Utensil sorting apparatus
US8863960B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2013 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S209/926
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for managing (e.g. sorting, orienting, arranging, and stacking, etc.) one or more utensils; the utensils having a first and second end that define a longitudinal axis. The utensil sorting apparatus comprises of a plurality of arms to which a mechanism for locating a utensil, one or mechanisms for identifying a utensil, a device for orienting a utensil, and a device for grasping a utensil are attached. The grasping mechanism is used to transport a utensil to various steps used in a sorting process with a final step being to place the utensil in a designated bin, or compartment. The utensils placed in a compartment are oriented such that the first end of each utensil is at the same end of a wall of the compartment. The apparatus can also be used to arrange and stack utensils in preparation for secondary operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.