US3674128A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Feeder for cylindrical objects
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-02-11
•
Granted: 1972-07-04
•
Expires: 1990-02-11
Abstract
Abstract Cylindrical objects are fed from a rotating disk that is tilted 10* to 15* from the horizontal. The objects are dropped onto the upper part of the disk, and a fixed orienting surface close to the top surface of the disk curves inward from the periphery of the disk in the direction of rotation and extends across the lower part of the disk to a discharge region where the orienting surface is approximately radial to the disk. Objects that are properly oriented for discharge roll against the disk in sliding contact with the orienting surface and pass through a discharge tube. Objects in other orientations frictionally engage the disk to be carried away from the discharge tube, guided around the disk, and tumbled into a new approach to the orienting surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis E Mead
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:38
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/02; B65G47/04; B65G47/12; B65G47/14; B65G47/1407; B65G47/1442; B65G47/1457
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
A device for orienting and feeding generally cylindrical objects, said device comprising: a. a disk having a generally smooth and continuous top surface; b. means for rotating said disk about the perpendicular axis of said disk; c. means for tilting said disk from the horizontal; d. means for dropping said objects onto the upper region of said top surface of said disk; e. means for generally confining said objects within the periphery of said disk; f. a fixed orienting surface close to said top surface of said disk and curving inward from said periphery in the direction of rotation of said disk and extending across the lower region of said disk to a discharge region where said orienting surface is approximately radial to said disk so that those of said objects that are oriented radially of said disk for rolling engagement with said disk move axially along said orienting surface; and g. a discharge tube aligned with said orienting surface at said discharge region and extending beyond said disk periphery to receive said objects.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
174 words
A device for orienting and feeding generally cylindrical objects, said device comprising: a. a disk having a generally smooth and continuous top surface; b. means for rotating said disk about the perpendicular axis of said disk; c. means for tilting said disk from the horizontal; d. means for dropping said objects onto the upper region of said top surface of said disk; e. means for generally confining said objects within the periphery of said disk; f. a fixed orienting surface close to said top surface of said disk and curving inward from said periphery in the direction of rotation of said disk and extending across the lower region of said disk to a discharge region where said orienting surface is approximately radial to said disk so that those of said objects that are oriented radially of said disk for rolling engagement with said disk move axially along said orienting surface; and g. a discharge tube aligned with said orienting surface at said discharge region and extending beyond said disk periphery to receive said objects.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 1 including means for rotating said discharge tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said orienting surface slopes away from said axis of rotation of said disk.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 3 wherein said orienting surface is curved in cross section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device of claim 1 including a fixed guide surface close to said top surface of said disk and curving inward from said periphery in the direction of rotation of said disk and extending from rotationally beyond said discharge region to a free end rotationally ahead of said orienting surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 5 wherein said dropping means is disposed between said guide surface and said periphery of said disk.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said tilt of said disk from the horizontal is from 10* to 15*.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 1 including a barrier surface close to said top surface of said disk and arranged for keeping said objects away from the central region of said disk.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said orienting surface passes close to the central region of said disk.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1 wherein a tripping rod close to said top surface of said disk is arranged rotationally ahead of said orienting surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 5 including a barrier surface close to said top surface of said disk and arranged for keeping said objects away from the central region of said disk.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 11 wherein a tripping rod close to said top surface of said disk is arranged rotationally ahead of said orienting surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 12 including means for rotating said discharge tube.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 13 wherein said orienting surface passes close to said central region of said disk and slopes away from said axis of rotation of said disk and is curved in cross section.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 14 wherein said tilt of said disk from the horizontal is from 10* to 15*, and said dropping means is disposed between said guide surface and said periphery of said disk.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device of claim 15 including a probe device disposed in the region of the beginning of said orienting surface and arranged for stopping said dropping means upon detection of an over supply of said objects on said disk.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-04 | 1976-01-03 | 1976-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-04 | 1980-01-03 | 1980-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-04 | 1984-01-03 | 1984-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |