Patent ID: 6964329
Filing Date: 2005-11-15
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A product conveying and accumulation system, said system comprising: first conveying means for the movement of products from an upstream destination to a destination downstream of the system; second conveying means for receiving products from the first conveying means, for accumulation and movement of products on and around the second conveying means and for movement and delivery of products to the downstream destination, said second conveying means comprising a product path section moving in a forward direction of travel, said product path section located within a first transverse plane and an accumulator section located within a second transverse plane, in spaced apart relation with the product path section; and transfer means positioned between the product path section and the accumulator section for downward movement of products from the product path section onto the accumulator section, said transfer means comprising a single, planar transfer surface with two longitudinally extending edges, one edge directly adjacent to the product path section and the second edge directly adjacent to the accumulator section, whereby products moving along the product path section are caused to slide down from the product path section directly onto the transfer surface as a direct result of the movement of the product path section in said direction of travel and the relative positions of and interaction between the products as they move along the second conveying means, and not as a result of products encountering an intervening surface.