Side-flexing conveyor chain with pivoting slats and related methods
US7841462B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49826
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In one aspect, a modular link conveyor chain including slats is capable of assuming a compressed and an expanded condition so as to permit side-flexing while moving along a forward run and a return run in an endless path. The chain is formed of links arranged in rows spaced apart in the conveying direction, the links of a first row including aligned apertures and the links of a second row including oversized apertures, such as slots, for aligning with the aligned apertures of the links in the first row. A first connector is associated with the corresponding apertures to interconnect the first and second rows of links. At least one elongated slat is mounted to the connector. The slat maybe mounted for pivoting movement between a first position forming at least part of a conveying surface along the forward run, and a second position along the return run.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.