Dynamically shaped conveyor guide apparatus and related methods
AssigneeCarlos P. Zilzer
InventorCarlos P. Zilzer
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Abstract
An apparatus guides at least one article traveling along a conveyor in a conveying direction, the at least one article having a shape. A plurality of guides of the apparatus guide the at least one article, such that positive control may be maintained during conveyance. The plurality of guides are dynamically adjustable in the transverse direction. At least one actuator adjusts a position of one or more of the plurality of guides based on the shape of the at least one article. Related methods are also disclosed.
Claims16
An apparatus for guiding at least one article traveling along a conveyor in a conveying direction, the at least one article having a shape, comprising:
- a plurality of guides for guiding the at least one article, the plurality of guides being dynamically adjustable in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, wherein each of the plurality of guides comprises a tip for engaging the at least one article;
- at least one actuator for adjusting a relative position of the plurality of guides based on the shape of the at least one article;
- and
- a second actuator for returning the plurality of guides to a retracted position.
A method for guiding at least one article being conveyed in a conveying direction, the at least one article having a shape, comprising:
- providing a pre-programmed profile of the at least one article;
- and
- guiding the at least one article being conveyed by dynamically adjusting a relative position of a plurality of guides in a direction transverse to the conveying direction based on the pre-programmed profile of the at least one article.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.