Downloader conveyor for apples and like objects
US8181770B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01D46/243
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A downloader conveyor is described and claimed. The downloader conveyor comprises an endless belt to which a plurality of cups is pivotally attached. The cups are adapted to receive apples or like relatively delicate objects. As the cups containing the apples descend into the bin, the cups rotate so as to permit the apples or other objects to roll out of or exit from the cups and to retard the cup acceleration. Each apple engages a skirt, which breaks the fall of the exiting apple. A distal end of the skirt can be arranged to scrape over the bin floor or scrape over the top of apples or other objects already placed in the bin, so as to again break the fall of the apple so that the apple is placed in the bin without substantial freefall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.