Abstract:
In one aspect, a modular link conveyor chain including slats is capable of assuming a compressed and an expanded condition so as to permit side-flexing while moving along a forward run and a return run in an endless path. The chain is formed of links arranged in rows spaced apart in the conveying direction, the links of a first row including aligned apertures and the links of a second row including oversized apertures, such as slots, for aligning with the aligned apertures of the links in the first row. A first connector is associated with the corresponding apertures to interconnect the first and second rows of links. At least one elongated slat is mounted to the connector. The slat maybe mounted for pivoting movement between a first position forming at least part of a conveying surface along the forward run, and a second position along the return run.
Abstract:
Systems and related methods for singulating and/or reorienting articles may include a singulator with at least two and preferably three V-shaped conveyors (202, 204, 206) serially arranged to convey the articles in a vertically cascading fashion. The conveyors may operate at successively increasing speeds to separate adjacent articles with successively larger gaps. Each conveyor may be comprised of a pair of belts (202a, 202b, 204a, 204b, 206a, 206b) oriented generally orthogonal to each other, and neither having a conveying surface parallel to a horizontal plane. To facilitate article reorientation, the individual belts may be driven at different linear speeds, and at least one belt may include a conveying surface with a high friction portion.
Abstract:
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a conveyor for intended use in a diverter system. The conveyor comprises a pair of spaced conveyor chains formed of links having a depending arm with an inwardly projecting guide tab. The links are secured together by connector rods creating opposed inward projections that support a first carrier rod positioned between the chains. Another aspect of the invention is an article carrier for capturing a first carrier rod, but releasably connecting with a second, adjacent carrier rod. Consequently, the carrier upon release from the second carrier rod can bodily move and pivot about the first carrier rod, such as in the event a portion of the carrier encounters an obstruction. The carrier may also include article-engaging projections.
Abstract:
An apparatus for conveying one or more objects along a conveying path in a conveying direction includes an endless conveyor chain formed of modular links arranged in rows in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The links include spaced outer side links forming a part of a conveying surface for the objects to be conveyed and intermediate links interconnected with side links by connector rods, the chain having at least a forward run for conveying one or more objects in the conveying direction. A driver is provided for driving the conveyor chain, and includes a first sprocket adapted for engaging at least one side link along at least one side of the chain, the first sprocket mounted for rotation about an axis generally orthogonal to the conveying direction and the transverse direction. The sprocket may comprise a split sprocket, and may be adapted for pivoting movement.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a modular link conveyor chain including slats is capable of assuming a compressed and an expanded condition so as to permit side-flexing while moving along a forward run and a return run in an endless path. The chain is formed of links arranged in rows spaced apart in the conveying direction, the links of a first row including aligned apertures and the links of a second row including oversized apertures, such as slots, for aligning with the aligned apertures of the links in the first row. A first connector is associated with the corresponding apertures to interconnect the first and second rows of links. At least one elongated slat is mounted to the connector. The slat maybe mounted for pivoting movement between a first position forming at least part of a conveying surface along the forward run, and a second position along the return run.
Abstract:
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a conveyor chain with plastic side links and intermediate, wear-resistant metal links. In another, the invention relates to a conveyor chain with serrated intermediate links to form a high-friction conveying surface for conveying slick articles, such as frozen fish or poultry. In either aspect, the chain may be adapted for side-flexing and longitudinal compression.
Abstract:
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a conveyor for intended use in a diverter system. The conveyor comprises a pair of spaced conveyor chains formed of links having a depending arm with an inwardly projecting guide tab. The links are secured together by connector rods creating opposed inward projections that support a first carrier rod positioned between the chains. Another aspect of the invention is an article carrier for capturing a first carrier rod, but releasably connecting with a second, adjacent carrier rod. Consequently, the carrier upon release from the second carrier rod can bodily move and pivot about the first carrier rod, such as in the event a portion of the carrier encounters an obstruction. The carrier may also include article-engaging projections.
Abstract:
A mechanical insufflation/exsufflation apparatus (10) has a blower (14), a direction valve (28), an oscillator (30), and a mask hose connector (18). The blower (14) is connected to the direction valve(28), which is connected to the oscillator (30), which is connected to the hose connector (18). During insufflation, the direction valve (28) connects the blower exhaust (42) to the oscillator (30), causing positive pressure at the hose connector (18). During exsufflation, the direction valve (28) connects the blower intake (40) to the oscillator (30), causing negative pressure at the hose connector (18). The oscillator (30) is a butterfly valve with a 360° rotating disc (88). During insufflation, the disc (88) is fixed to steadily modulate the airflow. During exsufflation, the oscillator (30) is inactive or in flutter mode. When inactive, the disc (88) is fixed to allow maximum air flow. In flutter mode, the disc (88) continuously rotates so that the air flow rapidly alternates between maximum and minimum.
Abstract:
A mechanical insufflation/exsufflation apparatus (10) has a blower (14), a direction valve (28), an oscillator (30), and a mask hose connector (18). The blower (14) is connected to the direction valve(28), which is connected to the oscillator (30), which is connected to the hose connector (18). During insufflation, the direction valve (28) connects the blower exhaust (42) to the oscillator (30), causing positive pressure at the hose connector (18). During exsufflation, the direction valve (28) connects the blower intake (40) to the oscillator (30), causing negative pressure at the hose connector (18). The oscillator (30) is a butterfly valve with a 360° rotating disc (88). During insufflation, the disc (88) is fixed to steadily modulate the airflow. During exsufflation, the oscillator (30) is inactive or in flutter mode. When inactive, the disc (88) is fixed to allow maximum air flow. In flutter mode, the disc (88) continuously rotates so that the air flow rapidly alternates between maximum and minimum.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a modular link conveyor chain including slats is capable of assuming a compressed and an expanded condition so as to permit side-flexing while moving along a forward run and a return run in an endless path. The chain is formed of links arranged in rows spaced apart in the conveying direction, the links of a first row including aligned apertures and the links of a second row including oversized apertures, such as slots, for aligning with the aligned apertures of the links in the first row. A first connector is associated with the corresponding apertures to interconnect the first and second rows of links. At least one elongated slat is mounted to the connector. The slat maybe mounted for pivoting movement between a first position forming at least part of a conveying surface along the forward run, and a second position along the return run.