Patent GB-733435-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in conveyor systems
IPC: B65G47/48
Filed: 1952-07-14
Abstract: 733,435. Endless conveyers. FREEMAN (ENGINEERS), Ltd., A., and FREEMAN, A. July 8, 1953 [July 14, 1952; Sept. 26, 1952], Nos. 17724/52 and 24188/52. Class 78 (1). An endless conveyer of the kind having a plurality of index devices secured thereto and associated with particular goods and a plurality of stationary reader mechanisms along the conveyer responsive to a particular index setting to trip means acting on the goods associated with a device, includes a reader plate pivotable on a frame for engagement with an oncoming index device to bring the plate into correct reading position relatively to the index device. A support 7 for a work carrier 8 has a hook 11 for engaging a fixed roller 6 which adjoins a roller 3, on an arm having another roller 3 running on a track 4, and connected to a conveying chain of the kind described in Specification 723,420. The work carrier is secured by studs 10 to the support which is of inverted channel form with space for a punched card 16 between the support and an index device 12. The index device is pivoted to the support and has a number of fingers 13 which can either be projected or retracted. The index device has a pin 58 which engages a tapering guide formed by a channel 56 of a reader device, a number of which devices are located at spaced points along the track where it is desired to deposit the work carrier. For each device a spindle 19 is mounted on a plate 18 secured to the track and carries a sleeve 26 supporting a plate 27 and a spigot 28 which supports a plate 32 for free movement. A rod 21 is also mounted on the sleeve to be movable between fixed limits 23, 24. When the sleeve rotates, which can occur when the preset index device contacts with a suitably set reader plate, the hooked end 22 of the rod strikes a hook 11 and deposits the work carrier in the required position free from the chain. The plate 32 has side plates 33 with cheeks. A reader plate 36 is mounted to pivot on a spindle 35 connected between side plates 33 and is urged upwardly by a spring 38 connecting a projection on the plate to a member 39 on the plate 32. The upward movement is limited by a stop 40. The rod 21 is urged downwardly by a strong spring 46 connecting the rod to a support 42 whereby it presses on the reader plate 36 which carries an opentopped socket 41 fitted with a rubber pad and washer on which rests a screw 44 passing through the rod 21 and secured thereto. Connected between the side plates 33 is a spindle 48 carrying fingers 49 with base grooves for engaging the fingers B. The fingers 49 have upstanding fingers 51 which pass through an aperture 53 in the reader plate and rest against an apertured plate 52 screwed to the reader plate. When the fingers 13 contact the fingers 49, the fingers 49 are pivoted to cause the fingers 51 to press upwardly on the plate 52 and hence upon the rod 21. When the raised fingers 51 coincide with the apertures in the plate 52 or with a punched card the reader plate is free to pivot downwardly allowing the rod 21 to sink and contact the hook 11 to discharge the work carrier. To sensitize the movement of the rod, the rod is provided with a cam 60 which contacts a projection on the chain to raise the rod before the index device contacts the reader device and so temporarily relieves the load on the reader plate. The swinging of the plate 32 is limited by a set-screw 59. Specifications 723,421, 733,419, 733,420, 733,431 and 733,432 also are referred to.