GB190810094A - Improvements in or relating to Conveying Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

10,094. Justice, P. M., [Lamson Consolidated Store Service Co.]. May 9. Mechanical dispatch apparatus.- In conveying-apparatus of the kind in which an endless cable draws carriers over forwarding and return tracks, loops through which the cable travels are provided in the return tracks, forming stations where the carriers may be put into co-operation with the track and cable. A station is shown in Fig. 1, the main forwarding tracks A and return tracks A<2> being supported by brackets A. Above each station, curved switch-tracks A<4> are mounted, consisting of thin metal strips separated sufficiently to allow the passage of switch fingers C<8> on the carriers C, Fig. 22. The switches comprise pivoted portions A<5>, Fig. 8, of the main tracks A, supported by a bracket A<6> and normally held in alinement with the tracks A by a spring A<8> until diverted by a carrier C engaging with the switchtracks A<4>. Receiving-tracks A<3>drop from the main line at the stations and receive carriers switched off at these stations. To brake the drop of and to hold the carriers until they are removed from the open terminus of the tracks A<3>, a spring brake device, Fig. 4, is provided, consisting of brackets B movable on the tracks A<3> and connected by springs B<2> so as to hold the tracks closer together and pinch the carriers. The tracks A' at each station are expanded at F to permit the insertion of a carrier into co-operation with the cable D. The carriers, which are adapted to travel on their sides, comprise shells 0 having spring- pressed lids C<1> held closed by catches. They are guided on the tracks by means of recesses formed between "fibre" plates C<3> and guides C<7>. A movable spring-pressed arm C<6> grips the cable against a fixed arm C<5>. The switch-fingers C8 riveted to the sides of the carriers are graduated in position to engage the switch-tracks A' of the station denoted on a number plate C<12> on the lid of the carrier. A cable-releasing device consisting of a lug H, Fig. 7, is cast on the bracket A' at each station. The lug has a curved end H<9> to catch the grip C<6> and open it, the carrier leaving the switchtracks A<4> and entering the receiving-tracks A<3>. When despatching a carrier from a station, the guides C<7> are inserted in the openings F and the carrier is pushed slightly upwards, whereupon a cam G closes the cable grip C<6> on the cable D.