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. 25, 2014
Filed:
Jun. 07, 2010
Douglas K. Herrmann, Webster, NY (US);
John P. Parsons, Manhattan Beach, CA (US);
Robert L. Powell, Lakeville, MN (US);
Douglas K. Herrmann, Webster, NY (US);
John P. Parsons, Manhattan Beach, CA (US);
Robert L. Powell, Lakeville, MN (US);
Xerox Corporation, Norwalk, CT (US);
Abstract
An apparatus has a continuous loop conveyor belt mounted on a frame. The conveyor belt has a first edge, a second edge, and a belt surface between the first edge and the second edge. The first edge is positioned relatively higher than the second edge such that the belt surface is at an angle with respect to a horizontal ground reference plane, and such that the belt surface slopes downwardly from the first edge toward the second edge. In addition, a sidewall is connected to the frame. The sidewall is positioned adjacent the second edge, and the sidewall is perpendicular to the belt surface and runs parallel to the second edge. Therefore, the sidewall prevents items from falling off the belt surface at the second edge. Further, a plurality of rectangular fins are connected to the belt surface. The fins are perpendicular to the sidewall and perpendicular to the belt surface. A vibrator is connected to the frame and transmits vibrations to the conveyor belt.