Linear drive for vibratory apparatus

Abstract

A vibratory feeder apparatus includes a bed, a base, a plurality of elastic amplifiers having a first end connected to the bed and a second end connected to the base, and a plurality of elastic isolators coupled to the base to support the base above surrounding terrain. The feeder apparatus also includes a pneumatically operated linear actuator mounted on the base and having a housing and a reciprocating mass slidably disposed inside the housing. The reciprocating mass is isolated from mechanical connection to any component outside of the housing.

1 . A vibratory feeder apparatus for transporting work material, the apparatus comprising: 
 a bed defining a transport surface for receiving the work material;    a base;    a plurality of elastic amplifiers having a first end connected to the bed and a second end connected to the base to support the bed on the base;    a plurality of elastic isolators coupled to the base to support the base above surrounding terrain; and    a pneumatically operated linear actuator mounted on the base and having a housing and a reciprocating mass slidably disposed inside the housing, wherein the reciprocating mass is isolated from mechanical connection to any component outside of the housing, the reciprocating mass being responsive to pneumatic fluid pressure supplied to the actuator, wherein the pneumatic fluid pressure is controlled to generate a linear vibratory force in the base that is amplified by the elastic amplifier thereby to move the bed in a vibratory motion and convey the work material along the transport surface in response to the vibratory motion of the bed.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the reciprocating mass comprises a reciprocating piston that is actuated at a frequency and an amplitude.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , in which the frequency and amplitude of the piston are adjustable.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the plurality of elastic amplifier comprises a plurality of springs.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , in which the plurality of elastic isolators comprises a plurality of springs.