Patent ID: 6446789
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A conveyor apparatus including:a first conveyor for conveying individual objects horizontally in a first direction; said first conveyor having a discharge end; a second conveyor for receiving individual objects at a receiving location from said discharge end of the first conveyor and conveying said individual objects in a horizontal direction that is at an angle to said first direction; said first and second conveyors being arranged with respect to each other such that individual objects reaching the discharge end of said first conveyor are deposited on the receiving location of said second conveyor; said second conveyor having a flat support surface over which a perforated continuous conveyor belt extends; said flat support surface having a recess formed therein at said receiving location, said recess being limited to the receiving area; a hollow vacuum plenum is inlayed into said recess such that the perforations in said perforated continuous conveyor belt are exposed to a vacuum while passing over the hollow vacuum plenum; a vacuum source connected to said vacuum plenum for creating a vacuum in said vacuum plenum.