Article-holding cup and scale for apparatus that sorts articles by weight
August 19, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 2980252 3545614 3580381 Weight sizing apparatus Process and apparatus for weighing and sorting articles Method and apparatus for sorting fruits, vegetables or the like by weight Apparatus and process for sorting articles Fruit cup dampening device Method and apparatus for high speed processing of fruit or the like Method and apparatus for sorting fruits and vegetables InventorApplicationNo. 746697 filed on 08/19/1991US Classes:209/592, Responsive to weight of item177/145, WITH WEIGHER LOADING OR UNLOADING MEANS198/370.04, Supporting portions tilt about an axis parallel to path of travel198/384, Including orbiting progression of item-receiving pockets and means moving item within pocket209/698, Means movable between horizontal item-supporting position and gravity discharge position209/707, Items separated by tipping, rolling, or sliding off support under force of gravity209/912ENDLESS FEED CONVEYOR WITH MEANS FOR HOLDING EACH ITEM INDIVIDUALLYExaminersPrimary: Dayoan, D. GlennAssistant: Nguyen, Tan T. Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassB07C 005/16AbstractIn an article sorting apparatus with two parallel, spaced-apart continuous conveyors which pass through a loading zone, a weighing zone, and a discharge zone, having fabric flaps disposed on spaced-apart rods connected between the two conveyors for gently receiving articles selectively discharged for grouping with other articles having a similar determinable characteristic, an article-holding cup and scale providing such apparatus capability to select by weight. The cup includes an L-shaped arm extending outward and downward from one side and a pin extending outward from an opposite side. The free end of the arm extends to the scale below the horizontal plane in which the rods travel. The rods pass over the scale while the cups travel on rails in the weighing zone so that the weight of the article in each cup may be determined.Field of SearchDiverse electrical testsResponsive to weight of item Detecting movement of item support with electrical sensor Orbiting or rotating carrier responsive to item weight Means movable between horizontal item-supporting position and gravity discharge position Items separated by tipping, rolling, or sliding off support under force of gravity ENDLESS FEED CONVEYOR WITH MEANS FOR HOLDING EACH ITEM INDIVIDUALLY Including orbiting progression of item-receiving pockets and means moving item within pocket By retarding velocity or reducing volume WITH WEIGHER LOADING OR UNLOADING MEANS | |
