Patent ID: 6279729
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
An article conveying apparatus, comprising:an elongated member movable in a first direction along a first path, said elongated member having a plurality of sections each of which includes first and second end portions and a body portion connected with said first and second end portions with said sections of said elongated member having a major axis that extends in a second direction normal with respect to said first direction with said first and second end portions spaced from one another along said major axis;a guide member receiving said elongated member therein, said guide member having a rectangular shape with first and second guide walls parallel to one another and third and fourth guide walls parallel to one another with said guide walls extending in said first direction and defining said first path, said first guide wall having an opening therein extending along said first guide wall in said first direction; anda plurality of article engaging members each connected with a different one of said first end portions of said plurality of sections of said elongated member and when in said guide member extending therefrom through said opening in said first guide wall in a third direction normal to both said first and second directions to engage the articles at a second path adjacent to and extending along said first guide wall of said guide member with at least a portion of each of the articles engaged in said second path by said article engaging members being adjacent to and spaced from said first path in said third direction, and with adjacent ones of said plurality of article engaging members being contiguous to one another for supporting and urging the articles along said second path upon movement of said elongated member along said first path.