be configured to incline the deck assembly 108 in directions falling within a first plane (e.g., an XZ plane), and the second inclination actuator 1006 may be configured to incline the deck assembly 108 in directions falling within a second plane (e.g., an YZ plane). In some embodiments, the first plane may include a first vertical plane, and the second plane may include a second vertical plane. Moreover, the first vertical plane may be orthogonal to the second vertical plane. Furthermore, while a single actuator is discussed for each of the first inclination actuator 1002 and the second inclination actuator 1004, it is understood that each of the first inclination actuator 1002 and the second inclination actuator 1004 may include multiple actuators.

[0137] During operation of the separator table 100, the controller 602 may automatically control the inclination of the deck assembly 108, and as a result, the inclination of the upper deck surface 124 of the deck assembly 108 utilizing motors and the first inclination actuator 1002 and the second inclination actuator 1004. In some embodiments, the controller 602 may automatically control the inclination of the deck assembly 108 based on the flow data (e.g., product flow data) received from the monitoring system 802. Automatically controlling the inclination of the deck assembly 108 is described in further detail below in regard to FIG. 11.

[0138] FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a method 1100 of sorting product according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the controller 602 described herein may perform one or more acts of method 1100. In one or more embodiments, one or more acts of the method 1100 may be performed by multiple controllers, remote computer devices (e.g., servers), client devices, etc.

[0139] In some embodiments, the method 1100 may include receiving an indication of a product type, as shown in act 1102 of FIG. 11. For example, the controller 602 may receive an input from an operator indicating the type of product (e.g., coffee beans) to be sorted by the separator table 100. In one or more embodiments, the type of product may be sensed by one or more sensors (e.g., optical sensors) coupled to the controller 602.

[0140] The method 1100 may further include causing the product to flow through the monitoring system 802 at a selected discharge (e.g., the heavy discharge hopper 114, 116, 118 or light discharge hopper 120) of the separator table 100 at a selected inclination, as shown in act 1104 of FIG. 11. For example, the controller 602 may cause the separator table 100 to operate (e.g., shake) at first inclinations within the XZ and YZ planes, as depicted in FIG. 1, with product entering the input area 110 of the deck assembly 108. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 602 may select inclinations typically associated with the product type.

[0141] Additionally, the method 1100 may include receiving measured flow data from the monitoring system 802, as shown in act 1106 of FIG. 11. In some embodiments, the controller 602 may receive the measured flow data from the monitoring system 802. The flow data may include frequency and amplitude data of measured vibrations experienced by plates902 of one or more flow sensors 812 of the monitoring system 802 due to product impacting plates 902 of the one or more flow sensors 812.

[0142] The method 1100 may also include analyzing the received flow data to determine if a predetermined (e.g., selected) flow rate of the product has been achieved at the first inclinations, as shown in act 1108 of FIG. 11. In other words, the method 1100 may include analyzing the received flow data, and based at least partially on the analysis of the received flow data, determining whether the product is flowing through the selected discharge at a predetermined flow rate. For example, the controller 602 may analyze the received flow data. In some embodiments, the controller 602 may utilized one or more algorithms to determine if a desired (e.g., selected) flow rate of the product has been achieved at the first inclinations.

[0143] Based at least on partially on the analysis of the received flow data, the method 1100 may optionally include automatically adjusting directions in which the upper deck surface 124 of the separator table 100 is inclined (e.g., inclinations of the separator table 100) to change flow of the product through the selected discharge, as shown in act 1110 of FIG. 11. For example, the controller 602 may change inclinations of the separator table 100 within the XZ and YZ planes (as shown in FIG. 1) to decrease or increase flow of the product through the selected discharge to achieve the predetermined flow rate of product through the selected discharge. The controller 602 may adjust the directions in which the upper deck surface 124 of the separator table 100 is inclined (e.g., inclinations of the separator table 100) via actuating the motors controlling one or more of the first inclination actuator 1002 or the second inclination actuator 1004.

[0144] Furthermore, the method 1100 may include repeating acts 1106 and 1108, as shown in act 1112. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 602 may continuously monitor the flow of product through the monitoring system 802 and may make adjustments to the directions in which the upper deck surface 124 of the separator table 100 is inclined (e.g., inclinations of the separator table 100) as determined necessary by the controller 602 to achieve the predetermined flow rate of the product through the selected discharge.

[0145] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a computer device 1202. In some embodiments, one or more of the controller 602 or one or more portions of the control system 600 may include a computer device such as the computer device 1202 of FIG. 12. The computer device 1202 mayinclude a communication interface 1204, a processor 1206, a memory 1208, a storage device 1210, an input / output device 1212, and a bus 1214.

[0146] In some embodiments, the processor 1206 includes hardware for executing instructions, such as those making up a computer program. As an example, and not by way of limitation, to execute instructions, the processor 1206 may retrieve (or fetch) the instructions from an internal register, an internal cache, the memory 1208, or the storage device 1210 and decode and execute them. In some embodiments, the processor 1206 may include one or more internal caches for data, instructions, or addresses. As an example, and not by way of limitation, the processor 1206 may include one or more instruction caches, one or more data caches, and one or more translation look aside buffers (TLBs). Instructions in the instruction caches may be copies of instructions in the memory 1208 or the storage device 1210.

[0147] The memory 1208 may be coupled to the processor 1206. The memory 1208 may be used for storing data, metadata, and programs for execution by the processor(s). The memory 1208 may include one or more of volatile and non-volatile memories, such as Random- Access Memory ("RAM"), Read-Only Memory ("ROM"), a solid state disk ("SSD"), Flash, Phase Change Memory ("PCM"), or other types of data storage. The memory 1208 may be internal or distributed memory.

[0148] The storage device 1210 may include storage for storing data or instructions. As an example, and not by way of limitation, storage device 1210 can comprise a non-transitory storage medium described above. The storage device 1210 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), Flash memory, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, magnetic tape, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive or a combination of two or more of these. The storage device 1210 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media, where appropriate. The storage device 1210 may be internal or external to the computing storage device 1210. In one or more embodiments, the storage device 1210 is non-volatile, solid-state memory. In other embodiments, the storage device 1210 includes read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, this ROM may be mask programmed ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), electrically alterable ROM (EAROM), or Flash memory or a combination of two or more of these.

[0149] The input / output device 1212 may allow an operator of the separator table 100 to provide input to, receive output from, and otherwise transfer data to and receive data from computer device 1202. The input / output device 1212 may include a mouse, a keypad or a keyboard, a joystick, a touch screen, a camera, an optical scanner, network interface, modem, other known I / O devices, or a combination of such I / O interfaces. The input / output device 1212 may include one or more devices for presenting output to an operator, including, but not limited to, a graphics engine, a display (e.g., a display screen), one or more output drivers (e.g., display drivers), one or more audio speakers, and one or more audio drivers. In certain embodiments, the input / output device 1212 is configured to provide graphical data to a display for presentation to an operator. The graphical data may be representative of one or more graphical user interfaces and / or any other graphical content as may serve a particular implementation. As is described above, the computer device 1202 and the input / output device 1212 may be utilized to display data (e.g., images and / or video data) regarding operation of the separator table 100 and / or products being sorted.

[0150] The communication interface 1204 can include hardware, software, or both. The communication interface 1204 may provide one or more interfaces for communication (such as, for example, packet-based communication) between the computer device 1202 and one or more other computing devices or networks (e.g., a server). As an example, and not by way of limitation, the communication interface 1204 may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wire-based network or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network, such as a WI-FI.

[0151] In some embodiments, the bus 1214 (e.g., a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus) may include hardware, software, or both that couples components of computer device 1202 to each other and to external components.

[0152] All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entireties. If there is a conflict between definitions herein and in an incorporated reference, the definition herein shall control.

[0153] The embodiments of the disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of the disclosure, which is encompassed by thescope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, various modifications of the disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein, such as alternate useful combinations of the elements described, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Such modifications and embodiments also fall within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A separator table, comprising: a base frame; a deck assembly movably coupled to the base frame, the deck assembly having an upper deck surface that is inclined in a first direction falling within a first vertical plane and is inclined in a second direction falling within a second vertical plane that is orthogonal to the first vertical plane; a monitoring system disposed at at least one discharge of the deck assembly and comprising at least one flow sensor; and a controller operably coupled to the monitoring system comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to: receive flow data from the at least one flow sensor of the monitoring system; analyze the flow data to determine if a product is flowing through the at least one discharge at a predetermined flow rate; and responsive to a determination that the product is not flowing through the at least one discharge at the predetermined flow rate, adjust at least one of the first direction or the second direction in which the upper deck surface is inclined.

2. The separator table of claim 1, wherein the at least one flow sensor comprises one or more plates and one or more sensors configured to measure vibrations experienced by the one or more plates.

3. The separator table of claim 2, wherein the monitoring system comprises: a housing; a product inlet formed at a top of the housing and for receiving product from the upper deck surface of the deck assembly; a slide leading from the product inlet to the at least one flow sensor; and a product outlet formed at a bottom of the housing and for permitting product to exit the housing after passing over the at least one flow sensor.

4. The separator table of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow data comprises frequency and amplitude data of vibrations measured by the at least one flow sensor.

5. The separator table of claim 1, further comprising: a first inclination actuator configured to control the first direction in which the upper deck surface is inclined; and a second inclination actuator configured to control the second direction in which the upper deck surface is inclined.

6. The separator table of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one discharge comprises at least one of a heavy discharge hopper or a light discharge hopper.

7. The separator table of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a mounting frame movably coupled to the base frame; a first removable portion; a second removable portion; and a plurality of mounting systems securing the first removable portion and the second removable portion to the mounting frame, each of the plurality of mounting systems comprising: a pneumatic cylinder, comprising: a barrel mounted to the mounting frame; a piston housed within the barrel; a piston rod extending from the piston and out of the barrel; and a rod head attached to a longitudinal end of the piston rod opposite the piston and engaged with one of the first removable portion or the second removable portion.

8. The separator table of claim 7, wherein each of the first removable portion and the second removable portion comprise: a lower frame; an upper mesh panel oriented above the lower frame; and a plurality of spacers disposed between the upper mesh panel and the lower frame.

9. The separator table of claim 7 or 8, wherein each of the pneumatic cylinders of the plurality of mounting systems further comprises: a rod-end port providing a first openable and closable pathway for air to enter and exit the barrel above the piston; and a cap-end port providing a second openable and closable pathway for air to enter and exit the barrel below the piston.

10. The separator table of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a plurality of blowers oriented below the deck assembly and configured to blow air vertically upward through the deck assembly; and a plurality of blower motors operably coupled to the plurality of blowers and configured to drive the plurality of blowers.

11. The separator table of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a drive cylinder mounted to the deck assembly, the drive cylinder being at least one of configured to rotate about an offset longitudinal axis or weighted toward one lateral side of the drive cylinder; and a shaker motor operably coupled to the drive cylinder and configured to rotate the drive cylinder to cause the deck assembly to move in a reciprocating manner.

12. The separator table of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: a plurality of heavy discharge hoppers mounted to a lateral side of the deck assembly; and at least one light discharge hopper mounted at a longitudinal end of the deck assembly.

13. The separator table of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of openable and closable discharge gates aligned next to each other along receiving areas of the plurality of heavy discharge hoppers and the at least one light discharge hopper.

14. A method of separating product, the method comprising: causing product to flow through a monitoring system at a selected discharge of an upper deck surface of a separator table; receiving measured flow data from the monitoring system; analyzing the received flow data; based at least partially on the analysis of the received flow data, determining whether the product is flowing through the selected discharge at a predetermined flow rate; and responsive to a determination that the product is not flowing through the selected discharge at the predetermined flow rate, automatically adjusting one or more directions in which the upper deck surface is inclined.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein receiving measured flow data comprises receiving frequency and amplitude data of vibrations measured by one or more sensors of the monitoring system.

16. A separator table, comprising: a base frame; and a deck assembly movably coupled to the base frame, the deck assembly having an upper deck surface that is inclined in a plurality of directions; a monitoring system disposed at at least one discharge of the deck assembly and comprising at least one flow sensor; and a controller operably coupled to the monitoring system comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to: receive flow data from the at least one flow sensor of the monitoring system; analyze the flow data to determine if a product is flowing through the at least one discharge at a predetermined flow rate; and responsive to a determination that the product is not flowing through the at least one discharge at the predetermined flow rate, adjust one or more directions of the plurality of directions which the upper deck surface is inclined.

17. The separator table of claim 16, wherein the at least one flow sensor comprises one or more plates and one or more sensors configured to measure vibrations experienced by the one or more plates.

18. The separator table of claim 17, wherein the monitoring system comprises: a housing; a product inlet formed at a top of the housing and for receiving product from the upper deck surface of the deck assembly; a slide leading from the product inlet to the at least one flow sensor; and a product outlet formed at a bottom of the housing and for permitting product to exit the housing after passing over the at least one flow sensor.

19. The separator table of claim 16, wherein the flow data comprises frequency and amplitude data of vibrations measured by the at least one flow sensor.

20. The separator table of claim 16, further comprising: a first inclination actuator configured to control the first direction in which the upper deck surface is inclined; and a second inclination actuator configured to control the second direction in which the upper deck surface is inclined.