公开(公告)号：US06364093B1

公开(公告)日：2002-04-02

申请号：US09512853

申请日：2000-02-25

Applicant: Steven D. LaBolt

Inventor： Steven D. LaBolt

IPC: B65G2500

CPC classification number: B65G25/02 ,  B65G2201/0232

Abstract: A walking beam conveyor for the intermittent movement of articles along a transport path is disclosed. Fixed holders are positioned along the transport path to receive the articles to be advanced, providing at least two actuating stations at spaced apart locations along the transport path. To move the articles between the actuating stations, first and second rollers are provided and are supported by a support surface so the rollers are movable therealong. Support links are pivotally mounted to their respective rollers about the rotational axis of the rollers. A connecting link interconnects the support links to substantially synchronize movement of the support links. A beam is pivotally secured to the support links and is consequently supported by the rollers and extends between the actuating stations. The beam has movable supports secured thereto for supporting the article when it is move between the actuating stations. A vertical driving device such as a hydraulic cylinder moves the beam between an article supporting or raised position, in which the article is supported by one of the movable supports, and a retracted or lowered position in which the article is supported by one of the fixed holders. The hydraulic cylinder has one end connected to the beam and the other end pivotally connected to one of the support links so that upon actuation of the hydraulic cylinder, the beam is moved between the articles supporting position and the retracted position. The hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to the support links on each side of the beam by a crosslink. The ratio of the distance between the rotational axis of the roller and the pivot point connecting the beam to the support link and the distance between the rotational axis of the roller and pivotal axis where the support link connects to the hydraulic cylinder is from between 1:2 to 1:3. A drive motor moves the beam along the support surface to move the article between the actuating stations A maintenance hood is provided for covering the hydraulic cylinder in a covering position and exposing the hydraulic cylinder for maintenance in an open position. The connecting links are connected to the support links so that the distance of a line interconnecting the connection points of adjacent support links and connecting links from the axis of each roller is substantially maximized. A method for operating such an apparatus is also disclosed.