Methods and apparatus for controlling conveyor zones
US6827202B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/261
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
One aspect of the present invention relates to a module for controlling two or more zones of an accumulating conveyor system. In one embodiment, the single module includes outputs to provide independent actuation signals to cause movement of two zones of the conveyor. The module includes two sensor inputs to receive article detection signals from two zones. Circuitry controls the actuation signals based upon the detection signals received. According to another aspect, a control module is provided with an input for indicating the speed of the conveyor to be used, such that programmed features of the module can be adjusted according to the speed selected. According to another aspect, a sleep mode of operation is provided wherein multiple downstream zones are awakened upon the detection of an article in an upstream zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.