Roller sorter system
US7861845B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G65/466
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This device feeds and sorts tablets or small parts from a common hopper to a product count sensor head. Two parallel feed and transport rollers rotate together on an adjustable incline. The rotation direction of each feed and transport roller can vary along with its speed. As the feed and transport rollers rotate the feeding threads will push out the product from the hopper and sort them along the length of the rollers. As the roller angle increases so does the product feed rate. As the product flows out from the hopper, the product will start to separate in a common row. This is also due in part to the feed and transport roller angle and the product's roll ability. The product exits the bottom end of the feed and transport rollers in a straight line, is spaced, and directed downwards through a guide to a product count sensor arrangement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.