Can-spreading conveyor system and methods
First Claim
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1. A conveyor system comprising:
- a first conveyor for conveying a mass of electrically conductive articles confined to a first width;
a continuous conveying surface extending from the first conveyor in a conveying direction to receive the mass of electrically conductive articles from the first conveyor;
means for spreading the mass of electrically conductive articles from the first width to a wider second width on the continuous conveying surface;
a second conveyor for receiving the mass of electrically conductive articles spread to the second width from the continuous conveying surface;
wherein the means for spreading comprises a linear-motor stator arranged to generate an electromagnetic flux wave traveling along the continuous conveying surface between an upstream end near the first conveyor and a downstream end nearer the second conveyor; and
wherein the electromagnetic flux wave induces eddy currents creating fields in the electrically conductive articles that interact with the electromagnetic flux wave to produce a force against the electrically conductive articles to push the electrically conductive articles along the continuous conveying surface as the mass of electrically conductive articles spreads across the width of the continuous conveying surface and advances toward the second conveyor.
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Abstract
A conveyor system and method for spreading a mass of electrically conductive articles, such as aluminum cans, being transferred from an infeed conveyor to a wider discharge conveyor. A transfer device between the infeed and discharge conveyors uses linear induction to propel and spread electrically conductive articles across a continuous transfer surface with or without the aid of backpressure or mechanical spreading means.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A conveyor system comprising:
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a first conveyor for conveying a mass of electrically conductive articles confined to a first width; a continuous conveying surface extending from the first conveyor in a conveying direction to receive the mass of electrically conductive articles from the first conveyor; means for spreading the mass of electrically conductive articles from the first width to a wider second width on the continuous conveying surface; a second conveyor for receiving the mass of electrically conductive articles spread to the second width from the continuous conveying surface; wherein the means for spreading comprises a linear-motor stator arranged to generate an electromagnetic flux wave traveling along the continuous conveying surface between an upstream end near the first conveyor and a downstream end nearer the second conveyor; and wherein the electromagnetic flux wave induces eddy currents creating fields in the electrically conductive articles that interact with the electromagnetic flux wave to produce a force against the electrically conductive articles to push the electrically conductive articles along the continuous conveying surface as the mass of electrically conductive articles spreads across the width of the continuous conveying surface and advances toward the second conveyor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification