Positively driven steering member for conveying apparatus

Claim 3

The device recited in claim 1, wherein said coupling means comprises: at least one first arcuate meridian race groove extending substantially parallel to the axis of said wheel along said inner surface of said wheel; at least one second arcuate meridian race groove extending substantially parallel to the axis of said hub along said outer surface of said hub; at least one spherical bearing element riding in said first groove and in said second groove.

Claim 4

The device recited in claim 2, wherein said coupling means further comprises: a ball cage positioned between said inner and outer surfaces and slidably movable between said surfaces, said ball cage having an opening for receiving and retaining said bearing element.

Claim 5

The device recited in claim 3, wherein a gripping edge is applied to said rim.

Claim 6

The device recited in claim 1 or 4, wherein said axial bore of said hub is of non-circular cross-section.

Claim 7

The device recited in claim 1, wherein said coupling means comprises: an arcuate meridian keyway along one of said surfaces and a pin projecting from the other of said surfaces, said pin being engaged to ride in said keyway.

Claim 8

The device recited in claim 6 wherein a gripping edge is applied to said rim.

Claim 9

The device recited in claim 6 or 7, wherein said axial bore of said hub is of non-circular cross-section.

Claim 12

The steering apparatus recited in claim 9, wherein said controlling means comprises: a control peg, whereby said control peg contacts said wheel, pushing said wheel to move it relative to said hub.

Claim 13

The steering apparatus recited in claim 10, wherein said controlling means further comprises: said rim having a circumferential channel which receives said control peg.

Claim 14

The steering apparatus recited in claim 10, further comprising: an arm attached to said control peg, whereby movement of said arm causes movement of said control peg.

Claim 15

The steering apparatus recited in claim 12, wherein there is a plurality of said control pegs attached to said arm, with a corresponding plurality of devices.

Claim 16

The steering apparatus recited in claim 13, wherein said arm is attached to a pivot point, whereby movement of said arm about said pivot point causes said control pegs located farthest away from said pivot point to move a longer distance than the distance moved by said control pegs located nearest to said pivot point.

Claim 17

A conveyor apparatus including means for conveying and steering goods, comprising: A. A conveyor apparatus of the type which carries goods on its surface; B. A steering apparatus for steering goods as they move along the surface of said conveyor, including: (1) a plurality of shafts driven by a power source; (2) a plurality of devices adapted for use as positively driven steering members, with a plurality of said devices mounted on each of said shafts, each of said devices comprising: (a) a wheel having a spherically curved inner surface defining a central opening and having an outer rim; (b) a hub having an axial bore mounted on said shaft which passes through said bore, and having a spherically curved outer surface adapted to fit inside of said inner surface; (c) a coupling including means for securing said wheel to said hub and permitting the axis of said wheel to be rotated relative to the axis of said hub in any direction while restraining relative motion between said wheel and said hub about the axis of said hub; (3) a means for moving said wheel relative to said hub; and c. a reader-controller means for reading a label on a package moving along said conveyor and activating said moving means to steer the package in a prescribed direction.

Claim 18

A conveyor apparatus including means for conveying and steering goods, comprising: A. A conveyor apparatus of the type which carries goods on its surface; B. A steering apparatus for steering goods as they move along the surface of said conveyor, including: (1) a plurality of shafts driven by a power source; (2) a plurality of devices adapted for use as positively driven steering members, with a plurality of said devices mounted on each of said shafts, each of said devices comprising: (a) a wheel having a spherically curved inner surface defining a central opening and having an outer rim; (b) a hub having an axial bore mounted on said shaft which passes through said bore, and having a spherically curved outer surface adapted to fit inside of said inner surface; (c) a coupling including means for securing said wheel to said hub and permitting the axis of said wheel to be rotated relative to the axis of said hub in any direction while restraining relative motion between said wheel and said hub about the axis of said hub; (3) a means for moving said wheel relative to said hub; and c. a reader-controller means for reading a label on a package moving along said conveyor and activating said moving means to steer the package in a prescribed direction.

Claim 19

The conveyor apparatus recited in claim 15, wherein said moving means comprises: a plurality of control pegs, each of said control pegs contacting its respective wheel; an arm having a plurality of said control pegs attached to it; and a mechanical controller communicating with said arm.

Claim 20

The conveyor apparatus recited in claim 16, wherein there is a plurality of said arms, each arm being attached at a pivot point, whereby movement of said arms about said pivot points causes said control pegs located farthest away from said pivot points to move a longer distance than the distance moved by said control pegs located nearest to said pivot points.