Automated picking, weighing and sorting system for particulate matter
Patent 7044306 Issued on May 16, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date: 
April 2, 2023. 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.
April 2, 2023. 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 2756903 3642128 Stone sorting apparatus and method Needle seeder Part isolating apparatus Bulk feeder Patent #: 6098838 InventorApplicationNo. 10406910 filed on 04/02/2003US Classes:209/643, Suction209/644, Fluid jet209/645, Sorting items by weight406/147, Terminal type406/83, WITH LOAD BRAKING OR RETARDING MEANS221/208, WITH DISCHARGE ASSISTANT221/210, Article adhering or gripping type221/254, Movable through hopper to separate and elevate articles221/211, Suction carrier221/163, Selective separation from supply29/428, Assembling or joining29/809With magazine supplyExaminersPrimary: Walsh, Donald P.Assistant: Miller, John Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesA24F 15/04B23Q 7/12 B65H 9/00 AbstractAn automated machine is used to handle and manipulate individual pieces of particulate matter. The particulate matter is contained in a bin. The machine operates to pick single individual pieces of the particulate matter from the bin. The picked individual pieces are then conveyed for further handling. Pneumatic transport is primarily used for the conveying operation. One aspect of the handling involves individually weighing each piece of the picked particulate matters. Another aspect of the handling involves sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter into a plurality of receptacles. Yet another aspect of the handling involves both weighing and then sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter, wherein the sorting operation may be performed based upon the measured weight of each piece.Other References
Field of SearchSuctionFluid jet Sorting items by weight Same items successively placed on means (e.g., balance beams, etc.) responsive to different weights WITH DIVERSE POWER-DRIVEN CONVEYOR Movable inlet Terminal type MISCELLANEOUS WITH LOAD BRAKING OR RETARDING MEANS WITH DISCHARGE ASSISTANT Article adhering or gripping type Suction carrier With reciprocating (including oscillating) ejector Movable through hopper to separate and elevate articles Fluid pressure | |
