Items Separated By Tipping, Rolling, Or Sliding Off Support Under Force Of Gravity Patents (Class 209/707)
  • Patent number: 4254877
    Abstract: A sorting apparatus classifies and discharges articles, such as items of agricultural produce, in accordance with their individual weights. A multichannel conveyor cooperates with a front end singulator which receives the produce from a source of supply and which provides the items in single file to a continuous line of spaced carrying cups moved by the conveyor along each channel. The cups are disposed for movement between an upright article carrying position and a depending discharge position, and they are supported by a rail in each channel. The rail has openings therein at each of a plurality of discharge stations spaced therealong. The cups each pass over a weighing scale aligned with the supporting rail near the front end of each conveyor channel which scale comprises a pivotally mounted bar upon which the cups ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd W. Rose
  • Patent number: 4181603
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sorting out pharmaceutical capsule components from assembled capsules and comprises a pair of spaced plates containing a plurality of holes which allow unassembled pharmaceutical caps and bodies to fall through the holes and yet retain assembled capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Assignee: Eli Lilly and Company
    Inventor: William C. Fox