Controlled speed single file conveyor

Abstract

A controlled speed single file conveyor conveys upright cylindrical articles in single file along a deck plate-from an upstream location to a downstream location. A plurality of rows of louvers extend through the deck plate which are generally parallel to one of the side edges. The louvers are at a very shallow angle and some of them are angled so that air discharged therethrough has a force vector component toward the inboard side edge and a force vector in the downstream direction. A vertical wall, above the deck plate and parallel to an inboard edge, is vertically adjustable above the upper surface of the deck plate to control the exhausting of air. The shallow angle of the louvers causes a portion of the air to flow along the deck and under the articles at sufficient speed to the articles toward the deck to hold them in upright position. A second portion of the air travels above the deck to create a mass air flow to move the articles along the deck in a downstream direction. A method includes supplying air through deck plate louvers wherein the air has a lateral force component and a downstream force component. A variable space between the deck plate and a wall is provided to allow air to be exhausted over the longitudinal edge of the deck plate to control the downstream speed of the articles. A low pressure area is created along the wall to hold the articles in single file.