CONVEYOR WITH MOVABLE GRIPPERS, AND RELATED CONVEYOR LINK

摘要

A conveyor (810) suitable for conveying objects (c) along a transport direction, and related links (182), are disclosed. The conveyor includes a plurality of connected links, each link having a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transpor t. Each link also has a body (810), a cam follower member (852), and at least o ne gripping member . A gear drive mechanism may be used to interconnect the cam follower member and the gripping member (832). The cam follower member is movable to selectively move the gripping member between a first position and a second position. The gripping member when in first position is disposed in a n open position, and the gripping member when in the second position is dispos ed in a gripping position for contacting one of the objects (c) to hold the object during transport. Gear - drive machanisms of various desings may be used to interconnect the cam follower member and gripping member. A relaesab le holding member, such as a spring - loaded ratchet member , may be used to secure the gripping member in the second position. Multiple opposed gripping members may be used.