US3978971A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bulb accumulator
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1975-06-06
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Granted: 1976-09-07
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Expires: 1995-06-06
Abstract
Abstract A bulb accumulator for electric lamp bulbs is disclosed wherein the bulbs are supported, in transit, by moving belts and a fixed member or, when accumulated, by the fixed member and the bulb ahead.
Inventors
- 👤 Jonathan M. Conrow
- 👤 Myron Radzykewycz
- 👤 Darrell W. Markijohn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 20:47
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/22; B65G47/26; B65G47/261; B65G47/268; H; H01; H01J; H01J9/00; H01J9/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
An in-line bulb accumulator for electric lamp bulbs comprising: a pair of spaced-apart conveyor belts for holding bulbs therebetween; a drag strip positioned below and spaced from said belts so that the cullets of said bulbs are inclined away from the direction of travel and drag on said strip when moving, said bulbs stacking when accumulating wherein each bulb is substantially supported by the preceding bulb and said strip and each accumulated bulb has minimal contact with said belts; and horizontal escapement means for selectively debouching bulbs from said accumulator causing less than all of the accumulated bulbs to contact said belts and move with said belts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
107 words
An in-line bulb accumulator for electric lamp bulbs comprising: a pair of spaced-apart conveyor belts for holding bulbs therebetween; a drag strip positioned below and spaced from said belts so that the cullets of said bulbs are inclined away from the direction of travel and drag on said strip when moving, said bulbs stacking when accumulating wherein each bulb is substantially supported by the preceding bulb and said strip and each accumulated bulb has minimal contact with said belts; and horizontal escapement means for selectively debouching bulbs from said accumulator causing less than all of the accumulated bulbs to contact said belts and move with said belts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The accumulator as set forth in claim 1 wherein said accumulator further comprises: hold-down means positioned above and spaced a predetermined distance from said belts for limiting the distance bulbs may move away from said belts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The accumulator as set forth in claim 2 wherein the coefficient of friction between glass and said drag strip is greater than the coefficient of friction between glass and said hold-down means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The accumulator as set forth in claim 3 wherein said drag strip means comprises polyurethane and said hold-down means comprises polyethylene.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The accumulator as set forth in claim 1 wherein said escapement means comprises: a pair of parallel, cleated belts for holding the bulbs and providing a continuous escapement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The accumulator as set forth in claim 5 wherein said escapement means translates the bulbs without rotation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
The accumulator as set forth in claim 6 wherein said escapement further comprises: two pairs of pulleys, one pair supporting each belt, wherein one pulley in each pair is driven in synchronism with the other so that the facing surfaces of said cleated belts move at the same speed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The accumulator as set forth in claim 1 wherein said drag strip comprises: a rigid base having a plastic covering upon which bulb cullets can drag.
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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) | 1979-09-07 | 1980-03-08 | 1980-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-09-07 | 1984-03-08 | 1984-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-09-07 | 1988-03-08 | 1988-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |