Patent ID: 6152289
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
Apparatus for balancing the spacing of parts being conveyed on a moving belt from an upstream manufacturing station to a downstream manufacturing station, comprising:a proximity sensor mounted stationary with respect to the moving belt so as to detect presence of a part moving past said sensor on said belt, said sensor including a switch that is activated so long as the presence of the part is detected;a source of compressed air;an air knife mounted stationary with respect to the moving belt upstream of said proximity sensor, and effective when coupled to said source of compressed air to direct a blast of air against a part passing said air knife on said belt, thereby blowing such part off said belt and into a part collection bin;an air valve effective when energized to couple said source of compressed air to said air knife;a timer responsive to the activation of said switch which detects a condition of insufficient spacing between adjacent parts on said belt; and in response to said detection, energizing said air valve for a prescribed period sufficient to blow one or more of said parts off said belt and into said part collection bin; anda manually operable switch positionable to override said timer and to continuously energize said air valve for continuously blowing parts off said belt and into said part collection bin.