Patent ID: 6758323
Filing Date: 2004-07-06
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A conveyor suitable for singulating articles conveyed along a carryway, comprising:a first conveyor mat extending in a lengthwise direction from a first end to a second end, in a widthwise direction from a first side to a second side, and in thickness from a top surface to a bottom surface; the first conveyor mat forming a plurality of cavities through the thickness of the first conveyor mat and opening onto the top surface and the bottom surface; a roller disposed in each of the cavities with salient portions of each roller extending from the cavity past the top surface and the bottom surface; each roller being arranged to rotate about an axis oriented between the lengthwise and the widthwise direction; a roller bearing surracc disposed along the bottom surface of the first conveyor mat and in contact with the salient portion of the rollers extending past the bottom surface; wherein relative motion between the first conveyor mat and the roller bearing surface causes the rollers to rotate and to provide a sidewise component of motion to articles conveyed atop the rollers along the top surface of the first conveyor mat; and a second conveyor mat adjacent the first conveyor mat arranged to receive articles from the first conveyor mat and to convey the articles at an increased speed in the lengthwise direction to increase the separation between conveyed articles along the carryway.