SINGLE-STREAM SORTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
First Claim
1. A sorting system for sorting an unsorted stream of items, comprising:
- a frame structure;
a platform attached with the frame structure;
a circular conveyor that rotates in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move the unsorted stream of items around the platform, the circular conveyor being attached with the frame structure; and
a plurality of item collector chutes arranged in a circular pattern around an outer circumference of the circular conveyor, wherein;
each of the plurality of item collector chutes are attached with the frame structure, andthe unsorted stream of items deposited on the circular conveyor is rotated around the platform and proximate to each item collector chute of the plurality of item collector chutes to allow items from the unsorted stream of items to be moved from the circular conveyor into the plurality of item collector chutes.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Various arrangements involving a single-stream sorting system are presented, such as for use in sorting a single stream of recyclable materials. The single-stream sorting system may include a platform for an operator to stand on. The single-stream sorting system may include a circular conveyor that rotates in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move the stream of items around the platform. The single-stream sorting system may include a plurality of item collector chutes arranged in a circular pattern around an outer circumference of the circular conveyor. The stream of items deposited on the conveyor is rotated around the circular platform and proximate to each item collector chute of the plurality of item collector chutes to allow items from the stream of items to be moved from the circular conveyor into the plurality of item collector chutes.
10 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A sorting system for sorting an unsorted stream of items, comprising:
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a frame structure; a platform attached with the frame structure; a circular conveyor that rotates in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move the unsorted stream of items around the platform, the circular conveyor being attached with the frame structure; and a plurality of item collector chutes arranged in a circular pattern around an outer circumference of the circular conveyor, wherein; each of the plurality of item collector chutes are attached with the frame structure, and the unsorted stream of items deposited on the circular conveyor is rotated around the platform and proximate to each item collector chute of the plurality of item collector chutes to allow items from the unsorted stream of items to be moved from the circular conveyor into the plurality of item collector chutes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for sorting a stream of unsorted recyclable items, the method comprising:
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depositing on a circular conveyor the stream of unsorted recyclable items; and moving the stream of unsorted recyclable items on the circular conveyor in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around a platform such that the stream is moved proximate to each item collector chute of a plurality of item collector chutes to allow items from the stream of unsorted recyclable items to be moved from the circular conveyor into the plurality of item collector chutes, wherein the plurality of item collector chutes is arranged in a circular pattern around an outer circumference of the circular conveyor. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A sorting apparatus, comprising:
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a frame means; a platform means for one or more operators, the platform means being attached with the frame means; a conveyor means that rotates in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move a stream of unsorted stream items around the platform means, the conveyor means being attached with the frame means; and a plurality of item collection means arranged in a circular pattern around an outer circumference of the conveyor means, wherein; the plurality of item collection means are each attached with the frame means, and the stream of unsorted stream items deposited on the conveyor means is rotated around the platform means and proximate to each item collection means of the plurality of item collection means to allow items from the stream of unsorted stream items to be moved from the conveyor means into the plurality of item collection means. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification