Patent ID: 6371273
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: B23Q,B65G

Abstract:
A workpiece carrier (10) for conveying one or more workpieces (20) in at least one conveying direction (16) by means of at least one belt conveyor (12,18), said workpiece carrier (10) comprising at least one energy storage means (24,32) for storing energy of motion of the workpiece carrier (10) in the at least one conveying direction (16) when said workpiece carrier (10) is braked relative to said belt conveyor, said at least one energy storage means (24,32) comprising a coupling element (28,36) in continuous contact with said at least one belt conveyor so that said coupling element rotates or moves when said workpiece carrier (10) is braked or stopped and spring means (30,34) connected with said coupling element so that said spring means is put under tension or compressed when said coupling element rotates or moves, so that energy stored in said spring means (30,34) is again released when said workpiece carrier (10) is released or no longer braked and thus said workpiece carrier (10) experiences an acceleration in said at least one conveying direction (16).