Abstract: A conveyor is disclosed comprising a track having a pair of side rails and a plurality of interconnected carts which are reciprocally moveable along the track by a pneumatic cylinder. Each of the carts includes a pair of air bladders which are selectively inflatable to move a respective load between a lowered position wherein the load rests on upper surfaces of the rails and a raised position wherein the load is lifted clear of the rails. A pneumatic system controls the cylinder and each pair bladders so as to advance a load from a loading position toward an unloading position by cyclically moving the load into the raised position, moving the carts forward, moving the load into the lowered position, and moving the carts back beneath the load. Individual pairs of bladders may be kept from inflating so as to accumulate loads near the unloading position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 15, 2002
Date of Patent:
October 28, 2003
Assignee:
Leap Frog Systems, Inc.
Inventors:
James R. Kuecker, Lucas Peterson, Steven L. Hayslett