Patent ID: 6116407
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: B65G,B67B

Abstract:
An apparatus suitable to control a flow of ferromagnetic container closures that are moving along a path in the apparatus in response to gravity, said apparatus comprising:a chute having an entry, a path extending downward from the entry, and an outlet extending from the path;an electromagnet mounted proximal to said path for capturing at least one of said container closures in a magnetic field when said closures are positioned in said path when said electromagnet is energized, whereby said captured container closure blocks said path and stops said flow of container closures; andcircuitry having a polarity reversing means for reversing the polarity in said electromagnet, said circuitry being electrically connected to said electromagnet for energizing said electromagnet to capture at least one of said container closures when the flow of container closures is not desired, and for positively releasing said captured container closure from said magnetic field when said flow of container closures is desired, wherein said chute has a bend with an inside and an outside, said electromagnet being proximal to said inside of said bend.