Patent ID: 6378695
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
An apparatus for varying the lateral spacing between guide rail in a conveyor assembly, comprising:a drive shaft of elongate construction, said drive shaft being mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis of rotation; rotation means for selectively rotating said drive shaft in a first direction about said longitudinal axis of rotation and in a second direction about said axis, said second direction being opposite to said first direction; said rotation means including a linkage means; said linkage means including a center link and two outboard links; said center link being centrally apertured to accommodate said drive shaft; said center link being mounted for conjoint rotation with said drive shaft so that rotation of said drive shaft effects simultaneous and corresponding rotation of said center link; said center link being pivotally connected at its opposite, outboard ends to inboard ends of said respective outboard links; each outboard link of said two outboard links having an outermost free end; a slideably mounted mounting block pivotally connected to respective outermost free ends of said outboard links; a rail support member mounted in upstanding relation to each of said slideably mounted mounting blocks; a first guide rail mounted to a first rail support member and a second guide rail mounted to a second rail support member; whereby rotation of said drive shaft in said first direction effects convergence of said first and second guide rails; and whereby rotation of said drive shaft in said second direction effects divergence of said first and second guide rails.