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:
Feb. 27, 2001
Filed:
Jul. 31, 1998
Mark W. Henson, Danville, KY (US);
Floyd Robertson, Jr., Danville, KY (US);
Abstract
A conveyor system especially suitable for transfer and spacing of articles in a smooth distortion-free manner and controlled acceleration/deceleration is provided. An endless transfer belt is driven by an endless drive belt selectively engaging the lower return run thereof. An actuator assembly including a pneumatic motor lifts a pressure roller mounted in a cradle to provide the driving function in response to one or more controllers. A plurality of transfer belt modules, all driven by the single drive belt, are aligned to form an accumulation conveyor system for establishing zero pressure between the articles. Each transfer run is supported and guided along a flat plate to provide the smooth conveying surface and to steady the articles. In the related method, the drive belt selectively drives the transfer belt or belts of the single or modular conveyors by lifting the driving run into engagement with the return run. The spacing of the articles is controlled by the one or more controllers.