Back to results
US 4,066,161 AGranted
Chain with links of variable length
AssigneeCentre Stephanois de Recherches
InventorsDaniel Michalon, Pierre Rolin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention relates to a variable pitch conveyor or a chain in which the length of the links can be varied. Each link includes a cross-bar T.sub.i mounted between longitudinal rocking bars B.sub.i that are interconnected by linked bars L.sub.i. The bars B.sub.i are integral with a toothed sector which controls the rocking of the bars by meshing with a moving rack adapted to follow, with a variable speed, the motion of the chain.
Claims25
A variable-pitch chain-like conveyor, comprising, in combination:
- a series of first transverse elements which move in a plane substantially parallel to a main path of travel and each of which is disposed substantially perpendicular to said main path of travel;
- a series of second longitudinal elements each of which is movably connected through its central portion to one end of at least one of said first elements;
- a series of third longitudinal elements, each of which interconnects directly one of said second elements to its adjacent second element in said series of second elements;
- and
- means operably and mechanically connected to said series of second elements for varying the orientation of said second elements during movement of said conveyor.
2 more elements
A variable-pitch chain-like conveyor, comprising, in combination:
- a series of first elements which move substantially parallel to a main path of travel and which are disposed substantially transverse to said main path of travel;
- a series of second elements each of which is movably connected through its central portion to at least one of said first elements, respectively;
- first means interconnecting each said second element to adjacent second elements in said series of second elements;
- second means operably and mechanically connected to said series of second elements for varying the orientation of said second elements during movement of said conveyor;
- and
- wherein said first means comprises flexible, deformable and inextensible third elements, and wherein said first elements are cylindrical in section and carry fixing points for ends of said third elements.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.