ADAPTABLE SLICED BREAD BAGGING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable sliced bread bagging assistive device, comprising a body 101 positioned on a fixed surface near a sliced bread package, a display panel 102 installed on the body 101 for receiving user’s input, an imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101 to determine distance of the bread package, a robotic arm 104 installed on the body 101 for getting positioned in proximity to the package, an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the body 101 for determining tied ends of the package, a L-shaped plate 105 possessing a first and second portion arranged on the body 101 by means of a telescopically operated rod 106 for positioning the first portion underneath the sliced bread in the package, multiple motorized clippers 107 arranged on lateral ends of the second portion for grabbing the user-specified number of slices from the package.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable sliced bread bagging assistive device which is capable of assisting a user in obtaining a user-specified slices from a sliced bread package by cutting ends of the slice of bread and also heats the ends of the package for sealing the package over to prevent the bread remained in the package from deteriorating by coming in contact with air.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bread is a food item prepared from a dough of flour (usually wheat) and water, usually by baking. Bread is one of the most consumed item of breakfast all over the world. Due its versatility, many different food items are prepared from the bread. For example, toast, sandwich, bread pizza and bread rolls etcetera are all made from using breads after cutting the ends of the breads that is crust of the bread. The breads generally come as slices in a package. To use the breads, user need to untie the package and remove the user-desired number of slices of bread from the package and cut the crust of the bread. While preparing the food, it becomes inconvenient to the user to obtain the user-desired number of slices of bread from the package. The opened package further required to be sealed over to prevent the remained bread from deteriorating.

[0003] Traditionally, the user unties the package of the bread by his own hands in a manual way. While preparing the food, the user experienced inconvenience to obtain the user-desired number of slices of bread from the package and then in sealing the opened package to prevent the breads remained in the package from deteriorating by coming in contact with the air. Further to remove the crust of the bread, the user uses cutting blade or knife. In removing or cutting the crust of the bread by using knife, there are chances that user may sustain injury due to blade or knife.

[0004] US3629905A discloses a clipping device for resealing a bag containing a loaf of bread after having been opened up, the device comprising an elongated clip having flat straight jaws between which the mouth of the bag may be retained in closed position, and one end of the jaws being connected to a resilient spring member normally urging the jaws toward a pivotally closed position. US'905 discloses about a clipping device for resealing a bag containing a loaf of bread after having been opened up. However, the above mentioned invention lacks in properly seal the bag to prevent the breads present in the bag from reacting with the air and to deteriorate. The above mentioned invention also lacks in providing a user-desired number of slices of bread from the bag in automatic manner. The above mentioned invention further lacks in enabling the user to provide input commands regarding removal of a roasted/baked bread from a heated vessel/oven and accordingly removes the bread from the heated vessel/oven automatically.

[0005] JP2008247511A discloses about a sliced bread dividing and carrying-out device has a carrying-out means 16 having a carry-out surface 28 for scooping a predetermined number in a front part of sliced bread, which are arranged so as to be brought in contact with each other in the sliced surfaces thereof and standing in upright condition in the sliced surfaces thereof and loaded on a carry-out surface 12, upward from lower to carry out them, and a guide means 44 provided adjacent to the carry-out route outside in the radial direction of the circular carry-out route of the sliced bread to be scooped and carried out by the carry-out surface so as to hinder a fall of the sliced bread outside in the radial direction due to a touch with each other in the case wherein the sliced bread, which are scooped by the carry-out surface and moved along the carry-out route, are being fallen outside in the radial direction of the carry-out route on the carry-out surface and so as to guide the sliced bread along the carry-out route. JP'511 discloses about a sliced bread dividing and carrying-out device to provide the user-desired number of slices to the user. However, the above mentioned invention lacks in properly seal the package after opening the package to prevent the breads present in the package from reacting with the air and to deteriorate. The above mentioned invention also lacks in removing crust from the slice of the bread.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices available which are capable of assisting a user in obtaining a user-desired number of slices from a sliced bread package by opening the package without human intervention, also no devices available which are capable of providing crust free bread to the user by cutting the ends of the breads. Additionally, no devices available which seals the package over to prevent the bread present in the package from deteriorating by coming in contact with air.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device which is capable of providing crust free bread to the user in automatic way without human intervention and according to the user-required number of slices. In addition, the proposed device is capable of tying the opened package again to prevent the bread remained in the package from deteriorating by coming in contact with air.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of assisting a user in obtaining a user-specified slices from a sliced bread package with less human effort by opening the closed package without human intervention.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of cutting ends (crust) from the slices of bread in automatic manner to provide the user a crust free bread.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of allowing a user to provide input commands regarding removal of a roasted/baked bread from a heated vessel/oven and accordingly removes the bread from the heated vessel/oven automatically without human intervention.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of heating the ends of the opened sliced bread package for sealing the package over to prevent the bread from deteriorating by coming in contact with the air.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to an adaptable sliced bread bagging assistive device which is capable of providing a user-desired number of slices of bread to the user by grabbing the slices from a sliced bread package to assist the user in obtaining the user-specified slices. The proposed device is also capable of heating the ends of the opened sliced bread package for sealing the package over to prevent the bread from deteriorating by coming in contact with the air.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable sliced bread bagging assistive device comprises of a body developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in proximity to a sliced bread package, a touch interactive display panel is installed on the body for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired number of slices required from the package, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body to determine distance of the bread package, an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the body for determining tied ends of the package, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller directs a robotic arm installed on the body to acquire a grip of tied ends of the package for providing a twisting movement to the ends for untying the package, a L-shaped plate possessing a first and second portion arranged on the body by means of a telescopically operated rod to extend/retract for positioning the first portion underneath the sliced bread in the package.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a motorized ball and socket joint integrated in between the rod and the plate for providing omnidirectional movement to the plate for aligning the first portion underneath the sliced bread, a drawer arrangement integrated in the plate to increase/decrease dimensions of the plate for properly accommodating the slices on the plate, multiple motorized clippers arranged on lateral ends of the second portion for grabbing the user-specified number of slices from the package, a motorized blade configured with the arm for cutting ends of the slice of bread, a heating coil integrated in the arm for heating the ends in view of sealing the package over, a microphone integrated in the body to receive input voice commands of the user regarding removal of a roasted/baked bread from a heated vessel/oven, a robotic gripper installed on the body for acquiring a grip of the roasted/baked bread to remove the bread from the heated vessel/oven.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an adaptable sliced bread bagging assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to an adaptable sliced bread bagging assistive device which is capable of assisting a user in obtaining a user-specified slices of bread from a sliced bread package by cutting ends of the slice of bread to provide crust free bread. Additionally, the proposed device also ensures the sealing of the package over by providing heat to the end of the package to prevent the bread from deteriorating.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adaptable sliced bread bagging assistive device is illustrated, comprising a body 101 positioned on a fixed surface, a touch interactive display panel 102 installed on the body 101, an imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101, a robotic arm 104 installed on the body 101, a L-shaped plate 105 possessing a first and second portion arranged on the body 101 by means of a telescopically operated rod 106, multiple motorized clippers 107 arranged on lateral ends of the second portion, a drawer arrangement 108 integrated in the plate 105, a motorized ball and socket joint 109 integrated in between the rod 106 and the plate 105, a motorized blade 110 configured with the arm 104, a heating coil 111 integrated in the arm 104, a microphone 112 integrated in the body 101, a robotic gripper 113 installed on the body 101.

[0024] The proposed device comprises of a body 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in proximity to a sliced bread package. The body 101 is cast with highly durable materials and is rigid in nature with a flat cuboidal shape, offering a large space to accommodate multiple mechanical and electrical units. The body 101 is constructed from sturdy and robust materials that may include but not limited to stainless steel, aluminum. These materials offer rigidness and robustness to the body 101 making the body 101 resistant to mechanical stress and pressure.

[0025] Upon positioning the body 101, a user accessed a touch interactive display panel 102 installed on the body 101 for providing input specifications regarding a user-desired number of slices required from the package. The touch interactive display panel 102 mapped herein consists of multiple tiny electrically active wires. When user touch the options illustrated over the display panel 102, the wires are pressed together and circuit is completed. Which results in flow of voltages across the circuit. This voltage flow is detected by an inbuilt microcontroller in form of electric signals. Further the signals are processed by the microcontroller to determine the user's input regarding the user-desired number of slices required from the package.

[0026] After getting user's input, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body 101 to determine distance of the bread package. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 used herein incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities to enables immediate responses and faster decision-making. The imaging unit 103 captures images or records videos in vicinity of the body 101 by the help of specialized lenses. The captured data is pre-processed and is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data. This acquired data is processed by the processor and then the microcontroller analysed the processed data to determine distance of the bread package.

[0027] In accordance with the determined distance, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 104 installed on the body 101 to extend/retract for getting positioned in proximity to the package. The robotic arm 104 are able to perform the designated task with high efficiency and accuracy. The robotic arm 104 consist of mechanical joint 109s and actuators, which are controlled by the microcontroller. The actuators allow various degrees of freedom and movement to robotic arm 104 that uses this motion further for positioning near the package purpose. The joints are actuated by a DC (Direct Current) motor. The motor provides movement to the joint by rotating which is further transferred to the robotic arm 104 that extend/retract for getting positioned in proximity to the package.

[0028] As soon as the robotic arm 104 gets positioned near the package, an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the body 101 starts determining tied ends of the package. The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the package and includes two main parts that are a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter sends short ultrasonic pulses towards the package which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the package. The transmitter then detects the reflected echo from the surface of tied ends of the package and performed the calculation based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo.

[0029] The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form which is processed by the microcontroller for determining tied ends of the package. Based on the tied ends of the package, the microcontroller directs the arm 104 to acquire a grip of tied ends of the package for providing a twisting movement to the ends, in view of untying the package. Herein, the imaging unit 103 determines distance of the body 101 from the sliced bread inside the untied package.

[0030] Further, a L-shaped plate 105 possessing a first and second portion is arranged on the body 101 by means of a telescopically operated rod 106. The rod 106 is actuated by the microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the first portion underneath the sliced bread in the package. The rod 106 is connected to a pneumatic unit which includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor draws atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend which extends the rod 106 that positions the first portion of the plate 105 underneath the sliced bread in the package.

[0031] Additionally, a motorized ball and socket joint 109 integrated in between the rod 106 and the plate 105 for providing omnidirectional movement to the plate 105 in view of aligning the first portion underneath the sliced bread. The ball and socket joint 109 provides a rotation to the plate 105 to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint 109 is a coupling consisting of a ball joint 109 securely locked within a socket joint 109, where the ball joint 109 is able to move in a 31060-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the plate 105. The ball and socket joint 109 is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the plate 105 for aligning the first portion underneath the sliced bread.

[0032] Furthermore, multiple motorized clippers 107 are arranged on lateral ends of the second portion for grabbing the user-specified number of slices from the package. The clippers 107 used herein are in the range of five to eight in number and are powered by a bi-directional direct current motor that is capable of converting direct current into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz Law which states that, the current carrying conduction when placed in magnetic or electrical field experiences a force. Such that, the motor converts the electrical current derived from an external source into a mechanical torque for providing the required power to the clippers 107 that uses this power to grip the user-specified number of slices from the package. In synchronous, the microcontroller retracts the rod 106 to pull the plate 105 along with the grabbed slices of bread, thereby assisting the user in obtaining the user-specified slices from the package.

[0033] The plate 105 is further integrated with a drawer arrangement 108 to increase/decrease dimensions of the plate 105 for properly accommodating the slices on the plate 105. The drawer arrangement 108 consists of multiple plate 105s that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement 108 by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement 108 to increase/decrease dimensions of the plate 105 for properly accommodating the slices on the plate 105.

[0034] Upon accommodating the slices on the plate 105, a motorized blade 110 is configured with the arm 104 for cutting ends of the slice of bread. The blade 110 is powered by the same DC motor with which the clippers 107 work. Thus, upon getting actuation command from the microcontroller, the motor starts rotating in clockwise and anticlockwise direction and provides the required rotational power to the blade 110. Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates the robotic arm 104 to maneuver the blade 110 across the outer periphery of the slice of bread. Then, the blade 110 cuts the ends of the slice of bread as per the requirement.

[0035] Upon successfully obtaining the slices, the microcontroller actuates a heating coil 111 integrated in the arm 104 for heating the ends in view of sealing the package over. The heating coil 111 used herein is made up of metal and uses electricity as the energy source. The heating coil 111 uses electrical resistance to convert the electric energy into heat energy which is then transferred through an air medium over the coil 111 for the heating purpose. Thus upon getting heated, the heating coil 111 heats the ends and seals the package over.

[0036] Moreover, a microphone 112 is integrated in the body 101 that is accessed by the user to provide input voice commands regarding removal of a roasted/baked bread from a heated vessel/oven. The microphone 112 converts sound of given voice command into electronic signal for further processing. The microphone 112 is constructed with a small magnet that oscillates inside a coil 111 attached to the diaphragm. When user gives a voice command for removing the roasted/baked bread from the heated vessel/oven, a sound wave produces and the waves causes the diaphragm of the microphone 112 to vibrate. The relative motion of the magnet and coil 111 changes the given removal voice command in an electrical signal by magnetic induction which is sent to a microcontroller linked with the microphone 112. The microcontroller processes the acquired signal and interprets the user's command.

[0037] In accordance with the user's command, the microcontroller actuates a robotic gripper 113 installed on the body 101 for acquiring a grip of the roasted/baked bread, in view of removing the bread from the heated vessel/oven. The robotic gripper 113 includes a link connected with multiple motorized ball and socket joint 109 and a gripper 113 for smooth and precise gripping of the roasted/baked bread. The motorized ball and socket joint 109 includes a motor powered by the microcontroller generating electrical current, a ball shaped element and a socket. The ball moves freely within the socket. The motor rotates the ball in various directions that is controlled by the microcontroller that further commands the motor to position the ball precisely. The microcontroller further actuates the motor to generate electrical current to rotate in the joint 109 for providing movement to the gripper 113 for gripping the roasted/baked bread to remove the bread from the heated vessel/oven.

[0038] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0039] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the body 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be positioned on the fixed surface in proximity to the sliced bread package. Upon positioning the body 101, the user accessed the touch interactive display panel 102 for providing input specifications regarding the user-desired number of slices required from the package. Then, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 captures and processes multiple images in vicinity of the body 101 to determine distance of the bread package. in accordance to the determined distance, the robotic arm 104 is actuated by the microcontroller to extend/retract for getting positioned near the package. Then, the ultrasonic sensor determines tied ends of the package. Based on this, the microcontroller directs the arm 104 to acquire a grip of tied ends of the package for providing a twisting movement to the ends for untying the package, wherein the imaging unit 103 determines distance of the body 101 from the sliced bread inside the untied package. further, the telescopically operated rod 106 is actuated by the microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the first portion of the plate 105 underneath the sliced bread in the package. Thereafter, multiple motorized clippers 107 grab the user-specified number of slices from the package that is followed by retraction of the rod 106 to pull the plate 105 along with the grabbed slices of bread, thereby assisting the user in obtaining the user-specified slices from the package. Then, the motorized blade 110 cuts the ends of the slice of bread. Upon successfully obtaining the slices, the microcontroller actuates the heating coil 111 for heating the ends to seal the package over. Moreover, the microphone 112 is accessed by the user to provide input voice commands regarding removal of a roasted/baked bread from the heated vessel/oven. In accordance with the user's command, the microcontroller actuates the robotic gripper 113 for acquiring a grip of the roasted/baked bread, in view of removing the bread from the heated vessel/oven.

[0040] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An adaptable sliced bread bagging assistive device, comprising:
i) a body 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in proximity to a sliced bread package, wherein a touch interactive display panel 102 is installed on said body 101 for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired number of slices required from said package;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively to determine distance of said bread package, wherein a robotic arm 104 is installed on said body 101 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to extend/retract for getting positioned in proximity to said package;
iii) an ultrasonic sensor embedded on said body 101 for determining tied ends of said package, based on which said microcontroller directs said arm 104 to acquire a grip of tied ends of said package for providing a twisting movement to said ends, in view of untying said package, wherein said imaging unit 103 determines distance of said body 101 from said sliced bread inside said untied package; and
iv) a L-shaped plate 105 having a first and second portion, arranged on said body 101 by means of a telescopically operated rod 106 that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning said first portion underneath said sliced bread in said package, wherein plurality of motorized clippers 107 are arranged on lateral ends of said second portion for grabbing said user-specified number of slices from said package, followed by retraction of said rod 106 to pull said plate 105 along with said grabbed slices of bread, thereby assisting said user in obtaining said user-specified slices from said package.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a drawer arrangement 108 is integrated in said plate 105 to increase/decrease dimensions of said plate 105 for properly accommodating said slices on said plate 105.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint 109 integrated in between said rod 106 and said plate 105 for providing omnidirectional movement to said plate 105 in view of aligning said first portion underneath said sliced bread.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized blade 110 is configured with said arm 104 for cutting ends of said slice of bread.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon successfully obtaining said slices, said microcontroller actuates a heating coil 111 integrated in said arm 104 for heating said ends in view of sealing said package over.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 112 is integrated in said body 101 that is accessed by said user to provide input voice commands regarding removal of a roasted/baked bread from a heated vessel/oven, based on which said microcontroller actuates a robotic gripper 113 installed on said body 101 for acquiring a grip of said roasted/baked bread, in view of removing said bread from said heated vessel/oven.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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