Right angle transfer
A right angle transfer and method of transferring articles includes a plurality of conveying members that define a conveyance surface and are driven to convey objects in a conveyance direction and a plurality of diverting members. The diverting members are driven to divert objects at an angle from the conveyance surface. A frame mounts the diverting members for general vertical movement with respect to the conveying members. A lifting system including a plurality of spaced apart vertical actuators selectively raises and lowers the frame with respect to the conveying members. Each of the vertical actuators may include a cylinder that is positively driven in each of opposite directions by application of a fluid to opposite sides of the cylinder in order to positively drive the frame to both a raised state and a lowered state. The diverting members may be driven prior to being vertically moved into contact with an article being diverted.
1. A right angle transfer, comprising:
a plurality of conveying members that define a conveyance surface that are driven to convey objects in a conveyance direction;
a plurality of diverting members that are driven to divert objects at an angle from said conveyance surface;
a frame that mounts said diverting members for general vertical movement with respect to said conveying members; and
a lifting system, said lifting system comprising a plurality of spaced apart vertical actuators that are adapted to selectively raise and lower said frame with respect to said conveying members, wherein each of said vertical actuators comprising a cylinder that is positively driven in each of opposite directions by application of a fluid to opposite sides of the cylinder in order to positively drive said frame to both a raised state and a lowered state wherein each of said vertical actuators includes a motion damping member to dampen oscillation from the motion of said cylinder.
2. The transfer as claimed in claim 1 wherein said damping member comprises a spring.
3. The transfer as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said vertical actuators comprises a bushing sliding along a shaft.
4. The transfer as claimed in claim 1 wherein said frame is rectilinear in footprint and including one of said vertical actuators at each corner of said frame.
5. The transfer as claimed in claim 1 wherein said diverting members are driven prior to being vertically moved into contact with an article being diverted.
6. The transfer as claimed in claim 5 wherein said diverting members are constantly driven.
7. The transfer as claimed in claim 5 wherein said diverting members comprise driven rollers.
8. The transfer as claimed in claim 5 wherein said diverting members are driven by a motorized roller having a motor mechanism internal to a roller shell.
9. The transfer as claimed in claim 5 wherein said conveying members comprise driven belts.
10. The transfer as claimed in claim 9 wherein said conveying members are driven by a motorized roller having a motor mechanism internal to a roller shell.
11. The transfer as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fluid comprises compressed air.