Conveyor for raising and lowering articles

摘要

A conveyor for raising or lowering articles thereon comprising a vertically disposed central column which is rotatable about a vertical axis and which has a plurality of radially spaced apart push bar assemblies mounted thereon. A spiral bed extends around the outer periphery of the rotating central column and is adapted to support the articles to be conveyed thereon. Each of the push bar assemblies has a freely movable endless chain provided thereon from which extend bars which rest upon the upper surface of the spiral bed and which move upwardly along the spiral bed as the central column is rotated in one direction and which move downwardly along the spiral bed when the central column is rotated in an opposite direction. Entry and exit conveyors are associated with the conveyor to supply articles to be conveyed thereto and for receiving the conveyed articles therefrom.