Patent ID: 6182812
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
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 within said space defined between said conveyors and comprising a bridge extending between said conveyors and generally flush with upper surfaces of said conveyors;said transport member drivingly engaged by both of said conveyors so as to move linearly between said conveyors depending on a speed differential between said conveyors causing said transport member to move in the direction of the faster of said conveyors; andan article transfer member carried by said transport member and operably disposed transversely to said conveyors to contact and transfer articles from said first conveyor to said second conveyor.