Patent ID: 6640953
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A method of controlling a gravity conveyor having a plurality of rollers arranged in a descending manner from an upper to a lower end such that articles move by force of gravity down said conveyor, said method comprising:providing a first sensor adapted to detect the presence or absence of an article at the lower end of the conveyor; providing a first brake located upstream of said first sensor, said first brake adapted to be turned on or off, said first brake substantially preventing at least one associated roller from rotating when turned on and allowing the at least one associated roller to rotate when turned off; sending a pulsed signal having a defined frequency to said first brake, said pulsed signal adapted to cause said first brake to cyclically turn on: and also turning said first brake on when said first sensor detects an article at the lower end of the conveyor.