Gravity assisted cylinder aligning feeder and element separator
US6564925B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/1428
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An open ended cylinder element having a longitudinal axis is positioned parallel to the ground and is configured and adapted to be rotatable around its longitudinal axis. A funnel element is longitudinally positioned within the center of the cylinder in a fixed position, with the cylinder being rotatable therearound and the mouth of the funnel extending upwardly away from the ground. The inner surface of the cylinder is provided with at least one longitudinally aligned cleat, with each cleat being configured as a ledge with a short retaining lip and each cleat is dimensioned relative to objects being aligned thereby. Each cleat is configured and dimensioned to scoop up at least one of the objects introduced to the bottom of the cylinder (relative to the ground) and to securely seat one object thereon and is configured and dimensioned whereby objects not securely longitudinally seated directly on the cleat, fall off the cleat, with rotation of the cylinder, prior to vertical alignment of the cleat with the mouth of the funnel, and wherein each cleat is configured and dimensioned such that with further cylinder rotation, the securely longitudinally seated object falls into said funne…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.