Axial sorting device
AssigneeGTE Automatic Electric Laboratories Incorporated
InventorMichael H. Grunsten
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A sorting apparatus capable of dividing lightweight axial components according to length. A pair of discs are separated by a predetermined distance and tilted above the horizontal plane with the second lower disc containing a backstop positioned on its outside surface. The item to be sorted is positioned across the discs with its first end against the backstop. If the overall length allows it to span the separation distance thereby supported by the discs it will travel through the arc of the discs as they rotate. If the length of the items is less than the separation distance of the discs, the second end of the item will fall between the discs and the item will fall onto the deflector.
Claims2
An axial sorting apparatus comprising:
- first and second circular rotatable discs disposed parallel to each other and centered on a common axis, each of said discs having a plurality of slots on its outer rim;
- at least one spacer separating said discs and secured on its center through said axis to the inside surfaces of said first and second rotatable discs;
- backstop means positioned against the outside surface of said second rotatable disc and having a diameter greater than said second rotatable disc;
- component delivery means positioned outside of said first rotatable disc;
- deflector means disposed between said discs for separating the undersized component which falls between said discs and the proper sized components, said deflector means comprising two substantially perpendicular planar surfaces intersecting along a line parallel to and displaced from the axis of the spacer and extending downwardly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.