Patent · US Active

Method for sorting products moving in a continuous stream on a chute

US9492849B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
30References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 16, 2006
Grant dateNov 15, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 12, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB07C5/02
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

The present invention is related to an apparatus for sorting products, in particular granular products such as raisins, blueberries but also pellets e.g. plastic pellets. The sorting apparatus comprises a supply system, a detecting system, a selecting system and a chute. The chute comprises a first guiding element having an upwardly-curved surface for guiding the stream of product moving under influence of gravity towards the detecting system and the selecting system. Optionally the chute comprises a second guiding element having a surface which is downward-curved at least over a certain distance along the movement of the stream of products, such that products which are propelled by the first guiding element and received by the second guiding element are redirected in an essentially vertical downward direction. The detection system will inspect the products when moving in a substantially vertical direction.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.