Parts sorter
First Claim
1. An apparatus for sorting a plurality of substantially identical parts, comprising:
- (a) a source of parts for said apparatus;
(b) a means of forward translation for forwarding said parts;
(c) a channel having a width of approximately nx, where n is an integer greater than one and x is the width of a characteristic dimension of said parts based on a preferred orientation of said parts due to translation, where said channel accepts a plurality of parts from said source of parts, and together with said means for forward translation arranges the parts into a substantially two dimensional plane of parts of no more than n abreast in said channel and forwards the parts towards a chute;
(d) a fluted chute having n flutes each of a width of at least x, each flute diverging one from another as they extend from said channel, said fluted chute for dividing said substantially two dimensional plane of parts into n one dimensional lines of parts, such that said parts may be individually handled;
(e) means for adjusting the width of said channel to accommodate a change in the width x of said characteristic dimension of said parts;
(f) means for adjusting the widths of said flutes where said fluted chute accepts said parts from said channel; and
(g) means for sensing the width of said parts and outputting a signal representative thereof, whereinsaid means for adjusting the width of said channel includes means for automatically adjusting the width of said channel in response to a signal related to said signal output by said means for sensing, andsaid fluted chute includes finger means for defining said flutes, and said finger means is adjustable.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for sorting a plurality of parts includes: a holding bin having an opening for releasing some parts; a vibrator for imparting forward translation to the parts; a channel having a width of approximately nx, where n is an integer greater than one and x is the width of a characteristic dimension of the parts based on a preferred translation orientation; and a descending fluted chute having substantially n rounded flutes, each of a width of at least x. The channel accepts the parts from the opening in the holding bin, and due to the vibrator arranges the parts into a substantially single plane parts or no more than n abreast in the channel. The fluted chute guarantees that any parts till stacked are separted. The parts sorter is preferably adjustable for handling parts of different dimensions, and therefore the fluted chute has diverging flutes which are separated by adjustable fingers so that the width of the end of the channel and the width of the portion of the fluted chute which first receives the parts are substantially equal. Automatic adjustment is provided by including optical sensors which are sensitive to the dimensions of the parts and feedback from the sensors to a servo system controlling fingers defining the flutes of the chute.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An apparatus for sorting a plurality of substantially identical parts, comprising:
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(a) a source of parts for said apparatus; (b) a means of forward translation for forwarding said parts; (c) a channel having a width of approximately nx, where n is an integer greater than one and x is the width of a characteristic dimension of said parts based on a preferred orientation of said parts due to translation, where said channel accepts a plurality of parts from said source of parts, and together with said means for forward translation arranges the parts into a substantially two dimensional plane of parts of no more than n abreast in said channel and forwards the parts towards a chute; (d) a fluted chute having n flutes each of a width of at least x, each flute diverging one from another as they extend from said channel, said fluted chute for dividing said substantially two dimensional plane of parts into n one dimensional lines of parts, such that said parts may be individually handled; (e) means for adjusting the width of said channel to accommodate a change in the width x of said characteristic dimension of said parts; (f) means for adjusting the widths of said flutes where said fluted chute accepts said parts from said channel; and (g) means for sensing the width of said parts and outputting a signal representative thereof, wherein said means for adjusting the width of said channel includes means for automatically adjusting the width of said channel in response to a signal related to said signal output by said means for sensing, and said fluted chute includes finger means for defining said flutes, and said finger means is adjustable. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for counting a plurality of substantially identical parts, comprising:
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(a) a holding bin having a volume for holding a plurality of substantially identical parts and an opening for releasing some of said parts; (b) a means of forward translation for forwarding said parts; (c) a channel having a width of approximately nx, where n is an integer of said parts based on a preferred orientation of said parts due to translation, where said channel accepts a plurality of parts from said opening in said holding bin, and together with said means for forward translation arranges the parts into a substantially two dimensional plane of parts of no more than n abreast in said channel and forwards the parts towards a chute; (d) a fluted chute having n flutes each of a width of at least x, said flutes diverging one from another as they extend away from said channel, said fluted chute for dividing said substantially two dimensional plane of parts into n one dimensional lines of parts, such that said parts may be individually handled; (e) a means for counting said parts after said parts have been divided into n one dimensional lines; (f) means for adjusting the width of said channel to accommodate a change in the width x of said characteristic dimension of said parts; (g) means for adjusting the widths of said flutes where said fluted chute accepts said parts from said channel; and (h) means for sensing the width of said parts and outputting a signal representative thereof, wherein said means for adjusting the width of said channel includes means for automatically adjusting the width of said channel in response to a signal related to said signal output by said means for sensing, and said fluted chute includes finger means for defining said flutes, and said finger means is adjustable. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification