Patent ID: 6273237
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A transport shuttle adapted to support a payload and operable for predetermined rotation of the payload in response to linear movement comprising:a shuttle platform adapted for linear movement along a predetermined path;a payload platform rotatably mounted to the shuttle platform;a cam surface comprising a first cam track and a second cam track vertically displaced with respect to the first cam track, the first cam track and the second cam track each having coplanar linear portions and diverging portions, the diverging portions configured to diverge in opposed directions from a common point along the predetermined path; anda cam follower assembly attached to the payload platform and operable to rotate the payload platform, the cam follower assembly comprising at least a first roller disposed to engage the first cam track and a second roller disposed to engage the second cam track, the first roller linearly offset from the second roller in a direction to provide engagement of the first roller with the diverging portion of the first cam track in advance of engagement of the second roller with the diverging portion of the second cam track, to cause rotation of the payload platform in response to linear movement of the shuttle platform along the predetermined path.