US 11,885,074 B2
Tie plate dispenser and method therefore
Coty T. Coots, Shepherdsville, KY (US)
Assigned to B & B Metals, Inc., Shepherdsville, KY (US)
Filed by B & B Metals, Inc., Shephersville, KY (US)
Filed on Dec. 21, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/069,869.
Application 18/069,869 is a continuation of application No. 16/910,918, filed on Jun. 24, 2020, granted, now 11,578,464.
Prior Publication US 2023/0121877 A1, Apr. 20, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. E01B 29/32 (2006.01); B65G 15/12 (2006.01); B65G 43/08 (2006.01); B65G 47/244 (2006.01); B65G 47/14 (2006.01)
CPC E01B 29/32 (2013.01) [B65G 15/12 (2013.01); B65G 43/08 (2013.01); B65G 47/1485 (2013.01); B65G 47/244 (2013.01); B65G 2201/02 (2013.01); B65G 2203/042 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
16. A method of operating a tie plate dispenser, comprising:
sensing with a sensor, a feature of a tie plate
magnetically engaging said tie plate from a conveying surface;
determining a first orientation or a second orientation of said tie plate from said sensing;
extending an actuator if said determining indicates said tie plate is in one of said first orientation or said second orientation;
selectively releasing the tie plate;
changing the orientation of said tie plate if said tie plate is in said one of said first orientation or said second orientation as the tie plate falls from said selectively releasing.