US 11,807,473 B2
Apparatus and methods for dynamically controlling the spacing of conveyed objects
Matthew L. Fourney, Laurel, MD (US); Robert K. Paquin, Baltimore, MD (US); James L. Brun, Forest Hill, MD (US); Christopher B. Spicer, Silver Spring, MD (US); and David L. Marsh, Pasadena, MD (US)
Assigned to Laitram, L.L.C., Harahan, LA (US)
Filed by Laitram, L.L.C., Harahan, LA (US)
Filed on Jun. 28, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/360,234.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/049,790, filed on Jul. 9, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0009719 A1, Jan. 13, 2022
Int. Cl. B65G 47/88 (2006.01); B65G 47/29 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 47/8823 (2013.01) [B65G 47/88 (2013.01); B65G 47/295 (2013.01); B65G 47/8892 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A dynamic gapping conveyor, comprising:
a frame forming a carryway for a conveying surface;
a conveying surface extending in a conveying direction from a first end to a second end and laterally from a first side edge to a second side edge;
a linear transport system comprising an endless rail extending along a first side edge of the conveying surface and a plurality of movers, the endless rail housing a plurality of inducers that interact with the movers to move the movers along the endless rail; and
a flight extending laterally across the conveying surface, the flight having a first end connected to a first mover on a first side of the conveying surface, wherein the flight comprises
a body portion comprising a base mounted to a mounting bar and a body extending from the base and
a mounting portion for pivotally connecting the body portion to a mover, the mounting portion comprising a sheath connecting the body portion to a cam for effecting rotation of the sheath and body portion, a base plate fastened to the first mover, and a shaft clamp fastened to the base plate for receiving the mounting bar.