Variable-capacity product store
First Claim
1. A variable-capacity store (1) for products (2), which is located between a supply machine (3) supplying the products (2) and a receiving machine (4) receiving the products (2), to compensate for any difference in the output of said machines (3,4);
- the store (1) comprising an endless conveyer belt (30) extending along a given path (P) of fixed annular shape;
first actuating means (28,29) for feeding said conveyer belt (30) along a path (P) at an adjustable speed (V3);
an input station (35) and an output station (36) for the products (2);
said stations (35,36) being movable along said path (P) and defining, between them, a transportation portion (37) of the conveyor belt (30); and
second actuating means (83) for so adjusting the positions of said stations (35,36) along said path (P) as to vary a length (L) of said transportation portion (37) as a function of said difference in output.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A variable-capacity store for products, the store presenting an endless conveyor belt extending along a given annular path; an input station and an output station, both movable along the path and defining, between them, a transportation portion of the conveyor belt, the transportation portion transporting the products substantially continuously and at adjustable speed from the input station to the output station; and an actuating device for moving the input station and the output station along the path to vary the length of the transportation portion and, hence, the capacity of the store.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A variable-capacity store (1) for products (2), which is located between a supply machine (3) supplying the products (2) and a receiving machine (4) receiving the products (2), to compensate for any difference in the output of said machines (3,4);
- the store (1) comprising an endless conveyer belt (30) extending along a given path (P) of fixed annular shape;
first actuating means (28,29) for feeding said conveyer belt (30) along a path (P) at an adjustable speed (V3);
an input station (35) and an output station (36) for the products (2);
said stations (35,36) being movable along said path (P) and defining, between them, a transportation portion (37) of the conveyor belt (30); and
second actuating means (83) for so adjusting the positions of said stations (35,36) along said path (P) as to vary a length (L) of said transportation portion (37) as a function of said difference in output. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
- the store (1) comprising an endless conveyer belt (30) extending along a given path (P) of fixed annular shape;
Specification