Stopping device for air conveyor
US3975057A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 1975 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G51/03
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is an air conveyor comprised of a deck having multiple openings and an underlying plenum containing air under pressure. The air from the plenum issues through the openings as jets to lift articles and advance them along a predetermined path spaced above the deck. To stop the articles, a second plenum is disposed within the first mentioned plenum and in communication with the openings through the conveyor deck at a location at which the article is to be stopped. A normally open valve provides communication between the first and second plenums whereby air under pressure in the first plenum passes into the second plenum and out through the openings in the conveyor deck for lifting and advancing the articles on the conveyor similarly as accomplished by the air issuing through the other openings in direct communication with the first plenum. A normally closed second valve commmunicates between a vacuum pressure source and the second plenum. Upon closing the first valve and opening the second valve, a vacuum pressure is applied across the opening in the deck overlying the second plenum whereby the articles are slowed, drawn down against the conveyor deck, and stopped.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.