Low electrostatic discharge conveyor
US7328785B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/0297
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A conveyor for transporting objects sensitive to electrostatic discharge. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a roller conveyor with conductive rollers in electrical communication with an electrical ground. The rollers preferably have about 105 ohms resistance from the outer diameter to the inner diameter to ensure that electrostatic charges built up on the conveyed object can flow to ground, yet not flow too quickly. In another embodiment, the roller shafts are supported on highly conductive bushings that provide a path to electrical ground that is preferably less that 104 ohms. In yet another embodiment, the roller shafts are driven by a conductive pulley that minimizes the build-up of electrostatic charge as a result of a triboelectric effect with the drive belt.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.