Patent ID: 6374992
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A device for conveying unstable articles, said device comprising:a first guide unit establishing a first path for the unstable articles and having article actuation associated with said first path for urging the unstable articles along said first path; a plurality of second guide units establishing plural second paths for the unstable articles and having article actuation associated with each of said plural second paths for urging the unstable articles along said plural second paths; a third guide unit establishing a third path for the unstable articles with said third guide unit having a movable article diverter with article actuation associated with said third path for urging the unstable articles along said third path, said article diverter having a first portion establishing a first end portion path of said third path aligned with said first path, a second portion establishing a second end portion path of said third path with said second portion being movable to align said second end portion path with different ones of said plural second paths, and a flexible portion establishing a deviation in said third path upon said aligning movement of said second portion; and a controller for controlling movement of said second portion of said article diverter to align said second end portion path with said different ones of said plural second paths.