Modular conveyer transfer systems and methods
AssigneeFKI Logistex, Inc.
InventorsJohn William Kuhn, Charles Burdine, Barry Edwin Brown, James Matthew Dickman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Modular transfer band assemblies and systems are provided. The modular transfer band assemblies may include a frame, pulleys supported by the frame, and a belt provided around the pulleys. The belt is configured to be driven to transfer an article off of a main conveyor line having rollers for conveying the article. The removable belt module is configured to be engaged and disengaged from the main conveyor line without the use of tools as a single, self-contained unit. Modular transfer band assembly systems may include the modular transfer band assembly and a support structure, wherein the modular transfer band assembly is removably attached to the support structure.
Claims25
A system for transferring articles from a main conveyor line to an intersecting conveyor line, the system comprising:
- at least one removable belt module comprising a frame, at least two pulleys supported by the frame, and a belt provided around the pulleys and configured to be driven to transfer an article off of a main conveyor line having a plurality of rollers for conveying the article;
- and
- a support structure having at least one mounting location with which the removable belt module can engage, wherein the removable belt module is configured to be removed from the support structure without the use of tools as a single, self-contained unit by disengaging the removable belt module from the at least one mounting location.
A modular transfer band assembly comprising a frame, at least two pulleys supported by the frame, and a belt provided around the pulleys, wherein the belt is configured to be driven to transfer an article off of a main conveyor line having a plurality of rollers for conveying the article and the removable belt module is configured to be engaged and disengaged from the main conveyor line without the use of tools as a single, self-contained unit.
A modular transfer band assembly comprising:
- a frame comprising a first side plate affixed to a second side plate forming an opening along a top surface of the frame;
- at least two pulleys encapsulated within the frame;
- a belt provided around the pulleys within the frame configured to be driven to transfer an article off of a main conveyor line having a plurality of rollers for conveying the article, wherein a top portion of the belt is exposed in the opening such that the belt may contact the articles;
- an engaging notch located on the first and second side plates at a first end of the frame;
- and
- a locking post located between the first and second plates at a second end of the frame;
- wherein:
- the modular transfer band assembly is removably attached to a support structure comprising a plurality of engaging slots and a plurality of locking clips by engaging the engaging notch with an individual engaging slot and pressing the removable belt module down so that the locking clip engages the locking post;
- and
- the modular transfer band assembly is removed from the support structure by pulling the removable belt module so that the locking post disengages from the locking clip and the notch disengages from the engaging slot.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.