Sorting apparatus

US6095315A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Walter Andersch · Tauberbischofsheim, DE
• Rudolf Schuster · Heimstetten, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 4, 1998
• Grant date: Aug 1, 2000
• Expiry date: Mar 4, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2701/1916
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A sorting apparatus is provided which includes a plurality of article carriers which circulate on a conveying device. The article carriers are capable of discharging the articles in a controllable manner. Each article carrier includes a fixed wall and a movable wall. The movable wall forms, in a closed position, together with the fixed wall, a receiving pocket for the articles. The movable wall also forms, in a discharge position, together with the fixed wall, an injection slit which is open at the bottom of the pocket and which is intended to convey the articles downward through an injection chute formed by the movable wall. The movable wall engages a support structure such as a plurality of rollers or wheels for conveying the articles. The movable wall may also include a slit for receiving a distal end of the fixed wall to the two walls together in the closed position.