Linear feeder

US5236077A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Hoppmann Corporation · US

Inventors

• Kurt H. Hoppmann · Falls Church, US
• Charles Vaughn · Fremont, US
• Philip S. Anderson · Sumerduck, US
• Werner Schmitt · Starnberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 2, 1992
• Grant date: Aug 17, 1993
• Expiry date: Oct 2, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G47/684
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus and method is provided for producing an oriented single file of articles comprising a conveyor having pockets for receiving articles, a lateral support surface forming a drop zone between it and an edge of the conveyor, a device for determining the direction in which articles are lying within the pockets, and a device for moving articles lying in one direction out of the pocket and onto the support surface.