Patent ID: 7040477
Filing Date: 2006-05-09
Classification: B64F,B65G

Abstract:
1. A transport system for transport of containers, comprising: at least one switch having an entry zone, an exit zone with at least two different transport paths for conveying a container to conveyors immediately disposed downstream of the exit zone, and a switch mechanism for selectively controlling the transport of the container to the transport paths; a support assembly defining a plane for support of the container between the entry zone and the exit zone; an alignment and propulsion mechanism disposed in the entry zone for aligning and advancing the container in a controlled manner; a propulsion and guide assembly rendered operative in response to a transport of the container along the transport paths, said propulsion and guide assembly including a control mechanism and at least two modules disposed in the exit zone below the plane of the support assembly and constructed for elevation into the transport paths in one-to-one correspondence above the plane of the support assembly, said modules operated by the control mechanism such that only the one of the modules is raised into a plane above the plane of the support assembly when the container is intended for transport along the transport path associated with the one module, wherein the alignment and propulsion mechanism has a catch member extending transversely to the plane of the support assembly and constructed for engagement against opposite longitudinal sides of a recess formed in an underside of the container and extending in longitudinal direction of the container to thereby apply a contact pressure upon the container and advance the container.