Patent ID: 6698581
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling the flow of articles, comprising:a first conveyor driven in a first direction to convey articles thereon in said first direction, and a second conveyor driven in a second direction opposite to said first direction to convey articles thereon in said second direction; said first and second conveyors extending side-by-side and parallel with a space defined therebetween; a movable transport member disposed generally across and movable along said space, said transport member having a drive member that continuously rotates as either of said first and second conveyors moves, said transport member movable along said space if a relative speed difference exists between said first and second conveyors; an article transfer member carried by said transport member and operably disposed relative to said conveyors to contact and transfer articles from said first conveyor to said second conveyor along a transfer path; said article transfer member including an endless drive belt disposed along said transfer path so as to contact and move articles therealong, said drive belt running in an endless path between said drive member and said article transfer member; said article transfer member further comprising a driven rotatable member having an article contacting surface, said transfer path defined between said drive belt and a circumferential portion of said driven rotatable member such that articles are contacted are compelled along said transfer path by said drive belt and said driven rotatable member; and a drive mechanism configured between said drive member and said driven rotatable member for positively driving said driven rotatable member.