Long-life transfer nose and conveyor
AssigneeLaitram, L.L.C.
InventorGilbert J. MacLachlan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A conveyor and a transfer nose for the conveyor that is especially suitable for tight product transfers. The transfer nose has a first face continuous with a carryway along which a modular conveyor belt advances. A second face is substantially perpendicular to the first face. A curved face is continuous with and disposed between the first and second faces. Optional nose roller bearings protrude from the curved face to reduce friction with the underside of the belt transiting from an upper carryway to a lower return. The 90° forward bend of the transfer nose from the first face to the second face reduces the bearing load on the nose rollers and extends their lives.
Claims16
A transfer nose around which a conveyor belt passes when transiting between an upper carryway and a lower return, the transfer nose comprising:
- a first face forming a continuation of an upper carryway and having a first end at the upper carryway and an opposite second end;
- a second face perpendicular to the first face and having a first end and a second end farther from the first face than is the first end;
- a first curved face continuous with the first and second faces between the second end of the first face and the first end of the second face;
- a third face oblique to the second face and extending below the first face.
A transfer nose around which a modular conveyor belt having a belt pitch passes when transiting between an upper carryway and a lower return, the transfer nose comprising:
- a first face forming a continuation of an upper carryway and having a first end at the upper carryway and an opposite second end;
- a second face forming with the first face an interior angle of between 80° and 90° inclusive, the second face having a first end and a second end farther from the first face than is the first end;
- a first curved face continuous with the first and second faces between the second end of the first face and the first end of the second face;
- wherein the second face has a length that is at least as long as one belt pitch.
A conveyor comprising:
- an upper carryway;
- a lower return;
- a transfer nose between the upper carryway and the lower return and including:
- a first face forming a continuation of the upper carryway and having a first end at the upper carryway and an opposite second end;
- a second face perpendicular to the first face and having a first end and a second end that is farther from the first face than is the first end;
- a first curved face continuous with the first and second faces between the second end of the first face and the first end of the second face and having a curvature;
- a third face oblique to the second face and extending below the first face;
- a conveyor belt configured to advance along the first, second, and third faces, the upper carryway, and the lower return.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.