Orientation chute for sorting machine
US5340100A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S209/90
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An orientation chute is provided for a sorting machine which has a horizontal conveyor. The chute positively guides the objects as they leave the conveyor such that the relative orientation of successive objects leaving the container is maintained as the objects are deposited at a point of collection. A curved panel, either smooth or stepped, is used to intercept the objects as they leave the conveyor and to redirect them toward a stop member which stops their horizontal inertial velocity. The panel is sloped from the vertical to balance gravitational and centrifugal forces to maintain the object essentially horizontally as it moves across the panel. Once the object is stopped, it falls under the force of gravity along a slide potion of the chute to be deposited in a collection container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.