Patent ID: 6129195
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A ball transfer deck having pin stops for selectively preventing movement of a load across the deck comprising:a substantially horizontal, load-bearing deck defining a surface and a multiplicity of regularly spaced circular first openings and a lesser number of spaced second openings;a plurality of cylindrically-shaped housings positioned in said first openings, each of said housings having a concavity adapted to receive a plurality of roller bearings about a surface defining said concavity;load-bearing roller balls positioned for universal rotation within said housings and defining a horizontal load-bearing plane;annular elastomeric sleeves positioned about said housings between said housings and said deck surface, thereby isolating said housings from direct contact with said deck surface and minimizing vibration and reducing noise as loads are moved over said roller balls; andpin stop mechanisms with pin housings positioned within said second openings, said pin stop mechanisms having pins movable with respect to the horizontal plane between a first position in which the pins project above the horizontal plane to prevent movement of a load through said pin stop mechanisms and a second position in which said pins are retracted below the horizontal plane allowing movement of a load over said pin stop mechanisms.