Patent ID: 6626283
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: B65G,B65H

Abstract:
A conveyor system for conveying articles having different thickness dimensions, comprising:a first fixed side conveyor subsystem comprising a first conveyor belt routed around a first set of pulleys so as to define a first inner run section disposed along an article flow path, said first set of pulleys being rotatable around axes which are fixed with respect to said article flow path; a second movable side conveyor subsystem comprising a second conveyor belt routed around a second set of pulleys so as to define a second inner run section disposed along said article flow path and opposite said first inner run section of said first conveyor belt so as to cooperate with said first inner run section of said first conveyor belt for conveying articles along said article flow path; and a plurality of spring-biased plunger assemblies upon which said second set of pulleys are respectively mounted such that said second set of pulleys are rotatable around axes which, are movable with respect to said article flow path wherein, said conveyor system can accommodate the conveyance of articles having different thickness dimensions, each one of said spring-biased plunger assemblies comprising a plunger body; an axial bore defined within said plunger body; a spring member disposed within said axial bore defined within said plunger body; and a plunger stud member, defining a longitudinal axis, having a first end portion disposed within said axial bore defined within said plunger body so as to be disposed in contact with said spring member disposed within said axial bore defined within said plunger body, and a second end portion upon which each one of said second set of pulleys is mounted whereby each one of said second set of pulleys is movably mounted with respect to said article flow path as a result of said plunger stud member moving axially within said axial bore defined within said plunger body against the biasing force of said spring member.