Patent ID: 7055670
Filing Date: 2006-06-06
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for sorting identical objects each having a flat bottom and a predetermined diameter, the apparatus comprising: a vibratory conveyor defining a generally horizontal and planar support surface extending in a transport direction from an upstream end to a downstream end; means for supplying a plurality of the objects to the upstream end standing on their flat bottoms so that the objects travel along the surface while standing on their bottoms toward the downstream end; a drum rotatable about a horizontal axis at the downstream end and formed with at least one row of seats generally complementary to the objects and each having a flat floor, each seat having a maximum radial depth equal at most to the diameter; means for rotating the drum between a pickup position in which the flat floors of the one row of seats are aligned and generally coplanar with the support surface and closely juxtaposed with the downstream end and a handoff position with the one row of seats raised up above the support surface; and means for taking the objects out of the seats in the takeoff position.