The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 04, 1990
Filed:
Jan. 23, 1989
Jorgen Draebel, Copenhagen, DK;
Span Tech Corporation, Glasgow, KY (US);
Abstract
A conveyor system utilizing substantially V-shaped modular links is disclosed. A plurality of transversely mounted cross rods retain the links together, thereby forming the conveyor belt. The apex of each link includes an elongated slot to allow longitudinal freedom of movement to the conveyor belt. Special side links are adapted to engage conveyor guide rails integral with a support frame. Each side link is formed by including a depending arm having a transversely extending tab on a modular link. A locking tab is placed within a corresponding slot in each side link to retain the cross rod. The combination of the shape of the links and the longitudinal freedom of movement of the conveyor allows substantially unrestricted motion through curves and bends. In an alternative embodiment, upstanding fins can be provided on one or each leg of a link. The angle of the fins to the forward travel gives better lateral support to the product on the conveyor. Fins of an increased height can be provided on one or more rows to form a pusher to positively feed the product when necessary such as going up an incline. Trays can be formed by combining rows and columns of links having the fins.