Patent ID: 6588989
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
An apparatus for handling, orienting and delivering elastic, elongated, thin-walled tubular members having a closed end and an open end from a system feeding elastic, elongated, thin-walled tubular members in a random orientation, the apparatus comprising:a retrieval conduit adapted to receive individual elastic, elongated, thin-walled tubular members in random orientation, whereby some of said tubular members travel through said retrieval conduit in forward orientation, whereby the closed end of the tubular member passes first through said retrieval conduit, and whereby the remainder of said tubular members travel through said retrieval conduit in reverse orientation, whereby the open end of the tubular member passes first through said retrieval conduit; a delivery conduit adapted to receive said individual tubular members from said retrieval conduit and which is adapted to deliver all said individual tubular members in the forward orientation, said delivery conduit connected to said retrieval conduit in communicating manner at an angular junction which defines an opening between said retrieval conduit and said delivery conduit; a reversing chamber connected to said retrieval conduit and positioned beyond said opening to said delivery conduit, said reversing chamber having a barrier member adapted to block the forward travel of said individual tubular members; and suction means which draws said individual tubular members through said retrieval conduit and said delivery conduit; whereby said closed ends of said individual tubular members traveling through said retrieval conduit in the forward orientation are drawn directly into said delivery conduit in the forward orientation, and whereby said open ends of said individual tubular members traveling through said retrieval conduit in the reverse orientation first pass across said opening and enter said reversing chamber, said open ends of said individual tubular members striking said barrier member of said reversing chamber, such that said closed ends of said individual tubular members are then drawn into said delivery conduit in the forward orientation.