Patent ID: 7083041
Filing Date: 2006-08-01
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. In a slat conveyor that includes a plurality of laterally spaced apart lifting slats interposed between laterally spaced apart conveying slats, each said lifting slat comprising: a fixed lower slat having a top, a pair of opposite side portions depending from the top and defining a bottom space between them, and laterally outwardly projecting first flanges on said side portions; a vertically movable upper slat above the fixed lower slat, said upper slat having a top, laterally spaced apart side portions depending from the top and defining a space between them in which the lower slat is situated, said side portion, of the upper slat including laterally inwardly projecting second flanges; said upper slat being movably vertical between a lowered position in which the second flanges are below and are vertically spaced from the first flanges, and a raised position in which the second flanges contact the first flanges and stop any further upward movement; an inflatable bladder positioned between the top of the lower slat and the top of the upper slat; and an air supply/exhaust conduit extending upwardly through the bottom space of the lower slat, and through an opening in the top of the lower slat, and connecting with the inflatable bladder, whereby air delivered through the air supply/exhaust conduit into the bladder will inflate the bladder and push the upper slat upwardly until the first flanges contact the second flanges, and removal of air from the bladder through the air supply/exhaust conduit will allow the upper slat to drop downwardly relative to the lower slat.