Conveyor for aligning and transporting a stream of articles

Abstract

A conveyor assembly for aligning and transporting a stream of elongate articles (300) for inspection and processing provides a stationary monocoque frame (30), plural endless belts (60) supported by the frame (30) and the plurality of endless belts (61) are configurable into product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in a first bed section (78) but not in a downstream second bed section (79), a belt drive (80) that powers the plurality of endless belts (60), a belt shifter (120) that configures the plurality of endless belts (60) into the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74); a finger rack (160) and a brushback rotor (180) that deflect misaligned articles into the product lanes (72), (73), (74), an inspection station 199 for identifying defects in the elongated articles (300), a processing station (229) having a cutting apparatus (230) to remove identified defects from identified elongated articles (300), and a controller (220).

Description

TITLECONVEYOR FOR ALIGNING AND TRANSPORTING A STREAM OF ARTICLESTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyor assembly for aligning and transporting a stream of articles along a conveying surface, and more specifically to a belt conveyor assembly having positionally adjustable belts for aligning a stream of elongated articles in single file in a plurality of parallel spaced lanes and transporting the stream of articles from a feed end through an inspection station and through a processing station to a discharge end of the belt conveyor assembly.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In high volume handling of elongated articles such as, but not limited to, "French Fries", and the like, it is desirable to rapidly and economically identify articles that have undesirable characteristics / features / portions and to separate the undesirable characteristics / features / portions from the desirable articles. However, it is expensive and frequently uneconomical to hand inspect and remove undesirable articles as they flow on a moving belt.

[0003] Various attempts have been made to process high volumes of articles in which the articles are aligned in parallel transversely spaced lanes and passed through an inspection station having light / EMR sources, cameras and scanners for inspecting the articles for defects, and for identifying articles having defects. If defects are identified, the article having the defect therein / thereon, is passed through a processing station where the defect is removed / separated from the article.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,836 granted Feb. 5, 1980 to Norman B. Wassmeret al. discloses a sorting apparatus for placing potato segments uniformly on a conveyor bed in substantially a one layer configuration and passing the segments underneath scanning electro-optical cameras for detecting defects or dark spots on the potato pieces. Vacuum nozzles downstream of the cameras are then activated for picking up and sorting thedefective articles from the non-defective articles. Although such a system is capable of removing identified articles / product on a large volume basis, it is not capable of removing or separating the defects from an identified elongated article while preserving the remaining non-defective portion of the same elongated article to maximize yield.

[0005] Along a similar line, U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,488 granted Sept. 19, 1978 to Karl Ulrich Vornfett describes an apparatus for moving raw potato sticks past sensing equipment for sensing whether or not potato sticks have defects and then past a cutting system having a pair of vertically movable cutters that move down through a slot in a trough conveyor for cutting out the defect. Such a system is slow and incapable of handling high volume production. As the knife blades pass down through the product, the product ceases forward movement and becomes stationary for a moment in time and cannot regain its forward movement until the knives are retracted. This known process slows movement of the articles and makes predicting when a defective article will enter / passed through a processing station difficult if not impossible, because constant speed is not maintained.

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide efficient high volume conveying apparatus for accurately aligning articles in a longitudinal direction in a plurality of parallel spaced lanes so that a large volume of elongated articles may be inspected and processed by high-speed automatic equipment.

[0007] An additional objective is to provide an article alignment and conveying apparatus that is capable of being rapidly and efficiently adjusted to align and convey more than one size of article.

[0008] Another objective is to provide an article alignment and conveying apparatus that simultaneously aligns a cutting apparatus with the defined product lanes as the defined product lanes are reconfigured.

[0009] A still further objective is to provide an article alignment and conveying apparatus that continuously cleans / removes debris, starch, excess moisture from each of the plurality of endless belts comprising the conveyor belts that convey the product.

[0010] An even still further objective is to provide a conveyor assembly that has two separately operable conveyors, two separately operable inspection stations and two separately operable processing stations.

[0011] These and other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Our conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of elongate articles for inspection and processing generally provides a frame (30), a conveyor belt (60) comprised of plural endless belts (61 ), a belt drive (80) that powers the plurality of endless belts (61 ), a belt shifter (120) that configures the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into predetermined product lanes (72), (73), (74); a finger rack (160), a brushback rotor (180), an inspection station (199), a processing station (229), a cutting apparatus (230), and a controller (220).

[0013] A principal aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and moving a stream of elongated articles (300) comprising: a stationary monocoque frame (30) that has a first end (31 ), a second end (32), a top edge (38) a bottom edge (39), a first side (33), a second side (34) and defining a chamber (37) between the first side (33) and the second side (34) and between the top edge (38) and the bottom edge (39) and between the first end (31 ) and the second end (32). A plurality of spacedly arrayed conduits (42) are carried at least partially within the chamber (37). Support legs (40), are carried at the first and second ends (31 ), (32) of the frame (30) proximate the bottom edge (39) to provide support for the frame (30) on an underlying supporting surface (302). Plural spacedly arrayed support beams (44), (45), (46) each extend laterally outwardly from both the first side (33) and second side (34) of the frame (30) proximate the first end (31 ), proximate the second end (32) and at a position generally medially therebetween respectively. A feed drum mount (48) is carried at the first end (31 ) of the frame (30). A drive drum mount (47) is carried at the second end (32) of the frame (30) and a cutter wheel saddle (49) is carried proximate the drive drum mount (47) at the second end (32) of the frame (30). A plurality of endless belts (61 ) comprise each of the conveyor belts (60). At least one of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) has a first belt width dimension (67) and another one of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) has a second belt width dimension (68). Endless belts (61 ) having the first belt width dimension(67) (A) and endless belts (61 ) having the second belt width dimension (68) (B) are alternated in side-by-side adjacency and so that the plurality of endless belts (61 ) may define a first product lane (72) and / or define a second product lane (73) and / or define a third product lane (74). A belt drive (80) is carried by the frame (30) at least partially within / upon the belt drive mount (47). The belt drive (80) has a drive motor (84) which rotates a drive drum (83) to drive each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) at a predetermined speed (Rs) over / about both a discharge end drum (82) rotatably carried by the frame (30) and over and about a feed end drum (81 ) that is rotatably carried by the frame (30). A belt shifter (120) is supported by the frame (30) between the first end (31 ) and the second end (32), and responsive to a signal from the controller (220), the belt shifter (120), selects / alters / defines desired predetermined product lanes (72), (73), (74) in a first bed portion (78) of the conveyor belt (60) by engaging with and adjustably positioning the side-by-side adjacency of identified ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) relative to one another. The belt shifter (120) has a belt shift frame (121 ) that journals plural spacedly arrayed belt configurator assemblies (126), (130), (131 ) which operatively engage with bottom surfaces (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) which responsively, positionally arranges the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into a predetermined product lane (72), (73), (74). The controller (220) operatively communicates with the belt drive (80) and with the belt shifter (120) to measure, adjust and maintain a predetermined belt speed (Rs), and to operatively control the belt configuration.

[0014] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) wherein each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) has a predetermined circumference / length (62), a product bearing surface (63), a bottom surface (64), a first lateral side (65) and a second lateral side (66) and defines a first belt width dimension (67) (A) therebetween, or defines a second belt width dimension (68) (B) therebetween; and wherein the first belt width dimension (67) is not the same as the second belt width dimension (68).

[0015] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) wherein the plurality of endless belts (61 ) are configured / positioned by the belt shifter (120) into defined product lanes (72), (73), (74), and each defined product lane (72), (73), (74) has one of a firstproduct lane width dimension (75) of approximately 11.8 mm, or a second product lane width dimension (76) of approximately 17.7 mm, or a third product lane width dimension (77) of approximately 30.0 mm; and wherein at least one of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) having the first belt width dimension (67) or having the second belt width dimension (68) defines a drive groove (69) in a bottom surface (64) thereof.

[0016] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) wherein the plurality of endless belts (61 ) each move along / across / over plural spacedly arrayed support drums (85), along / across / over an alignment drum (86), along / across / over a cleaning drum (89) and along / across / over tensioning drum (104) all of which are rotatably supported by the frame (30) and that together provide / apply tension and support and alignment and cleaning to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein the cleaning drum (89) rotates on an axle (95) and bearings (93); and the cleaning drum (89) defines a first section (90), and / or defines a second section (91 ) and / or defines a third section (92), and each of the first section (90) and / or the second section (91 ) and / or the third section (92) define a first cleaning profile (99) or define a second cleaning profile (100) or define a third cleaning profile (101 ) or define a fourth cleaning profile (102) and wherein each cleaning profile (99), (100), (101 ), (102) is formed of spacedly arrayed radial enlargements / ridges (96), and spacedly arrayed radial reductions / grooves (97) that frictional ly engage with the first lateral edge (65) and with the second lateral edge (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) to remove debris and excess moisture from the first and second lateral edges (65), (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ); and a scraper bar (103) proximate the discharge end drum (82) frictionally communicates with the product bearing surface (63) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61) to remove debris and excess moisture therefrom; and the tensioning drum (104) operatively communicates with a tensioning drum actuator (105) and a tensioning actuator lever arm (106) to apply / provide a predetermined amount of tension to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and the predetermined amount of tension is monitored by a load cell which operatively communicates with the controller (220) and with the belt drive (80).

[0017] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) wherein the belt shifter(120) has a belt shift frame (121) that has a first end portion (122), a second end portion (123), a first lateral side portion (124) and a second lateral side portion (125); and the belt shift frame (121 ) journals a first a direction changing configurator (126) which is carried proximate the first end (31 ) of the frame (30), and the belt shift frame (121 ) journals a second direction changing configurator (130) that is carried distal from the first end (31 ) of the frame (30) and the belt shift frame (121 ) journals plural belt configurator assemblies(131 ) between the first direction changing configurator (126) and the second belt change configurator (130).

[0018] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) wherein each of the plural belt configurator assemblies (126), (130), (131 ) has an elongate configurator frame(132), a configurator frame end (133) at each lateral end portion of each configurator frame (132), and a frame a pivot axle (134) that extends laterally outwardly from each configurator frame end (133) so that each of the plural belt configurator assemblies (126), (130), (131 ) is axially pivotal / rotatable relative to the belt shift frame (121 ) to operatively engage a first roller profile (127), or a second roller profile (128), or a third roller profile (129), and to operatively engage a first belt shift guide (138), or to operatively engage a second shift guide (140), or to operatively engage a third belt shift guide (142) with the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein engagement of the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) with the first, or second or third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and with the first, or second, or third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) alters / selects / defines a predetermined product lane (72), (73), (74) having a predetermined width dimension for transporting elongated articles (300) therein and thereon, and wherein each of the first, and second and third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and each of the first, and second, and third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) each defines plural parallel spacedly arrayed radially reduced grooves (135), and each defines plural parallel spacedly arrayed radially enlarged ridges (136) which frictionally communicate with an immediately adjacent endless belt (61 ).

[0019] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) wherein an elongate connecting bar (146) interconnects each of the plural belt configurator frames (132) sothat each of the plural belt configurator assemblies (126), 130), (131 ) pivot in unison; and wherein the elongate connecting bar (146) operatively communicates with a belt shift actuator (144) which, upon receipt of a signal from the controller (220), moves the elongate connecting bar (146) and responsively simultaneously pivots / rotates each of the plural configurator frames (132) so that the predetermined product lane (72), (73), (74) is defined by the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein each of the configurator frames (132) can be pivoted / rotated axially between plural predetermined rotational positions to responsively configure the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into defined product lanes (72), (73), (74).

[0020] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) and further comprising: a finger rack (160) supported by the frame (30) spacedly vertically above the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined by the plurality of endless belts (61 ), the finger rack (160) having a generally rectilinear frame (161 ) that has a first lateral side (162), a spaced apart and parallel second lateral side (163), and having plural parallel spacedly arrayed, finger frames (164) that extend transversely between an inner surface of the first lateral side (162) and an inner surface of the second lateral side (163), and a plurality of spacedly arrayed pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) are carried by each of the finger frames (164) on pivot axles; and each of the pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) has a lower terminal end portion (168) and an opposing top portion (169), and wherein the lower terminal end portion (168) of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) is aligned at a predetermined position relative to the predetermined product lanes (72), (73), (74) to contact any misaligned article (300) that is not within the defined product lane (72), (73), (74) so as to move / deflect the misaligned article (300) into the defined product lane (72), (73), (74); and wherein positional spacing of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) relative to the finger frame (164) adjusts responsive to reconfiguration of the product lanes (72), (73), (74) responsive to operation of the belt shifter (120).

[0021] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) and further comprising: a brushback rotor (180) supported by the frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the pluralityof endless belts (61 ), the brushback rotor (180) having a frame (181 ) carrying an axle (182) that is axially rotated by a drive (186), the axle (182) carrying a plurality of spacedly arrayed brush bristles (184) oriented in a predetermined helical pattern about the axle (182) so that rotation of the axle (182), which rotates in the same direction (187) as the drive drum (83) causes the brush bristles (184) to move counter to a direction of travel of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) which frictionally positionally moves / deflects misaligned elongated articles (300) into the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74).

[0022] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) and further comprising: an inspection station (199) and an inspection system enclosure (200) supported by the frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the plurality of endless belts (61 ) and at a predetermined position relative to a defined inspection area that is within a field of view of a plurality of cameras and a plurality of scanners that is illuminated by the plurality of EM R / light sources within the enclosure (200).

[0023] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) and further comprising: a processing station (229) that has a cutting apparatus (230) carried at the second / discharge end (32) of the frame (30) and spacedly above the plurality of endless belts (61 ), the cutting apparatus (230) having a plurality of axially movable axially aligned and spacedly arrayed cutter wheels (231 ). Each of the plurality cutter wheels (231 ) rotates axially at a predetermined rotational speed Rs that is the same as the linear speed Rs of the plurality of endless belts (61 ). At least one of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is aligned with a product lane (72), (73), (74), and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) has a plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234). The cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicates with the controller (220) so as to extend one or more identified cutter knifes (234) from at least one of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) at a determined instant in time and at a determined location to cut / sever an identified elongated product (300) in an identified product lane (72), (73), (74) at the determined instant in time. Each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is laterally adjustably movable relative to the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74), on a carriage (239) which extends generally transversely across the conveyor belt (60). The cutting apparatus (230)operatively communicates with the controller (220) which, responsive to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined by the plurality of endless belts (61 ) adjustably positions each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) so that the plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) when moved into an extended position transect and identified article 300.

[0024] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) and further comprising: a cutter wheel shift mechanism (250) to align each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) of the cutting apparatus (230) with the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74).

[0025] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) and further comprising: a belt drive (80) on the first side (33) of the frame (30); and a separately operable belt drive (80) on the second side (34) of the frame (30), and the belt drive (80) on the first side (33) of the frame (30) is operable independently and separately from the belt drive (80) on the second side (34) of the frame (30).

[0026] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) and further comprising: a plurality of side by side endless belts (61 ) forming a first conveyor belt (60) on the first side (33) of the frame (30); and a plurality of side by side endless belts (61 ) forming a second conveyor belt (60) on the second side (34) of the frame (30), and the first conveyor belt (60) on the first side (33) of the frame (30) is operable independently and separately from the second conveyor belt (60) on the second side (34) of the frame (30).

[0027] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) and further comprising: a first belt shifter (120) on the first side (33) of the frame (30); and a second belt shifter (120) on the second side (34) of the frame (30), and the first belt shifter (120) on the first side (33) of the frame (30) is operable independently and separately from the second to belt shifter (120) on the second side (34) of the frame (30).

[0028] A further aspect of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles (300) comprising: a stationary monocoque frame (30) that has a first end (31 ), a spaced apart second end (32), a topedge (38) a spaced apart bottom edge (39), a first side (33) formed from a generally planar first side panel (35), a second side (34) formed from a generally planar second side panel (36) and defining a medial chamber (37) between the generally planar first side panel (35) and the generally planar second side panel (36) and between the top edge (38) and the bottom edge (39) and between the first end (31 ) and the second end (32), and wherein a plurality of spacedly arrayed electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic conduits (42) are carried at least partially within the medial chamber (37) and each of the plurality of electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic conduits 40 operatively communicate with a source of electricity and / or a source of pneumatics, and or a source of fluid and at least one electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic connection (43). Support legs (40), each having adjustably positionable feet (41 ) are carried at the first and second ends (31 ), (32) of the frame (30) proximate the bottom edge (39) to support the frame (30) on an underlying supporting surface (302). A first end support beam (44), a second end support beam (45) and a medial support beam (46) each extend laterally outwardly from both the first side (33) and second side (34) of the monocoque frame (30) proximate the first end (31 ), proximate the second end (32) and at a position generally medially therebetween respectively, to each removably carry, at lateral outer end portions thereof, frame side plates (50) that each define a plurality of spacedly arrayed cut-outs (51 ). A feed drum mount (48) is carried at the first end (31 ) of the monocoque frame (30), and a belt drive mount (47) is carried at the second end (32) of the monocoque frame (30). A cutter wheel saddle (49) is carried at the second end (32) of the monocoque frame (30) proximate to and spacedly vertically above the belt drive mount (47). Two conveyor belts (60) are supported upon the frame (30), and each of the two conveyor belts (60) is formed of a plurality of adjacent endless belts (61 ). Each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) has a predetermined circumference / length (62), a product bearing surface (63), a bottom surface (64) opposite the product bearing surface (63), a first lateral side (65) and a second lateral side (66) opposite the first lateral side (65) and defines a width dimension (67) therebetween, or defines a second belt width dimension (68) therebetween, and wherein the first belt width dimension (67) is not the same as a second belt width dimension (68), and wherein the endless belts (61 ) having the first belt width dimension (67) and the endless belts (61 ) having the second belt width dimension (68) are alternatedin side-by-side adjacency to form each of the two conveyor belts (60) and also to define a first product lane (72) having a first product lane width dimension (75) of approximately 11.8 mm, or to define a second product lane (73) having a second product lane width dimension (76) of approximately 17.7 mm, or to define a third product lane (74) having a third product lane width dimension (77) of approximately 30.0 mm. At least one of the endless belts (61 ) having the first belt width dimension (67) or the second belt width dimension (68) defines a drive groove (69) in the bottom surface (64) thereof to engage with a drive drum (83) of a belt drive (80). The belt drive (80) is carried by the frame (30) at least partially within / upon the belt drive mount (47) and has a drive motor (84) which axially rotates the drive drum (83) to drive each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) forming the two conveyor belts (60) at a predetermined and identified rotational speed (Rs) over / about a discharge end drum (82) rotatably carried at the second end (32) of the monocoque frame (30) and over / about a feed end drum (81 ) that is rotatably carried at the first end portion (31 ) of the monocoque frame (30), along / across / over plural spacedly arrayed support drums (85), along / across / over an alignment drum (86), along / across / over a cleaning drum (89), and along / across / over tensioning drum (104) that together provide tension and support and alignment and cleaning to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ). The cleaning drum (89) rotates on an axle (95) and bearings (93) relative to the monocoque frame (30) and defines a first section (90), and defines a second section (91) and defines a third section (92), and each of the first section (90) and the second section (91 ) and the third section (92) define a first cleaning profile (99) or define a second cleaning profile (100) or define a third cleaning profile (101 ) or define a fourth cleaning profile (102). Each cleaning profile (99), (100), (101 ), (102) is formed of parallel spacedly arrayed radial enlargements / ridges (96) and parallel spacedly arrayed radial reductions / grooves (97) that frictional ly engage with the first lateral edge (65) and with the second lateral edge (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) to scrape / brush / remove debris and excess moisture from the lateral edges (65), (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ). A scraper bar (103) proximate the discharge end drum (82) frictional ly communicates with the two conveyor belts 60 to remove debris and excess moisture from the product bearing surface (63) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ). The tensioning drum (104) which operatively communicates with a tensioningdrum actuator (105) and a tensioning actuator lever arm (106) provides a predetermined amount of tension to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and the predetermined amount of tension is monitored by a load cell which operatively communicates with a controller (220) and with the belt drive (80). A belt shifter (120) carried on both the first side (33) and on the second side (34) of the frame (30) defines and alters / selects the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) by adjustably positioning the adjacency of identified ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) relative to one another. The belt shifter (120) has a belt shift frame (121 ) that has a first end portion (122), a second end portion (123), a first lateral side portion (124) a second lateral side portion (125). The belt shift frame (121 ) journals a first direction changing configurator (126) proximate the first end (31 ) of the frame (30), and journals a second direction changing configurator (130) distal from the first end (31 ) of the frame (30), and journals a plurality of spacedly arrayed belt configurator assemblies (131 ) that are each oriented generally parallel to one another and substantially transversely relative to the adjacent conveyor belt (60) and which operatively engage with the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of individual endless belts (61 ). Each belt configurator assembly (126), (130), (131 ) has an elongate belt configurator frame (132), a configurator frame end (133) at each lateral end portion of each configurator frame (132), and a frame pivot axle (134) that extends laterally outwardly from each configurator frame end (133) so that each configurator assembly (126), (130), (131 ) is axially pivotal relative to the belt shift frame (121 ) to operatively engage a first roller profile (127), or a second roller profile (128), or a third roller profile (129), a first belt shift guide (138), or a second belt shift guide (140), or a third belt shift guide (142) with the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ). Engagement of the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) with the first, or second or third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and with the first, or second, or third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) responsively defines / alters / selects a predetermined a product lane (72), (73), (74) configuration in the engaged endless belts (61 ) for transport of elongated articles (300) therein and thereon. Each of the first, and second and third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and each of the first, and second, and third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) define plural parallel spacedly arrayed radially reduced grooves (135), and plural parallel spacedly arrayedradially enlarged ridges (136) which frictionally communicate with an immediately adjacent the endless belt (61 ) to positionally configure the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into a predetermined configuration of product lanes (72), (73), (74). Each of the configurator frames (132) are interconnected with a elongate connecting bar (146) that operatively communicates with a belt shift actuator (144) which, upon receipt of a signal from a controller (220), moves the elongate connecting bar (146) and responsively simultaneously pivots each of the configurator frames (132) so that the predetermined product lane configuration (72), (73), (74) is defined in the adjacent conveyor belt (60). Each of the belt configurator frames (132) can be rotated axially between plural predetermined rotational positions to responsively reconfigure the immediately adjacent conveyor belt (60) into the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74). A finger rack (160) is carried on each side (33), (34) of the frame (30) spacedly vertically above the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60), the finger rack (160) has a frame (161 ) that has a first lateral side (162) a spaced apart and parallel second lateral side (163) with plural parallel spacedly arrayed finger frames (164) that extend transversely between an inner surface of the first lateral side (162) and an inner surface of the second lateral side (163). A plurality of spacedly arrayed pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) are carried by each of the finger frames (164) on pivot axles (165), and each of the pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) has a lower terminal end portion (168) and an opposing top portion (169) that is distal from the conveyor belt (60). The lower terminal end portion (168) of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) is aligned at a predetermined position relative to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) so as to physically contact / deflect any misaligned article (300) on the proximate conveyor belt (60) that is not within the defined product lane (72), (73), (74) so as to move / deflect the misaligned elongated article (300) into the defined product lane (72), (73), (74). Positional spacing of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) relative to the finger frame (164) is adjustable responsive to reconfiguration of the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) responsive to operation of the belt shifter (120). A brushback rotor (180) is carried on each side (33), (34) of the frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the conveyor belt (60) and downstream of the finger rack (160) and upstream of the inspectionstation 199 and the inspection station enclosure (200), the brushback rotor (180) has a frame (181 ) carrying an axle (182) that is axially rotatable by a drive (186). The axle (182) carries a plurality of spacedly arrayed brush bristles (184) oriented in a predetermined helical pattern about the axle (182) so that rotation of the axle (182), which rotates in the same direction (187) as the drive drum (83) causes the brush bristles (184) to move counter to a direction of travel of the two conveyor belts (60) which frictional ly positionally moves / deflects misaligned elongated articles (300) into the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74) or even off the conveyor belt 60. An inspection station (199) has an inspection system enclosure (200) supported by the stationary monocoque frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the two conveyor belts (60) and at a predetermined position relative to a defined inspection area that is within a field of view of a plurality of cameras and a plurality of scanners, and a plurality of EMR receivers that is illuminated by the plurality of light sources / EMR emitters. A processing station (229) has a cutting apparatus (230) carried at the second / discharge end (32) of the frame (30) and spacedly above each conveyor belt (60), the cutting apparatus (230) has a plurality of axially aligned, and axially laterally movable, and spacedly arrayed cutter wheels (231 ). Each of the plurality cutter wheels (231 ) rotates axially at a predetermined rotational speed Rs that matches the rotational speed Rs of the respective conveyor belt (60) and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is aligned with a product lane (72), (73), (74) and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) has a plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234). The cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicating with the controller (220) so as to extend one or more identified cutter knifes (234) from at least one of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) at a determined instant in time and at a determined location to cut / sever identified product (300) at the determined instant in time. Each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is positionally adjustable relative to the adjacent conveyor belt (60) on a carriage (239) which extends generally transversely across the proximate conveyor belt (60). The cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicates with the controller (220) which, responsive to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) adjustably positions each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) so that the plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) when moved into an extended position, transect a line that is aligned with the product lanes (72), (73), (74). Acutter wheel shifter (250) operatively communicates with the controller (220) to align the cutter wheels (231) of the cutting apparatus (230) with the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the conveyor belts (60). The controller (220) operatively communicates with the inspection system apparatus (202, 203, 204) within the inspection system enclosure (200) so as to control the inspection system.

[0029] An even still further aspect of the present invention is the maximization of yield by identifying individual elongated articles (300) that have a defect at a specific portion / location thereof, while the remaining portions of the identified elongated article (300) are acceptable, and removing only the defective part / portion of the identified elongated article while retaining the remaining portion for the desired use which minimizes loss, and increases yield.

[0030] These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is an orthographic second side view of the conveyor assembly for aligning and transporting a stream of the elongated articles for inspection and processing.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective first side view of the monocoque frame viewed from the first end.

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective first side view of the monocoque frame, similar to that of Figure 2 showing the medial chamber populated with the conduits, and the frame partially populated with additional components.

[0035] Figure 4 is a perspective first side and first end view of the monocoque frame similar to Fig. 2 showing the frame side plates, the feed end drums and the discharge end drums.

[0036] Figure 5 is a perspective second side and first end view of the monocoque frame showing the belt shifter within the frame.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective second side and first end view of the monocoque frame, similar to that of Figure 5, showing the finger rack.

[0038] Figure 7 is a perspective second side view of the monocoque frame, taken from the second end portion showing the brush back rotors and the processing station.

[0039] Figure 8 is an orthographic second side view of the conveyor assembly.

[0040] Figure 9 is an orthographic, partial cutaway, second side view of the conveyor assembly of Figure 8, showing the belt shifter within the frame.

[0041] Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the belt shifter.

[0042] Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the finger rack.

[0043] Figure 12 is an enlarged cutaway view of a cutter wheel shift mechanism.

[0044] Figure 13 is a perspective top, second side and second end view of the conveyor assembly with the conveyor belts, less the inspection system enclosure.

[0045] Figure 14 is a perspective side, and end view, of the cutting apparatus of a first processing station.

[0046] Figure 15 is a perspective bottom, second end and second side view of the conveyor assembly showing the conveyor belts below the frame.

[0047] Figure 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the cleaning drum.

[0048] Figure 17 is a perspective bottom, first end and second side view of the conveyor assembly showing the conveyor belts passing under the frame.

[0049] Figure 18 is an enlarged cutaway perspective view of the cleaning drum and tensioning drum.

[0050] Figure 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the cleaning drum.

[0051] Figure 20 is a perspective cross section view of the cleaning drum.

[0052] Figure 21 is an enlarged cross section view of a portion of the cleaning drum showing the plural cleaning profiles.

[0053] Figure 22 is an enlarged perspective view of a belt configurator assembly.

[0054] Figure 22A is an orthographic end view of the belt configurator assembly showing alignment and orientation of the belt guides.

[0055] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the plurality of endless belts forming a conveyor belt.

[0056] Figure 24A is an enlarged orthographic cross-section end view of the plurality of endless belts upon the first belt guide defining a first product lane configuration.

[0057] Figure 24B is an enlarged orthographic cross-section end view of the plurality of endless belts upon the second belt guide defining a second product lane configuration.

[0058] Figure 24C is an enlarged orthographic cross-section end view of the plurality of endless belts upon the third belt guide defining a third product lane configuration.

[0059] Figure 24D is an orthographic cross section view of one of the endless belts.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Our conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting a stream of elongated articles (300) for inspection and processing generally provides a stationary monocoque frame (30); two separately operable conveyor belts (60), each of the separately operable conveyor belts (60) is comprised of a plurality of adjacent endless belts (61 ); a belt drive (80) that powers the plurality of endless belts (61 ); a belt shifter (120) that configures the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into defined products lanes (72), (73), (74) each defined product lane (72), (73), (74) having a predetermined width dimension; a finger rack (160); a brushback rotor (180); an inspection station (199); a processing station (229) having a cutting apparatus (230); and a controller (220).

[0061] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated, our conveyor assembly, (29), for aligning and transporting a stream of elongated articles (300) through the inspection station (199), and through the processing station (229) in which the elongated articles (300) are aligned in a single depth and in single file in a plurality of parallel transversely spaced product lanes (72), (73), (74) as the elongated articles (300) are conveyed. The elongated articles (300) are preferably elongated potato sections referred to as "French Fries" however other elongated articles (300) may similarly be aligned, transported, inspected and processed by our conveyor apparatus (29).

[0062] One objective of the present invention is to inspect and process large volumes of elongated articles (300) at high speed and to align the elongated articles (300) with respect to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) as the elongated articles (300) pass through the inspection station (199) and through the processing station (229) so that accurate, large volume inspection and processing of the elongated articles (300) can be accomplished and so that yield is maximized and loss is minimized.

[0063] A variety of known inspection apparatus such as, but not limited to, illumination devices / lights / EMR emitters (not shown), cameras (not shown), scanners (not shown), EMR receivers (not shown) and the like are located / housed within the inspection system enclosure (200) of the inspection station (199). The processing station (229) further includes a cutting apparatus (230) for removing and / or treating or processing identified undesirable articles (300), or identified portions thereof.

[0064] The invention may include an upstream article feed means (307) for initially receiving a volume of the elongated articles (300) generally in an unseparated or jumbled mass and for initially separating the elongated articles (300) into a single layer and discharging the articles (300) onto two conveyor belts (60) proximate to a first end (31 ) of a stationary frame (30).

[0065] The conveyor assembly (29) is supported on the stationary monocoque frame (30). As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the stationary monocoque frame (30) is elongate and has a first end (31 ), a second end (32), a top edge (38) a bottom edge (39), a first side (33) formed from a generally planar first side panel (35), a second side (34) formed from a generally planar second side panel (36) and defining a medial chamber (37) between the first side panel (35) and the second side panel (36) and between the top edge (38) and the bottom edge (39) and between the first end (31 ) and the second end (32). The planar side panels (35), (36) provide a portion of the structural integrity of the monocoque frame (30). Various spacedly arrayed openings (not shown) may be defined in the side panels (35), (36) to provide access to the medial chamber (37) so that the interior surfaces of the medial chamber, and the components therein may be cleaned and maintained and accessed as necessary and / or desired.

[0066] A plurality of spacedly arrayed electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic conduits (42) are carried at least partially within the medial chamber (37) to provide power,electricity, pneumatics, fluids, and the like, to various components at spaced apart locations on the frame (30). Placement of the various conduits (42) within the medial chamber (37) reduces the footprint of the conveyor assembly (29) and allows each of the two conveyor belts (60) and processing stations (229) supported by the frame (30) to operate independently of one another. Each of the plurality of electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic conduits (42) communicate with a source of electrical energy (not shown), a pneumatic source (not shown), a source of pressurized air (not shown) and / or a source of fluid (not shown) such as, but not limited to water. Each of the conduits (42) has at least one electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic connection (43) so that electricity, pneumatics, and / or fluids may be provided to the conduits (42) and / or received from the respective conduit (42).

[0067] Laterally extending support legs (40), each having adjustably positionable feet (41 ) are carried at the first and second ends (31), (32) of the frame (30) proximate the bottom edge (39) to provide support for the frame (30) on an underlying supporting surface. Portions of the support legs (40) may provide guides / support for the conveyor belt (60) as the conveyor belt (60) passes under the frame (30) on a return path from the second end (32) to the first end (31 ).

[0068] A first end support beam (44), a second end support beam (45) and a medial support beam (46) are carried by the frame (30 and each beam (44), (45), (46) extends laterally outwardly from both the first side (33) and second side (34) of the monocoque frame (30) proximate the first end (31 ), proximate the second end (32) and at a position generally medially therebetween respectively. Bottom surfaces of the support beams (44), (45), (46) may provide guides / supports for the conveyor belt (60) as the conveyor belt (60) passes under the frame (30) on a return path from the second end (32) to the first end (31 ). Removable frame side plates (50) are carried at laterally outer end portions of the first, second and medial support beams (44), (45), (46) respectively. The removable frame side plates (50) each define a plurality of spacedly arrayed cut-outs (51 ). Removability of the frame side plates (50) allow ease of replacement / repair of the conveyor belts (60), and / or individual ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ). For example, removing the frame side plates (50) allows replacement endless belts (61 ) tobe installed as a single pieces which do not require welding and or joining end portions which is an improvement over known apparatus.

[0069] A feed drum mount (48) is carried at the first end (31 ) of the monocoque frame (30), and a drive drum mount (47) is carried at the second end (32) of the monocoque frame (30). A cutter wheel saddle (49) is carried at the second end (32) of the monocoque frame (30) proximate to and spacedly vertically above the belt drive mount (47).

[0070] The two conveyor belts (60) rotate about plural spaced apart drums that are supported upon the frame (30), and each of the two conveyor belts (60) is formed of a plurality of endless belts (61 ) that are each positioned immediately adjacent one another, and are slidably movable relative to one another. Each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) is preferably formed of continuous plastic material that is food safe, durable and somewhat lengthwise stretchable.

[0071] The exterior surfaces of the endless belts (63), (64), (65), (66) are preferably smooth enabling each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) to easily slide vertically with respect to an immediately adjacent belt (61 ). Approximately every other endless belt (61 ) defines an inverted U-shaped drive groove (69) in a bottom surface (64). The upper product bearing surfaces (63) of the plurality of adjacent endless belts (61 ) cooperatively form the two conveyor belts (60) that extend from the first feed end portion (59) that is generally planar / flat, then over the first bed section (78) that is generally corrugated in configuration, over the second bed section (79) that is generally planar / flat ,and then to the second discharge end portion (110). The inspection station (119) and the processing station (229) are at the second bed section (79).

[0072] Plural side by side endless belts (61 ) are illustrated in cross section in FIGS. 24A, 24B and 24C. Each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), A, B has a substantially rectangular cross section which includes an upper product bearing surface (63), an opposing bottom surface (64), a first lateral side (65) and a second lateral side (66). As shown in the Figures, belt A defines a first belt width dimension (75), and belt B defines a second belt width dimension (76). The first belt width dimension (75) is not the same as the second belt width dimension (76). The first belt width dimension (75), and the second belt width dimension (76) are dimensions that separately, or in various combinationsdefine various predetermined desired product lane (72), (73), (74) widths (75), (76), (77) for aligning and transporting various width elongated articles (300).

[0073] Endless belts (61 ), A, B having the first belt width dimension (75), A, and endless belts (61 ) having the second belt width dimension (76), (B) are alternated in side- by-side adjacency to form each of the two conveyor belts (60) and also to define the first product lane (72) having a first product lane width dimension (75) of approximately 11.8 mm, or to define the second product lane (73) having a second product lane width dimension (76) of approximately 17.7 mm, or to define the third product lane (74) having a third product lane width dimension (77) of approximately 30.0 mm. Other / additional product lane width dimensions (75), (76), (77) are also contemplated and possible with various combinations of the A and B belts.

[0074] As shown in Figure 9, the two conveyor belts (60) each extend over a first feed end portion (59) that may be generally flat / planar, and then over the first bed section(78) that is carried / supported by the belt shifter (120) and which defines the individual product lanes (72), (73), (74). The first bed section (78) is supported upon the bed shifter (120) which engages and lifts and positions identified ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) vertically and laterally to define the individual product lanes (72), (73, (74).

[0075] The two conveyor belts (60) each further include the second bed section(79), that is immediately downstream of the first bed section (78). The second bed section (79) is downstream from the bed shifter (120) and configures / supports the plurality of endless belts (61 ) so that each of the upper product bearing surfaces (63) thereof are vertically aligned to form a substantially flat / planar conveying surface with the elongated articles (300) aligned thereon as they move into and through the inspection station (199) and into and through the processing station (229).

[0076] The belt shifter (120) operatively engages with the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) in the first bed section (78) so that identified ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) may be shifted vertically and / or shifted laterally so that a desired product lanes (72), (73), (74) are defined in each of the two conveyor belts (60). In Figure 24A, belts A, having a first belt width dimension (75) are journaled in the grooves (135), whereas in Figure 24B, belts B, having a second belt width dimension (76) are journaled in the grooves (135). In Figure 24C, both one belt A and one belt B aresimultaneously journaled in the grooves (135) and also both a belt A and a belt B are supported upon the ridges (136) to define the product lanes (72), (73), (74). The positional shift of the endless belts (61) is accomplished by simultaneous axial rotation of the plurality of belt configurator assemblies (131 ) under the first bed section (78) as will be discussed in more detail herein.

[0077] The belt drive (80) is carried by the frame (30) at the second end portion (32) thereof and has a drive motor (84) which axially rotates the drive drum (83) to drive each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) forming the two conveyor belts (60) at a predetermined, and measured / maintained rotational speed (Rs) over / about a discharge end drum (82) rotatably carried at the second end (32) of the monocoque frame (30) and over / about a feed end drum (81 ) that is rotatably carried at the first end portion (31 ) of the monocoque frame (30). Each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) forming the two conveyor belts (60) are further driven along / across / over plural spacedly arrayed support drums (85) supporting the second bed section (79), along / across / over an alignment drum (not shown), along / across / over a cleaning drum (89) and along / across / over tensioning drum (104) that together provide / apply tension and support and alignment and cleaning to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ).

[0078] As shown in Figure 16, the cleaning drum (89) rotates relative to the frame (30) on an axle (95) and bearings (93). The cleaning drum (89), Figure 20, defines a first section (90), and / or defines a second section (91 ) and / or defines a third section (92). As shown in Figure 21 , each of the first section (90) and / or the second section (91 ) and / or the third section (92) define a first cleaning profile (99) and / or define a second cleaning profile (100), and / or define a third cleaning profile (101 ) and / or define a fourth cleaning profile 102. Each cleaning profile (99), (100), (101 ), (102) is formed of spacedly arrayed radial enlargements / ridges (96) and spacedly arrayed radial reductions / grooves (97) that frictional ly engage with the first lateral edge (65) and with the second lateral edge (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) to scrape / brush / remove debris from the lateral edges (65), (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ). Various combinations of the different cleaning profiles (99), (100), (101 ), (102) on the cleaning drum (89) are contemplated and may be beneficial in maintaining the cleanliness of the plurality ofendless belts (61 ) during conveying and processing various kinds of elongated articles (300).

[0079] A scraper bar (103) (Figure 18) proximate below the discharge end drum (82) frictionally communicates with each conveyor belt (60) to remove debris and moisture from the product bearing surface (63) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ). Continuously physically scraping the product bearing surface (63) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) prevents a buildup of excess moisture, starch / cellulose / dirt, debris thereon, and enhances accuracy, efficiency and long-term operability.

[0080] The tensioning drum (104) (Figure 18) operatively communicates with each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ). A tensioning drum actuator (105) and a tensioning actuator lever arm (106) provide a predetermined amount of tension to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 )). The predetermined amount of tension is monitored by a load cell (not shown). The load cell and the tensioning actuator (105) operatively communicate with the controller (220). Tension applied to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) comprising the conveyor belts (60) is lessened and increased by the controller (220) responsive to switching / changing the predetermined product lane configuration(72), (73), (74).

[0081] A belt shifter (120) is carried on both the first side (33) of the frame (30) and on the second side (34) of the frame (30). Because each belt shifter (120) is structurally and functionally the same, only one will be described in detail herein. The provision of two separate belt shifters (120), one on each side of the frame (30), allows each of the two conveyor belts (60) two be operated independently from the other, such as when, but not limited to, an endless belt (61 ) on one of the two conveyors (60) needs to be repaired / replaced. The belt shifter (120) is positioned vertically immediately below the first bed section (78) and operatively selects / alters / defines the desired product lanes (72),(73), (74) by adjustably positioning the adjacency of identified ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) relative to one another.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10, the belt shifter (120) has a belt shift frame (121 ) (shown in dashed outline) that has a first end portion (122), a second end portion (123), a first lateral side portion (124) and a second lateral side portion (125). The belt shift frame (121 ) journals a first change configurator (126) at the first end portion (122) of the beltshift frame (121 ), and journals a second change configurator (130) at the second end portion (123) of the belt shift frame (121 ). The belt shift frame (121 ) further journals a plurality of spacedly arrayed belt configurator assemblies (131 ) between the first configurator (126) and the second configurator (130). As shown in the Figures, each of the plurality of belt configurator assemblies (131 ) carries plural slide blocks that are not rotationally movable, that each define a sliding surface for the bottom surface (64) of each belt (61 ). The plurality of configurator assemblies (131 ) are each oriented generally parallel to one another and substantially transversely relative to each of the two conveyor belts (60). Each configurator assembly (126), (130), (131 ) has an elongate configurator frame (132) that has a frame end (133) at each lateral end portion of each configurator frame (132). A frame pivot axle (134) extends laterally outwardly from each frame end (133) so that each configurator assembly (126), (130), (131 ) is axially pivotal relative to the belt shift frame (121 ). Simultaneous axial pivoting / rotation of the plural configurator assemblies (126), (130), (131 ) relative to the belt shifter frame 121 operatively engages a first roller profile (127), or a second roller profile (128), or a third roller profile (129) (of the first and second change configurators 126, 130 respectively), and a first belt shift guide (138), or a second belt shift guide (140), or a third belt shift guide (142) (of the configurator guide assemblies 131 ) with the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ). Engagement of the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) with the first, or second or third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and with the first, or second, or third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) responsively selects / alters / defines the product lane (72), (73), (74) configuration in the two conveyor belts (60) for transport of elongated articles (300) therein and thereon. Each of the first, and second and third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and each of the first, and second, and third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) define plural parallel spacedly arrayed radially reduced grooves (135), and plural parallel spacedly arrayed radially enlarged ridges (136) which frictionally communicate with the immediately adjacent the endless belt (61 ) to positionally configure the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into a predetermined configuration of product lanes (72), (73), (74) in the first bed section (78) of the adjacent conveyor belt (60).

[0083] Best shown in Figure 10 each of the configurator frames (132) is interconnected with a elongate connecting bar (146) that operatively communicates with a belt shift actuator (144) which is interconnected to the frame (30). Upon receipt of a signal from the controller (220), the belt shift actuator (144) expands / contracts / rotates / translates to move the elongate connecting bar (146) and responsively simultaneously pivot each of the configurator assemblies (126), (130), (131 ) so that the predetermined product lane configuration (72), (73), (74) is defined in the first bed section (78) of the adjacent conveyor belt (60). Each of the configurator assemblies (126), (130), (131 ) can be rotated axially between plural predetermined rotational positions to responsively reconfigure the immediately adjacent conveyor belt (60) into defined product lanes (72), (73), (74) in the first bed section (78). As can be seen in Figure 24A, as each configurator frame (132) is rotated about the axle (134), a distance (d) between the axle (134) and position A (147), and position B (148), and position C (149) is the same so that each of the endless belts (61 ) that engage with the selected belt shift guide (138), (140), (142) is positionally moved vertically approximately the same distance. In addition, it will be noted from review of Figure 24A, that between belt guides (138) and belt guides (140) and belt guides (142) there is a “space / depression” so that each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) is provided some amount of slack between the belt (61 ) and the belt guide (138), (140), (142) as the configurator frame (132) is rotated between to the desired position A (147), and position B (148), and position C (149) to defined the desired product lane (72), (73), (74).

[0084] As shown in Figures 24A, 24B and 24C in a preferred embodiment, there is a plurality of A belts and a plurality of B belts. Belt B has a belt width (68) that is wider than belt width (57) of belt A, so that the conveyor assembly (29) may be configured into plural different width product lanes (72), (73), (74) each having a predetermined product lane width dimension (75), (76), (77) respectively. Three configurations of defined product lanes (72), (73), (74) allows various types of elongated articles (300), such as but not limited to, French Fries, each of which have different width and thickness measurements / dimensions to be processed at high volume and with a high degree of accuracy. A first common standard of French Fries has a width and thickness dimension of approximately about 11 mm, and such first standard of French fries is aligned andtransported in the first defined product lane (72). A second common standard of French Fries has a width and thickness dimension of approximately about 17 mm, and such second standard of French Fries is aligned and transported in the second defined product lane (73). A third common standard of French Fries (sometimes referred to as “steak fries”) has a width and thickness dimension of approximately about 27 mm, and such third standard of French fries / steak fries is aligned and transported in the third defined product lane (74).

[0085] A finger rack (160) is carried on each side (33), (34) of the frame (30) spacedly vertically above the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60). As shown in Figure 11 , the finger rack (160) has a generally rectilinear frame (161 ) that has a first lateral side (162) a spaced apart and parallel second lateral side (163). Plural parallel spacedly arrayed finger frames (164) extend transversely between an inner surface of the first lateral side (162) and an inner surface of the second lateral side (163). A plurality of spacedly arrayed pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) are carried by each of the finger frames (164) on pivot axles (165). The fingers 167 may be biased, such as with a spring (not shown) to a predetermined orientation. Each of the pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) has a lower terminal end portion (168) and an opposing top portion (169). The lower terminal end portion (168) of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) is aligned at a predetermined position relative to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) (preferably on the raised ridges) to deflect any misaligned article (300) that is not within the defined product lane (72), (73), (74). The physical contact between the alignment finger (167) and the misaligned article (300) to deflects the misaligned article (300) into the defined product lane (72), (73), (74). The positional spacing and alignment of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) relative to the finger frame (164) and relative to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) is adjustable responsive to reconfiguration of the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60). Reconfiguration may be automatic responsive to operation of the belt shifter (120), or performed manually. As shown in Figure 11 , the fingers (167) are staggered in rows to maximize the opportunity for a crosswise oriented elongated articles (300) to be deflected into a defined product lane (72), (73), (74).

[0086] Downstream of the finger rack (160), and upstream of the inspection station (199), a brushback rotor (180) is carried by the frame (30) vertically spacedly above the first bed section (78). The brushback rotor (180) has a frame (181 ) carrying an axle (182) that extends substantially transversely across the proximate conveyor belt (60) and is rotatable by a drive unit (not shown) that may be carried within the medial chamber (37) of the stationary frame (30). The axle (182) carries a plurality of spacedly arrayed brush bristles (185) oriented in a predetermined helical pattern about the axle (182) so that rotation of the axle (182), which rotates in the same direction (187) as the drive drum (83) causes the brush bristles (184) to move counter to a direction of travel of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and counter to the direction of travel of any elongated articles 300, carried within the product lanes (72), (73), (74). Physical contact between the counterrotating bristles (184) and any misaligned article (300), or piggy backed article (300) deflects / moves the contacted misaligned / piggy backed article (300) into the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74), or in some instances even laterally off the adjacent conveyor belt (60), and off the side (33), (34) of the frame (30). The brush bristles (184) preferably do not physical ly contact any part of the product bearing surface (64) of the conveyor belts (60), nor even the raised ridges (not shown) that separate the parallel grooves / troughs, rather the brush bristles (184) preferably only physically contact elongated articles (300) that are either misaligned with the predetermined product lanes (72), (73), (74) and thus lying angularly / across the defined product lane (72), (73), (74), or which are stacked on top of another elongated article (300) such that the articles (300) are more than single level in depth. The helical pattern of the brush bristles (184) on the counter-rotating axle (182) cause an angular / laterally outward movement of any article (300) contacted by the bristles (184).

[0087] While being transported over a first bed section (78), (Figure 9) the elongated articles (300) are stabilized and aligned longitudinally within the defined individual product lanes (72), (73), (74). As the plurality of endless belts (61 ) move in unison toward the second bed section (79) (Figure 9), identified ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) are progressively lowered / raised so that as the plurality of endless belts (61 ) pass into and over the second bed section (79). In the second bed section (79) the upper product bearing surfaces (63) of the belts (61 ) are substantially aligned with oneanother forming the flat / planar conveying surface which is passed into the inspection station (119) which is positioned generally vertically above the second bed section (79) so that additional portions / lateral surfaces of each elongated article (300) may be illuminated and inspected within the inspection station (119) without interference which may be caused by portions of immediately adjacent belts (61 ) that could hinder / interfere with inspection of the elongated articles (300). The flat conveying surface is thereafter passed into and through the processing station (229) which is downstream of the inspection station (119).

[0088] The inspection station (199) includes an inspection system enclosure (200) that is supported by the stationary monocoque frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the two conveyor belts (60) and at a predetermined position relative to a defined inspection area that is within a field of view of a plurality of cameras and a field of view of a plurality of scanners and that is illuminated by the plurality of EMR / light sources. The inspection station (199) and the inspection system enclosure (200) are positioned spacedly vertically above the second bed section (79) of the conveyor belts (60) whereat the product lanes (72), (73), (74) are no longer defined in the conveyor belts (60) because the plurality of endless belts (61) have transitioned off the belt shifter (120) so that the product bearing surface (63) is substantially flat / planar. Despite the absence of the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74) each of the elongated articles (300) continue to move along the respective conveyor belt (60) in the single file and in the spaced alignment that was established by the product lanes (72), (73), (74).

[0089] Each of the predetermined product lanes (72), (73), 74) define a center line (not shown) that extends along the length of the conveyor belt (60) from the first bed section (78) and across the second bed section (79). Lateral spacing of the centerlines, from one another, changes responsive to changing of the predetermined product lanes (72), (73), 74) responsive to activation of the belt shifter (120). As noted previously, the centerlines extend across the second bed section (79) and under / through the inspection station (199) and the processing station (229). The controller (220) performs mathematical / trigonometry / angle calculations relative to the centerlines of the predetermined product lanes (72), (73), 74) to calculate / determine an amount of lateral translation each cutter wheel (231 ) must be moved so that a cutting knife (234), whenextended from the cutting wheel (231 ), transects the center line to efficiently sever the identified article (300) having the identified defect.

[0090] The processing station (299) is downstream of the inspection station (199) and may include a cutting apparatus (230) that is carried proximate the second / discharge end (32) of the frame (30) and spacedly above each of the two the conveyor belts (60). In the preferred embodiment (Figures 13, 14), the cutting apparatus (230) has a plurality of axially aligned, axially movable, and spacedly arrayed cutter wheels (231 ) that extend substantially entirely across a width (242) of the respective conveyor belt (60). Each of the plurality cutter wheels (231 ) is powered by a drive (240) that rotates each of the cutter wheels (231) at a predetermined rotational speed Rs that is the same as / is substantially the same as the rotational speed Rs of the adjacent conveyor belt (60) so that the cutting / severing of any identified article (300) does not stop / materially slow movement of the article (300). Each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is aligned with an imaginary line (not shown) that extends along the second bed section (79), and which is aligned with a center line (not shown) defined by each product lane (72), (73), (74) defined in first bed section of each conveyor belt (60). Each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) has a plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) aligned with the single file line of articles (300) coming from the product lanes (72), (73), (74). The cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicates with the controller (220) so that when a defect is identified in an identified article( 300) at the inspection station (199), the controller (220) sends a signal to the cutting apparatus (230) to extend one or more identified cutter knifes (234) from the at least one cutter wheel (231 ) at a determined instant in time and at a determined location to cut / sever the identified defect from the identified article (300) at the determined instant in time. Each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is adjustably positionable (axially / laterally) relative to the adjacent conveyor belt (60) on a carriage (239) which extends transversely across the proximate conveyor belt (60). The cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicates with the controller (220) which, responsive to the position of the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the first bed section (78) of the two conveyor belts (60) adjustably positions each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) so that the plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) when moved into an extended position, transect an imaginary line (not shown) that extendsalong the second bed section 79, and which is aligned with each of the product lanes (72), (73), (74).

[0091] The processing station (229) further includes a cutter wheel shifter (250) that operatively communicates with the controller (220) to laterally axially move and to align each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) of the cutting apparatus (230) with the lines of the elongated articles (300) coming from the product lanes (72), (73), (74). The cutter wheel shifter (250) (Figure 14) employees pneumatics and mechanics to adjustably axially move each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) relative to one another, and relative to the adjacent conveyor belt (60), so that identified ones of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) are aligned with the single file lines of elongated articles (300) discharged from the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the first bed section (78), onto the second bed section (79). The range of motion of each cutter wheel (231 ) is approximately 17mm. The second bed section (79) of the conveyor belts (60) are generally planar so that an extended cutter knife (231 ) may fully transect / cut and identified article (300) without interference from any one of the endless plural endless belts (61 ).

[0092] The controller (220), which may be, but is not limited to, a computer processor, operatively communicates with inspection system apparatus within the inspection system enclosure (200) to control the inspection station (199). The controller (220) further operatively communicates with the belt shifter (120) and the processing station (229), and the cutter wheel shifter (250) to align various of the plurality of cutter wheels (231) relative to the single file lines of articles (300) being transported upon the second bed section (79) of the conveyor belts (60), and to send signals to the various cutter wheels (231 ) causing the various cutter wheels (231 ) to extend, and to retract identified cutter knives (234) at identified locations, and at identified instants in time.OPERATION

[0093] The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.

[0094] In its broadest aspect, the prevent invention relates to a conveyor assembly, (29), for aligning and transporting a stream of elongated articles (300) through an inspection station (199), and through an processing station (229) in which the elongated articles (300) are aligned in single file in a plurality of parallel transversely spaced product lanes (72), (73), (74) as the elongated articles (300) are conveyed.

[0095] An upstream article feed means (307) initially receives a large volume of the elongated articles (300) generally in an unseparated or jumbled mass. Each elongated article (300) making up the volume of elongated articles (300) typically has substantially similar cross section dimensions (width and height). For example only, and not limited to, “standard French Fries” or “crinkle cut French Fries” or “steak fries” each of which have different cross sectional dimensions. The article feed means (307) may include a vibratory conveying bed, a shaker, or an inclined chute or other known apparatus / structure. The upstream article feed means (307) may initially separate the elongated articles (300) into a single layer and discharge the articles (300) onto the two conveyor belts (60) proximate to a first end (31 ) of the stationary frame (30).

[0096] An operator (not shown) using the controller (220) actuates the bed shifter actuator (144) which moves the interconnected elongate connecting bar (146) which responsively pivots all of belt configurator assemblies (126), (130, (131 ) to engage the desired rollers (127), (128), (129) and the desired belt guides (138), (140), (142) with the bottom surfaces (64) of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) to cause the endless belts to move, relative to one another, to define the desired product lane (72), (73), (74) in the first bed section (78) of the conveyor belt (60).

[0097] As the elongated articles (300) drop off the discharge end of the article feed means (307), the articles (300) may initially be jumbled and haphazardly aligned relative to the two conveyor belts (60) and relative to one another as the articles (300) are deposited on the feed end (59) of the conveyor belt (60). As the articles (300) are conveyed onto the first bed section 78) at least some of the elongated articles (300) fall, under the force of gravity, into the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74), which confine the elongated articles (300) and prevent the articles (300) from moving laterally. Those elongated articles (300) that do not fall into the defined a product lanes (72), (73), (74), and which may be aligned at least partially transversely to the product lanes and (72),(73), (74), or which are stacked / piggybacked upon one another, are passed along within the product lanes (72), (73), (74), to the finger rack (160) and to the brushback rotors (180) which both provide further means to align the elongated articles (300) into the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74), and in a single depth.

[0098] After the elongated articles (300) are aligned in the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74), the elongated articles (300), which are now in single file orientation, pass off the first bed section (78) onto the second bed section (79). The second bed section (79) extends into and through the inspection station (199) whereat the elongated articles (300) are subjected to illumination and inspection by the inspection system apparatus whereat defects in the elongated articles (300) are identified. Thereafter, the elongated articles (300) are transported by the second bed section (79) of the conveyor belt (60) into and through the processing station (229) whereat the identified defects in the elongated articles (300 are removed from / severed from the identified elongated articles (300) by cutter knives (234) ejected from cutter wheels (231 ) that rotate at the same speed as the conveyor belts (60) move. The elongated articles (300) and the removed to defective portions thereof are transported off the discharge end (110) of the conveyor belts (60) whereat the removed / defective portions are separated from the elongated articles (300) that are desirable. It is to be noted that large defects identified in various elongated articles (300) may be cut / severed into small pieces by plural cutter knives (234) being extended from the cutter wheel (231 ) simultaneously or sequentially, so that the removed / severed defect has a predetermined size dimension that may be sorted / removed by means of a grating that has orifices of a predetermined size through which removed defects may pass while acceptable portions of the elongated articles (300) may not pass. Such grated sorting has proven to be both efficient and economical.

[0099] A principal object of the present invention is a conveyor (29) for aligning and moving products (300) comprising: a stationary monocoque frame (30) that has a first end (31 ), a spaced apart second end (32), a top edge (38) a spaced apart bottom edge (39), a first side (33), a second side (34) and defining a chamber (37) between the first side (33) and the second side (34) and between the top edge (38) and the bottom edge (39) and between the first end (31 ) and the second end (32), and wherein a plurality of spacedly arrayed conduits (42) are carried at least partially within the chamber (37), andlaterally extending support legs (40), are carried at the first and second ends (31 ), (32) of the frame (30) proximate the bottom edge (39) to provide support for the frame (30) on an underlying supporting surface (302), and plural spacedly arrayed support beams (44), (45), (46) each extend laterally outwardly from both the first side (33) and second side (34) of the frame (30) proximate the first end (31), proximate the second end (32) and at a position generally medially therebetween respectively, and a feed drum mount (48) is carried at the first end (31 ) of the frame (30), and a belt drive mount (47) is carried at the second end (32) of the frame (30) and a cutter wheel saddle (49) is carried at the second end (32) of the frame (30); and a conveyor belt (60) comprised of plural endless belts (61 ) and one of the plural endless belts (61 ) has a first belt width dimension (67) and another one of the plural endless belts (61 ) has a second belt width dimension (68), and the endless belts (61 ) having the first belt width dimension (67) and the endless belts (61 ) having the second belt width dimension (68) are alternated in adjacency so that the conveyor (29) may define a first product lane (72) or define a second product lane (73) or define a third product lane (74); and a belt drive (80) is carried by the frame (30) at least partially within / upon the belt drive mount (47) and the belt drive (80) has a drive motor (84) which axially rotates a drive drum (83) carried by the frame (30) to drive each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) at a predetermined speed (Rs) over / about a discharge end drum (82) rotatably carried by the frame (30) and about a feed end drum (81 ) that is rotatably carried by the frame (30), and a belt shifter (120) supported by the frame (30) that, responsive to a signal, selects / alters / defines product lanes (72), (73), (74) in a first bed section (78) of the conveyor belt (60) by adjustably positioning the adjacency of identified ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) relative to one another, the belt shifter (120) having a belt shift frame (121 ) that journals plural spacedly arrayed belt configurator assemblies (126), (130), (131 ) which operatively engage with bottom surfaces (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), to positionally configure the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into at least one predetermined product lane (72), (73), (74); and a controller (220) operatively communicating with the belt drive (80) and with the belt shifter (120) to measure, adjust and maintain a predetermined belt speed (Rs), and to operatively control the belt configuration.

[0100] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) wherein each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) has a predetermined circumference / length (62), a product bearing surface (63), a bottom surface (64) opposite the product bearing surface (63), a first lateral side (65) and a second lateral side (66) defining a first belt width dimension (67) therebetween, or defining a second belt width dimension (68) therebetween; and wherein the first belt width dimension (67) is not the same as a second belt width dimension (68).

[0101] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) wherein the plurality of endless belts (61 ) are configured / positioned by the belt shifter (120) into predetermined product lanes (72), (73), (74), and each product lane (72), (73), (74) has a first product lane width dimension (75) of approximately 11.8 mm, or a second product lane width dimension (76) of approximately 17.7 mm, or a third product lane width dimension (77) of approximately 30.0 mm; and wherein at least one of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) having the first belt width dimension (67) or the second belt width dimension (68) defines a drive groove (69) in a bottom surface (64) to engage with a drive drum (83).

[0102] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) wherein the plurality of endless belts (61 ) each move along / across / over plural spacedly arrayed support drums (85), along / across / over an alignment drum (86), along / across / over a cleaning drum (89) and along / across / over tensioning drum (104) all supported by the frame (30) that together provide tension and support and alignment and cleaning to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein the cleaning drum (89) rotates on an axle (95) and bearings (93) relative to the frame (30); and the cleaning drum (89) defines a first section (90), and defines a second section (91 ) and defines a third section (92), and each of the first section (90) and the second section (91) and the third section (92) define a first cleaning profile (99) or define a second cleaning profile (100) or define a third cleaning profile (101 ) or define a fourth cleaning profile (102) and where in each cleaning profile (99), (100), (101 ), (102) is formed of spacedly arrayed radial enlargements / ridges (96), and spacedly arrayed radial reductions / grooves (97) that frictionally engage with the first lateral edge (65) and with the second lateral edge (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) toscrape / brush / remove debris from the lateral edges (65), (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ); and a scraper bar (103) proximate the discharge end drum (82) frictionally communicates with each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) to remove debris from the product bearing surface (63) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ); and the tensioning drum (104) operatively communicates with a tensioning drum actuator (105) and a tensioning actuator lever arm (106) to provide a predetermined amount of tension to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and the predetermined amount of tension is monitored by a load cell (not shown) which operatively communicates with the controller (220) and with the belt drive (80).

[0103] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) wherein the belt shifter (120) has a belt shift frame (121) that has a first end portion (122), a second end portion (123), a first lateral side portion (124) and a second lateral side portion (125); and the belt shift frame (121 ) journals a first a direction changing configurator (126) which is carried proximate the first end (31 ) of the frame (30), and the belt shift frame (121 ) journals a second direction changing configurator (130) that is carried distal from the first end (31 ) of the frame (30).

[0104] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) wherein each of the plural belt configurator assemblies (131 ) has an elongate configurator frame (132), a configurator frame end (133) at each lateral end portion of each configurator frame (132), and a frame a pivot axle (134) that extends laterally outwardly from each configurator frame end (133) so that each of the plural belt configurator assemblies (131 ) is axially pivotal relative to the belt shift frame (121 ) to operatively engage a first roller profile (127), or a second roller profile (128), or a third roller profile (129), a first belt shift guide (138), or a second belt shift guide (140), or a third belt shift guide (142) with a bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein engagement of the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) with the first, or second or third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and with the first, or second, or third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) responsively selects / alters / defines a predetermined a product lane (72), (73), (74) for moving product (300) therein and thereon, and wherein each of the first, and second and third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and each of the first, and second, and third belt shift guides (138),(140), (142) each define plural parallel spacedly arrayed radially reduced grooves (135), and plural parallel spacedly arrayed ridges (136) which frictionally communicate with an immediately adjacent the endless belt (61 ).

[0105] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) wherein an elongate connecting bar (146) interconnects each of the plural belt configurator frames (132) so that each of the plural belt configurator assemblies (131 ) pivot in unison; and wherein the elongate connecting bar (146) operatively communicates with a belt shift actuator (144) which, upon receipt of a signal from the controller (220), moves the elongate connecting bar (146) and responsively simultaneously pivots each of the configurator frames (132) so that the predetermined product lane configuration (72), (73), (74) is defined by the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein each of the configurator frames (132) can be rotated axially between plural predetermined rotational positions to responsively reconfigure the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into defined product lanes (72), (73), (74).

[0106] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) and further comprising: a finger rack (160) supported by the frame (30) spacedly vertically above the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined by the plurality of endless belts (61), the finger rack (160) having a generally rectilinear frame (161 ) that has a first lateral side (162), a spaced apart and parallel second lateral side (163), and having plural parallel spacedly arrayed, finger frames (164) that extend transversely between an inner surface of the first lateral side (162) and an inner surface of the second lateral side (163), and a plurality of spacedly arrayed pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) are carried by each of the finger frames (164) on pivot axles (165); and each of the pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) has a terminal end portion (168) positioned proximate to the proximate conveyor belt (60) and an opposing top portion (169) that is distal from the respective endless belt (61 ), and wherein the terminal end portion (168) of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) is aligned at a predetermined position relative to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) to contact any misaligned product (300) that is not within the defined product lane (72), (73), (74) to move the contacted product (300) into the defined product lane (72), (73), (74); and wherein positional spacing of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers(167) relative to the finger frame (164) is adjustable responsive to reconfiguration of the product lanes (72), (73), (74).

[0107] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) and further comprising: a brushback rotor (180) supported by the frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the plurality of endless belts (61 ), the brushback rotor (180) having a frame (181 ) carrying an axle (182) that is axially rotatable in axle bearing mounts and axle bearings (183) by a drive axle (186), the axle (182) carrying a plurality of spacedly arrayed brush bristles (184) oriented in a predetermined helical pattern about the axle (182) so that rotation of the axle (182), which rotates in the same direction (187) as the drive drum (83) causes the brush bristles (184) to move counter to a direction of travel of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) which fictionally positionally moves misaligned product (300) into the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74).

[0108] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) and further comprising: an inspection system enclosure (200) supported by the stationary monocoque frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the plurality of endless belts (61 ) and at a predetermined position relative to a defined inspection area that is within a field of view of a plurality of cameras and a plurality of scanners that is illuminated by the plurality of light sources.

[0109] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) and further comprising: a cutting apparatus (230) carried proximate the second / discharge end (32) of the frame (30) and spacedly above the plurality of endless belts (61 ), the cutting apparatus (230) having a plurality of axially aligned and spacedly arrayed cutter wheels (231 ), each of the plurality cutter wheels (231 ) rotates axially at a predetermined rotational speed Rs that is substantially the same as the linear speed Rs of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is aligned with a product lane (72), (73), (74), and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) has a plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) aligned with the product lanes (72), (73), (74); and the cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicates with the controller (220) so as to extend one or more identified cutter knifes (234) from at least one of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) at a determined instant in time and at a determined location to cut / sever identified product (300) in anidentified product lane (72), (73), (74) at the determined instant in time; and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is axially laterally adjustable relative to the product lanes (72), (73), (74), on a carnage (239) which extends generally transversely across the proximate conveyor belt (60); and the cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicates with the controller (220) which, responsive to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined by the plurality of endless belts (61 ) adjustably positions each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) so that the plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) when moved into an extended position, transect identified product lanes (72), (73), (74).

[0110] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) and further comprising: a cutter wheel shifter (250) operatively communicating with the controller (220) to align the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) of the cutting apparatus (230) with the product lanes (72), (73), (74).

[0111] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) and further comprising: a belt drive (80) on the first side (33) of the frame (30); and a belt drive (80) on the second side (34) of the frame (30), and the belt drive (80) on the first side (33) of the frame (30) is operable independently and separately from the belt drive (80) on the second side (34) of the frame (30).

[0112] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) and further comprising: a plurality of endless belts (61 ) forming a first conveyor belt (60) on the first side (33) of the frame (30); and a plurality of endless belts (61 ) forming a second conveyor belt (60) on the second side (34) of the frame (30), and the first conveyor belt (60) on the first side (33) of the frame (30) is operable independently and separately from the second conveyor belt (60) on the second side (34) of the frame (30).

[0113] A further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) and further comprising: a first belt shifter (120) on the first side (33) of the frame (30); and a second belt shifter (120) on the second side (34) of the frame (30), and the first belt shifter (120) on the first side (33) of the frame (30) is operable independently and separately from the second to belt shifter (120) on the second side (34) of the frame (30).

[0114] A still further object of the present invention is a conveyor assembly (29) for transporting products (300) comprising: a stationary monocoque frame (30) that has a first end (31 ), a spaced apart second end (32), a top edge (38) a spaced apart bottom edge (39), a first side (33) formed from a generally planar first side panel (35), a second side (34) formed from a generally planar second side panel (36) and defining a medial chamber (37) between the generally planar first side panel (35) and the generally planar second side panel (36) and between the top edge (38) and the bottom edge (39) and between the first end (31 ) and the second end (32), and wherein a plurality of spacedly arrayed electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic conduits (42) are carried at least partially within the medial chamber (37) and each of the plurality of electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic conduits 40 operatively communicate with at least one electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic connection (43), and laterally extending support legs (40), each having adjustably positionable feet (41 ) are carried at the first and second ends (31 ), (32) of the frame (30) proximate the bottom edge (39) to provide support for the frame (30) on an underlying supporting surface (302), and a first end support beam (44), a second end support beam (45) and a medial support beam (46) each extend laterally outwardly from both the first side (33) and second side (34) of the monocoque frame (30) proximate the first end (31 ), proximate the second end (32) and at a position generally medially therebetween respectively, to each removably carry, at lateral outer end portions thereof, frame side plates (50) that each define a plurality of spacedly arrayed cut-outs (51 ), and a feed drum mount (48) is carried at the first end (31 ) of the monocoque frame (30), and a belt drive mount (47) is carried at the second end (32) of the monocoque frame (30) and a cutter wheel saddle (49) is carried at the second end (32) of the monocoque frame (30) proximate to and spacedly vertically above the belt drive mount (47); and two conveyor belts (60) supported upon the frame (30), and each of the two conveyor belts (60) is formed of a plurality of adjacent endless belts (61 ), and each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) has a predetermined circumference / length (62), a product bearing surface (63), a bottom surface (64) opposite the product bearing surface (63), a first lateral side (65) and a second lateral side (66) opposite the first lateral side (65) defining a first width dimension (67) therebetween, or defining a second belt width dimension (68) therebetween, and wherein the first belt width dimension (67) is not thesame as a second belt width dimension (68), and wherein endless belts (61 ) having the first belt width dimension (67) and endless belts (61 ) having the second belt width dimension (68) are alternated in adjacency to comprise each of the two conveyor belts (60) and also to define a first product lane (72) having a first product lane width dimension (75) of approximately 11 .8 mm, or to define a second product lane (73) having a second product lane width dimension (76) of approximately 17.7 mm, or to define a third product lane (74) having a third product lane width dimension (77) of approximately 30.0 mm, and wherein at least one of the endless belts (61 ) having the first belt width dimension (67) or having the second belt width dimension (68) defines a drive groove (69) in the bottom surface (64) thereof to engage with a drive drum (83) of a belt drive (80); and the belt drive (80) is carried by the frame (30) at least partially within / upon the belt drive amount (47) and has a drive motor (84) which axially rotates the drive drum (83) so as to drive each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) forming the two conveyor belts (60) at a predetermined and identified rotational speed (Rs) over / about a discharge end drum (82) rotatably carried at the second end (32) of the monocoque frame (30) and over and about a feed end drum (81 ) that is rotatably carried at the first end portion (31 ) of the monocoque frame (30), along / across / over plural spacedly arrayed support drums (85), along / across / over an alignment drum (86), along / across / over a cleaning drum (89) and along / across / over tensioning drum (104) that together provide tension and support and alignment and cleaning to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein the cleaning drum (89) rotates on an axle (95) and bearings (93) relative to the monocoque frame (30) and the cleaning drum (89) defines a first section (90), and defines a second section (91 ) and defines a third section (92), and each of the first section (90) and the second section (91) and the third section (92) define a first cleaning profile (99) or define a second cleaning profile (100) or define a third cleaning profile (101 ) or define a fourth cleaning profile (102) and wherein each cleaning profile (99), (100), (101 ), (102) is formed of spacedly arrayed radial enlargements / ridges (96) and spacedly arrayed radial reductions / grooves (97) that frictionally engage with the first lateral edge (65) and with the second lateral edge (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) to scrape / brush / remove moisture and debris from the lateral edges (65), (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and a scraper bar (103) proximate the discharge end drum(82) frictionally communicates with the two conveyor belts 60 (60) so as to remove debris from the product bearing surface (63) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and the tensioning drum (104) which operatively communicates with a tensioning drum actuator (105) and a tensioning actuator lever arm (106) applies / provides a predetermined amount of tension to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and the predetermined amount of tension is monitored by a load cell (not shown) which operatively communicates with a controller (220) and with the belt drive (80); and a belt shifter (120) carried on each of the first side (33) of the frame (30) and on the second side (34) of the frame (30) that defines and alters / selects the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) by adjustably positioning the adjacency and vertical alignment of identified ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) relative to one another, each belt shifter (120) having a belt shift frame (121 ) that has a first end portion (122), a second end portion (123), a first lateral side portion (124) a second lateral side portion (125), and the belt shift frame (121 ) journals a first a direction changing configurator (126) proximate the first end (31 ) of the frame (30), journals a second direction changing configurator (130) distal from the first end (31 ) of the frame (30), and a journals a plurality of spacedly arrayed belt configurator assemblies (131 ) between the first and second ends (31 , (32) that are each oriented generally parallel to one another and substantially transversely relative to each of the two conveyor belts (60) and which operatively engage with the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of individual endless belts (61 ), each configurator assembly (126), (130), (131 ) has a configurator frame (132) that is elongate, a configurator frame end (133) at each lateral end portion of each configurator frame (132), and a frame a pivot axle (134) that extends laterally outwardly from each configurator frame end (133) so that each configurator assembly (126), (130), (131 ) is axially rotatable relative to the belt shift frame (121 ) to operatively optionally engage with a first roller profile (127), or a second roller profile (128), or a third roller profile (129), and with first belt shift guides (138), or second belt shift guides (140), or third belt shift guides (142) with the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein engagement of the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) with the first, or second or third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and with the first, or second, or third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) positionally alters (vertically and / orlaterally) identified ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) which responsively defines / alters / selects a predetermined a product lane (72), (73), (74) configuration in the two conveyor belts (60) for transport of product (300) therein and thereon, and wherein each of the first, and second and third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and each of the first, and second, and third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) each define plural parallel spacedly arrayed radially reduced grooves (135), and plural parallel spacedly arrayed radially enlarged ridges (136) which frictionally communicate with an immediately adjacent the endless belt (61 ) so as to positionally configure the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into a predetermined configuration of product lanes (72), (73), (74), and wherein each of the configurator frames (132) interconnect with a elongate connecting bar (146) that operatively communicates with a belt shift actuator (144) which, upon receipt of a signal from the controller (220), moves the elongate connecting bar (146) and responsively simultaneously pivots / rotates each of the configurator frames (132) so that the predetermined product lane configuration (72), (73), (74) is defined in the adjacent conveyor belt (60), and wherein each of the configurator frames (132) can be rotated / pivoted axially between plural predetermined rotational positions to responsively reconfigure the immediately adjacent conveyor belt (60) into defined product lanes (72), (73), (74); and a finger rack (160) carried on each side (33), (34) of the frame (30) spacedly vertically above the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60), the finger rack (160) having a generally rectilinear frame (161 ) that has a first lateral side (162) a spaced apart and parallel second lateral side (163) with plural parallel spacedly arrayed, finger frames (164) that extend transversely between and inner surface of the first lateral side (162) and an inner surface of the second lateral side (163), and a plurality of spacedly arrayed pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) are carried by each of the finger frames (164) on pivot axles (165), and each of the pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) has a terminal end portion (168) positioned proximate to the proximate conveyor belt (60) and an opposing top portion (169) that is distal from the conveyor belt (60), and wherein the terminal end portion (168) of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) is aligned at a predetermined position relative to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) so as to physically contact any misaligned product (300) on the proximate conveyor belt (60) thatis not within the defined product lane (72), (73), (74) so as to move the misaligned product (300) into the defined product lane (72), (73), (74); and wherein positional spacing of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) relative to the finger frame (164) is adjustable responsive to reconfiguration of the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) responsive to operation of the belt shifter (120); and a brushback rotor (180) carried on each side (33), (34) of the frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the conveyor belt (60) and between the finger rack (160) and an inspection station enclosure (200), the brushback rotor (180) having a frame (181 ) carrying an axle (182) that is axially rotatable in axle bearing mounts and axle bearings (183) by a drive axle (186), the axle (182) carrying a plurality of spacedly arrayed brush bristles (184) oriented in a predetermined helical pattern about the axle (182) so that rotation of the axle (182), which rotates in the same direction (187) as the drive drum (83) causes the brush bristles (184) to move counter to a direction of travel of the two conveyor belts (60) which fictionally positionally moves misaligned product (300) into the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74); and an inspection system enclosure (200) supported by the stationary monocoque frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the two conveyor belts (60) and at a predetermined position relative to a defined inspection area that is within a field of view of a plurality of cameras and a plurality of scanners that is illuminated by the plurality of light sources; and a cutting apparatus (230) carried proximate the second / discharge end (32) of the frame (30) and spacedly above the conveyor belts (60), the cutting apparatus (230) having a plurality of axially aligned and spacedly arrayed cutter wheels (231 ), each of the plurality cutter wheels (231 ) rotates axially at a predetermined rotational speed Rs that matches the rotational speed Rs of the conveyor belts (60) and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is aligned with a product lane (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60), and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) has a plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) aligned with the product lanes (72), (73), (74), the cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicating with the controller (220) so as to extend one or more identified cutter knifes (234) from the at least one cutter wheel (231 ) at a determined instant in time and at a determined location to cut / sever identified product (300) in an identified product lane (72), (73), (74) at the determined instant in time, and each of the plurality of cutter wheels(231 ) is axially laterally adjustable relative to the adjacent conveyor belt (60) on a carriage (239) which extends generally transversely across the proximate conveyor belt (60), and the cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicates with the controller (220) which, responsive to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) adjustably positions each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) so that the plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) when moved into an extended position, transect an identified product lane (72), (73), (74); and a cutter wheel shifter (250) operatively communicating with the controller (220) to align the cutter wheels (231 ) of the cutting apparatus (230) with the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the conveyor belts (60); and the controller (220) operatively communicating with inspection system apparatus within the inspection system enclosure (200) so as to control the inspection system.

[0115] An even still further object of the present invention is an article alignment and conveying apparatus (29) for conveying a stream of elongated articles (300) past a processing station (229) in which the elongated articles (300) are aligned in single file in a plurality of transversely spaced product lanes (72), (73), (74) and then moved longitudinally past and through a cutting apparatus (230), in which the elongated articles (300) have a prescribed cross-sectional dimension, comprising: an article feed means (307) upstream of the processing station (229) for successively feeding the elongated articles(300); a belt conveyor (60) extending in the longitudinal direction from the article feed means (307) past the processing station (229); the belt conveyor (60) having a plurality of movable belts (61) extending from the article feed means (307) past the processing station (229) in continuous engaging parallel relationship forming a continuous article conveying surface for receiving the elongated articles (300) and moving the elongated articles (300) single file past and through the processing station (229) in the plurality of transversely spaced product lanes(72), (73), (74); the belt conveyor (60) having a first bed section (78) for slidably supporting the plurality of belts (61 ) adjacent the article feed means (307) in which the first bed section (78) has a plurality of laterally spaced grooves (72), (73), (74) defining valleys and adjacent ridges; the belt conveyor (60) having a second bed section (79) downstream of the first bed section (78) for slidably supporting the belts (61 ) when the article conveying surface is substantially flat; and beltdrive means (80) operatively connected to the belts (61 ) for slidably moving the belts (61 ) in unison over the first (78) and second (79) bed sections with the conveying surface changing from a corrugated contour to a substantially flat contour to initially successively receive the elongated articles (300) from the article feed means and form the elongated articles (300) into single files on the belts (60) in the valleys defined by the moving belts (61 ) by the ridges to register the elongated articles (300) in the product lanes (72), (73), (74) and to prevent transverse movement of the elongated articles (300) as the elongated articles (300) are moved toward the processing station (229) and for moving the elongated articles (300) in the product lanes (72), (73), (74) past the cutting apparatus (270) with the contour of the transport surface substantially flat.

[0116] Therefore, it will be seen that the present invention provides a convenient means for aligning and transporting and inspecting and processing a high volume stream of elongated products in a manner not possible heretofore. The present invention is convenient, easy to operate, substantially avoids all the impediments and shortcomings of the prior art teachings utilized heretofore, and provides a means by which an operator can readily detect and then control the operation of the aligning and transporting conveyor assembly in a manner to achieve selective and efficient delivery of elongated articles, to downstream manufacturing processes.

[0117] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention in effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted according to the Doctrine of Equivalence.[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

Claims

CLAIMSWe Claim:1 . A conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting elongated articles (300) comprising: a stationary monocoque frame (30) that has a first end (31 ), a second end (32), a top edge (38) a bottom edge (39), a first side (33), a second side (34) and defining a chamber (37) between the first side (33) and the second side (34) and between the top edge (38) and the bottom edge (39), and wherein a plurality of spacedly arrayed conduits (42) are carried at least partially within the chamber (37), and support legs (40) at the first and second ends (31 ), (32) support the frame (30) on an underlying supporting surface (302), and plural spacedly arrayed support beams (44), (45), (46) each extend laterally outwardly from both the first side (33) and second side (34) of the frame (30), and a feed drum mount (48) is carried at the first end (31 ), and a belt drive mount (47) is carried at the second end (32) and a cutter wheel saddle (49) is carried at the second end (32); and a conveyor belt (60) comprised of plural endless belts (61 ) and one of the plural endless belts (61 ) has a first belt width dimension (67) and another one of the plural endless belts (61 ) has a second belt width dimension (68), and the endless belts (61 ) having the first belt width dimension (67) and the endless belts (61 ) having the second belt width dimension (68) are alternated in adjacency so that the plurality of endless belts (61 ) may define a first product lane (72) or define a second product lane (73) or define a third product lane (74); and a belt drive (80) is carried by the frame (30) at least partially within / upon the beltdrive mount (47) and the belt drive (80) has a drive motor (84) which axially rotates a drive drum (83) to drive each of the plural endless belts (61 ) at a predetermined speed (Rs) over / about a discharge end drum (82) rotatably carried by the frame (30) and about a feed end drum (81 ) that is rotatably carried by the frame (30), and a belt shifter (120) supported by the frame (30) that, responsive to a signal from the controller (220), alters / selects / defines product lanes (72), (73), (74) in a first bed section (78) of the conveyor belt (60) by adjustably positioning the adjacency of identified ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) relative to one another, the belt shifter (120) having a belt shift frame (121) that journals plural spacedly arrayed belt configurator assemblies (126), (130), (131 ) which operatively engage with bottom surfaces (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), to positionally configure the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into at least one predetermined product lane (72), (73), (74) where adjacent ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) may or may not be in vertical alignment with adjacent endless belts (61 ); and a controller (220) operatively communicating with the belt drive (80) and with the belt shifter (120) to measure, adjust and maintain a predetermined belt speed (Rs), and to operatively control the belt configuration to alter / select / define the predetermined product lane (72), (73), (74).

2. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and wherein each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) has a predetermined circumference / length (62), a product bearing surface (63), a bottom surface (64) opposite the product bearing surface (63), a first lateral side (65) and a second lateral side (66) opposite the first lateral side (65) defining a first belt width dimension (67)therebetween, or defining a second belt width dimension (68) therebetween; and wherein the first belt width dimension (67) is not the same as a second belt width dimension (68).

3. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and wherein the plurality of endless belts (61 ) are configured / positioned by the belt shifter (120) into product lanes (72), (73), (74), and each product lane (72), (73), (74) has a first product lane width dimension (75) of approximately 11 .8 mm, or a second product lane width dimension (76) of approximately 17.7 mm, or a third product lane width dimension (77) of approximately 30.0 mm; and wherein at least one of the plurality of endless belts (61) having the first belt width dimension (67) or the second belt width dimension (68) defines a drive groove (69) in a bottom surface (64) thereof to engage with a drive drum (83).

4. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 2 and wherein the plurality of endless belts (61 ) each move along / across / over plural spacedly arrayed support drums (85), along / across / over an alignment drum (86), along / across / over a cleaning drum (89) and along / across / over tensioning drum (104) all supported by the frame (30) that together provide tension and support and alignment and cleaning to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein the cleaning drum (89) rotates on an axle (95) and bearings (93) relative to the frame (30); and the cleaning drum (89) defines at least one of a first section (90), or a second section (91 ) or a third section (92), and each of the first section (90) and the secondsection (91 ) and the third section (92) define a first cleaning profile (99) or define a second cleaning profile (100) or define a third cleaning profile (101 ) or define a fourth cleaning profile (102) and wherein each defined cleaning profile (99), (100), (101 ), (102) is formed of spacedly arrayed radial enlargements / ridges (96), and spacedly arrayed radial reductions / grooves (97) that frictionally engage with the first lateral edge (65) and with the second lateral edge (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) to scrape / brush / remove debris from the lateral edges (65), (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ); and a scraper bar (103) proximate the discharge end drum (82) frictionally communicates with each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) to remove debris from the product bearing surface (63) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ); and the tensioning drum (104) operatively communicates with a tensioning drum actuator (105) and a tensioning actuator lever arm (106) to provide / apply a predetermined amount of tension to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and the predetermined amount of tension is monitored by a load cell which operatively communicates with the controller (220).

5. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and wherein the belt shifter (120) has a belt shift frame (121 ) that has a first end portion (122), a second end portion (123), a first lateral side portion (124) and a second lateral side portion (125); and the belt shift frame (121 ) journals a first a direction changing configurator (126) proximate the first end (31 ) and journals a second direction changing configurator (130) distal from the first end (31 ).

6. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and wherein each of the plural belt configurator assemblies (131 ) has a configurator frame (132) that is elongate, a configurator frame end (133) at each end of each configurator frame (132), and a frame a pivot axle (134) that extends laterally outwardly from each configurator frame end (133) so that each of the plural belt configurator assemblies (131 ) is axially pivotal / rotatable relative to the belt shift frame (121 ) to operatively engage a first roller profile (127), or a second roller profile (128), or a third roller profile (129), and engage first belt shift guides (138), or second belt shift guides (140), or third belt shift guides (142) with a bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein engagement of the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) with the first, or second or third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and with the first, or second, or third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) responsively alters / selects / defines a predetermined a product lane (72), (73), (74) for moving article (300) therein and thereon; and wherein each of the first, and second and third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and each of the first, and second, and third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) each define parallel spacedly arrayed radially reduced grooves (135), and parallel spacedly arrayed radially enlarged ridges (136) which frictionally communicate with an immediately adjacent the endless belt (61 ).

7. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 6 and further comprising:an elongate connecting bar (146) interconnects each of the plural belt configurator frames (132) so that each of the plural belt configurator assemblies (131 ) pivot / rotate in unison; and wherein the elongate connecting bar (146) operatively communicates with a belt shift actuator (144) which, upon receipt of a signal from the controller (220), moves the elongate connecting bar (146) and responsively simultaneously pivots / rotates each of the configurator frames (132) so that the predetermined product lane configuration (72), (73), (74) is defined by the plurality of endless belts (61 ); and wherein each of the plural configurator frames (132) can be rotated / pivoted axially between plural predetermined rotational positions to responsively reconfigure the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into defined product lanes (72), (73), (74).

8. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and further comprising: a finger rack (160) supported by the frame (30) spacedly vertically above the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined by the plurality of endless belts (61 ), the finger rack (160) having a generally rectilinear frame (161 ) that has a first lateral side (162), a spaced apart and parallel second lateral side (163), and having plural parallel spacedly arrayed, finger frames (164) that extend transversely between an inner surface of the first lateral side (162) and an inner surface of the second lateral side (163), and a plurality of spacedly arrayed pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) are carried by each of the finger frames (164) on pivot axles (165); and each of the pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) has a terminal end portion(168) positioned proximate to the proximate endless belts (61 ) and an opposing topportion (169) that is distal from the respective endless belt (61), and wherein the terminal end portion (168) of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) is aligned at a predetermined position relative to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) to contact any misaligned article (300) that is not within the defined product lane (72), (73), (74) to move the misaligned article (300) into one of the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74); and wherein positional spacing of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) relative to the finger frame (164) adjusts responsive to reconfiguration of the product lanes (72), (73), (74) responsive to operation of the belt shifter (120).

9. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and further comprising: a brushback rotor (180) supported by the frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the plurality of endless belts (61 ), the brushback rotor (180) having a frame (181 ) carrying an axle (182) that is axially rotatable in axle bearing mounts and axle bearings (183) by a drive axle (186), the axle (182) carrying a plurality of spacedly arrayed brush bristles (184) oriented in a predetermined helical pattern about the axle (182) so that rotation of the axle (182), which rotates in the same direction (187) as the drive drum (83) causes the brush bristles (184) to move counter to a direction of travel of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) which frictionally positionally moves misaligned article (300) into the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74) or off the respective conveyor belt (60).

10. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and further comprising:an inspection system enclosure (200) supported by the stationary monocoque frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the plurality of endless belts (61 ) and at a predetermined position relative to a defined inspection area that is within a field of view of a plurality of cameras and a plurality of scanners that is illuminated by the plurality of light sources.

11. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and further comprising: a cutting apparatus (230) carried proximate the second / discharge end (32) of the frame (30) and spacedly above a second bed section (79) of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), the cutting apparatus (230) having a plurality of axially aligned and spacedly arrayed cutter wheels (231 ), and wherein each of the plurality cutter wheels (231 ) rotates axially at a predetermined rotational speed Rs that is the same as the linear speed Rs of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is aligned with a product lane (72), (73), (74), and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231) has a plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) aligned with the product lanes (72), (73), (74); and the cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicates with the controller (220) so as to extend one or more identified cutter knifes (234) from at least one of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) at a determined instant in time and at a determined location to cut / sever identified article (300) in an identified product lane (72), (73), (74) at the determined instant in time; and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is laterally axially adjustable relative to the product lanes (72), (73), (74), on a carriage (239) which extends generallytransversely across identified ones of the proximate plurality of endless belts (61 ); and the cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicates with the controller (220) which, responsive to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined by the plurality of endless belts (61 ) adjustably positions each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231) so that the plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) when moved into an extended position, transect identified product lanes (72), (73), (74).

12. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and further comprising: a cutter wheel shifter (250) operatively communicating with the controller (220) to align the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) of the cutting apparatus (230) with the product lanes (72), (73), (74).

13. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and further comprising: a belt drive (80) on the first side (33) of the frame (30); and a belt drive (80) on the second side (34) of the frame (30), and the belt drive (80) on the first side (33) of the frame (30) is operable independently and separately from the belt drive (80) on the second side (34) of the frame (30).

14. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and further comprising:a plurality of endless belts (61 ) forming a first conveyor belt (60) on the first side(33) of the frame (30); and a plurality of endless belts (61) forming a second conveyor belt (60) on the second side (34) of the frame (30), and the first conveyor belt (60) on the first side (33) of the frame (30) is operable independently and separately from the second conveyor belt (60) on the second side(34) of the frame (30).

15. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 1 and further comprising: a first belt shifter (120) on the first side (33) of the frame (30); and a second belt shifter (120) on the second side (34) of the frame (30), and the first belt shifter (120) on the first side (33) of the frame (30) is operable independently and separately from the second to belt shifter (120) on the second side (34) of the frame (30).

16. The conveyor assembly (29) for moving articles (300) as claimed in Claim 11 and wherein each of the predetermined product lanes (72, 73, 74) define a center line that extends along the length of the conveyor belt (60) from a first bed section (78) and across the second bed section (79), and wherein lateral spacing of the centerlines, from one another, changes responsive to changing of the predetermined product lanes (72, 73, 74) responsive to activation of the belt shifter (120); and whereinthe controller (220) performs mathematical / trigonometry / angle calculations relative to the centerlines of the predetermined product lanes (72, 73, 74) to calculate / determine an amount of lateral translation each cutter wheel (231 ) must be moved so that a cutting knife (234), when extended from the cutting wheel (231 ), transects the center line to efficiently sever the identified article (300) having the identified defect.”17. A conveyor assembly (29) for aligning and transporting articles (300) comprising: a stationary monocoque frame (30) that has a first end (31 ), a spaced apart second end (32), a top edge (38) a bottom edge (39), a first side (33) formed from a generally planar first side panel (35), a second side (34) formed from a generally planar second side panel (36) and defining a medial chamber (37) between the generally planar first side panel (35) and the generally planar second side panel (36), and wherein a plurality of spacedly arrayed electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic conduits (42) are carried at least partially within the medial chamber (37) and each of the plurality of electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic conduits 40 operatively communicate with at least one of an electrical and / or pneumatic and / or fluidic connection (43), and laterally extending support legs (40), each having adjustable feet (41 ) provide support for the frame (30) on an underlying supporting surface (302), and a first end support beam (44), a second end support beam (45) and a medial support beam (46) each extend laterally outwardly from both the first side (33) and second side (34) of the monocoque frame (30) to each removably carry, at lateral outer end portions thereof, frame side plates (50), and a feed drum mount (48) is carried at the first end (31 ), and a belt drive mount (47) is carried at the second end (32) and a cutter wheel saddle (49) is carried at the second end (32) proximate to and spacedly vertically above the belt drive mount(47); and two conveyor belts (60) supported upon the frame (30), and each of the two conveyor belts (60) is formed of a plurality of adjacent endless belts (61 ), and each of the plurality of endless belts (61) has a predetermined circumference / length (62), a product bearing surface (63), a bottom surface (64), a first lateral side (65) and a second lateral side (66) and defining a first belt width dimension (67) therebetween, or defining a second belt width dimension (68) therebetween, and wherein the first belt width dimension (67) is not the same as a second belt width dimension (68), and wherein the plurality of endless belts (61 ) having the first belt width dimension (67), and endless belts (61 ) having the second belt width dimension (68), are alternated in adjacency to form each of the two conveyor belts (60) and also to define a first product lane (72) having a first product lane width dimension (75) of approximately 11 .8 mm, or to define a second product lane (73) having a second product lane width dimension (76) of approximately 17.7 mm, or to define a third product lane (74) having a third product lane width dimension (77) of approximately 30.0 mm, and wherein at least one of the endless belts (61 ) having the first belt width dimension (67), or the second belt width dimension (68), defines a drive groove (69) in the bottom surface (64) to engage with a drive drum (83) of a belt drive (80); and the belt drive (80) is carried by the frame (30) at least partially within / upon the belt drive mount (47) and has a drive motor (84) which axially rotates the drive drum (83) to drive each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) forming the two conveyor belts (60) at a predetermined rotational speed (Rs) about a discharge end drum (82) rotatably carried at the second end (32) of the monocoque frame (30) and about a feed end drum (81 ) that is rotatably carried at the first end portion (31 ) of the monocoque frame (30),along / across / over plural spacedly arrayed support drums (85), along / across / over an alignment drum (86), along / across / over a cleaning drum (89) and along / across / over a tensioning drum (104) that together provide tension and support and alignment and cleaning to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein the cleaning drum (89) rotates on an axle (95) and bearings (93) relative to the monocoque frame (30) and the cleaning drum (89) defines at least a first section (90), a second section (91 ) and / or a third section (92), and each of the first section (90) or the second section (91 ) or the third section (92) define a first cleaning profile (99) or define a second cleaning profile (100) or define a third cleaning profile (101 ) or define a fourth cleaning profile (102) and wherein each cleaning profile (99), (100), (101 ), (102) is formed of spacedly arrayed radial enlargements / ridges (96) and spacedly arrayed radial reductions / grooves (97) that frictional ly engage with the first lateral edge (65) and with the second lateral edge (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61) to scrape / brush / remove debris from the lateral edges (65), (66) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and a scraper bar (103) proximate the discharge end drum (82) frictionally communicates with the two conveyor belts (60) to remove debris from the product bearing surface (63) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61), and the tensioning drum (104) which operatively communicates with a tensioning drum actuator (105) and a tensioning actuator lever arm (106) provides / applies a predetermined amount of tension to each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and the predetermined amount of tension is monitored by a load cell which operatively communicates with a controller (220) and with the belt drive (80); and a belt shifter (120) carried on both the first side (33) and on the second side (34) of the frame (30) that alters / selects / defines the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) by adjustably positioning the positional adjacency and / orvertical height of identified ones of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) relative to one another, the belt shifter (120) having a belt shift frame (121 ) that has a first end portion (122), a second end portion (123), a first lateral side portion (124) a second lateral side portion (125), and the belt shift frame (121 ) journals a first a direction changing configurator (126) proximate the first end (31 ) of the frame (30), and journals a second direction changing configurator (130) distal from the first end (31 ) of the frame (30), and a journals a plurality of spacedly arrayed belt configurator assemblies (131 ) that are each oriented generally parallel to one another and substantially transversely relative to each of the two conveyor belts (60) and which operatively engage with the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of individual endless belts (61), and each configurator assembly (126), (130), (131 ) has a configurator frame (132) that is elongate, a configurator frame end (133) at each lateral end of each configurator frame (132), and a frame a pivot axle (134) that extends laterally outwardly from each configurator frame end (133) so that each configurator assembly (126), (130), (131 ) is axially pivotal relative to the belt shift frame (121 ) to operatively engage with a first roller profile (127), or a second roller profile (128), or a third roller profile (129), and to engage with first belt shift guides (138), or second belt shift guides (140), or third belt shift guides (142) with the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ), and wherein engagement of the bottom surface (64) of each of the plurality of endless belts (61 ) with the first, or second or third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and with the first, or second, or third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) responsively alters / selects / defines a predetermined a product lane (72), (73), (74) configuration in each of the two conveyor belts (60) for transport of article (300) therein and thereon; and whereineach of the first, and second and third roller profile (127), (128), (129), and each of the first, and second, and third belt shift guides (138), (140), (142) each define parallel spacedly arrayed radially reduced grooves (135), and parallel spacedly arrayed radially enlarged ridges (136) which fictionally communicate with the immediately adjacent endless belt (61 ) to positionally configure the plurality of endless belts (61 ) into one of the predetermined configuration of product lanes (72), (73), (74); and wherein each of the configurator frames (132) interconnect with a elongate connecting bar (146) that operatively communicates with a belt shift actuator (144) which, upon receipt of a signal, moves the elongate connecting bar (146) and responsively simultaneously pivots / rotates each of the configurator frames (132) so that the predetermined product lane configuration (72), (73), (74) is defined in the adjacent conveyor belt (60), and wherein each of the configurator frames (132) can be rotated axially between plural predetermined rotational positions to responsively reconfigure the immediately adjacent conveyor belt (60) into defined product lanes (72), (73), (74); and a finger rack (160) carried on each side (33), (34) of the frame (30) spacedly vertically above the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60), the finger rack (160) having a generally rectilinear frame (161 ) that has a first lateral side (162) a spaced apart and parallel second lateral side (163) with plural parallel spacedly arrayed, finger frames (164) that extend transversely between and inner surface of the first lateral side (162) and an inner surface of the second lateral side (163), and a plurality of spacedly arrayed pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) are carried by each of the finger frames (164) on pivot axles (165), and each of the pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) has a terminal end portion (168) positioned proximate to the proximate conveyor belt (60), and wherein the terminal end portion (168) of eachof the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) is aligned at a predetermined position relative to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) to physically contact any misaligned article (300) on the proximate conveyor belt (60) that is not within the defined product lane (72), (73), (74) so as to move the misaligned article (300) into the defined product lane (72), (73), (74); and wherein positional spacing of each of the plurality of pivotally movable alignment fingers (167) relative to the finger frame (164) is adjustable responsive to reconfiguration of the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) responsive to operation of the belt shifter (120); and a brushback rotor (180) carried on each side (33), (34) of the frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the conveyor belt (60) and between the finger rack (160) and an inspection station enclosure (200), the brushback rotor (180) having a frame (181 ) carrying an axle (182) that is axially rotatable in axle bearing mounts and axle bearings (183) by a drive axle (186), the axle (182) carrying a plurality of spacedly arrayed brush bristles (184) oriented in a predetermined helical pattern about the axle (182) so that rotation of the axle (182), which rotates in the same direction (187) as the drive drum (83) causes the brush bristles (184) to move counter to a direction of travel of the two conveyor belts (60) which frictionally positionally moves misaligned article (300) into the defined product lanes (72), (73), (74); and an inspection system enclosure (200) supported by the stationary monocoque frame (30) spacedly adjacent above the two conveyor belts (60) and at a predetermined position relative to a defined inspection area that is within a field of view of a plurality of cameras and a plurality of scanners that is illuminated by the plurality of light sources; anda cutting apparatus (230) carried at the second / discharge end (32) of the frame(30) and spacedly above the conveyor belt (60), the cutting apparatus (230) having a plurality of axially aligned and spacedly arrayed cutter wheels (231 ), each of the plurality cutter wheels (231 ) rotates axially at a predetermined rotational speed Rs that substantially matches the rotational speed Rs of the conveyor belts (60) and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is aligned with a product lane (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60), and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) has a plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) aligned with the product lanes (72), (73), (74), the cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicating with the controller (220) so as to extend one or more identified cutter knifes (234) from the at least one cutter wheel (231) at a determined instant in time and at a determined location to cut / sever identified article (300) in an identified product lane (72), (73), (74) at the determined instant in time, and each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) is laterally adjustable relative to the adjacent conveyor belt (60) on a carriage (239) which extends generally transversely across the proximate conveyor belt (60), and the cutting apparatus (230) operatively communicates with the controller (220) which, responsive to the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the two conveyor belts (60) adjustably positions each of the plurality of cutter wheels (231 ) so that the plurality of individually extendable and retractable cutter knives (234) when moved into an extended position, transect an identified product lanes (72), (73), (74); and a cutter wheel shifter (250) operatively communicating with the controller (220) to align the cutter wheels (231 ) of the cutting apparatus (230) with the product lanes (72), (73), (74) defined in the conveyor belts (60); and the controller (220) operatively communicating with inspection system apparatuswithin the inspection system enclosure (200) so as to control the inspection system.[REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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