Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
Vibratory apparatus adapted for treating successive batches of parts, comprising a generally horizontally disposed container having spaced substantially vertical end walls connected by an intermediate wall and defining a treating chamber adapted to receive a load of parts and treating media, means mounted on said frame and supporting said container for vibration, power operated means for vibrating said container with sufficient force to effect orbital movement of the load in a path generally parallel to said end walls, means defining a discharge outlet within one of said end walls, a generally planar gate member positioned adjacent said one end wall, pivot means supporting said gate member for rotary movement on an axis extending substantially normal to said one end wall and between an open position and a closed position in a direction substantially parallel to the orbital path of the load within said chamber, and said pivot means being located offset from the center of said outlet to effect a rotary slicing shearing action of said gate member through the media when said gate member moves between said open position to said closed position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
Vibratory apparatus adapted for treating successive batches of parts, comprising a generally horizontally disposed container having spaced substantially vertical end walls connected by an intermediate wall and defining a treating chamber adapted to receive a load of parts and treating media, means mounted on said frame and supporting said container for vibration, power operated means for vibrating said container with sufficient force to effect orbital movement of the load in a path generally parallel to said end walls, means defining a discharge outlet within one of said end walls, a generally planar gate member positioned adjacent said one end wall, pivot means supporting said gate member for rotary movement on an axis extending substantially normal to said one end wall and between an open position and a closed position in a direction substantially parallel to the orbital path of the load within said chamber, and said pivot means being located offset from the center of said outlet to effect a rotary slicing shearing action of said gate member through the media when said gate member moves between said open position to said closed position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
114 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including a door member pivotally supported for movement between a closed position adjacent said outlet and an outwardly retracted open position, power operated means for moving said door member between said open and closed positions, means defining a fluid discharge port within said door member, a screen member covering said port, means for back flushing said screen member when said door member is located in said open position, and control means for actuating said power operated means for said door member subsequent to closing of said gate member to assure said outlet is clear of parts and media before said door member is moved to said closed position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means connected to said container for sensing the amplitude of vibration of said container, and means responsive to said sensing means for automatically controlling said power operated means to maintain the amplitude of vibration substantially constant with variations in the load.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including an elongated flexible actuating member connected to said gate member, and fluid cylinder means connected to move said actuating member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means for automatically moving said gate member between said open and closed positions according to a predetermined cycle to effect treatment of a batch of parts within said chamber for a predetermined time and then discharge of the parts and media from said chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means for supplying successive batches of parts to said chamber, and control means connected to operate said supplying means in timed relation with said means for moving said gate member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means for separating the parts and media after being discharged from said chamber through said outlet, and conveyor means for returning the separated media from said separating means to said chamber adjacent the opposite said end wall while media and parts are flowing through said outlet to assist removal of each batch of parts from said chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said supplying means include a parts hopper, means for weighing a batch of parts received within said hopper, switch means for actuating said control means in response to receiving a predetermined load of parts within said hopper, and means for delivering a batch of parts from said hopper to said treating chamber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
94 words
Vibratory apparatus comprising a frame, a container definiNg a chamber adapted to receive a load of media and parts to be vibrated, means mounted on said frame and supporting said container for vibration, power operated means for vibrating said container with sufficient force to effect rotational movement of the load within said chamber, means connected to said container for sensing the amplitude of vibration of said container, and means responsive to said sensing means for automatically controlling said power operated means to maintain the amplitude of vibration substantially constant with variations in the load.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
94 words
Vibratory apparatus comprising a frame, a container definiNg a chamber adapted to receive a load of media and parts to be vibrated, means mounted on said frame and supporting said container for vibration, power operated means for vibrating said container with sufficient force to effect rotational movement of the load within said chamber, means connected to said container for sensing the amplitude of vibration of said container, and means responsive to said sensing means for automatically controlling said power operated means to maintain the amplitude of vibration substantially constant with variations in the load.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
Vibratory apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said controlling means is further effective to shift the amplitude of vibration to a lower level for a predetermined change in the load in said container.