Patent ID: 6170635
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
In a device for handling articles, including a transfer conveyor with an active branch provided with seatings for receiving the articles, said transfer conveyor having associated with it first motor means to impress upon said active branch a forward movement between an input position and an output position for realizing the transfer of the articles contained in said seatings from said input position to said output position, the device including loading means on the input side capable of receiving a continuous flow of articles and transferring the articles of said input flow towards appropriate seatings of said active branch of the transfer conveyor; said loading means on the input side having associated with them second motor means to move said loading means on the input side with respect to said transfer conveyor in such a way as to enable them to:follow said active branch of the transfer conveyor in said forward movement between said input position and said output position, andselectively vary the length of said active branch of the transfer conveyor comprised between said input position and said output position and thus permit the articles to accumulate on said active branch of the transfer conveyor while they are being transferred, the improvement whereinsaid transfer conveyor and said loading means on the input side are kinematically uncoupled from each other;there are provided control means that act in a coordinated manner on said first and second motor means to realize said movement of following the active branch of the transfer conveyor in said forward movement between said input position and said output position to selectively vary the length of said active branch of the transfer conveyor comprised between said input and output positions.