Modular cargo drive unit for a conveyor
US5547069A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D2009/006
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A motor driven drive roller (34) frictionally engages the lower surface (32) of a pallet (30) moved along a conveyor path. A drive motor (38) is disposed within the roller (34) and rotates the roller (34) through a multi-stage planetary gear transmission (40) disposed within the roller (34). The roller (34) is moved between a raised operative position and a retracted inoperative position by a lift motor (100) which is independent of the drive motor (38). A steering motor (132), independent of both the drive motor (38) and the lift motor (100), rotates the roller (34) about a vertical steering axis (B) to steer the pallet (30) onto or off the conveyor path. A compression spring is provided between the lift motor (100) and the roller (34) for allowing the roller (34) to move up and down with an irregular lower surface (32) of a pallet (30) to continuously maintain frictional engagement between the roller (34) and the lower surface (32) of the pallet (30). The conveyor is disposed in an aircraft cargo bay for facilitating the loading and unloading of freight.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.