Utensil sorting apparatus
US6237779A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S209/926
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A utensil sorting apparatus simultaneously sorts and/or orients a plurality of utensils, such as spoons, forks, and knives. A first movable conveyor is movably disposed over a first template having at least one first aperture sized to receive therethrough only the spoons. The first conveyor sequentially moves the utensils through at least three locations, including a receiving location, a sorting and orienting location, and a discharge location. A bar may be disposed laterally across the first aperture in the first template at a location configured to correspond to a midpoint of the spoon. The center of gravity of the spoon causes the spoon to pass over one side of the bar to orient the spoon as it passes through the aperture. The apparatus has a first stage, including the first template and first conveyor, to separate the spoons, and a second stage, including a second template and a second conveyor, to separate the forks from the knives.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.