Power supply mechanism in conveyor system

A method of supplying power to a pallet, comprising the steps of:

• supplying power to a first plurality of electrically conductive terminals of a conveyor unit;
• conveying a pallet not receiving power onto a second plurality of electrically conductive terminals of the conveyor unit when said second plurality of terminals are not receiving power;
• said second plurality of terminals not receiving power when a first switch is not electrically connecting said first plurality of terminals with said second plurality of terminals;
• when said pallet is positioned on said second plurality of terminals, activating a second switch with said pallet;
• when said pallet activates said second switch, closing a circuit and activating said first switch to electrically connect said first plurality of terminals with said second plurality of terminals;
• when said first plurality of terminals is electrically connected to said second plurality of terminals supplying power to said pallet;
• and
• stably and continuously providing power to said pallet when conveying said pallet from said second plurality of terminals to said first plurality of terminals.

A power supply apparatus supplying power to a pallet, comprising:

• a conveyor unit conveying a pallet having a electrically conductive terminal plate, the pallet supporting a device;
• a first plurality of electrically conductive brushes coupled to said conveyor unit, said first plurality of brushes receiving primary power from a primary power source;
• a second plurality of electrically conductive brushes coupled to said conveyor unit, said first plurality of brushes being separately located from said second plurality of brushes;
• a first switch coupled to said first and second pluralities of brushes, said first switch electrically connecting said first plurality of brushes with said second plurality of brushes to supply power to said second plurality of brushes when said first switch is activated, and said first switch electrically disconnecting said first plurality of brushes from said second plurality of brushes to not supply power to said second plurality of brushes when said first switch is deactivated;
• a secondary power source electrically coupled to said first switch and selectively supplying secondary power to said first switch for operation of said first switch;
• a second switch coupled to said first switch and said secondary power source, said second switch connecting said secondary power source with said first switch to activate said first switch, and said second switch disconnecting said secondary power source from said first switch to deactivate said first switch;
• said pallet being positioned onto said second plurality of brushes when said second plurality of brushes is not receiving power;
• said first switch activating after said conductive surface of said pallet contacts said second plurality of brushes;
• and
• said pallet stably and continously receiving power when being conveyed from said second plurality of brushes to said first plurality of brushes.