摘要 |
An elevating belt conveyor and a method for conveying articles up steep inclines. The conveyor has a series of support elements extending outward from the article-conveying surface of a conveyor belt advancing upward along a steep incline. The support elements prevent conveyed articles from sliding down the conveyor belt on the incline. A closely positioned hugger belt facing the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt advances in the same direction to provide a low-friction retention surface to articles leaning away for the conveyor belt on the incline. In another variation, the support elements may be positioned on the hugger belt rather than on the main conveyor belt, with the main conveyor belt restraining articles against falling from the conveyor on an incline. Alternatively, a vertical array of rollers replaces the hugger belt as a low-friction retaining surface.
|