Patent ID: 6047812
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
Conveyor system for controlled transportation of items along a path, where the transportation is logically controlled, comprising:(a) means defining a sequence of transportable items;(b) means defining a conveyor path with driven sections along the path;(c) means for selectively driving sections to selectively transport the items along the sections and from section to section;(d) means for sensing when items are located on specific sections, said means for sensing including:(1) an idler wheel contacting and sensing items being transported over the idler wheel,(2) means for defining a rest position for said idler wheel, said rest position occurring when no item is in contact with the idler wheel, and(3) means for determining when said idler wheel is in said rest position, said means for determining including:(i) a mechanical flag fixed to said idler wheel and rotating with said idler wheel, said flag arranged to be located in a first position when said idler wheel is in said rest position, and(ii) a sensor located to detect said mechanical flag is in said first position;(e) means for controlling the means for selectively driving such that the location of the items are controlled relative to each other in response to said means for sensing.