Container tipping apparatus
US5435431A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2203/042
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
According to the invention there is provided a tipping device comprising a conveyor, a photodetector, a chute including two selectively translatable ramps disposed at the discharge end of the conveyor, air cylinders for translating the ramps, and a tipper bar which is exposed when the ramps are translated. More particularly, when the ramps are closed, the containers simply move from the conveyor down the chute to another conveyor. When a signal generated by the photodetector is received by the air cylinders, the air cylinders retract, thus moving the two ramps to an open position, and exposing the tipper bar. The momentum from the weight and acceleration of the container as it impacts the tipper bar flips the container on its top. After receiving a second signal from the photodetector, the air cylinders extend and the ramps close so that the next container slides down the chute without engaging the tipper bar.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.