Patent US3642128A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3642128A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus using air jets for sorting by weight
Assignee: Golden Wonder Ltd
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Filing: 1970-06-05
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Granted: 1972-02-15
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Expires: 1990-06-05
Abstract
Abstract An inexpensive rapid-response check weigher for separate removal of underweight/overweight packets which may contain potato crisps for example. The packets are of light weight and after weighing are removed by air jets in one of two directions depending on their weight. The apparatus is designed for cooperation with a conveyor which feeds it with a series of packets one by one in rapid succession.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan S Westwood
- 👤 Donald Carmichael
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 04:21
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01G; G01G23/00; G01G23/06; G01G23/10; B; B07; B07C; B07C5/00; B07C5/16; B07C5/18; B07C5/20; G01G21/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
Apparatus for check weighing a series of articles one by one and comprising a weigh pan mounted to pivot downwards when an article is deposited on it and an air jet system for removal of an article from the weigh pan in one of two directions depending on the degree of downward tilt of the weigh pan, characterized in that the operation of the air jet system is controlled by means responsive to the degree of downward tilt of the weigh pan and in that said air jet system comprises two air nozzles, one being arranged to blow an article from the weigh pan in one direction, the other being arranged to direct an air jet against the underside of the weigh pan to return the weigh pan upwards, causing an article thereon to slide off the weigh pan in a different direction to the said one direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
Apparatus for check weighing a series of articles one by one and comprising a weigh pan mounted to pivot downwards when an article is deposited on it and an air jet system for removal of an article from the weigh pan in one of two directions depending on the degree of downward tilt of the weigh pan, characterized in that the operation of the air jet system is controlled by means responsive to the degree of downward tilt of the weigh pan and in that said air jet system comprises two air nozzles, one being arranged to blow an article from the weigh pan in one direction, the other being arranged to direct an air jet against the underside of the weigh pan to return the weigh pan upwards, causing an article thereon to slide off the weigh pan in a different direction to the said one direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein the weigh pan is provided with a counterbalancing beam, characterized in that the means for controlling the operation of the air jet system are switch means operable by pivotal movement of the weigh pan/balancing beam assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the weigh pan has always an upward tilt above the horizontal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that damping means are provided for damping the return movement of the empty weigh pan.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 and wherein the weigh pan is provided with a counterbalancing beam, characterized in that a first damping device is arranged to act on the weigh pan and a second damping device is arranged to act on the beam.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that openings are provided in the base of the weigh pan adjacent the pivot axis of the weigh pan and in that fixed vertical pins are located below the openings, which pins Are arranged to project upwards through their respective openings to provide abutment stops for an article whenever the weigh pan tilts downwards under an article of acceptable weight.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that an air nozzle forming part of the air jet system is arranged to discharge a jet of air across the pivot axis of the weigh pan to blow an article of acceptable weight thereon away from the pins and off the weigh pan.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-14 | 1975-08-16 | 1976-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-14 | 1979-08-16 | 1980-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-14 | 1983-08-16 | 1984-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |