Apparatus for sorting articles according to size
US5143226A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB07B13/075
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus for sorting articles according to size comprising an endless conveyor (13) including a plurality of elongate conveyor members (16) pivotally linked to a pair of continuous chains (22) by rigid rods (24) located at each end of members (16). Chains (22) are driven by sprocket (21) in a circuitous path defined by rigid tracks (60) and (63), idler sprocket (23) and catenary (76). Conveyor members (16) move in a substantially oval path (15) having a flattened upper portion (17) defining an article support surface (18), and a flattened lower portion (67). Members (16) within support surface (18) are spaced from one another by variable amounts by virtue of the circuitous path followed by chains (22), and the spacings permit selected size articles to pass therethrough and be sorted from articles of different sizes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.