Method and system for fluid-based product distribution.

(54) Title: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTION OF FLUID BASED PRODUCTS. (54) Title: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FLUID-BASED PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION.

(57) Summary

A fluid-based radial distribution system includes an internal passageway (120) and a plurality of radially spaced openings (122) around the internal passageway. A plurality of gate members (152) are associated with at least some of the plurality of openings (122), the gate members (152) being configured to move between an open position that allows movement of the products through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts movement of products through the opening associated with that gate member.

(57) Abstract

A fluid-based radial distribution system ineludes an internal passageway (120) and a plurality of openings (122) radially spaced around the internal passageway. A plurality oí gate members (152) are associated with at least some oí the plurality oí openings (122), with the gate members (152) are configured to move between an open position that allows product to move through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts product from moving through the opening associated with that gate member.

Institute

Mexican Property

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PATENT TITLE NO. 339264

Owner (s): CONAGRA FOODS LAMB WESTON, INC.

Address: One Conagra Drive, Omaha, Nebraska, 68102, USA

Name: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTION OF FLUID BASED PRODUCTS.

Classification: lnt.CI.8: A01C7 / 08; B65B39 / 00; B65G47 / 72; B65G51 / 01

Inventor (s):

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WILLIAM THOMAS HOCKETT: FREDERICK D. WEBB; MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER METCALF; RONALD R. HUFF; CHARLES DENIO KIRKBRIDE; GREG ROBERT LAMBIER, CAVE. HUFFORP lÉíftt *! W '

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MX / a / 2013/007821

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International filing date:

................. December 22, 2011

REQUEST

Country:

US

PRIORITY

Date:

January 2011

Number:

12/986,860

Request: Twenty Years Date of Expiration: December 22, 2031

The reference patent becomes attached to articles 1, 2, section V, 6, section III, and 59 of the Industrial Law.

In accordance with article 23 of the Law on Industrial Property, this patent has a validity of twenty non-expendable years, 'from the date of filing of the international n * M and will be subject to the payment of the fee, in order to keep the

Deconft ugly deceased.

WHO subscribes to the present title the Mee based on the provisions of articles 6 fractions ili and 7 “bis 2 of the Industrial Property Law (Dlarlc®fic¡al dfla Federación (DOF) 06/27/1991, reformed the 08/02/1994, 10/28/1996, 12/26/1997, 05/37/1999, 2001/2004, 06/16/2005, 25 ^ 1/2006, Üfe / 05 / 2009,06 / 01 / 2010, 18/002010, 28/002010, 01/27/2012 and 04/09/2012); Articles 1, ® fraction V Mso a), sub subsection iii) 4 and 12 fractions l and in of the Regulations of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/14/1999, signed on 07/01/2002, 1 »» 1) 7/2004, »/ 07/2004 and 7/09/2007); Articles 1 ·, 3 ·. r, Pteodon V subsection a), sub subsection II), 16 sections I and III and 3® of the Organic Statute OBI Instituid; Mexican Industrial Property (DOF 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007); 1, 3 and 5 »Subparagraph a) and arMpenóttto» porstó of the Agreement defending fScuttedee en toe Oireckires Generales Adjuntos. Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Regional Office Holders, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

Issue date: May 18, 2016

DIVISIONAL ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PATENT FUND EXAMINATION, AREAS

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METHOD AND SYSTEM. FOR DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCEOSLA

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FLUID

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit and priority for US Patent Application No. 12 / 986,860 filed on January 7, 2011, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

COUNTRYSIDE

The description of the request is directed to article distribution systems and methods for their use.

BACKGROUND

Various articles or products are frequently fed into linear distribution systems to transport or move those articles or products to one or more downstream processing stations. However, such linear distribution systems have numerous disadvantages. For example, linear distribution systems generally have a series of gates at various locations along the conveyor. However, because these gates are deployed along the length of the conveyor, the products can only be fed to one gate at a time. That is, as products are transported to the conveyor, the first products enter the first

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This method of feeding products.

New in-line or sequentially products in gates positioned along a linear conveyor can reduce the efficiency of available downstream processing stations, while at the same time increasing the required footprint of the distribution system.

Also, as products are directed towards a first gate along the conveyor, the downstream processing stations of other gates may close or enter pause mode until the first open gates are filled with When these packing stations they get reset, are more likely to clog or otherwise experience difficulties unlike machines that operate more regularly.

Additionally, because the upstream gates are always fed with products first, the processing stations associated with those gates tend to receive significantly more products than the processing stations associated with the gates below the line. Therefore, over time, the packing stations receive uneven use and wear at different rates.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a radial distribution system

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY to distribute products includes an internal passage and a plurality of radially separated openings around the internal passage. The internal passageway extends from a base portion to an upper portion of the radial distribution system and has an inlet in the base portion to allow products to enter the internal passageway. The plurality of openings is radially spaced around the inner passage in the upper portion to allow the products to exit the inner passage. A plurality

<td>10 of members</td><td>gate is</td><td>associated with at least</td><td>some of</td><td>the</td>

<td>plurality</td><td>of openings.</td><td>The members of</td><td>gate</td><td>I know</td>

<td>configure</td><td>to move</td><td>between a position</td><td>open</td><td>than</td>

<td>allows the</td><td>movement of</td><td>the products to</td><td>through</td><td>the</td>

opening associated with that gate member and a closed position 15 that restricts movement of the products through the opening associated with that gate member.

In some embodiments, a fluid collection area is provided. The fluid collection area at least partially surrounds the internal passage and is configured 20 to collect the discharged fluid from the internal passage.

In other embodiments, a plurality of product steering members define distribution flow paths that extend from at least some of the plurality of openings. Product management members may include a porous portion that extends over the area of

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fluid collection to allow fluid to pass through the product handling members to the fluid collection area. The porous portions of the product steering members may comprise wire cage members. The product steering members can also be curved as they extend radially from the openings.

In some embodiments, the internal passage may have a first cross-sectional area at the entrance and a second cross-sectional area at a location closer to the openings, the second cross-sectional area being larger than the first cross-sectional area . The internal passage can also be generally circular in cross section along its length.

In some embodiments, the gate members can be independently operable between the open and closed positions, regardless of the position of the other gate members. The gate members can be coupled to the upper portion of the radial distribution system. The gate members can also be configured to allow fluid to pass through the gate members when the gate members are in the closed position.

In another embodiment, a method is provided for

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE ^W OTIAPROPWAD industrial

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distribute products. The method includes directing the fluid and products through an inlet in the lower portion of a radial distribution system and into an internal passage of the radial distribution system, and directing the fluid and products through the internal passage to an upper portion of the internal passage. Fluid and products can be supplied through a plurality of openings in the upper portion of the internal passage and over a plurality of product steering members. At least a portion of the fluid can separate from the products as the products move through the product management members.

In some embodiments, one or more gate members may be provided, the gate members being associated with the openings. The gate members can be movable between an open position that allows product to flow through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts the flow of products through the opening associated with that gate member. At least one of the gate members can be closed to restrict the flow of products through the opening associated with that gate member. In some embodiments, the internal passage may have a cross-sectional area that increases from the entrance to the upper portion, and the action of directing

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Fluid and Products Through the Inner Passage Toward the upper portion of the inner passage comprises the velocity of the fluid flowing through the inner passage as it moves from the inlet to the upper portion.

In some embodiments, the action of separating the fluid portion of the products comprises directing the products through a portion of the product steering member that is porous, and allowing fluid to pass through the porous portion of the steering member of products to a fluid collection area. In other embodiments, the method includes supplying the products to a product accumulation tank that includes the fluid, pumping the fluid and products from the product accumulation tank to the radial distribution system, and supplying the fluid from the area of fluid collection to the product accumulation tank.

In another embodiment, a system for distributing products is provided. The system includes a product accumulation tank for receiving products in a fluid, a radial dispensing device, a first fluid flow path, and a plurality of product direction members. The device has an inlet in a lower portion of the device and an internal passage

<img file="MX339264B_D0008.tif" />

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extending from the entrance to 'an upper portion of the device. The device also has a plurality of radially spaced openings in the upper portion of the device. The first fluid flow path extends between the product accumulation tank and the inlet of the radial distribution device. The plurality of product steering members extend radially from the openings in the upper portion of the device.

In some modalities, the system includes an area of fluid collection for receiving fluid as it is discharged from the product steering members, and a second fluid flow path that extends between the fluid collection area and the product accumulation tank. In other embodiments, the fluid collection area can at least partially surround the internal passage of the device. A pump can also be provided and configured to supply fluid and products from the product accumulation tank to the inlet of the device.

In some embodiments, a plurality of gate members can be associated with at least some of the plurality of openings. The gate members can be configured to move between an open position that allows the movement of products through the

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY opening associated with that member of and ^]1P^to closed pcg-ir-iAn that restricts the movement of products through the opening associated with that gate member.

The foregoing and other objectives, characteristics and advantages of the modalities described herein will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a fluid-based distribution system to distribute the products to various downstream processing areas.

Figure 2 shows a top view of a fluid based distribution system.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid-based distribution system shown in Figure 2, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the fluid-based distribution system shown in

Figure 2.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the fluid based distribution system shown in Figure 2.

Figure 6 shows the fluid-based distribution system of Figure 4 with the fluid and exemplary products being distributed therein.

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INDUSTRIAL a perspective view of distribution based on

DETAILED

Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a fluid system.

DESCRIPTION

The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Various changes may be made to the embodiment described in the function and arrangement of the elements described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms one, one and the include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term includes means comprises. Furthermore, the terms coupled and associated generally mean electrically, electromagnetically and / or physically (eg, mechanically or chemically) coupled or attached and do not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated articles in the absence of specific contrary language.

Although the operations of the exemplary modalities of the disclosed method may be described in a particular sequential order for convenience of presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed modalities may encompass

<img file="MX339264B_D0011.tif" />

IMPI MEXICAN PROPERTY INSTITUTE

INDUSTRIAL an order of operations different from the particular sequential order described. For example, the operations described sequentially, in some cases may be reordered or performed concurrently. Furthermore, the descriptions and statements provided in association with a particular modality are not limited to that modality, and may apply to any described modality.

Furthermore, for simplicity, the accompanying figures may not show the various ways (easily discernible, on the basis of this description, by that of ordinary skill in the art) in which the described system, method and apparatus may be used in combination with other systems, methods and apparatus. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms such as produce and provide to describe the described method. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that can be carried out. The actual operations corresponding to these terms may vary depending on the particular implementation and, based on this description, are easily discernible by that of ordinary skill in the art.

Distribution systems, such as those described below, work to move products from one location to another for processing. To increase efficiency, it may be desirable to have a

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE V. ™ OF THE PROPERTY í t. INDUSTRIAL

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distribution capable of distributing products relatively evenly to multiple processing stations. Furthermore, because individual processing stations must be occasionally shut down or otherwise rendered temporarily inoperable, it may also be desirable to provide a distribution system that can dynamically respond to such processing needs by redirecting products from one processing station to another. The radial distribution systems described herein can allow products to be simultaneously routed to a plurality of processing stations or conveyor belts and, if desired, may be useful for stockpiling products and / or redirecting products from idle processing stations.

Figure 1 illustrates a fluid-based article selection and distribution system 100. In some embodiments, the system comprises a product accumulation tank 102, a radial distribution system 104, and a fluid supply path 106 through from which the products can be moved from the product accumulation tank 102 to the radial distribution system 104. Product accumulation tank 102 may comprise a tank containing a volume of fluid 110, such as water, into which products 108 may be supplied. In some embodiments, products 108 ijviri

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

DE LA EROME DAD INDUSTRIAL includes whole potatoes or fresh potatoes. However, it should be understood that other edible products can be similarly distributed using the fluid-based article selection and distribution systems described herein.

Initially, product 108 may be supplied to product accumulation tank 102. Products 108 may be supplied to product accumulation tank 102 in any known manner. Thus, for example, products 108 may be supplied on a conveyor 112 that transports products 108 from a product collection area (not shown) to product accumulation tank 102. As shown in Figure 1, products 108 can simply be dropped into product accumulation reservoir 102, with fluid 110 substantially preventing damage to products 108 from occurring as they fall. Alternatively, other methods can be used to reduce the distance that products 108 fall from the product loading area (eg, conveyor 102). For example, slides or ramps or other such delivery mechanisms may be used to slow down the products 108 entering the product storage tank 102.

The product storage tank 102 may be large enough to collect and store the

<img file="MX339264B_D0013.tif" />

IMPI

INSTITU IO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD

INDUSTRIAL desired quantity of products 108 in it. As the products 108 accumulate in the product accumulation tank 102, part of the products 108 may leave the product accumulation tank 102 and enter the fluid supply path 106. Fluid supply path 106 may comprise a tube or other conduit having a sufficiently large cross-sectional area so that fluid 110 can move products 108 through fluid supply path 106. Therefore, by For example, a larger diameter product may require a larger diameter pipe. A pump 114 may be provided to pump fluid 110, along with products 108 into fluid 110, from product accumulation reservoir 102. As products 108 are pumped into fluid supply path 106, they move in the direction of the arrow

116 towards the radial distribution system 104.

The radial distribution system 104 comprises an opening (inlet) 118 in fluid communication with the fluid supply path 106. An internal passage

120 it extends from opening 118 into radial distribution system 104. As fluid 110 flows into opening 118 and into internal passage 120, products 108 are similarly directed into opening 118 and into internal passage 120 One or more openings 122 ⁿ*^STI sawⁱJ '^l? Mexican :

in the internal passage 120 they allow the products 108 to exit the internal passage 120 and their flow towards a plurality of distribution flow paths 124.

Fluid 110 is also pumped through internal passage 120 and out of openings 122. As fluid 110 exits openings 122, it flows into fluid collection area 12 6 as shown by arrows 128. From the fluid collection area

126, fluid 110 returns to product accumulation tank 102 through a fluid supply return path 130 in the direction shown by arrows 132. Accordingly, the fluid 110 in the fluid-based article selection and distribution system 100 operates as a closed-loop supply system that supplies the products 108 from the product accumulation tank 102 to the radial distribution system 104 and it is then recycled to be reused in supplying additional products from product accumulation tank 102 to radial distribution system 104.

Products 108 leaving the internal passage flow into a plurality of distribution flow paths 124. These distribution flow paths 124 direct the products 108 in a predetermined direction for further processing. For example, as shown in Figure 1, products 108 can

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head to one or more additional 134 transport devices, such as a double screw feeder! 7 then cut into any desired shape by means of cutting machines 136. Products 108 that have been directed into flow distribution path 124 and cut by a cutting machine 136 can then be bagged and / or subjected to further processing.

Again referring to Figure 1, considering that the fluid supply path 106 has some bend or curve between the product accumulation tank 102 and the radial distribution system 104, the fluid supply path 106 is preferably relatively straight near opening 118. By providing a relatively straight section of fluid supply path 106 prior to directing fluid 110 (and products 108) through opening 118, turbulence in fluid flow 110 can be reduced, providing a supply of more products efficient and consistent towards radial distribution system 104. In some embodiments, the fluid supply path 106 comprises a relatively straight section extending at least twice the radius of the fluid supply path 106 in length from the opening 118 of the radial distribution system 104.

Although Figure 1 illustrates a system that uses

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A pump for directing the fluid and the products carried by the fluid to a radial distribution system, it should be understood, however, that other systems and methods may be used to direct the fluid to a radial distribution system. For example, instead of a pump, fluid can be directed to the radial distribution system using a gravity-operated channel system capable of providing the required amount of fluid flow (eg, water) to the radial distribution system to distribute products such as is described herein.

Figures 2 to 5 illustrate various views of one embodiment of a radial distribution system 104. Figure 2 illustrates a top view of radial distribution system 104 and Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of radial distribution system 104, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2. As seen in Figures 2 and 3, internal passage 120 is defined by a lower wall portion 140 and an upper wall portion 142. The upper and lower wall portions 140, 142 collectively define the internal passage. The terms lower and upper refer to relative positions, not the lower or upper portions of the system. That is, any portion that is on a lower portion can be considered an upper portion and any portion that is4 below a

IMPI ^INsti™ tomexicano of property V- ... 'tr'á industrial upper portion can be considered a lower portion.

As best seen in Figure 3, the bottom wall portion 140 comprises a generally cylindrical portion that includes opening 118. The diameter (or width) of the generally cylindrical portion is indicated in Figure 3 as DI. The lower wall portion increases its diameter (or width) from DI to D2 as it extends upward. Similarly, the upper wall portion 142 increases its diameter (or width) as it extends upward. Therefore, the upper wall portion 142 increases in diameter from diameter D2 to diameter

D3 near the plurality of openings 122. Furthermore, the upper wall portion increases its diameter additionally from the diameter D3 near the openings.

122 up to diameter D4 over openings 122. As shown in Figure 3, DI &lt;D2 &lt;D3 &lt;D4.

The increase in diameter from opening 118 to openings 122 reduces the speed with which products 108 move through internal passage 120 of radial distribution system 104 by decreasing fluid flow through those areas. Preferably, the fluid supply path 106 is configured with a diameter only slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the product being dispensed therein. This configuration allows fluid 110 to flow through the supply path

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IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY fluid 106 at a relatively high speed. High speeds can help reduce the occurrence of jamming of products 108 within fluid supply path 106. However, the speed within internal passage 120 is desirably lower than the speed within fluid supply path. 106. The widening of internal passage 120, as shown in Figure 3, functions as a vertical decelerator that reduces the speed of fluid 110 (and consequently products 108) as it moves through internal passage 120 toward the openings 122.

Again referring to Figure 2, a plurality of openings 122 are provided in the upper wall portion 142. Each opening 122 can lead to a flow distribution path 124 defined by the product steering members (eg, members of wire cage and / or other surfaces that may direct the movement of the products from the openings). Figure 2 illustrates eight openings 122 leading to eight distribution flow paths 124. However, it should be understood that different numbers of openings and distribution flow paths are possible. Thus, for example, radial distribution system 104 may have as few as three distribution flow paths or as many as sixteen distribution flow paths.

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

In some embodiments, it may be possible to have more than sixteen distribution flow paths; however, depending on the product being dispensed, the diameter D3 near the openings 122 will likely have to be increased significantly to support such a large number of distribution flow paths.

Each flow distribution path 124 may include a fluid reduction portion (eg, a drain portion) 146. The fluid reduction portions 146 are configured such that the fluid (eg, water) exiting through the Openings 122 with products 108 can be removed from flow distribution path 124. In this way, fluid 110 can be separated from products 108 and, if desired, directed back to product accumulation tank 102 for reuse. As best seen in Figure 3, the fluid reduction portions 146 may comprise paths that have porous areas to allow fluid 110 to pass through the fluid reduction portions 146. Such porous paths may comprise, for example, wire cage members having sufficient structure to prevent products 108 from passing through the porous areas, while allowing the downward flow of fluid 110 to a fluid collection area 126. Fluid collection area 126 can generally surround portions of Mexican institute λΑ

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Hence, the upper and lower wall area 140, 142.

Fluid collection 126 can be defined by the space between an outer wall surface of the upper and lower wall portions 140, 142, and an inner surface of an outer wall member 148. One or more outlets 150 may be provided to direct the fluid. 110 from fluid collection area 126 back to product accumulation tank 102.

Distribution flow paths 124 outside of fluid reduction portions 146 can also comprise porous paths; however, because most of the fluid 110 has been removed from the distribution flow paths 124 in the fluid reduction portions 146, distribution flow paths 124 may be formed outside of the fluid reduction portions 146 without none of such porous areas.

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the distribution flow paths 124 can curve or move as they extend from the openings 122. The curvature of the distribution flow paths 124 may be useful for certain products, such as whole potatoes. Whole potatoes (regular or fresh) can roll as they exit openings 122 and enter flow distribution path 124. Such a rotational movement may be undesirable because the

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FROM THE FROFIEDAO industrial rolling potatoes tend to move somewhat erratically ^ By curving the flow distribution path 124 in the manner shown in Figures 2 and 4, whole potatoes are more likely to slide through the flow paths distribution 124 in a controlled manner.

A plurality of radially spaced gate members 152 can be positioned adjacent to openings 122, each gate member 152 positioned adjacent to an opening 122. Each gate member 152 can be configured to be operable to move between an open position and a closed position. In an open position, gate member 152 allows products 108 to pass through opening 122 associated with that gate member 152. In the closed position, gate member 152 restricts the passage of products 108 through opening 122 associated with that gate member 152.

Various configurations can be used to open and close gate members 152. For example, as best shown in FIG. 5, each gate member 152 can be installed on and / or coupled to a gate air cylinder 154, which is configured to move the gate member 152 up and down between the open and closed positions. Alternatively, the gate member

152 can be opened by sliding in another direction (eg,

<img file="MX339264B_D0019.tif" />

<img file="MX339264B_D0020.tif" />

tea? 'to the sides) and / or configured to move between an open and closed position in other ways, such as by rotating around a hinge member. Because the gate members can be opened and closed independently, at any given time one or more gate members can be in an open position while other gate members are in a closed position. Furthermore, it may be desirable to allow the gate member to be operable in a partially open position.

Referring to Figure 3, the cross-sectional view of radial distribution system 104 illustrates two gates in an open position and a door in a closed position. Gate member 152 may comprise an opening restriction portion 156. Opening restriction portion 156 may be a porous member, such as the tape-like structure shown in Figure 3. Thus, when the gate member 152 is in the closed position, fluid 110 may still be allowed to pass through the closed gate member 152. In order to move gate member 152 to the open position, opening restriction portion 156 may be moved out of opening 122. In some embodiments, this may comprise moving opening restriction portion 156 up and away from the

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OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY opening 122.

In other embodiments, the opening restriction portion 156 can be moved downward causing an opening permitting portion of the gate member 152 to align with opening 122, thus allowing products 108 to pass through opening 122 and its entrance to the flow distribution path 124.

Figure 6 illustrates the radial distribution system 104 in operation. For convenience, other elements of the system (such as fluid charging tubes or downstream processing stations) are omitted. As seen in Figure 6, products (eg, potatoes) can be transported upward to the top of radial distribution system 104 by means of fluid (eg, water) until the products find an open gate member 152 . As the products pass through the gate member 152, the products drain out as they pass through and / or over the fluid reducing portions 146. The depleted products are then directed along the respective flow paths distribution 124.

The substantially random nature of the flow of the products 108 through the internal passage 120 of the radial distribution system 104 helps to keep the products distributed uniformly towards i ivi ri „· *!&gt; * · * Fe

INSTITUTO MEXICANO delaprojedao industiual the various openings 122. If any gate member 152 is closed, the products 108 will circulate within the radial distribution system 104 until a gate member 152 is found in the open position. Once products 108 reach that open gate member 152, they can exit through opening 122 and move over the flow distribution path.

124 associated.

As noted above, each of the gate members 152 can be opened and closed separately (individually) ,. Accordingly, if there is a problem with one of the downstream processing stations, the corresponding gate member that controls the flow of the products to that processing station may be closed to prevent further products 108 from being directed to that station.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of a radial distribution system 204. As in other systems described herein, radial distribution system 204 comprises an opening (inlet) through which fluid and products can be received and a passage internal extending from the opening into the radial distribution system 204. As fluid (eg, water) flows into the opening and into the internal passage, products can be directed along one or more reduction portions of

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INSTITUTO Mf.XICANt PE LA monedad INDUSTRIAL fluid 246 or drainage paths.

After leaving the fluid reduction portions 246, the products are supplied to a base member 250. In some embodiments, the base member 250 substantially surrounds the fluid reduction portions 146. The base member 250 can be configured to retain the products if it is necessary. For example, base member 250 may be surrounded by one or more walls 252 that allow products to be retained within base member 250.

Products can be routed from fluid reduction portions 146 to base member 250. In some embodiments, products can be routed directly from fluid reduction portions 246 to a plurality of distribution flow paths 224. Flow paths of Distribution 224 may be coupled to base member 250 or otherwise positioned adjacent to base member 250. Openings 254 can be provided in wall (s) 252 to allow products to pass from base member 250 to distribution flow paths 224. Gate members (not shown) can be provided adjacent openings 254 to control the flow of products through openings 254. The gate members can be formed as described above or in other ways to restrict the passage of the products through a respective opening 254

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IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY in one configuration (a closed configuration) and to allow products to pass through the respective opening 254 in another configuration (an open configuration).

The gate members can be controlled independently in the same manner as the other gate members described herein. By closing the gate members, the distribution of products to the respective flow distribution path 224 can be interrupted or stopped, causing the products to accumulate in the base member 250. To direct the accumulator products in the base member 250 to an open gate member, the base member 250 may be coupled to a vibrating mechanism or other such structure, capable of moving the products radially along the base member 250. In other embodiments, the products can move radially from a closed opening 254 to another opening 254 by radially directing the fluid along the base member 250.

In certain embodiments, one or more gate members may be partially open to accommodate the size of products that are allowed to pass through the gate member. A so-called partially open gate member may also include a gate member configured with one or more openings in the gate member to allow products to pass through the gate member when the gate member is

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MEXICAN PROPERTY INSTITUTE

INDUSTRIAL

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found in an otherwise closed position. Therefore, instead of being a gate member movable to a certain position to expose a gate opening, such a gate member could have one or more openings in the gate member itself. Such openings could be used to sort or otherwise select products. For example, the openings could be sized to allow only products of certain characteristics to pass through the openings. Thus, for example, such gate members could be used to discard whole potatoes of smaller dimensions from selection processing involving the distribution of whole potatoes of larger dimensions.

It should be noted that the dimensional specifications may vary depending on the products that are distributed. In fact, the optimal dimensional specifications of the device can vary significantly for a single type of product (eg, whole fresh potatoes) in view of the natural variation of potatoes and the commercial preferences for different sizes and cuts of fresh potatoes.

Products to be distributed in accordance with the radial distribution systems described herein, can be processed in various ways before reaching distribution system 100. For example, processing

IM PI

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Processing heating pre-distribution processing can take place upstream of conveyor 112. Such an upstream processing station may include, for example, food stations such as cutting and / or After leaving the upstream station, the products can be supplied to a product storage tank 102 for supply to the system. Radial distribution to distribute to one or more downstream processing stations. These additional processing stations could include, for example, in the case of potatoes, cutting machines, frying machines, freezing machines and / or packaging machines.

In conventional linear distribution systems (called recirculation systems), products that arrive at the end of the linear conveyor without entering an open gate are then dropped onto several linear conveyor belts to change the direction of transportation of the products and return the products. at the start of the linear conveyor. In contrast, when products are fed into the fluid-based radial distribution systems described herein, the products accumulate in internal passage 120 of radial distribution system 104 until exiting through an open gate member. Therefore, the

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Radial distribution described above does not require complex and lengthy recirculation systems to recirculate products for distribution. Products can be intentionally accumulated over a limited period of time (a few minutes, for example, depending on the flow rate of the products and the size of the base member) by closing all gates or semi-accumulating by closing enough gates such that the rate of the products in the flow exceeds the rate of the products out of the flow. This has several benefits. The radial distribution systems described herein eliminate the multiple drop points required by recirculation systems to recirculate products. Decreasing the number of drop points reduces damage to products during distribution. Also, the radial distribution system can be cleaned more easily using Clean-In-Place (CIP) technology because it is a relatively compact system.

Furthermore, by using a fluid (eg, water) as the distribution medium, the transfer of products from one location can be dampened by the fluid. Thus, for example, as products are supplied into the internal passage and out of the openings, the fluid can soften the effect of changes in height. In this way, they can be eliminated and / or greatly reduced

IMPí / ss »

MLXICANC INSTITUTE

OWNERSHIP UVlH 'industrial measures the negative effects associated with conventional systems that require, for example, dropping products from one conveyor to another.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention can be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. Consequently, we claim as our invention everything contained in the scope and spirit of these claims.

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