Conveyor system for two or more troughs

Abstract

A right angle conveyor has a first trough and a second trough to move product by reciprocating motion with the second trough at an angle to the first trough. Rocker arms and corresponding reactor springs joined to a chassis form the first and second troughs. The first trough has a motor upon the chassis, eccentric cam, and a linkage to induce reciprocating motion into the conveyor. To induce reciprocation, the first trough has a first bracket connected to a yoke upon a trunnion joined to the chassis, a yoke connected to a slave drive spring bracket, a slave spring connected to the slave drive spring bracket and to a second bracket, the slave spring connected to a second bracket beneath the second trough. The yoke has three pinned connections to permit rotation. Thus, reciprocal movement of the first trough transmits through the first bracket to the first pin, rotates the yoke upon the trunnion, moves the second pin, transmits movement to the slave drive spring bracket and the slave spring and then to the second bracket, thus moving product upon the second trough perpendicular to the first trough. In an alternate embodiment, the yoke has ball and socket connections and a trunnion upon a pivoting base so the second trough moves at any angle to the first trough.