Lug loader
US8985306B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2013 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 16, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
Embodiments provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor with the workpieces oriented transverse to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors configured to convey workpieces toward a lugged conveyor. The first and second endless conveyors of each pair are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction and aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array can form a continuous or discontinuous transport surface. Some pairs of endless conveyors in the array may overlap one or more other pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array may include two or more endless conveyors that are independently driven at different speeds and/or in different directions to de-skew a workpiece.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.