Feeder for fruits and the like

A feeding apparatus in which a supply of randomly arranged substantially spherical articles are segregated to progress along an inclined feed path terminating at a downstream transfer station where the leading article of an abutting row of articles is transferred to a processing machine,

• said feeding apparatus comprising:
• inclined laterally spaced article support members defining therebetween a downwardly extending feed path,
• means mounting said support members for oscillatory movement,
• means for simultaneously oscillating said support members in successive clockwise and counterclockwise directions so that articles supported thereby are partially revolved in opposite directions to impart a side-to-side swaying action thereto thereby to enhance movement of the articles by gravity down said feed path,
• said support members having generally undulating surfaces defined by a plurality of ridges extending longitudinally thereof at the intersections of generally arcuately spaced rectangular panels, thereby to impart limited upward movement to said articles in addition to side-by-side swaying movement thereof as said articles progress along said feed path, thereby causing said articles to partake of multidirectional movement to preclude stoppage of article flow along said feed path by static friction thereof,
• elongated stationary means overlying each said support member thereby to laterally confine said articles to said path and prevent lateral passage of said articles transversely of said support members during said swaying movement, and,
• said oscillating means further including a connection therein for adjusting the arc of oscillatory motion imparted to said support member.