Tile degapper

• US 4,031,709 A
• Filed: 02/19/1976
• Issued: 06/28/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 02/19/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: John D. Blankemeyer
• Original Assignee: John D. Blankemeyer
• Inventors: Blankemeyer, John D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gilliam, Paul R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Grosz, Alex
• Application Number:
  US05/659,195
• Time in Patent Office: 495 Days
• Field of Search: 61/72.5, 61/72.1, 61/72.6, 61/72.2, 61/72.3, 61/106, 198/257, 198/262, 198/268, 214/DIG. 3
• US Class Current: 405/157
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 11/203 for articles
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 1/10 for aligning
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 414/123 Hollow cylinder handlers

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus to detect misaligned clay tiles in the chute of a tile-laying machine and realign any tiles incorrectly aligned. The apparatus is capable of being retrofitted onto existing tile-laying machinery as well as being incorporated into improved future designs. The apparatus is comprised of alignment sensing switches which in turn control solenoid operated repositioning levers. The levers realign the ceramic tiles such that they are properly positioned to avoid gaps in the tile field.

Claims

1. An apparatus for detecting and correcting misaligned tiles in an automated tile laying system wherein tiles, having a cylindrical shape, open at both ends, are fed into a semicircular distribution chute in the vertical plane such that the tiles progress around and down the chute, the front edge of each tile is lapped over the rear edge of a preceding tile when in proper alignment, and no gaps occur between the tiles being placed on the ground, and when improperly aligned the front edge of a tile is lapped under the rear edge of a preceding tile causing the front edge of the tile to strike the ground a distance away from the rear of the preceding tile causing a gap in the line of tiles, said apparatus comprising:

sensing means for detecting said misaligned tile in the chute;

delaying means responsive to said sensing means for momentarily stopping the misaligned tile from progressing further down the distribution chute; and

readjustment means for positioning the misaligned tile such that when released by said delaying means said tile drops to the preceding tile with its forward edge lapped over the rear edge of the preceding tile as it is deposited on the ground.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensing means is comprised of:

first switch means for sensing the presence of said misaligned tile as it travels down the chute and for providing an output indicating said sensing; and

second switch means for sensing passage of said tile preceding the misaligned tile and for providing an output indicating said sensing.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said delaying means is comprised of:

a first arm having a projecting portion which extends into the distribution chute, in a detaining position such that properly aligned tiles pass undisturbed, but misaligned tiles are detained on said projecting portion of said arm; and

withdrawal means for removing said first arm from said detaining position in response to said outputs of said first and second switch means.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said withdrawal means comprises:

power means, responsive to said first and second switch means, for providing an electrical current; and

solenoid means, responsive to said power means, for providing a mechanical motion to said first arm causing said misaligned tile to be released.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said readjustment means is a second arm responsive to said solenoid means, for projecting said misaligned tile substantially sideways into said properly aligned position.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said readjustment means is comprised of a deformation means in the rear of the distribution chute immediately below said delaying means, for allowing the rear edge of said preceding tile to be positioned under the front edge of said misaligned tile.