GB735675A - Improvements in or relating to endless chain conveyors - Google Patents

Abstract

735,675. Endless chain conveyers. FORSTERS MACHINE CO., Ltd. April 9, 1954 [April 14, 1953], No. 10200/53. Class 78 (1). In a conveyer comprising one or more fingers 23 carried by endless chains 3 and adapted to move over an article-supporting surface 1 to push the article forwards, to stop, to be moved rearwardly clear of the article and then to be further moved by the chains in a return path clear of a following article, the fingers are guided in a curved path over the whole or a part of their movement. As shown, each finger is mounted on a carrier consisting of two side members the rear parts 17 of which are of channel form for slidingly engaging following pins 20 on the chains 3 while the front parts are secured to blocks 16 recessed to receive pivotally leading pins 15 carried by plates 14 secured to the chains. A cross bar 19 connecting the side members carries the finger 23. Chains 3 are guided between plates 6 and 7 first along a straight path and then along a curved path to the delivery end of the conveyer, where the chains pass round sprockets 8, 9, 12 and 13. Pins 15 are arranged to coincide with the axis of sprockets 8 whilst the plates 14 pass around the latter so that a dwell is obtained, after which the carrier is reversed for a short distance as plates 14 pass to sprockets 9, the carrier finally being withdrawn as plates 14 pass around sprockets 12 and 13 along a return path. To control the movements of the carrier, a roller 24 arranged on one member 17 in transverse alignment or slightly rearwardly of pins 20 engages a track 26 parallel with rails 4 and 5 and concentric with or slightly more curved than rails 6 and 7. An upper rail 33 is arranged above an opening 34 in the guide. At the delivery end roller 24 passes beyond the opening, dwells, and returns over the opening and then passes through it. A second roller 25 at the rear end of the other member 17 engages a track 27 which is curved more sharply than the track 26. At the delivery end roller 25 dwells, returns a short distance, then traverses an arc above the track 26 before passing under the end of the track as the carrier is withdrawn. Specifications 645,418, 668,230, 712,829 and 733,654 are referred to.