US3854568A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Article handling apparatus
Assignee: Seymour Foods Inc
•
Filing: 1973-03-16
•
Granted: 1974-12-17
•
Expires: 1993-03-16
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for loading egg processing or handling equipment which comprises a reciprocably mounted support forming an accumulator table which is disposed in a generally horizontal position and interposed between a supply conveyor and a lane forming apparatus for which the accumulator table serves as a reservoir from which the eggs are transferred in parallel lines or row formation with the table being vibrated laterally to agitate the eggs and prevent pile up.
Inventors
- 👤 C Willsey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 13:11
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/22; B65G47/26; B65G47/261; B65B; B65B23/00; B65B23/02; B65B23/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
In an apparatus for handling eggs or similar articles, a horizontally disposed supporting table member of a length and width sufficient to provide an area for accumulating a substantial quantity of eggs thereon, means for advancing eggs along the surface of said table to said accumulating area which egg advancing means includes egg engaging means operative to normally move the eggs along said table surface and to brush past the eggs when they meet an obstruction, means at the leading end of said accumulating area and depending between the eggs for guiding the eggs into a plurality of laterally spaced lanes and means for imparting sufficient oscillating movement to said table surface in a direction laterally of the path of advance of the eggs to agitate the eggs when they are approaching the entrance to said lanes so as to prevent piling up at the entrance to said lanes and facilitate the entry of the eggs into said lanes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
In an apparatus for handling eggs or similar articles, a horizontally disposed supporting table member of a length and width sufficient to provide an area for accumulating a substantial quantity of eggs thereon, means for advancing eggs along the surface of said table to said accumulating area which egg advancing means includes egg engaging means operative to normally move the eggs along said table surface and to brush past the eggs when they meet an obstruction, means at the leading end of said accumulating area and depending between the eggs for guiding the eggs into a plurality of laterally spaced lanes and means for imparting sufficient oscillating movement to said table surface in a direction laterally of the path of advance of the eggs to agitate the eggs when they are approaching the entrance to said lanes so as to prevent piling up at the entrance to said lanes and facilitate the entry of the eggs into said lanes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
92 words
In an apparatus for handling eggs or similar articles as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for advancing eggs along the surface of said table comprises laterally spaced, endless chains mounted on laterally spaced end psrockets and longitudinally spaced cross members extending between said chains which travel in a path adjacent the top surface of said supporting table and normally engage the eggs So as to advance the eggs along the table surface and which brush past the eggs when the eggs meet an obstruction without damage to the eggs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
In an apparatus for handling eggs or similar articles as set forth in claim 2 wherein said cross members are relatively narrow strip members which are positioned to ride on the top surface of said supporting table and which are sufficiently thin to advance beneath the eggs when the eggs meet an obstruction so as to brush past the eggs without damaging the eggs.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
79 words
In an apparatus for handling eggs or similar articles as set forth in claim 1 wherein said supporting table member comprises a plain surface plate member which is disposed horizontally, said plate member being mounted on a vertical pivot means for movement about a vertical axis at the trailing end onto which the eggs are fed and means connected to said plate member for imparting limited, lateral, reciprocating movement at the leading end from which the eggs are discharged.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
140 words
In an apparatus for handling eggs or similar articles as set forth in claim 1 wherein said egg supporting table member terminates at the leading end at said means for guiding the eggs into said lanes, and wherein said means for guiding said eggs into said lanes comprises a plurality of laterally spaced divider plate members mounted in depending relation on a cross member which divider plate members extend between the eggs advancing on said table member and means for oscillating the cross member about an axis extending transversely of said table member so as to swing said divider plate members through a relatively small arc in a longitudinal path beneath said cross member and adjacent the end of said table member and thereby guide the eggs into a plurality of lanes which accommodate the eggs in single file arrangement.
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) | 1977-12-16 | 1978-06-17 | 1978-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-16 | 1982-06-17 | 1982-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-16 | 1986-06-17 | 1986-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |