US3738507A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bin for accumulating spherical articles
Assignee: Sunkist Growers Inc
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Filing: 1971-09-13
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Granted: 1973-06-12
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Expires: 1991-09-13
Abstract
Abstract An accumulator bin for substantially spherical articles which spaces the bin delivery gate from the point of application of the accumulated articles to utilize the natural angle of repose of the articles to deliver a single layer of articles at the point of application. Bridging at the delivery gate is retarded by a certain dimensional gate opening relative to the diameter of articles accumulated along with pressure relieving baffles strategically placed.
Inventors
- 👤 C Livingston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 21:17
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D88/00; B65D88/54; B65D88/64
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A bin for accumulating substantially spherical articles, said bin comprising: a. side walls; b. A floor panel inclined with respeCt to horizontal, said floor panel connected to the lower portion of said side walls to define an enclosure to accumulate articles, the lower-most edge of said floor panel adapted to be positioned adjacent a conveyor; c. gate means through which the accumulated articles may gravitate from said bin, said gate means mounted inwardly of said side walls and spaced from the lower-most edge of said floor panel such that the natural angle of repose of the accumulated articles gravitating from said gate means tends to deliver articles in a substantially single layer at said lowermost edge; and d. a rigid baffle extending inwardly of said side walls, said gate means mounted to the inward-most portion of said baffle, whereby said baffle relieves the pressure of accumulated articles from the articles gravitating through said gate means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
A bin for accumulating substantially spherical articles, said bin comprising: a. side walls; b. A floor panel inclined with respeCt to horizontal, said floor panel connected to the lower portion of said side walls to define an enclosure to accumulate articles, the lower-most edge of said floor panel adapted to be positioned adjacent a conveyor; c. gate means through which the accumulated articles may gravitate from said bin, said gate means mounted inwardly of said side walls and spaced from the lower-most edge of said floor panel such that the natural angle of repose of the accumulated articles gravitating from said gate means tends to deliver articles in a substantially single layer at said lowermost edge; and d. a rigid baffle extending inwardly of said side walls, said gate means mounted to the inward-most portion of said baffle, whereby said baffle relieves the pressure of accumulated articles from the articles gravitating through said gate means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The bin of claim 1 wherein the opening of said gate means may be adjusted to accommodate articles of various diameters.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The bin of claim 1 further comprising a drag pad mounted above said floor panel outwardly of said gate means whereby said drag pad will drag along the top of the articles as they gravitate from said bin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
The bin of claim 1, further comprising a ramp means hingedly mounted to swing from a lower position whereby it bridges the gap between the lower-most edge of the floor panel and an adjacent conveyor to aid the free flow of articles from the bin to the conveyor, and an upper position whereby it blocks the flow of fruit from said bin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The bin of claim 1, further comprising rigid baffles connected to said side walls in a staggered relation, said baffles adapted to block the free fall of fruit into said bin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The bin of claim 1, further comprising flexible baffles arranged in horizontal staggered relationship to retard the free fall of articles into the bin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The bin of claim 6 wherein said flexible baffles comprise rope strung between holes in said side walls.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The bin of claim 7 wherein said flexible baffles include a resilient jacket surrounding said rope.
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) | 1976-06-11 | 1976-12-11 | 1977-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-11 | 1980-12-11 | 1981-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-11 | 1984-12-11 | 1985-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |