Patent GB-647486-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to apparatus for sorting apples, eggs or other suitable articles
IPC: A01K43/00
Filed: 1947-07-23
Abstract: 647,486. Endless chain conveyers. HODGINS, R. D. SCOBLE-. July 23, 1947, No. 19774. [Class 78 (i)] [Also in Group XVIII] In apparatus for sorting fruit, eggs, certain vegetables and other suitable articles of the type comprising a plurality of pivotally mounted weighing trays constrained to move in a predetermined path and weigh-bridges disposed along said path between loading and receiving sections, the weighbridges select trays containing articles. the weights of which lie within more than one predetermined weight range and cause the selected trays to move away from said path and deposit the graded articles into the appropriate compartments of a receiving station. A suitable layout, Fig. 1, comprises weighing trays 1 pivotally mounted on an endless chain 2 having loading sections 5, receiving sections 7, and grading sections 6 comprising weighbridges. Alternatively, a square or triangular configuration of chain 2 are used. End sprockets 3 comprise a rotor ring 8, Figs. 4 and 5, which is supported by rollers 10 or balls 11 on a stationary frame comprising members 9, 12 and 16, central portion 12 supporting a motor 13 driving the rotor ring in either of the two ways shown, Fig. 5. Recesses 17 in the rotor ring accommodate the rollers 18 of the chain, alternate links 19 of which have rigidly secured thereto rods 20, the remote ends of which are supported on an endless guide rail 21. Trays 1 are pivoted to rods 20 and have a finger 22 normally travelling along a guide rail 23. To maintain the trays horizontal while passing round the rotor ring, this is provided with plates 24 on which fingers 22 rest. To increase capacity the chain may carry a double line of trays, Figs. 8 and 9, by providing a longer rod 26 secured to each link 19, two guide rails 23 being provided for the pins 22, or by providing two rods 27 to each link, joined by pairs of rods 28 supporting the trays for pivotal movement about the longitudinal axis of the conveyer. Apples are fed from an inspection table, not shown, to a conveyer belt 25 which may comprise partitions, Figs. 4 and 11, pockets 40 of soft flexible material, Fig. 13, or pivoted wire loops 43, Fig. 14, so that each apple can be pushed into a separate tray either by means of bladed rotors 34, 35 driven in synchronism with trays 1 or by deflector plates, not shown, hinged along the direction of conveyer 25 and provided with a flexible finger which is engaged by each tray to cause the plate to deflect an article into the tray while passing. The apples shown in Fig. 13 are raised out of the pockets 40 by means of a fixed plate 41 before transfer. In Fig. 14 the wire loops are kept horizontal by fingers 44 on them engaging a belt 45, while on the incline, the loops being allowed to fall prior to transfer. Weigh-bridges.-One form of weigh-bridge, Figs. 17 and 18, provided in the grading sections, comprises a platform 50 disposed in a gap in rail 23 so that tray fingers 22 pass over it. A beam 47 pivoted on a rod 49 supports platform 50 at one end and three threaded rods 52, 53, 54, formed into hooks at the other end. The hooks are at different heights so as to engage in turn arms 55, 56 and 57 respectively, which normally rest on a portion 58 of the frame and are also pivoted on rod 49, the outermost ends of which are provided with weights 59, 60 and 61 which may be secured in adjusted position by set-screws 66 or may be threaded on the arms by means of eccentric tappings so as to prevent rotation when set. Pin 22 while passing over platform 50 is allowed to descend gradually under the weight of the article by means of a curved member 51, and corresponding to three weight ranges one, two or three of the weights are raised and pin 22 enters the corresponding guide rail 62, 63 or 64, Fig. 19, each leading to a receptacle 65. An alternative form of weigh-bridge, Fig. 20, shown in side view has the arms 55, 56, 57 held at different heights by a frame member, not shown, so that adjustable cams 67 on a beam 47 engage each in turn. Platform 50 is in this case connected to the end of the beam 47 opposite to the cams 67 by means of links pivoted at 69 and guided between a portion 70 of the frame and rollers 71. The weigh-bridges are preferably positioned on a straight portion of the tray path to avoid centripetal forces. The speed of the trays can be increased if the weigh-bridge platform presents a slightly inclined surface to the weighing tray fingers 22. The surface may be adjustably inclined by providing a member 124, Fig. 22, pivoted at 125 and adjusted by means of a slot 126. Instead of a guide rail 23, an endless belt 23', Fig. 23, may be provided between the weigh-bridges, which is moved by the fingers 22, thus preventing wear of pins 22. Specifications 333,938, [Class 143], and 647,498, [Group XVIII], are referred to.