SYSTEM FOR STABILIZING ARTICLES ON CONVEYORS

摘要

A stabilizing system (12, 14, 112, 112b, 262) stabilizes articles carried on conveyors for automated bulk processing equipment. In a preferred embodiment, a flow of gas (64, 118b, 278) (e.g., air) is projected along a conveyor belt (18, 18a, 18b, 18c) in a direction generally parallel to that in which articles are carried by the belt. The air flow has a velocity (i.e., speed and direction) substantially the same as that of the belt to reduce aerodynamic resistance that would otherwise bear against the articles. As a result, the articles may be transported on the conveyor belt at high speeds with substantially increased stability or throughput.