Apparatus for collecting objects from a surface
OwnerAlmer K. Livingstoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for collecting objects from a surface by grasping the objects between a plurality of discs having resiliently deformable segments. Rotation of the discs with the objects therebetween transports the objects from the surface to a separate portion of the device where they are extracted by arcuate members beween the discs and collected. In another form, a plurality of axially spaced wheels each including a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced elongated elastically deformable members having diametrically enlarged balls at their tips rotates along the surface. Objects are received between the balls and retained by the members at locations radially inwardly of the balls. Extractors projecting between the wheels remove the objects and guide them to a collection container.
Claims12
Apparatus for collecting objects from a surface comprising:
- a frame;
- means for grasping the objects on the surface including a plurality of elongated elastically deformable members carried by said frame for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the surface, said members being circumferentially and axially spaced one from the other about said axis, each of said members carrying an enlarged element at the end thereof remote from said axis of rotation, said members being elastically deformable in axial and circumferential directions relative to their axis of rotation to grasp the objects and locate such objects substantially radially inwardly of said enlarged elements, said elements precluding displacement of the objects in a radially outward direction upon further rotation of said members, said elastically deformable members having inner and outer portions, both of said portions being elastically deformable, said outer portion being capable of being deflected in response to a lesser force than necessary to deflect said inner portion to the same degree;
- means carried by said frame for extracting objects from between said members upon rotation of said members about said axis, and
- means carried by said frame for collecting the extracted objects.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.