Patent ID: 8042676
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A buffer conveyor for conveying and buffering products, comprising: a frame, at least one first elongated conveyor supported by the frame, which is driven in a first direction and which has a supply end, a second elongated conveyor supported by the frame, which is driven in a second, opposite direction and which has a discharge end, which first and second conveyors extend at least substantially parallel to each other, a transfer unit movable adjacent the first and second elongated conveyors, the transfer unit having a transfer device configured to transfer the products from the first conveyor to the second conveyor and a drive unit configured to move the transfer unit relative to the frame, wherein the drive unit comprises a drive motor providing power to move the transfer unit using a source of energy not due to movement of the conveyors, and wherein a position of the drive motor moves relative to the frame at least partly when the transfer unit moves relative to the frame.