US3599783A

US3599783A - Disentangling device for separating entangled parts

Info

Publication number: US3599783A
Application number: US835096A
Authority: US
Inventors: Warren C Burgess Jr
Original assignee: Burgess & Associates Inc
Current assignee: Burgess & Associates Inc
Priority date: 1969-06-20
Filing date: 1969-06-20
Publication date: 1971-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 1988-08-17
Also published as: DE1938562B2; DE1938562C3; DE1938562A1; JPS5030346B1; GB1246554A

Abstract

There is provided a support for an entangled mass of parts characterized by openings therein of insufficient size to pass a tangled mass of parts, but sufficient to pass parts separated therefrom, and means for vibrating the support.

Description

United States Patent Inventor Warren C. Burgess, Jr. Avon Lake, Ohio Appl. No. 835,096

Filed June 20, I969 Patented Aug. 17, I971 Assignee Burgess & Associates, Inc.

Lakewood, Ohio DISENTANGLING DEVICE FOR SEPARATING ENTANGLED PARTS 30 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.

11.8. CI 198/220, 198/33 Int. Cl, ..B65g 27/16, B65g 47/24 Field of Search 198/220,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,777,561 1/1957 Rose .1 221/169 X 3,187,884 6/1965 Carrier 198/220 (B40) FOREIGN PATENTS 123,020 3/1958 U.S.S.R. .1 198/220 Primary Examiner- Edward A. Sroka AltorneyMcNenny, Farrington, Pearne and Gordon ABSTRACT: There is provided a support for an entangled mass of parts characterized by openings therein ofinsulficient size to pass a tangled mass of parts, but sufficient to pass parts separated therefrom, and means for vibrating the support.

PATENTEDAumHsm 3,599,783

' W 22 I 106 l l INVENTOR WARREN C. BURGESS JR.

DISENTANGLING DEYICE FOR SEPARATING ENTANGLED PARTS BACKGROUND OF INVENTION The separation of parts from a random supply thereof, and. the feeding of such parts in oriented condition singly and in rapid succession, is a development of relatively recent years and has enabled the automation'of many operations heretofore performedby hand, In most instances, parts have been deposited in a random-supply in the center of a parts-feeding bowl. The bowl is provided with upstanding walls and a peripheral trackway extending from-the bottomof the bowl upwardly around the wall to a point of discharge adjacent theupper marginal edge of the bowl. In many instances, the walls of the bowl diverge outwardly from the central axis, of the matic free-piston vibratory drive means wherein a mass is I caused to oscillate within a cylinder under the influence of a pressurized gas, e.g. compressed air, the vibrating piston or mass moving either along thevertical axis of the bowl or along a line parallel to a tangent to thebase of the-bowl,.whereby oscillatory motion is imparted to the bowl. A typical example of a parts-feeding bowl embodying the foregoing elements is fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,367,480 datedFeb. 6, 1968, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

These prior art devices have been successful in the handling of parts of a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which parts are,- however, characterized by relative freedom from entanglement when disposed in randoni quantities thereof. A particu-. lar problem is encountered, however, with parts demonstrating a decided tendency to become entangled when handled in bulk quantities. A primary example of parts demonstrating this characteristic is providedby components of electrical circuits such as resistors or condensors, or the like, characterized by axially extending leads emerging from each end of a generally cylindrical body. Such leads are commonly-two to three or more times the length of the electricalcomponent body and are relatively fine wires extending axially in eachv direction from each end of the component. These parts exhibit a tendency to become greatly entangled when handled in bulk quantities. Such parts present a unique problem in automation procedures because until this time no satisfactory means has been developed. for rapidly and dependably isolating parts from an entangled mass thereof and so disposing such separated parts as to enable their handling by a bowl-type feeder or other conveyor for distribution singly and in relatively oriented condition. Present devices for handling axial'lead parts require a full timeattendant who must disentangle the mass by shredding it into the bowl. When trying to use a bowl. as a hopper, an untangled mass will tend to become a tangled mass which will wipe the track clean, thereby causing a discontinuity in delivery and eventually a complete stoppage of feeding.

The present invention providcsan apparatus which is capal lc automatically of isolating parts from an entangled mass thereof for delivery to a parts feeding apparatus such as ahowl type parts l'ecder for ultimate distribution-singly and in rapid succession.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION Briefly stated, the present invention is in automatic disentangling means adapted to coact with a hopper to supplydis bowl'is provided with part distributing means, e.g., acrown' member, secured to the base and extending in an axial' direction. The bowl structure shown in US. Pat. No. 3,280,964 may conveniently be so modified by addition of a crown member. The crown member extends into and'forms a base for a juxtaposed hopper which is desirably in the form of a funnel form member supported'by the bowl and 'coacting' with the crown member to form an annular-slot through which parts delivered to the hopper may fall for reception on the bottom of a bowl-type parts feeder. Supported on the crown member there is provided disentanglingapparatus, e.g. a platform, which coacts within the peripheral limits of the hopper to support a mass of entangled parts. The disentangling apparatus preferably has no attachment to or contact with the hopper walls. The disentangling apparatus is characterized by a surface suitably formed with one or more openings -dimensioned to prevent a mass of entangled parts, from 'falling through, but sufficient to pass individual parts separated from the entangled mass. In preferred embodiments, the supporting surface is mounted so as to receive vibrations transmitted throughthecrown member. To this end apedestal is provided upon which the supporting surface is carried, preferably through a suitable hub. Inasmuch as the rate of disentanglement may exceed the rate at which parts are distributed out of the parts feeding mechanism, controls are conveniently provided whereby the disentangling apparatus maybe isolated sufficiently from the vibrating impulses of the apparatus so that the rate of disentanglemcnt is sharply diminished'below the rate of discharge of parts from the bowl. In one embodiment, at very sensitive parts-sensing device coacting' with thebottom of the bowl receptacle is utilized to controlthetransmissionofvibratory impulses to the disentangling app'aratusin response to the quantity of disentangled parts remaining in the bottom of the bowl receptacle.

These and other embodiments of the present invention will be better'understood by having reference to the annexed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TI-IEDRAWINGS- In the annexeddrawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a parts disentangling" and distributing device in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a disentanglingdevice in accordance with this invention and showing a vibratory partsfeeding bowl, a hopper supported above the bowl; a crown coacting between the bowl and the hopper for-distributing parts and adisentangling platform for supportinga'massof entangled parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now more particularly to FIG. I, there is showrra vibratorily driven bowl l0 having upstanding pcriplicralwalls I2, and a parts-supporting trackway l4 disposed along the inner surface of the walls [2 for elevating parts-from tlic bot tom of the bowl to a discharge generally indicated at 16 adjacent the upper marginal edge of the bowl.

device and the spring support and guide means for the bowl are encased within a housing 22.

To this point, the structural elements shown as well as those referred to but not shown are known, examples of which are described in the above-mentioned U.S. Patents. Pneumatic control means useful in connection with these devices are fully described in US. Pat. No. 3,023,738, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.

Superposed above the bowl 10 is a hopper generally indicated at 24 composed of composed of a generallyfunnelform shell which is secured to the upstanding wall 12 by means of brackets such as bracket 28 and desirably including a cylindrical portion 26 and a conical portion 66. An elongated slot 30 enables adjustment of the vertical disposition of the hopper 24 with respect to the bowl 10. The purpose of such adjustability will be described below. As will also be more clearly described below, there is provided a crown member 32 which extends from the bottom of the bowl 10 upwardly for cooperative disposition relative to the hopper 24 and provides a support for a disentangling platform 34 which is characterized by a plurality of radiating spokes 36 lying in a plane. The spokes 36 define openings 38 therebetween which openings are insufficiently sized to permit the passage of a mass of entangled parts, eg a mass of resistors having axially disposed leads extending from either end. The openings 38 are, however, sufficiently sized to permit individual axial lead resistors to fall through the openings.

There is also partially shown in FIG. 1 equipment useful as a control upon the quantity of parts disposed in the bottom of the bowl 10. This control equipment includes a sensing element 40 supported by a cross arm 42 mounted on an upstanding support 44. Tube 46 is a fluidic control line responsive to the position of the sensor arm 40. Such supply control apparatus forms no part of the present invention, but is a useful accessory as will be more particularly described below.

In describing FIG. 2, corresponding parts will carry the same numbers as used in the description of FIG. 1.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 2, the bowl 10 is provided with a generally conically shaped bottom 48 which aids in urging parts such as axial lead resistors 50 outwardly for communication with and entry onto inclined spiral trackway 14. As above indicated, the crown member 32 is concentrically disposed with respect to the vertical axis of the bowl and is welded to the bottom 48. The crown member is composed of an upstanding cylindrical wall 52, a distributing head 54 having an opening 56 therethrough. Bolted to and covering the opening 56 is a pedestal or plate 58 which provides a seat for the disentangling elements, and a mount for a piston and cylinder assembly generally indicated at 60. The distributing head 54 is provided with a sloped surface 62 which urges disentangled parts 50 radially outwardly toward a circular trough portion 64 defined by the inwardly sloping walls 66 of the hopper 24 and a more steeply sloping frustoconical surface 68. A gap exists between the lower marginal edge 70 of an inwardly sloping wall 66 and the frustcconical surface 68 which is sufficiently sized to pass disentangled parts 50 therethrough. Thus, there is provided an open annulus 72 around the distributing head 54. The annulus 72 may be adjusted in width to accommodate different sized parts by loosening nut 74 on a bolt 76 to enable elevation of the hopper 24. As indicated above, the bolt 76 cooperates with a slot 30 in bracket 28 to make this adjustment possible.

The disentangling platform 34 is composed of a hub 78 carrying a disc 80 from which radiate the spokes 36. The opposite end of hub 78 is provided also with a pedestal-engaging disc 82 welded to bushing 84 as is disc 80. The upper end of bushing 84 is closed by means ofa nut 86 welded thereto and having threadedly engaged therein stud 88 which extends into the bore of bushing 84 a predetermined distance and is, accordingly, adjustable.

As indicated above, there is secured to the underside of the pedestal 58 a piston-cylinder assembly 60 which has extending from the upper end thereofa rod 90 which is, in turn, secured to a piston (not shown) within the cylinder 92.

Air lines

94 and 96 pass air from or to cavities on opposite sides of the piston within the cylinder 92 to control its movement and with its movement, the relative position of rod 90. Thus, when air is admitted to the piston-cylinder assembly 60 through air inlet 96, the piston is moved vertically upwardly, and rod engages stud 88 thereby lifting the disentangling platform 3 from its pedestal 58.

In the absence of suitable control means, the piston in cylinder 92 would move to the other extremity and again transmit vibratory impulses to the disentangling platform 34. To float the piston within cylinder 92, there is provided air pressure control line 94 and bleed port 98. As air is introduced through line 96, the piston in cylinder 92 moves upwardly and passes the port 98. Air thus escapes from the chamber below the piston at a rate such that in combination with balancing pressure maintained with the aid of air line 94, the piston floats between the extremities of the cylinder 92 and an air cushion is interposed between the vibratory cylinder 92 and the piston (not shown) which carries rod 90 which carries the disentangling platform'34. Thus little or no vibration is transmitted to the disentangling platform and oversupply of parts is prevented. When the pressure on line 96 is released, the piston returns to the lower chamber of cylinder 92 and the platform 34 is reseated on pedestal 58 and vibratory motion transmitted thereto.

A stabilizing rod 100 extends from the opposite end of the cylinder 92 and is also connected to the piston (not shown) within cylinder 92, and extends loosely into bushing 102 secured to the bottom 48 of the vibratory bowl 10. The inlet of air into cylinder 92 is controlled through the sensing element 40 which contains a spoon-shaped feeler portion 104 which is arranged with respect to the bottom 48 of the bowl 10 to lightly sense with minimum resistance the depth of parts moving along bottom 48. When the depth of parts is too great, the sensor 40 transmits the information by fluidic line 46 to apparatus which responds by allowing air under pressure to flow through inlet line 96 to elevate disentangling platform 34 from pedestal 58. The effect of such disengagement is that vibratory impulses which have been transmitted to the bowl through a free piston vibration-inducing device 106 partially shown in FIG. 2 cease to be transmitted to the disentangling platform 34 to the extent such impulses are transmitted when the hub 78 is seated on pedestal 58. This effectively slows down or terminates the disentangling operation of disentangling platform 34 until such time as the sensor 40 transmits the information that there is an insufficient supply of parts 50 in the bottom of the bowl. At this point, the disentangling platform 34 is reseated upon the pedestal 58 and the vibratory impulses transmitted therethrough communicated directly to the disentangling platform 34 whereby the parts 50 are separated from an entangled mass thereof resting on the platform 34.

In operation, therefore, an entangled mass of parts such as axial lead resistors, condensers, diodes, or other such electronic components is deposited from a bulk supply thereof onto the disentangling platform 34. By the introduction of air under pressure to the vibration-inducing device 106 in a manner which is clearly set forth in the preceding patents above referred to, the bowl 10 is vibrated at a predetermined frequency and amplitude sufficient to cause parts 50 to move along trackway 14 from the bottom of the bowl to a discharge point 16 (FIG. I). The vibrations imparted to the bowl 10 are communicated to the hopper 24- through the brackets 28. Also, the vibrations transmitted to the bowl are communicated to the disentangling platform 34 through the hub 78 by means of pedestal 58 on crown 32. Crown 32 is secured as by welding to the bottom 48 of bowl 10. As above indicated, the supply of parts in the bottom of bowl 10 determine whether the vibratory impulses are transmitted to the disentangling platform 34 or not as aforesaid. Parts 50 which through vibration are disentangled from the entangled mass fall through the openings 38 between spokes 36 and are guided by sloping wall 66 and sloping surface 68 into annular trough 64 where they pass through annular slot 72. Annular slot 72 has previously been adjusted to a proper width to pass parts 50 and to isolate any parts larger than parts 50 therefrom. The parts are then received by the bottom of bowl 110 in a disentangled condition for transport along trackway 14 in the usual manner.

While pneumatic vibration-inducing means have been illustrated in describing the preferred embodiment of this invention, it is quite clear that electrical vibration-inducing means or mechanical vibration-inducing means may be used in the same way. Also, while the preferred embodiment contemplates a platform formed of radiating spokes to define openings sufficiently sized to pass disentangled parts, but insufficiently sized to pass a mass of entangled parts, a perforated plate containing one or more openings of comparable dimension may be used. Moreover, in lieu of utilizing the vibratory impulses imparted to the bowl assembly itself for oscillating the disentangling platform 34, separate vibrationinducing means may be employed for this purpose. The control means may embody different sensing devices as is well understood by those skilled in the art.

' Whatlclaim is:

l. A hopper for supplying disentangled parts to a vibratory bowl parts feeder from anentangled mass thereof, comprising in combination:

a. a peripheral wall, open at the top for introduction of a random mass of parts, and open at the bottom for dispensing individual parts;

b. a platform disposed withinsaid peripheral wall having a plurality of openings therethrough sufficiently sized to pass individual parts therethrough, but insufficiently sized to pass an entangled mass of parts; and

c. means for selectively imparting vibratory motion-to said platform.

2. A hopper in accordance with claim I in which the peripheral wall is funnel-form.

3. A hopper in accordance with claim 1 in which the platform is spoked, to provide a. plurality of openings therethrough.

4. A hopper in accordance with claim 1 which also includes;

d. part distributingmeans coacting with theopening at the bottom of said walltodistribute disentangled parts to a vibratory bowl.

5. A hopper in accordance with claim 4 wherein said part distributing means defines in combinationwithsaid opening in the bottom of said wall a peripheral opening dimensioned for passage of one part at a time. I

6. A hopper in accordance. with. claim 5 wherein the peripheral opening is an annulus 7. A hopper, in accordance with claim 5 wherein the dimension of the peripheral opening is adjustable.

8. A hopperin accordance with.claim 4'wherein the partdistributingmeans includes meansfor supportingsaid platform.

9. A hopper in accordance with claim 8 whereinthe platform support meansincludes means for elevating said plat- 7 form to separate it from said support-means.

10.. A hopper in accordance with claim" 9' wherein the elevating means. includes a piston-cylinder system coacting between said platform and said support means.

11. A hopper in accordance with claim l0'wherein the piston coacts directly with said platform, and said cylinder is secured to said supportmeans.

12. A'hopper in accordance with claim 9 wherein said elevating means is pneumatically operated.

13. A vibratory parts-feedingdevice capable'of feeding said platform member. characterized by a surface having at least one opening therethrough insufficient in size to pass a mass of entangled parts, but sufficient to pass disentangled parts into said hopper, and means for selectively inducing vibratory motion in said platform member.

14. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 13 wherein said platform member includes a hub and a plurality of spokes radiating therefrom in coplanar relation.

15. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 13 wherein the hopper includes upstanding sidewalls defining a peripheral barrier surrounding said platform member adjacent its outer periphery and wherein said platform member includes a circular hub and a plurality of spokes radiating therefrom in coplanar relation with each other and said hub to define a surface for supporting an entangled mass of parts.

16. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 13 wherein the receptacle is a bowl including an upstanding wall and a peripheral, inclined parts-conveying trackway on said wall for elevating parts from the bottom thereof to the upper marginal edge thereof for'disch'arge.

17. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 16 wherein the bowl includes a bottom, an upstanding crown member centrally disposed on said bottom and secured thereto, said crown member coacting with said hopper to define therewith a peripheral slot dimensioned to pass disentangled parts from said hopper into said bowl.

18; A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 17 wherein the effective width of said slot is variable.

19. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 17, wherein the peripheral slot is circular.

20. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 15, wherein the effective width of said'slot is variable.

21. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 17, wherein said hopper is supported from said bowl.

22. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 17, wherein the upstanding crown member includes a centrally located pedestal for said platform.

23. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 22, wherein said platform includes a hub and means coacting with said hub for retaining said hub on saidpedestal.

24. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 23, wherein said hub and platform are mounted for movement axially of the hub out of contact with saidpedestal.

25. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 24, wherein said pedestal includes means for moving.

said hub and platform axially out of contact with said pedestal.

26. A vibratory parts-feeding device in' accordance with claim 25, wherein said means are selectively operative in response to the supply of parts in said bowl.

27. A vibratory parts-feeding-device in accordance with claim 26 also including means for sensing the supply of parts in said bowl.

28. A- vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance'with claim 27, wherein said hub and platform movingtmeans includes a cylinder coaxially disposed with said'hub and piston" supply of parts in said bowl is tletcrmined'by said sensing means to be too high.

30. A vibratory parts-feeding device capable of feeding parts singly and in rapid succession comprising-'incombination a vibratable receptacle and means for vibrating-said receptacle for conveying parts in predetermined orientation, said receptacle being a bowl having a bottom and'an upstanding wall and a peripheral inclined parts-conveying trackway on said wall for elevating parts from the bottom thereof to a discharge adjacent the of parts edge of said bowl, an upstanding centrally located crown member secured to the bottom of said bowl and vibratable with said bowl, a generally circular, funnel-form hopper for supplying parts to said bowl concentrically disposed above said bowl and defining with said crown member an annular slot dimensioned to pass disentangled parts from said hopper to said bowl, a part-disentangling platform concentrically disposed in said hopper and having a hub and a plurality of radial spokes extending therefrom toward the walls of said hopper, the space between adjacent spokes being insufficiently sized to pass a mass of entangled parts, but

sufficiently sized to pass disentangled parts, an apertured pedestal on said crown member, a pneumatically operable, concentrically disposed piston and cylinder, said cylinder being secured to said pedestal, and said piston having a rod extending beyond said cylinder and freely through the aperture in said pedestal for operative axial engagement with said hub, whereby said hub may be selectively moved into and out of contact with said pedestal in response to movement of said piston in said cylinder and thereby selectively vibrated or not vibrated with said pedestal, and means responsive to the supply of parts in said bowl for controlling the supply of air to said piston and cylinder.

3 33 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION Patent No 5,599,783 D t d August 17, 1971 Inventofls) WARREN C. BURGESS, JR.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column Line 10, delete composed of", second occurrence.

Column 7, Line 15, delete "of parts and substitute in lieu therefor upper marginal Signed and sealed this 11th day of January 1972.

(SEAL) fittest:

SDWMRD I-I.IFLETCHER, JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Acting Commissioner of Patents

Claims

1. A hopper for supplying disentangled parts to a vibratory bowl parts feeder from an entangled mass thereof, comprising in combination: a. a peripheral wall, open at the top for introduction of a random mass of parts, and open at the bottom for dispensing individual parts; b. a platform disposed within said peripheral wall having a plurality of openings therethrough sufficiently sized to pass individual parts therethrough, but insufficiently sized to pass an entangled mass of parts; and c. means for selectively imparting vibratory motion to said platform.

2. A hopper in accordance with claim 1 in which the peripheral wall is funnel-form.

3. A hopper in accordance with claim 1 in which the platform is spoked, to provide a plurality of openings therethrough.

4. A hopper in accordance with claim 1 which also includes: d. part distributing means coacting with the opening at the bottom of said wall to distribute disentangled parts to a vibratory bowl.

5. A hopper in accordance with claim 4 wherein said part-distributing means defines in combination with said opening in the bottom of said wall a peripheral opening dimensioned for passage of one part at a time.

6. A hopper in accordance with claim 5 wherein the peripheral opening is an annulus.

7. A hopper in accordance with claim 5 wherein the dimension of the peripheral opening is adjustable.

8. A hopper in accordance with claim 4 wherein the part-Distributing means includes means for supporting said platform.

9. A hopper in accordance with claim 8 wherein the platform support means includes means for elevating said platform to separate it from said support means.

10. A hopper in accordance with claim 9 wherein the elevating means includes a piston-cylinder system coacting between said platform and said support means.

11. A hopper in accordance with claim 10 wherein the piston coacts directly with said platform, and said cylinder is secured to said support means.

12. A hopper in accordance with claim 9 wherein said elevating means is pneumatically operated.

13. A vibratory parts-feeding device capable of feeding parts singly and in rapid succession comprising in combination a vibratable receptacle for vibratorily conveying parts in predetermined orientation, pneumatic vibratory drive means for vibrating said receptacle, a hopper for supplying parts to said receptacle, automatic disentangling means coacting with said hopper to supply disentangled parts thereto and including a platform member for supporting a mass of entangled parts, said platform member characterized by a surface having at least one opening therethrough insufficient in size to pass a mass of entangled parts, but sufficient to pass disentangled parts into said hopper, and means for selectively inducing vibratory motion in said platform member.

16. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 13 wherein the receptacle is a bowl including an upstanding wall and a peripheral, inclined parts-conveying trackway on said wall for elevating parts from the bottom thereof to the upper marginal edge thereof for discharge.

18. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 17 wherein the effective width of said slot is variable.

20. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 15, wherein the effective width of said slot is variable.

23. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 22, wherein said platform includes a hub and means coacting with said hub for retaining said hub on said pedestal.

24. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 23, wherein said hub and platform are mounted for movement axially of the hub out of contact with said pedestal.

25. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 24, wherein said pedestal includes means for moving said hub and platform axially out of contact with said pedestal.

26. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 25, wherein said means are selectively operative in response to the supply of parts in said bowl.

27. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 26 also including means for sensing the supply of parts in said bowl.

28. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 27, wherein said hub and platform moving means includes a cylinder coaxially disposed with said hub and piston movable therein in response to fluid under pressure, said piston including a piston rod extending into said hub and operative in response to movement of said piston to selectively seat or unseat said hub with respect to said pedestal.

29. A vibratory parts-feeding device in accordance with claim 28 also including means for sensing the supply of parts in said bowl and coacting with said piston and cylinder to selectively seat said hub on said pedestal when the supply of parts in said bowl is determined by said sensing means to be too low and to unseat said hub from said pedestal when the supply of parts in said bowl is determined by said sensing means to be too high.

30. A vibratory parts-feeding device capable of feeding parts singly and in rapid succession comprising in combination a vibratable receptacle and means for vibrating said receptacle for conveying parts in predetermined orientation, said receptacle being a bowl having a bottom and an upstanding wall and a peripheral inclined parts-conveying trackway on said wall for elevating parts from the bottom thereof to a discharge adjacent the of parts edge of said bowl, an upstanding centrally located crown member secured to the bottom of said bowl and vibratable with said bowl, a generally circular, funnel-form hopper for supplying parts to said bowl concentrically disposed above said bowl and defining with said crown member an annular slot dimensioned to pass disentangled parts from said hopper to said bowl, a part-disentangling platform concentrically disposed in said hopper and having a hub and a plurality of radial spokes extending therefrom toward the walls of said hopper, the space between adjacent spokes being insufficiently sized to pass a mass of entangled parts, but sufficiently sized to pass disentangled parts, an apertured pedestal on said crown member, a pneumatically operable, concentrically disposed piston and cylinder, said cylinder being secured to said pedestal, and said piston having a rod extending beyond said cylinder and freely through the aperture in said pedestal for operative axial engagement with said hub, whereby said hub may be selectively moved into and out of contact with said pedestal in response to movement of said piston in said cylinder and thereby selectively vibrated or not vibrated with said pedestal, and means responsive to the supply of parts in said bowl for controlling the supply of air to said piston and cylinder.