Conveyors – chutes – skids – guides – and ways – Rollerways – Submerging and rising
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-08
2001-02-20
Ellis, Christopher P. (Department: 3651)
Conveyors, chutes, skids, guides, and ways
Rollerways
Submerging and rising
C193S0350SS
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189672
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to gravity type roller conveyors and, more particularly, to a load separating mechanism for separating successive loads on a roller conveyor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When removing loads from a roller conveyor, it is usually desirable to prevent the entire run of loads from bearing against the lead load at the discharge end of the conveyor so that the lead load can be easily removed. Various types of load spacing mechanisms have been used in the past for separating the lead load from the remaining loads on the conveyor. One type of device uses an actuating lever disposed at the discharge end of the conveyor that is connected by a mechanical linkage to a stop mechanism located at a point further upstream on the conveyor. When the lead load reaches the discharge end of conveyor, the weight of the load presses the actuating lever downward and causes the stop mechanism to move upward into the path of the next adjacent load. When the lead load is removed from the discharge end of the conveyor, the actuating lever returns to an normal position and the stop mechanism is retracted to allow the next load to move down the conveyor. Load separating mechanisms of this type are shown in the patent to vom Stein, U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,909, and Agnoff, U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,189.
Several drawbacks have been encountered with this type of load separating mechanism. One problem is the inherent complexity of the load separating mechanism. The load separating mechanisms typically have numerous components that complicate manufacture and assembly. Consequently, these types of mechanisms tend to be relatively expensive to produce. Further, the linkages which connect the actuating lever with the stop mechanism require periodic maintenance to maintain them in proper working order. Therefore, it is desirable to simplify the mechanism as much as possible to reduce costs and maintenance requirements.
Another drawback associated with the prior art load separating mechanisms is that the loads are released too quickly after a pallet is removed. The worker responsible for removing loads from the conveyor must have sufficient time to fully remove and dispose of the loads before the next load is released. In most prior art load separating mechanisms, the next load is released immediately as the lead load is lifted or partially removed from the discharge end of the conveyor. The patent to Agnoff addresses this problem by using a damper to delay the return of the actuating lever after a load is removed from the discharge end of the conveyor. This solution, however, further adds to the complexity of the mechanism and increases its cost.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a load separating mechanism for a roller conveyor. The load separating mechanism generally comprises a rocker assembly and a release mechanism. The rocker assembly comprises an elongated rocker arm pivotally mounted at the discharge end of the conveyor. A pressure plate or camming surface is disposed at the downstream end of the rocker arm. A stop is connected to the upstream end of the rocker arm. The pivot point of the rocker arm is located downstream from the center of gravity of the rocker arm. Consequently, the force of gravity will cause the upstream end of the rocker arm to naturally assume a lowered or retracted position. The downstream end will naturally assume a raised or extended position.
As the lead load rolls to the discharge end of the conveyor, the load will engage the pressure plate at the downstream end of the rocker arm. The weight of the load pushes the downstream end of the rocker arm downward, causing the upstream end to assume a raised position. In this position, the next load on the conveyor engages the stop on the upstream end of the rocker arm and is prevented from travelling further downstream.
When the lead load is removed from the conveyor, the weight of the next load pressing against the stop prevents the rocker arm from returning to its natural load releasing position. Therefore, the present invention includes a manually actuated release mechanism.
The release mechanism comprises a release lever having a footpad at one end and a roller at the opposite end. The roller engages the underside of the pressure plate or camming surface. When the user presses downward by foot on the footpad, the roller engages the underside of the pressure plate and exerts an upward force on the downstream end of the rocker arm. As the downstream end of the rocker arm is raised, the upstream end lowers, releasing the next load.
The present invention provides a relatively simple construction for a load separating mechanism that is inexpensive to manufacture. Further, the reduced complexity of the load separating mechanism reduces maintenance requirements and opportunity for failure. Another advantage of the present invention is that loads are not automatically released when the lead load is removed from the conveyor. The worker responsible for removing loads from the conveyor can release the next load when he is ready. This reduces the chances that the worker will be injured.
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Coats & Bennett PLLC
Ellis Christopher P.
Interroll Holding AG
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