US3207309A

US3207309A - Potato grading device

Info

Publication number: US3207309A
Application number: US180783A
Authority: US
Inventors: Earl A Ernst
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1962-03-19
Filing date: 1962-03-19
Publication date: 1965-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 1982-09-21

Description

Sept. 21, 1965 E. A. ERNST 3,207,309

POTATO GRADING DEVICE Filed March 19, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. ARL A. ERNST ATTORNEY Sept. 21, 1965 E. A. ERNST 3,207,309

POTATO GRADING DEVICE Filed March 19, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 W 5 L Q Q1212 I e- J} r0 9 EA R E i RNST LL Mm a Q,

ATTORNEY P 1965 -E. A. ERNST 3,207,309

POTATO GRADING DEVICE Filed March 19, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. EARL A. ERNST MQZSIZZWWQP-W ATTORNEY Sept. 21, 1965 E. A. ERNST POTATO GRADING DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 19, 1962 INVENTOR. EARL. A. ERNST ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,207,309 POTATO GRADING DEVICE Earl A. Ernst, PJO. Box 265, Station B, Bakersfield, Calif. Filed Mar. 19, 1962, Ser. No. 180,783 3 Claims. (Cl. 209-102) The present invention relates generally to the field of sorting devices, and more particularly to a machine for automatically sorting and distributing potatoes, or the like, so that after sorting they may be sacked or otherwise packages with substantial uniformity as to size. The present invention is a continuation-in-part of my pending application Serial No. 695,926 filed November 12, 1957, now abandoned, and entitled Device for Sorting Potatoes or the Like According to Size.

As is well known, potatoes grow in a variety of sizes and shapes. However, the vast majority of users prefer potatoes of a substantially uniform shape and size, depending upon the manner in which the potatoes are to be prepared for the table. In the past, it has been found exceedingly difficult to rapidly and economically sort potatoes due to the irregularly of the size and shape thereof.

A primary object in devising the present invention is to provide a device by which a continuously moving stream of potatoes can be automatically sorted as to size, and one that can be manually adjusted to classify and sort the potatoes as to the particular sizes required.

Another object of the invention is to supply a potato sorting device that is of relatively simple structure, can be successfully operated by a person having limited mechanical ability or experience in sorting device that is of relatively simple structure, can be successfully operated by a person having limited mechanical ability or experience in sorting potatoes, is capable of withstanding rough and hard useage, and requires a minimum of maintenance attention.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new and novel conveyor belt that is defined by a number of parallel spaced rollers, with the spacing between the rollers being variable at the will of the operator to permit potatoes of a particular size to drop through the openings provided between the rollers onto a convey-or belt or other transportation means.

Yet another object of the invention is to furnish a potato sorting device in which the rollers on the conveyor belt are manually adjustable as longitudinally extending sections, with the spacings between the rollers in each section when so adjusted being increased or decreased the same amount to permit the sorting of potatoes to particular sizes.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description thereof, and from the accompanying drawings, illustrating the same, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a first form of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of a first mechanism which controls the spacing between the conveyor rollers;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the conveyor on which the potatoes are dumped for sorting;

FIGURE 3a is a fragmentary top plan view of a modified form of the conveyor shown in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view of a portion of the invention taken on line 4--4 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the de vice taken on line 55 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the first control mechanism;

3,207,309 Patented Sept. 21, 1965 FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view of one of the rollers on which a longitudinally adjustable ring is mounted;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary vertical cross-sectional view of a second form of spacing control mechanism;

FIGURE 9 is a side elevational view of the second form of spacing control mechanism;

FIGURE 10 is a top plan view of the second spacing control mechanism;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary transverse cross-sectional view of the second form of spacing control mechanism taken on line 1111 of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 12 is a diagrammatic view of the second form of spacing control mechanism; and

FIGURE 13 is a third form of spacing control mech anism.

With continuing reference to the drawings, and FIG- URES 1 and 5 thereof in particular for the general arrangement of the invention, it will be seen to include a rectangular framework A. Framework A comprises four uprights B situated at the corners thereof, and horizontally extending reinforcing members C are disposed intermediately between the upper and lower ends of the uprights B and rigidly connected thereto. The upper ends of the uprights B are connected by transverse frame members D, as may best be seen in FIGURE 5. The upper ends of uprights B are also rigidly connected by two identical longitudinally extending frame members E, one of which is shown in FIGURE 1.

Framework A supports two upper, parallel, longitudinally extending rails F and two lower rails G that are in vertical alignment with the upper rails. Framework A also supports two longitudinally aligned rollers H and I over which first and second transversely extending conveyor belts K and L respectively, extend. Belts K and L are of substantial width, as illustrated in FIGURE 1. A third conveyor M is provided, as shown in FIGURES 3 and 3a, that comprises a number of transversely positioned, longitudinally spaced rollers N that may be moved toward or away from one another to provide transverse spaces 0 of variable width therebetween.

A first form of control mechanism P for effecting variation in spaces 0 between the rollers N is shown in FIG- URE 2. A second form Q of spacing control mechanism for accomplishing the same result as the first form is shown in detail in FIGURES 8 to 12 inclusive. In FIG- URE 13 a third form of spacing mechanism is illustrated that may be utilized to regulate the width of the spaces 0 between the rollers N.

The first form of spacing control mechanism P is moved longitudinally relative to the framework A by two endless link belts S that are disposed on opposite longitudinal sides of the framework. Each of the belts S is supported by a driving sprocket T and a driven sprocket U. The driving sprockets T rotate in a clockwise direction, as shown in FIGURE 1, and cause the upper reach of the third conveyor M to move to the right. A fourth conveyor V is provided (FIGURE 1) which serves to discharge potatoes W of various sizes and shapes onto the left-hand end of the third conveyor M.

First and second transversely positioned, downwardly and inwardly extending deflectors 10 and 12 are aflixed to the framework A which serve to assure that potatoes W falling through the spaces 0 between the rollers N will be directed onto the first conveyor belt K for transportation to a desired location. Those potatoes W which fall through spaces 0 in this manner will be the smallest of the potatoes being sorted.

Third and fourth transversely extending deflectors 14 and 16 are also provided, as shown in FIGURE 1, that serve to direct potatoes W which drop through the spaces onto the second conveyor belt L for transportation to a desired location. A fifth transversely extending deflector 18 is mounted on the lower end of a rod 20' or other supporting means which are also shown in FIGURE 1. The upper end of rod 20 is connected to a hori- 'zontal sleeve 22 that is manually adjustable to a desired location on a longitudinally extending second rod 24. The ends of rod 24 are rigidly connected to two rigid members 26 which extend downwardly from a convenient upper portion of framework A. A tapped bore (not shown) is formed in sleeve 22 in which a thumbscrew 28 is mounted. Tightening of thumbscrew 28 will maintain the fifth deflector 18 at a desired adjusted position between the third and fourth deflectors 14 and 16 respectively. During operation of the grading device of the present invention, as will later be described, potatoes W of larger'sizes than those potatoes deposited on the first conveyor belt K will fall through the openings 0 onto the second conveyor belt L. The deflector 18 can be manually adjusted so that potatoes W of even larger size than those deposited on conveyor belt L will be deposited on the portion L of the conveyor, as illustrated in FIG- URE 1.

Thus, when the grading device is operating, potatoes up to a certain maximum cross-sectional dimension will be deposited on the first conveyor belt K, which potatoes for clarity of explanation herein are referred to generally by the notation W. Potatoes W" of larger dimension than potatoes W will be deposited on the left-hand portion of conveyor belt L, and the largest of the potatoes W being graded will be deposited on the righthand portion L of the conveyor L. If desired, the third deflector 18 can be moved to the right adjacent deflector 16 whereby the potatoes being sorted will only be sorted into two classes W and W".

Each longitudinal side of the framework A is provided with at least two elongate cams 30 and 32. Also, if desired, a third elongate cam 34 can be positioned to the right of cams 32, as shown in FIGURE 1. Pins 30a and 32a extend transversely through the adjoining ends of cams 30 and 32, which pins pivotally engage bores (not shown) formed in a link 36. Similarly, second cams 32 and third cams 34 have pins 32b and 34a extending through the adjoining end portions thereof, which pivotally engage a second link 38.

The left-hand end of cam 30 is pivotally connected by a pin 3% to a first elongate cam extension 40 that extends upwardly and to the left. Each extension 40 has a bifurcated end 42 that slidably engages a transverse pin 44 projecting outwardly from the frame member E. The right hand end of cam 34 (FIGURE 1) is pivotally connected by a pin 46 to a second elongate cam extension 48. 50 that slidably engages a pin 52 which projects outwardly from frame member E. Each cam 30 has two transverse, longitudinally spaced pins 54 extending through the end portions thereof which engage the lower bifurcated end of vertically movable support members 56 of square or rectangular cross section.

Each support 56 is slidably movable in a vertically disposed guide, as may best be seen in FIGURE 5. A tapped recess 60 extends downwardly in each support 56 and is threadedly engaged by a threaded shaft 62 having a gear 64 mounted on the upper end thereof. A housing 66 is mounted on the upper end of framework A, which rotatably supports a transversely extending shaft 68. A gear 70 is mounted on shaft 68 that engages gear 64. When shaft 68 is manually rotated by means of a wheelshaped handle 72, the shaft 62 rotates relative to the tapped recess 60 and causes support 56 to move upwardly or downwardly as desired. Shaft 68 has a sprocket 74 mounted thereon that is engaged by an endless link belt 76 which extends to and over a second sprocket 78. Sprocket 78 is rigidly affixed to a second one of shafts Each extension 48 has a bifurcated end' 68, and when this second shaft is rotated, the second of the supporting members 56 is moved upwardly and downwardly with the first support member as previously described. The cam 30 on the left-hand side of the device as shown in FIGURE 5 is moved upwardly and downwardly by a second mechanism of the structure above described, but which is not shown. This second mechanism is connected to shaft 68 and operates when shaft 68 is rotated.

The two second cams 32 are supported by supports 56 that are identical in construction to the support members 56. Pins 54' are associated with cams 32 and serve the same function as the pins 54. The balance of the raising and lowering mechanism for cams 32 is the same as that described in conjunction with the cams 38. Ac cordingly, no detailed description will be included of the raising and lowering mechanism for the second cams 32.

Pins 54" extend through the ends of third cam 34 that are connected to the lower ends of supports 56". The lifting and lowering mechanism used with the supports 56" is of the same structure as that used in connection with the first support members 56, and the components common to both in lifting the third support members 56 are identified by the numerals first used, but to which a double prime has been added.

The two driving sprockets T (FIGURE 1) are rigidly affixed to a transverse shaft 80, the end portions of which are rotatably supported in bearings 82. The bearings 82 are supported on first brackets 84 that project outwardly from framework A. A motor 85 is mounted on the upper right-hand end portion of framework A (FIG- URE 1) and drives a gear reduction unit 86, which serves to transfer motion from the motor to a driving pulley 88 that is engaged by an endless downwardly extending belt 90. Belt 90 engages a driven pulley 92 rigidly connected to shaft 80. Upon energization of motor 85, the driving sprockets T are rotated and the endless belts S are caused to rotate. The two endless link belts S are structurally identical, and each includes a number of links 94 in end-to-end relationship which are pivotally connected by pins 96. Each link 94 includes two parallel laterally spaced side plates 98.

When the first form of spacing control mechanism P is used as shown in FIGURE 6, the side plates 98 are removed from two adjoining links and inverted T-shaped side plates 1% substituted in their stead. Each plate 180 includes an upwardly extending leg 102 in which a transverse bore (not shown) is formed and through which a bolt or pin 104 extends. Pins .104 also extend through transverse bores (not shown) formed in the lower portion of one of a number of rigid members 105 (FIGURE 6) to engage another set of the side plates 1% (not shown). Each pair of members 185 has a transversely disposed shaft 108 extending therebetween on which one of the rollers N is rotatably supported. Each member 105 tapers upwardly and inwardly to develop into a vertical portion from which two legs 110 project upwardly. The lower surfaces 105a of each of the members 185 are spaced a distance 109 above the edges 98a of side plates 98, as shown in FIGURE 6. Due to this construction, the link or links 94 between the side plates can pivot towards the surface or surfaces a to conform to the circular shape of the sprockets U when in contact therewith.

Legs 110 are laterally spaced and a roller 112 is positioned therebetween. Each roller 112 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 114, the two ends of which are mounted in transverse bores 116 formed in legs 110. On each side of framework A the first cam extension 40, first cam 38, first link 36, second cam 32, second link 38, third cam 34, and second cam extension 48 define a continuous lower edge that is engaged by the rollers 1 12 as they move from left to right as illustrated in FIGURE 1. This contact between the lower surfaces of the cams,

cam extensions and links is effected when the members 105 are moved from the left to the right.

Each of the rollers N has ball bearing assemblies 118 on the ends thereof. The interior cross section of each roller N is somewhat larger than the transverse cross section of one of the shafts 108, as is readily apparent from an inspection of FIGURE 7 of the drawings. Rings 120 are provided on the ends of each roller N which are adapted to rotatably engage the lower rails G as the belts S are rotated. Rails G support the belts S therefrom as the lower reaches of the belts travel from right to left.

It will be seen on the left-hand end of FIGURE 1 that the members 105 project outwardly from the belt S, and as they move from left to right, the rollers 1 12 initially contact the first cam extensions 40 to thereafter start to pivot the members 105 in a counterclockwise direction as clearly shown in this figure. As members 105 so pivot, the longitudinal spacing between adjacently disposed members 105 is shortened, with concurrent uniform shortening of the spacing 0 between the rollers N during the time the rings 120 are in rolling contact with the under surface of the cams 30. Also, the spaces 0 between rollers N is normally at a minimum during the time the rings 120 are in contact with the under surfaces of earns 30 whereby only the smaller potatoes W can drop therethrough onto the first conveyor K. Spaces 0 can, of course, be increased by rotating the handle 72 to place the cams 30 at a higher elevation above rails F, as best shown in FIGURE 5. However, when it is desired to decrease the width of spaces 0, the handle 72 is rotated in an opposite direction to cause the cams 30 to move downwardly to a position where the lower edges thereof are closer to the top surfaces of the upper rails F.

Handles 72 and 72" of the second and third control mechanisms (FIGURE 1) are normally manually rotated to an extent to place the lower edges of the cams 32 and 34 above the lower edges of the cams 30. As a result of this positioning of cams 30, 32 and 34, the members 105 pivot in a clockwise direction as they move from left to right across framework A, with the spacing 0 increasing in width as a result thereof. As the width of spaces 0 increases, potatoes W, larger in size than potatoes W, are deposited onto the second conveyor L. Potatoes W of the largest size can only fall through spaces 0 after the spaces have been substantially increased in width, which is only attainable after the members 105 have passed the fifth deflector 18.

The operation of the invention is relatively simple. The first and second conveyor belts K and L are caused to rotate by means not shown. The electric motor 85 is then energized and caused to drive the belt S as previously explained in detail. As the belts S rotate, the members 105 on the upper port-ions of the belts are moved to the right as illustrated in FIGURE 2, with the rollers 112 initially contacting the first cam extensions 40. As rollers 112 contact cam extensions 40, the members 105 are pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction, and in so doing, the longitudinal spacing between the members 105 is lessened, as is the spacing between the rollers N.

In FIGURES 1 and 2, it will be noted that the first earns 30 are horizontally disposed, and as a result, during the time the rollers 112 associated with rollers N are in contact with the first cams 30, rollers N are held at a uniform spacing. After the rollers 112 have traversed the length of the first cams 30, they then contact the first links 36, which links as may be seen in FIGURE 1, slope upwardly and to the right. The belts S are pulled to the right by the driving sprockets T whereby the members 105 at all times tend to pivot to the right into an upright position. This pivotal movement to the right is limited by the second earns 32 after the rollers 112 have traversed the length of the first links 36. The second cams 32 are normally at a higher elevation than that of the first cams 30, and as a result of the pivotal movement of the members in a clockwise direction, the spaces 0 between rollers M is increased during the time the rollers are traversing the length of the second cams 32. After the rollers 112 have traversed the second cams 32, they contact the second links 38 and subsequently the third cams 34. When the rollers 112 on members 105 are in contact with the third cams 34, the spaces 0 between the rollers N will normally be at a maximum.

During the time the rollers 1 12 associated with rollers N are in contact with the firs-t cams 30, the smaller potatoes W drop through the spaces 0 between the rollers M and fall onto the first conveyor belt K where they are transported to a desired location (not shown) for sacking or other handling. Likewise, potatoes W" of a larger size drop through the spaces between the rollers N when the rollers 112 are in contact with the second cams 32. The largest of the potatoes, which are identified in FIGURE 1 by the letter W, fall downwardly through the spaces between the rollers N when the rollers 112 associated therewith are in rolling contact with the third earns 34. The adjustable fifth deflector 18 can be so positioned as to separate the potatoes W and W' on the second conveyor L as they fall downwardly thereon from the rollers N as previously described.

The fourth conveyor V is operated by means (not shown) to deliver potatoes W to the left-hand end of the grading device illustrated in FIGURE 1.

A second form of mechanism Q that cooperates with cam extensions 40, first, second and third cams 30, 32 and 34, and cam extensions 48 to control the size of spaces 0 is shown in FIGURES 8 to 12 inclusive. Two endless chain link belts S are provided that are of the same structure as belts S but differ therefrom in that a number of oppositely disposed, longitudinally spaced shaft supports 122 are included as a part of each belt S. Each shaft support 122 is preferably in the form of an elongate body having a centrally disposed transverse bore 124 formed therein that supports one end of a shaft 108. The horizontally disposed ends of shaft supports 122 each terminate in a pair of laterally spaced legs 126. Pins 128 extend through bores formed in legs 126 to engage links 94' of the chain belts S.

Belts S extend over the driving sprockets T and driven sprocket-s U in the same manner as the belts S shown in FIGURE 1. Due to the fact that shaft supports 122 define portions of the belts S, the driving sprockets T and driven sprockets U must have circumferentially spaced recesses formed therein. These recesses (not shown) accommodate the shaft supports 122 during the time they are in contact with the sprockets. Each shaft 108' has a roller N mounted thereon, and this roller has rings mounted on the ends thereof which contact the upper surfaces of the rails F, as shown in FIGURE 8.

The second form of spacing control mechansim Q includes two cylindrical sleeves 130 that are rotatably supported on the ends of the shafts 108 between the rings 120 and belt S. Sleeves 130 are transversely mounted in hubs 132 as also shown in FIGURE 8. Arms 134 project upwardly from hubs 132 and the upper ends of these arms develop into two laterally spaced legs 136, between which pins 138 extend. The pins 138 support rollers 140 that may be brought into rolling contact with the lower edges of the cam extension 40, first, second and third cams 30, 32 and 34 respectively, and the cam extension 48. The hubs 132 on each shaft 108' are provided with upper and lower diametrically

opposed lugs

142 and 144 which project radially therefrom. Those portions of the hubs 132 between

lugs

142 and 144 are so formed as to define teeth 146.

A number of lengths 148 of chain links are provided as shown in FIGURE 12, which are connected on their lower end-s by pins 150 to lugs 144, and on their upper ends by pins 152 to lugs 142. The arms 134 can project upwardly as shown in FIGURES 8 and 9. When the rollers 140 on the upwardly projecting arms 134 contact the cam extension 40, pivotal movement of the hubs 132 and arms 134 takes place in a counter-clockwise direction, with the lengths 148 of chain links winding on the teeth 146. As the lengths 148 wind onto the teeth 146 the spacing between the shafts 108 decreases, as does the width of the spaces between the rollers N. Thus, as the second form of the space control mechanism Q as shown in FIGURES 8 to 12 is moved by the belts S, the spacing between the rollers N is varied, in the same manner as when the first form of the spacing control mechanism P is used.

In FIGURE 12 the rollers 140 are shown in contact with the under surfaces of the cam extensions 48, and as a result the longitudinal spacing between the rollers M increases as the rollers N move to the right. The advantage of the spacing control mechanism Q is that the belts S are used for driving purposes only, and the longitudinal spacing between the rollers is accomplished by the control mechanism. Due to being used only for driving purposes, the belts S are subjected to a minimum of distortion and last far longer than belts S of the structure shown in FIGURE 6 which are subjected to substantial deformation during the time they are positioned adjacent the upper rails F.

A third form of spacing control mechanism R for the rollers N is shown in FIGURE 13. In this third form of control mechanism two endless belts S" are provided that are movably supported on the driving sprockets T and the driven sprockets U in the same manner as the belts S. Belts S" are formed from a number of chain links 154. A plurality of spacing members 156 are pro vided which are interposed in oppositely disposed pairs in belts S" and connected thereto by pins 158. Rollers 160 are rotatably supported from the upper ends of the spacing members 156 by shafts 162 that project outwardly therefrom.

The rollers N are rotatably supported on transversely positioned shafts that are affixed to the spacing members 156. The endless belts S" are pulled to the right by the driving sprockets T whereby the rollers 160 tend at all times to be pivoted into contact with the lower edges of the first cam extensions 40, earns 30, 32 and 34, and cam extension 48 during the time the rings 120 of rollers N are in rolling contact with the upper rails F. The control mechansim R is used in the same manner as the first and second forms thereof which have been previously described, and accordingly the use and operation of the invention with this third form of control mechanism need not be described in detail.

To assist in tumbling the potatoes W as they are dumped onto the conveyor M, a number of longitudinally adjustable rings 164 may be mounted on rollers N, with each of these rings having a tapped bore 166 formed there n in which a set screw 168 is disposed. By loosen ing the set screws 168, the rings 164 can be positioned in longitudinal alignment as shown in FIGURE 3 or in staggered relationship as shown in FIGURE 3a. The rollers N are, of course, rotated when the rings 120 contact the rails F, and this rotation as well as the use of the rings 164 tends to orient those potatoes of elongate shape so they will rotate on their longitudinal axes, and if of long thin configuration, to drop downwardly through the spaces 0 during the time the potatoes are in transverse alignment with the earns 30.

The potato grading device above described has the advantages that as. the rollers N move from left to right across the upper portion of the framework A, the same spaces 0 exist between the rollers for a considerable length of time to permit all potatoes that are supported by the rollers to be be completely classified, with those of a dimension less than that of spaces 0 dropping onto the first or second conveyors K or L to he classified by size as to potatoes W, W" or W'".

Although the present invention is fully capable of achieving the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore mentioned, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments thereof and I do not mean to be limited to the details of construction herein shown and described, other than as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus for continuously sorting potatoes or the like as to size, the combination of:

(a) an elongate framework;

(b) a first driven conveyor for delivering potatoes to a position above a first end of said framework; (c) second and third transversely disposed, longitudinally spaced driven conveyors that extend across said framework for receiving potatoes which have been sorted to a maximum first size and a maximum second size respectively;

(b) a first driven conveyor for delivering potatoes transversely positioned, longitudinally spaced rollers positioned to define an endless belt on said framework, with a portion of said rollers at all times providing an upper reach of said belt that is substantially horizontal, which upper reach has a first end portion disposed under said first conveyor, with said upper reach being positioned above said second and third conveyors, and said belt having a lower reach disposed below said second and third conveyors;

(e) a plurality of transverse shafts rotatably supporting said rollers;

(f) a plurality of longitudinally spaced shaft supports which support the ends of said shafts;

(g) a plurality of first lengths of chain links pivotally connecting said shaft supports to one another;

(h) a plurality of sprockets rotatably supported from said framework that maintains an endless sequence of said shaft supports and lengths of chain links on both longitudinal sides of said framework;

(j) two laterally spaced, elongate first cams that have horizontal lower edges, which first cams are longitudinally disposed on an upper portion of said framework adjacent said first conveyor;

(k) two elongate second cams that have horizontal lower edges, which second cams are in longitudinal alignment with said first cam;

(l) first and second means for independently adjusting said first and second cams, respectively, to desired elevations relative to said framework;

(in) two first elongate cam extensions that are longitudinally aligned with said first cams, which first cam extensions project upwardly .at an angle towards said first conveyor;

(n) third means for pivotally connecting said cam extensions to said first cams;

(0) two linkpivotally connecting adjacent ends of said first and second cams;

(p) a plurality of hubs pivotally supported on the ends of said shafts between said rollers and said shaft supports, with each of said hubs having upper and lower lugs projecting therefrom, and teeth formed thereon between said upper and lower lugs;

(q) a plurality of second lengths of chain links;

(r) fourth means for pivotally connecting a first end of each of said second lengths to one of said upper lugs and for connecting a second end to one of said lower lugs on a hub adjacent that hub to which said first end is connected;

(s) a plurality of rigid arms that project outwardly from said hubs;

(t) a plurality of rollers rotatably supported on the outer ends of said arms, which rollers are capable of engaging the lower edge of said cam extensions, said first and second cams .and said links; and

(u) fifth means for driving that portion of said sprockets most distant from said first conveyor to move said shaft supports and first lengths relative to said framework, with said hubs and arms pivoting as 9 10 said rollers contact said lower edges of said cam to guide said graded potatoes falling through said spaces extension, first and second earns and said links, which onto said second and third conveyors. second lengths of links are wound on said teeth as 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 which further said pivotal movement takes place to move said includes means for rotating said rollers when they are shafts longitudinally relative to one another to pro- 5 disposed in the upper reach of said belt. vide a desired spacing between said rollers, with O the spacing between each two of said rollers being References Clled y the Examlllel' Of a first uniform distance while traversing the length UNITED STATES PATENTS of said first cam and of a second uniform distance while traversing the length of said second cams to 10 gi gl permit potatoes to be graded as to size 'by falling 0 m gg ziggig therethmugh sald Second and 11rd ROBERT B. REEVES, Acting Primary Examiner. 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 which further SAMUEL C Examine!- includes a plurality of transversely extending deflectors l5

Claims

1. IN AN APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUSLY SORTING POTATOES OR THE LIKE AS THE SIZE, THE COMBINATION OF: (A) AN ELONGATE FRAMEWORK; (B) A FIRST DRIVEN CONVEYOR FOR DELIVERING POTATOES TO A POSITION ABOVE A FIRST END OF SAID FRAMEWORK; (C) SECOND AND THIRD TRANSVERSELY DISPOSED, LONGITUDINALLY SPACED DRIVEN CONVEYORS THAT EXTEND ACROSS SAID FRAMEWORK FOR RECEIVING POTATOES WHICH HAVE BEEN SORTED TO A MAXIMUM FIRST SIZE AND A MAXIMUM SECOND SIZE RESPECTIVELY; (B) A FIRST DRIVEN CONVEYOR FOR DELIVERING POTATOES TRANSVERSELY POSITIONED LONGITUDINALLY SPACED ROLLERS POSITIONED TO DEFINE AN ENDLESS BELT ON SAID FRAMEWORK, WITH A PORTION OF SAID ROLLERS AT ALL TIMES PROVIDING AN UPPER REACH OF SAID BELT THAT IS SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL, WHICH UPPER REACH HAS A FIRST END PORTION DISPOSED UNDER SAID FIRST CONVERYOR, WITH SAID UPER REACH BEING POSITIONED ABOVE SAID SECOND AND THIRD CONVEYORS, AND SAID BELTT HAVING A LOWER REACH DISPOSED BELOW SAID SECOND AND THIRD CONVEYORS; (E) A PLURALITY OF TRANSVERSE SHAFTS ROTATABLY SUPPORTING SAID ROLLERS; (F) A PLURALITY OF LONGITUDINALLY SPACED SHAFT SUPPORTS WHICH SUPPORT THE ENDS OF SAID SHAFTS; (G) A PLURALITY OF FIRST LENGTHS OF CHAIN LINKS PIVOTALLY CONNECTING SAID SHAFT SUPPORTS TO ONE ANOTHER; (H) A PLURALITY OF SPROCKETS ROTATABLY SUPPORTED FROM SAID FRAMEWORK THAT MAINTAINS AN ENDLESS SEQUENCE OF SAID SHAFT SUPPORTS AND LENGTHS OF CHAIN LINKS ON BOTH LONGITUDINAL SIDES OF SAID FRAMWORK; (J) TWO LATERALLY SPACED, ELONGATED FIRST CAMS THAT HAVE HORIZONTAL LOWER EDGES, WHICH FIRST CAMS ARE LONGITUDINALLY DISPOSED ON AN UPPER PORTION OF SAID FRAMEWORK ADJACENT SAID FIRST CONVEYOR; (K) TWO ELONGATE SECOND CAMS THAT HAVE HORIZONTAL LOWER EDGES, WHICH SECOND CAMS ARE IN LONGITUDINAL ALIGNMENT WITH SAID FIRST CAM; (L) FIRST AND SECOND MEANS FOR INDEPENDENTLY ADJUSTING SAID FIRST AND SECOND CAMS, RESPECTIVELY, TO DESIRED ELEVATIONS RELATIVE TO SAID FRAMEWORK; (M) TWO FIRST ELONGATE CAM EXTENSIONS THAT ARE LONGITUDINALLY ALIGNED WITH SAID FIRST CAMS, WHICH FIRST CAM EXTENSIONS PROJECT UPWARDLY AT AN ANGLE TOWARDS SAID FIRST CONVEYOR; (N) THIRD MEANS FOR PIVOTALLY CONNECTING SAID CAM EXTENSIONS TO SAID FIRST CAMS; (O) TWO LINKS PIVOTALLY CONNECTING ADJACENT ENDS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND CAMS; ( P) A PLURALITY OF HUBS PIVOTALLY SUPPORTED ON THE ENDS OF SAID SHAFTS BETWEEN SAID ROLLERS AND SAID SHAFT SUPPORTS, WITH EACH OF SAID HUBS HAVING UPPER AND LOWER LUGS PROJECTING THEREFROM, AND TEETH FORMED THEREON BETWEEN SAID UPPER AND LOWER LUGS; (Q) A PLURALITY OF SECOND LENGTHS OF CHAIN LINKS; (R) FOURTH MEANS FOR PIVOTALLY CONNECTING A FIRST END OF EACH OF SAID SECOND LENGTHS OF ONE OF SAID UPPER LUGS AND FOR CONNECTING A SECOND END TO ONE OF SAID LOWER LUGS ON A HUB ADJACENT THAT HUB TO WHICH SAID FIRST END IS CONNECTED; (S) A PLURALITY OF RIGID ARMS THAT PROJECT OUTWARDLY FROM SAID HUBS; (T) A PLURALITY OF ROLLERS ROTATABLY SUPPORTED ON THE OUTER ENDS OF SAID ARMS WHICH ROLLERS ARE CAPABELE OF ENGAGING THE LOWER EDGE OF SAID CAM EXTENSIONS, SAID FIRST AND SECOND CAMS AND SAID LINKS; AND (U) FIFTH MEANS FOR DRIVING THAT PORTION OF SAID SPROCKETS MOST DISTANT FROM SAID FIRST CONVERYOR TO MOVE SAID SHAFT SUPPORTS AND FIRST LENGTHS RELATIVE TO SAID FRAMEWORK, WITH SAID HUBS AND ARMS PIVOTING AS SAID ROLLERS CONTACT SAID LOWER EDGES OF SAID CAM EXTENSION, FIRST AND SECOND CAMS AND SAID LINKS, WHICH SECOND LENGTHS OF LINKS ARE WOUND ON SAID TEETH AS SAID PIVOTAL MOVEMENT TAKES PLACE TO MOVE SAID SHAFTS LONGITUDINALLY RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER TO PROVIDE A DESIRED SPACING BETWEEN SAID ROLLERS, WITH THE SPACING BETWEEN EACH TWO OF SAID ROLLERS BEING OF A FIRST UNIFORM DISTANCE WHILE TRANSVERSING THE LENGTH OF SAID FIRST CAM AND OF A SECOND UNIFORM DISTANCE WHILE TRAVERSING THE LENGTH OF SAID SECOND CAMS TO PERMIT POTATOES TO BE GRADED AS THE SIZE BY FALLING DOWNWARDLY THRERETHROUGH ONTO SAID SECOND AND THIRD CONVEYORS.