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US 11,807,473 B2Granted
Apparatus and methods for dynamically controlling the spacing of conveyed objects
AssigneeLaitram, L.L.C.
InventorsMatthew L. Fourney, Robert K. Paquin, James L. Brun, Christopher B. Spicer, David L. Marsh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A conveying system employs independently controlled flights. The flights are controlled separately from a conveying surface using a linear transport system. The linear transport system allow the position of the flights to be controlled based on a parameter, such as the length of a conveyed object. The flights are pivotally mounted to a mover of the linear transport system and can pivot relative to the conveying surface to allow the flights to fit in a space between an end of carryway and a receptacle.
Claims18
A dynamic gapping conveyor, comprising:
- a frame forming a carryway for a conveying surface;
- a conveying surface extending in a conveying direction from a first end to a second end and laterally from a first side edge to a second side edge;
- a linear transport system comprising an endless rail extending along a first side edge of the conveying surface and a plurality of movers, the endless rail housing a plurality of inducers that interact with the movers to move the movers along the endless rail;
- and
- a flight extending laterally across the conveying surface, the flight having a first end connected to a first mover on a first side of the conveying surface, wherein the flight comprises
- a body portion comprising a base mounted to a mounting bar and a body extending from the base and
- a mounting portion for pivotally connecting the body portion to a mover, the mounting portion comprising a sheath connecting the body portion to a cam for effecting rotation of the sheath and body portion, a base plate fastened to the first mover, and a shaft clamp fastened to the base plate for receiving the mounting bar.
4 more elements
A dynamic gapping conveyor, comprising:
- a frame forming a carryway for a conveying surface;
- a conveying surface extending in a conveying direction from a first end to a second end and laterally from a first side edge to a second side edge;
- a linear transport system comprising an endless rail extending along a first side edge of the conveying surface and a plurality of movers, the endless rail housing a plurality of inducers that interact with the movers to move the movers along the endless rail;
- and
- a flight extending laterally across the conveying surface, the flight having a first end connected to a first mover on a first side of the conveying surface, wherein the flight comprises
- a body portion comprising a base mounted to a mounting bar and a tapering body extending from the base, tapering body including front surface, a rear surface and a curved tip extending away from the rear surface, and
- a mounting portion for pivotally connecting the body portion to a mover.
4 more elements
A dynamic gapping conveyor, comprising:
- a frame forming a carryway for a conveying surface;
- a conveying surface extending in a conveying direction from a first end to a second end and laterally from a first side edge to a second side edge, the conveying surface including a plurality of rollers having axes perpendicular to the conveying direction for propelling conveyed objects forward faster than the speed of the conveying surface;
- a linear transport system comprising an endless rail extending along a first side edge of the conveying surface and a plurality of movers, the endless rail housing a plurality of inducers that interact with the movers to move the movers along the endless rail;
- and
- a flight extending laterally across the conveying surface, the flight having a first end connected to a first mover on a first side of the conveying surface and having a body extending over the conveying surface for stopping forward movement of a conveyed product, the flight including openings to form fingers that fit between the rollers on the conveying surface.
2 more elements
A dynamic gapping conveyor, comprising:
- a frame forming a carryway for a conveying surface;
- a conveying surface extending in a conveying direction from a first end to a second end and laterally from a first side edge to a second side edge;
- a linear transport system comprising an endless rail extending along a first side edge of the conveying surface and a plurality of movers, the endless rail housing a plurality of inducers that interact with the movers to move the movers along the endless rail;
- a flight extending laterally across the conveying surface, the flight having a first end pivotally connected to a first mover on a first side of the conveying surface;
- and
- a torsion spring for biasing the flight into a default position.
3 more elements
A dynamic gapping conveyor, comprising:
- a conveying surface extending in a conveying direction from a receiving end to a discharge end and laterally from a first side edge to a second side edge;
- a frame forming a carryway for the conveying surface, the frame including a track that curves downwards at the discharge end of the carryway to decrease the distance between the track and the conveying surface;
- a linear transport system comprising an endless rail extending along a first side edge of the conveying surface and a plurality of movers, the endless rail housing a plurality of inducers that interact with the movers to move the movers along the endless rail;
- a flight extending laterally across the conveying surface, the flight having a first end pivotally connected to a first mover on a first side of the conveying surface, a body portion comprising a base mounted to a mounting bar and a mounting portion for pivotally connecting the body portion to a mover and a second end connected to a cam follower offset from the mounting bar for engaging the track, wherein the track holds the flight in an active conveying position prior to the curve and causes the flight to rotate to a non-active position parallel to the base plate at the discharge end.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.