Patent ID: 7621392
Filing Date: 2009-11-24
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A carousel conveyor system, comprising: an endless conveyor support frame including one or more endless support rails disposed along a generally elliptical carousel path; a friction drive chain disposed on the conveyor support frame for movement along the carousel path; a pallet assembly including a series of overlapped pallets configured to fit over an upper surface of the conveyor support frame, including a pallet support assembly including wheels that support the pallets on the rails of the conveyor support frame; and connectors securing the pallet assembly to the drive chain for movement in unison therewith; at least two friction drive units each including an electric motor, electrical disconnects for connecting and disconnect each motor from a source of electrical power, and a friction drive wheel positioned for driving contact with the drive chain, which drive units are located at spaced apart positions on the conveyor support frame along the carousel path; a controller programmed with control logic for operation of the drive units and connected to receive signals that indicate electrical load on the motor of that drive unit during carousel operation and also connected to the disconnects in a manner that is effective to turn the associated motor on or off in response to a signal from the controller, wherein the control logic takes an action in response to feedback comprising the signals from each drive unit that indicate electrical current being drawn by the motors.