Appts. to orient objects of irregular shape - uses vibrating hopper delivering bulk items onto vibrating rail that has tapering 'V' section.

摘要

The irregularly shaped objects are held in a vibrating hopper (1) with an inclined bottom (5). The outlet at the bottom of the hopper delivers the objects onto a downward sloping table that has a lateral rail (7) to guide the objects. The lateral rail is vibrated at a frequency greater than the vibration frequency of the hopper. The lateral rail has a 'V'-shaped cross section that forms a shallow 'V' at both ends and a sharp 'V' in the middle, with the walls tapering smoothly from the middle to the ends. A flexible curtain (9) covers the opening at the hopper base. USE/ADVANTAGE - Orients irregularly shaped items such as nuts or cakes, or components used in the mechanical and electronic industries.