Patent Name: Object transport and sorting assemblies and methods

Patent # 7185748 B2

Date: March 6, 2007

Abstract: An object sorting apparatus and method using chutes for transporting objects to selected locations. The chutes include one or more openings through which a fluid may be forced to reduce friction between the objects and the chute. Diverters are operatively aligned with the chutes for directing the objects to selected chutes. A momentum mechanism imparts forward motion to the objects to move them along the chutes along the chutes.