US 4,541,532 A · Side kick solids separator

Abstract

A machine for removing oversize solids such as large rocks from other material carried by a conveyor. This separator has a wheel with external spokes which radiate outward from its circumference and which is mounted above the conveyor at an angle to the centerline thereof. Requiring no external power source, the device is actuated by the solids to be separated with the energy for separation being derived from their motion on the conveyor. When solids larger than the desired size come into contact with the spokes of the wheel, part of the momentum of these objects is converted to rotational motion of the wheel. As it rotates, it has a tendency to deflect them laterally across the conveyor belt until they are pushed off the side of the conveyor. The wheels can be used singularly or in combination. Their use in combination is most desirable for wider belts. The wheels can be located at varying locations, angles, and heights above the belt. By experimental methods, the wheels are adjusted for optimum placement. The sizing of the wheels is predicated on the size of the solids being removed, the depth of the material on the belt, the width of the conveyor and its speed.

Claims13

Dependent claims

Apparatus for dislodging oversize objects from a moving conveyor which comprises:

(a) at least one wheel;
(b) a plurality of spokes which are rigidly attached to the wheel at spaced intervals, a portion of each spoke extending generally radially from the periphery of the wheel;
and
(c) means for positioning the wheel with the outer extremity of each spoke movable in a circular path which is spaced at a distance from the conveyor with the axis of symmetry of the wheel at an acute angle to the centerline of the conveyor, so that a portion of the momentum of an object moved thereon which strikes one of the spokes is converted into rotational motion of the wheel about the axis;
each spoke being adapted upon rotation of the wheel to strike and impart impetus to an oversize object contiguous thereto to move it generally laterally across the conveyor.

2 more elements

Apparatus for dislodging oversize objects from a moving conveyor which comprises:

(a) at least two wheels;
(b) a plurality of spokes which are rigidly attached to each wheel at spaced intervals, a portion of each spoke extending generally radially from the periphery of each wheel;
(c) means for positioning each wheel with the axis of symmetry thereof at an acute angle to the centerline of the conveyor, each spoke being adapted to convert a portion of the momentum of an object being moved on the conveyor as it impacts upon the spoke into energy required to rotate the wheel about the axis and upon rotation of the wheel to strike and impart impetus to move the object generally laterally across the conveyor;
and
(d) the wheels being positioned with the center of each wheel being spaced generally longitudinally from a wheel which is proximate thereto and in a direction generally laterally therefrom, the wheel which is positioned furthest downstream being disposed proximate the edge of the conveyor which oversize objects transverse as they are being dislodged.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Side kick solids separator

Life of this patent

Side kick solids separator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13