Patent ID: 8205739
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: B27B

Abstract:
1. A conveyor system for transporting a workpiece, the system comprising: a single conveyor having a continuous chain configured to engage the workpiece, the conveyor configured to convey the workpiece from a first end of the conveyor to a second end of the conveyor in a direction of flow; one or more pairs of skids positioned along the conveyor, each of the one or more pairs comprising a first and a second skid coupled by a first shaft, the first and second skid in parallel alignment with the continuous chain and selectively displaceable between a lowered first position below an upper surface of said continuous chain and an elevated second position above the upper surface of said continuous chain, said first and said second skid remaining parallel to said continuous chain in both the lowered first position and in the elevated second position, wherein the continuous chain is positioned between the first and the second skid, and wherein the first and second skid are configured to support the workpiece above the continuous chain in the elevated second position; a lift mechanism disposed between the first and the second skid, the lift mechanism coupled to the first shaft and selectively actuable to lift the first shaft, thereby urging uniform movement of the first and second skids from the lowered first position to the elevated second position; and one or more pairs of positioners disposed along said conveyor, the positioners configured to rotate the workpiece while the workpiece is elevated above the conveyor on said one or more pairs of skids, wherein the conveyor system is operative to rotate the workpiece continuously from the first end of the conveyor to the second end of the conveyor while transporting the workpiece in the direction of flow.