Newspaper chain conveyor for motion in several planes - has interlocking load tray support for automatic level compensation

摘要

A chain conveyor for transporting newspaper stacks carries load trays which are attached to the conveyor chain by means of support arms. The anchor point forms a pivot so that when the plane of the conveyor movement changes, the load tray is able to remain horizontal. The support arm pivot carries a spur gear wheel. It is in mesh with a second gear wheel which is located on the pivot of the anchor frame. The same pivot carries a tooth wheel. A spring loaded lever retains the tooth wheel and thus the load arm assembly in a fixed position during straight line conveyor travel. When the load arm moves through a curved conveyor section fixed pins on the conveyor track rotate the tooth wheel step by step so that the load tray retains its horizontal orientation.