Modular roller-top conveyor belt with obliquely-arranged rollers
US6494312B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2207/30
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A modular roller-top conveyor belt constructed of a series of rows of belt modules having hinge elements at opposite ends of each row. The hinge elements of each row are interleaved with the hinge elements of an adjacent row and interlinked by hinge pins to form an endless conveyor belt. Each of the belt modules includes a body section extending between opposite ends of each row in the direction of belt travel. Cavities formed in at least some of the modules open onto an upper conveying surface of the belt. Rollers residing in the cavities protrude onto the upper conveying surface to engage conveyed articles in rolling, low-friction contact. The rollers may be cylindrical rollers that rotate about axles, spherical balls that rotate in all directions, or caster-like roller assemblies. The rollers may be arranged to rotate about axes in the direction of belt travel for side-off transfer of articles, about axes oblique to the direction of belt travel for side justification, or about axes transverse to the direction of belt travel for low backline pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.