Hopper loader
US5197590A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1991 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S414/114
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hopper loader interfaced with a variety of hoppers/feeders having a horizontal infeed conveyor with a hand-feed belt section near the input end movable between an operative position for hand-feed operation and a lowered position to facilitate automatic feeding. A positioning actuator is coupled between the hopper loader and the hopper to provide for automatic fine-tuning adjustment of the jogger position as well as for machine make-ready to accommodate changing product size. A single controller is provided for simultaneously positioning a plurality of loaders. The controller has adjustable stops for accommodating frequently used product formats. Automatic air delay shut-off saves energy by shutting off the air blast system a predetermiend delay after the loader is halted. further automatic means saves energy and prevents "over jogging" and damage to the product by turning off the jogger a predetermined delay interval after the loader stops. One or a plurality of side guides adjustable by a single operating handle facilitate accurate and horizontal product alignment over the entire length of the loader. A feed rack having two swingable sections coupled through a center pivot enabl…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.