.~ With means to handle portion of load which becomes separated from main flow path
DEFINITION
Classification: 198/537
(under subclass 523) Apparatus wherein the system includes means pertaining to the handling of a portion or component of the load which becomes separated from the flow path of the principal portion of the load.
(1) Note. The portion which becomes separated may be, for example, bulk material which inadvertently escapes from the principal flow path by overflow, spillage, etc., or it may be foreign material on articles (e.g., the husk on an ear of corn) which is encouraged to leave the main flow path. In the first instance, the means usually involves structure whereby the separated portion is returned to the flow path of the principal portion, whereas in the second case, the means may take the form of an exit path from the system.
(2) Note. The separated portion also may comprise a portion which is shunted to an auxiliary path for return to the main supply and eventual recirculation.
(3) Note. While the means of this subclass may itself comprise an additional conveyor system or an element thereof, it is not intended that a patent of this subclass be additionally classified elsewhere on the basis of that system or element thereof.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
494+, for a conveyor section having a means to clean it. In some instances, a separate flow path is provided for the material removed by the cleaning means, which material may be residue from the conveyed load. 580, for a conveyor system involving plural power-driven conveyor sections, and wherein a portion of the load is recycled in a closed path.
