Variable friction chute
AssigneeMarble, Inc.
InventorTyler Randolph
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A product distribution system including a chute and a controller. The chute includes a variable friction angled surface configured to receive a product and/or slidably transport the product along the angled surface. The controller is operatively coupled with the chute. The controller is configured to vary an amount of friction at the angled surface based on information about the product.
Claims17
A product distribution system comprising:
- a chute for directing a product, the chute comprising an angled surface configured to:
- receive the product at an upper end of the angled surface, and
- slidably transport the product to a lower end of the angled surface,
- the angled surface configured to present a variable amount of friction between the angled surface and the product;
- and
- a controller operatively coupled with the chute, the controller being configured to selectively vary the amount of friction between the angled surface and the product.
The product distribution system of innovation 10, wherein the controller is configured to operate the one or more actuators in response to sensor data about the product, wherein the sensor data about the product comprises one or more of:
- (a) a type of the product;
- (b) a weight of the product;
- (c) a speed of the product;
- and
- (d) a spacing of the product.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.