Patent ID: 9238229
Filing Date: 2016-01-19
CPC Classification: B02C,B06B,B65G

Claim Text:
1. A vibratory apparatus comprising: a trough having a first end and a second end; at least first and second variable amplitude vibration generators coupled to the trough, the first and second variable amplitude vibration generators comprising at least one variable eccentric weight assembly having a variable center of mass relative to an axis of rotation, the first and second variable amplitude vibration generators having a first state wherein an amplitude of a vibratory force generated by the first vibration generator is different than an amplitude of a vibratory force generated by the second vibration generator to cause movement of material in the trough toward the first end or the second end, the first and second variable amplitude vibration generators having a second state wherein an amplitude of a vibratory force generated by the first vibration generator is different than an amplitude of a vibratory force generated by the second vibration generator to cause movement of material in the trough toward the first end or the second end in an opposite direction along the trough relative to the first state; a controller operatively coupled to the first and second vibration generators, the controller programmed to change the first and second vibration generators between the first and second states; and a sensor operatively coupled to the controller, the sensor comprising at least one accelerometer, the controller programmed to determine an actual manner of conveyance according to a signal received from the at least one accelerometer and to operate at least one of the first and second states according to a closed loop control method with reference to the actual manner of conveyance.