Automatic infeeder device with reject
US5871078A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2205/04
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for depositing objects at separated locations on a movable belt. The device includes at least one channel through which objects enter the apparatus. A sensor measures separation between adjacent objects approaching the apparatus and a reject mechanism prevents object that are too close to adjacent objects from entering the apparatus. Each channel includes a plurality of gates disposed therein. These gates operate sequentially to incrementally move the objects individually through the channel towards the movable belt. A sensor locates empty spaces along the movable belt, into which the objects are deposited. The movable belt is usually part of a conveyor system and may be a slotted belt or a smooth belt.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.