Patent ID: 9309060
Filing Date: 2016-04-12
CPC Classification: B65G

Claim Text:
1. An air-driven orientation device configured to orient at least one article, the air-driven orientation device comprising: an air supply source including a high flow centrifugal blower for generating a low-pressure air flow less than approximately 10 pounds per square inch (psi); a conduit having an inlet coupled with an outlet of the air supply source; and a nozzle having an inlet coupled with an outlet of the conduit, wherein the nozzle comprises a nozzle body having a nozzle inlet, a nozzle outlet, and an annular wall defining a first passage that extends through the nozzle body and which couples the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle is capable of receiving the low pressure air flow from the air supply source at a first velocity and outputting an air flow having a second velocity which is 4 to 16 times greater than the first velocity; wherein the nozzle includes an inside wall having a first section and a second section, wherein the first section has a first inside diameter (ID) that varies along a longitudinal axis of the nozzle, wherein the portion of the inside wall that is part of the first section converges such that the first ID decreases as the inside wall transitions away from the inlet, wherein the second section has a generally constant second ID which is generally less than the first ID at the inlet of the nozzle.