| 摘要 |
A container turning device comprising a conveyor section equipped with a turning ramp. The conveyor section is typically curved and powered by drive means including a drive motor, drive chains, and an internal drive conveyor. Wrapped about the drive conveyor is a frusto-conical conveyor belt that is preferably smooth-surfaced and composed of vulcanized rubber. The container turning ramp is substantially thin and is mounted to the curved conveyor section along an inner side of the section adjacent its entrance end. In a preferred arrangement, the turning ramp is provided with a substantially circular stop bumper that is rotatably mounted to the turning ramp adjacent its rear edge. The ramp is secured to the conveyor section such that the front edge of the turning ramp is positioned adjacent the entrance end of the conveyor section and just below the surface of the conveyor belt. In operation, a container traveling in a lengthwise configuration will engage both the conveyor belt and the turning ramp simultaneously. As the container continues its forward travel, an inner side portion of the container is urged upwardly along the ramp, lifting the container above the conveyor belt surface such that only a rear portion of the container remains in contact with the conveyor belt. As the container climbs the ramp, it rotates due to the difference in friction it experiences with the ramp and belt. Eventually a ninety degree turn is completed by the container and drops-off of the turning ramp and onto the conveyor belt in a widthwise orientation.
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