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:
Dec. 07, 2004
Filed:
Jan. 28, 2003
Arthur B. Rhodes, Sellersburg, IN (US);
Other;
Abstract
A multi-speed variable spacing conveyor system is shown and described herein having at least a first conveyor operating at a first speed and having a plurality of workpiece carriers thereon in a first spaced configuration. Operably communicating with the first conveyor is at least a second conveyor operating at a second speed. Between the at least first conveyor track and the at least second conveyor track is a transfer mechanism, which allows movement of workpiece carriers therebetween. The second conveyor operating at the second speed allows a second spaced configuration of the workpiece carriers. When disposed in the second spaced configuration, less conveyor track is necessary to hold and move a number of carriers through an inclined and declined portion of conveyor track, as well as a through a workstation resulting in less manufacturing and operating costs.