×

Parts sorter

  • US 4,901,841 A
  • Filed: 04/13/1987
  • Issued: 02/20/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/13/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

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.

View all claims
  • 12 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×