Patent ID: 8360270
Filing Date: 2013-01-29
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A method for feeding small items by means of a supply bowl hopper configured for encouraging small items being fed toward the periphery thereof and a separating bowl hopper configured for encouraging small items being fed toward the center thereof, the method comprising the steps of: a. loading a quantity of small items into the supply bowl hopper; b. causing the supply bowl hopper to vibrate in order to transfer the small items to the separating bowl hopper; c. causing the separating bowl hopper to vibrate in order to move the small items in the separating bowl hopper in a circular path toward the center thereof; d. measuring the time for each of a plurality of small items to pass a sensor in the separating bowl hopper; e. setting a time duration for an air flow on the basis of the time of the small items to pass the sensor; f. measuring the time for each small item to travel a distance around the separating bowl hopper; g. setting a vibration amplitude of the separating bowl hopper on the basis of the travel time; h. sensing a small item approaching a blow off air hose; i. activating an air flow directed through the blow off air hose for discharging the small item to an exit chute; and j. stopping the air flow after the air flow time duration has elapsed.