US3749240A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for and method of classifying empty containers
Assignee: Reynolds Metals Co
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Filing: 1971-12-16
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Granted: 1973-07-31
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Expires: 1991-12-16
Abstract
Abstract Empty containers, such as cans, bottles, and the like are introduced in a random manner to a classifying station where they are acted upon by gravity and by at least another force which acts basically in opposition to gravity with the force and gravity operating to classify the containers into a plurality of classifications.
Inventors
- 👤 W Spears
- 👤 H Lee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:35
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07C; B07C99/00; G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/06; G07F7/0609
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
An article classifying apparatus comprising, means introducing articles to a classifying station where they are acted upon by gravity, fluid means and magnetic means at said classifying station acting in opposition to gravity, said fluid means, magnetic means, and gravity acting substantially simultaneously at said classfying station to classify said articles into a plurality of at least three classifications, said magnetic means serving to remove by magnetic attraction articles comprised of magnetic materials.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
An article classifying apparatus comprising, means introducing articles to a classifying station where they are acted upon by gravity, fluid means and magnetic means at said classifying station acting in opposition to gravity, said fluid means, magnetic means, and gravity acting substantially simultaneously at said classfying station to classify said articles into a plurality of at least three classifications, said magnetic means serving to remove by magnetic attraction articles comprised of magnetic materials.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said fluid means comrises at least one air nozzle providing an air stream across said classifying station, said air stream being adapted to impinge and deflect certain ones of said articles and define one of said plurality of classifications.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said fluid means comprises a vacuum head producing a partial vacuum across said classifying station and serving to remove by suction certain ones of said articles which define one of said plurality of classifications.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said magnetic means comprises a magnetized pulley and said introducing means comprises an endless conveyor made of a non-magnetic material and being supported at one end thereof by said pulley, said pulley being positioned adjoining said classifying station.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
64 words
An apparatus for classifying articles comprising, means introducing articles to be classified to a classifying station where they are unsupported and acted upon by gravity, and fluid means and magnetic means at said classifying station each acting in opposition to gravity, said fluid means, magnetic means, and gravity acting substantially simultaneously at said classifying station to classify said articles into at least three classifications.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
64 words
An apparatus for classifying articles comprising, means introducing articles to be classified to a classifying station where they are unsupported and acted upon by gravity, and fluid means and magnetic means at said classifying station each acting in opposition to gravity, said fluid means, magnetic means, and gravity acting substantially simultaneously at said classifying station to classify said articles into at least three classifications.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
95 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 5 in which said introducing means comprises an endless belt conveyor comprised of an elastomeric non-magnetic material and having a conveyor pulley at one end thereof positioned adjoining said classifying station, said magnetic means being in the form of magnets provided as an integral part of said pulley, said magnets serving to remove by magnetic attraction articles comprised of magnetic materials and said fluid means serving to remove comparatively light articles with the remainder of the articles being comparatively heavy and falling by gravity into an associated receptacle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 6 and further comprising a control device for controlling said fluid means and hence the force exerted thereby.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
57 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 6 in which said fluid means comprises at least one air nozzle providing an air stream across said classifying station, said stream being adapted to impinge against said comparatively light articles at said classifying station prior to acceleration thereof by gravity and deflect the comparatively light articles toward another receptacle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 6 in which said fluid means comprises a vacuum head producing a partial vacuum across said classifying station and serving to remove by suction said comparatively light articles.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of classifying articles into a plurality of classifications comprising the steps of, introducing articles to a classifying station where they are unsupported and acted upon by gravity, exerting a magnetic force and a force produced by fluid means on said articles at said classifying station so that said magnetic force and said force produced by fluid means act in opposition to gravity, said forces and gravity acting substantially simultaneously at said said classifying station to classify said articles into at least three classifications.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of classifying articles into a plurality of classifications comprising the steps of, introducing articles to a classifying station where they are unsupported and acted upon by gravity, exerting a magnetic force and a force produced by fluid means on said articles at said classifying station so that said magnetic force and said force produced by fluid means act in opposition to gravity, said forces and gravity acting substantially simultaneously at said said classifying station to classify said articles into at least three classifications.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as set forth in claim 10 in which said force produced by fluid means is in the form of a high velocity air stream.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as set forth in claIm 10 in which said force produced by fluid means is in the form of a partial vacuum.
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) | 1976-07-30 | 1977-01-29 | 1977-07-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-30 | 1981-01-29 | 1981-07-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-30 | 1985-01-29 | 1985-07-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |