Apparatus for rotating an article
US6981580B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/2445
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus having approximately parallel conveyors (2, 2′) for transporting and rotating an article (G) has multiple longitudinally arranged omnidirectional rollers (24), each omnidirectional roller (24) having multiple individual rollers (240) arranged about its periphery. The conveyors (2, 2′) extend in a transporting direction (T), bear against the bottom of the article (G), and rotate the article about an axis perpendicular to the article bearing plane. At least one conveyor can be driven at a speed different from the other conveyor to transport and rotate the article on the conveyor. The bearing portion of article (G) is subject to direction-dependent coefficients of friction with the transporting direction (T) having a static or sliding coefficient of friction that is higher than the rolling coefficient of friction in the direction perpendicular (S) to the transporting direction (T).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.