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:
Apr. 17, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 20, 1999
Heinz Schmidt, Stuttgart, DE;
Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft, Duesseldorf, DE;
Abstract
A delivery device for the transfer of mixed-item loads, including workpiece mounts, workpieces, containers or pallets, from a first conveyor line to a second conveyor line comprises at least one conveyor element positioned within the first conveyor line and adjacent the second conveyor line. The conveyor element is operationally attached to at least one linear drive unit which selectively lowers and lifts the conveyor element from a neutral position wherein the conveyor element is positioned below the transport level of the first conveyor line to a delivery position wherein the conveyor element is positioned above the transport level of the first conveyor line to effect transfer of the load to the second conveyor line. Preferably, there are two conveyor elements actuated by a plurality of linear drive units positioned in proximity to the ends of the conveyor elements. A coupler connects each linear drive unit to a conveyor element and includes a guide element extending from the linear drive unit and surrounding the vertically reciprocal drive rod. A pushing element, depending from the connecting frame which supports the conveyor element, is positioned within the guide element and is operationally connected to the drive rod by a ball and socket joint. The guide element maintains the pushing element on the drive rod as the drive rod vertically reciprocates. The end of the pushing element is formed with a conical surface which abuttingly contacts a counterpressure surface formed in the upper region of the guide element to thereby maintain the conveyor element in place when in the delivery position.