Patent ID: 7439454
Filing Date: 2008-10-21
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A transport apparatus adapted to convey an article in a predetermined conveyance direction, comprising: a trough in which the article to be conveyed is adapted to be placed, the trough including one of a first protruding part and a depressed part; and a reciprocating movement mechanism having a rotation motor and first and second support member to support the trough with the first and second support members being spaced apart in the predetermined conveyance direction, the rotation motor being operatively coupled to the first and second support members to transmit a rotary force in one rotational direction to pivotally move the first and second members while the first and second members are maintained parallel to each other to reciprocatingly move the trough via pivoting movements of the first and second support members along the conveyance direction of the article such that a movement of the trough in a direction opposite the conveyance direction is faster than a movement in the conveyance direction, at least one of the first and second support members of the parallel link including the other of the first protruding part and the depressed part, the first protruding part being removably connected to the depressed part.