Fluid-based article distribution and sorting system
AssigneeConAgra Foods Lamb Weston, Inc.
InventorsWilliam Thomas Hockett, Frederick D. Webb, Michael Christopher Metcalf, Ronald R. Huff, Charles Denio Kirkbride, Greg Robert Lambier, Dave Hufford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid-based radial distribution system includes an internal passageway and a plurality of openings radially spaced around the internal passageway. A plurality of gate members are associated with at least some of the plurality of openings, with the gate members are configured to move between an open position that allows product to move through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts product from moving through the opening associated with that gate member.
Claims16
A radial distribution system for distributing product, the system comprising:
- an internal passageway extending from a base portion of the radial distribution system to an upper portion of the radial distribution system, the internal passageway having an inlet at the base portion to allow product to enter the internal passageway of the radial distribution system;
- a plurality of openings radially spaced around the internal passageway at the upper portion to allow product to exit the internal passageway;
- a plurality of gate members associated with at least some of the plurality of openings, with the gate members being configured to move between an open position that allows product to move through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts product from moving through the opening associated with that gate member;
- a fluid collection area that at least partially surrounds the internal passageway, the fluid collection area being configured to collect fluid discharged from the internal passageway;
- and
- a plurality of product directing members that define distribution flow paths extending from at least some of the plurality of openings, wherein the product directing members include a porous portion that extends over the fluid collection area and is configured to allow fluid to pass through the product directing members into the fluid collection area.
A radial distribution system for distributing product, the system comprising:
- an internal passageway extending from a base portion of the radial distribution system to an upper portion of the radial distribution system, the internal passageway having an inlet at the base portion to allow product to enter the internal passageway of the radial distribution system;
- a plurality of openings radially spaced around the internal passageway at the upper portion to allow product to exit the internal passageway;
- a plurality of gate members associated with at least some of the plurality of openings, with the gate members being configured to move between an open position that allows product to move through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts product from moving through the opening associated with that gate member, wherein the gate members are coupled to the upper portion of the radial distribution system, wherein the gate members are configured to allow the passage of fluid through the gate members when the gate members are in the closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.