Friction drive system and method for palletized conveyor

US7500435B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. · JP

Inventors

• Samuel T. Bartlett, JR. · Marysville, US
• David Betz · Bedford, US
• Dave Dillard · Marysville, US
• Jason Harrison · Marysville, US
• Wayne Hemmelgam · Celina, US
• Jerry Maynard · Burnet, US
• Norm Schrake · Prospect, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 31, 2006
• Grant date: Mar 10, 2009
• Expiry date: Feb 10, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G2201/0267
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A modular friction drive system and method for use with a palletized conveyor. The drive system includes drive assemblies located at opposite sides of both a load end and unload end of the palletized conveyor. Each drive assembly comprises at least one drive unit and at least one take-up unit, which are connected by a drive belt. One or more idler units may reside between the drive unit(s) and take-up unit(s). Each drive assembly is provided with an actuating means for pressing the drive belt tightly against the side walls of associated conveyor pallets. Each of the drive unit, take-up unit, and idler unit is preferably modular in nature and can, therefore, be added to or removed from a drive assembly independently of the other unit(s).