Reconfigurable chain guide system
US10023390B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2007/185
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reconfigurable chain guide system is described herein. In one example, movable and stationary pieces of chain guide define a chain path. An actuator moves the movable piece of chain guide between first and second positions with respect to the stationary piece of chain guide. A length of the chain path is not changed when the movable piece of chain guide is moved between the first and second positions. This may be accomplished, for example, if the movable piece includes first and second curved segments, which contact the chain in the first and second positions of the movable piece of chain guide, respectively. In an operational example, a chain traveling the chain path may carry a flight lug, which may engage or not engage cases moving on a conveyor depending on a position of the movable piece of chain guide.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.