Spiral accumulator apparatus
US7191896B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G47/5131
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spiral accumulator apparatus is disclosed for controlling the flow of articles. The apparatus includes an infeed conveyor driven in a first direction to convey articles therealong in the first direction along a first path that is at least partially curved, and an outfeed conveyor driven in an opposite direction to convey articles therealong in the opposite direction along a second path that is at least partially curved. The infeed and outfeed conveyors are spaced apart and generally parallel along at least a portion of the first and second paths so as to define a space therebetween. A movable transport member is disposed generally across and movable along the space, and an article transfer member is carried by the transport member and operably disposed between the infeed and outfeed conveyors to transfer articles between the infeed conveyor and the outfeed conveyor. A transport member mover is connected to the transport member, the transport member mover including an endless loop movable when a relative speed difference exists between the infeed and outfeed conveyors thereby causing the transport member to travel in the direction of the faster of the infeed and outfeed conveyors.…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.