MXPA96000354A - Transporter system monorr - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a conveyor element for guided movement along a rail, characterized in that it comprises: a body, the body comprises: a rigid axis, a first body structure rigidly attached to the shaft, and a second body structure rigidly attached to the shaft, wherein the respective shapes of the first and second body structures are in mating relation, the first and second body structures solectively form a receiving channel through which the rail is available; and a transporting reel of an object, supported by the axis and that can rotate around the

Description

V MONORRAIL CONVEYOR SYSTEM INVENTOR: EVERETT I-AVARS citizen of the United States, with address at 1001 East Kingsley Avenue, Pomona, 5 California 91767, United States.

CAUSAHIENT: SUNKIST GRO ERS, INC., A company incorporated in the United States in accordance with the laws of the State of California, residing at 14130 Riverside Drive, 10 Sherman Oaks, California 91423, United States.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to conveyor systems, and in particular, conveyor systems for the handling of individual objects such as citrus fruits, where the system incorporates a single rail.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In general, conveyor systems for the carriage of different objects, such as citrus fruits, are composed of several types of conveyors driven along a double rail system, such as the one described in the Patent of USA 5,174,429 i-V "Apparatus and Method of Unloading a Transporter", LaVars et al. Normally, the double rail system is composed of a series of spools in a double frustoconical shape (as in the form of a bow tie in cross section), each on a support and with the ends of the support that extend and rest and fit in two. Longitudinal parallel surfaces or rails that extend along the conveyor. One end of each support is coupled to a chain that determines the relative spacing of each of these spools in a closed chain loop and at the same time provides the connecting means for imparting the driving force that moves the series of spools along of the rails.

The use of double rails, while providing strength and stability to the reels, also doubles the weight and quantity of structural materials required. More importantly, it bends the friction and wear surfaces of the conveyor system. In response to these disadvantages, the art has designed a single-rail or single-rail system, an example of which appears in PCT International Publication WO 92/18258 under the title "Apparatus and Method for Classifying Objects".

In that system of uni-transport, the series of spools are driven by a chain below that travels on a rail placed in the middle and mounted on the carriers of the spools. Each citrus fruit or other object is placed, between a successive pair of spools, inside a cradle that has a pivot lever in the center and that forms part of the lower surface of the frame; the lever can be activated to eject the citrus fruit or other object from its nested position between the spools according to the classification protocol. The cradle itself can also be raised to a position to act as a scale for the fruit or object.

Uni-transporter system co or this, can have many advantages over a double rail conveyor system. However, the basic structure of the conveyor is conceptually identical to the double rail conveyor system, in the sense that it is required to add a chain as part of the system in order to provide an interconnector link between each of the conveyor spools. and a means for providing the driving force so that each of the spools is carried along the line of the conveyor. In general, these chains are driven by holed wheels that are expensive to manufacture and in most cases, of metal and therefore subject to corrosion with their damaging effects, such as increased friction and interlocking in a normally humid environment. and dirty in which the conveyor must operate.

Therefore, what is required is a type of single-rail conveyor system that is not subject to the limitations of the prior art drive chain, nor to the double rail conveyor system or the uni-conveyor system that we have just describe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is a monorail conveyor system without chain for moving objects, comprising a single rail and a sequence of individual links of reel interconnected with pivots in a bearing arrangement on the rail. A drive mechanism is coupled to the link sequence to move the sequence of the links along the rail. Practically, the entire conveyor, assembled as an endless sequence of links interconnected with pivots, can be made of lightweight, low-friction plastic. As a result, the friction surfaces within the system, the amount of driving force required and the opportunity for corrosion are substantially reduced.

Each of these spool links comprises a structure, a spool fitted with pivots to the structure, a central support wheel and sliding mobile wedge coupled to the structure. The cradle can be activated in two ways: the first way is to work as an ejection finger, and the second, to function as a lifting platform freely. In a description, the second embodiment of the cradle comprises a scale, in which the cradle is lifted, the object is placed and weighed.

The cradle comprises a leg on the left and one on the right that slide fit into the structure and a mount fitted in a rotating manner to one of the legs and coupled in a sliding manner to the opposite leg. The vertical activation of one or both legs can be activated selectively in the cradle in one or both modes.

Each link can be disengaged and is fitted with pivots to an adjacent link by means of a support pivot in a link that engages a support captured in the adjacent link. The support pivot and the support are wedged to allow them to be disengaged only when the adjacent links have a single predetermined angular orientation with respect to the others. The angular orientation by which disengagement is allowed is an angular orientation that is not achieved within the conveyor system with the adjacent links during normal operation. In general, an endless sequence is created by the grip of a sequence of links, and the free support pivot of the last link at one end is engaged with the free-grip support of the last link at the opposite end.

The structure is composed of two integral sides formed to provide fitting surfaces for the link and the cradle. The sides are formed and fit together to provide one. reel link. In the illustrated description, each of the links of the reel is made of relatively light, non-corrosive material, such as molded plastic.

As already mentioned, each of the reel links is fitted to an adjacent reel link by means of rotating supports, each of which also provides a surface extending to the sides. The drive engages with the side surface of the brackets to firmly engage the momentum of the spool links, thereby moving the sequence of the links in the rail.

The invention can also be characterized as an apparatus used in a conveyor system for holding an object, comprising a single cradle carrying the object. This cradle can be activated in two ways: the first is to provide the function of an ejector finger, and the second, to freely raise an object placed in the cradle.

The invention is also characterized as a monorail conveyor system with a conveyor rail comprising a single rail and normally, an endless stream of reel links interconnected with pivots to hold the objects while being transported along the conveyor rail. The links of the reels are guided along the conveyor rail by a single rail. The links of the reels have fitting surfaces defined therein that allow the sequence of the links of the reels to be dragged along the rail without having to use a drive chain.

The invention can also be characterized as a conveyor element that when sequentially grasped to another, similar elements can form a worm sequence thus constituting a monorail transport system that operates without using drive chains.

Finally, the invention can be better visualized by observing the following figures where the elements refer to the other Figures by the respective numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a reel link of the conveyor system of the invention, isolated from other similar links in the sequence of reel links and other elements of the conveyor system.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of three interconnected reel links, equal to the sample of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an elevated side view of a series of spool links of the types showing the Figures 1 and 2, fitted to a .motive wheel.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a reel link of the type shown in Figures 1 to 3, where the cradle with link is about to be lifted by means of a ramp activated by selection.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the reel link showing Figure 4 and a similar contiguous reel link, where the reel links have advanced and one of the cradles between links has begun to be lifted by the selection-activated ramp .

Figure 6 is an internal side elevational view of a structure of the reel link shown isolated from the other elements of the reel link.

Figure 7 is an outer side elevational view of the structure of the reel link showing Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a front elevated view of the side of the link structure of the reel of the Figures 6 and 7 Figure 9 is a plan view of the side of the structure of the reel link shown in Figures 6 to 8.

Figure 10 is a front elevated view of the side of the structure of the reel link opposite the side of the structure shown in Figures 6 to 9.

Figure 11 is an internal side elevational view of the side of the reel link structure showing Figure 10.

Figure 12 is an external side elevated view of the side of the structure of the reel link shown in Figures 10 and 11.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view through the section lines 13-13 of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view through lines 14-14 of Figure 12.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view through lines 15-15 of Figure 12.

Figure 16 is a front elevational view of the cradle mounted with the nested links, according to the illustration of the invention.

Figure 17 is a plan view of the cradle shown in Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view through lines 18-18 of Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view through lines 19-19 of Figure 17.

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view through lines 20-20 of Figures 1 and 16.

Figures 21 a, b, c are front elevational views of the cradle assembled with the nested links according to another description of the present invention, in successive activation states.

Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view through the section lines 22-22 of Figure 23.

Figure 23 is a side elevational view of the cradle shown in Figure 21 a.

Figure 24 is a side elevation view of a description of the driving wheel (50), alternative to the driving wheel of the illustration of Figure 3.

The invention together with its various illustrations will be better understood by the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ILLUSTRATIONS It is a monorail transport system with a series of reel links interconnected with pivots, and that can be made of integrally molded plastic parts. The reel links slide along a single rail that defines the conveyor rail. A reel link fits with the link of the adjacent reel in a support connection between them. The support has an extended surface that is engaged by a drive wheel, such as a plastic wheel, so that an endless sequence of the links of the reel is fitted and is driven along the single rail of the conveyor rail without the need for use an additional drive chain.

In each reel link, adjacent to the reel where it is incorporated, there is a cradle to carry citrus fruits or other objects in the nest: the cradle is defined between the next pair of reels when the link is interconnected to a similar one. The cradle can be activated in two ways: as an ejection finger with a pivot to expel the citrus fruit or another object from the nest defined between the reels, or as an elevating element to freely elevate the citrus fruit to be weighed or another process. As described below, within the scope of this invention, a combination of actions can also be made. In particular, a pivoting action followed by a lifting action has proved to be especially advantageous in the case of small fruits and / or when the system is operated at high speed.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a single reel link assembled in the indicated manner, isolated from the other elements of the monorail transport system.

The link of the reel, indicated generally by the reference number (10), composed of a single unit which when repeated can be pivoted, end-to-end, with a similar spool link, as best described and illustrated in relationship with Figures 2 and 3, to form a single rail conveyor system. The link of the reel (10) is composed of a reel (12), a structure (14) and a cradle (16). The spool (12) rotatably fits the structure (14) and the cradle (16) is arranged to slide on the structure (14) so as to allow vertical movement to select the cradles (16) as shown in FIG. see the orientation of Figure 1. The rotary coupling of the spool (12) to the structure (14) and the reciprocal coupling of the cradle (16) to the structure (14) will be better understood when describing the detailed structure of the structure (14).

Before considering these details, it should be understood that even when the reel (12) is shown as a double frustoconical symmetric reel having a series of surfaces and edges of different diameters, any type of reel, roller or apparatus for the handling of citrus fruits or other objects, that is known now or that is designed later. In the illustration of Figure 1, the spool (12) is composed of three rotating sections coupled near a rotating shaft formed of the structure (14), of which only the end (24) can be seen in the Figure 1. In this illustration, the reel is composed of a central ring (18) disposed between two identical revolving spool cores, each of which has a series of stepped surfaces (22) that are defined therein in order to make contacting or rotating objects of different diameter arranged on the spool (12) or more appropriately, between the adjacent spools (12). The central ring (18) is mounted separately on the shaft, and in this way can rotate separately from the cores of the spool (20). Likewise, the cores can rotate in isolation from one another and from the central ring (18). It is important to note that in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rolling contact between the respective central rings of the links of the reel and the rail on which the conveyor slides is what provides the support of the conveyor.

While the following description of the illustrated embodiment will be presented within the context of a conveyor system for spherical objects, and in particular for citrus fruits, it should be expressly understood that whenever a reference is made to the fruit, any object of any kind may replace yourself in exchange.

Also, as will be described in greater detail with respect to Figures 16 to 20, the cradle (16) is composed of reciprocal legs (26) and (28), coupled to slide with the structure (14). The leg (26) is pivotally engaged in the pivot (30), to a frame (32) of the cradle (16), where the frame (32) is engaged to slide through a slot (34) to the opposite leg (28) of the cradle (16).

In the alternative modality illustrated by the Figures 21 to 23, analogous structures, indicated generally by the reference numerals 100 greater than those used in the reference to the previous illustration, act in a similar manner with each other. Specifically, the cradle (116) is composed of the reciprocal legs (126) and (128), coupled to slide with the structure (14) of the above-described embodiment. The leg (126) is pivotally engaged in the pivot (130) to a frame (132) of the cradle (116), where the frame (132) is coupled to slide by means of a pivot (204) through a slot (134) in the flange (202) to the opposite leg (128) of the cradle (116).

Returning to the embodiment of the invention described initially, the combination of a series of reel links (10) shown in Figure 1, comprises a monorail conveyor is best indicated in Figure 2, where three of these reel links are shown in perspective. coupled with pivots to each other and arranged to slide on a T-shaped rail (35) having a base plate (36) and a single vertical wall (38). Any rail configuration according to the functional principles of this invention can be used, and the shape of the rail is not limited to that shown or described in the illustrated example.

Each reel link (10) is pivotally coupled to the reel link (10) adjacent to one end by means of a ledge (40) that slides inside and rotates within a reel bracket (42) of the reel link. (10) contiguous. The preferred shape of the ledge flange (40) and support (42) and their combination will be better illustrated and understood with respect to the detailed description of the sides of the reel link described in relation to Figures 6 to 15.

The capacity of the ledge shoulder (40) of a reel link (10) so that it can be held firmly by the gripping support (42) of a neighboring reel link (10), may, without reference to the exact forms of These two elements, generally referred to as a "concordance relationship" between the respective forms of these two elements. In fact, although naturally the flange took (40) and the grip bracket (42) of the same reel link (10) can not agree, the same "relationship-of agreement" exists between their respective forms, because in general, all the links of reel (10) will be identical in configuration. The detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention specifies the respective preferred shapes of the ledge shoulder (40) and the grip holder (42). However, the shape of each of these two elements can be changed, within the scope of the invention, as long as this "concordance relationship" between the two respective forms is retained, in order to allow the ledge (40) of a spool link (10) is maintained by the gripping support (42) of the adjacent spool link (10) to create a connection sequence between these reel links.

Figure 2 is also useful to illustrate the handling of the cradle (16) between the conveyor system. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a cradle is provided (16) in the lower part of its legs (26) and (28) with a rolling wheel (44). The rolling wheel (44) may or may not travel on a base edge (36) when in its lowest position, because the degree of descent of the cradle (16) on the structure (14) is inherently limited for its lace. However, even when the wheel passes through the flange of the base (36), it is the central ring (18) that passes through the vertical wall (38) of the rail (35) that provides the main support of the links of the rail. reel (10) and the conveyor that all this comprises.

In any case, the wheel (44) provides rolling contact with an activatable or non-activatable ramp. Figure 2 shows the activatable ramp (46) at a predetermined station (48). The ramp (46) provides a ramp surface that can extend out of the normal path of the wheel (44), as shown in Figure 2, or be lowered by selection, as shown in Figure 4, by electrical, mechanical means or others that serve as wheel receiving ramp (44).

As a suggestion, the ramp (46) can also take the form of a cam or a fixed ramp.

The reel link (10) driven along the rail (35), will pass through the ramp (46) if it has been activated, as shown in Figure 5, thus activating the cradle (16). As will be described later, the activation of the cradle (16) may cause a pivoting action if only one of the wheels (44) passes over the ramp (46), or a lifting action if both wheels in time pass over the wheels. ramps (46) located on opposite sides of the rail (35). In particular, in the embodiment of Figures 21 to 23, the activity may first constitute a pivoting action and then an elevation action. Later on they will be described in more detail.

Let's now consider how, the series of reel links combine to form a complete conveyor system. Figure 3 is a side elevational view of a sequence of reel links (10) pivotally engaged as described in relation to Figure 2; said reel links (10) are driven along the rail (35) by means of a toothed drive wheel (fifty) . In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 3, the drive wheel (50) is composed of a pair of spaced disks (52) normally metallic, such as aluminum or steel, where a series of semicircular cuts or indentations (54) have been defined in the periphery of each disk (52). The indentations (54) are of a size that correspond to the outer layer of the gripping supports (42) of the structures (14) of each reel link (10) and are spaced along the circumference of the disc (52). ) at intervals equal to the space linked between the gripping supports (42) of the structures (14) of the adjacent spool links (10). With the foregoing, the drive wheel (50) positively engages the reel links (10) to carry them along the rail (35) leaving each structure (14) disposed between the two disks (52). The extended portions of the cradles (16) can extend outwardly from the disks (52), so that the cradle (16) is mounted on the drive wheel (50). Because they will normally be interconnected in an endless sequence, the reel links (10) will form a loop that goes around the drive wheel (50) at least up to half its circumference and which is then decoupled from the bottom of the wheel. the drive wheel (50), as shown in Figure 3, to provide a return path of the conveyor system. A wheel can be provided at the opposite end of the conveyor system (50) identical or similar, one or both wheels being able to be driven, in accordance with the principles and means known in the art, usually by controlled electric motors of choice (not shown).

Figure 24 illustrates another alternative of the drive wheel that we have just described within the context of Figure 3. In Figure 24, the drive wheel (50) consists of an inner core (152) from which radii (154) protrude. the outer ring (156). Fixed to the ring (156) by means of removable screws (162) are the gripping elements (160). On the outer surface of each gripping element (160) there is a concavity (164) configured to correspond to the outer layer of the gripping supports (42). The gripping elements (160) are distributed around the outer ring (156) so that as the drive wheel (50) rotates each gripping support (42) in the sequence of the links of the reel (10) it will fit for a grip element (160). In case of wear or breakage of any of the gripping elements (160) it can easily be replaced.

Typically, these gripping elements are made of nylon or plastic, which facilitates their manufacture, with injection molding and which also guarantees low friction, silent engagement between the gripping elements and the respective gripping supports (42). I have discovered that the best material for molding the gripping elements, and really, all the parts of the reel link (10) which is the element that will be subject to rotation, sliding, rubbing or other similar contact or movement, is a plastic that contain teflon, such as acetyl teflon. The use of these materials in these support surfaces reduces wear and prolongs the useful life of the component. It also contributes to a reduction in the motor force required to drive the sequential of the reel links (10).

It will be noted that, as in the case of the aforementioned modality of the driving wheel (50), the drive wheel (150) will be implemented as a pair of outer rings (156), each with a set of gripping elements (160). ) peripheral and each outer ring (156) being supported by a set of rays (154) that detach from the inner core (152).

As in the case of the drive wheel (50), this allows the drive wheel (150) to allow each spool link (10) to pass between the two outer rings (156), allowing the contact between a spool link ( 10) and the drive wheel (160) occurs only as contact between the outer concavities (164) of a pair of grip elements (160) positioned symmetrically, and the outer layers of the respective grip supports (42).

The use of the reel link (10) that we have just described, assembled both individually and collectively, forms a complete conveyor system; let's now turn to the detailed structure of each reel link (10) and the way in which its structure serves or sustains the characteristics and advantages described with respect to its assembled form in Figures 1 to 5.

Figure 6 is a side elevated interior view of a first side (14a) of the structure 14. The side of the structure (14a) is normally composed of a single injection molded part of low friction plastic (as described above with reference to the gripping elements (160)), as well as each of the other elements of the reel link (10), having a lower chassis portion (56) and a reel portion (58). Figure 7 shows the corresponding outer surface on the side of the structure (14a). Comparing the views in Figures 6 and 7 will help understand what is represented in each.

Turning now to Figures 6 and 7, the spool portion (58) has a circular shape that matches the shape and diameter of the center ring (18) and the spool cores (20). Extending integrally from the portion (58) there is a pivot pin (60) extending outward from an integral rim (62) on which the spool cores (20) are rotatably mounted. This pivot pin (60) constitutes the axis of rotation of the central ring (18) and of the two spool cores (20). The pivot pin (60) can be better visualized by observing the front raised view of the first side (14a) as shown in Figure 8. Because the spool portion 58 is normally molded by injection of low friction plastic, the Pivot bolt can provide a low friction shaft on which the center ring (18) and spool cores (20) can rotate.

Looking now at the chassis portion (56) of Figures 6 and 7, the inner surface of the side of the structure (14a) is provided with a rectangular spacer (64) from which the interconnect pin (66) extends integrally. The shape and arrangement of the rectangular separator (64) and the interconnecting bolt (66) are best illustrated by comparing the side view of Figure 6 with the front elevated view of Figure 8 and the plan view of Figure 9.

Figure 6 also illustrates the inside view of the grip holder (42), while Figure 7 represents the most visible external view of the grip holder (42) and the ledge (40). Figure 7 also illustrates the slot (68) in which the leg (26) of the cradle (16) is arranged. As shown in the plan view of Figure 9, the slot (68) is defined within the side of the structure (14a) to provide a grip channel into which a flange of the leg (26) of the cradle (16) is arranged.

Obviously, the side of the structure (14a) shown in Figures 6 to 9 constitutes only half of the structure (14). Figures 10 to 15 represent an opposite and complete side of the side (14b). Like the side (14a), the side (14b) is a single molded integral part made of low friction plastic. The Figure 11 represents an inside view of the side (14b). Like the side (14a), the side (14b) is composed of a chassis portion (70) and a spool portion (72). The spool portion (72) is essentially a mirror image of the overall configuration of the spool portion (58) of the side (14a), and matches the shape and diameter of the center ring (18) and of the cores. of spool (20) shown in Figure 1. However, the spool portion (72) of the second side portion (14b) includes an internal connector pin (74) extending from the interior surface of the side portion (14a). ) to the opposite side portion (14b). The bolt (74) is best illustrated in the front raised view of Figure 10. The bolt (74) includes an integrally formed spacer flange (76) of a width substantially identical to the rectangular spacer (80) shown below in the elevated view front of Figure 10 and as shown more clearly in the internal elevated view of Figure 11.

Within the separator (80), the side (14b) has a hole (82) defined therethrough to receive the bolt (66) of the first opposite side (14a) when the two sides are engaged. Therefore, the spacer (64) on the side (14a) will remain in a position within the rectangular spacer (80) on the side (14b), with the pin (66) extending through the side (14b) and fixed at its end opposite, extending externally from the side (14a), by means of a C-ring (not shown). The separator (64) will be wedged in the separator (80) to thereby provide the gear between the sides (14a) and (b).

On the side (14b) there is defined a corresponding outer pivot (84) corresponding to the pivot (60) of the side (14a), as best shown in the external elevated side view of Figure 12 and in the front raised view of the Figure (10) The outer pivot (84) is integrally formed of the spool portion (72) and includes a flange (86) corresponding to the flange (62) of the side (14a).

Figure 12 best depicts the external elevated view of the second side (14b), and includes a slot (88) defined within the side (14b) corresponding to the slot (68), as shown in Figures 7 and 9 on the side ( 14 to) .

The detailed structure of the second side (14b), as shown in Figures 10 and 12, can be better understood by taking into account the different cross-sectional views of Figure 12 shown in Figures 13 to 15.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken through lines 13-13 of Figure 12 and illustrates the manner in which the coaxial pin (74) and the pivot pin (84) are integrally formed or molded in one piece , with their respective flanges (76) and (86). There, the inside cross-section of the support (42) is also shown and is shown as a cylindrical and round receiving surface of the ledge (40).

Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view taken through the section lines 14-14 of Figure 12, and illustrates the detailed structure of the slot (88) in which the leg (26) passes in sliding contact. Figure 14 clearly shows the formation of the separator (80) with respect to the half of the groove (88).

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken through the lines 15-15 of Figure 12, and illustrates the cross-section of the ledge shoulder (40) and in particular, the raised surface (90).

Now it can easily be seen that the ledge (40) has a partial diameter of the surface lifted (90) to its diametrically opposite point (92) as shown in Figure 12, small enough to slide into the aperture of the positioning notch (94) defined in the flange portion (70) of the structure (14) contiguous with the gripping support (42) of the next successive reel link (10). The angle at which the spool link (10) must be oriented so that it adjusts the ledge shoulder (40) through the notch opening so as to slide easily into the opening of the locating groove (94) in the grip bracket (42) of the next reel link is an angle that is never achieved in the reel links (10) in normal operation due to the larger diameter of the drive wheel (50). In this way, once the reel links (10) have been inserted by inserting the ledge (40) into the adjacent grip holder (42), they will never again assume an angular relationship that allows them to disengage. In addition, the relative rotation of the ridge (40) within the gripper support (42) of the next reel link (10) allows the succession of the reel links to be flexibly driven around the drive wheel (50) such as it is shown in Figure 3, without any real possibility of disengagement. Also, the manufacture of the reel link structures (14) made of low friction plastic allows uniform rotation of the ledge (40) within the grip holder (42) of the next reel link (10), as the succession of reel links (10) passes around the drive wheel (50) for a prolonged period of time without subjecting them to excessive wear.

Here it will be seen that each reel link (10) basically consists of 5 main parts, that is, the two integrally molded side portions (14a) and (14b), two spool cores (20) and a central ring (18). ). The sides (14a) and (14b) fitted by a bolt (66) on the side (14a), as shown in Figure 8, extend into an opening (82) of the side (14b) shown in Figure 11; and the pin (74) of the side (14b) extends into the cavity (96) defined within the pivot pin (60) of the side (14a) as shown by the reference numeral (96) in Figure 6. The pin (74) ) will extend fully in and will be adjusted by gentle rubbing into the cavity (96) of the bolt (60) until the flange (76) is juxtaposed or recessed against the opposite side (14b). It will also be noted that the rectangular spacer (64) on the side (14a) as shown in Figure 6, is adjusted by gentle rubbing into the receptacle (80) on the side (14b) according to Figure 11.

In this way, the sides (14a) and (14b) are accommodated and secured by means of the bolts (66) and (74), while the cores of the reel (20) and the central ring (18) are retained in a similar way in the pivots (84) and (60) by means of crimping or retention washers placed on the outside of the pins. pivots (60) and (84).

By observing Figures 16 to 20 one can understand the structure and operation of an illustration of the cradle (16). The cradle (16), as shown in Figure 16 in front elevated view, isolated from the other elements of the reel link (10) as stated above, consists of a left leg (26) and a right leg (28). ), each coupled to the frame (32). Again, each lower end of the legs (26) and (28), has as option, a rolling wheel (44) also coupling with pivots. As shown in Figure 20, the legs (26) and (28) are formed or grooved identically so that they have an inner flange (98), separated from the remaining portion of the leg by a vertical channel (100). The vertical flange is fixed to the rest of the leg portion by means of a smaller support flange (99), which, with the vertical flange (98), is molded integrally with the rest of the leg. This complete structure allows the vertical flanges (98) to slide easily within the slots (68) and (88) of the sides (14a) and (14b), respectively, as shown in Figure 20.

In this example, the upper end of the left leg (26), as shown in the orientation of Figure 16, is pivotally engaged with the pivot (30) at one end of the frame (32). The opposite end of the frame (32) has a descending tab (102) in which the slot (34) is defined. The integral extension bolt (104), formed as part of the upper end of the right leg (28), is disposed in the groove (34), allowing the legs (26) and (28) to move independently in the direction vertical If, for example, the left leg (26) is stopped within the slot (88) of the side (14b), and the right leg (28) is made to slide upwardly of the slot (68) in the side (14a) , this will cause the bolt (104) to slide center of the groove (34), causing the mount (32) to rotate upwardly around the pivot (30), thereby providing the driving force to expel an object to the left. is inside or on top of the frame (32).

The plane view of the frame (32) showing the Figure 17 as a single and integral piece, forms the base of a nest formed by the successive reels (12). It is inside this nest that the citrus fruit or other objects carried by the conveyor system will rest. Small objects can touch the frame (32), as well as the reels (12); the larger objects will be held only by spools 12. But objects of various sizes can be ported and ejected in the manner just described.

The contour of the frame (32) is best represented through the cross-sectional views taken through the section line 18-18 of Figure 17, as shown in Figure 18, and the section lines 19- 19 of Figure 17, as shown in Figure 19. The frame (32) has a dip in both directions, so that its lowest point and therefore, the preferred stability position of a circular periphery object is within the central region (106). As seen in Figure 1, the frame (32) has a main lateral extension (108) that runs parallel to the axis of the reel (12). Extending halfway into the frame (32), and transverse to the axis of the reel, there is a pair of opposite tabs (110) that generally fill the space between the successive reels (12); this space opens due to the increase in the diameter of the reel towards its midplane. In this way, practically all the underlying space between the successive reels (12) is filled by the structure of the frame (32).

Now, the operation of the cradle (16) assembled according to the representation- of Figure 16 can be easily understood with reference to Figures 2 to 5. If at any point along the rail (35) there is an activatable ramp (46) and the ramp is not activated (ie, to be pointed forward, condition not shown in Figures 4 and 5), the rolling wheel at the base of the right leg (28) will pass below the ramp and, as a result, there will be no activation of the cradle (16). If, on the other hand, the ramp is activated causing it to descend in the direction of the conveyor (as shown in Figures 4 and 5), the rolling wheel (44) will pass over the ramp, as shown in Figure 5, causing lift the leg of the cradle (16) carrying the rolling wheel (44), thus activating one side of the cradle (16). As described above, this will cause the ejection of any object that is inside the nest of which the cradle (16) is a component.

On the other hand, if both ramps are provided (46), arranged symmetrically to the opposite sides of the vertical flange (38), then both legs (26) and (28) will simultaneously be propelled upwards, thus causing a parallel lifting action of the cradle (16) and the mount (32) and lifting upward the fruit or other object between the successive reels (12). This action can be used when weighing the fruit that is still inside the nest formed by the frame (32) and by the successive reels (12), in which case, a transducer would be provided on the ramps (46), or a weight platform, such as an extension platform (110) as shown in Figure 4.

Another way is that the simultaneous vertical activation of the legs (26) and (28) can be used to lift the fruit or other object to an inspection position, or to a place of printing to place labels or the trademark, or to allow a video inspection of the fruit for classification purposes, or for any other handling operation of the fruit or other object.

It is also possible to activate both legs (26) and (28), but at different heights, in order to achieve, if desired, a simultaneous combination of vertical frame elevation (32) and its rotation. The cradle (16) is held within its socket grooves defined on the sides (14a) and (14b) as a result of embedding the extended end of a pivot pin (112) extending through the rolling wheels (44), pass over a recessed channel (114) and finally against a blind end (115) of the groove (68) as best seen by the side elevation view of Figure 7 of the first side (14a) and the second side (14b) in Figure 12.

Figures 21a, b, and c illustrate a different representation of the cradle (16) and how it can be activated. In order to facilitate this discussion, we will refer to the orientation of Figures 21a, b, e, by which, the leg of the cradle identified with the reference number (126) will be referred to as the left leg of the cradle, and the right leg of the cradle will be identified with the reference number (128). The right and left sides of these figures will be constantly referred to with these reference numbers.

It will now be readily apparent that in this embodiment, the pivot (130) about which the mount (132) rotates with respect to the leg (126) is found on the inner side of the leg (126). This is in contrast to the pivot (30) that is on the outside of the leg (26), as shown in Figure 16. That difference in the relative positioning of the components facilitates a greater tilt action in the frame (132 ) than is normally achieved in the example of Figure 16. This also allows the tilting action to be combined with a lifting action, in a uniform combination of movements. This is illustrated by reference, in sequence, to Figures 21a, b and c.

Figure 21a shows the cradle (116) in resting position, that is, as if it were configured so that no wheel (144) passed over the activable or non-activatable ramp (46) (See Figures 4 and 5).

In Figure 21b, the leg (126) has begun to climb the ramp (46). This causes the leg (126) to move vertically, which in turn, causes the mount (132) to tilt to the right because it rotates about the pivot (130). The condition shown in Figure 21b is the maximum inclination of the mount (132) that can be reached without raising the leg (128). The leg (128) has not been raised because the side of the mount (132) opposite the one rotating around the pivot (130) has rotated about the pivot (204), but the flange (202) has not been raised enough as to cause the pivot (204) to slide down into the slot (134). Because the pivot has not moved, the leg (128) which is an integral part of the pivot (204) has not been raised either.

However, in Figure 21c, the wheel (144) has reached the top of the ramp (46). This additional vertical movement of the leg (126) has passed through the mount 4 (132) to the flange (202), which, because it is integral, causes it to rise along with the mount (132). This rise of the tab (202) causes the pivot (204) to slide into the slot (134) to its maximum downward position. It will be noted that due to the exact configuration of the components, this additional rise of the mount 132 will usually make a slight additional tilt of the mount 132 to the right.

In this way, as the leg (126) climbs up the ramp (46), a growing inclination movement of the mount (132) toward the right is caused first, followed by an elevation of the mount (132) accompanied by a slight additional inclination of the mount (132) to the right.

In this example of the cradle (116) no further elevation or inclination of the mount (132) is possible. This is because, in the configuration of Figure 21c, the upward movement of the leg (126) within the cradle (116) is internally limited by the blind end (115) of the grooves (68) and (88) in the middle of the structure (14a) and (14b), respectively. This blind end (115) is best seen in Figures 7 and 12.

Certainly, if the leg (126) could be lifted higher, that additional lift would pass through the frame (132) to cause the flange (202), through the slot (134), to pull the pivot (204) upwards. This would cause the opposite leg (128) to move up, because the pivot (204) is an integral part of it. However, in order to expel the citrus fruit from the reel link (10) of the present invention, it has been found that it is more advisable to limit the upward movement of the leg (126) in the manner just described. It is possible that for other applications it is preferred to let the opposite leg (128) begins to move upward repositioning the stop with respect to the leg (126), but we leave this for the experience of those skilled in the art within the teachings of the present specification.

In general, it will be understood that by modifying the positions and orientations of the pivots by which either or both legs (26) (28) or (126) (128) are secured to the frame (32), and / or by adjusting the positioning and orientation of the ramp (46) (or the ramps (46) if there are ramps on both sides of the lane) you can lift objects, or lean to the right or left, or achieve some combination of these actions. These modifications are within the scope of the abilities of the habitual practitioner, based on the teachings that are exposed in this invention.

In fact, those who know the technique will be able to make many alterations and modifications without leaving the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the modality is only an example and that it should not be taken. as limiting the invention that is defined in the following claims. The modality is described as being made of high impact, low friction molded plastic, but it can also be made of any material, including metals or composites by any means of manufacturing or manufacturing. In addition, the detailed structure of the component parts has been shown in one form, but can be modified in many ways other than that illustrated without departing from the functional teaching included in this invention. For example, the spacers (80) and (64) have been shown in a way, by the spacers and the means by means of which the sides (14a) and (b) can be molded and fitted, can vary widely according to the design that is chosen. The shape and interconnection of the legs (26) and (28) on both sides (14a) and (b) of the frame (32) (and in the corresponding structures referred to with respect to Figures 21a, b and c can also be changed. substantially in shape and at the same time serving the same function In the same way, a wedge-shaped projection in the lower part of the legs 26, 28 or 126, 128, pointing towards the direction of the trajectory, can be replaced by the rolling wheel (44) if a sliding action is desired upwards through the ramp (46).

The words that are used in this specification to describe the invention and its various illustrations must be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification, materials or acts beyond the scope of meanings commonly defined. In this way, if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as generic to all possible meanings that underlie the specification and the word itself.

Therefore, the definitions of the words or elements of the following claims include not only the combination of elements that are literally established, but the structure, materials or equivalent acts to perform substantially the same function,. substantially in the same way and obtain substantially the same results.

Claims (90)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following CLAIMS is claimed as property: 1. A transport element comprising: a structure comprising: a rigid axis, a first structure fixed firmly to said axis, and a second structure fixed rigidly to said axis, where the respective forms of said first and second structures are concordant; and a reel supported by said axis and rotating around it.
2. 2. The transport element according to Claim 1, wherein: said first structure includes a first portion whose periphery is substantially circular and which has a recessed inner region; and said second structure includes a second portion whose peripheral shape is complementary to the shape of the recessed inner region of said first portion.
3. 3. The transport element according to Claim 2, wherein the recessed region of said first portion is exposed to the environment through an orifice, and the periphery of said second portion includes a dimmer dimension narrower than the narrowest width of said orifice.
4. 4. The transport element according to Claim 1, wherein said structure comprises two elements, which can be joined to form said structure.
5. 5. The transport element according to Claim 4, wherein each of said two elements includes a portion of said axis and incorporates parts whose forms are complemented by the corresponding parts of the other two elements, and said axis can be constructed by joining the two elements making agree their respective complementary parts.
6. 6. The transport element according to claim 1, further comprising operating means according to selection for transferring an object of said structure.
7. 7. The transport element according to Claim 1, wherein said spool comprises a series of spool elements, each of which rotates independently about said rigid axis.
8. 8. The transport element according to Claim 6, wherein the movement of said object comprises a cradle that is slidably mounted to said structure.
9. 9. The transport element according to Claim 8, wherein said cradle comprises: a first leg, slidably mounted to said structure; a second leg, slidably mounted to the opposite side of said structure; Y a mount mounted on said first and second legs in the upper portions thereof.
10. 10. The transport element according to Claim 9, wherein said mount is pivotally mounted to said first leg.
11. 11. The transport element according to Claim 9, wherein said mount is pivotally mounted to said second leg.
12. 12. The transport element according to Claim 10, wherein said mount is pivotally mounted to said second leg.
13. 13. The transport element according to Claim 9, further comprising activation means that cause said first leg to slide with respect to the structure while the second leg does not slip.
14. 14. The transport element according to Claim 9, further comprising activation means that cause the first and second legs to slide simultaneously with respect to the structure.
15. 15. The transport element according to Claim 14, wherein said activation means causes the first and second legs to slide simultaneously to substantially the same longitudinal degree.
16. 16. The transport element according to Claim 13, wherein the activation means comprises contact means associated with the lower part of the first leg to activate the sliding movement of the first leg in response to contact between said contact means and an outer surface of said transport element.
17. 17. The transport element according to Claim 14, wherein said activation means comprises contact means associated with the lower portions of the first and second legs to simultaneously activate the sliding movement of the first and second legs in response to contact between said means of contact and the respective outer surfaces of the transport element.
18. 18. An interconnected sequence of at least two transport elements, each of which comprises: a structure comprising: a rigid shaft, a first structure firmly fixed to said axis, Y a second structure firmly fixed to said axis, where the respective shapes of said first and second structures are in accordance; Y a reel supported by said rigid and rotating axis around it, where said first structure of one of the conveyor elements is firmly supported by said second structure of said contiguous conveyor element.
19. 19. The sequence of the conveyor element according to Claim 18, wherein: each of said first structures includes a first portion whose periphery is practically circular and which has a recessed inner region; Y each of said second structures includes a second portion whose peripheral shape complements the shape of the recessed inner region of said first portion.
20. 20. The sequence of the conveyor elements according to Claim 19, wherein the recessed region of said first portion of said first structures is exposed to the environment through an orifice, and the periphery of said second portion of each of said second structures includes a dimension dimmer narrower than the narrowest width of said orifice of said adjoining conveyor element.
21. 21. The sequence of the conveyor elements according to Claim 18, wherein the structure of that series of transport elements is configured such that the space between the spool of a transport element and the spool of the adjacent transport element is such that the spools contiguous can hold an object.
22. 22. The sequence of the conveyor elements according to Claim 18, wherein at least one of the reels comprises a series of reel elements, each of which rotates independently about the rigid axis incorporated in the conveyor element that includes that reel.
23. 23. The sequence of the conveyor elements of Claim 21, wherein the structure of each of said transport elements further comprises operating means for selection for an object to be moved from said conveyor element.
24. 24. The sequence of the conveyor elements according to Claim 23, wherein each movement means of the object comprises: a first leg, slidably mounted on one side of the structure; a second leg, slidably mounted to the set side of said structure; Y a mount mounted on the first and second legs in the upper portions thereof.
25. 25. The sequence of the conveyor elements according to Claim 24, wherein the frame is placed between the spool of one of the transport elements and the spool of the adjacent conveyor element.
26. 26. The sequence of the conveyor elements according to Claim 25, wherein the space between the spool of a conveyor element and the spool of the contiguous conveyor element is such that an object can be held within the nest formed by the adjacent reels and the frame.
27. 27. The sequence of the conveyor elements according to Claim 24, wherein said mount is pivotally mounted to said first leg.
28. "* '28. The sequence of the conveyor elements according to Claim 24, wherein said mount is pivotally mounted to said second leg.
29. 29. The sequence of the conveyor elements according to Claim 27, wherein said mount is pivotally mounted to said second leg.
30. 30. The sequence of the transport elements according to Claim 24, further comprising activation means for said first leg to slide relative to the structure while the second leg does not slip.
31. 31. The sequence of transport elements according to claim 24, further comprising activation means for causing the first and second legs to slide at the same time in relation to the structure.
32. 32. The sequence of the transport elements according to Claim 31, wherein said activation means causes the first and second legs to slide simultaneously to substantially the same longitudinal degree.
33. 33. The sequence of the transport elements according to Claim 30, wherein said activation means comprises contact means associated with the lower part of the first leg • to activate the sliding movement of the first leg in response to contact between that contact means and an outer surface of said transport element.
34. 34. The sequence of the transport elements according to Claim 33, wherein said activation means comprises contact means associated with the lower part of said first leg to activate the sliding movement of that first leg in response to contact between said contact means and an external surface of said transport element.
35. 35. An object transporter comprising: a series of transport elements interconnected to form an endless sequence of transport elements, each of which comprises: a structure comprising: a rigid shaft, a first structure firmly fixed to said axis, and a second structure firmly fixed to said axis, where the respective shapes of said first and second structures are in a relation of agreement, and said first structure of the transport elements is firmly supported by the second structure of the adjacent transport element, and a reel supported by said axis and that revolves around it; a lane configured to allow that sequence of transport elements to pass over it; and driving means for causing the sequence of the transport elements to move along the rail.
36. 36. The conveyor according to Claim 35, wherein the structure of each of the transport elements is configured such that the space between the reel supported by that transport element and the reel supported by the adjacent transport element is such that the object can be supported by contiguous spools.
37. 37. The conveyor according to Claim 35, wherein each reel comprises a series of reel elements, and each of these elements rotates independently around the rigid axis.
38. 38. The conveyor according to Claim 37, wherein the series of spool elements comprises a central ring positioned between two spool cores.
39. 39. The conveyor according to Claim 38, wherein said central ring is in contact with the rail as the conveyor moves along the rail.
40. 40. The conveyor according to Claim 39, wherein none of said .carretel cores is in contact with the rail as the conveyor moves along said rail.
41. 41. The conveyor according to Claim 35, wherein the support of said conveyor on the rail is mainly provided by the reels passing through the rail.
42. 42. The conveyor according to Claim 41, wherein the carrier of the conveyor on the rail is provided mainly by the central rings passing through the rail.
43. 43. The conveyor according to Claim 35, wherein the structure of each of the transport elements further comprises operating means for selection to cause an object to be moved from said transport element.
44. 44. The conveyor according to Claim 43, wherein each means of movement of the object comprises: a first leg slidably mounted to one side of the structure a second leg mounted on the opposite side of said structure a mount mounted to said first and second legs in the upper portions thereof.
45. 45. The conveyor according to Claim 44, wherein said mount is positioned between the spool of a transport element and the spool of the adjacent transport element.
46. 46. The conveyor according to Claim 45, wherein the space between the reel supported by the transport element and the reel supported by the adjacent transport element is such that an object can be held within the nest formed by said contiguous spools and said mount.
47. 47. The conveyor according to Claim 44, wherein the mount is pivotally mounted to the first leg.
48. 48. The conveyor according to Claim 44, wherein the mount is pivotally mounted to the second leg.
49. 49. The conveyor according to Claim 47, wherein said mount is pivotally mounted to said second leg.
50. 50. The conveyor according to Claim 47, further comprising activation means that cause the first leg to slide relative to said structure, while the second leg does not slip.
51. 51. The conveyor according to Claim 47, further comprising activation means that cause the first and second legs to slide simultaneously with respect to said structure.
52. 52. The transport element according to Claim 51, wherein said activation means causes the first and second legs to slide simultaneously to substantially the same longitudinal degree.
53. 53. The conveyor according to Claim 50, wherein said activation means comprises contact means associated with the lower part of the first leg to activate the sliding movement of that first leg in response to contact between said contact means and an external surface of the element. Of transport .
54. 54. The conveyor according to Claim 53, wherein said surface is supported by said rail.
55. 55. The conveyor according to Claim 54, wherein said sliding movement is caused by a change to selection in the angular orientation of the surface.
56. 56. The conveyor according to Claim 55, wherein said first leg further comprises a wheel rotatable about a rigid axis, and said axle is supported by that first leg and the wheel can be made to roll on that surface when the angular orientation is changed to selection. Of the surface.
57. 57. The conveyor according to Claim 56, where the wheel is caused to roll upwards when the angle of the surface is made to be lower than the direction in which the conveyor moves and the rolling of the wheel upwards causes it to slide. upwards of said first leg.
58. 58. The conveyor according to Claim 53, wherein said activation means further comprises a second contact means associated with the lower part of said second leg for activating the sliding movement of that second leg as a response to contact between said second contact means and an external surface of the transport element.
59. 59. The conveyor according to Claim 58, wherein: said surface is supported by that lane; said second leg further comprises a wheel rotating about a rigid axis and said axis being supported by that second leg; and that wheel is made to roll upward when the angle of the surface with respect to the rail is made to be lower in the direction in which the conveyor moves and said rolling of the wheel upwardly causes said rail to slide upwards. second leg.
60. 60. The conveyor according to Claim 35, wherein each of the first structures includes a first portion of substantially circular periphery and having a recessed inner region; and each of said second structures includes a second portion whose peripheral shape is complemented by the shape of the recessed inner region of the first portion.
61. 61. The conveyor according to Claim 60, wherein the recessed region of the first portion of each of the first structures is exposed to the environment through an orifice, and the periphery of said second portion of each of said second structures includes a dimmetric dimension. narrower than the narrow width of said hole of that adjacent conveyor element.
62. 62. The conveyor according to Claim 61, wherein said second portion of said second structure rotates within said recessed inner region of the first portion of said first structure.
63. 63. The conveyor according to Claim 62, wherein the maximum angle of rotation of that second portion within the recessed region is limited by the shapes of said recessed inner region, that orifice and that second portion.
64. 64. The conveyor according to Claim 61, wherein said second portion of said second structure can be introduced only in said recessed inner region of said first portion of said first structure, while the second structure and the first structure is maintained to be oriented to selection.
65. 65. The conveyor according to Claim 60, wherein a portion of the periphery of that second portion of that second structure comprises a circular arc and the remainder of the periphery of that second portion comprises a straight line.
66. 66. The conveyor according to Claim 35, wherein said driving means comprises: a driving wheel that operates through the contact of a series of transport elements; Y driving means connected to said driving wheel to make the forced rotation of said wheel.
67. 67. The conveyor according to Claim 66, wherein said contact comprises direct contact between that drive wheel and that series of transport elements.
68. 68. The conveyor according to Claim 67, wherein said contact between said drive wheel and that series of conveyor elements takes place in that first portion of said first structure thereof.
69. 69. The conveyor according to Claim 60, wherein said driving means comprises: a driving wheel that, by operating it, comes in contact with that practically circular periphery of that first portion of that first structure * of each of those transport elements; Y motor means connected to that driving wheel to cause the forced rotation of that driving wheel.
70. 70. The conveyor according to Claim 69, wherein said drive wheel contains peripheral indentations, which are geometrically complementary to said circular peripheries.
71. 71. The conveyor according to Claim 64, wherein said driving means comprises: a driving wheel that, when operated, comes into contact with that practically circular periphery of that first portion of that first structure of those transport elements; said drive wheel contains peripheral indentations which are geometrically complementary to those circular peripheries; Y motor means connected to that driving wheel to cause the forced rotation of that driving wheel, where the diameter of that driving wheel and the space of those peripheral indentations are selected with respect to the dimensions of those transport elements, such that Mutual guidance does not occur when the conveyor is in operation.
72. 72. An apparatus for transferring objects to selection of a transport element and whose transport element comprises a structure and a reel rotatably fixed to said apparatus, which comprises: a first leg mounted slidably to one side of said structure; a second leg, slidably mounted to the opposite side of said structure; Y. a mount mounted to those first and second legs in the upper portions thereof.
73. 73. The apparatus of Claim 72, wherein said mount is pivotally mounted to said first leg.
74. 74. The apparatus of Claim 72, wherein said mount is pivotally mounted to said second leg.
75. 75. The device of Claim 73, wherein said mount is pivotally mounted to said second leg.
76. 76. The apparatus of Claim 72, further comprising selection activation means for causing that first leg to slide with respect to said structure, independently of any movement of that second leg.
77. 77. The apparatus of Claim 16, wherein said selection activation means causes said first leg to slide with respect to said structure while the second leg does not slip.
78. 78. The apparatus of Claim 72, further comprising activation means that cause said first and second legs to slide simultaneously with respect to said structure.
79. 79. The apparatus of Claim 78, wherein said activation means causes said first and second legs to slide simultaneously to substantially the same longitudinal degree.
80. 80. The apparatus of Claim 76, wherein said activation means comprises contact means related to the lower portion of that first leg for activating the sliding movement of that first leg, in response to contact between said contact means and an external surface. of said transport element.
81. 81. The apparatus of Claim 80, wherein said sliding movement is caused by a selective change in the angular orientation of said surface.
82. 82. The apparatus of Claim 81, wherein said first leg further comprises a wheel rotatable about a rigid axis, whose axis is supported by said first leg, and the wheel can be made to roll on that surface when the angular orientation is changed to selection. Of the surface.
83. 83. The apparatus of Claim 82, wherein said wheel is caused to roll upwards when the angle of the surface is made to lower in a selected direction, and the running of that wheel upwards causes that first leg to slide upwards.
84. 84. The apparatus of Claim 76, further comprising a second activation means associated with the lower portion of that second leg to cause a sliding movement of that second leg in response to contact between that second contact means, and an external surface of said transport element.
85. 85. The apparatus of Claim 84, wherein: that second leg further comprises a wheel rotating about a rigid axis, which is supported by that second leg; Y that wheel is made to roll upwards when the angle of orientation of the surface goes down in a selected direction, and the running of that wheel upwards causes that second leg to slide upwards.
86. 86. The apparatus of Claim 72, further comprising activation means for causing selection to mount that mount with respect to that transport element.
87. 87. The apparatus of Claim 72, further comprising activation means for causing that mount to be tilted with respect to that transport element.
88. 88. The apparatus of Claim 72, further comprising activation means for causing selection to lift and tilt that mount relative to that transport element.
89. 89. The apparatus of Claim 86, further comprising weighing means associated with said mount, for causing said mount to hold an object to be weighed when the frame is made to rise.
90. 90. The apparatus of Claim 87, wherein said activation means causes the mount to tilt enough to eject an object containing it from it. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A monorail transport system is presented which contains a series of spool links interconnected in a rotatable manner with each other and which are made of integral molded plastic parts. The reel links slide along a single rail that defines the conveyor rail. A reel link is rotatably engaged with the adjacent reel link to form a support connection therebetween. The support is an extended surface meshed by a drive wheel, such as a hole wheel, so that the series of spool links are directly engaged and driven along the rail of the conveyor rail without the need to use any additional drive chain. Between each pair of contiguous spools is a cradle for carrying citrus fruits or another object within the nest that is defined between the spools. The cradle can be activated in two ways: as an ejector of objects or as an object elevator. In testimony of which, I sign the above, in this city of Mexico on the 24th day of the month of January of 1996.