Feeding hopper system, machine provided with such a system, kit for assembling the same, and corresponding methods of assembling, operating and use associated thereto

Abstract

There is provided a feeding hopper system including a default base component being shaped and sized for containing clips intended to be processed and subsequently fed into a clip-receiving machine, and at least one adjustable complementary component being removably mountable onto the default base component for forming a resulting feeding hopper receptacle capable of processing different types of clips intended to be vibratingly conveyed for subsequent feeding into the clip-receiving machine in a dispensing orientation, the default base component providing at least one primary segment of the clip track, and the at least one adjustable complementary component provides a complementary segment of the clip track for ensuring a continuous flow of clips, the at least one adjustable complementary component being selectively mountable onto the default base component based on a given geometrical profile of the type of clips to be processed by the feeding hopper system.

Description

[0001] FEEDING HOPPER SYSTEM, MACHINE PROVIDED WITH SUCH A SYSTEM, KIT FOR ASSEMBLING THE SAME, AND CORRESPONDING METHODS OF ASSEMBLING, OPERATING AND USE ASSOCIATED THERETO

[0002] Cross-related

[0003] The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 63 / 582,884, filed on September 15th, 2023, entitled “FEEDING HOPPER SYSTEM, MACHINE PROVIDED WITH SUCH A SYSTEM, KIT FOR ASSEMBLING THE SAME, AND CORRESPONDING METHODS OF ASSEMBLING, OPERATING and USE ASSOCIATED THERETO”, the content of which is entirely and / or selectively incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Field of the invention:

[0005] The present invention relates to the field of clip distribution for clip-receiving machines, devices and / or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a feeding hopper system, as well as to a machine provided with such a system, and also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling the same, and to corresponding methods of manufacturing, operating and / or use associated thereto.

[0006] Machines for processing blank profiles are known in the art.

[0007] For example, Canadian patent No. 2,995,130, granted on September 11th, 2018 (as well as US patent No. 10,639,810 B2, granted on May 5th, 2020, and other equivalent(s)), in the name of MICHAUD et al., relates to a “method and cutting apparatus for cutting blank profiles”. This document describes a cutting apparatus for cutting blank profiles. The cutting apparatus comprises a first cutting device located at a first position in the apparatus, a second cutting device located at a second position, the second position being separated from the first position along a first axis of the apparatus, and a third cutting device located at a third position, the third position being separated from the first position along a second axis and along a third axis of the apparatus. A chariot moves along the third axis while a support adapted to hold a blank profile is mounted to the chariot and moves along the first and second axes of the apparatus. A greater number of cutting devices may be used. Cutting devices may be arranged in rows along the third axis. A method of cutting blank profiles is also disclosed.

[0008] Machines, devices and / or methods for the distribution of clips intended for clipreceiving applications are also well known in the art.

[0009] For example, known in the art is the patented technology having been developed by the very same Applicant / Assignee as that of the present case.

[0010] Namely, Canadian patent No. 2,841 ,789, granted on July 5th, 2012 (as well as US patent No. 9,266,685 B2, granted on February 23rd, 2016, and other equivalent(s)), in the name of PERRON, relates to a “clip separating system, kit for assembling the same, and corresponding methods of operating and assembling associated thereto.” This document describes a clip separating system for separating a clip from an accumulation of clips contained within a feeding assembly. The clip separating system includes a separating assembly having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the separating assembly being operatively connected to an outlet of the feeding assembly for receiving the clip to be separated therefrom, a path being defined between the inlet and the outlet of the separating assembly, the clip to be separated being positively driven along said path via a corresponding driving component of the clip separating system, the outlet of the separating assembly being vertically offset with respect to the outlet of the feeding assembly. The content of this document is entirely and / or selectively incorporated herein by reference. Machines, devices and / or methods for inserting attachments into a seal are also well known in the art.

[0011] Canadian patent No. 2,701 ,570, granted on November 18th, 2014 (as well as US patent No. 8,528,183 B2, granted on September 10th, 2013, and other equivalent(s)), in the name of MICHAUD et al., relates to a “system for inserting blind attachments.” This document describes a system for inserting blind attachments having an entry point and an exit point for a seal. The seal enters by way of the entry point and continues its guided course by being moved by a pair of servo pullers. A linear drive servo drill makes a first hole into the seal and, as the seal is moved by the servo pullers, the first hole is in position to have a blind attachment inserted therethrough by way of an insertion tool. At the same time that the blind attachment is inserted, a second hole is made in the seal by having the servo drill moved at the appropriate location.

[0012] Despite known improvements over the years, there is always a need to continue innovating and finding better and / or different ways of distributing clips and / or improving various aspects thereof (ex. increasing possible output rate, increasing adaptability and versatility, etc.), for example, and to be able do so, in a quicker, simpler, more precise, more efficient, more economical, more reliable, more adjustable, more versatile, more adaptable, more durable, more environmentally conscientious, more desirable, and / or improved manner, than what is possible with the actual way of doing things.

[0013] Therefore, it would be particularly useful to be able to provide an improved feeding hopper system (and / or associated method) which would be able to overcome or at the very least minimize some of known drawbacks associated with conventional systems and ways of doing in the field of clip distribution for clip-receiving machines, for example.

[0014] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a feeding hopper system which by virtue of its design and its components, would satisfy some of the above-mentioned needs, and which would thus be an improvement over other related feeding hoppers, systems and / or methods known in the prior art.

[0015] The above main object is achieved, as will be better understood, by a feeding hopper system (and / or associated method) such as the one briefly described in the present description, and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.

[0016] More particularly, and according to one aspect of the present invention, an objective is to provide a feeding hopper system comprising: a default base component being positioned, shaped and sized for containing clips intended to be processed and subsequently fed into a clip-receiving machine; and at least one adjustable complementary component being removably mountable onto the default base component, for forming a resulting feeding hopper receptacle capable of processing different types of clips intended to be vibrating ly conveyed along a given traveling path for subsequent feeding into the clip-receiving machine, the default base component providing a main portion of the travelling path, and the at least one adjustable complementary component providing a complementary portion of the travelling path, for ensuring a continuous flow of clips with the default base component, the at least one adjustable complementary component including a channel being positioned, shaped and sized for orienting clips to be processed along a desired disposition, the at least one adjustable complementary component and associated channel being selectively mountable onto the default base component based on a given geometrical profile of the type of clips to be processed by the feeding hopper system. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a feeding hopper receptacle comprising at least one component and / or feature, such as described and / or illustrated in the present specification, and intended to be used with the above-mentioned feeding hopper system.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a machine (ex. a clip-receiving machine, etc.) provided with the above-mentioned feeding hopper system and / or feeding hopper receptacle.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit with corresponding components for assembling the above-mentioned feeding hopper system, feeding hopper receptacle and / or machine.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned feeding hopper system, feeding hopper receptacle and / or machine.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of operating the above-mentioned feeding hopper system, feeding hopper receptacle and / or machine.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of using the above-mentioned feeding hopper system, feeding hopper receptacle and / or machine.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a set of components to be interchanged on the above-mentioned feeding hopper system, feeding hopper receptacle and / or machine. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing one or another of the components of the above-mentioned feeding hopper system, feeding hopper receptacle and / or machine.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of operating one and / or another of the components of the above-mentioned feeding hopper system, feeding hopper receptacle and / or machine.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of distributing (ex. dispensing, etc.) clips using one and / or another of the components of the above-mentioned feeding hopper system, feeding hopper receptacle and / or machine.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a product (ex. blank profile provided with clips, etc.) having been obtained with the above-mentioned feeding hopper system, feeding hopper receptacle, machine, kit, component(s) and / or method(s).

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of doing business with the above-mentioned feeding hopper system, feeding hopper receptacle, machine, kit, component(s), method(s), component(s), set and / or product.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided feeding hopper system comprising a default base component being shaped and sized for containing clips intended to be processed and subsequently fed into a clipreceiving machine and at least one adjustable complementary component being removably mountable onto the default base component for forming a resulting feeding hopper receptacle capable of processing different types of clips intended to be vibratingly conveyed along a given clip track for subsequent feeding into the clip- receiving machine in a dispensing orientation, the default base component providing at least one primary segment of the clip track, and the at least one adjustable complementary component providing a complementary segment of the clip track for ensuring a continuous flow of clips, the at least one adjustable complementary component being selectively mountable onto the default base component based on a given geometrical profile of the type of clips to be processed by the feeding hopper system.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a default base component for a feeding hopper system capable of processing different types of clips, the default base component comprising a base component body defining a clip receiving portion and one or more module-receiving interfaces configured to mate with at least one adjustable complementary component specific to a type of clip to be processed, wherein the base component body, when assembled with the at least one adjustable complementary component, forms a resulting feeding hopper receptacle defining a clip track capable of vibratingly conveying the clips associated with the at least one adjustable complementary component along the clip track for subsequent feeding into a clip-receiving machine in a dispensing orientation (ex. being specific and adaptable to the particular wants / needs of the given type of clip to be processed, etc.).

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of dispensing clips, the method comprising providing a default base component capable of processing different types of clips, removably mounting at least one adjustable complementary component to a module-receiving interface of the default base component to form a resulting feeding hopper receptacle, the at least one adjustable complementary component being specific to a type of clip to be processed, depositing a plurality of clips within a clip receiving portion of the default base component, and oscillating the default base component to vibratingly convey the clips along a clip track defined by the default base component and the at least one adjustable complementary component, wherein vibratingly conveying the clips along the clip track comprises orienting the clips into a dispensing orientation for subsequent feeding into the clip-receiving machine.

[0030] The objects, advantages, and / or other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and given for the purpose of exemplification(s) only.

[0031] Brief description of the enclosed drawinq(s):

[0032] The attached figures illustrate various features, aspects and / or embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a feeding hopper system, in accordance with an embodiment, shown in an exploded relationship with a clip-receiving machine, such as a feeding assembly, for example.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a front top perspective view of the feeding hopper system shown in FIG. 1 mounted to the feeding assembly.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a rear top perspective view of the feeding hopper system, in accordance with another embodiment, shown in an exploded relationship with a feeding assembly.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a front top perspective view of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 3 mounted to the feeding assembly.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a front top perspective view of a feeding hopper system shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a rear top perspective view of the feeding hopper system shown in

[0038] FIG. 5.

[0039] FIG. 7 is an exploded rear top perspective view of the feeding hopper system shown in FIG. 5.

[0040] FIG. 8 is an exploded front top perspective view of the feeding hopper system shown in FIG. 5.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a right-side top perspective view of a feeding hopper system of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a front top perspective view of the feeding hopper system shown in FIG. 9.

[0043] FIG. 11 is an exploded front top perspective view of the feeding hopper system shown in FIG. 9.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a right-side top perspective view of a feeding hopper system of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a front top perspective view of the feeding hopper system shown in FIG. 12.

[0046] FIG. 14 is an exploded front top perspective view of the feeding hopper system shown in FIG. 12.

[0047] FIG. 15 is a rear top perspective view of a discharge module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a front top perspective view of the discharge module shown in FIG.

[0048] 15.

[0049] FIG. 17 is a front top perspective view of a discharge module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 18 is a rear top perspective view of the discharge module shown in FIG. 17.

[0051] FIG. 19 is a front top perspective view of a discharge module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 20 is a rear top perspective view of the discharge module shown in FIG. 19.

[0053] FIG. 21 is a rear top perspective view of a discharge module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 22 is a front top perspective view of the discharge module shown in FIG. 21.

[0055] FIG. 23 is a rear top perspective view of a discharge module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 24 is a front top perspective view of the discharge module shown in FIG. 23.

[0057] FIG. 25 is a rear top perspective view of a discharge module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment. FIG. 26 is a front top perspective view of the discharge module shown in FIG.

[0058] 25.

[0059] FIG. 27 is a rear top perspective view of a discharge module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 28 is a front top perspective view of the discharge module shown in FIG. 27.

[0061] FIG. 29 is a front top perspective view of a clip orienting module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 30 is rear top perspective of the clip orienting module shown in FIG. 29.

[0063] FIG. 31 is a front top perspective view of a clip orienting module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 32 is rear top perspective of the clip orienting module shown in FIG. 31 .

[0065] FIG. 33 is a front top perspective view of a clip orienting module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 34 is rear top perspective of the clip orienting module shown in FIG. 33.

[0067] FIG. 35 is a front top perspective view of a clip orienting module and an accessory module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment. FIG. 36 is rear top perspective of the clip orienting module shown and the accessory module in FIG. 35.

[0068] FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of an accessory module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 38 is bottom perspective of the accessory module shown in FIG. 37.

[0070] FIG. 39 is a top perspective view of an accessory module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 40 is bottom perspective of the accessory module shown in FIG. 39.

[0072] FIG. 41 is a top perspective view of an accessory module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0073] FIG. 42 is bottom perspective of the accessory module shown in FIG. 41.

[0074] FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of an accessory module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 44 is bottom perspective of the accessory module shown in FIG. 43.

[0076] FIG. 45 is a top perspective view of an accessory module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0077] FIG. 46 is bottom perspective of the accessory module shown in FIG. 45.

[0078] FIG. 47 is a top perspective view of an accessory module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment. FIG. 48 is bottom perspective of the accessory module shown in FIG. 47.

[0079] FIG. 49 is a top perspective view of an accessory module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0080] FIG. 50 is bottom perspective of the accessory module shown in FIG. 49.

[0081] FIG. 51 is a top perspective view of an accessory module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0082] FIG. 52 is bottom perspective of the accessory module shown in FIG. 51.

[0083] FIG. 53 is a top perspective view of an accessory module of the feeding hopper assembly shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment.

[0084] FIG. 54 is bottom perspective of the accessory module shown in FIG. 53.

[0085] Description of preferred embodiments of the invention:

[0086] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several reference numbers, only some figures have been provided with reference numbers, and components and features of the present invention illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and / or dimensions shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purpose(s) only.

[0087] Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered that all elongated objects will have an implicit “longitudinal axis” or “centerline”, whether rectilinear and / or not, such as the longitudinal axis of an elongated object (ex. profile, channel, cylinder, track, etc.), for example, or the centerline of a coiled spring / path, for example, and that expressions such as “connected” and “connectable”, or “mounted” and “mountable”, may be interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully-assembled and fully-operational feeding hopper system.

[0088] Moreover, components of the present system(s) and / or steps of the method(s) described herein could be modified, simplified, altered, omitted and / or interchanged, without departing from the scope of the present invention, depending on the particular application(s) which the present invention is intended for, and the desired end result(s), as briefly exemplified herein and as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0089] In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprise various components, and although the preferred embodiments of the present feeding hopper system and corresponding portion(s) / part(s) / component(s) as shown consist of certain geometrical configurations, as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e., should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation there in between, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the present feeding hopper system and corresponding portion(s) / part(s) / component(s) according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred here from by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0090] Broadly described, the present invention, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, relates to an improved feeding hopper system (and / or associated method) which, among various other advantages, enables to not only process different types of articles including, for instance, clips, but also, enables adaptability and versatility in that it is capable of being easily and conveniently adjusted based on a particular type of article to be processed, something that is not possible with conventional feeding hopper systems, but also may enable muchly increased output rates, when compared to conventional feeding hopper systems. The present invention also relates to a kit with corresponding components intended for assembling the same (ex. feeding hopper system and / or associated machine), and / or to put into practice the feeding hopper system, as well as to corresponding methods of assembling, operating, concentrating and / or use associated thereto.

[0091] Although the present invention was primarily designed as a “feeding hopper” system (or simply, “hopper”) intended for the distribution of clips to be used for clipreceiving machines, such as machines for manufacturing blank profiles with clips to be used on vehicles, for example, the invention may be used with any other type of system(s) and / or for any other type(s) of application(s) and / or useful end(s), as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as “feeding”, “hopper”, “receptacle”, “clip(s)”, “blank(s)”, “profile(s)”, “vehicle(s)”, etc., as used herein, and / or any other reference(s) and / or expression(s) equivalent or similar to these expressions should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention and include any other kind of object / substitute and / or any other application with which the present invention could be used and may be useful, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0092] Moreover, in the context of the present invention, expressions such as “feeding”, “hopper”, “receptacle”, “system”, “kit”, “device”, “assembly”, “mechanism”, “product”, “apparatus”, “add-on”, “retrofit", etc., as well as any other equivalent expression(s) and / or compound word(s) thereof, may be used interchangeably in the context of the present description, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as: a) “convey”, “distribute”, “dispense”, “feed”, “input”, “intake”, etc.; b) “clip(s)”, “piece(s)”, “part(s)”, etc.; c) “process”, “accept”, “reject”, “orient”, "align", “position”, “fit”, “push”, “pull”, “flow”, “bias”, etc.; d) “vibrate”, “oscillate”, “reciprocate”, “shake”, etc.; e) “path”, “channel”, “passage”, “floor”, “support”, “wall”, “conduit”, “slot”, “slit”, “groove”, “hole”, “orifice”, “bore”, etc.; d) “controller”, “command”, “computer”, “circuit”, “hardware”, “software”, “program”, “electric, electronic and computer components”; as well as any other mutually equivalent expressions, related to the aforementioned expressions and / or to any other structural and / or functional aspects of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0093] Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the present invention / technology can not only be commercialized as a “resulting feeding hopper system”, per se, but also, via the commercialization and sales of associated component(s) and / or parts thereof only, as well, such as, for example, a feeding hopper receptacle, associated component(s) and / or accessory(ies), etc.

[0094] Other possible aspect(s), objective(s), embodiment(s), variant(s) and / or resulting advantage(s) of the present invention, all being preferred and / or optional, are briefly summarized hereinbelow.

[0095] Namely, the reading of the following paragraphs, in association with the drawings, will enable to better understand how the advantages having been announced are associated with the technical novelties of the invention.

[0096] List of numerical references and / or of illustrated in the enclosed drawings and / or being possible for the present system:

[0097] 5. clip(s)

[0098] 10. clip-receiving machine or component (ex. feeding assembly, etc.)

[0099] 14. clip inlet eeding hopper system clip track primary segment(s) outlet segment intermediary segment bottom surface clip outlet discharge aperture default base component upper surface clip receiving portion module-receiving interface base component body fastener bore(s) receptacle aperture discharge module (and / or outlet module) discharge channel module facing interface alignment member leading tapered edge discharge side fastener bore(s) side wall clip orienting module orienting member leading tapered edge alignment component accessory module(s) orienting member leading tapered edge 147. nozzle

[0100] 150. first fluid conduit

[0101] 152. fluid inlet (of the first fluid conduit)

[0102] 154. fluid outlet (of the first fluid conduit)

[0103] 155. second fluid conduit

[0104] 156. fluid inlet (of the second fluid conduit)

[0105] 158. fluid outlet (of the second fluid conduit)

[0106] 159. fluid connector

[0107] Referring now to FIG. 1 to 4, an exemplary embodiment of a feeding hopper system 100 is illustrated. Broadly, the feeding hopper system 100 is configured to discharge an array of discrete clips 5 into a clip-receiving machine including, for instance, a feeding assembly 10. More specifically, the feeding hopper system 100 is configured to operate as a vibratory conveyor system configured to address existing challenges with respect to the rapid discharge of clips 5 traveling along a track defined within the feeding hopper system 100. Such challenges are particularly present when the feeding hopper system 100 is intended to dispense the clips 5 into a feeding assembly 10 configured to receive the clips 5 in a given dispensing orientation and / or depending on the nature of the clip to be dispensed. In such embodiments, it is often desirable to reorient the clips 5 so as to all have the same orientation, and / or so that they are aligned in an ordered array so as to facilitate the discharge into the feeding assembly 10, etc.

[0108] In the embodiment shown, the feeding hopper system 100 is configured to dispense clips 5 in the form of fasteners and, more particularly, clips used to secure rubber seals or lightweight trim panels for vehicles or the like. The clips 5 can be dispensed at a high rate so as not to slow impede or interfere with a fastening process taking place downstream of the feeding hopper system 10 in the manufacturing process. For instance, in accordance with certain embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 can be configured to dispense the clips 5 at a rate of at least 150 clips per minute. In other embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 can be configured to dispense the clips at a rate of at least 200 clips per minute. In other embodiments still, the feeding hopper system 100 can be configured to dispense the clips 5 at a rate of at least 250 clips per minute. It is to be understood that while the embodiment illustrated herein is configured to dispense clips 5, in other embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 can be configured to dispense any other article or device requiring a rapid separation and dispensing in a given orientation in accordance with a given manufacturing process or the like.

[0109] In some embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 can include a default base component 110 being positioned, shaped and sized for containing the clips 5 intended to be processed and subsequently fed into a clip-receiving machine 10, and at least one adjustable complementary component (i.e. , a “module”) being removably mountable onto the default base component 110, for forming a resulting feeding hopper receptacle capable of processing different types of clips 5 intended to be vibratingly conveyed along a given traveling path for subsequent feeding into the clipreceiving machine 10. More specifically, in some embodiments, the default base component 110 can provide a main or primary segment of the travelling path, and the at least one adjustable complementary component can provide a complementary segment of the travelling path, for ensuring a continuous flow of the clips 5. In certain embodiments, at least one of the default base component 110 and the at least one adjustable complementary component can define a channel being positioned, shaped and sized for receiving and / or orienting the clips 5 to be processed along a desired disposition. In certain embodiments, the at least one adjustable complementary component and its associated channel can be selectively mountable onto the default base component in accordance with a given geometrical profile of the type of clips to be processed by the feeding hopper system. In other words, the default base component can be configured to mountingly receive one or more of the adjustable complementary components configured to process a specific type of clip in accordance with a requirement of the clip-receiving machine 10. Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 14, a feeding hopper system 100 is shown in accordance with several embodiments. In each embodiment, the feeding hopper system 100 includes a default base component 110 having a base component body 114 shaped and sized to receive batches or a continuous stream of clips which are to be conveyed and aligned by the feeding hopper system 100. More specifically, the default base component 110 includes an upper surface 111 defining a clip receiving portion 112 configured to receive the clips 5 dispensed thereon in random fashion (i.e., in one of multiple unspecified orientations). Only a few of the clips 5 are shown in FIG. 6, but it will be recognized that a large number of the clips 5 can be dispensed onto the clip receiving portion 112 of the default base component 110.

[0110] As stated above, the feeding hopper system 100 is configured to separate and / or dispense the clips 5 into a clip-receiving machine (shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 as a feeding assembly 10). More specifically and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the feeding hopper system 100 includes a clip outlet 108 positioned in register with a clip inlet 14 of the feeding assembly 10 when the feeding hopper system 100 is assembled. The feeding hopper system 100 further defines a clip track 102 extending from the clip receiving portion 112 of the default base component 110 to the clip outlet 108, along which the clips 5 are conveyed during operation of the feeding hopper system 100. In other words, the clip track 102 defined by the feeding hopper system 100 provides a pathway for the clips 5 and includes a width suitable for supporting the clips 5 along said pathway. In certain embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 can vibratingly convey the clips 5 from the clip receiving portion 112 to the clip outlet 108. Accordingly, the feeding hopper system 100 can oscillate at a frequency that is substantially comparable to its resonant frequency (typically, a relatively high frequency at low amplitude). More specifically, the frequency of the oscillations can be selected in accordance with a resonant frequency of the feeding hopper system 100 evaluated in accordance with a mass of the feeding hopper system 100 and the clips 5 contained therein. For instance, in some embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 can oscillate at a frequency of between about 5Hz to 100 Hz. As the vibration of the feeding hopper system 100 is transmitted to the clips 5 contained therein, the clips 5 may undergo “bouncing” along the clip track 102 according to a direction of travel from the clip receiving portion 112 of the default base component 110 and the clip outlet 108. In certain embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 can be relatively lightweight and mounted to a relatively heavy shaker base (not shown) to undergo the oscillation, for example.

[0111] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 14, the feeding hopper system 100 defines a clip track 102 that extends in an upwardly helical pattern (although various other geometrical configurations and / or dispositions are also contemplated by the present feeding hopper system, etc.) along a periphery of the clip receiving portion 112. In some embodiments, the clip track 102 may extend in a conical helical pattern with a diameter of the helical pattern increasing along the clip track 102. While the illustrated embodiments include a clip track 102 extending in a conical helical pattern, it will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the clip track 102 can extend in accordance with any other pattern or direction and may, for instance, extend linearly or along a sinusoidal pattern. As stated above, the feeding hopper system 100 can include one or more adjustable complementary components configured to process the clips 5 traveling along the clip track 102. In such embodiments, the default base component 110 can define at least a portion of the clip track 102 with one or more of the adjustable complementary components defining additional portions of the clip track 102.

[0112] As stated above, the feeding hopper system 100 is configured to discharge clips 5 in an orientation suitable for reception within the feeding assembly 10, also referred to as the “dispensing orientation” or “discharge orientation” of the clips 5. In order to achieve and ensure a dispensing of the clips 5 in the discharge orientation, the feeding hopper system 100 can include an adjustable complementary component being mountable to the default base component 110 and defining an outlet portion 103 of the clip track 102, i.e. , a portion of the clip track 102 defining the clip outlet 108 of the feeding hopper system 100 at a downstream end thereof. In such embodiments, when the adjustable complementary component defines the outlet portion 103 of the clip track 103, the adjustable complementary component may be referred to as a discharge module 120. In certain embodiments, the default base component 110 and the discharge module 120 can be shaped to mate together along a common interface. More specifically, the default base component 110 can include a module-receiving interface 113 sized and shaped to mountingly receive a module-facing interface 123 of the discharge module 120. The discharge module 120 can be mounted to the default base component 110 using any suitable fastener, connector, adhesive, and / or the like. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the discharge module 120 can be mounted to the module-receiving interface 113 using an interference fit. In certain embodiments, each of the default base component 110 and the discharge module 120 can include fastener bores 117, 127 extending through the respective one of the default base component 110 and the discharge module 120 and configured to be in register when the discharge module 120 is mounted to the default base component 110. The fastener bores 117, 127 can be sized to receive a fastener therein including, for instance, a bolt and / or the like.

[0113] In certain embodiments, the discharge module 120 may include a discharge channel 122 shaped and sized to receive the clips 5 in the discharge orientation and to convey the clips 5 to the clip outlet 108 of the feeding hopper system 100. Accordingly, the discharge module 120 may further include an alignment member 124 disposed at an inlet of the discharge channel 122 and configured to align the clips 5 being conveyed pass the alignment member 124 in the dispensing orientation.

[0114] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 15 to 28, the alignment member 124 includes a leading tapered edge 125 (i.e., an upstream edge portion of the alignment member 124 positioned to make initial contact with the clips 5 as they travel along the clip track 102) extending along the clip track 102 and positioned to reorient clips 5 as they travel along the tapered edge 125 of the alignment member 124 into the discharge orientation. More specifically, the tapered edge 125 of the alignment member 124 may be angled to redirect any given ones of the clips 5 which are too far out of alignment to be received within the discharge channel 122. In accordance with features of the feeding hopper system 100 described in greater detail below, when the clips 5 travel along the clip track 102 in proximity to the alignment member 124, typically most of the clips 5, but not all, are in an orientation substantially aligned with the discharge channel 122. Thus, most of the clips 5 will be in the desired discharge orientation and be received into the discharge channel 122, at which point they will be vibratingly conveyed down the discharge channel 122 towards the clip outlet 108, passing by the alignment member 124.

[0115] In certain embodiments, misaligned clips (i.e., clips 5 having an incorrect alignment beyond a predetermined threshold angle can encounter a discharge side 126 of the leading edge 125 of the alignment member 124. In such embodiments, the discharge side 126 of the leading angle can as guide wall configured to urge the respective clips 5 away from the clip track 102. In the embodiment shown, the “culled” clips (i.e., the misaligned clips having been urged away from the clip track 102) will either naturally fall into the clip receiving portion 112 of the default base component 110, or, in other embodiments, the culled clips will be urged into a culling aperture (not shown) via the discharge side 126 of the leading edge 125. For optimal culling of misaligned clips, the passage defined by the alignment member 124 may be sized and configured such that only a single properly-oriented clip can fit therethrough (i.e., a clip substantially in the discharge orientation), with the discharge side 126 of the leading edge 125 pushing misaligned clips away from the clip track 102. In other words, so long as a clip passes the alignment member 124, said clip continues to the discharge channel 122, and subsequently to the clip outlet 108. Otherwise, the culled clips falling into the clip receiving portion 112 of the default base component 110 can be recycled to be reintroduced onto the clip track 102. These “recycled” clips are passed along the clip track 102 once again and may pass the alignment member 124 if they assume the desired orientation, or may be again culled and recycled if they do not assume the desired discharge orientation. In certain embodiments, the culled clips could instead be removed from the feeding hopper system 100 for disposal or other use, but it is typically most economical to attempt to salvage the clips 5, and the feeding hopper system 100 does so by reintroducing the culled clips into the clip receiving portion 112 of the default base component 110 until they achieve proper alignment, and successfully pass through the discharge channel 122.

[0116] While the embodiments presented above describe the outlet portion 108 of the clip track 102 and associated structural features as forming part of an adjustable complementary component (i.e., the discharge / outlet module 120), it will be understood that, in other embodiments, said structural features may form part of the default base component 110. In other words, in certain embodiments, the discharge module 120 may be integral with the default base component 110.

[0117] While the discharge module 120 described above is configured to orientate the clips traveling along the outlet portion 104 of the clip track 102 into the discharge orientation, in certain embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 may further include one or more features positioned upstream of the discharge module 120 and configured to at least partially orientate the clips 5 travelling along the clip track 102. As used herein, the expression “partially orient” is intended to refer to a selective and / or adjustable positional alteration (ex. a rotation or adjustment of a clip about one or more axes of the clip, etc.) into a desired orientation associated with the discharge orientation or an orientation suitable for additional rotation into the discharge orientation, i.e., by a subsequent operation of the clip 5 downstream thereof.

[0118] Referring now to FIGS. 29 to 35, an adjustable complementary component in accordance with additional embodiments clip orienting module 130are illustrated. In such embodiments, the adjustable complementary component includes a clip orienting module 130 defining an intermediary segment 104 of the clip track 102 along which the clips 5 are conveyed during operation of the feeding hopper system 1 . Similarly to the discharge module 120, the clip orienting module 130 includes an orienting member 134 having a leading tapered edge 135 extending along the clip track 102 and positioned to reorient clips as they travel along the tapered edge 135 of the alignment member 124 into the discharge orientation, or an orientation suitable for a subsequent operation of the clip downstream of the clip orienting module 130. For instance, in some embodiments, the orienting member 134 can be shaped to orient clips from a sideways or partially sideways orientation toward an upright orientation without necessarily completely aligning with the discharge orientation. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the orienting member 134 can be shaped to orient clips from an upright or angled orientation toward a recumbent orientation suitable for a subsequent rotation of the clip. Thus, in contrast to the alignment member 124 of the discharge module 120 described above, the clips 5 may or may not be aligned in the discharge orientation downstream of the orienting member 134 of the clip orienting module 130 and instead may only undergo a partial alignment toward the discharge orientation. It will be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, it may be desirable to perform one or more partial alignments of the clips 5 along the clip track 102 prior to reaching the alignment member 124 so as to increase the likelihood of successful alignment with the discharge orientation and thus avoid an excess culling of clips. The clip orienting module 130 can similarly be configured for the culling of misaligned clips being angled beyond a desired threshold angle. Accordingly, the orienting member 134 of the clip orienting module 130 can include a discharge side 136 of the leading edge 135 acting as guide wall and configured to urge the respective misaligned clips away from the intermediary segment 104 of the clip track 102.

[0119] As stated above, the feeding hopper system 100 can include multiple adjustable complementary components including any desirable combination of discharge modules 120 and / or clip orienting modules 130, the discharge modules 120 and clip orienting modules 130 being interchangeable to accommodate different a given geometrical profile and / or desired dispensing orientations of the clips 5. For instance, in certain embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 may be operated in a first configuration to receive a first type of clip, and subsequently in a second configuration to receive a second type of clip. In such embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 may include multiple interchangeable adjustable complementary components, each of the discharge modules 120 and clip orienting modules 130 being associated with a configuration of the feeding hopper system 100 and configured to process a corresponding specific type of clip.

[0120] While the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 to 14 illustrate a discharge module 120 and a clip orienting module 130 that are modular, i.e., removable and interchangeable with like discharge modules 120 and clip orienting module 130, respectively, in other embodiments, the discharge module 120 and clip orienting module 130 can be integral with the default base component 110. In other words, the feeding hopper system 100 can be provided as a unitary construction configured to dispense one or more types of clips, using a proper manufacturing process (ex. additive manufacturing, etc.).

[0121] In certain embodiments, one or more structures of the feeding hopper system 100 can include fluid conduits configured to channel a pressurized fluid such as, for instance, pressurized air. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the fluid conduits may be configured to direct a pressurized air jet toward a portion of the clip track 102 so as to assist in conveying the clips 5 along the clip track 102 and / or to dislodge a potential blockage of the clips 5 along the clip track 102. For instance, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 to 28, the discharge module 120 includes a fluid conduit 150 having a fluid inlet 152 and a fluid outlet 154 positioned to direct an air jet towards the inlet of the discharge channel 122 so as to dislodge a possible blockage within the discharge channel 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid outlet 154 is defined in a side wall 128 of the discharge module 120 extending alongside the clip track 102 to direct the air jet towards the inlet of the discharge channel 122. However, in other embodiments, the discharge module 120 can further include a nozzle (not shown) mountable to the side wall 128 so as to define the fluid outlet 154.

[0122] In certain embodiments, the fluid inlet 152 of the fluid conduit 150 can be fluidly connected to a pressurized source of fluid via a fluid connector 159. The fluid connector 159 can include any structure suitable for mating with the fluid inlet 152 of the fluid conduit 150 with little or no leakage and may include one or more seals, gaskets, or the like. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the fluid conduit 150 of the discharge module 120 can be fluidly connected to a second fluid conduit of the feeding hopper system 100. For instance, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 14, the fluid conduit 150 of the discharge module 120 is fluidly connected to a second fluid conduit 155 defined by the default base component 110. When the default base component 110 defines a second fluid conduit 155, the fluid conduit 150 of the discharge module 120 may be referred to as a first fluid conduit 150. In certain embodiments, the second fluid conduit 155 can include a fluid inlet 156 defined on a free face of the default base component 110. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the fluid inlet 156 of the default base component 110 is defined on a bottom surface 116 of the default base component 110, although it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the fluid inlet 156 can be defined on any other suitable surface of the default base component 110. In such embodiments, the second fluid conduit 155 further includes and a fluid outlet 158 defined on the module-receiving interface 113 configured to mountingly receive the discharge module 120. Accordingly, the fluid inlet 152 of the first fluid conduit 150 may be positioned on a face of the discharge module 120 such as to fluidly mate with the fluid outlet 158 of the second fluid conduit 155 when the discharge module 120 is matingly mounted to the default base component 110. Similarly to the fluid inlet 152 of the first fluid conduit 150, in certain embodiments, the fluid inlet 156 of the second fluid conduit 155 may be fluidly connected to a pressurized source of fluid via a fluid connector 159, as described above. In certain embodiments, the first and second fluid conduits 150, 155 can be defined within the fastener bores 117, 127 of the discharge module 120 and the default base component 110, respectively. In such embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 can include gaskets (not shown) configured to sustainably seal and / or fluidly seal the interface between the fastener bores 117, 127 when the discharge module 120 is mounted to the default base component 110.

[0123] In certain embodiments, the pressurized air source fluidly connected to the first fluid conduit 150 can be configured to provide pressurized air continuously (for instance, when the fluid conduits are configured to direct a pressurized air jet toward a portion of the clip track 102 so as to assist in conveying the clips 5 along the clip track 102) or on demand (for instance, when the fluid conduits are configured to direct a pressurized air jet toward a portion of the clip track 102 to dislodge a blockage). More specifically, in certain embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 may include a blockage detection means including for instance, a sensor positioned along the clip track 102 of the feeding hopper system 100 or the feeding assembly and configured to detect a disruption in the flow of the clips 5 or a reduction in the clip dispensing rate. In such embodiments, the blockage detection means may be configured to initiate a flow of pressurized air through the fluid conduits 150, 155 when a blockage is detected in an attempt to clear the blockage and resume normal operation of the feeding hopper system 1.

[0124] While the description of the first fluid conduit 150 is provided above in relation to the discharge module 120, it will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, one or more of the clip orienting modules 130 can similarly include a fluid conduit configured to channel a pressurized air jet toward a portion of the clip track 102 so assist in conveying the clips 5 along the clip track 102 and / or to dislodge a potential blockage of the clips 5 along the clip track 102.

[0125] Referring now to FIGS. 29 to 36, in certain embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 can define one or more discharge apertures 109 configured to discharge defective or otherwise undesirable clips. More specifically, the discharge apertures 109 can be shaped and sized to enable a passage of clips having a profile which differs from a standard clip profile including, for instance, defective clips or clips which may have been damaged in the feeding hopper system 100. The discharge apertures can further be sized to enable a passage of refuse and / or debris (ex. fragments of clips) which may be present within the feeding hopper system 100 so as to prevent the refuse and / or debris for continuing downstream and thereby reducing the chances of such refuse and / or debris entering the feeding assembly 10. The elements passing through the discharge aperture 109 can be removed from the feeding hopper system 100 for disposal or other use.

[0126] Referring now to FIGS. 37 to 54, in certain embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 may include one or more accessory modules 140 configured to further assist in at least one of conveying and aligning the clips 5 along the clip track 102. The accessory modules 140 can be mountable to one or more of the default base component 110, the discharge module 120 and the clip orienting module 130. Broadly, the accessory modules 140 can be configured to assist in conveying the clips 5 along the clip track 102. However, contrary to the discharge module 120 and the clip orienting module 130 described above, the accessory module 140 may or may not define a segment of the clip track 102. Instead, the accessory module 140 includes a feature positioned in proximity to the clip track 102 when mounted to interact with the clips 5 as they are conveyed along the clip track 102 adjacent to the accessory module 140. For instance, similarly to the clip orienting module 130, in certain embodiments, the accessory modules 140 may be configured to at least partially orientate the clips 5 travelling along the clip track 102. Referring now to FIGS. 37 to 42, one or more of the accessory modules 140 may include an orienting member 144 having a leading tapered edge 145 configured to extend along the clip track 102 when the feeding hopper system 100 is assembled. The leading tapered edge 145 can be positioned to reorient clips as they travel along the tapered edge 145 of the orienting member 144 into the discharge orientation, and / or an orientation suitable for a subsequent operation of the clip downstream of the respective accessory module 140. The accessory module 140 can similarly be configured for the culling of misaligned clips being misaligned beyond a desired threshold angle.

[0127] Referring now to FIGS. 43 to 54, embodiments of the accessory module 140 are illustrated including a nozzle 147 configured to direct a pressurized air jet toward a portion of the clip track 102 so as to assist in conveying the clips 5 along the clip track 102 and / or to dislodge a potential blockage of the clips 5 along the clip track 102, similar to the first fluid conduits 150 of the discharge module 120 described above.

[0128] As noted above, the clip track 102 of the feeding hopper system 100 can include multiple segments, including one or more primary segments 103 defined by the default base component 110, intermediary segments 105 defined by the clip orienting modules 130, and an outlet segment 104 defined by the discharge module 120. In certain embodiments, the one or more primary segments 103 of the clip track 102 may be sized to convey any one of a plurality of types of clips, with the one or more intermediary segments 105 and the outlet segment 104 configured to receive a given type of clip and to reject misaligned clips conveyed by the corresponding discharge module 120 and clip orienting modules 130. In other words, the dispensing assembly 100 may include a default base component 110 that is clip agnostic (i.e., suitable for dispensing any one of a plurality of different types of clips, etc.) upon which a discharge module 120 and clip orienting modules 130 configured to provide a dispensing assembly 100 configured to dispense a given type of clip may be mounted. It will be appreciated that this added convenience may allow a manufacturing process utilizing the feeding hopper system 100 to quickly modify the feeding hopper system 100 to accommodate a new type of clip, thereby reducing or eliminating manufacturing downtime while reducing costs associated with the feeding hopper system 100.

[0129] In certain embodiments, the feeding hopper system 100 and, more specifically, the feeding hopper system 100 can be manufactured using an iterative or rapid manufacturing method including 3D printing, or the like. It will be appreciated that a feeding hopper system 100 configured to discharge a first type of clip can thus be modified to discharge a second type of clip by rapidly providing a discharge module 120, one or more clip orienting modules 130 and / or alignment components 140 configured to convey said second type of clip, thus further reducing and / or eliminating manufacturing downtime, while advantageously being able to utilize most / all of the base default components of the feeding hopper system irrespectively of the different / specific type(s) of clips to be processed, etc.

[0130] The present feeding hopper system 100 (and the different inventive aspects thereof) can take-on different forms and / or expressions, including one and / or several of the following components and features (and / or different combination(s) and / or permutation(s) thereof), given as optional and / or preferential embodiment(s) only: i. A feeding hopper system (100) comprising: a default base component (110) being shaped and sized for containing clips (5) intended to be processed and subsequently fed into a clip-receiving machine (10); and at least one adjustable complementary component being removably mountable onto the default base component (110) for forming a resulting feeding hopper receptacle capable of processing different types of clips (5) intended to be vi bratingly conveyed along a given clip track (102) for subsequent feeding into the clip-receiving machine (10) in a dispensing orientation, the default base component (110) providing at least one primary segment (103) of the clip track (102), and the at least one adjustable complementary component providing a complementary segment of the clip track (102) for ensuring a continuous flow of clips (5), the at least one adjustable complementary component being selectively mountable onto the default base component (110) based on a given geometrical profile of the type of clips (5) to be processed by the feeding hopper system (100). ii. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one adjustable complementary component includes a discharge module (120) defining a discharge channel (122) being shaped and sized for orienting the clips (5) into the dispensing orientation in accordance with the given geometrical profile of the type of clips (5). iii. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the discharge module (120) is configured to dispense the clips (5) into the clip-receiving machine (10) in the dispensing orientation. iv. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the discharge module (120) provides an outlet segment (122) of the clip track (102). v. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the outlet segment (104) of the discharge module (120) defines a clip outlet (108) of the feeding hopper system (100) positioned to feed the clips (5) into the clip-receiving machine (10). vi. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the discharge module (120) comprises an alignment member (124) shaped to orientate the clips (5) into the dispensing orientation toward the discharge channel (122). vii. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the alignment member (124) of the discharge module (120) is further shaped to redirect misaligned clips towards the clip receiving portion (112) of the default base component (110). viii. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the discharge module (120) defines a first fluid conduit (150) configured to channel pressurized air, the first fluid conduit (150) defining a first fluid inlet (152) and a first fluid outlet (154) configured to direct a pressurized air jet toward an opening of the discharge channel (122). ix. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the feeding hopper system (100) is configured to provide pressurized air to the first fluid conduit (150) to dislodge a blockage within the discharge channel (122) when a disruption in the flow of the clips (5) is detected along the clip track (102). x. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the feeding hopper system (100) is configured to provide pressurized air to the first fluid conduit (150) continuously to convey the clips (5) along the clip track (102). xi. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first fluid inlet (154) is configured to receive a fluid connector (159). xii. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the default base component (110) defines a second fluid conduit (155) having a second fluid inlet (156) and a second fluid outlet (158), the first fluid inlet (152) of the discharge module (120) being configured to fluidly connect to the second fluid outlet (158) of the default base component (110) when the feeding hopper system (100) is assembled. xiii. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the default base component (110) comprises a module-receiving interface (113) configured to mate with the at least one adjustable complementary component. xiv. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one adjustable complementary component includes a clip orienting module (130) configured to be removably mounted to the default base component (110), the clip orienting module (130) defining an intermediary segment (105) of the clip track (102). xv. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the clip orienting module (130) includes an orienting member (134) shaped to partially orientate the clips (5) traveling along the clip track (102) toward the dispensing orientation. xvi. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the orienting member (134) is configured to orient the clips (5) in an upright orientation. xvii. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the orienting member (134) is configured to orient the clips (5) in a recumbent orientation. xviii. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the clip orienting module (130) defines a discharge aperture (109) shaped and sized to release fragments being smaller than the clips (5) from the clip track (102). xix. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the feeding hopper system (100) further includes an accessory module (140) configured to be mounted to at least one of the default base component (110) and another of the at least one adjustable complementary component. xx. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the accessory module (140) includes an orienting member (144) shaped to partially orientate the clips (5) traveling along the clip track (102) toward the dispensing orientation. xxi. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the accessory module (140) includes an air nozzle (147) being fluidly connectable to a pressurized air source. xxii. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the air nozzle (147) is positioned, when the feeding hopper system (100) is assembled, to direct a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to convey the clips (5) along the clip track (102). xxiii. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the air nozzle (147) is positioned, when the feeding hopper system (100) is assembled, to direct a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to at least partially align the clips (5) along the clip track (102) into the dispensing orientation. xxiv. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the air nozzle (147) is positioned, when the feeding hopper system (100) is assembled, to direct a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to dislodge a lodged clip. xxv. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the default base component (110) defines a receptacle aperture (119) shaped and sized to release fragments being smaller than the clips from the default base component (110). xxvi. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the clip track (102) extends along a periphery of the clip receiving portion (112). xxvii. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the clip track (102) extends in an upwardly helical pattern along the periphery of the clip receiving portion (112). xxviii. A default base component (110) for a feeding hopper system (100) capable of processing different types of clips (5), the default base component (110) comprising: a base component body (114) defining a clip receiving portion (112) and one or more module-receiving interfaces (113) configured to mate with at least one adjustable complementary component specific to a type of clip to be processed; wherein the base component body (114), when assembled with the at least one adjustable complementary component, forms a resulting feeding hopper receptacle defining a clip track (102) capable of vibratingly conveying the clips (5) associated with the at least one adjustable complementary component along the clip track (102) for subsequent feeding into a clip-receiving machine (10) in a dispensing orientation. xxix. The default base component (110) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one adjustable complementary component includes a discharge module (120) providing an outlet segment (122) of the clip track (102) configured to feed the clips (5) into the clip-receiving machine (10). xxx. The default base component (110) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one adjustable complementary component includes a clip orienting module (130) configured to at least partially orient the clips (5) into the dispensing orientation. xxxi. The default base component (110) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the clip track (102) defined by the base component body (114) is discontinuous. xxxii. The default base component (110) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the base component body (110) is configured to mountingly receive an accessory module (140) including a nozzle (147) configured to direct a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102). xxxiii. The default base component (110) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the base component body (114) defines a fluid conduit configured to channel pressurized air to the at least one adjustable complementary component. xxxiv. The default base component (110) of any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the base component body (114) defines a discharge aperture (109) shaped and sized to release fragments being smaller than the clips from the default base component (110). xxxv. A method of dispensing clips, the method comprising: providing a default base component (110) capable of processing different types of clips (5); removably mounting at least one adjustable complementary component to a module-receiving interface (113) of the default base component (110) to form a resulting feeding hopper receptacle, the at least one adjustable complementary component being specific to a type of clip (5) to be processed; depositing a plurality of clips (5) within a clip receiving portion (112) of the default base component (110); and oscillating the default base component (110) to vibratingly convey the clips (5) along a clip track (102) defined by the default base component (110) and the at least one adjustable complementary component; wherein vibratingly conveying the clips (5) along the clip track (102) comprises orienting the clips into a dispensing orientation for subsequent feeding into the clip-receiving machine (10). xxxvi. The method of any one of the preceding combination(s), further comprising oscillating the default base component (110) to vibratingly convey the clips (5) past an orienting member (134) to orientate the clips (5) at least partially into the dispensing orientation. xxxvii. The method of any one of the preceding combination(s), further comprising removably mounting a clip orienting module (130) to the default base component (110), the clip orienting module (130) comprising the orienting member (134). xxxviii. The method of any one of the preceding combination(s), further comprising oscillating the default base component (110) to vibratingly convey the clips (5) in the dispensing orientation into a discharge channel (122) of the at least one adjustable complementary component, xxxix. The method of any one of the preceding combination(s), further comprising oscillating the default base component (110) to vibratingly convey the clips (5) in a misaligned orientation from the clip track (102) toward the clip receiving portion (112). xl. The method of any one of the preceding combination(s), further comprising oscillating the default base component (110) to vibratingly convey the clips through a clip outlet (108) defined by the at least one adjustable complementary component and into clip-receiving machine (10). xli. The method of any one of the preceding combination(s), further comprising fluidly connecting at least one of the default base component (110) and the at least one adjustable complementary component to channel pressurized air to a nozzle outlet (158) of the at least one adjustable complementary component. xlii. The method of any one of the preceding combination(s), further comprising directing a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to convey the clips (5) along the clip track (102). xliii. The method of any one of the preceding combination(s), further comprising directing a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to at least partially align the clips (5) along the clip track (102) into the dispensing orientation. xliv. The method of any one of the preceding combination(s), further comprising directing a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to dislodge a lodged clip.

[0131] Several changes, additions, modifications and / or alterations can be made to the present feeding hopper system, without changing nor altering the nature and the scope of the present invention. For example, the present feeding hopper system may be “mechanically- operated”, “computer-assisted” and / or “automated”, and in which case, may be provided with a corresponding “controller”, and / or “management” system (ex. device, programming, control and / pr display panel, etc.), and thus, it is important to mention that any other type of “controller” (and / or associated components / aspects) could be used for the present feeding hopper system, to the extent that this “controller” can be a mechanical system, an electromechanical system, an electronic system, a processor and / or a computer that can be programmed with parameters having to be maintained during the operation and / or associated detecting and / or processing step(s) of the feeding hopper system, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0132] As may now be better appreciated, the present system enables to operate a feeding hopper system and / or various aspects thereof (ex. increasing possible output rate, increasing adaptability and versatility, etc.), for example, and to be able to do so in a quicker, simpler, more precise, more efficient, more economical, more reliable, more adjustable, more versatile, more adaptable, more durable, more environmentally conscientious, more desirable, and / or improved manner, than what is possible with the actual way of doing things.

[0133] As may now be better appreciated, the present system enables to operate a feeding hopper system capable of distributing or dispensing various types of clips using a default base component and one of multiple adjustable complementary components, the adjustable complementary component having an associated channel and / or travelling path being configured to receive a given geometrical profile of a type of clip to be processed by the feeding hopper system.

[0134] Finally, and according to the present invention, the present feeding hopper system and its corresponding parts are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as metallic materials (stainless steel, etc.), hardened polymers, composite materials, and / or any other appropriate material(s), some of which can be easily and conveniently obtained and / or reproduced via additive manufacturing (ex. 3- D printing and / or any other type of manufacturing process for making three- dimensional solid objects from a digital file, etc.), whereas the other components of the system (ex. gasket(s), O-ring(s), etc.) according to the present invention, in order to obtain the advantages discussed above, could be made of any other appropriate material, such as polymeric materials (ex. plastic, rubber, etc.), and / or any other suitable material, depending on the particular applications for which the system is intended for and the different parameters in cause, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0135] Although the present invention has been previously explained by way of preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that any modification to these preferred embodiments is not considered changing nor altering the nature and the scope of the present invention. Indeed, the scope of the enclosed claim(s) should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A feeding hopper system (100) comprising: a default base component (110) being shaped and sized for containing clips (5) intended to be processed and subsequently fed into a clip-receiving machine (10); and at least one adjustable complementary component being removably mountable onto the default base component (110) for forming a resulting feeding hopper receptacle capable of processing different types of clips (5) intended to be vibratingly conveyed along a given clip track (102) for subsequent feeding into the clip-receiving machine (10) in a dispensing orientation, the default base component (110) providing at least one primary segment (103) of the clip track (102), and the at least one adjustable complementary component providing a complementary segment of the clip track (102) for ensuring a continuous flow of clips (5), the at least one adjustable complementary component being selectively mountable onto the default base component (110) based on a given geometrical profile of the type of clips (5) to be processed by the feeding hopper system (100).

2. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 1 , wherein the at least one adjustable complementary component includes a discharge module (120) defining a discharge channel (122) being shaped and sized for orienting the clips (5) into the dispensing orientation in accordance with the given geometrical profile of the type of clips (5).

3. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 2, wherein the discharge module (120) is configured to dispense the clips (5) into the clip-receiving machine (10) in the dispensing orientation.

4. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the discharge module (120) provides an outlet segment (122) of the clip track (102).

5. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 4, wherein the outlet segment (104) of the discharge module (120) defines a clip outlet (108) of the feeding hopper system (100) positioned to feed the clips (5) into the clip-receiving machine (10).

6. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the discharge module (120) comprises an alignment member (124) shaped to orientate the clips (5) into the dispensing orientation toward the discharge channel (122).

7. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 6, wherein the alignment member (124) of the discharge module (120) is further shaped to redirect misaligned clips towards the clip receiving portion (112) of the default base component (110).

8. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the discharge module (120) defines a first fluid conduit (150) configured to channel pressurized air, the first fluid conduit (150) defining a first fluid inlet (152) and a first fluid outlet (154) configured to direct a pressurized air jet toward an opening of the discharge channel (122).

9. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 8, wherein the feeding hopper system (100) is configured to provide pressurized air to the first fluid conduit (150) to dislodge a blockage within the discharge channel (122) when a disruption in the flow of the clips (5) is detected along the clip track (102).

10. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 8, wherein the feeding hopper system (100) is configured to provide pressurized air to the first fluid conduit (150) continuously to convey the clips (5) along the clip track (102).11 . The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first fluid inlet (154) is configured to receive a fluid connector (159).

12. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein the default base component (110) defines a second fluid conduit (155) having a second fluid inlet (156) and a second fluid outlet (158), the first fluid inlet (152) of the discharge module (120) being configured to fluidly connect to the second fluid outlet (158) of the default base component (110) when the feeding hopper system (100) is assembled.

13. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the default base component (110) comprises a module-receiving interface (113) configured to mate with the at least one adjustable complementary component.

14. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one adjustable complementary component includes a clip orienting module (130) configured to be removably mounted to the default base component (110), the clip orienting module (130) defining an intermediary segment (105) of the clip track (102).

15. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 14, wherein the clip orienting module (130) includes an orienting member (134) shaped to partially orientate the clips (5) traveling along the clip track (102) toward the dispensing orientation.

16. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 14 or 15, wherein the orienting member (134) is configured to orient the clips (5) in an upright orientation.

17. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 14 or 15, wherein the orienting member (134) is configured to orient the clips (5) in a recumbent orientation.

18. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the clip orienting module (130) defines a discharge aperture (109) shaped and sized to release fragments being smaller than the clips (5) from the clip track (102).

19. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the feeding hopper system (100) further includes an accessory module (140) configured to be mounted to at least one of the default base component (110) and another of the at least one adjustable complementary component.

20. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 19, wherein the accessory module (140) includes an orienting member (144) shaped to partially orientate the clips (5) traveling along the clip track (102) toward the dispensing orientation.21 . The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 19 or 20, wherein the accessory module (140) includes an air nozzle (147) being fluidly connectable to a pressurized air source.

22. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 21 , wherein the air nozzle (147) is positioned, when the feeding hopper system (100) is assembled, to direct a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to convey the clips (5) along the clip track (102).

23. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 21 , wherein the air nozzle (147) is positioned, when the feeding hopper system (100) is assembled, to direct a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to at least partially align the clips (5) along the clip track (102) into the dispensing orientation.

24. The feeding hopper system (100) of claim 21 , wherein the air nozzle (147) is positioned, when the feeding hopper system (100) is assembled, to direct a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to dislodge a lodged clip.

25. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the default base component (110) defines a receptacle aperture (119) shaped and sized to release fragments being smaller than the clips from the default base component (110).

26. The feeding hopper system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the clip track (102) extends along a periphery of the clip receiving portion (112).

27. The feeding hopper system (100) of claims 26, wherein the clip track (102) extends in an upwardly helical pattern along the periphery of the clip receiving portion (112).

28. A default base component (110) for a feeding hopper system (100) capable of processing different types of clips (5), the default base component (110) comprising: a base component body (114) defining a clip receiving portion (112) and one or more module-receiving interfaces (113) configured to mate with at least one adjustable complementary component specific to a type of clip to be processed; wherein the base component body (114), when assembled with the at least one adjustable complementary component, forms aresulting feeding hopper receptacle defining a clip track (102) capable of vibratingly conveying the clips (5) associated with the at least one adjustable complementary component along the clip track (102) for subsequent feeding into a clip-receiving machine (10) in a dispensing orientation.

29. The default base component (110) of claim 28, wherein the at least one adjustable complementary component includes a discharge module (120) providing an outlet segment (122) of the clip track (102) configured to feed the clips (5) into the clip-receiving machine (10).

30. The default base component (110) of claim 28 or 29, wherein the at least one adjustable complementary component includes a clip orienting module (130) configured to at least partially orient the clips (5) into the dispensing orientation.

31. The default base component (110) of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the clip track (102) defined by the base component body (114) is discontinuous.

32. The default base component (110) of any one of claims 28 to 31 , wherein the base component body (110) is configured to mountingly receive an accessory module (140) including a nozzle (147) configured to direct a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102).

33. The default base component (110) of any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the base component body (114) defines a fluid conduit configured to channel pressurized air to the at least one adjustable complementary component.

34. The default base component (110) of any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein the base component body (114) defines a discharge aperture (109) shaped and sized to release fragments being smaller than the clips from the default base component (110).

35. A method of dispensing clips, the method comprising: providing a default base component (110) capable of processing different types of clips (5); removably mounting at least one adjustable complementary component to a module-receiving interface (113) of the default base component (110) to form a resulting feeding hopper receptacle, the at least one adjustable complementary component being specific to a type of clip (5) to be processed; depositing a plurality of clips (5) within a clip receiving portion (112) of the default base component (110); and oscillating the default base component (110) to vibratingly convey the clips (5) along a clip track (102) defined by the default base component (110) and the at least one adjustable complementary component; wherein vibratingly conveying the clips (5) along the clip track (102) comprises orienting the clips into a dispensing orientation for subsequent feeding into the clip-receiving machine (10).

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising oscillating the default base component (110) to vibratingly convey the clips (5) past an orienting member (134) to orientate the clips (5) at least partially into the dispensing orientation.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising removably mounting a clip orienting module (130) to the default base component (110), the clip orienting module (130) comprising the orienting member (134).

38. The method of any one of claims 35 to 37, further comprising oscillating the default base component (110) to vibratingly convey the clips (5) in the dispensing orientation into a discharge channel (122) of the at least one adjustable complementary component.

39. The method of any one of claims 35 to 38, further comprising oscillating the default base component (110) to vibratingly convey the clips (5) in a misaligned orientation from the clip track (102) toward the clip receiving portion (112).

40. The method of any one of claims 35 to 39, further comprising oscillating the default base component (110) to vibratingly convey the clips through a clip outlet (108) defined by the at least one adjustable complementary component and into clip-receiving machine (10).

41. The method of any one of claims 35 to 40, further comprising fluidly connecting at least one of the default base component (110) and the at least one adjustable complementary component to channel pressurized air to a nozzle outlet (158) of the at least one adjustable complementary component.

42. The method of any one of claims 35 to 41 , further comprising directing a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to convey the clips (5) along the clip track (102).

43. The method of any one of claims 35 to 41 , further comprising directing a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to at least partially align the clips (5) along the clip track (102) into the dispensing orientation.

44. The method of any one of claims 35 to 41 , further comprising directing a pressurized air jet towards the clip track (102) to dislodge a lodged clip.

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