[특허]Object orienting and sorting apparatus

Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.

검색어에 아래의 연산자를 사용하시면 더 정확한 검색결과를 얻을 수 있습니다.
검색연산자

검색도움말
검색연산자	기능	검색시 예
()	우선순위가 가장 높은 연산자	예1) (나노 (기계 \| machine))
공백	두 개의 검색어(식)을 모두 포함하고 있는 문서 검색	예1) (나노 기계) 예2) 나노 장영실
\|	두 개의 검색어(식) 중 하나 이상 포함하고 있는 문서 검색	예1) (줄기세포 \| 면역) 예2) 줄기세포 \| 장영실
!	NOT 이후에 있는 검색어가 포함된 문서는 제외	예1) (황금 !백금) 예2) !image
*	검색어의 *란에 0개 이상의 임의의 문자가 포함된 문서 검색	예) semi*
""	따옴표 내의 구문과 완전히 일치하는 문서만 검색	예) "Transform and Quantization"

과학기술 지식인프라 ScienceON

연합인증

연합인증 가입 기관의 연구자들은 소속기관의 인증정보(ID와 암호)를 이용해 다른 대학, 연구기관, 서비스 공급자의 다양한 온라인 자원과 연구 데이터를 이용할 수 있습니다.

이는 여행자가 자국에서 발행 받은 여권으로 세계 각국을 자유롭게 여행할 수 있는 것과 같습니다.

연합인증으로 이용이 가능한 서비스는 NTIS, DataON, Edison 등이 있습니다.

한번의 인증절차만으로 연합인증 가입 서비스에 추가 로그인 없이 이용이 가능합니다.

다만, 연합인증을 위해서는 최초 1회만 인증 절차가 필요합니다. (회원이 아닐 경우 회원 가입이 필요합니다.)

연합인증 절차는 다음과 같습니다.

최초이용시에는
ScienceON에 로그인 → 연합인증 서비스 접속 → 로그인 (본인 확인 또는 회원가입) → 서비스 이용

그 이후에는
ScienceON 로그인 → 연합인증 서비스 접속 → 서비스 이용

연합인증을 활용하시면 KISTI가 제공하는 다양한 서비스를 편리하게 이용하실 수 있습니다.

특허 상세정보

MyON담기

내보내기 페이스북 공유 트위터 공유 카카오톡 공유

Object orienting and sorting apparatus

특허상세정보
국가/구분	United States(US) Patent 등록
국제특허분류(IPC7판)	B65G-047/44 B65G-047/34 B07C-009/00
미국특허분류(USC)	209/691; 209/923; 209/924; 198/550.2; 198/384; 198/456
출원번호	US-0683380 (2003-10-10)
발명자 / 주소	Zemlin,Karl E. Ellis,Larry W.
출원인 / 주소	Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
대리인 / 주소	Greenberg Traurig, LLP
인용정보	피인용 횟수 : 8 인용 특허 : 7

초록
▼

An object sorting and orienting apparatus is for sorting, orienting and discharging a plurality of objects, such as, container closures dispensed from a hopper. An endless conveyor transports the closures from a loading area, through an intermediate area, to a discharge area. At least one regulator, including an adjustable spill-plate, regulates the effects of object fill-level within the hopper during a sorting run. Orienting means, including an extension of the adjustable spill-plate and a plurality of flights on the endless conveyor, arrange the closures in a correct orientation. Sorting means, including a belt path disruptor and a substantially vertical belt path, sort incorrectly oriented closures from correctly oriented closures. Discharge means, including a removal device and at least one discharge chute, discharge correctly oriented closures from the discharge area.

대표
청구항
▼

What is claimed is: 1. An object sorting and orienting apparatus comprising: a hopper for receiving and dispensing a plurality of randomly oriented objects, said plurality of objects defining an object-fill level within said hopper; an endless conveyor rotating through a loading area, a discharge area and an intermediate area therebetween, said endless conveyor receiving said objects at said loading area and transporting said objects to said discharge area, each said object being loaded onto said endless conveyor in one of a correct orientation and an incorrect orientation; at least one regulator for regulating the effects of variations in said object fill-level within said hopper during a sorting run; orienting means for arranging said objects in said correct orientation; sorting means for sorting said incorrectly oriented objects from said correctly oriented objects; and discharge means for discharging said correctly oriented objects from said discharge area. 2. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said orienting means includes a plurality of flights disposed on said endless conveyor, said flights being structured to receive a plurality of said objects in said correct orientation. 3. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 2 wherein said plurality of flights include a plurality of substantially parallel and equally spaced transverse projections disposed across said endless conveyor; and wherein said correctly oriented objects may be transported on said endless conveyor between a pair of said substantially parallel and equally spaced transverse projections. 4. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said endless conveyor has a belt path; wherein said belt path is substantially vertical between at least said intermediate and said discharge areas; wherein said sorting means includes a belt path disruptor structured to displace said belt path proximate said intermediate area; and wherein said belt path disruptor and gravity, induced by said substantially vertical belt path, facilitate removal of said incorrectly oriented objects from said endless conveyor. 5. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 4 wherein said sorting and orienting apparatus has a height; and wherein the substantially vertical nature of said belt path permits adjustment of the height of said sorting and orienting apparatus while maintaining a substantially uniform sorting and orienting apparatus footprint. 6. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of randomly oriented objects is a plurality of container closures. 7. An object sorting and orienting apparatus comprising: a hopper for receiving and dispensing a plurality of randomly oriented objects, said plurality of objects defining an object-fill level within said hopper; an endless conveyor rotating through a loading area, a discharge area and an intermediate area therebetween, said endless conveyor receiving said objects at said loading area and transporting said objects to said discharge area, each said object being loaded onto said endless conveyor in one of a correct orientation and an incorrect orientation; at least one regulator for regulating the effects of variations in said object fill-level within said hopper during a sorting run; orienting means for arranging said objects in said correct orientation; sorting means for sorting said incorrectly oriented objects from said correctly oriented objects; and discharge means for discharging said correctly oriented objects from said discharge area, wherein said at least one regulator includes a hopper discharge forming an opening in said hopper structured to controllably dispense said randomly oriented objects from said hopper into said loading area. 8. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 7 wherein said at least one regulator further includes an adjustable spill-plate disposed between said opening in said hopper and said endless conveyor, said adjustable spill-plate being adjustable in order to further facilitate regulated dispensing of said objects onto said endless conveyer within said loading area. 9. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 8 wherein said orienting means further includes an extension of said adjustable spill-plate; and wherein said extension further extends into said loading area to facilitate loading of said objects onto said endless conveyor. 10. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 9 wherein said extension of said adjustable spill-plate contacts said flights of said endless conveyor as said endless conveyor travels therebeneath; and wherein said flights of said endless conveyor send an intermittent pulse through said extension as said endless conveyor travels therebeneath, thereby facilitating uniform distribution of said objects from said adjustable spill-plate onto said endless conveyor within said loading area. 11. An object sorting and orienting apparatus comprising: a hopper for receiving and dispensing a plurality of randomly oriented objects, said plurality of objects defining an object-fill level within said hopper; an endless conveyor rotating through a loading area, a discharge area and an intermediate area therebetween, said endless conveyor receiving said objects at said loading area and transporting said objects to said discharge area, each said object being loaded onto said endless conveyor in one of a correct orientation and an incorrect orientation; at least one regulator for regulating the effects of variations in said object fill-level within said hopper during sorting run; orienting means for arranging said objects in said correct orientation; sorting means for sorting said incorrectly oriented objects from said correctly oriented objects; and discharge means for discharging said correctly oriented objects from said discharge area, wherein said endless conveyor has a belt path, wherein said belt path is substantially vertical between at least said intermediate and said discharge areas, wherein said sorting means includes a belt path disruptor structured to displace said belt path proximate said intermediate area, wherein said belt path disruptor and gravity, induced by said substantially vertical belt path, facilitate removal of said incorrectly oriented objects from said endless conveyor, wherein said belt path disruptor includes an adjustment device comprising an eccentric shaft having a first end, a second end and a plurality of non-rotating guides disposed therebetween, and wherein said eccentric shaft displaces said non-rotating guides when said eccentric shaft is adjusted, thereby displacing said belt path of said endless conveyor. 12. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 11 wherein said adjustment device further includes an adjustor, for adjusting said eccentric shaft, and a locking device for locking said belt path disruptor in a position corresponding to a desired belt path displacement. 13. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 12 further including a reference scale in order to facilitate user adjustment and locking of said adjustment device in a position corresponding to one of a plurality of predetermined corresponding belt path displacement positions. 14. An object sorting and orienting apparatus comprising: a hopper for receiving and dispensing a plurality of randomly oriented objects, said plurality of objects defining an object-fill level within said hopper; an endless conveyor rotating through a loading area, a discharge area and an intermediate area therebetween, said endless conveyor receiving said objects at said loading area and transporting said objects to said discharge area, each said object being loaded onto said endless conveyor in one of a correct orientation and an incorrect orientation; at least one regulator for regulating the effects of variations in said object fill-level within said hopper during sorting run; orienting means for arranging said objects in said correct orientation; sorting means for sorting said incorrectly oriented objects from said correctly oriented objects; and discharge means for discharging said correctly oriented objects from said discharge area, wherein said discharge means includes at least one discharge chute proximate said discharge area and a removal device for removing said correctly oriented objects from said endless conveyor for discharge from said sorting and orienting apparatus via at least one of said at least one discharge chute. 15. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 14 wherein said removal device is an air-conveyor for removing said correctly oriented objects from said endless conveyor without mechanical contact, thereby minimizing the potential for damage to said objects. 16. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 15 wherein said air-conveyor includes a blower mounted proximate said discharge area for pressurizing a plenum mounted adjacent said endless conveyor; and wherein said plenum utilizes high-volume, low-pressure pressurization and directional control to controllably remove said correctly oriented objects from said endless conveyor. 17. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 16 wherein said directional control is provided by a plurality of directional louvers disposed in the portion of said plenum facing said endless conveyor; and wherein high-volume, low-pressure air passing through said directional louvers moves said correctly oriented objects from said endless conveyor toward one of said at least one discharge chute. 18. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 14 wherein at least one of said at least one discharge chute receives and discharges said correctly oriented objects single-file, in order to minimize jamming of said objects. 19. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 14 wherein said at least one discharge chute includes a primary discharge chute and a secondary discharge chute; wherein each of said primary and secondary chutes has an object-receiving end proximate said discharge area and an object-discharging end opposite said object-receiving end; and wherein said secondary discharge chute may receive objects that are unable to enter said primary discharge chute. 20. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 19 wherein said secondary discharge chute further includes at least one gate structured to further minimize the likelihood of object jamming. 21. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 20 wherein at least one of said at least one gate may be structured to temporarily retain a plurality of objects within said secondary discharge chute; wherein said endless conveyor may be stopped and said at least one of said at least one gate may be opened to periodically empty said objects from said secondary discharge chute when it is full of said objects. 22. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 19 wherein said at least one discharge chute further includes a third, cleanout chute structured to discharge objects from said sorting and orienting apparatus without requiring said endless conveyor to be stopped. 23. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 22 wherein said third, cleanout chute further includes a gateway operable to block said primary discharge chute, in order to direct said objects down said third, cleanout discharge chute. 24. An object sorting and orienting apparatus comprising: a hopper for receiving and dispensing a plurality of randomly oriented objects, said plurality of objects defining an object-fill level within said hopper; an endless conveyor rotating through a loading area, a discharge area and an intermediate area therebetween, said endless conveyor receiving said objects at said loading area and transporting said objects to said discharge area, each said object being loaded onto said endless conveyor in one of a correct orientation and an incorrect orientation; at least one regulator for regulating the effects of variations in said object fill-level within said hopper during a sorting run; orienting means for arranging said objects in said correct orientation; sorting means for sorting said incorrectly oriented objects from said correctly oriented objects; and discharge means for discharging said correctly oriented objects from said discharge area, wherein said sorting means further includes a deflecting mechanism proximate said loading area, said deflecting mechanism having a plurality of deflectors in order to prevent objects falling from said endless conveyor from hitting and knocking off objects on a different portion of said endless conveyor therebelow, thereby maximizing the number of objects dispensed and distributed onto said endless conveyor for transport from said loading area to said discharge area. 25. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 24 wherein said plurality of deflectors include a plurality of devices selected from the group consisting of louvers and elastic cords. 26. The object sorting and orienting apparatus of claim 24 wherein said deflecting mechanism deflects said falling objects back into said loading area for correct distribution onto said endless conveyor. 27. A closure sorter and orienter comprising: a hopper for receiving and dispensing a plurality of randomly oriented closures, said plurality of closures defining an object fill-level within said hopper; an endless conveyor rotating through a loading area, a discharge area and an intermediate area therebetween, said endless conveyor receiving said closures in said loading area and transporting said closures to said discharge area, each said closure being loaded onto said endless conveyor in one of a correct orientation and an incorrect orientation; at least one regulator for regulating the effects of variations in said object fill-level within said hopper during a sorting run, said at least one regulator including a hopper discharge forming an opening in said hopper for controllably dispensing said closures from said hopper, and, an adjustable spill-plate for further regulating dispensing and distribution of said closures onto said endless conveyor within said loading area; orienting means for arranging said closures in said correct orientation, said orienting means including a plurality of flights disposed on said endless conveyor for receiving a plurality of said correctly oriented closures, and, an extension for said adjustable spill-plate, said extension communicating with said hopper discharge and said flights of said endless conveyor in order to facilitate uniform distribution of said closures from said adjustable spill-plate onto said endless conveyor for transport from said loading area to said discharge area; sorting means for sorting said correctly oriented closures from said incorrectly oriented closures, said sorting means including a belt path disruptor proximate said intermediate area, in order to displace said endless conveyor thereby removing said incorrectly oriented closures therefrom, gravity further facilitating such removal; and discharge means for discharging said correctly oriented closures from said discharge area of said sorting and orienting apparatus, said discharge means including a removal device adjacent said endless conveyor and at least one discharge chute for receiving and discharging said correctly oriented closures single-file, said removal device removing said correctly oriented closures from said endless conveyor and guiding said closures into at least one of said at least one discharge chute for discharge therethrough. 28. The closure sorter and orienter of claim 27 wherein said sorter and orienter may be adjusted without the use of tools, in order to sort closures having a wide array of shapes and sizes. 29. The closure sorter and orienter of claim 27 wherein said sorter and orienter is structured to sort and orient closures which are bottle caps. 30. The closure sorter and orienter of claim 27 wherein said sorter and orienter is structured to sort and orient closures which are jar closures.

인용문헌 (7)

이 특허를 인용한 특허 (8)

IPC 상위 출원인

내보내기

상세정보
내보내기 구분	파일저장 인쇄 메일전송
구성항목	관리번호, 국가코드, 자료구분, 상태, 출원번호, 출원일자, 공개번호, 공개일자, 등록번호, 등록일자, 발명명칭(한글), 발명명칭(영문), 출원인(한글), 출원인(영문), 출원인코드, 대표IPC 관리번호, 국가코드, 자료구분, 상태, 출원번호, 출원일자, 공개번호, 공개일자, 공고번호, 공고일자, 등록번호, 등록일자, 발명명칭(한글), 발명명칭(영문), 출원인(한글), 출원인(영문), 출원인코드, 대표출원인, 출원인국적, 출원인주소, 발명자, 발명자E, 발명자코드, 발명자주소, 발명자 우편번호, 발명자국적, 대표IPC, IPC코드, 요약, 미국특허분류, 대리인주소, 대리인코드, 대리인(한글), 대리인(영문), 국제공개일자, 국제공개번호, 국제출원일자, 국제출원번호, 우선권, 우선권주장일, 우선권국가, 우선권출원번호, 원출원일자, 원출원번호, 지정국, Citing Patents, Cited Patents
저장형식	Text(ASCII format) Excel format PIAS분석(.xls)
메일정보	받는사람 (필수) @ 보내는사람 (선택) @ 제목 내용 KISTI 검색결과 이메일 서비스
안내	> 총 건의 자료가 검색되었습니다. > 다운받으실 자료의 인덱스를 입력하세요. (1-10,000) > 검색결과의 순서대로 최대 10,000건 까지 다운로드가 가능합니다. > 데이타가 많을 경우 속도가 느려질 수 있습니다.(최대 2~3분 소요) > 다운로드 파일은 UTF-8 형태로 저장됩니다. 파일의 내용이 제대로 보이지 않을실 때는 웹브라우저 상단의 보기 -> 인코딩 -> 자동선택 여부를 확인하십시오 > ~ > Text(ASCII format) Excel format

과학기술 지식인프라 ScienceON

ScienceON Chatbot

연합인증

특허 상세정보

Object orienting and sorting apparatus

초록
▼

대표
청구항
▼

인용문헌 (7)

이 특허를 인용한 특허 (8)

IPC 상위 출원인

과제정보

상세정보조회

원문조회

IPC 상세정보(version : 201201)

연구과제 성과물(0)

참여연구원의 다른 문헌(0)

처리중입니다.

잠시만 기다려주세요.

ScienceON Chatbot

연합인증

특허 상세정보

Object orienting and sorting apparatus

초록 ▼

대표청구항 ▼

인용문헌 (7)

이 특허를 인용한 특허 (8)

IPC 상위 출원인

과제정보

상세정보조회

원문조회

IPC 상세정보(version : 201201)

연구과제 성과물(0)

참여연구원의 다른 문헌(0)

처리중입니다.

잠시만 기다려주세요.

초록
▼

대표
청구항
▼