Conveyor system for selectively diverting objects

US12091255B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Laitram, L.L.C. · US

Inventors

• Matthew L. Fourney · Laurel, US
• Joseph F. Kovacs · New Orleans, US
• Angela Longo Marshall · Harahan, US
• Christopher B. Spicer · Silver Spring, US
• John E. Wenzel · Houltonville, US
• Yorrick Mulder · Baltimore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 20, 2021
• Grant date: Sep 17, 2024
• Expiry date: Oct 25, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G2207/48
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of article-diverting conveyor belt rollers. An underlying drive roller assembly includes a plurality of pivotable rollers carriers, each having a freely rotatable drive roller that contacts the conveyor belt rollers from below. An actuator engages an orientation device to pivot the carriers and change the orientation of the drive rollers. The drive rollers may also move into and out of engagement with the conveyor belt rollers as their orientation changes. The orientation device is sandwiched between three-dimensional support plates to adjust the orientation of the drive rollers relative to the belt rollers. A top support plate includes corrugated vertical walls forming wearstrip holders. The orientation device may raise or lower the drive rollers during pivoting of the roller carriers. The drive roller assembly may be a modular assembly that can be customized for varying sizes, shapes and configurations.