Patent ID: 6164431
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: B31B,B65G

Abstract:
A conveying device for sheet-like or plate-like workpieces having low specific gravity (21), comprising means (11, 12) for changing the orientation of the workpieces (21) about an axis perpendicular to the sheets or plates, which means (11, 12) for changing the orientation of the workpieces (21) comprises two median conveying elements (11, 12) arranged side by side along the path of the workpieces, separate drive means with adjustable speed (18) connected to each of the median conveying elements (11, 12) and a plenum (22) and means (23) for producing reduced air pressure within the plenum for applying an air pressure force to the workpieces (21) downward in the direction of the conveying elements (11, 12) so that the effect of the plenum (22) and the means (23) for producing reduced air pressure is added to the specific gravity of the workpieces (21), producing a frictional force, the resulting frictional force between the conveying elements (11, 12) and the articles (21) being sufficient to transmit to a surface part of said workpieces (21), adjacent to each of said median conveying elements (11, 12), a speed approximately corresponding to the speed of each of the adjacent median conveying elements (11, 12), wherein the median conveying elements (11, 12) constitute an air permeable upper surface of the plenum (22).