Conveyor carousel with distributed drive system
US7621392B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/0264
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A carousel according to the invention uses a number of smaller, less expensive drive units at different locations along the carousel path in place of a single larger drive unit of comparable capacity. Closed loop control according to the invention allows individual drives to be de-energized when the power requirements do not demand their usage. When not energized, the drives may be disengaged from the chain, such as by way of a linear actuator as described hereafter. Benefits of such a system include reduced mechanical costs, longer drive life, better redundancy/higher availability, correct drive power, lower energy use, closed loop system monitoring and reduced collateral damage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.