Sorting apparatuses and sorting methods
US6250471A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S209/932
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to sorting apparatuses and sorting methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a sorting apparatus includes an intake section configured to receive plural articles to be sorted; an exhaust section located downstream of the intake section; and an air manifold adjacent the intake section and positioned to emit an air stream in a generally downstream direction and wherein the articles move in a given direction of movement, and the emitted air stream sorts at least some articles from remaining articles and directs the at least some articles in the downstream direction from the intake section to the exhaust section. A sorting method according to one aspect of the invention includes providing a sorter; receiving plural articles to be sorted within the sorter; moving the articles along discrete courses of travel in a given direction within the sorter; subjecting the articles to an air stream substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the articles and in an area defined between the discrete courses of travel to sort at least some articles from remaining articles and wherein the sorting occurs in the area defined between the discrete …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.