Produce conveying and sizing equipment
OwnerLorin Reedinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention includes conveying and sorting systems utilizing a plurality of continuous rails which support a plurality of sliding pucks that are urged forward using a plurality of sprocket wheels, and which utilize magnetically operated activation components for causing produce to be selectively dropped from cups carried by the pucks into sorting bins. The structures for the conveying and actuating components of the systems have smooth external surfaces reducing potential contamination by bacteria, contaminants and debris, thereby making them easily accessible for cleaning, and allowing for longer continuous operation times and higher efficiency.
Claims13
1-14. (canceled)
An apparatus for selectively discharging pieces of produce comprising:
- a. at least one rail having a central axis;
- b. at least one puck provided for movement along said at least one rail;
- c. a movable cup pivotally attached to each puck for holding a piece of produce, each cup having at least one downwardly extending leg thereon;
- d. at least one hollow cross member mounted below said at least one rail having an orientation that is perpendicular to the axis of said at least one rail, each such cross member enclosing at least one controllable electromagnet adjacent to said at least one rail;
- and
- e. at least one electromagnetically movable actuator on said crossbar adjacent to said at least one rail and adjacent to said at least one electromagnet for selectively contacting a leg of one of said cups to cause said cup to pivot and discharge said piece of produce when said electromagnet is activated.
An apparatus for selectively discharging pieces of produce comprising:
- a. at least one rail having a central axis;
- b. at least one puck provided for movement along said at least one rail;
- c. a cup fixedly attached to each puck for holding a piece of produce, each cup having at least one movable member thereon, said movable member having a downwardly extending leg thereon;
- d. at least one hollow cross member mounted below said at least one rail having an orientation that is perpendicular to the axis of said at least one rail, each such cross member enclosing at least one controllable electromagnet adjacent to said at least one rail;
- and
- e. at least one electromagnetically movable actuator on said crossbar adjacent to said at least one rail and adjacent to said at least one electromagnet for selectively contacting a leg of one of said movable members to cause said movable member to dislodge said piece of produce when said electromagnet is activated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.