Apparatus for controlling the path of movement of a movable conveyor

Claim 2

Apparatus for controlling the path of movement of a movable conveyor comprising a control device mounted for pendular movement about an axis and having means in engagement with one edge of said conveyor whereby said control device may swing about said axis in response to shifting of said conveyor laterally of its path of movement; a movable control member in engagement with said conveyor operable in response to movement to shift said conveyor laterally of its path of movement; motion transmitting means interconnecting said control member and said control device, said motion transmitting means including a rocker arm connected to said control device for rocking in a plane substantially normal to that of swinging movement of said control device; and actuating means acting on said motion transmitting means and operable in response to swinging movement of said control device in one direction to move said control member in a direction to shift said conveyor laterally of said path in such direction as to permit swinging of said control device in the opposite direction.

Claim 3

The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said motion transmitting means includes an extensible and retractable fluid pressure ram and actuating means for extending and retracting said ram.

Claim 4

The apparatus set forth in claim 2 wherein said actuating means comprises fluid flow control valves and valve operating means carried by said control device.

Claim 5

The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein said valve operating means comprises a plate swingable about said axis.

Claim 6

The apparatus set forth in claim 4 wherein the distanCe from said plate to said axis is greater than the distance of said conveyor from said axis.

Claim 7

The apparatus set forth in claim 4 wherein the ends of said plate are bent arcuately about a center substantially coinciding with said axis.

Claim 8

The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said axis and said one edge of said conveyor lie in a substantially vertical plane when said conveyor occupies the preferred path.

Claim 9

The apparatus set forth in claim 1 including adjustable counterbalance means carried by said control device.

Claim 10

Apparatus for controlling the path of movement of a movable conveyor comprising a control device mounted for swinging pendular movement about an axis; means carried by said control device in engagement with one edge of said conveyor whereby said control device may swing about said axis in response to shifting of said conveyor laterally of its path of movement; a movable control member in engagement with said conveyor and operable in response to movement to shift said conveyor laterally of its path of movement; pressure fluid motion transmitting means interconnecting said control member and said control device for moving said control member in response to movement of said control device; operating means supported on said control device for swinging movement therewith; and fluid flow valve means for controlling operation of said motion transmitting means and engageable by said operating means in response to swinging movement of said control device in one direction to effect movement of said motion transmitting means and move said control member in a direction to shift said conveyor laterally of said path in such direction as to permit swinging of said control device and said operating member in the opposite direction.

Claim 11

Apparatus for controlling the path of movement of a movable conveyor comprising a control device mounted for swinging pendular movement about an axis; means carried by said control device in engagement with one edge of said conveyor whereby said control device may swing about said axis in response to shifting of said conveyor laterally of its path of movement; a movable control member in engagement with said conveyor and operable in response to movement to shift said conveyor laterally of its path of movement; pressure fluid motion transmitting means interconnecting said control member and said control device for moving said control member in response to movement of said control device; operating means supported on said control device for swinging movement therewith; and fluid flow valve means for controlling operation of said motion transmitting means and engageable by said operating means in response to swinging movement of said control device in one direction to effect movement of said motion transmitting means and move said control member in a direction to shift said conveyor laterally of said path in such direction as to permit swinging of said control device and said operating member in the opposite direction.