Spiral conveyor apparatus with automatic flow control
First Claim
1. A spiral conveyor apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of conveyor segments arranged as a spiral, including at least an entry segment at a first level and an exit segment at a second level;
a powered roller mounted in each segment;
means for sensing a conveyed article in each conveyor segment; and
means for receiving signals from the sensing means and responsively controlling the powered rollers in a transport mode for transport of articles and in an accumulate mode for accumulation of articles.
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Abstract
A spiral conveyor with automatic flow control includes a plurality of curved segments connected to form a spiral for the flow by gravity of articles from an upper level to a lower level. Each of the segments includes freely rotating skate wheels forming a conveying surface and a controlled, powered cylindrical roller. A sensor mounted in each segment senses the presence of an article in the segment. A controller receives the signals from the sensors and activates the associated roller for transport mode to assist articles through the conveyor if the path is clear, or if the downstream portion of the conveyor is blocked, to reverse the roller for accumulate mode to hold articles in the segment until the path is cleared.
37 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A spiral conveyor apparatus, comprising:
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a plurality of conveyor segments arranged as a spiral, including at least an entry segment at a first level and an exit segment at a second level;
a powered roller mounted in each segment;
means for sensing a conveyed article in each conveyor segment; and
means for receiving signals from the sensing means and responsively controlling the powered rollers in a transport mode for transport of articles and in an accumulate mode for accumulation of articles. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14)
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11. A spiral conveyor apparatus for conveying articles, comprising:
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a plurality of conveyor segments arranged as a spiral, including at least an entry segment at a first level and an exit segment at a second level;
a powered roller mounted in each conveyor segment;
a sensor mounted in each conveyor segment; and
a controller, the controller includes a circuit for receiving signals from the sensors and responsively controlling the powered rollers in a transport mode for transport of articles and in an accumulate mode for accumulation of articles. - View Dependent Claims (12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification