Electronic counters use either infra-red sensors or vision to count tablets, capsules, soft gels products into the final container. APPS employs infra-red which is more that 80% of the market. They are robust, affordable and very accurate when the right software is written for the application. Infrared sensors are commonly used for counting in many applications. In this case, they are used to count individual pieces as they move down a multi lane vibrating conveyor into holding stations. Once the PLC has the appropriate count, the holding stations open to allow the correct count into the finished container.
- Infrared Light Source and Detector: An infrared sensor typically consists of two parts: an infrared light emitter (LED) and a detector (often a photodiode or phototransistor). The emitter sends out a beam of infrared light.
- Breaking the Beam: When the product passes through the infrared beam, it interrupts the flow of light reaching the detector. This interruption is detected by the sensor.
- Counting the Interruptions: The sensor system is designed to count each time the infrared beam is broken. Each time the light is blocked and then unblocked, the sensor registers an event or a “count.” This can then be recorded by the system to track the number of objects passing through the sensor’s field of view.
- Processing the Data: The system can then process these interruptions to keep a real-time tally of how many times the beam has been broken, providing an accurate count of items or people.
If you have read this far you will probably deduced the products have to separate from each other. Products stuck together that pass by the beam may be counted as one instead of two, this is a particular challenge with gummy products. The APPS systems are the best for handling gummies since the use a high weight food grade polymer with many steps machined into it to assist the product separation.
The APPS inc. line of Electronic Tablet Counters are manufactured in East Templeton, Mass. These advanced machines are capable of counting all types of tablets, capsules and gelcaps, regardless of shape or size. Fast, easy changeover, without the use of tools, is another important feature.
The unique design provides the operator with a clear, unobstructed view of the product, from hopper to bottle. This, coupled with a color-touch screen operator interface, and multi-language capability, creates an effective, user-friendly environment.
