The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 16, 1999
Filed:
Dec. 09, 1996
Hordur Arnarson, Reykjavik, IS;
Helgi Hjalmarsson, Reykjavik, IS;
H.F. Marel Ltd, , IS;
Abstract
An apparatus and method for depositing objects at separated locations on a movable belt. The device includes at least one channel through which objects enter the apparatus. A sensor measures separation between adjacent objects approaching the apparatus and a reject mechanism prevents object that are too close to adjacent objects from entering the apparatus. Each channel includes a plurality of gates disposed therein. These gates operate sequentially to incrementally move the objects individually through the channel towards the movable belt. A sensor locates empty spaces along the movable belt, into which the objects are deposited. The movable belt is usually part of a conveyor system and may be a slotted belt or a smooth belt.