Patent · US Expired

Guide system for packages on a curved conveyor

US6059096A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
15References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 25, 1997
Grant dateMay 9, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 25, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65G21/2072
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A guide system for packages on a conveyor system having one or more curved sections is described. The guide system includes an adjustable guide member having a shape corresponding to the shape of the conveyor system for aligning and guiding the packages on the conveyor system. The guide system also includes a plurality of generally linear, control members for adjusting the position of the guide member so as to accommodate different sizes of packages. In the curved section of the conveyor system, the control members are spaced apart in an end to end fashion and extend at an angle .alpha. relative to one another. A coupling device is used to operatively connect a first control member to a second control member such that rotation of the first member will cause the second member to rotate. In one embodiment, the coupling device is a partial revolution universal joint. The partial revolution universal joint includes a directionally sensitive, flexible arm assembly and a tie rod assembly. The directionally sensitive, flexible arm assembly is secured to the ends of two adjacent control members. The tie rod assembly is secured to the faces of the ends of the two adjacent control members. T…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.