Step down product accumulation system
US6964329B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G51/03
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A step down product conveying and accumulation system employs one or more conveyors with a product path section, on which products are conveyed, and an accumulator section, for accumulation of products for recirculation and eventual delivery to a downstream destination. A length of the product path section is located within a first transverse plane. The accumulator section is located within a second transverse plane, in spaced apart relation with the product path section. A transfer surface in the form of a slide plate, air slide plenum system, or other low resistance or frictionless surface is employed as the transfer medium. Rather than transporting products, which are not properly aligned or which are unstable, for immediate delivery downstream, or for accumulation such that they reach the turbulence point which may cause system disruption, such products are transferred for accumulation by traveling smoothly and efficiently from the product path section downwardly on the transfer surface, onto the accumulator section. From there, the products are recirculated and properly aligned for ultimate, unencumbered downstream delivery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.