• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
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    • 专利摘要:
    METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCT BASED ON FLUID. A fluid based radial delivery system includes an inner aisle (120) and a plurality of radially spaced openings (122) around the inner aisle. A plurality of door elements (152) is associated with at least some of the plurality of openings (122), with the door elements (152) being configured to move between an open position that allows the product to move through the opening associated with that door element and a closed position that prevents movement of the product through the opening associated with that door element.
    公开号:BR112013017418B1
    申请号:R112013017418-8
    申请日:2011-12-22
    公开日:2020-12-08
    发明作者:William Thomas Hockett；Frederick D. Webb；Michael Christopher Metcalf；Ronald R. Huff；Charles Denio Kirkbride；Greg Robert Lambier；David Hufford
    申请人:Conagra Foods Lamb Weston, Inc.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Cross-reference with related order
    [001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application 12 / 986,860 filed on January 7, 2011, which is incorporated here in its entirety. Field
    [002] The order disclosure is directed to article distribution systems and methods of using them. Previous
    [003] Various articles or products are often fed into linear distribution systems to transport or move those articles or products to one or more downstream processing stations. Such linear distribution systems, however, have several drawbacks. For example, linear distribution systems generally have a series of doors at various locations along the conveyor. However, since these doors are spread over the length of the conveyor, the product can only be fed to one door at a time. That is, when the product is transported under the conveyor, the front product enters the first open door that is found. This method of sequential product feed into doors positioned along a linear conveyor can reduce the efficiency of the available downstream processing stations, while at the same time increasing the required coverage area of the distribution system.
    [004] Furthermore, although the product is being directed to a first door along the conveyor, the processing stations downstream of the other doors can be paralyzed or enter readiness modes until the first open doors fill with the product. When these packaging stations return to active or restart, they are more likely to clog or otherwise experience difficulties than those machines that are running more regularly.
    [005] Furthermore, because the upstream ports are always fed with product first, the processing stations associated with those ports tend to receive significantly more product than the processing stations associated with the ports further down the line. Thus, over time, packaging stations receive uneven use and wear at different rates. summary
    [006] In one embodiment, a radial distribution system for distributing product includes an internal passage and a plurality of radially spaced openings around the internal passage. The internal passage extends from a base portion to an upper portion of the radial distribution system and has an entry from the base portion to allow the product to enter the internal passage. The plurality of openings are radially spaced around the inner passage in the upper portion to allow the product to exit the inner passage. A plurality of door elements are associated with at least some of the plurality of openings. The door elements are configured to move between an open position that allows the product to move through the opening associated with that door element and a closed position that restricts the movement of the product through the opening associated with that door element .
    [007] In some modalities, a fluid collection area is provided. The fluid collection area at least partially surrounds the internal passage and is configured to collect the fluid that is discharged from the internal passage. In other embodiments, a plurality of product targeting elements define the paths of the distribution flow that extend at least from some of the plurality of openings. The product targeting elements may include a porous portion that extends over the fluid collection area to allow fluid to pass through the product targeting elements into the fluid collection area. The porous portions of the product guiding elements may comprise wire door elements. The product's guiding elements can also bend when they extend radially from the openings.
    [008] In some embodiments, the inner passage may have a first cross-sectional area at the entrance and a second cross-sectional area at a location closer to the openings, with the second cross-sectional area being larger than the first area of the transversal section. The internal passage can also generally be circular in section along its length.
    [009] In some embodiments, the door elements can be operable independently between the open and closed positions, regardless of the position of the other door elements. The door elements can be coupled to the upper portion of the radial distribution system. The door elements can also be configured to allow fluid to pass through the door elements when the door elements are in the closed position.
    [0010] In another modality, a product distribution method is presented. The method includes directing the fluid and product through an inlet in a lower portion of a radial distribution system and into an internal passage of the radial distribution system, and directing the fluid and product through the internal passage to a portion of the inner passage. The fluid and the product can be delivered through a plurality of openings in the upper portion of the inner passage and over a plurality of product targeting elements. At least a portion of the fluid can be separated from the product when the product moves through the product targeting elements.
    [0011] In some embodiments, one or more door elements may be provided, with the door elements being associated with the openings. The door elements can be movable between an open position that allows the product to pass through the opening associated with that door element and a closed position that restricts the flow of the product through the opening associated with that door element. At least one of the door elements can be closed to restrict the flow of the product through the opening associated with that door element. In some embodiments, the inner passage may have a cross-sectional area that increases from the entrance to the upper portion and the action of directing the fluid and product through the inner passage to the upper portion of the inner passage comprises reducing the speed of the flowing fluid. through the internal passage when it moves from the entrance to the upper portion.
    [0012] In some embodiments, the action of separating the fluid portion of the product comprises directing the product through a portion of the product targeting element that is porous and allowing the fluid to attract the porous portion of the directing the product into a fluid collection area. In other embodiments, the method includes delivering the product to a product accumulation reservoir that includes the fluid, pumping the fluid and product from the product accumulation reservoir to the radial distribution system and delivering the fluid from the collection area. of the fluid to the product accumulation reservoir.
    [0013] In another modality, a system for distributing the product is presented. The system includes a product accumulation reservoir for receiving the product in a fluid, a radial distribution device, a first fluid flow path and a plurality of product targeting elements. The device has an entrance in a lower portion of the device and an internal passage extended from the entrance to an upper portion of the device. The device also has a plurality of radially separated openings in the upper portion of the device. The first fluid flow path extends between the product accumulation reservoir and the inlet of the radial distribution device. The plurality of product guiding elements extends radially from the openings in the upper portion of the device.
    [0014] In some embodiments, the system includes a fluid collection area to receive the fluid when it is discharged from the product's guiding elements and a second fluid flow path that extends between the fluid collection area and the product storage tank. In other modalities, the fluid collection area can partially surround the internal passage of the device at least partially. A pump can also be provided and configured to deliver fluid and product from the product accumulation reservoir to the device inlet.
    [0015] In some embodiments, a plurality of door elements can be associated with at least some of the plurality of openings. The door elements can be configured to move between an open position that allows the product to move through the opening associated with that door element and a closed position that restricts the movement of the product through the opening associated with that door element.
    [0016] The precedent and other objectives, aspects and advantages of the modalities revealed here will become more evident from the following detailed description, which continues with reference to the accompanying figures. Brief description of the drawings
    [0017] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a fluid based distribution system for distributing the product to the various downstream processing areas.
    [0018] Figure 2 shows a top view of a fluid based distribution system.
    [0019] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid-based distribution system shown in figure 2, taken along line 3-3 in figure 2.
    [0020] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the fluid based distribution system shown in figure 2.
    [0021] Figure 5 shows a side view of the fluid based distribution system shown in figure 2.
    [0022] Figure 6 shows the fluid-based distribution system of figure 4 with the exemplary fluid and product being distributed in it.
    [0023] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another modality of a fluid based distribution system. Detailed Description
    [0024] The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Several changes in the described mode can be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described here without departing from the scope of the invention.
    [0025] As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms "one", "one" and "o", "a" include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term "includes" means "understands". In addition, the terms “coupled” and “associated” generally mean electrically, electromagnetic and / or physically (for example, mechanically or chemically) coupled or linked and do not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items in the absence of specific contrary language .
    [0026] Although the operations of the exemplary modalities of the revealed method can be described in a particular sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the revealed modalities may encompass an order of operations different from the particular sequential order revealed. For example, operations described sequentially can be organized or performed simultaneously in some cases. In addition, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with a particular modality are not limited to that modality and can be applied to any revealed modality.
    [0027] Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways (readily discernible, based on this disclosure, by someone skilled in the art) in which the revealed system, method and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods and devices. In addition, the description sometimes uses terms such as "produce" and "provide" to describe the method revealed. These terms are high-level abstractions from the actual operations that can be performed. Actual operations that correspond to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation and are, based on this disclosure, readily discernible by one skilled in the art.
    [0028] Distribution systems, such as those described below, work to move the product from one location to another for processing. To increase efficiency, it may be desirable to have a distribution system that is able to deliver the product relatively evenly to multiple processing stations. In addition, since individual processing stations occasionally need to be stopped or otherwise temporarily rendered inoperable, it may be desirable to also provide a distribution system that can dynamically respond to such processing needs by redirecting the product from a processing station to another. The radial distribution systems described here can allow the product to be directed simultaneously to a plurality of processing stations or conveyors and, if desired, can be useful for accumulating products and / or redirecting the product from inactive processing stations.
    [0029] Figure 1 illustrates an article classification and distribution system based on fluid 100. In some embodiments, the system comprises a product accumulation reservoir 102, a radial distribution system 104 and a fluid delivery path 106 through which the product can move from the product accumulation reservoir 102 to the radial distribution system 104. The product accumulation reservoir 102 can comprise a reservoir containing a volume of fluid 110, such as water, within which the product 108 can be delivered. In some embodiments, product 108 comprises whole potatoes or sweet potatoes. However, it should be understood that other food products can be distributed similarly using the fluid-based article classification and distribution systems disclosed here.
    [0030] Initially, product 108 can be delivered into the product 102 storage tank. Product 108 can be delivered to the product 102 storage tank in any known way. Thus, for example, product 108 can be delivered on a conveyor 112 that transports product 108 from a product collection zone (not shown) to the product accumulation reservoir 102. As shown in figure 1, product 108 can simply be dropped into the product accumulation reservoir 102, with fluid 110 substantially preventing damage to product 108 when it falls. Alternatively, other methods can be used to reduce the distance that product 108 falls from a product feed zone (for example, conveyor 102). For example, slides or gutters or other such delivery mechanisms can be used to slow the entry of product 108 into the product storage tank 102.
    [0031] The accumulation reservoir of product 102 can be large enough to collect and store a desired amount of product 108 in it. As product 108 accumulates in product 102 accumulation reservoir, some of product 108 can be removed from product 102 accumulation reservoir and placed within fluid delivery path 106. Fluid delivery path 106 may comprise a pipe or other conduit that has a sufficiently large cross-sectional area, so that fluid 110 can move product 108 through the fluid delivery path 106. So, for example, a larger diameter product may require larger piping diameter. A pump 114 can be provided to pump fluid 110, along with product 108 into fluid 110, from the accumulation reservoir of product 102. When product 108 is pumped into the delivery path of fluid 106, it moves in the direction of arrow 116 for radial distribution system 104.
    [0032] The radial distribution system 104 comprises an opening (inlet) 118 in fluid communication with the fluid delivery path 106. An internal passage 120 extends from the opening 118 into the radial distribution system 104. As fluid 110 flows into opening 118 and over inner passage 120, product 108 is similarly directed into opening 118 and over inner passage 120. One or more openings 122 in inner passage 120 allow product 108 exit internal passage 120 and flow into a plurality of distribution flow paths 124.
    [0033] Fluid 110 is also pumped through internal passage 120 and out of openings 122. When fluid 110 exits openings 122, it flows into a fluid collection area 126, as shown by arrows 128. From fluid collection area 126, fluid 110 is returned to the product accumulation reservoir 102 via a return fluid delivery path 130 in the direction shown by arrows 132. Thus, fluid 110 in the system of classification and distribution of fluid-based article 100 operates as a closed-loop delivery system that delivers product 108 from product accumulation reservoir 102 to radial distribution system 104 and is then recycled for use again in delivering additional product from the accumulation reservoir of product 102 for radial distribution system 104.
    [0034] Product 108 exiting the internal passage flows into a plurality of distribution flow paths 124. These distribution flow paths 124 direct product 108 in a predetermined direction for further processing. For example, as shown in figure 1, product 108 can be directed to one or more additional transport devices 134, such as a double helix feeder, and then cut to any shape desired by cutting machines 136. Product 108 that it was directed down a distribution flow path 124 and cut by a cutting machine 136 can then be bagged and / or subjected to further processing.
    [0035] Referring again to figure 1, to the extent that the fluid delivery path 106 has any turns or curves between the product accumulation reservoir 102 and the radial distribution system 104, the fluid delivery path 106 is preferably relatively straight in the vicinity of opening 118. By providing a relatively straight section of the fluid delivery path 106 before directing fluid 110 (and product 108) through opening 118, turbulence in the flow of fluid 110 can be reduced, producing a more efficient and consistent delivery of the product into the radial distribution system 104. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery path 106 comprises a relatively straight section that extends at least twice the radius of the delivery path of the fluid 106 in length of the opening 118 of the radial distribution system 104.
    [0036] However, figure 1 illustrates a system that uses a pump to direct the fluid and the product transported by the fluid into a radial distribution system. However, it should be understood that other systems and methods can be used to direct the fluid to a radial distribution system. For example, instead of a pump, the fluid can be directed to a radial distribution system using a gravity-driven chute system that is capable of providing a necessary amount of fluid flow (for example, water) to the system. radial distribution to distribute the product as described here.
    [0037] Figures 2-5 illustrate several views of one embodiment of a radial distribution system 104. Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the radial distribution system 104 and figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the radial distribution system 104 taken along line 3-3 of figure 2. As seen in figures 2 and 3, the inner passage 120 is defined by a lower wall portion 140 and an upper wall portion 142. Lower and upper wall portions 140, 142 collectively define the internal passage. The lower and upper terms refer to relative positions, not the lowest or highest portions of the system. That is, any portion that is above a "lower" portion can be considered a "upper" portion and any portion that is below a "upper" portion can be considered a "lower" portion.
    [0038] As best seen in figure 3, the lower wall portion 140 comprises a generally cylindrical portion including the opening 118. The diameter (or width) of the generally cylindrical portion is indicated in figure 3 as D1. The bottom wall portion increases in diameter (or width) from D1 to D2 when it extends upward. Similarly, the upper wall portion 142 increases in diameter (or width) when it extends upward. Thus, the portion of the upper wall 142 increases in diameter from diameter D2 to diameter D3 in the vicinity of the plurality of openings 122. In addition, the portion of the upper wall still increases in diameter from diameter D3 in the vicinity of openings 122 to diameter D4 above openings 122. As shown in figure 3, D1 <D2 <D3 <D4.
    [0039] Increasing the diameter of the opening 118 for the openings 122 reduces the speed that the product 108 moves through the internal passage 120 of the radial distribution system 104 decreasing the flow of fluid through these areas. Preferably, the fluid delivery path 106 is configured with a diameter only slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the product being distributed therein. This configuration allows fluid 110 to flow through fluid delivery path 106 at a relatively high speed. High flow rates can help to reduce the occurrence of product clogging 108 within the fluid delivery path 106. However, the speed within the inner passage 120 is desirably lower than the speed within the fluid delivery path 106. The widening of the internal passage 120, in the manner shown in figure 3, functions as a vertical decelerator that reduces the speed of the fluid 110 (and therefore of the product 108) when it moves through the internal passage 120 to the openings 122.
    [0040] Referring again to figure 2, a plurality of openings 122 are produced in the upper wall portion 142. Each opening 122 can lead to a path of the distribution flow 124 defined by the product's targeting elements (for example, wire door and / or other surfaces that can direct the movement of the product from the openings). Figure 3 illustrates eight openings 122 leading to eight distribution flow paths 124. However, it should be understood that different numbers of distribution flow openings and paths are possible. Thus, for example, the radial distribution system 104 may have as little as three distribution flow paths or as many as sixteen distribution flow paths. In some modalities, it may be possible to have more than sixteen trajectories of the distribution flows; however, depending on the product being dispensed, the diameter D3 in the vicinity of the openings 122 will likely have to increase significantly to support such a large number of distribution flow paths.
    [0041] Each flow path 124 may include a fluid reduction portion (eg, a dehydration portion) 146. The fluid reduction portions 146 are configured so that the fluid (e.g., water) that exits through openings 122 with product 108 can be removed from the path of distribution flow 124. In this way, fluid 110 can be separated from product 108 and, if desired, directed back to the accumulation reservoir of product 102 for reuse . As best seen in Figure 3, fluid reduction portions 146 comprise passages that have porous areas to allow fluid 110 to pass through fluid reduction portions 146. Such porous passages may comprise, for example, wire gate elements that have sufficient structure to prevent product 108 from passing through the porous areas, while allowing fluid 110 to flow down into a fluid collection area 126. Fluid collection area 126 can generally surround the lower and upper wall portions 140 , 142. Thus, the fluid collection area 126 can be defined by the space between an outer wall surface of the lower and upper wall portions 140, 142 and an inner surface of an outer wall element 148. One or more outlets 150 can be produced to direct fluid 110 from fluid collection area 126 back to product accumulation reservoir 102.
    [0042] The paths of the distribution flow 124 outside the fluid reduction portions 146 can also be comprised of porous passages; however, since most of the fluid 110 has been removed from the delivery flow paths 124 in the fluid reduction portions 146, the flow flow paths 124 outside the fluid reduction portions 146 can be formed without any such porous areas. .
    [0043] As shown in figures 2 and 4, the distribution flow paths 124 can bend or rotate when they extend from the openings 122. The curvature of the distribution flow paths 124 can be useful for certain products, such as whole potatoes . Whole potatoes (regular or sweet) can roll when leaving openings 122 and entering a path of distribution flow 124. Such a rolling motion may be undesirable because rolling potatoes tend to move in a somewhat erratic manner. By the curvature of the distribution flow path 124 in the manner shown in Figures 2 and 4, whole potatoes are more likely to slide through the flow path 124 in a controlled manner.
    [0044] A plurality of radially spaced door elements 152 can be positioned adjacent to openings 122, with each door element 152 positioned adjacent to an opening 122. Each door element 152 can be configured to be operable to move between a position open and a closed position. In an open position, a door element 152 allows product 108 to pass through aperture 122 associated with that door element 152. In closed position, door element 152 restricts the passage of product 108 through opening 122 associated with that element port 152.
    [0045] Various configurations for opening and closing the door elements 152 can be used. For example, as best shown in figure 5, each door element 152 can be mounted and / or coupled to a door 154 air cylinder, which is configured to move door element 152 up and down between the open positions. and closed. Alternatively, door element 152 can be slid open in another direction (for example, sideways) and / or configured to move between an open and closed position in other ways, such as pivoting around a hinge element. Because the door elements can be opened and closed independently, at any given time, one or more door elements can be in an open position while other door elements are in a closed position. In addition, it may be desirable to allow a door element to be operable in a partially open position.
    [0046] With reference to figure 3, the cross-sectional view of the radial distribution system 104 illustrates two doors in an open position and one door in a closed position. The door element 152 can comprise an opening restriction portion 156. The opening restriction portion 156 can be a porous element, such as the tip-like structure shown in figure 3. Thus, when the door element 152 is in the closed position, the fluid 110 may still be able to pass through the “closed” door element 152. To move the door element 152 to the open position, the opening restriction portion 156 can be moved out of the opening 122. In some This may comprise moving the restraining portion of opening 156 upward and away from opening 122. In other embodiments, the restraining portion of opening 156 may move downwardly making an opening allowance portion of the door element. 152 align with aperture 122, thereby allowing product 108 to pass through aperture 122 and enter a path of distribution flow 124.
    [0047] Figure 6 illustrates the radial distribution system 104 in operation. For convenience, the other elements of the system (such as fluid supply tubes or downstream processing stations) are omitted. As seen in figure 6, the product (for example, potatoes) can be transported upwards towards the top of the radial distribution system 104 by the fluid (for example, water) until the product encounters an open door element 152. When the product passes through the door element 152, the product is dehydrated when it passes through and / or over the fluid reduction portions 146. The dehydrated product is then directed along the respective distribution flow paths 124.
    [0048] The substantially random nature of the flow of product 108 through the internal passage 120 of the radial distribution system 104 helps to keep the product generally distributed equally to the various openings 122. If any door elements 152 are closed, product 108 will circulate inside the radial distribution system 104 until it encounters a door element 152 that is in an open position. After product 108 reaches that open door element 152, it can exit opening 122 and move to the associated path of dispensing flow 124.
    [0049] As mentioned above, each of the door elements 152 can be separately (individually) opened and closed. Thus, if there is a problem with one of the downstream processing stations, the corresponding door element that controls the flow of the product to that processing station can be closed to prevent additional product 108 from being directed to that station.
    [0050] Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of a radial distribution system 204. As in other systems described here, the radial distribution system 204 comprises an opening (inlet) through which fluid and product can be received and a passage internal opening of the opening for the radial distribution system 204. When the fluid (for example, water) flows into the opening and upwards of the internal passage, the product can be directed along one or more fluid reduction portions 246 or dehydration trajectories.
    [0051] After leaving the reduction portions of fluid 246, the product is delivered to a base element 250. In some embodiments, the base element 250 substantially surrounds the reduction portions of fluid 246. Base element 250 can be configured to retain the product if necessary. For example, the base element 250 can be surrounded by one or more walls 252 that allow for the retention of the product within the base element 250.
    [0052] The product can be directed from the fluid reduction portions 246 onto the base element 250. In some embodiments, the product can be directed directly from the fluid reduction portions 246 to a plurality of trajectories of the distribution flow 224. The distribution flow paths 224 can be coupled to the base element 250 or otherwise positioned adjacent to the base element 250. The openings 254 can be produced in wall (s) 252 to allow the product to pass through the base element 250 for distribution flow paths 224. Door elements (not shown) can be provided adjacent to openings 254 to control product flow through openings 254. Door elements can be formed as described above or in other ways to restrict the passage of the product through a respective opening 254 in a configuration (a closed configuration) and allow the passage of the product through the opening re spectiva 254 in another configuration (an open configuration).
    [0053] The door elements can be controlled independently in the same way as other door elements described here. By closing the door elements, the product distribution down the respective distribution flow path 224 can be interrupted or stopped, causing the product to accumulate in the base element 250. To direct the product accumulated in the base element 250 to an open door element, the base element 250 can be coupled to a vibrating mechanism or other such structure capable of moving the product radially along the base element 250. In other embodiments, the product can be moved radially from a closed opening 254 to another opening 254 directing the fluid radially along the base member 250.
    [0054] In certain embodiments, one or more door elements can be partially opened in order to adjust the size of the product that can pass through that door element. A so-called "partially open" door element may also include a door element that is configured with one or more openings in the door element to allow the product to pass through the door element when it is in an otherwise "closed" position. ”. Thus, instead of being a door element that is movable to a certain position to expose a door opening, such a door element could have one or more openings in the door element itself. Such openings could be used to graduate or otherwise classify the product. For example, the openings could be sized to allow only product having certain characteristics to pass through the openings. Thus, for example, such door elements could be used to "eliminate" smaller whole potatoes from a classification process that involved the distribution of larger whole potatoes.
    [0055] It should be noted that the dimensional specifications may vary depending on the product that is distributed. In reality, the optimal dimensional specifications of the device can vary significantly by a single product type (for example, whole sweet potatoes) in view of the natural variation of potatoes and commercial preferences for different sizes and cuts of sweet potatoes .
    [0056] The product that is to be distributed according to the radial distribution systems described here can be processed in several ways before reaching the distribution system 100. For example, pre-distribution processing can take place upstream of the conveyor 112. Such an upstream processing station may include, for example, food processing stations, such as cutting and / or heating. After leaving the upstream processing station, the product can be delivered to the product accumulation reservoir 102 for delivery to the radial distribution system for distribution to one or more downstream processing stations. Such additional processing stations could include, for example, in the case of potatoes, slicing machines, frying machines, freezing machines and / or packaging machines.
    [0057] In conventional linear distribution systems (so-called “evasive” systems), the product that reaches the end of the linear conveyor without entering an open door is then dropped on several linear conveyors to change the product's transport direction and return the product to the start of the linear conveyor. In contrast, when the product is fed into the fluid-based radial delivery systems described herein, the product accumulates in the inner passage 120 of the radial delivery system 104 until it leaves through an open door element. Thus, the radial distribution systems described here do not require complex and long evasive systems to recycle the product for distribution. The product can be accumulated intentionally for a limited period of time (a few minutes, for example, depending on the flow rate of the product and size of the base element) by closing all doors or almost accumulating by closing enough doors, such that the rate of flow product exceeds the rate of the product out of flow. This has several benefits. The radial distribution systems described here eliminate the multiple drop points that “evasive” systems require to recycle the product. Minimizing the number of drop points reduces product damage during delivery. Also, the radial distribution system can be more easily cleaned using “spot cleaning” (CIP) technology since it is a relatively compact system.
    [0058] In addition, by using the fluid (for example, water) as the distribution medium, the transfer of the product from one location can be "damped" by the fluid. Thus, for example, when the product is delivered inside the internal passage and outside the openings, the fluid can soften the effect of changes in height. In this way, the negative effects associated with conventional systems that require, for example, the “dropping” of the product from one conveyor to another, can be eliminated and / or greatly reduced.
    [0059] In view of the many possible modalities to which the principles of the disclosed invention can be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated modalities are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be adopted as limiting the scope of the invention. Preferably, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We, therefore, claim as our invention everything that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (13)
    [0001]
    1. Radial distribution system (104) for distributing product (108), comprising: an internal passage (120) extending from a base portion of the radial distribution system (104) to an upper portion of the radial distribution system (104), the internal passage (120) having an entrance (118) in the base portion to allow the product to enter the internal passage (120) of the radial distribution system (104); openings (122) radially spaced around the inner passage (120) in the upper portion to allow the product (108) to exit the inner passage (120); door elements (152) associated with at least some openings (122), with door elements (152) being configured to move between an open position that allows the product to move through the opening (122) associated with that element door (152) and a closed position that restricts the movement of the product (108) through the opening associated with that door element (152); the radial distribution system (104) being CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises a fluid collection area (126) that at least partially surrounds the internal passage (120), and the fluid collection area (126) is configured to collect fluid (110) which is discharged from the internal passage (120).
    [0002]
    2. Radial distribution system (104), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it still comprises: a fluid collection area (126) that at least partially surrounds the internal passage (120), the collection area fluid (126) being configured to collect the fluid (110) that is discharged from the internal passage (120).
    [0003]
    3. Radial distribution system (104), according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it still comprises: product targeting elements that define the trajectories of the distribution flow that extend at least from some openings (122), wherein the product targeting elements include a porous portion that extends over the fluid collection area (126) to allow fluid (110) to pass through the product targeting elements into the fluid collection area (126 ).
    [0004]
    4. Radial distribution system (104) according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the porous portions of the product's directional elements comprise wire door elements.
    [0005]
    5. Radial distribution system (104), according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the product's guiding elements curve when they extend radially from the openings (122).
    [0006]
    6. Radial distribution system (104), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the internal passage (120) has a first cross section area at the entrance and a second cross section area at a location closer to the openings (122), and the second cross-sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area.
    [0007]
    7. Radial distribution system (104), according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the internal passage (120) is generally circular in section along its length.
    [0008]
    8. Radial distribution system (104), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the door elements (152) are operable independently between the open and closed positions, regardless of the position of the other door elements (152 ).
    [0009]
    9. Method of distribution of food product comprising the steps of: directing the fluid (110) and the product (108) through an inlet (118) in a lower portion of a radial disk of the radial contribution system (104) and in a passage (120) of the radial distribution system (104); directing the fluid (110) and the product (108) through the internal passage (120) to a portion of the internal passage (120); delivering the fluid (110) and the product (108) through openings (122) in the upper part of the internal passage (120) and the elements for directing products; the method being CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the fluid portion (110) is separated from the product (108) as the product (108) moves the elements that direct the product through a fluid collection area (126) around the internal passage ( 120), the fluid collection area (126) is configured to collect fluid (110) which is discharged from the internal passage (120).
    [0010]
    10. Method, according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the cross-sectional area at the exit of the internal passage (120) is greater than the cross-sectional area at the entrance of the internal passage (120).
    [0011]
    11. Method, according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it also comprises collecting the portion of the separated liquid in a fluid area located below at least one food product targeting element.
    [0012]
    12. Method according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that delivering the food and liquid product through at least one opening (122) includes temporarily blocking the food product with a door associated with the opening (122).
    [0013]
    13. Method, according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it still comprises collecting the food product in a base element around the exit of the internal passage (120).
    类似技术:
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-18| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2019-07-30| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: suspension of the patent application procedure|
    2020-02-11| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application according art. 36 industrial patent law|
    2020-06-23| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application according art. 36 industrial patent law|
    2020-10-27| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-12-08| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 22/12/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US12/986,860|US8821078B2|2011-01-07|2011-01-07|Fluid-based article distribution and sorting system|
    US12/986,860|2011-01-07|
    PCT/US2011/066933|WO2012094172A1|2011-01-07|2011-12-22|Method and system for fluid-based product distribution|
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