Conveyor module for simultaneous translation and rotation of products

摘要

A conveyor module (50) adapted to receive products (12) thereon for translating and simultaneously rotating the product 90 DEG in going from its infeed end to its outfeed end. An endless chain (102) is deployed about spaced-apart sprocket wheels (104), one at the infeed end and one at the outfeed end and a plurality of product support plates (138) are linked to the chain by a coupler (126) that permits rotation of the support plate (138) about an axis that is perpendicular to the support plate (138). The support plate carries a cam follower (162) that is adapted to engage a cam track (114) that is configured to impart the 90 DEG rotation to the support plate as the endless chair (102) carries the support plate (138) between the infeed end and the outfeed end. <IMAGE>