Adjustable guide rail apparatus for conveyor systems
US5291988A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G21/2072
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention describes a novel apparatus for adjusting the lateral spacing between conveyor system guide rails so as to accommodate articles of various sizes. The invention utilizes a series of guide rail mounts which are moved laterally by an internal cam mechanism. The cams are rotated by a drive shaft that runs parallel to the conveyor and is rotatably mounted in a series of bearing assemblies secured adjacent to the conveyor. The drive shaft may be rotated by way of a simple hand wrench, which simultaneously shifts all of the guide rail mounts an equal distance, thus maintaining their parallel configuration. The shaft is then locked in position, thereby fixing the position of the guide rails until further adjustment is desired. The invention may be used on curved conveyor systems as well as straight systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.