Craig S Elliott

US Patent:

20030146071, Aug 7, 2003

Filed:

Feb 5, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/072187

Inventors:

Ronald Wiese - Crystal Lake IL, US
Craig Elliott - DeKalb IL, US

International Classification:

B65G015/10

US Classification:

198/817000

Abstract:

A conveyor system includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor and a transfer mechanism interposed between the first and second conveyors. The first conveyor has an input end, an output end, and a pair of laterally spaced belts rotating between its input and output ends. The belts define an upper drive run which travels in a direction from the input end towards the output end. The second conveyor has an input end adjacent the output end of the first conveyor and a distally spaced output end. The second conveyor includes a pair of laterally spaced belts rotating between its input and output ends. The belts define an upper drive run which travels in a direction from the input end towards the output end. The transfer mechanism includes first transfer pulley positioned inwardly of the output end of the first conveyor and a second transfer pulley positioned inwardly of the output end of the second conveyor. A transfer belt rotates between the first and second transfer pulleys and defines an upper transfer run that travels longitudinally between the output end of the first conveyor and the input end of the second conveyor for transferring objects therebetween. Separate motors are provided for the first and second conveyors so that the conveyors can be operated at different speeds. A mechanism is provided for driving the transfer belt at the same speed as the belts on the second conveyor.