Patent ID: 6116405
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A switching device modifying conditions under which a load travels along a feed path on a first conveyor having a frame, a switching device comprising:at least two parallel normal rolls mounted horizontally to the frame to form a support plane to transport the load;at least two juxtaposed parallel switching rolls mounted horizontally to the frame downstream of the normal rolls relative to the feed path;driving means connected to the normal and switching rolls for rotationally driving the normal and switching rolls in at least one rotational direction; anda connected flexible series of a plurality of links and rollers wound on and attached to an outer surface of each of the at least two switching rolls, an axis of rotation of the rollers having an angle of inclination in a range between 0 degrees and 60 degrees relative to an axis of rotation of the switching rolls, each roller having an outer diameter projecting beyond an outer diameter of a corresponding link to contact and support the load in the support plane.