Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for controlling the flow of articles

US6382398B2 · kind B2 · utility

26Cited by
8References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 20, 2001
Grant dateMay 7, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 20, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65G47/5131
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling the flow of articles includes an infeed conveyor and an outfeed conveyor spaced apart from the infeed conveyor to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed across and movable along the space. Transport member includes a rotatable member drivingly engaged by the infeed and outfeed conveyors so as to rotate as either of the infeed and outfeed conveyors move. The transport member travels along the space if a relative speed difference exists between the infeed and outfeed conveyors. An article transfer member is carried by the transport member and is disposed between the infeed and outfeed conveyors to transfer articles between the conveyors as the rotatable member rotates.

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