Classifying – separating – and assorting solids – Sorting special items – and certain methods and apparatus for... – Traveling item turned to predetermined position
Patent
1996-11-20
1999-09-14
Nguyen, Tuan N.
Classifying, separating, and assorting solids
Sorting special items, and certain methods and apparatus for...
Traveling item turned to predetermined position
209657, 209918, 198416, 198452, B07C 502
Patent
active
059508426
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a line connector that can fan in two production lines into one production line. It is generally the case that the production lines have to be fanned in but in addition defective products will be eliminated. In some cases this may require switching the provided product, for packaging reasons.
In the past, three separate machines had to be used in order to achieve three steps--connecting, separating, fanning. The result was the utilization of more space as well as higher cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved line connector which may provide at least a partial combination of functions which were performed separately in the past.
According to the present invention, a line connector apparatus is provided which comprises a table positioned to receive items from at least one feeder conveyor, and at least one guide member rotatably mounted on the table to guide items received from the feeder conveyor into a transport path. The guide member is rotatable between a first position in which defective items are displaced off the transport path, and a second position in which acceptable products are guided and conveyed into the transport path.
It is essential that a workstation or table where one or more conveyors meet, is equipped with several corresponding guide and rotation mechanisms. With the assistance of the guide mechanisms, products will be moved to the provided transport path or will be eliminated if they are defective. Elimination will be done through the support of a rotation mechanism (some degree of torsion is possible).
Preferably two guide mechanisms and two torque mechanisms as well as two feeders, i.e. start-cycle-conveyors, are provided. In this case the guide mechanisms have a pivoted design and will form a V-shaped channel during operation for the intake and connection of the products, provided that these products meet the quality criteria. It is then possible to move the guide mechanisms independent from each other, in order to prevent a defective package from entering the opening.
The design will secure the torque mechanism, in the shape of a buffer, directly to the guide mechanism. The buffer may be flexible or inflexible; its starting point may reflect different geometric shapes especially round, square, oval and other shapes. It is also possible to provide an adjustable and additional flexible buffer.
In order to detect whether individual packages are defective, it is already pre-programmed to have sensors or measuring mechanisms installed in the feeder and start cycle conveyors. These sensors will detect the condition of the package and will provide this information to the appropriate guide mechanism through the controls. When the package is in good order the guide mechanism will turn outward, i.e. it will remain in this condition so that the package may enter between the guide mechanisms. If however the package is defective, the guide mechanism will turn inward, i.e. it will remain in that position in order for the package to move to the outside of the guide mechanism, diverted by the guide mechanism and sorted out.
In order to process delicate products like food items, especially cheese and similar soft food products through the new system, a table with a roll conveyor is preferred. This roll conveyor may consist of simple rollers or may be a revolving roll conveyor. Using this roll conveyor keeps the system power at a minimum during handling of packages. This way any deformation and/or damage of soft products is eliminated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a line connector apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with t
REFERENCES:
patent: 2805753 (1957-10-01), Palmer
patent: 3428161 (1969-02-01), Niederer
patent: 4004677 (1977-01-01), Heier et al.
patent: 4913295 (1990-04-01), Murphy et al.
patent: 4927031 (1990-05-01), Martin
patent: 4934537 (1990-06-01), DeBourke
patent: 5161665 (1992-11-01), Cragun
Natec Reich, Summer GmbH & Co. KG
Nguyen Tuan N.
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