US3301397A

US3301397A - Silverware sorting device

Info

Publication number: US3301397A
Application number: US398509A
Authority: US
Inventors: Roger A Stutz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1964-09-23
Filing date: 1964-09-23
Publication date: 1967-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 1984-01-31

Description

Jan. 31, 1967 R. A. STUTZ SILVERWARE SORTI NG DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 23, 1964 INVENTOR 19/571/72 EL'UM) ATTORNEYS R. A. STUTZ Jan. 31, 1967 S ILVERWARE SORTING DEVI CE Fil ed Sept. 25, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ea 66/? ,9. sf ijpmwwv BY gflm 3M ATTORNEY5 United States Patent 3,301,397 SILVERWARE SORTING DEVECE Roger A. Stutz, 606 W. Ash t., Piqua, Ohio 45356 Filed Sept. 23, 1964, Ser. No. 398,509 6 Claims. (Cl. 239-73) This invention relates to apparatus for sorting silverware and like articles.

In large restaurants and kitchens of public institutions the handling and sorting of silverware is a tedious and time-consuming procedure. It involves much labor and a cost out of all proportion to the benefits of the services rendered.

The present invention is directed to alleviating this condition. It provides for sorting apparatus of a simple yet highly advantageous nature into which silverware may be introduced in bulk and which automatically sorts such silverware into its respective categories.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a novel sorting device which is economical to fabricate, efficient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a wide variety of applications and unlikely to malfunction.

Another object of the invention is to provide means facilitating an automatic sorting of silverware and like articles.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel means for sorting a variety of hand tools according to their respective categories.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a novel conveyor means having particular utility in sorting silverware and other articles of like configuration.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel sorting device possessing the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and means and mode of use herein described.

With the above and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the accompanying drawing wherein is shown one but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 of the drawings shows a generally schematic elevation view of a sorting device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a generally schematic fragmentary plan view of conveyor apparatus embodied in the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary schematic view of an additional portion of the conveyor apparatus embodied in the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a further fragmentary view of the invention apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a view taken on line 66 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a view taken on line 77 of FIG. 1.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

The invention embodiment illustrated provides a base framework 19 including pairs of transversely aligned, vertically oriented legs 11, 12 and 13. These legs are arranged in rectangularly oriented, longitudinally spaced relation. Interconnected to the legs 11, 12 and 13 to either side of the framework 10, at points adjacent and spaced from their tops, is a horizontal bar 14-. The bars 14 occupy a common plane. The leg members 12 are positioned intermediate of the legs 11 and 13, the latter of which define the respective ends of the framework. 7

Interconnecting the leg members 12 and 13, adjacent Patented Jan. 31, 1967 and spaced from their bottoms, is a rectangular plate member 15. Fixed to bridge the top of the framework 10 is a table 16 constituting a sorting platform. Mounted over and in fixed relation to one end of the table 16 is a trough-shaped feeder 17.

The feeder 17 is in the nature of a receptacle which extends from points adjacent the supporting legs 11 to the general area of the legs 12. It consists, in the form illustrated, of three

sections

18, 19 and 20. The section 18 positions at one extremity of the table 16, is closed to one end and has downwardly convergent side portions 21. At their lower extremities the sides 21 are bridged by a plate section 22 which is uniformly arcuate and generally concave in a transverse sense. The trough section 19 forms a direct extension of the section 18 and includes downwardly convergent side portions 23. The latter relatively converge as they project to form extensions of the side portions 21. The dependent extremities of the side portions 23 are bridged by a plate section 24. The section 24 forms an extension of plate section 22 and has a similar cross-sectional configuration, modified to the extent dictated by the convergence sides 23. interconnecting with and respectively forming extensions of the side portions 23 are parallel side sections 25 relatively spaced by a bottom plate portion 26. The spacing of the side portions 25 conforms to the spacing of the convergent extremities of the side portions 23. The plate section 26 forms a narrow, generally rectangular continuation of the transversely

concave plate sections

22 and 24 and together therewith provides the trough with a chute-like base. As may be seen from the drawings, the base of the trough-shaped feeder 17 is relatively inclined from the trough section 18 to the trough section 20, the terminal point of the latter descending to actually contact the surface of the table 16 through the medium of interconnected rubber mounting pads. As a matter of fact all of the support elements for the feeder 17 are separated from direct contact with the table 16 by resilient mounting pads.

The plate section 26 includes, substantially the length thereof, a longitudinally extending central slot 28 which opens to the table 16. The latter includes a longitudinally extending slot 30 in direct alignment with the slot 28. The slot 39 commences beneath and in vertical alignment with the slot 28 and extends substantially to the remote end portion of the table 16 which is supported by the legs 13. As may be seen with particular reference to the drawings, the slot 313 is formed to have successively adjacent sections which, in a direction away from the slot 28, are successively of greater width. In sequence, the respective slot sections are identified by the

numerals

31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36. Note that the

slot portions

28 and 31, the major extent of which are superposed, have a substantially identical width.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, fixed to bridge the intermediate legs 12 in a plane immediately above and spaced from the plate 15 is a support bracket 37. Fixedly mounted on the bracket 37 is a motor 38. The motor drive shaft 39 projects vertically to extend through a bearing thereabove in the table 16 and to terminate immediately above the table and perpendicular thereto. Fixed for rotation with the shaft 39 at a position immediate below and in a plane parallel to the table 16 is a sprocket wheel 40. A second and similar sprocket wheel 41 is fixed for rotation with the shaft 39 immediately above and in parallel spaced relation to the table 16. It is to be noted that the shaft 39 orients adjacent and to one side of the slot section 31 and relatively adjacent and to one side of the trough portion 20.

A stub shaft 42 is projected through and fixed for rotation in a second bearing in the table top 16. The shaft 42 is positioned to the end of the table adjacent 3 the legs 13 and in a vertical plane to the one side of the slot 30 which is occupied by the shaft 39. A sprocket wheel 43 is fixed for rotation with the stub shaft 42 in a plane common to the sprocket 40 and a further sprocket wheel 44 is similarly fixed for rotation with the shaft 42 in a plane common to the sprocket 41. Below the table 16 the

sprockets

40 and 43 are interconnected by a continuous chain 45. The sprockets 41 and 44 are similarly interconnected by a continuous chain 46. The chain 46 is so positioned to occupy a plane adjacent and generally parallel to the top surface of the table 16 and to the one side of the slot 34 Interconnected with and spaced longitudinally of the chain 46, in a plane common thereto, are a series of perpendicularly projected rubber-like fingers 47. On drive of the motor 38 the fingers 47 so move and so extend to advance over the length of the slot 30 in the table 16.

It is to be noted that the one side section of the feeder trough 17 most adjacent the sprocket 41 is cut back. This in conjunction with the position of the sprocket 41 provides that, as the sprocket 41 is driven by the shaft 39 and the continuous chain 46 advances over the sprocket, the projected fingers 47 first move into the trough portion 20 to advance over the slot 28 formed in its base. The purpose and function of this structure will soon become obvious.

A series ofreceptacles 48 are positioned in longitudinally spaced relation on the plate 15, each respectively below one of the slot sections 32 through 36.

Pivotally mounted between the bars 14, as seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings, is a series of longitudinally spaced chute plates 49. The plates 49 are pivotally suspended by means of laterally projected pins 50 which seat in transversely aligned notches in the upper edges of the parallel bars 14.

Additionally projected from the lateral extremities of the plates 49 through transversely aligned arcuate slots 51 in the bars 14 are externally threaded pin portions 52. The projected ends of pins 52 mount nut-like clamping members 53 exterior to the bars 14. It may be readily seen that on a release of its interconnected nutlike elements 53 a chute plate 49 may be pivoted and fixed to the adjacent bars 14 in any selected position of pivotal adjustment. The chute plates 49 are so spaced to each respectively present an inclined chute surface in the path of a portion of the slot in the table 16. As will be described, the chute plates are each operative to direct articles that fall through the respectively associated slot portion, in the path of which it lies, to a receptacle 48 appropriately positioned on the platform 15 therebelow.

Mounted in connection with the feeder trough 17 are one or more vibrators 54. These may be of any conventional nature and of a size and quantity to induce an appropriate vibration of the feeder trough and a consequent movement of contained articles longitudinally of its inclined concave base.

In use of the above described structure as a sorting unit for silverware, the silverware is first deposited in a :shallow layer in the portion 18 of the feeder trough 17. When deposited, the handle portions are preferably so oriented to project axially of the trough, in the direction of the table 16. On energizing the vibrators 54, the rsilverware items are caused thereby to maintain an alignment longitudinally of the feeder 17 and to be gradually moved down the continuous incline formed by the

feeder base portions

22, 24 and 26. As the silverware is caused to move down this incline, the convergent sides of the trough portion 19 cause a gradual limitation on the passage of the silverware to the point that only one item at a time will enter the trough section 20. In circumstances which so require, appropriate blocks may be inserted in the upper portions of the feeder trough to further insure that only one item at a time will enter the trough sec- .tion 20.

As an item enters the trough section 20, induced by the vibration imposed thereon, its handle portion proceeds first, moving down the incline of the base plate 26, so oriented to eventually position directly over the slot 28 in the terminal portion of the feeder through 17. At a particular point in its travel over the plate portion 26, induced by gravity, the handle of the silverware item drops through the slot 28 to depend, at its lower extremity, to and through the portion 31 of the slot 38 in table 16. Since the slot 28 and table slot portion 31 are so designed, the operating portion of the silverware item, such as the blade, tines or bowl portion, as the case may be, cannot pass therethrough. The latter portions are thereby caused to have their lateral extremities effectively project over and bear on the sides of the plate portion 26 which define the slot 28. Immediately after the point where a silverware item has its handle drop through the slot 28, which, of course, causes its operative portion to project vertically in reference to the table 16, one of the moving fingers 47 which advance over the slot 39 comes into contact with and engages behind the item to advance it longitudinally of the slot 3%, initially over the slot portion 31. As reviously mentioned, the slot portion 31 is so designed to prevent the drop therethrough of any item being pushed by the fingers 47. This enables a positive drive and insures a positively controlled movement of each silverware item prior to its arrival at a selected discharge station as defined by the variously enlarged sections of the slot 311.

In the example illustrated, the sections of the slot 3 1 are succesively enlarged to enable knives to drop through the slot section 32, forks to discharge through slot section 33, teaspoons to discharge through slot section 34, tablespoons to discharge through slot section 35 and larger elements to discharge through the slot section 36. When the'fingers 47 advance an item to a slot section which is wide enough to permit it to drop therethrough, the item does in fact drop. As it drops, it hits and is guided and deflected by the chute plate 49 therebelow to eventually drop to the appropriate receptacle 48 on the plate 15.

It may therefore be seen that on introduction of a layer of various types of silverware to the feeder trough 17, the vibrators induce the silverware to move longitudinally thereof, down the incline of its base to a point where the silverware is separated to move item by item through the trough section 26. In the course of movernent through this latter portion of the feeder trough, the handle portions of the silverware items drop through the slot 28 to depend vertically to the table 15 and through its slot section 31. At this point, the position of each item is relatively stable and enables that as it is engaged by a finger 47 on the endless chain 46 it is positively advanced thereby longitudinally of the slot 39 to the point where the slot width provides that it drops to the appropriate chute plate 49 and is guided thereby to the appropriate receptacle 48. The operative procedure is simple, unique and highly effective. It is a tremendous time saver in the application described and, of course, quite economical in its use.

It will be seen that the slot 36 may be proportioned to accommodate any particular series of items and to provide for drop thereof to storage or other receptacles in a particular sequence.

It will of course be obvious that the means schematically shown for inducing a feed of the silverware items to eventually enter the lot in the table 16 is purely by way of example and not to be construed as precisely limiting.

While the invention has been described in limited form and application, it will be readily obvious that other forms and applications thereof are evident therefrom. Such are considered to lie well within the scope and concept of the present invention.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention i therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A device for sorting silverware and like articles comprising a platform having a longitudinally extending slot successive sections of which are relatively expanded in width, means for directing silverware to said platform to have the handles thereof drop through the narrowest portion of said slot and the operative portions laterally extend to be supported by the means defining said slot, and means for moving said silverware longitudinally of said slot in the process of which the silverware items will respectively drop through an appropriate portion of the slot in correspondence with the nature and size of its operative portion, said last mentioned means stabilizing said silverware in an upright position during movement longitudinally of said slot, the said means for directing silverware to said platform consisting of a trough providing a delivery chute having means in connection therewith for properly orienting the silverware as it is directed to said platform, said last named means being constituted by vibrator structure.

2. A sorting device for silverware or the like, including a table having an elongated slot of varying width, article of silverware installed in said slot in an upright position with handles down and moved longitudinally thereof dropping through the table at different locations in said slot according to the article classification, means for feeding articles to said slot, and means for advancing said articles longitudinally of said slot and for simultaneously stabilizing them in an upright position, said means for feeding said articles to said slot comprising a feeder trough to receive a supply of silverware, said trough narrowing as it approaches said slot and terminating in a portion aligned With said slot and of a size to pass single articles.

3. A sorting device for silverware, including a table having an elongated slot, one end of said slot being relatively narrow, portions of said slot toward said other end being progressively wider, a trough for delivering articles of silverware one. at a time to said one end of said slot, said trough being positioned to serve as an entrance to said slot and having a slotted portion at one end approximately conforming in width to the width of said slot at said one end, said trough being oriented to place said slotted portion in superposed aligned relation to said one end of said slot whereby handles of silverware articles engaging said slot-ted portion of said trough are guided to .and into said slot, means for vibrating said trough to advance said silverware articles to said slot, and other means for advancing said articles longitudinally of said slot until they drop therethrough and for maintaining an upright position of said articles as they travel in said slot.

4. A sorting device for silverware, including a table having an elongated slot, one end of said slot being relatively narrow, portions of said slot toward said other end being progressively wider, a trough for delivering articles of silverware one at a time to said one end of said slot, said trough being positioned to serve as an entrance to said slot and having a slotted portion at one end approximately con-forming in width to the width of said slot at said one end, said trough being oriented to place said slotted portion in superposed aligned relation to said one end of said slot whereby handles of silverware articles engaging said slotted portion of said trough are guided to and into said slot, said one end of said trough having a reduced cross section conveniently to pass a single article, the opposite end of the trough being relatively wide to receive a number of such articles, the sides of the trough gradually narrowing from said opposite end to said one end.

5. A sorting device for silverware or the like, including a table having an elongated slot progressively widened in steps from one toward the other end, a trough for delivering silverware articles handle first to said one end of said slot, said trough terminating in a slotted portion aligned with said slot to guide handles of said articles into said slot, said articles assuming in response thereto an upright position in said slot substantially perpendicular to said table, and a train of moving fingers extending transversely of said slot to achieve an embracing relation to upright silverware articles, said train moving longitudinally of said slot and being positioned to receive articles as they emerge from said trough and advance them along said slot, said fingers stabilizing said articles in an upright position, bins in underlying relation to said table to receive silverware articles dropping through said slot at different steps thereof, and guide means mounted for relative adjustable movement beneath said table and intermediate said slot and respective bins.

6. A sorting device for silverware or the like, including a table having an elongated slot progressively widened in steps from one end toward the other end, a trough means having converging side portions for delivering silverware articles singly to said one end of said table slot, said trough means terminating at its narrow end in a slotted portion aligned with said table slot to allow silverware to commence to position vertically of said platform prior to reaching said table slot, opposite ends of said articles projecting above and below said table, and means to engage projecting ends of said articles in spaced relation .to said table to stabilize said articles in an upright position as described, said means being movable longitudinally of said table slot to advance said articles along said table slot, said articles dropping through said slot at different steps thereof.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 932,749 8/ 1909 Barnett 20999 2,549,316 4/1951 Kremer et a1 209-99 2,911,088 11/1959 Ingham et al 19833 3,217,860 11/1965 Ganz l98l71 M. HENSON WOOD, JR., Primary Examiner.

ALLEN N. KNOWLES, Examiner.

Claims

2. A SORTING DEVICE FOR SILVERWARE OR THE LIKE, INCLUDING A TABLE HAVING AN ELONGATED SLOT OF VARYING WIDTH, ARTICLES OF SILVERWARE INSTALLED IN SAID SLOT IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION WITH HANDLES DOWN AND MOVED LONGITUDINALLY THEREOF DROPPING THROUGH THE TABLE AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN SAID SLOT ACCORDING TO THE ARTICLE CLASSIFICATION, MEANS FOR FEEDING ARTICLES TO SAID SLOT, AND MEANS FOR ADVANCING SAID ARTICLES LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID SLOT AND FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY STABILIZING THEM IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION, SAID MEANS FOR FEEDING SAID ARTICLES TO SAID SLOT COMPRISING A FEEDER TROUGH TO RECEIVE A SUPPLY OF SILVERWARE, SAID TROUGH NARROWING AS IT APPROACHES SAID SLOT AND TERMINATING IN A PORTION ALIGNED WITH SAID SLOT AND OF A SIZE TO PASS SINGLE ARTICLES.