US3716135A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sorting device
Assignee: Sprague Electric Co
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Filing: 1970-09-16
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Granted: 1973-02-13
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Expires: 1990-09-16
Abstract
Abstract Sorting apparatus for individual elements comprising an aperture and a shiftable body having a plurality of separate chutes each associated with a respective receptacle. The elements are passed individually through the aperture and are received in one of the chutes of the shiftable body which chute delivers the element to the respective receptacle. This delivery through the chute takes place while the shiftable member may be undergoing repositioning. While one element is in the process of being delivered to a predetermined receptacle, the procedure may be underway for receiving the next succeeding element and passing the next element to a different predetermined receptacle.
Inventors
- 👤 N Sears
- 👤 R Remillard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 20:15
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C3/00; G07C3/14; B; B07; B07C; B07C5/00; B07C5/36; B07C5/361; B07C5/362; B07C5/363; B07C5/365; B07C5/366
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
In a sorting apparatus for small discrete objects the combination of a low inert distributing member having a plurality of delivery passages capable of receiving the objects, at least two pair of diametrically positioned tension springs attached to sides of said distributing member, means for providing a fluid support for said distributing member whereby said diametrically positioned tension springs and said fluid support permit lateral motion with low inertia in all planar coordinates of said planar member, a plurality of straight lateral surfaces defining angles with each other to form the periphery of the distributing member, a plurality of means for applying a resilient pressure against said surfaces for moving said distributing member laterally in said planar coordinates within limits determined by the tension springs, a plurality of receptacles each having an opening positioned to receive the objects from a delivery passage dimensioned to receive objects from the respective delivery passage, independent of the position of the distributing member during delivery.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
In a sorting apparatus for small discrete objects the combination of a low inert distributing member having a plurality of delivery passages capable of receiving the objects, at least two pair of diametrically positioned tension springs attached to sides of said distributing member, means for providing a fluid support for said distributing member whereby said diametrically positioned tension springs and said fluid support permit lateral motion with low inertia in all planar coordinates of said planar member, a plurality of straight lateral surfaces defining angles with each other to form the periphery of the distributing member, a plurality of means for applying a resilient pressure against said surfaces for moving said distributing member laterally in said planar coordinates within limits determined by the tension springs, a plurality of receptacles each having an opening positioned to receive the objects from a delivery passage dimensioned to receive objects from the respective delivery passage, independent of the position of the distributing member during delivery.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
161 words
In a sorting apparatus for small discrete objects the combination of a low inert distributing member having a plurality of delivery passages capable of receiving the objects, at least two pair of diametrically positioned tension springs attached to sides of said distributing member, means for providing a fluid support for said distributing member whereby said diametrically positioned tension springs and said fluid support permit lateral motion with low inertia in all planar coordinates of said planar member, a plurality of straight lateral surfaces defining angles with each other to form the periphery of the distributing member, a plurality of means for applying a resilient pressure against said surfaces for moving said distributing member laterally in said planar coordinates within limits determined by the tension springs, a plurality of receptacles each having an opening positioned to receive the objects from a delivery passage dimensioned to receive objects from the respective delivery passage, independent of the position of the distributing member during delivery.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
161 words
In a sorting apparatus for small discrete objects the combination of a low inert distributing member having a plurality of delivery passages capable of receiving the objects, at least two pair of diametrically positioned tension springs attached to sides of said distributing member, means for providing a fluid support for said distributing member whereby said diametrically positioned tension springs and said fluid support permit lateral motion with low inertia in all planar coordinates of said planar member, a plurality of straight lateral surfaces defining angles with each other to form the periphery of the distributing member, a plurality of means for applying a resilient pressure against said surfaces for moving said distributing member laterally in said planar coordinates within limits determined by the tension springs, a plurality of receptacles each having an opening positioned to receive the objects from a delivery passage dimensioned to receive objects from the respective delivery passage, independent of the position of the distributing member during delivery.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The combination claimed in claim 1 wherein the distributing member comprises a shuttle having a perforated planar member movable in a major plane, a plurality of ports perforating the planar member and said passages extending from said planar member from said ports.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
76 words
In the combination of claim 2 an apertured member positioned adjacent the shuttle and defining a central opening through said adjacent member which opening lies within the plane area of said major plane of movement of said shuttle defined by the shuttle perimeter so constructed and arranged that objects received from the central opening by one of the ports is delivered to its receptacle through the respective passage independent of the lateral position of the shuttle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein the apertured member is positioned above the shuttle and the objects are delivered downwardly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
In the combination of claim 1 wherein the means for providing fluid support comprises air bearing means supporting said distributing member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
In the combination of claim 1 wherein the resilient means comprises air jets positioned around said distributing member and spring tension means attached to the distributing member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3016142A
Cited
US3080033A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-13 | 1976-08-14 | 1977-02-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-13 | 1980-08-14 | 1981-02-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-13 | 1984-08-14 | 1985-02-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |