Apparatus and method for marking pellet-shaped articles
US5433146A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/1471
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pellet marking device which includes a ramp-type carrier system for receiving pellet-shaped articles to be imprinted from a feed hopper of improved efficiency, and for conveying the received pellet-shaped articles to a printing device which is combined with the carrier system and which is appropriate for applying desired indicia to the particular product which is to be handled. This may include the more traditional contact-type printing systems which are useful in conjunction with the majority of pellet-shaped articles to be handled, as well as non-contacting ink-jet systems for applying indicia to pellet-shaped articles which do not lend themselves to contact-type printing procedures. An improved feed hopper is provided which not only contributes to the foregoing, but which also operates to significantly improve the efficiency of the system by ensuring that the pellet-receiving pockets of the pellet-conveying system are filled to the greatest extent possible while maintaining an effective production rate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.