Conveyor having a conveyor belt with flights, including segmented flights for gapless end transfer

Abstract

A conveyor having a flighted belt and providing a gapless end-off or end-on transfer of articles. The conveyor belt includes segmented flights at spaced intervals along its length. Each segmented flight includes slots dividing the flight into laterally spaced segments, or dogs. A transfer platform allows for a smooth transfer of articles onto or off the end of the belt. Fingers on the transfer platform separated by gaps extend to distal finger tips that are positioned close to the conveying surface of the belt at an end of the conveyor. The transfer platform is laterally aligned with the gaps positioned to coincide with the flight segments to permit them to pass cleanly through as the belt articulates about a sprocket set at the end of a carryway. The transfer platform may be tilted relative to vertical to gain an assist from gravity in transferring articles. Alternatively, a retractable rake mechanism including a tined rake belt positioned above the end of the conveyor belt is used to comb through the segmented flights to sweep articles off the end of the conveyor belt and across the transfer platform. Optional article-advancing rollers in the conveyor belt between consecutive flights propel articles forward along the belt to a forward flight.