Patent ID: 7762384
Filing Date: 2010-07-27
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A lift subsystem for supporting a conveyor member in a conveyor system, the lift subsystem comprising: a support member attached to the conveyor system; a drive member rotatably attached to the support member; a drive subsystem for driving the drive member; an engagement subsystem rotatably coupled to the support member for selectively engaging the conveyor member at a pre-engagement position and releasing the conveyor member at a disengagement position; and an actuator subsystem operably associated with the drive member and the engagement subsystem; wherein the engagement subsystem supports the conveyor member as the conveyor member travels through a curve of the conveyor system, thereby preventing the conveyor member from slipping; wherein the pre-engagement position is located on a vertical track section of the conveyor system and the disengagement position is located on a horizontal track section of the conveyor system; and wherein the conveyor member remains in constant contact with the vertical, curved, and horizontal track sections of the conveyor system.