Patent ID: 6793062
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: A24C,B65G

Abstract:
A variable capacity reservoir system for rod like articles, comprising a product input station and a product output station, having a continuous endless conveyor with an adjustable product conveying length and a complementary adjustable conveyor take up length;conveyor adjustment means for effecting an increase or decrease in the product conveying length and complimentary decrease or increase respectively in the conveyor take up length, wherein the conveyor adjustment means comprises spaced first and second support members arranged respectively on substantially parallel first and second axes and between which, and supported by which, is one of said product conveying length or conveyor take up length so as to define a spiral path extending around said first and second support means; the other of said product conveying length or conveyor take up length being supported between said second support member and a third support member, said first and third support members being restrained from relative displacement towards said second support member said second support member being displaceable relative to said first and third support means to simultaneously effect said complimentary adjustment of the conveyor length extending between said first and second support means and said second and third support means respectively.