Conveyor system with multiple level convergence apparatus

摘要

A conveyor system and method is described for conveying articles between different levels of a structure. The conveyor system utilizes stacked helical shaped conveyors to move articles up from a first level and down from a third level to a common second level. The conveyor system may also move articles down from the second level to the first level or up from the second level to the third level. The stacked helical conveyors eliminate the need for gated lifts or ramps and also minimize the footprint required to convey articles between levels.

主权项

1. A conveyor system for conveying articles, said system comprising:
a first track for conveying articles, said first track forming a first track helix about a transport axis at a first region and wherein a portion of said first track extends to a first station; a second track for conveying articles, said second track forming a second track helix about said transport axis at a second region elevated above said first region, wherein a portion of said second track extends to a second station; a third track for conveying articles; and a juncture wherein said first track, second track and third track join at said juncture.