System for stabilizing articles on conveyors

摘要

A stabilizing system stabilizes articles carried on conveyors for automated bulk processing equipment. In a preferred embodiment, a flow of gas (e.g., air) is projected along a conveyor belt in a direction generally parallel to that in which articles are carried by the belt. The air flow has a velocity (i.e., speed and direction) substantially the same as that of the belt to reduce aerodynamic resistance that would otherwise bear against the articles. As a result, the articles may be transported on the conveyor belt at high speeds with substantially increased stability or throughput.