Ergonomic workstation conveyor apparatus and method
US6193047A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G13/02
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for conveying objects to a seated human operator, including a powered conveyor with slippable rollers that is part of a workstation area for the operator. The conveyor is compact enough that a human operator can sit adjacent to it with the operator's legs underneath the moving surface path and perform work on objects being conveyed along the surface path. Also there is a compact driving mechanism for driving the roller shafts. The roller driving and support assemblies are of low vertical height and clear the operator's legs while at the same time maintaining the top surface of the driving and support assemblies and surface path at a comfortable height for the operator's arms. The driving and support assemblies, rollers and roller shafts, and various driving elements provide protection for the human operator. A product stop assembly is also included that stops an object being conveyed along the surface path so that it can be worked on by the human operator. The product stop has a compact vertical height compatible with a workstation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.