Patent ID: 6168007
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A zero back-pressure conveyor system of the type having a continuous transport element for urging articles along a predetermined conveyor path, the zero back-pressure conveyor system comprising: a frame for supporting the continuous transport element, said frame having first and second sides on opposite sides of the continuous transport element; a first article support member arranged substantially parallel with the first side of said frame; first articulated coupler for coupling said first article support member to the first side of said frame, said first articulated coupler having: a first support bar coupled to said first article support member, said first support bar having first and second ends; a first pair of coupling arms pivotally coupled at respective first ends thereof to respective ones of the first and second ends of said first support bar, and at respective second ends thereof to respective ones of first and second pivot coupling locations on the first side of said frame, said first support bar thereby being pivotally articulated with respect to the first side of said frame; and a drive arrangement coupled to said first articulated coupler for displacing said first article support member between first and second positions parallel to the predetermined conveyor path along a displacement path that is transverse to the predetermined conveyor path, whereby when said first article support member is in the first position, the articles thereon communicate with the continuous transport element, and when said first article support member is in the second position, the articles are decoupled from the continuous transport element.