Ball separator system
US6112906A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB07B13/003
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention is directed to a device for separating deformed balls from normal spherical balls prior to washing as is common in the ball pen industry. The device comprises an L-shaped tunnel which defines a slot on its lower surface. The slot feeds into a receptacle positioned below the tunnel. Balls enter under the force of vacuum pressure through an intake opening, striking a first bi-angled deflector plate. Deformed balls will fall through the slot into the receptacle in most cases. However, to increase the likelihood of such an eventuality, the balls then strike a second deflector plate and are sent down the second leg of the L-shaped tunnel. The second leg also defines a slot. By striking the second deflector plate, the ball is reoriented and the likelihood of passing through the slot is increased. Thus, normal balls are left and pass from the L-shaped tunnel out through an output opening and on for conventional washing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.