Patent ID: 9061830
Filing Date: 2015-06-23
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A conveyor for conveying articles up inclines, the conveyor comprising: an endless conveyor belt having an outer article-conveying surface and advancing in a direction of belt travel along a conveying path including an inclined portion; a plurality of support elements extending outwardly from the outer article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt and spaced apart at an increment approximately equal to about 1.5 times a length of the article conveyed, wherein the plurality of support elements comprises pairs of two support elements and each support element in the pair is positioned proximate to the other support element in the pair and with a space between the two support elements, wherein each support element comprises: curved section having an article-supporting face, which is curved at a first radius of curvature and is positioned in the direction of belt travel, and a back side opposite the article-supporting face, said back side is curved with a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature; a block-like bottom section with a flat bottom that engages the outer article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt; and a top opposite the bottom, wherein the top is positioned at an angle relative to the flat bottom; two securing mechanisms for each support element to secure the support elements on the conveyor belt; a support frame with a support stand positioned proximate to a floor surface and support bars; a drive pulley interconnected to the support frame and positioned at the bottom of the support frame, wherein an underside of the conveyor belt engages an outer surface of the drive pulley; a tail pulley interconnected to the support frame and positioned at the top of the support frame, wherein an underside of the conveyor belt engages an outer surface of the tail pulley; and a motor for moving the conveyor belt around the drive pulley and tail pulley.