Keywords
Citation
Rigelsford, J. (2002), "Automatic infeeder", Assembly Automation, Vol. 22 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2002.03322dad.012
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Automatic infeeder
Automatic infeeder
Keywords: Patents, Feeders
Applicant: H.F. Marel Ltd, IcelandPatent number: US5871078Publication date: 16 February 1999Title: Automatic infeeder device with reject
This patent describes an apparatus and method for depositing objects at separated locations on a movable belt. The device includes at least one channel through which objects enter the apparatus. A sensor measures separation between adjacent objects approaching the apparatus and a reject mechanism prevents object that are too close to adjacent objects from entering the apparatus. Each channel includes a plurality of gates disposed therein. These gates operate sequentially to incrementally move the objects individually through the channel towards the movable belt. A sensor locates empty spaces along the movable belt, into which the objects are deposited. The movable belt is usually part of a conveyor system and may be a slotted or smooth belt.