Patent ID: 6612417
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A product conveying and accumulation system, said system comprising:(a) first moving conveying means for the accumulation and transport of products, said conveying means being continuous and loop shaped in configuration and comprising inner and outer paths for transporting products around the conveyor means, said inner and outer paths being located in substantially the same transverse plane; (b) second moving conveying means for transporting products received from an upstream destination to the first conveying means and ultimately to a downstream destination, said second conveying means being substantially aligned adjacent to and, at the adjacent alignment, in substantially the same transverse plane as the inner path of the first conveying means for delivery and placement of products on the inner path, such that each product so delivered, at all times while being transported around the inner path of the first conveyor means, remains substantially stationary on and in relation to the inner path, whereby tandem movement of the first and second conveying means results in the upstream products initially transported from the second conveying means to the inner path, generally being the first products transported to the downstream destination; and (c) guide means for directing the upstream products initially transported from the second conveying means so that they generally are as the first products to be transported to the downstream destination; and (d) means for moving the first and second conveying means.