GB2366555A

GB2366555A - Ovoid object conveyor

Info

Publication number: GB2366555A
Application number: GB0022042A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Ian Briggs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-09-07
Filing date: 2000-09-07
Publication date: 2002-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-07
Also published as: GB2366555B; GB0022042D0

Abstract

A conveyor of ovoid objects 3 comprises a track 4 made up of a number of straight channels and bends, and a plurality of ovoid objects to be conveyed along the track by object to object propulsion wherein the objects have off-centred pimples P and the channels and bends have guide rails RA1, such that as the objects are pushed along the track the pimples are confined to travel between the rails thus preventing the objects from rotating to an undesired orientation relative to the track. The track may be enclosed forming a rectangular cross-section with a track top 4, bottom 5 and side walls SW. The objects may be driven along the track by a hand operated wheel (TW, Figure 11). The invention finds particular application as apparatus for playing a word game wherein the objects are circular chips carrying a letter A on an upper face thereof. In this application the top of the track has a number of windows (WS, Figure 2) through which the letters can be viewed as they are driven along the track which may be in the form of figure-of-eight.

Description

2366555 Apparatus for conveying ovoid objects along channels and through

bends, where the orientation of those objects within the channels is maintained as the objects are moved along the channels and delivered through the bends.

Andy Briggs Date: 6 5-EFT -Z 0 0 C) This document should be read in tandem with the concurrent patent application by the same applicant entitled 'Word game apparatus.' Background & prior art

In many applications there is a requirement to convey objects around bends. This may be to save space in a process line, or to return the ob ects to the start of a process line. j Common conveyor systems used in processing and packaging industries require that the objects to be conveyed rest upon an independently powered device such as a conveyor belt, chain and ratchet, carousel- cartridge orjig -train. If the objects are resting flat on the conveyor, they will be held in a particular position on the conveyor and substantially retain this position as the conveyor moves round a bend.

In most conveyors, objects will exit a 180 degree bend substantially inverted compared to their entry position, observed from the same point. It may be more convenient to the process that the objects maintain the same orientation on both sides of the bend. This may be beneficial for external operations such as printing or machining, or inspection of indicia marked on the objects.

Manufacturing pieces are normally oriented using a mechanical device like a magnetic carrier that can be rotated by magnetic forces or by a robotic grab picking up and turning the objects. Alternatively a passive select/deselect object handler that works on the objects overall shape may be used as another orientation device.

A 'static-table' is often used to transfer objects between one conveyor channel to another without going through a tight bend.

Most of the above conveyors do not suit the inclusion of tight radius bends, or even bends that turn more than 90 degrees.

Conventional wisdom dictates that bends in conveyors should be made as obtuse as possible. In conveyors that use object-on-object propulsion this again normally holds true. On a wide radius bend the angle of attack of object-on-object is more obtuse so this should impart more force along a line following the direction of the track. The objects should therefore have less friction against the walls, especially the back wall of the bend, and should move round a bend more easily. However, within a wide radius bend, there are more objects within the bend and so more friction created in this respect, compared to that in a narrower radius bend.

The device described in this document may be used for aligning ovoid objects when transporting them along channels or round a bend, for example to align particular indicia marked thereon. The novel apparatus can be used for juxtaposing indicia, for combining them in anagrams, initials, sums or any other code, by reading in any line displayed by the device-horizontal vertical, diagonal or zig-zag. The device can offer less friction for transmitting objects along channels and through a tight radius bend compared to other devices and can function in much tighter bend radii than many other devices.

Technical description

A plurality of ovoid objects (0) are arranged in a random sequence within a pathway here termed a track (T) which forms an overall construction made up of at least two channels (2) linked by at least one bend (B), each channel (2), and each bend (B) being wide enough to accommodate only one object (0) at a time across the width of the pathway formed by that channel (2) or bend (B). The channels (2) and bends (B) define specific sections of the track (T). The objects (0) can move from one channel (2) to another via a bend (B).

The channels (2) have at least one rail (RA) on at least one surface, running substantially in parallel with the direction of the channels (2), to engage with at least one pimple (P) on at least one face of each object (0), to prevent the objects (0) from rotating within the channels (2) where a rotational effect is not desired.

Within the bends (B) the objects (0) are rotated in a controlled means by at least one pimple (P) on at least one face of the objects (0) engaging with at least one lug (LG) and/or at least one rail (RA) positioned on at least one surface within the bends (B).

At least one pimple (P) on at least one face of the objects (0) is prevented substantially from moving from a certain radial position within the apex area of the bend (B) by said pimple (P) engaging with, and being trapped by, at least one rail (RA) within that area of the bend (B).

The lugs (LG) and/or rails (RA) deliver the objects (0) from both sides of the bend (B) into the channels (2) in the same orientation with respect to the viewpoint of the operator.

The device substantially uses object(O)-on-object (0) propulsion rather than a fully independent drive force on each object (0). The objects (0) when pushed from at least one point in the track (T), transmit this force to push each other substantially around the rest of the track (T).

Preferred embodiment A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig 1: Three-dimensional representation of an enclosed track with an object within the track Fig 2: Three-dimensional representation of a continuous figure of eight track Fig 3: Plan view and elevation of the preferred objects used in the apparatus Fig 4: Plan view of the preferred lugs and rails within a bend and at the end of the channels, showing their preferred layout, and showing the laterally bevelled ends of the rails Fig 5: Elevation view of the pimples on the chips locating in the rails on the channels Fig 6: Cross-sectional view of the turning lugs in mirror image form on the roof and floor of the track, showing the pimples on a chip, engaging the lugs. Fig 7: Three chips in a bend and their mutual gear action Fig 8: Possible snake action of the chips in the channels Fig 9: Plan view of the turning sequence of a chip in a bend Fig 10: Plan view showing the restrictions to possible problematic movement of a chip in the entrance to the turning zone Fig 11: Toothed or smooth wheel drive on the chips Fig 12: Plan view of an 'inverting' bend. Fig 13: Plan view of a figure of eight track, containing chips, showing the motion of the chips within the track The objects (0) are preferably driven through the bend (B) area by contact with the objects (0) in the channels (2) when the latter objects (0) are propelled along the channels (2).

The preferred objects (0) are in the forin of circular chips (3). The most preferred chips (3) have four pimples (P) set in a square formation on each face, the pimples (P) on one face being coaxial with the pimples (P) on the other face. It is preferred that the chips (3) have a character or indicia (I A) marked on the uppermost face and a character or indicia (M) marked on the down face.

In this document when discussing the individual pimples (W, X, Y & Z) on one face of a chip (3), the pimples (W, X, Y & Z) are taken to extend through the chip (3) to the ends of the coaxial pimples (W, X, Y & Z) on the opposite face. Therefore, the pimple (W, X, Y & Z) references for the bottom side of the chip (3) are taken to be in mirror image of those on the upper-face, even if the character (113) on the down-face is not orientated in the same way as the upper-face character (IA). The pimples (W, X, Y & Z) throughout a chip (3) are referenced clockwise from the pimple (W) at the head of the character (1A) on the uppermost face at that particular time. If the chip (3) is flipped over then the top character (1A) becomes the bottom character (113) and visa versa.

The bends (B) and channels (2) are most preferably rectangular in cross section and are preferably enclosed with a roof (4) above, and a floor (5) below the walls (SW and BW). The walls (SW and BW) of the track (T) are preferably set at approximately an angle of ninety degrees to the plane of the floor (5) of the track (T).

In the preferred embodiment, there are two rails (RA) here termed runnerrails (RAI) positioned on the floor (5) of the channels (2) arranged substantially in parallel with the walls (SW) of the channels (2). The rails (RAI) on the floor (5) are preferably duplicated in miffor image form, on the roof (4) of the channels (2). These rails (RA I) allow the chips (3) to be maintained -and displayed- within the channels (2) in a common orientation, and to be delivered to a bend (B) in a determined orientation. The two rails (RAI) preferably go either side of the two central pimples (W & Y) while the same rails (RAI) lie between the two side pimples (X & Z). This, and the surface of the roof (4), floor (5) and walls (SW) of the track (T), prevents the chips (3) from escaping from the rails (RAI), rotating within the channels (2), or jackknifing over each other. The inner rail (RAl-A) of the two runner-rails (RAI) preferably ends at a point further back from the bend (B) compared to the outer rail (RAI-B). This allows the pimple (Y) to follow a rotational path in and out of the area between these two rails (RA 1) without hitting the inner rail (RA I -A). This enables the chip (3) when approaching or leaving the bend (B) to rotate at said point.

The distance between the rail (RA-lA) and the rail (RAI -B) is preferably slightly greater than the maximum diameter of each pimple (P), so that there is some slight free movement laterally between the rails (RAI) and the pimples (W & Y). This is to encourage the chips (3) to slide freely. Similarly the distance from the outer edges of the rails (RAI) to the adjacent walls (SW), is preferably great enough to allow a little lateral movement of the pimples (X and Z) here.

It is particularly preferred to include display windows (WS) in locations on the roof (4) of the channels (2) to allow the operator to inspect indicia (IA) marked on the chips (3). The roof (4) of the track (T) is most preferably enclosed and nontransparent except where at least one display window (WS) is positioned on each channel (2). It is particularly preferred that the display windows (WS) are open to air, that is, the track (T) is not enclosed at these points (WS). The indicia (IA) to be used for the process are displayed in the windows (WS) in a common orientation. Any indicia (I A) carrying chip (3) can reach any position in the track without being removed from the track (T). Note: When the track (T) goes round a bend (B), the chips (3) must enter the bend (B) and exit the bend (B) in the same orientation with respect to the viewer, for the indicia (I A) to be subsequently observed or processed the same way up.

In the most preferred embodiment the track (T) has four channels (2) linked by four 180 degree bends (B) arranged in a figure of eight formation, forming a continuous pathway to convey the chips (3). A single continuous track (T) is preferred because with such an arrangement the operators only have to operate one track (T) system at a time. Some sloping sections in the track (T) are required to accomplish this continuous figure of eight. The roof (4) of any sloping sections of the track (T) on the channels (2) or the bends (B) preferably slopes to miffor the slope of the floor (5) of the track (T) in the channels (2) or bends (B).

The lugs (LG) are preferably delta shaped and one such lug (LG) is preferably positioned on the floor (5) of the track (T) adjacent to the back wall (BW) just after each channel (2) meets the start of a bend (B) at the entrance and exit to a bend (B). Preferably the lugs on the floor (5) are duplicated in miffor image form on the roof (4) of the track (T). The turning lugs (LG) are preferably placed on the outside wall (BW/SW), before the point where maximum thrust into the wall (BW/SW) occurs.

The lugs (LG) on the floor (5) and roof (4) are preferably slightly shallower than the height of the pimples (P) so that the chips (3) rest only on the pimples (P) in contact with the floor (5), and the faces of the chips (3) can pass between the lugs (LG). This allows the sides of the chips (3) to contact the wall (BW) behind the lugs (LG). Therefore, the lugs (LG) can contact the pimples (P) rather than the sides of the chips (3).

The 'nose' of the lugs (LG) could be of a more rounded form than that shown in the drawings, or there could be a different angle between the edges (E 1 & E2) than that shown. The edges (El& E2) could be concave or convex. The angle between the edges (EI & E2) of each lug (LG) is preferably narrow enough to allow the two pimples (W & Z) on a chip (3) to straddle the width of the lug (LG) at a point where the chip (3) is still maintaining contact with the back wall (BW) in the area of the lug (LG). That is, the width of the lug (LG) is similar to the distance between the two pimples (P) that straddle it, at said point It is preferred to have two rails within the bends (B) to engage with the pimples (P) on the chips (3). These are here termed the guide rail (RA2) and the catch rail (RA3). These rails (RA2 / RA3) control the orientation of the chips (3) as they pass through the apex area of the bend (B). The catch rail (RA3) and guide rail (RA2) are preferably duplicated in mirror image form on the floor (5) and roof (4) of the bends (B).

As just said the lugs (LG) and rails (RA2 & RA3) in the bends (B) are preferably all duplicated in mirror image form, on the roof (4) and floor (5) of the track (T). This is done to equalise the forces on the chips (3) from both these sides. This arrangement tends to keep the chips (3) more parallel with the floor (5) and roof (4) of the track (T) while the chips (3) engage the lugs (LG) or rails (RA.2 or RA3), preventing the chips (3) from riding up on, or escaping from these 'turning mechanisms'.

The guide rail (RA2) is preferably in the form of an inverted approximate 'V' shape with its apex centred on the apex of the bend (B). Preferably the rail (RA2) has a 'cow hom' shape at the ends (CH) of the legs of the 'W. This rail (RA2) is preferably positioned so that when the chip (3) is on the exit side of the bend (B), the pimple (Z) does not pass the rail (RA2) until the pimple (X) has passed the apex of the turning lug (LG). This helps to prevent the pimple (X) jamming into the front edge (E2) of thelug(LG). The apex of the 'V' of the guide rail (RA2) is preferably set near the centre line radius of the bend (B). The guide rail (RA2) can also trap the pimple (Y) near the inside wall (IW) of the bend (B) to aid in the chip (3) orientation. The guide rail (RA2) preferably has an angle of between 90 and 140 degrees between the straight sections on the legs of the 'V' as viewed from the inner wall (IW) of the bend (B). The guide rail (RA2) is not strictly necessary for the turning mechanism in the bends (B) but it preferred to include it to lessen the chance of a chip (3) jamming particularly if the chips (3) contort more than normal while being pushed around the track (T).

The catch rail (RA3) traps the leading pimple (W) in a certain radial position in the apex area of the bend (B). This rail (RA3) is preferably in the shape of an arc with its apex centred on the apex of the bend (B). The catch rail (RA3) preferably has a radius that is approximately concentric with an arc described by the inner and outer radius of the bend (B). Alternatively the catch rail (RA3) could be crescent-moon or 'V' shaped.

The catch rail (RA3) is preferably set at a far enough distance from the back wall (BW) to allow the pimple (W) to be caught and slide along behind the rail (RA3), but near enough to the back wall (BW) that the side of the chip (3) contacts the back wall (BW) while the area of the chip (3) outside the trapped pimple (W) slides through the bend (B). Thus the thrust load towards the apex of the bend (B) is substantially taken by the wall (BW) from the side of the chip (3) rather than by the rail (RA3) from the pimples (X & Z).

Within the bends (B) the rails (RA2 and RA3) are preferably constructed of a crosssection as narrow as practicable, so that there is the maximum free movement between the side pimples (X & Z) and the top pimple (W) and bottom pimple (Y). This allows the chip (3) to rotate a greater extent when beginning to slide through the apex area of the bend (B). It also lessens the chance of a pimple (P) obliquely jamming into the catch rail (RA3) when the catch rail (RA3) is sandwiched between two pimples (W and X or Z). A thinner catch rail (RA3) also brings the plane of rotation of the pimple (W) and pimple (X) closer together when the pimple (W) is entering the catch rail (RA3)- see Figure 9.3. This can give more rotational stability to the chip (3) here. Of course, the rails (RA2 & RA3) must be formed of a material thick enough in cross-section to withstand the forces from the pimples (P) when they engage the rails (RA2 & RA3).

All of the rails (RA) preferably have laterally bevelled points (BP) at their ends where the pimples (P) are incident, to aid the catching and channelling of the pimples (P) to the correct side of the rails (RA) in question. The rails (RA) can help to turn the chips (3) into the required orientation as the pimples (P) engage with, and slide past, the bevelled edges (13P). The catch rail (RA3) ends are preferably bevelled on the side of the rail (RA3) facing the inside of the bend (B). The guide rail (RA2) ends are preferably bevelled on the side of the rail (RA2) facing the outside of the bend (B). The ends of both rails (RA2 & RA3) could alternatively be bevelled on both sides.

The end of the outer rail (RAI -B) is preferably not bevelled on its outer edge (OE), although of course it could be. It has been found that the pimples (P) do not tend to catch on the outer edge (OE) of this rail (RAI -B). Furthermore, not bevelling the outer edge (OE) of this rail (RAl-B) allows a longer more acute bevel (BP) on the inner edge (IE).

In addition to the bevelled points (BP) in the lateral plane, the rails (RA) on the floor (5) and roof (4) of the channels (2) and bends (B) preferably have 'gradual slopes' not shown in the diagrams- in the vertical plane, where the chips (3) are first incident. This is to prevent the edges of the chips (3) from jamming into the ends of the rails (RA) should the chips (3) slightly stray from being parallel with the plane of the floor (5) or roof (4) in the track (T).

6 To aid the inspection of indicia (I A) on the chips (3), it is preferred that the rails (RAI) on the roof (4) are absent at the windows (WS). But if they are absent, it is preferred that the rails (RAI) on the floor (5) of the channels (2) continue on the floor (5) within the window (WS) areas (2) to give some lateral containment and orientation to the chips (3) here. The short sections of runner- rail (RAI) that would then remain at the ends of the channels (2), and between the windows (WS), on the roof (4), are preferably bevelled laterally at their ends and have gradual slopes at each end in the vertical direction. The absence of rails (RA 1) on the roof (4) across at least one window (WS) also allows the chips (3) to be removed from the track (T). If the rails (RAI) are absent across at least two windows (WS) then the chips (3) can be shuffled between the windows (WS).

For the approximate relationship between the preferred dimensions in the bends (B) and the spacing of lugs (LG) and rails (RA2 & RA3) contained within the bends (B), see Figure 4. In each zone within the bend (B) there is a lug (LG) or rail (RA2 or RA3) positioned to guide a chip (3) into the required location for the next phase of the chips' (3) movement. The rotation motion given by these turning mechanisms in the bend (B) allows some of the chips (3) at times to 'roll -walk' their way around the bend (B) and this seems to reduce the overall frictional effect.

The lugs (LG), rails (RA), and pimples (P) are preferably rounded in profile at their contact edges so that they interact smoothly with each other. The pimples (P) are preferably rounded at their ends so that they do not 'dig' into the floor (5) or roof (4) of the track (T) should the chips (3) move from being parallel with the floor (5) and roof (4). In addition, such rounded pimples (P) offer a smaller contact area with the floor (5).

Regarding Figure 4, the turning lugs (LG) could be placed at different angles/positions, than those drawn, or different rail (RA2 or RA3) positions/angles could be used. The rails (RA2 & RA3) could be in parallel and concentric with the centre-line radius of the bend (B). The ends of the catch rail (RA3) could line up with the edges (E I) of the lugs or be nearer the inner wall (IW) than the line of the edges (E I) of the lugs (LG). The lugs (LG) could be situated on the back wall (BW) nearer to, or further away from, the apex of the bend (B) or alternatively situated further along towards the side walls (SW) of the channels.

When a chip (3) passes round the track (T), all of the rails (RA) may not always be contacted by the pimples (P) on the chip (3). However, in the event that the track (T) jams slightly, the extra contortion of the chips (3) can bring them into contact, so in such an instance the chips (3) can still be contained and positioned by these rails (RA).

As said the pimples (P) are preferably arranged on the chips (3) in a square formation with one point of the square next to the head of the character (I A). This is so that the leading pimple (W) can be trapped behind the catch rail (RA3) during the turning process. Also, the side pimples (X or Z) are then positioned close to the wall (SW/BW) when approaching a lug (LG). This position produces good torque to rotate the chip (3) around its' own axis, when the chip (3) is engaging the lug (LG). Such a preferred arrangement of pimples (P) means that if an imaginary line is drawn between the two side pimples (X & Z), this line approaches the lug (LG) at right angles to the direction of movement of the chip (3), so the chip (3) is easy to turn. There is a relatively small angle of rotation for the pimple (Z) on the chip (3) to subsequently pass over the apex of the lug (LG). The imaginary line does not approach the lug (LG) acutely.

Further to this, four pimples (P) are preferred on the faces of the chips (3), in order to stabilise the chips (3) by acting like legs on a four cornered platform; but, more importantly, because it is desired that the chips (3) can go through the bends (B) travelling upwards from a channel (2) to a bend (B), or downwards from a channel (2) to a bend (B), and they can travel clockwise or anti-clockwise within the whole track (T) circuit. Four pimples (P) are needed to cope with each type of bend (B) encountered. Figure 9, only shows the case of a chip (3) moving towards the top of the track (T) and negotiating a clockwise bend (BI). The arrangement and action of the turning mechanisms in the form of the lugs (LG) and rails (RA2 & RA3) is the same with respect to all the other bend (B2, B3 & B4) cases as it is for the case of the bend (B I) discussed above, but for downward movement of a chip (3) in a channel (2), for example, the leading pimple (P) -which will be the one trapped in the catch rail (RA3)- will be the pimple (Y), and so on.

On the reverse side of a chip (3), it is preferred that the character (I B) is placed at an angle of rotation of ninety degrees with respect to the character (1A) on the first side, so that when the chip (3) is flipped over and replaced in the apparatus, most of the frictional wear caused by the turning lugs (LG) and rails (RA2 & RA3) will be on the opposite two sets of coaxial pimples (P) to before.

It is preferred that the chips (3) substantially maintain the same horizontal plane with respect to the roof (4) and floor (5) of the track (T) as they travel around the track (T). The pimples (P) are preferably of a similar depth to the rails (RA) so that the faces of the chips (3) just slide on the rails (RA) and simultaneously, the pimples (P) just slide on the floor (5). Alternatively the chips (3) could at all times rest on the floor (5) of the track (T) solely on the pimples (P), the rails (RA) simply being there to guide the chips (3) laterally. This arrangement would perhaps cause more friction in the channels (2), but may cause less wear to a printed indicia (IMB) for example because the faces of the chips (3) would not be rubbing against the rails (RA). The indicia (I A/ 1B) could of course be printed or formed away from the contact areas.

The bends (B) and the start of the channels (2) are preferably kept enclosed with a roof (4) because this is a critical chip (3) containment area. If a wide-open window (WS) is created here then there is more chance of a chip (3) jamming in the track (T). The snake action of the chips (3) can cause jack-knifing or twisting of the chips (3) into a bad position for entry or exit from a bend (B) if the roof (4), and / or top rails (RA) are not there to restrain the pimples (P) on the chips (3).

The preferred bends (B) are constructed to allow only a maximum of three chips (C I, C2, & C3) within the bend (B) area at any one time. Thus when one chip (C 1) is engaging a lug (LG), the third chip (0) is engaging the lug (LG) on the opposite side of the bend (B). Any 'gear' action on the centre chip (C2) caused by one of the chips (C I or C3) engaging a lug (LG) and rotating, then enhances the required rotation of the other end chip (Cl or C3), rather than fighting against it. This reduces the sliding friction needed to move the two end-chips (C I & C3) round the bend (B). The turning mechanisms help to position all three chips (C 1, C2 & C3) correctly as they move through the bend (B). The centre chip (0) tends to rock around the apex of the bend (B). At this point in time the chip (0) is the only chip (3) that completely 'slides' through the bend (B) with little or no enhancing rotational motion. In fact the centre chip (0) at times may rotate the opposite way to the direction of movement at the wall (13W) so this chip (C2) will have increased sliding friction at the wall (BW) at such times.

Other multiples of odd numbers of chips (3) contained in the bend (B) between the two turning lugs (LG) would produce the required gear action at the lug (LG) ends, but it is preferred to use the minimum (three) so that the process is more well defined, there being less losses in transmitting the gear action between the ends.

The natural direction of rotation of the chips (C I & C3) at the inlet and outlet of the bends (B) caused by the back wall (BW), is complimentary to the required rotation of these chips (Cl & 0). The lugs (LG) and back wall (13W) work in tandem to rotate the chips (C I & 0). Note: If circular chips (3) were pushed around a bend (B) with no turning lugs (LG) and no rails (RA), the chips (3) would tend to get pushed out to the back wall (13W) where they would substantially roll anticlockwise if travelling around a clockwise bend. The turning lugs (LG) in the preferred embodiment still allow the outer chips (Cl & C3) in the bend (B) to do this to some extent.

The chips (3) tend to be pushed out to the back wall (BW) of the bends (B) throughout the bends (B) even though the chips (3) are urged slightly inwards by the lugs (LG) at the start of the bends (B). In this respect the inner wall (IW) within the bends (B) is not totally necessary, but it is preferred to have an inner wall (IW) to contain the chips (3) during handling of the track (T) or if the chips (3) should contort more than normal while being pushed around the track (T).

If no chips (3) are engaging the lugs (LG) at any one time there will be two chips (CIB / C2B) within the catch rail (RA3) area. These slide until the lugs (LG) engage the two chips (DIB & C2B) at the ends of the bend (B) .

As the chips (3) push each other along the channels (2) and round the bends (B) they tend to contort into a snake (SNK) like arrangement along the channels (2), pushing against the walls (SW) and rails (RAI) and against each other, at specific points at specific times, even though thechips (3) are prevented from moving very far by the walls (SW) of the track (T) and the rails (RAI). This effect is intensified by the rotation and sideways force on the chips (3) caused by the lugs (LG). If no runnerrails (RAI) were present the chips (3) would tend to rotate considerably against each other and against the walls (SW). This can waste a lot of the thrust energy as extra friction. Therefore the rails (RAI) can have the added benefit of reducing the friction in the channels (2). They can also prevent transmission of undesirable excessive rotational-gearing to the chips (3) in the bends (B) that might work against the desired rotation caused by the lugs (LG) and the desired positioning of the chips (3) as they approach the lugs (LG). The snake (SNK) action can be used to deliver the last chip (3) at either end of the channels (2) to an advantageous position as these chips (3) approach or leave a bend (B). This is difficult to achieve in a continuous figure of eight track, for all the lug (LG) areas, especially because the snake points change when the direction of motion of the chips (3) changes. Each chip (3) in the track (T) I affects the forces on the other chips (3) during movement. The number of chips (3) held within the track (T) in the channels (2) determines where the natural snake (SNK) points will lie.

If only two bends (B) are used in the track (T) it is preferred to have an even number of chips (3) held within the channel (2) that links these bends (B) while the chips (3) in the bends (B) are engaging the lugs (LG). From Figure 8: if the chips (3) are pushed from point (NT) then the snaking will be as shown in the diagram but not in such a greatly exaggerated form. The greatest contortion in the channels (2) is likely to be created when the chips (3) are pushed from only one point (WS) on the circuit of the track (T) during operation. The even number of chips (3) in each channel is preferred because it enables the gearing at the ends of the channel (2) to compliment the rotation of the chips (3) and the positioning of the chips (3) with respect to the walls (SW) adjacent to the lugs (LG). When pushing from the point (NT) all the chips (3) in the track (T) rotate to compliment the rotation caused by the lugs (LG) at the ends of this channel (2).

The motion of a chip through a bend will now be described with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 9:

On the entry side of the bend (B) the chip (C 1) in front of the chip (D 1) is turned by the lug (LG). Then, the chip (D I) behind is rotated away, so the head pimple (W) of this chip (D I) points slightly more towards the inner wall (IW). Thus the pimple (W) tends not tojarn into the edge (El) of the lug (LG). The edge (E2) of the lug(LG) is preferably parallel and substantially in line with the inner edge of the outer rail (RAlB). This is so that the top pimple (W) can pass through the gap between the edge (E2) and the end of the catch rail (RA3), without substantially altering position from this line.

The lug (LG) on the entry side of the bend (B) rotates the chip (3) / character (I A) slightly anti-clockwise and allows the top pimple (W) to be trapped behind the catch rail (RA3) as the chip (3) moves through the bend (B), The side pimple (Z) cannot follow because the chip (3) engages the back wall (BW) and moves round maintaining its orientation by the gear action on the wall (13W) and by inertia. The back wall (BW) confines the chips (3) and only allows them to move upwards a certain distance after which they must move sideways. This distance takes the lead pimple (W) behind the catch rail (RA3). The leading side pimple (X) engages the bottom side of the catch rail (RA3). This pimple (X) may contact the upslope of the guide rail (RA2) on its' way to here. The bottom pimple (Y) passes under the bottom side of the guide rail (RA2). The trailing side pimple (Z) tucks under the bottom edge of the catch rail (RA3) and is not caught within the rail (RA3).

As the chip (3) goes through the apex of the bend (B) the leading side pimple (X) pushes on the down-slope of the catch rail (RA3) and the trailing pimple (Z) passes above, and may contact, the upper slope of the guide rail (RA2) and the bottom pimple (Y) passes by the down-slope of the guide rail (RA2). When past the apex of the bend (B), the trailing pimple (Z) passes over, and may contact, the down-slope of the guide rail (RA2). Thus the chip (3) is delivered through the bend (B) maintaining a position that presents it to the exit lug (LG) with an acute angle of rotation remaining in order to bring it to the correct orientation for the exit channel (2). The bevelled edges of the rails (RA I) help to bring the pimples (P) into the correct position in the exit channel (2).

The arrangement and spacing of walls (BW / SW), lugs (LG) and rails (RA) makes it very difficult for a chip (3) to get into a position where it will jam in the turning mechanism e.g. two pimples (W and Z) trapped in the catch rail (RA3) or a pimple (P) butting against the end of one of the rails (RA) or a pimple (Z) approaching a lug (LG) at an acute angle determined by drawing an imaginary line between this pimple (Z) and the opposite pimple (X) on the square of pimples (P) on the face of the chip (3).

Even if a chip (3) is within the zone between the ends of the rails (RAI) and a lug (LG), it is still difficult for this chip (3) to get into a disadvantageous position, The track (T) can be vibrated vigorously but the chip (3) cannot easily escape from the required turning points. During turning, one end of a chip (3) must be freed from the rails (RA) to allow the chip (3) to rotate around the other end, but the chip (3) will always have either the front pimple (W) or back pimple (Y) contained in the vicinity of the rails (RA). The free end is prevented from rotating further than required by contact with a lug (LG) or with the guide rail (RA2). Thus, there is no situation where a chip (3) has a position where there is a complete 'pimple (W) to pimple (Y) length' break between the runner rails (RAI) and the trap rail (RA3) or guide rail (RA2). Equally there is no such break between the runner rails (RAI) and the start of the edge (E2) of the lug (LG). From Figure 10 it can be seen that if the chip (3) in the first diagram (Fig I OA) turns clockwise the bottom pimple (Y) hits the outer rail (RAl-B) and the side pimple (Z) hits the edge (EI) of the lug (LG). If the chip (3) rotates anti- clockwise the bottom pimple (Y) hits the inner rail (RA 1 -A) and the top pimple hits the edge (E2) of the lug (1,G). When the chip (3) moves further into the bend (Fig I OB & 1 OC) it can not rotate disadvantageously because the pimples (W and Z) are then straddled across the lug (LG).

When the track (T) is completely filled with chips (3), the chips (3) in the bulk of the track (T) substantially prevent the chip (3) in the lug (LG) areas from sliding backwards or forwards and damp some of the possible rotational movement here, by contact inertia.

Rather than moving the chips (3) directly by hand, the chips (3) could be moved around the above track (T) by turning at least one smooth or toothed wheel (TW) in contact with the chips (3). But it is preferred for simplicity of construction to move the chips (3) by hand.

It is possible to make the track (T) run reasonably smoothly using 'ordinary' manufacturing materials, for the construction of the chips (3) and the track (T), for example the thermoplastic named in short as 'ABS' could be used. If the track (T) is being operated for example in an area with substantial vibration occurring, some substantial friction in the chip (3) movement can be beneficial to prevent the particular chips (3) and their associated indicia (I A) currently displayed in the windows (WS) , vibrating out of view of the display windows (WS) during an operation involving those chips (3). Alternatively, if it is required to reduce friction in the track (T), roller bearings or the like could be used at the main wall (BW or SW) contact points, or a material of low static or dynamic coefficient of friction could be employed. PTFE strips in the back wall (BW) could be used to this end. PTFE or the like could also be used for the body of the track (T), chips (3), pimples (P), rails (RA) or lugs (LG). Similarly, lubricated plastics such as oil-filled Nylon could be used for these parts.

Regarding Figure 12, two of the bends (133 & B4) could actually be made with simple inverting rails (RA4) that are a continuation of the runner rails (RA I) but going through the bends (B). These bends (B3 & B4) need not include a turning mechanism, because in this application the lower middle channel (2) between the bend (B3) and the bend (B4) is invisible (Figure 13). Here it doesn't matter if the indicia (I A) are upside down with respect to the top of the track (T) or the viewpoint of the operator. The indicia (I A) will come the right way up before they appear in the windows (WS) in the next processing area of the track (T). This arrangement is preferred for ease of manufacture of the track (T).

In these bends (B3 & B4) the chips (3) will slide similarly to how they do in a bend (B I &B2) with a turning mechanism during the time when no chips (3) are engaging the lugs (LG). Dispensing with the turning mechanisms -the lugs (LG) and rails (RA)- in these two bends (B3 & B4) might be expected to greatly reduce the overall friction, But, it has been found in practice that two tight radius bends (B) with turning mechanisms appear to offer only a little more frictional resistance because they enhance the natural turning movement of the chips (3) through the bends (B). So, for frictional considerations four 'turning bends (B)' may still be used in the figure of eight track (T).

It was preferred to use a narrow radius bend (B) to: Reduce the number of chips (3) needed to fill the track (T); to reduce the amount of friction in the track (T) and benefit from the gear mechanism; to keep the track (T) compact; and to bring the channel sections (2) within one chip (3) distance apart to make it easier to visualise the relationship of the indicia displayed. Alternatively the bends (B) could be of a wider radius or not exactly radial. They could be flared either side of the apex or more pointed at the apex. The bends (B) may also be of a different angle, creating an angle between the channels (2) of less than or greater than 180 degrees.

As said, to allow the track (T) to double back on itself in a figure of eight, one channel (2) must go beneath the level of the other channels (2) . Therefore the track (T) requires some sloping-sections (S). In the preferred embodiment the track slopes (S) down from the open points (WS) of the channels (2) to just after the bends (B3 & B4) so that the flat / slope contact angle comes at the top of the slope where there is an opening (WS) and at the bottom, outside the critical bend (B) area. At the openings (WS), the chips (3) can't jam onto the roof (4) of the track (T). Alternatively the bends (B) could be swept gradually from the point after the upper central channel (2) passes over the lower central channel (2). That is, there is some slope in all the bend (B) sections.

I Z-

Claims

1. Apparatus for conveying ovoid objects along channels and through bends in a track, wherein a plurality of objects are arranged in a random sequence within the track; where i. the track is made up of at least two channels linked by at least one bend where each channel and bend is wide enough only to accommodate one object at a time across the width of that channel or bend and the objects can move from one channel to another via the bend; ii, the objects have at least one pimple on at least one face the channels have at least one rail on at least one surface running substantially in parallel with the direction of the channels, to engage with at least one pimple on at least one face of each object to prevent the objects from rotating within the channels.

iv. within the bends the objects are rotated in a controlled means by at least one pimple on at least one face of the objects engaging with at least one lug and/or at least one rail positioned on at least one surface within the bend.

V. at least one pimple on the objects is trapped in a certain radial position in the bend by at least one rail, while the object negotiates the apex of the bend, so that this pimple cannot pass to a different radial position within the bend at this time.

vi. the objects are moved substantially through the track by object-onobject propulsion.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim I where the bends and channels are enclosed

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 & 3 where the bends and channels are rectangular in cross-section

4. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 through to 3 where the track contains four channels in a continuous figure of eight with four 180 degree bends, one channel in the centre of the track, passing below another channel in the centre of the track

5. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims I through to 4, where the bends are not exactly radial at the back wall but are ballooned- out, or pinched -in, at either side of the apex.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 where the track is non-transparent except for at least one window where indicia can be observed,

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim I where the windows are open-to-air

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim I where the letter carrying objects are circular chips

9. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 & 8 where there is indicia printed or formed on each face of the objects

10. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1, 8 & 9 where there are four pimples arranged in a square formation with the pimples on one face coaxial with those on the other face.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claims 9 & 10 where the square arrangement of the pimples is aligned with one of its' comers at the apex of the indicia on each object

12. Apparatus as claimed in claims 10 & 11 where the indicia on one face of a chip is set at ninety degrees angle of orientation to the indicia on the other face.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 where there are two rails positioned on the floor of the channels running parallel with the side walls

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 & 13 where there are two rails on the roof of the channels,

15. Apparatus as claimed in claims 13 & 14 where these rails are in mirror image on the roof and floor of the channels.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claims 13, 14 & 15 where the two rails go either side of the two central pimples on the chip while the same two rails lie between the two side pimples on a chip

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 where the inner rail ends at a point further back from a bend than the outer rail

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 where the rails in the roof of the channels are absent in the vicinity of at least one window to enhance the visualisation of indicia and to allow the removal of the chips.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 where the rails in the roof of the channels are absent in the vicinity of at least two windows to allow the chips to be shuffled between the windows.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim I where there is one delta shaped lug on the outer wall at both entrances to a bend.

2 1. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20 where there is a lug on the roof and floor of the track arranged in mirrored image form.

22. Apparatus as claimed in claims 20 & 21 where the contact area of the lugs is rounded in profile

23. Apparatus as claimed in claims 20, 21 & 22 where the edge of the lugs is substantially in line with inner edge of the inner rail

24. Apparatus as claimed in claims 20 through to 23 where the lug is of a width approximately equal to the distance between two pimples, at the point where two pimples on the chip straddle the lug while the chip still contacts the back wall of the track

25. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where the back wall of a bend is positioned to confine the chips in the area immediately at, and behind the lug, so that the chips after moving upwards in the lug area, must move substantially sideways round the bend when contacting this wall.

26. Apparatus as claimed in claim I where a catch rail traps the leading pimple (W) on the chips in a certain radial position, as the chips move through the bend apex area

27. Apparatus as claimed claim 26 where the catch rail is duplicated in mirror image on the floor and roof of the bends of the track

28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 where there is at least one guide rail to interact with the chip bottom and side pimples (X,Y & Z)

29. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where the guide rail is duplicated in mirror image on the floor and roof of the bends of the track

30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 28 & 29 where the guide rail traps the lower pimple (Y)

3 1. Apparatus as claimed in claims 30 where this rail is substantially 'V' shaped with the apex of the 'V' facing the back wall 14

32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 31 where there is an angle of between 90 and 140 degrees between the straight portions of the legs of the 'V'

33. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where the rails have laterally bevelled points at the incident paths of the pimples on the chips

34. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where the rails have gradual slopes in the vertical plane

35. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where the track is so constructed that either the front or back pimple (W or Y) of each chip is always contained in the vicinity of the runner rails or lugs because the distance between these two pimples is greater than the distance from the inner edge of the outer runner rail to the front edge of the lug.

36. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where a bend contains an odd number of chips between the turning lugs during the time that those lugs are being engaged by a pimple

37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 36 where the bend contains three chips between the turning lugs during the time that those lugs are being engaged by a pimple.

38. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where the channels contain an even number of chips during the time that the lugs are being engaged by a pimple so that the snake like arrangement in the channels enhances the position of the chips approaching the lugs.

39. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 where the two bends that join to this underpass channel, are formed as simple inverting tracks 40. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where the chips or track are made from materials having a low static, or dynamic, coefficient of fhction.

4 1. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where the chips are moved by turning a smooth or toothed wheel in contact with the chips 42. Apparatus for conveying objects as substantially hereinbefore described and shown in the accompanying drawings Is Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1 - Apparatus when used to convey ovoid objects along channels and through at least one bend in a track, wherein a plurality of objects are arranged in a random sequence within the track; where the track is made up of at least two channels linked by at least one bend where each channel and bend is wide enough only to accommodate one object at a time across the width of that channel or bend and the objects can move from one channel to another via at least one bend; where the objects have at least one projection positioned off-centre on at least one face; where the channels have at least one rail on at least one surface running substantially in parallel with the direction of the channels, to engage with at least one projection on at least one face of each object to prevent the objects from rotating within the channels; where within at least one bend the objects are rotated in a controlled means with respect to the conveying direction of said bend by at least one projection on at least one face of the objects engaging with at least one rail positioned on at least one surface within at least one bend; where at least one projection on the objects is trapped in a certain radial position in at least one bend by at least one rail, while the object negotiates an area within said bend, so that this projection cannot pass to a different radial position within said area of said bend at this time; where the objects are moved substantially through the track by objecton-object propulsion.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim I where at least one lug is positioned within at least one bend to interact with at least one projection on at least one object within said bend.

I Apparatus as claimed in claim I where at least one bend is enclosed.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim I where at least one channel is enclosed.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4 where said bend or channel is rectangular in cross-section.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3, 4 or 5 where the track contains four channels in a continuous figure of eight with four 180 degree bends, one channel in the centre of the track, passing below another channel in the centre of the track.

7. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims 3 or 5, where the back wall of at least one. bend is not exactly radial but is ballooned- out, or pinched -in, at either side of the apex.

8. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims 3 or 4 where the track is non- transparent except for at least one window where indicia can be observed.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 where at least one window is open-toair.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim I where the ovoid objects are circular chips.

11. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims I or 10 where there is indicia printed or formed on at least one face of the objects, 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 where there are four projections (W, X, Y & Z) arranged in a square formation on each face of the chips, the projections on one face coaxial with those on the other face.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claims I I & 12 where the square arrangement of the projections is aligned with one of its' comers at the apex of the indicia on each object.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 131 where the indicia on one face of a chip is set at ninety degrees angle of orientation to the indicia, on the other face.

1(0 15. Apparatus as claimed in claims I & 4 where there are two rails positioned on the floor of at least one channel, said rails running substantially in parallel with the conveying direction of said channel.

16. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims'4 or 15 where there are two rails on the roof of at least one channel.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claims 15 & 16 where these rails are in mirror image on the roof and floor of at least one channel.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 and any of claims 15, 16 & 17 where in use the two rails go either side of the two central projections on the chip while the same two rails lie between the two side projections on a chip.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 where in at least one channel the inner rail ends at a point further back from the end of said channel than the outer rail.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 where the rails in the roof of at least one channel are absent in the vicinity of at least one window.

2 1. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20 where the rails in the roof of at least one channel are absent in the vicinity of at least two windows to allow the chips to be shuffled between the windows.

22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 where there is one delta shaped lug on the outer. wall of at least one entrance to at least one bend.

23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 where within at least one bend there is a lug arranged in mirrored image form on the roof and floor of the track.

24. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2, 22 & 23where the contact area of at least one lug is rounded in profile.

25. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims 18 or 22 where one edge of at least one lug is substantially in line with the inner edge of at least one inner rail.

26. Apparatus as claimed in claims 12 & 22 where the lug is of a width approximately equal to the distance between two projections, at the point where two projections on the chip straddle the lug while the chip still contacts the back wall of the track.

27. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3, 7 or 22 where the back wall of at least one bend is positioned to confine the chips in the area immediately at, and behind the lug, so that the chips after moving upwards in the lug area, must move substantially sideways round said bend when contacting this wall.

28. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 & 12 where there is at least one rail within at least one bend area to trap the leading projection (W) on the chips in a certain radial position, as the chips move through said bend area.

29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 28 where said rail is duplicated in mirror image on the floor and roof of at least one bend in the track.

30. Apparatus as claimed in claims I & 12 where there is at least one rail within at least one bend area to interact with the chip bottom and side projections (X,Y & Z).

3 1. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 where said rail is duplicated in mirror image on the floor and roof of at least one bend in the track.

32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 & 31 where said rail traps the lower projection (Y).

33. Apparatus as claimed in claim 32 where said rail is substantially 'V' shaped with the apex of the 'V' facing the back wall.

34. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 where there is an angle of between 90 and 140 degrees between the straight portions of the legs of the 'V.

35. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, and any of claims 28 through 34 where at least one end of at least one rail is laterally bevelled, where the bevel coincides with at least one incident path of at least one projection on the chips.

36. Apparatus as claimed in claim I and any of claims 28 through 35 where at Icast one end of at least one rail has a gradual slope in the vertical plane at the area where at least one projection is incident.

37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, 19 & 26 where the rails and lugs are so constructed that either the front or back projection (W or Y) of each chip is always contained in the vicinity of the rails or lugs because the distance between these two projections is greater than the distance from the inner edge of the outer rail to the front edge of the lug.

38. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where at least one bend contains an odd number of chips between the turning lugs during the time that those lugs are being engaged by a projection.

3 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 8 where said bend contains three chips between the turning lugs during the time that those lugs are being engaged by a projection.

40. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim where at least one channel contains an even number of chips during the time that the lugs are being engaged by a projection.

4 1. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 where the two bends that join to said underpass channel, are formed as simple inverting tracks.

42. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims I or 10 where the objects or track are made from materials having a low static, or dynamic, coefficient of friction.

43. Apparatus as claimed in either of claims I or 10 where the objects are moved by turning a smooth or toothed wheel in contact with said objects,

44. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 where at least one projection is rounded at its end in the form of a hemispherical pimple.

45. Apparatus for conveying objects as substantially hereiribefore described and shown in the accompanying drawings.

A