Patent ID: 6978884
Filing Date: 2005-12-27
Classification: B65G,F16C

Abstract:
1. A transfer device comprising: a support structure; a plurality of rollers rotatably joined with the support structure, the rollers oriented to collectively form a curved portion of a conveyor; a flexible drive shaft constructed from at least one of wound cable, wound steel and wound plastic, the flexible drive shaft flexed so that it follows the curved portion of the conveyor; a bracket joined with the support structure, the flexible drive shaft rotatably mounted within the bracket, the bracket completely circumferentiating the flexible drive shaft; a fitting non-rotatably secured to the flexible drive shaft, a drive spool joined with the fitting, the drive spool adapted to selectively slip and rotate relative to the fitting and flexible drive shaft; and a connector joined with at least one of the plurality of rollers and the drive spool, wherein the flexible drive shaft transfers force through the connector to rotate the at least one of the plurality of rollers, wherein the drive spool rotates relative to the fitting and flexible drive shaft when the at least one of the plurality of rollers is subject to an excessive load thereon, wherein selective slipping and rotation of the drive spool relative to the fitting and flexible drive shaft acts as a torque limiter.