Patent ID: 7318459
Filing Date: 2008-01-15
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for conveying lightweight flexible items, comprising: a conduit having an input end portion for receiving said items and a discharge end portion having opposite sides; venturi means in said conduit between said input and discharge end portions; a blower applying air to said venturi means to draw and push said items through the conduit from said input end portion to said discharge end portion; a plurality of outlets in each of said sides of said discharge end portion; a valve for each of said outlets for effecting an open condition of the conduit wherein said items discharge from said conduit through a corresponding open outlet and a closed condition of each valve's respective outlet wherein the outlet is closed to prevent discharge of said items therethrough; and a receptacle underlying each outlet for receiving the items discharging through the outlet; wherein said receptacles comprise hoppers adjacent to said outlets and wherein said discharge end portion has an exit for discharging items not discharged through any respective outlet, said outlets being positioned between said exit and said input end portion.