Patent ID: 6564924
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
An apparatus for positioning randomly oriented, asymmetrically-shaped articles in the same orientation, the apparatus comprising:at least first and second oppositely arranged conduits dimensioned to receive the articles therein, each conduit having an inlet end, and the inlet ends of the at least first and second conduits being spaced-apart to define an opening therebetween for receiving therein, one at a time, a plurality of asymmetrically-shaped articles that are randomly oriented in at least first and second orientations; and means for creating suction in both of the at least first and second conduits that is sufficient to selectively draw articles oriented in the first orientation from the opening into the inlet end of the at least first conduit, and that is sufficient to draw articles oriented in the second orientation from the opening into the inlet end of the at least second conduit, such that articles in the at least first and second conduits are all identically oriented relative to a path of travel through the conduits.