Automatic conveyor slot closure

摘要

Apparatus for self-clearing of clogs developed between adjacent ends of upstream and downstream conveyors adapted to carry products thereon in the course of transfer of the products past a gap defined between the conveyors. The apparatus comprises a shield disposed between the adjacent ends of the conveyors and adapted to cover less than all of the gap between the conveyors and having a proximal side edge disposed adjacent the end of the downstream conveyor, thereby defining an opening for the discharge of debris from the products being transferred between the conveyors through the opening. The shield is mounted for selected degrees of covering relationship to the gap between the conveyors. Means is provided for biasing the shield toward a position of maximal covering of the gap while permitting automatic movement of the shield toward a position of reduced covering of the gap as a function of the application of a force against said shield occasioned by the initiation of a clog by the products being transferred between the shield and the downstream conveyor.