Vacuum combiner and vacuum conveyor
US5605217A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 1995 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/0244
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides both a vacuum combiner and vacuum conveyor for combining a plurality of lightweight containers arranged in a random order and width into a single row of containers, and moving the containers on a conveyor line to downstream workstations at high speed rates. The vacuum combiner includes one or more conveyor belt-type surfaces, while the vacuum conveyor has a single belt-type surface, all of which have openings defined therein. Both devices also have at least two guide rail assemblies, and a vacuum source that adds a "drag" or "weighing" force on the light-weight containers moved thereon. The conveyor belt-type surfaces of the combiner and the conveyor may or may not be moving at the same velocity. The guide rail assemblies are each comprised of a plurality of rods and rollers, wherein the rollers are aligned in a unique anti-jamming staggered or diamond pattern. The guide rail assemblies are positioned such that they are either substantially upright, or are positioned such that each is inclined over and above the conveyor surfaces. The rods within the guide rail assemblies may be substantially vertical, or they may be inclined forward. One vacuum source may be…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.