Patent ID: 6601695
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: B06B,B65G

Abstract:
A differential motion conveyor drive for imparting a substantially horizontal force to a material-conveying trough, comprising:a frame secured to said material-conveying trough; at least six drive shafts mounted for rotation relative to said frame, said drive shafts being arranged in pairs, and each pair of drive shafts carrying weights comprised of one or more eccentric weight elements; a plurality of drive pulleys, each such drive pulley associated with and operably secured to one of said drive shafts; a motor secured to said frame and including a shaft with a drive pulley operably secured to the distal end thereof; and a belt extending around and operably connecting the plurality of drive pulleys associated with said drive shafts and the drive pulley associated with the motor; wherein the rotation of motor, its shaft and associated drive pulley results in the simultaneous rotation of said at least six drive shafts and the weights carried by said drive shafts to impart the substantially horizontal force to the material-conveying trough; wherein the belt is routed in a specific pattern such that each pair of drive shafts rotates at a predetermined rotational speed; and wherein the rotational speed of each pair of drive shafts and the weights carried by each pair of drive shafts are selected to approximate the terms of a Fourier series.