(19)
(11) EP 0 308 223 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
10.01.1990 Bulletin 1990/02

(43) Date of publication A2:
22.03.1989 Bulletin 1989/12

(21) Application number: 88308539.1

(22) Date of filing: 15.09.1988
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)4: G06M 7/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE FR GB IT

(30) Priority: 16.09.1987 GB 8721821

(71) Applicant: MAINLINE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
Glasgow G20 05B Scotland (GB)

(72) Inventors:
  • Gillan, Frank N., c/o Mainline Techn. Ltd
    Glasgow G20 05B (GB)
  • Gillan, Iris, c/o Mainline Technology Ltd
    Glasgow G20 05B (GB)

(74) Representative: Fitzpatrick, Alan James et al
Fitzpatricks, 4 West Regent Street
Glasgow G2 1RS, Scotland
Glasgow G2 1RS, Scotland (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Counting articles


    (57) Apparatus for detecting and counting articles on a product conveyor or the like includes an optical cell (20), comprising a light source and detector, and a reflector (22) mounted on spaced parallel faces of an arm (18), the light path between the cell (20) and reflector (22) extending transversely to the direction of travel of a conveyor carrying articles such as cylindrical cans (10) and at an angle to the horizontal. The disposition is such that the light path is blocked by the widest part of the can (10) but passes through the peripheral space between adjacent cans (10), thus allowing articles in abutment on a conveyor line to be detected. In a preferred embodiment first and second horizontally spaced pairs of cells and detectors are located on spaced parallel faces of the apparatus to assist in error detection.







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