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Apparatus and method for activating conveyor belt rollers

  • US 7,533,766 B1
  • Filed: 01/23/2008
  • Issued: 05/19/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A conveyor comprising:

  • a conveyor belt advancing longitudinally in a direction of belt travel and having a plurality of article-supporting rollers arranged in longitudinal columns and lateral rows and extending through the thickness of the belt;

    linear support surfaces laterally offset from the columns of article-supporting rollers and extending in the direction of belt travel below the conveyor belt;

    bearing surfaces disposed at a fixed level below the conveyor belt and between the support surfaces;

    means for raising and lowering the support surfaces into and out of supporting contact with the conveyor belt to raise and lower the conveyor belt between a raised position supported on the support surfaces in which the article-supporting rollers are out of contact with the bearing surfaces and a lowered position in which the article-supporting rollers are supported in rolling contact on the bearing surfaces.

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