Patent · US Expired

Vibratory bowl feeder with automatic clean out function

US5269440A · kind A · utility

12Cited by
11References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 7, 1993
Grant dateDec 14, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 7, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65G27/02
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vibratory bowl feeder is provided with an automatic cleanout feature which comprises an opening formed in the bottom surface of a vibratory bowl proximate a ramp formed on that bottom surface. The ramp extends a predetermined angular distance around the bottom surface of the bowl and locally raises the surface that parts pass along as they move in response to the vibrations of the bowl. The raised surface of the ramp creates a step between the upper most surface of the ramp and the bottom surface of the bowl proximate the opening formed in the bottom surface of the bowl. A door is provided to selectively cover and uncover the opening. During normal operation, the door is closed and parts pass over the ramp, along the upper surface of the door and back to the bottom surface in response to the vibration of the bowl. When the door is moved to expose the opening in the bottom surface of the bowl, parts moving up the ramp surface fall down across a step between the ramp surface and the opening and through the opening to a container, or receiver, placed under the opening. In addition, a stream of air is selectively used to force components from the helical track of the bowl back toward…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.