US3874498A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for and method of orienting articles having at least one tapered end
Assignee: United Co
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Filing: 1972-07-20
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Granted: 1975-04-01
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Expires: 1992-07-20
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure relates to apparatus for orienting objects, particularly corn, which have at least one tapered end by providing first means for conveying such objects along a first path in a first direction, second means for conveying the objects along a second path in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and means between the first and second conveying means for orienting the objects such that substantially all the objects conveyed by the second conveying means have like contoured ends leading, the orienting means including first, second and third cooperative orienting means, the first cooperative orienting means including means defining a guide surface for directing objects from the first to the second conveying means, the second cooperative orienting means includes means defining a support surface along which the subjects move downwardly along an incline from the first to the second conveying means, and the third cooperative orienting means includes at least a pair of adjacent upper flights of the second conveying means with the flight remote from the first conveying means being higher than the flight more adjacent thereto, and said apparatus further including final orienting means defined by at least a pair of upper flights of said second conveying means diverging in the direction of travel thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul F Cover
- 👤 John W Rife
- 👤 Clyde F Kemper
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 10:13
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/22; B65G47/24; B65G47/244; A; A23; A23N; A23N15/00; B65G2207/00; B65G2207/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
Apparatus for orienting objects which are at least partially tapered comprising first means for conveying a mass of said objects along a first path, means for singularizing the mass of objects, second means for conveying the singularized objects along a second path, third means following said second conveying means for conveying the singularized objects along a third path at a speed faster than that of said second path, means following said third conveying means for first orienting said singularized objects such that substantially all objects conveyed from said orienting means have like contoured ends leading, fourth means for conveying the oriented objects along a fourth path, said fourth conveying means including as a part thereof second means for orienting any of the objects misoriented by said first orienting means whereby substantially entirely all objects conveyed from said second orienting means have like contoured ends leading, and fifth means for conveying the objects along a fifth path for ultimate processing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
Apparatus for orienting objects which are at least partially tapered comprising first means for conveying a mass of said objects along a first path, means for singularizing the mass of objects, second means for conveying the singularized objects along a second path, third means following said second conveying means for conveying the singularized objects along a third path at a speed faster than that of said second path, means following said third conveying means for first orienting said singularized objects such that substantially all objects conveyed from said orienting means have like contoured ends leading, fourth means for conveying the oriented objects along a fourth path, said fourth conveying means including as a part thereof second means for orienting any of the objects misoriented by said first orienting means whereby substantially entirely all objects conveyed from said second orienting means have like contoured ends leading, and fifth means for conveying the objects along a fifth path for ultimate processing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
224 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said first conveying means includes a conveyor trough, means for vibrating said conveyor trough to move the mass of objects therealong, said singularizing means is an opening in said trough of a predetermined size through which individual objects pass under the influence of the vibrating conveyor trough, said third conveying means includes an upper flight below the level of an upper flight of said second conveying means whereby objects with tapered ends leading will not be reoriented, said first orienting means includes first, second and third cooperative orienting means, said first cooperative orienting means includes means defining a guide surface for diverting objects from said third conveying means to said fourth conveying means, said second cooperative orienting means includes means defining a support surface along which said objects move between said third and fourth conveying means, said support surface being inclined downwardly from said third conveying means toward said fourth conveying means, said third cooperative orienting means includes at least a pair of adjacent upper flights of said fourth conveying means with the flight remote from said second cooperative orienting means being lower in elevation than the flight more adjacent thereto, and said second orienting means includes at least a pair of upper flights diverging in the direction of travel of said fourth conveying means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
113 words
Apparatus for orienting elongated objects which are at least partially tapered at one end comprising first means for conveying said objects randomly with different ends leading along a first generally horizontal path in a first direction second means for conveying said objects along a second generally horizontal path in a second direction opposite and generally parallel to said first direction, means between said first and second conveying means for orienting said objects such that substantially all objects conveyed by said second conveying means have like contoured ends leading, and said orienting means including at least means defining a curved guide surface forming a generally horizontal transition path between said first and second paths.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
113 words
Apparatus for orienting elongated objects which are at least partially tapered at one end comprising first means for conveying said objects randomly with different ends leading along a first generally horizontal path in a first direction second means for conveying said objects along a second generally horizontal path in a second direction opposite and generally parallel to said first direction, means between said first and second conveying means for orienting said objects such that substantially all objects conveyed by said second conveying means have like contoured ends leading, and said orienting means including at least means defining a curved guide surface forming a generally horizontal transition path between said first and second paths.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 3 including means for adjusting the curvature of said curved guide surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the curvature of said guide surface is gradual immediately adjacent said first conveying means and is abrupt immediately adjacent said second conveying means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 3 including means defining a pivot point adjacent an entrance end portion of said guide surface for pivoting the objects therEabout during movement along said guide surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 3 including means defining a pivot point adjacent an entrance end portion of said guide surface for pivoting the objects thereabout during movement along said guide surface, said pivot point defining means being adjacent said first conveying means and between the latter and said second conveying means, and means for adjusting the location of said pivot point defining means in said first direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 3 including means defining a pivot point adjacent an entrance end portion of said guide surface for pivoting the objects thereabout during movement along said guide surface, said pivot point defining means being adjacent said first conveying means and between the latter and said second conveying means, means for adjusting the location of said pivot point defining means in said first direction and means for adjusting the curvature of said curved guide surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said orienting means further includes a support surface along which said objects move between said first and second conveying means, and said support surface is inclined downwardly from said first conveying means toward said second conveying means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 9 including means for adjusting the curvature of said curved guide surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein the curvature of said guide surface is gradual immediately adjacent said first conveying means and is abrupt immediately adjacent said second conveying means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 9 including means defining a pivot point adjacent an entrance end portion of said guide surface for pivoting the objects thereabout during movement along said guide surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 9 including means defining a pivot point adjacent an entrance end portion of said guide surface for pivoting the objects thereabout during movement along said guide surface, said pivot point defining means being adjacent said first conveying means and between the later and said second conveying means, and means for adjusting the location of said pivot point defining means in said first direction.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 9 including means defining a pivot point adjacent an entrance end portion of said guide surface for pivoting the objects thereabout during movement along said guide surface, said pivot point defining means being adjacent said first conveying means and between the latter and said second conveying means, means for adjusting the location of said pivot point defining means in said first direction, and means for adjusting the curvature of said curved guide surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said orienting means further includes a pair of adjacent upper flights of said second conveying means with the flight remote from said first conveying means being lower than the flight more adjacent thereto.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said pair of flights diverge in said second direction.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
43 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said pair of flights diverge in said second direction, and third conveying means below said second conveying means for conveying said objects along a third path in a third direction opposite said second direction.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 15 including means for selectively adjusting the divergence of said pair of flights.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 15 including means for adjusting the spacing between the pair of flights at both entrance and exit end portions of said second conveying means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said first and second conveying means are in side-by-side spaced relationship with said second conveying means being disposed below said first conveying means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus as defined in claIm 15 wherein said orienting means further includes a support surface along which said objects move between said entrance and exit surface portions of said guide surface, and said support surface is inclined downwardly and laterally from said first conveying means toward said second conveying means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said curved guide surface has an entrance surface portion aligned for contact by all objects conveyed in said first direction by said first conveying means, and said curved guide surface has an exit surface portion aligned for transferring all objects departing from said entrance surface portion to said second conveying means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said first and second conveying means are in side-by-side spaced relationship with said second conveying means being disposed below said first conveying means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein said first and second conveying means are in side-by-side spaced relationship with said second conveying means being disposed below said first conveying means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 24 wherein said orienting means further includes a support surface along which said objects move between said entrance and exit surface portions of said guide surface, and said support surface is inclined downwardly and laterally from said first conveying means toward said second conveying means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said first and second conveying means are in side-by-side spaced relationship with said second conveying means being disposed below said first conveying means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said orienting means further includes a support sufface along which said objects move between said entrance and exit surface portions of said guide surface, and said support surface is inclined downwardly and laterally from said first conveying means toward said second conveying means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
129 words
Apparatus for orienting elongated objects which are at least partially tapered at one end comprising first means for conveying said objects randomly with different ends leading along a first generally horizontal path in a first direction, second means for conveying said objects along a second generally horizontal path in a second direction opposite and generally parallel to said first direction, means between said first and second conveying means for orienting said objects such that substantially all objects conveyed by said second conveying means have like contoured ends leading, and said orienting means including at least means defining a support surface along which said objects move between said first and second conveying means, and said support surface is inclined downwardly from said first conveying means toward said second conveying means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
129 words
Apparatus for orienting elongated objects which are at least partially tapered at one end comprising first means for conveying said objects randomly with different ends leading along a first generally horizontal path in a first direction, second means for conveying said objects along a second generally horizontal path in a second direction opposite and generally parallel to said first direction, means between said first and second conveying means for orienting said objects such that substantially all objects conveyed by said second conveying means have like contoured ends leading, and said orienting means including at least means defining a support surface along which said objects move between said first and second conveying means, and said support surface is inclined downwardly from said first conveying means toward said second conveying means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 28 including means for wetting the support surface to enhance its lubricity.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
42 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 28 wherein said orienting means further includes a pair of adjacent upper flights of said second conveying means with the flight remote from said first conveyong means being lower than the flight more adjacent thereto.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 25 wherein said pair of flights diverge in said second direction.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
43 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 25 wherein said pair of flights diverge in said second direction, and third conveying means below said second conveying means for conveying said objects along a third path in a third direction opposite said second direction.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 25 including means for selectively adjusting the divergence of said pair of flights.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
31 words
The orienting apparatus as defined in claim 25 including means for adjusting the spacing between the pair of flights at both entrance and exit end portions of said second. conveying means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
121 words
Apparatus for orienting elongated objects whicH are at least partially tapered at one end comprising first means for conveying said objects randomly with different ends leading along a first generally horizontal path in a first direction, second means for conveying said objects along a second generally horizontal path in a second direction opposite and generally parallel to said first direction, said second conveying means including means for orienting said objects such that substantially all objects conveyed by said second conveying means have like contoured ends leading, and said orienting means including at least a pair of adjacent upper flights of said second conveying means with the flight remote from said first conveying means being lower than the flight more adjacent thereto.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
121 words
Apparatus for orienting elongated objects whicH are at least partially tapered at one end comprising first means for conveying said objects randomly with different ends leading along a first generally horizontal path in a first direction, second means for conveying said objects along a second generally horizontal path in a second direction opposite and generally parallel to said first direction, said second conveying means including means for orienting said objects such that substantially all objects conveyed by said second conveying means have like contoured ends leading, and said orienting means including at least a pair of adjacent upper flights of said second conveying means with the flight remote from said first conveying means being lower than the flight more adjacent thereto.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
130 words
A method of orienting elongated objects which are at least tapered at one end comprising the steps of conveying said objects randomly with different ends leading in a first direction toward at least two conveyors moving in the same direction but at different elevations with the elevations decreasing in said first direction whereby an object traveling in said first direction with a non-tapered end leading will immediately strike the upper conveyor and be conveyed essentially linearly thereby in a second direction with its non-tapered end leading whereas an object traveling in said first direction with its tapered end leading will first pass over the upper conveyor and thereafter strike the upper conveyor and be conveyed initially essentially rotationally and then linearly in said second direction with its nontapered end leading.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
130 words
A method of orienting elongated objects which are at least tapered at one end comprising the steps of conveying said objects randomly with different ends leading in a first direction toward at least two conveyors moving in the same direction but at different elevations with the elevations decreasing in said first direction whereby an object traveling in said first direction with a non-tapered end leading will immediately strike the upper conveyor and be conveyed essentially linearly thereby in a second direction with its non-tapered end leading whereas an object traveling in said first direction with its tapered end leading will first pass over the upper conveyor and thereafter strike the upper conveyor and be conveyed initially essentially rotationally and then linearly in said second direction with its nontapered end leading.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of orienting elongated objects which are at least partially tapered at one end comprising the steps of conveying said objects randomly with different ends leading along a first generally horizontal path in a first direction, offering resistance to tapered leading ends of the objects while at the same time guiding the same toward a second conveying path moving in a direction opposite and generally parallel to the first path, and imparting rotation to the objects about their longitudinal axes in a direction rotating toward the second conveying means whereby tapered end leading objects upon the first conveying means travel upon the second conveying means with opposite ends leading.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of orienting elongated objects which are at least partially tapered at one end comprising the steps of conveying said objects randomly with different ends leading along a first generally horizontal path in a first direction, offering resistance to tapered leading ends of the objects while at the same time guiding the same toward a second conveying path moving in a direction opposite and generally parallel to the first path, and imparting rotation to the objects about their longitudinal axes in a direction rotating toward the second conveying means whereby tapered end leading objects upon the first conveying means travel upon the second conveying means with opposite ends leading.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method as defined in claim 28 wherein rotation is imparted to the objects by supporting the same during their transition between the first and second conveying steps in downwardly inclined attitude from the first conveying step toward the second conveying step whereby gravity imparts rotation to the objects.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method as defined in claim 28 wherein rotation is imparted to the objects by the frictional contact between undersides thereof and the second conveying means at a point spaced from the point at which resistance is offered the tapered leading ends.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-31 | 1978-09-30 | 1979-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-31 | 1982-09-30 | 1983-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-31 | 1986-09-30 | 1987-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |