Patent ID: 6698571
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A conveyor apparatus defining at least one package supporting surface for conveying a package placed thereon from a first to a second location, said apparatus comprising:a stationary frame; a package supporting portion movable along an endless path relative to said frame, said package supporting portion configured for defining said package supporting surface; a lateral force support member operably attached relative to said package supporting portion, said lateral force support member configured to move along an endless path relative to said stationary frame along with said package supporting portion; a pusher member for pushing said packages across and off of said supporting surface while moving along a path relative to said supporting surface; and a force transfer device connecting said pusher member and said lateral force support member, said force transfer device configured for transferring force from said moving lateral force support member to said pusher member by exerting force in a first direction against said moving lateral force member and by simultaneously exerting force in a second direction against said pusher member, said first direction being substantially opposite to said second direction, such that operation of said force transfer device causes said package to be pushed by said pusher member across and off of said supporting surface, said pushing being along a direction substantially transverse to said endless path of said package supporting portion.