Patent ID: 7562763
Filing Date: 2009-07-21
Classification: B61B,B65G

Abstract:
1. In a drive system for an overhead conveyor: a first drive shaft rotatable about a first longitudinal axis and presenting a path of travel for a trolley engaged therewith, and terminating at a forward end thereof, a second drive shaft rotatable about a second longitudinal axis and presenting a continuation of said path of travel, and having a rearward end spaced from said forward end thereby presenting a gap between said drive shafts, drive structure connected with said first drive shaft for rotating the same about its longitudinal axis, and a flexible drive cable spanning said gap and interconnecting said forward end of the first drive shaft with said rearward end of the second drive shaft to transfer torque thereto to rotate the second shaft, said cable comprising spiral wound strands joined together to preclude unraveling thereof, whereby the second shaft may be driven by the first shaft when said first and second longitudinal axes are collinear or not collinear.