Conveyor assembly

A conveyor assembly is described and which includes a reciprocally moveable and elongated conveyor bed; a drive assembly which imparts reciprocal motion to the elongated conveyor bed; and a controller for selectively energizing the drive assembly and which is operable to move a product deposited on the conveyor bed along a selectively adjustable path of travel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a conveyor assembly, and more specifically to a conveyor assembly which, when selectively operated, is effective in moving a product which is deposited on the conveyor assembly along a selectively adjustable path of travel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various vibratory conveyors of assorted designs have been employed in diverse industry segments through the years. Such vibratory conveyors have been used on a wide range of applications including mining, and more recently in various food handling applications. Vibratory conveyors, and more specifically, excited frame conveyors have been utilized for decades. Such vibratory conveyors have been employed to handle fragile food products such as potato chips, french fries and other coated food products in a manner which prevents damage to the product, or further prevents seasonings, and the like from becoming dislodged from the product as the product is moved between processing stations.

Excited frame conveyor designs have evolved through the years. Generally speaking, however, excited frame conveyors have included a longitudinally extending conveyor bed which has been used to transport product along a linear path of travel between adjacent work stations. In some applications, mechanical gates have been incorporated into the conveying beds of such exciting frame conveyors in order to allow a portion of a product stream to be diverted from the conveyor bed for various downstream purposes. While the mechanical gate assemblies employed on the aforementioned conveyors have operated with various degrees of success, shortcomings have long been recognized with such arrangements. Chief among the problems associated with such mechanical gates is the propensity for these assemblies to collect or otherwise be coated with various food products, and other debris, that might be introduced or mixed with the product stream. Besides the obvious problems associated with debris, and other food coating interfering with the mechanical operation of such gates, that is, the debris, often has a tendency to slow the operation of such gate assemblies, this debris also presents a sanitation problem. Additionally it is often difficult to clean such mechanical devices if the excited frame conveyor has been utilized to transmit a product that has constituent elements that might strongly adhere to the various surfaces of the mechanical gate arrangement. Of course difficulties in cleaning such devices inevitably leads to delays in converting various product lines so that they may be utilized with alternative food products as might be the case in a modern packaging plant.

A conveyor assembly which addresses these and other shortcomings in the prior art teachings and practices is the subject matter of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a conveyor assembly which includes a reciprocally moveable, and linearly elongated conveyor bed having an upwardly facing conveying surface for supporting a product for movement, therealong; a drive assembly oriented so as to impart reciprocal motion to the linearly elongated conveyor bed, and to effect a movement of the product along the conveying surface; and a controller for selectively energizing the drive assembly so as to cause the product supported on the conveying surface of the linearly elongated conveyor bed to move along a predetermined, and selectively adjustable path of travel relative to the upwardly facing conveying surface.

Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a conveyor assembly which includes a base frame; a reciprocally moveable conveyor bed which is positioned in spaced relation relative to the base frame, and wherein the moveable conveyor bed is defined, at least in part, by a conveying surface which supports a product for movement along the conveying surface, and wherein the conveyor bed has a first intake end, and a second exhaust end, and further has opposite, laterally disposed sides; a multiplicity of elongated springs having a longitudinal axis, and which support the moveable conveyor bed in spaced relation relative to the base frame, and wherein at least some of the elongated springs can resiliently flex in all directions which are perpendicular to their respective longitudinal axes; a pair of drive assemblies which individually cooperate with each of the base frame, and the conveyor bed, and which, when selectively and periodically energized, imparts a predetermined reciprocal motion to the conveyor bed to effect the product movement in a predetermined direction along the conveying surface, and wherein the pair of drive assemblies are located adjacent to the opposite, laterally, outwardly disposed sides of the moveable conveyor bed, and wherein the selective, and periodic energizing of the respective drive assemblies simultaneously flexes the multiplicity of elongated springs about their respective longitudinal axes; and a controller which is operably coupled to the respective drive assemblies, and which selectively and periodically energizes the respective drive assemblies so as to cause the conveyor bed to reciprocally move in a given manner, and facilitate the movement of the product deposited on the conveying surface along a predetermined path of travel relative to the conveying surface.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts.” (Article I, Section 8).

A conveyor assembly which illustrates the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral10inFIG. 1, and following. As seen inFIG. 1, the conveyor assembly10is positioned on a floor or supporting surface which is indicated by the numeral11. The conveyor assembly10further includes a multiplicity of base pads13which individually rest on the floor or supporting surface11, and further which may be affixed thereto by fasteners of various types. The conveyor assembly10includes a multiplicity of leg members14which are generally, narrowly, elongated, and further which extend vertically upwardly relative to the respective base pads13. The leg members have a first end15, which is affixed, as by welding or the like, to the individual base pads13, and an opposite, distal, and upwardly extending second end16. Affixed to the second end16of the respective leg members14are generally horizontally disposed support members which are identified by the numeral20. The horizontal support members include first and second members21and22, and oppositely opposed 3rd and 4th members23and24, respectively. The respective horizontal support members are affixed by welding, or other suitable fasteners to the respective leg members14in order to provide a rigid frame upon which the conveyor assembly10is mounted for operation.

The conveyor assembly10includes a multiplicity of vibration isolators30which are individually positioned, and mounted, on the second end16of the respective leg members14. The vibration isolators are held in place by a threaded post which is identified by the numeral31. The threaded post is affixed or otherwise welded to the second end16. The threaded post31is operable to releasably engage individual attachment brackets which are generally indicated by the numeral32. The attachment brackets are generally L-shaped, and are further affixed by welding, or the like, to the drive support frame, and which is generally indicated by the numeral33. Therefore, the drive support frame33is mounted in spaced relation relative to the base frame12. The drive support frame33has a main body34which is defined, at least in part, by a top surface35, and which further includes laterally, and spaced, side walls that are generally indicated by the numeral36. Again, the attachment brackets32are mounted and affixed as by welding, or the like, to the lateral sidewalls36, thereby supporting the drive support frame33in spaced relation relative to the base frame12.

As seen inFIG. 1, and following, a spring support frame, and which is generally indicated by the numeral40, includes first and second portions41and42, respectively, and which are respectively attached as by welding or the like, to the lateral sidewalls36of the drive support frame33. The respective first and second portions41and42have an elongated main body which is generally indicated by the numeral43. The elongated main body has an outside facing surface44, and which is operable to be engaged by a multiplicity of elongated, and resilient springs as will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter. The first and second portions41and42are generally narrowly elongated and extend generally in a direction between the opposite ends of the drive support frame33.

The conveyor assembly10includes individual drive support brackets50, and which are individually positioned on the opposite sides of the conveyor assembly10. The respective drive support brackets50are each defined by a main body51, and which has a pair of spaced, vertically extending sidewalls52, and which are affixed, as by welding or the like, to the outside facing surface44of the individual spring support frames40. The respective drive support brackets50are each positioned at a location intermediate to the opposite ends of the main body43of the spring support frame40. The sidewalls52extend laterally outwardly relative thereto, and are positioned normal relative to the outside facing surface44. The respective sidewalls52are further affixed to an upwardly facing surface53, as by welding, and the like. The upwardly facing surface53is positioned at approximately an angle of about 22½° when measured from a horizontal plane. The upwardly facing surface53has affixed thereto screw-threaded adjustment members54and which extend substantially normally upwardly relative to the upwardly facing surface53. Individual electromagnets55are mounted on the individual screws threaded adjustment members54. The individual electromagnets constitute a drive assembly for the invention10. The threaded adjustment members are used to adjustably, and spatially position the individual electromagnets55so that they may each be positioned to selectively drive, propel or reciprocate the conveyor bed as will be discussed in greater detail, below. As best seen by reference toFIG. 2, electrical conduits57are coupled to the individual electromagnets55, and are used to both energize and selectively control the individual electromagnets55for the purposes which will be discussed in greater detail in the paragraphs which follow.

Supported on the base frame12is a reciprocally moveable, and linearly elongated conveyor bed which is generally indicated by the numeral60. The elongated conveyor bed60is defined, in part, by a generally horizontally disposed conveying surface61, and which supports a product for movement therealong. The movement of the product will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter. The conveying surface61has opposing, spaced, longitudinally disposed peripheral edges62; a first intake end63; and a second, exhaust end64. As seen in the drawings, a discharge aperture65is formed in the conveying surface61, and is located in a position near the second exhaust end64.

The linearly elongated conveyor bed60is defined, at least in part, by a longitudinal axis which is generally indicated by the numeral70. Still further, and extending upwardly from the opposite, peripheral edges62of the conveying surface61are substantially vertically extending sidewalls71, and which confine, or otherwise maintain the product to be transported on, and in contact with, the conveying surface61. Each of the respective sidewalls71have a top peripheral edge72. As illustrated, the pair of sidewalls71, typically have a substantially uniform height, although, in some forms of the invention the sidewalls may vary in their height dimension depending upon the depth of product which may be transported along the conveying surface61. As seen inFIG. 8, the conveying surface61may have a uniform, transverse dimension extending substantially from the first intake end63, to the second exhaust end64; or it may have a variable, transverse dimension as illustrated inFIG. 11, and where an enlarged product flow region73is formed in a discrete region of the conveying surface61, and adjacent to a discharge aperture65. In this form of the invention (FIG. 11), the discharge aperture65is formed substantially centrally of the conveying surface61, and in other forms of the invention10as seen in the drawings (FIG. 8, for example), the discharge aperture65is positioned laterally, outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis70, and adjacent to one of the opposite, peripheral edges62thereof. As will be seen in the drawings, the discharge aperture65is typically formed in the conveying surface61. However, in an alternative form the invention and which is best seen by reference toFIG. 14, the discharge aperture65may be formed in one of the individual sidewalls71. As will be understood from a study of the drawings, the conveying surface61may be uniformly planar as seen inFIGS. 5 and 6, for example, however, as seen inFIG. 13, the conveying surface61may have a non-planar cross-sectional shape so as to provide a means whereby product when diverted or directed on a given path of travel may remain on the conveying surface61, and is inhibited from piling up or otherwise collecting adjacent to one of the sidewalls71, and then spill over the top edge72onto a factory floor, for example. As seen inFIG. 1, the linearly elongated conveyor bed60includes a pair of downwardly extending conveyor flange members which are indicated by the numeral74. The conveyor flange members74extend substantially in a longitudinal direction between the first, intake end63, and the second, exhaust end64. Each of the downwardly extending conveyor flange members74have an outwardly facing surface which is labeled by the numeral75.

As best seen inFIG. 4, a support bracket80, which is formed of a pair of spaced, vertically disposed sidewalls81, and a downwardly facing surface82, is affixed, as by welding, or the like to the downwardly extending conveyor flange member74. The respective support brackets80individually mount a magnetic attraction member83, and which is located in spaced relation relative to the individual electromagnets55, and which comprise a drive assembly for the conveyor assembly10. A gap84is defined between the upwardly facing surface56, of each of the electromagnetic assemblies55, and the magnetic attraction member83which is spaced therefrom. The gap84is non-uniform in dimensions, and has a first end85, which is positioned adjacent to the downwardly extending conveyor flange member74, and a second end86, and which is positioned laterally outwardly therefrom. The gap84diminishes in its dimensions when measured between the first end85, and the second end86thereof.

The conveyor assembly10of the present invention includes a multiplicity of mounting fixtures which are generally indicated by the numeral100, and which are best seen by reference toFIG. 10. The respective mounting fixtures provide many novel advantages relative to the new conveyor assembly10. Chief among these advantages of the mounting fixtures is one which relates to the ease with which the current conveyor assembly10can be kept clean, and sanitary, when used in food processing applications, and where such assemblies are routinely exposed to water, food debris, and other particulate matter which, over time, renders the conveyor assembly10unsanitary. The mounting fixture100, as seen inFIG. 10, includes an attachment plate101, and which has a main body102, and which, as illustrated, is somewhat triangular in its overall configuration. The main body102is defined by a top surface103, and further has an opposite, bottom surface104, which is substantially parallel thereto. Extending normally downwardly relative to the bottom surface104are individual legs105, and which provide a convenient means for orienting, or otherwise locating the bottom surface104in a predetermined spaced relationship relative to the outwardly facing surface75, of the downwardly extending conveyor flange member74. This spacing of the main body102away from the underlying outwardly facing surface75, provides a convenient means whereby an operator, (not shown), can easily clean or remove solid or liquid food debris and other materials and which may have come into contact with the conveyor assembly10during food processing operations. As illustrated inFIG. 10, individual fastener apertures106are formed in the main body102, and extend downwardly through the main body102from the top surface103, and through the respective downwardly extending legs105, so that a fastener107, as seen inFIG. 4, can pass therethrough and threadably engage the underlying spring support frame40, or the previously mentioned downwardly extending conveyor flange member74.

The mounting fixtures100further have attached thereto, and which extends substantially, normally, upwardly relative to the top surface103, a spring receiver110. Each of the spring receivers110have a main body ill, which is substantially frusto-conically shaped as best illustrated inFIG. 10. The main body111has a first end112, which is secured to the top surface103of the attachment plate by means of welding or the like, and further has a second, distal end113. It should be noted that the main body111of the spring receiver110is fabricated so as to provide no sharp edges, or other exterior facing structural topography which would allow for the easy capture of food debris in a manufacturing or food packaging or processing environment. Still further, the respective spring receivers110each have a multiplicity of spring seats114which are formed therein. As illustrated, the spring seats14are substantially uniformly cylindrical in shape. Further, it should be understood that in the fabrication of the conveyor assembly10, a layer of adhesive115is applied to the inside facing surface of the spring receivers, and which define the individual spring seats114. The layer of adhesive115secures the springs, which will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, therein. However, it should be recognized that the main body111of the spring receiver110could be modified so as to allow a fastener, such as a screw and the like, to be inserted through the main body111, and thereby affect a clamping of a spring within the respective spring seats114. However, it is currently preferred to secure the springs, as will be discussed hereinafter, within the respective spring seats114by using a suitable adhesive115. This described arrangement prevents the main body111from having a resulting configuration which allows food debris to become attached to any exterior facing fastener, for example, and which would be used for clamping purposes to secure the spring within the associated spring seat114. It will be noted that the spring receiver110, as well as the mounting fixture100, in its overall configuration, is substantially symmetrical. Consequently, the mounting fixture100, as illustrated, allows a manufacturer to assemble the disclosed conveyor assembly10using a single mounting fixture100. This obviates the need for fabricating mounting fixtures, which might only be useful on either one side, or the other, of a conveyor assembly, as described.

The conveyor assembly10of the present invention includes a multiplicity of elongated and resilient springs120, which individually support the reciprocally movable and linearly elongated conveyor bed60for selective reciprocal motion. This reciprocal motion imparts novel movement to a product along the conveying surface61, as will be described in greater detail, below. Referring now toFIGS. 9A through 9E, respectively, the respective elongated springs120each, as displayed, are, at least in part, narrowly elongated, and further have a first end121, and a second end122. The respective first and second ends121and122are received and supported in the individual mounting fixtures100, as illustrated inFIG. 1, and wherein the respective elongated springs120, once properly mounted within the respective mounting fixtures, support the conveyor bed60in a predetermined, reciprocally movable relationship relative to the base frame12. The respective elongated springs each have a main body123. The main body has an intermediate portion124. Further, each of the elongated springs120has an exterior-facing surface125, which in the several forms of the invention as illustrated, have an outside diametral dimension which is, at least in part, uniform along a portion of the length of the main body123. Still further, in some possible forms of the elongated spring120, and as best illustrated byFIGS. 9D and 9E, respectively, the main body123has an interior-facing surface126, which defines an internal cavity127.

As illustrated inFIGS. 9A through 9E, respectively, and as mentioned above, the plurality of elongated springs120are at least, in part, narrowly cylindrical. As illustrated herein, the respective elongated springs120are fabricated from a resilient material, which allows movement about the longitudinal axis130of the main body123. The elongated springs120can be fabricated from a number of different materials, however, the inventor has had great success in fabricating and utilizing elongated springs120which are manufactured from carbon fiber or the like. Referring now toFIG. 9A, one possible form of an elongated spring120, and which finds usefulness in the present invention, is illustrated, and wherein an intermediate portion124of the main body123has an outside diametral dimension which is less than the outside diametral dimension as measured at either of the first or second ends121or122, respectively. The intermediate portion124, as seen inFIG. 9A, is cylindrical in cross-section. Further, and as illustrated inFIG. 9A, a spring120having that particular shape resiliently deflects in all radially oriented directions, equally well about the longitudinal axis130. Referring now toFIG. 9B, a second possible spring120for use in the invention is shown. As seen in this view, the elongated spring, as seen inFIG. 9B, has a flattened intermediate region124, which is best seen inFIG. 9C, and which permits the resulting elongated spring120to easily flex in one direction, which is generally along a line which is perpendicular to the flattened intermediate portion region124. This line is labeled131inFIG. 9C. Referring now toFIG. 9D, it will be seen that a form of the elongated springs120may be provided, and where at least some of the elongated springs120are hollow, that is, they have a longitudinally extending internal cavity127. Again, in this form of the invention, the elongated springs120, as seen inFIGS. 9D and 9E, can flex equally well in all directions which are transverse to the longitudinal axis130thereof. Referring now toFIG. 9E, it will be recognized that one possible form of the invention includes at least some elongated springs120which have a second resilient material132, which has a different nature or composition from that of the springs, and which is deposited in the internal cavity127. The resilient material may be selected to provide a different resulting resiliency to the resulting composite elongated spring120, and which results from the combination of the two materials. Still referring toFIG. 9E, another possible form of the invention may include the use of a pressurized fluid, which may be received within the internal cavity127of the main body123. The use of a pressurized fluid within the internal cavity127can render the resulting elongated spring resiliently adjustable so that a manufacturer of such conveyor assemblies can fine tune the performance of the plurality of elongated springs to achieve various benefits for conveying different products. In the arrangement of springs, as illustrated in the drawings, the respective elongated springs120have a length dimension of about 20 centimeters to about 50 centimeters; and a diameter dimension of about 0.6 centimeters to about 2 centimeters.

Referring now toFIG. 1, it will be understood that the present invention10includes a controller, which is generally indicated by the numeral140, and which further is operable to selectively energize the drive assembly, here depicted as the pair of individual electromagnets55, so as to cause a product supported on the conveying surface61, of the linearly elongated conveyor bed60, to move along the predetermined and selectively adjustable path of travel relative to the upwardly conveying surface61. The pattern of actuation of the drive assembly, here depicted as the individual electromagnets55, is best understood and will be seen inFIGS. 5 through 8and16through18, respectively. As illustrated in those views, a product150which is being transported by the conveyor bed60is generally indicated. The product150is deposited on the first intake end63of the elongated conveyor bed60. The controller140is then operable to selectively energize the drive assembly, here depicted as the individual electromagnets55, in a given pattern as discussed, below, so as to cause the product150to move along in a selectively adjustable path of travel151. As seen inFIGS. 5 through 8, and16through18, respectively, the selectively adjustable path of travel151includes a first path of travel152; a second path of travel153; and a third possible path of travel154. Other possible combinations of these paths of travel are possible, and will be obvious to one who is skilled in the art.

As seen inFIGS. 5 to 8; and16through18, respectively, the product to be transported150may move along the selectively adjustable path of travel151. These paths of travel may vary based upon the needs of the operator. In this particular case, reference is made toFIGS. 16,17and18to show the broad concept of the invention. In this regard, the first path of travel152constitutes a path of travel, which is substantially along and coaxial with the longitudinal axis70of the conveyor bed60. When choosing this path of travel, it will be recognized that at least some of the product150may divert, and pass through the discharge aperture65as it moves between the first intake end63, and the second, exhaust end64of the conveyor bed60. A second possible path of travel for the products150is indicated by the numeral153, and which is best seen inFIG. 17. In that operational mode, the controller140energizes the drive assembly55in such a manner so as to cause the product150to move to one side of the conveyor bed76so that most of the product traveling along the conveying surface101bypasses the discharge aperture65and reaches the second exhaust end64. A third possible path of travel154is shown inFIG. 18, and wherein the controller140is operable to energize the drive assembly55comprising the pair of electromagnets55in such a way so as to cause the products150to move to an opposite side76of the conveyor bed60so that a preponderance of the products150are directed towards, and reach the discharge aperture65. In this arrangement, the products pass through the discharge aperture65, and under the influence of gravity. Other possible combinations of the selectively adjustable path of travel are seen inFIGS. 5 through 8, respectively, and where an operator, by employing the controller140, can change the pattern or path of travel of the products150, moving along the conveying surface61, so as to facilitate a selective discharge of product150in a manner not possible, heretofore. One of the significant and novel advantages of the present invention10is that the arrangement as described herein allows for a discharge aperture65to be formed, and which includes no gate, or other mechanical assembly for selectively occluding the discharge aperture65. This eliminates the need for other complex mechanical assemblies on the underside of the conveyor bed60, and further allows for the conveyor bed to be much more useful because the subsequent cleaning of the conveyor bed60is expedited because no lengthy cleaning of an associated mechanical gate assembly is necessary in an arrangement such as shown in these drawings.

Referring now toFIGS. 16,17and18, the drive assembly, as illustrated herein, and which includes a pair of electromagnets55, achieves or provides the benefits of the present invention10, and that is, to provide a conveyor assembly10and which, through the use of a controller140, selectively energizes the drive assembly55so as to cause the product150, and which is supported on the conveyance surface61, to move along the predetermined, selectively adjustable paths of travel151. As seen inFIG. 16, the drive assembly55is depicted as providing a selective amount of magnetic force during predetermined time intervals in order to reciprocate the conveyor bed60in a given manner so as to produce the movement of the product150along the selectively adjustable path of travel151. The arrows labeled160depict a periodic synchronous energizing of the electromagnets55during given time intervals. As will be recognized by the drawings, the respective electromagnets55are energized during substantially the same time intervals to provide a magnetic attractive force, which causes the plurality of elongated springs120to resiliently bend about their respective longitudinal axis130because the conveyor bed60is drawn towards the electromagnets55. As should be understood, when the respective electromagnets55are de-energized, the individually elongated springs, which have been resiliently deformed, by the action of the electromagnets return the conveyor bed60to an at rest position. The repeated energizing and de-energizing of the electromagnets55results in a reciprocal movement of the conveyor bed60, so as to transport the production150therealong the conveying surface61. The second arrow170depicts a selective energizing of the respective electromagnet assemblies, forming the drive assembly55, and wherein differing amounts of resulting magnetic force are generated by the respective electromagnets. For example, and referring toFIG. 16, the electromagnets55are each energized during substantially the same time intervals160, and the amount of magnetic force170, which is exerted by the respective electromagnets55is substantially equal. When this event occurs, the resulting reciprocal force exerted by the drive assembly55on the conveyor bed60is such as to cause the product150to move along the first path of travel151, and which is substantially coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis70of the conveyor bed60. As seen inFIG. 16at least some of the product50to be transported may reach the discharge aperture65, and then will fall from the conveyor bed60, under the influence of gravity, and move along another path of travel, not shown. Referring now toFIG. 17, in this arrangement the controller140energizes the respective drive assembly, that is, the respective electromagnets55in a given manner, and whereby the electromagnets55are each energized during substantially the same time intervals160. However, the amount of electromagnetic force exerted by the respective electromagnets55, on the conveyor bed60, are different. As illustrated inFIG. 17, less electromagnetic force170is exerted by the electromagnet55which is depicted on the right side of the conveyor60, as illustrated. Because of the unequal amount of magnetic force exerted by one of the electromagnets55on the conveyor bed60, the resilient springs120, because they can flex about their respective longitudinal axis130, causes the conveyor bed60to vibrate or reciprocate in a fashion whereby the product150being transported moves along a path of travel where the preponderance of the product150misses or avoids the discharge aperture65, and reaches the discharge end64of the conveyor60. An opposite situation occurs inFIG. 18and where, again, the individual electromagnets55which form the drive assembly, are energized during substantially the same time intervals160. However the opposite electromagnet55is energized, from that discussed, above, so as to exert less electromagnetic force on the conveyor bed60. When this event occurs, the product150moves to the opposite side76of the conveyor bed60, and a preponderance of the product150moves and exits the conveyor bed60by passing through the discharge aperture65, and into another course of travel, not shown. Various combinations of this product movement can be seen inFIGS. 5 through 8, and where an operator, by the use of the controller140, can move product150along, and between the three courses of travel as shown inFIGS. 16 to 18, to achieve selective discharge of the product150in a manner not possible, heretofore. Referring now toFIG. 11, an alternative form of the conveyor bed60is provided and whereby, as earlier noted, includes an enlarged product flow region73. This region allows the product150to be transported to move around the discharge aperture65. This arrangement also prevents products150which are so diverted around the discharge aperture65from piling up or accumulating in such a manner that the product150overflows in part, over the top peripheral edge72. As seen inFIG. 14, another alternative form of the conveyor bed60is provided, and wherein the discharge aperture65is provided in one of the sidewalls71as seen inFIG. 15, and upon selective activation of the drive assembly55, the product150may move to one side, or the other76of the conveyor bed60. However, when the product moves to the side of the conveyor bed where the discharge aperture65is formed in the sidewall71, product50moves through the discharge aperture65under the influence of gravity so as to move into another course of travel, not shown.

Operation

The operation of described embodiments of the present invention are believed to be readily apparent, and are summarized in the paragraphs that follow.

In its broadest aspect a conveyor assembly10is described, and which includes a reciprocally moveable, and linearly elongated conveyor bed60, and which further has an upwardly facing conveying surface61for supporting a product150for movement therealong. The conveyor assembly10further includes a drive assembly55, which is oriented so as to impart reciprocal motion to the linearly elongated conveyor bed60, and to effect the movement of the product150along the conveying surface61. Still further, the conveyor assembly10further includes a controller140for selectively energizing a drive assembly55so as to cause the product150, and which is supported on the conveying surface61of the linearly, elongated conveyor bed60, to move along a predetermined and selectively adjustable path of travel151relative to the upwardly facing conveying surface161. As described, the linearly elongated conveyor bed60is defined, at least in part, by a longitudinal axis70, and wherein the reciprocal motion of the conveyor bed60is directed generally and at least in part along the longitudinal axis70thereof.

The conveyor assembly10, as described, includes a base frame12for supporting the linearly elongated conveyor bed60for reciprocal movement. In the arrangement as illustrated, the drive assembly55, as described, cooperates, at least in part, with the base frame12. A plurality of elongated springs120are individually mounted to both the base frame12, and on the linearly elongated conveyor bed60. The individual elongated springs support the linearly elongated conveyor bed60for reciprocal motion, and in spaced relation relative to the base frame12. In the arrangement as shown in the drawings, the conveyor assembly10includes a conveying surface61, which has a first intake end63, and a second exhaust end64. Still further, the conveying surface61has opposite peripheral edges62, which extend between the first intake end, and the second exhaust end. The linearly elongated conveyor bed60has a pair of upwardly extending sidewalls71, which are individually affixed along the respective peripheral edges of the conveying surface61. As seen in the drawings, the discharge aperture65is formed in the linearly elongated conveyor bed60at a location which is between the first intake end and63, and the second exhaust end64thereof. Further, as seen, the discharge aperture65is found in one form of the invention in the conveying surface61of the conveyor bed60, and in a location where it is aligned with the longitudinal axis70of the linearly elongated conveyor bed60. In an alternative form, the discharge aperture65may be laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis70of the conveyor bed60. In still another possible form of the invention, the discharge aperture65can also be located in one of the upwardly extending sidewalls71of the conveyor bed60.

As illustrated in the drawings, the linearly elongated conveyor bed60has opposite sides76. The drive assembly55includes a pair of drive assemblies which are individually located, at least in part, on the opposite sides76of the linearly elongated conveyor bed60, and which are further located intermediate relative to the first intake end73, and the second exhaust end64of the conveyor bed60(not shown). In one possible form of the invention, the pair of drive assemblies55include individual electric motors which, when energized by the controller, rotate in an eccentric weight, which is effective to impart the desired reciprocal motion to the linearly elongated conveyor bed60. In another form of the invention10, and in which is illustrated, the drive assembly55includes individual electromagnetic assemblies55and which, when selectively energized by the controller, imparts a desired reciprocal motion to the linearly elongated conveyor bed60. As illustrated, the controller140selectively energizes the respective drive assemblies55so as to effect a predetermined reciprocal movement of the linearly elongated conveyor bed60, and to further cause the product150to move along the predetermined, and selectively adjustable path of travel151, relative to the upwardly facing conveying surface61. As illustrated in the drawings, the predetermined and selectively adjustable path of travel151of the product150, as it moves along the upwardly facing conveyor surface61, includes a path of travel151which is oriented along and coaxial with the longitudinal axis70of the linearly elongated conveyor bed60; or along and in contact with either of the upwardly extending sidewalls71of the linearly elongated conveyor bed60. Still further, the controller140may be selectively adjusted to cause movement of the product150, either along the longitudinal axis70of the linearly elongated conveyor bed60, and the respective upwardly extending sidewalls71of the same conveyor bed60.

The conveyor assembly10includes a plurality of elongated springs120, which are, at least in part, narrowly cylindrical as seen inFIG. 9. In some possible forms of the invention, the respective elongated springs120may be hollow. In one possible form of the invention, the hollow elongated springs120are filled with a second resilient material132, which imparts to the respective elongated springs120a different or adjustable resiliency. Still further, and in yet another form of the invention, the invention includes an elongated hollow spring, and wherein a pressurized fluid is enclosed within the hollow elongated springs to impart an adjustable and different resiliency. As noted above, the elongated springs are narrowly elongated, and in one preferred, and possible form of the invention the springs are fabricated from carbon-fiber. As seen in the drawings, the respective elongated springs each have opposite ends121and122, and further have a diametral dimension which is uniform when measured between the first and second ends thereof. In one possible form of the invention, the springs120as provided has a diminished dimension in an intermediate region124, and which is located between the opposite first and second ends thereof. In another possible form of the invention, the respective elongated springs have a diametral dimension which increases in the intermediate region, and which is located between the opposite first and second ends thereof. As seen in the drawings, the conveying surface61of the linearly elongated conveyor bed60may have a uniform transverse dimension when measured between the first intake end63and the second exhaust end64thereof. In another possible form of the invention, the conveying surface61has a non-uniform transverse dimension when measured between the opposite intake and exhaust ends. As further seen in the drawings, the linearly elongated conveyor bed60, and more specifically the conveying surface60may be substantially planar (FIG. 12), and in another form of the invention the conveying surface61may be non-planar (FIG. 13).

As illustrated in the drawings, individual mounting fixtures100for securing the elongated springs120to each of the base frame12, and the linearly elongated conveyor bed60, are provided. The respective mounting fixtures100orient the respective plurality of the elongated springs120in spaced relation, and laterally outwardly relative to each of the base frame12, and the linearly elongated conveyor bed60, so as to allow for the effective cleaning of each of the elongated springs120; base frame12; and the linearly and elongated conveyor bed60. In one possible arrangement, the respective elongated springs120are adhesively secured to and within the respective mounting fixtures100. In another possible form of the invention10, the respective elongated springs120may be mechanically secured, as by clamping, to the respective mounting fixtures100. As should be understood, the respective elongated springs60have a length dimension of about 20 centimeters to about 50 centimeters; and a diametral dimension of about 0.6 centimeters to about 2 centimeters.

As noted above, a pair of drive assemblies55are provided, and which individually cooperate with each of the base frame12, and the conveyor bed60, and which, when selectively and periodically energized by the controller140, imparts a predetermined reciprocal motion to the conveyor bed60to effect the product150movement in a predetermined direction along the conveying surface61. The pair of drive assemblies55are located adjacent to the opposite, laterally outwardly disposed sides76of the moveable conveyor bed60. The selective and periodic energizing of the respective drive assemblies55simultaneously flexes the multiplicity of elongated springs120about their respective longitudinal axes130. As earlier noted, a controller140is operably coupled to the drive assembly55, and which selectively and periodically energizes the respective drive assemblies55so as to cause the conveyor bed60to reciprocally move in a given manner to facilitate the movement of the product150, and which is deposited on the conveying surface61, and along a predetermined path of travel151relative to the conveying surface61.

As seen in the drawings, some of the respective drive assemblies55are individually located, at least in part, on the opposite, laterally disposed sides76of the conveyor bed60, and between the first intake end63and the second exhaust end64thereof. In the arrangement as shown inFIGS. 1 and 16, the controller140synchronously energizes the respective drive assemblies55so as to cause a reciprocal movement of the conveyor bed60and which causes the product150to move along the predetermined path of travel151. In this regard, the selective energizing of the respective drive assemblies55causes a predetermined amount of force to be imparted to the conveyor bed60so as to move the conveyor bed in a first direction, and wherein the movement of the conveyor bed in the first direction is effective in resiliently and forcibly bending or flexing the multiplicity of the elongated springs120. Upon de-energizing the respective drive assemblies55, the individual elongated springs120will resiliently move the conveyor bed60in a second, opposite direction.

In the arrangement as illustrated inFIG. 16, the synchronous energizing of the respective drive assemblies55takes place such that the drive assemblies55each impart equal amounts of force to the conveyor bed60. In this first mode of operation, the conveyor bed60moves the product150, which is deposited on the conveying surface61, along the predetermined path of travel151, and which is substantially and generally coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis70of the conveyor bed60. In another possible mode of operation, the reciprocal motion of the conveyor bed60, and which is generated by the operation of the electromagnets55, moves the products150, which are deposited on the conveying surface61, along the predetermined path of travel151, and which is non-aligned relative to the longitudinal axis70of the conveyor bed60. As recognized fromFIGS. 17 and 18, the path of travel151of the product150, along the conveying surface61, may be such that the product moves to a side76of the conveyor bed, which is opposite to the side of the conveyor where the drive assembly55, which is generating a greater amount of magnetic attractive force, is operating and adjacent to the side of the conveyor bed60, where the drive assembly55which is generating a lesser amount of magnetic attractive force is.

As illustrated in the drawings, the pair of drive assemblies55each have a selectively energizable electromagnet having an upwardly facing surface56, and which is located below the conveyor bed60. The respective electromagnets55, when periodically energized, asserts a magnetic force which magnetically attracts, and moves the conveyor bed60in the direction of the electromagnets. Further, the motion of the conveyor bed60in the direction of the electromagnets55simultaneously flexes the multiplicity of the elongated springs120, and narrows or reduces the dimensions of the gap84. On the other hand, when the electromagnets55are de-energized, they respectively no longer magnetically attract the conveyor bed60, and simultaneously the multiplicity of previously flexed elongated springs120forcibly moves the conveyor bed60in a direction away from the respective electromagnets55, thus imparting reciprocal motion to the conveyor bed60. In the arrangement as shown in the drawings, the upwardly facing surface56of the respective electromagnets55are each located in an angular non-parallel orientation relative to the conveying surface61of the conveyor bed60. This angular arrangement allows for continued reciprocal motion of the conveyor bed60when the respective drive assemblies55are exerting unequal amounts of magnetic force to the conveyor bed60by way of the fixture83which is provided, and which is magnetically attracted to the respective electromagnets and is mounted on the conveyor bed60. The fixture83extends laterally outwardly relative thereto. The fixture83has a downwardly oriented surface, which is located in spaced relation relative to the upwardly facing surface56of the respective electromagnets55, so as to form a predetermined gap84. The gap has a cross-sectional dimension, which diminishes as that dimension is measured in a direction extending from the conveyor bed60, and laterally outwardly therefrom.

Therefore, it will be seen that the conveyor assembly10of the present invention provides many advantages and novel features not known or used before in vibratory conveyors. The present invention is easy to employ, can be readily maintained in a sanitary condition when processing food products, and further allows a user to selectively divert or direct products along alternative paths of travel without using traditional mechanical gates, which have been known to be difficult to clean and to operate under certain operational conditions.