Patent ID: 6637621
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
An object assembly device for automatically assembling a collection of rolling objects of identical size and shape, said assembly device comprising:(a) an assembly housing having an inlet for receiving rolling objects and an outlet through which the rolling objects are discharged; (b) a rotary feed cone rotatably mounted within said housing between the inlet and the outlet, and defining a single-line travel channel having an entrance end and an exit end, and a width sufficient to accommodate no more than a single line of rolling objects moving downstream in succession from the entrance end of said travel channel to the exit end; (c) a stationary cone base secured to said assembly housing and having a conical interior wall adapted for receiving said rotary feed cone, and an object discharge opening operatively aligned with the exit end of said travel channel to allow passage of objects outwardly through said cone base for discharge in an assembled single-line condition; and (d) drive means for rotating said rotary feed cone relative to said cone base to avoid obstructing accumulation of rolling objects at the entrance end of said travel channel.