Apparatus for sorting objects, and associated method

摘要

An apparatus and associated method are provided for sorting objects as having one of an accepted and rejected status. The apparatus includes a hopper assembly configured to receive a plurality of objects and to release the objects through a release port associated therewith. A first object sorting arrangement is in communication with the hopper assembly and is configured to receive the objects therefrom. The first object sorting arrangement includes a first inclined member in communication with the hopper assembly for directing the objects to a first deflector member spaced-apart from the first inclined member. Objects deflected over a first wall member spaced-apart from the first deflector member, the first deflector member being disposed between the first inclined member and the first wall member have an accepted status, while objects directed into a first channel disposed between the first deflector member and the first wall member have a rejected status.

主权项

1. An apparatus for sorting objects as having one of an accepted and rejected status, the apparatus comprising:
a hopper assembly adapted to receive a plurality of objects and to release the objects through a release port associated therewith; and a first object sorting arrangement in communication with the hopper assembly and configured to receive the objects therefrom, the first object sorting arrangement comprising:
a first inclined member having a first end in communication with the hopper assembly at a first elevation, and an opposing second end at a second elevation less than the first elevation, the first end being arranged to receive the objects exiting the release port of the hopper assembly and to direct the objects toward the second end;a first deflector member spaced-apart from the second end of the first inclined member and disposed at a third elevation less than the second elevation, the first deflector member being arranged to deflect the objects directed thereto from the second end of the first inclined member;a first wall member spaced-apart from the first deflector member, such that the first deflector member is laterally disposed between the first inclined member and the first wall member, and such that the first inclined member, the first deflector member, and the first wall member are each laterally spaced-apart from one another, the first wall member extending to a fourth elevation greater than the third elevation; anda first channel disposed between the first deflector member and the first wall member, the first channel being configured to receive a first portion of the objects not deflected over the first wall member by the first deflector member, the first portion of the objects received by the first channel thereby having a rejected status, and a second portion of the objects deflected over the first wall member by the first deflector member thereby having an accepted status.