System and method for connecting rails on a conveyor track

US11878869B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Roger Hogan · Cambridge, CA
• Albert Kleinikkink · Cambridge, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 22, 2021
• Grant date: Jan 23, 2024
• Expiry date: Jan 30, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G54/02
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A joint system and method for managing alignment tolerances in a track section of a conveyor, the system including: a plurality of track sections, each track section including at least one end to be joined with an adjacent track section and one or more rails on which bearings of moving elements move; and wherein, at the end of each track section, the one or more rails each comprise a finger such that rails from adjacent track sections form an interlaced connection between fingers from each track section and both fingers are angled such that a non-alignment of the rails will not jar a bearing moving over the joint.