Belt conveyor apparatus

Abstract

Belt apparatus includes clip assemblies that releasably retain objects to the belt to convey the objects from a point of origination to a destination point. A feed system feeds the objects onto the belt apparatus at the point of origination and a deflector apparatus removes the objects from the belt at the destination point.

1 . A belt apparatus for conveying an object, comprising a belt, the belt having at least one retaining member engaged therewith, the retaining member including a retaining portion positioned to releasably retain an object to the belt.  
   
   
       2 . The belt apparatus recited by  claim 1  wherein said retaining member is a clip.  
   
   
       3 . The belt apparatus recited by  claim 1  wherein said belt is formed from belt segments.  
   
   
       4 . A system for conveying objects from a point of origination to a destination point along a predetermined path comprising: 
 belt apparatus for releasably conveying the object from the point of origination to the destination point;    a system that feeds the objects onto the belt apparatus where they are releasably retained;    a system that removes the objects from the belt apparatus at the destination point; and    a drive system that moves said belt apparatus along the predetermined path.    
   
   
       5 . The system recited by  claim 4  wherein the objects are releasably secured to said belt apparatus with clips.  
   
   
       6 . The system recited by  claim 5  further includes grounding apparatus that reduces the static electric buildup on said belt apparatus.  
   
   
       7 . A method for conveying objects from a point of origination to a destination point along a predetermined path including the steps of: 
 feeding and releasably securing the objects to a belt apparatus;    moving said belt apparatus along the predetermined path; and    removing the objects from the belt apparatus at the destination point.    
   
   
       8 . The method recited by  claim 7  wherein the objects are releasably secured to said belt apparatus with clips.  
   
   
       9 . The method recited by  claim 8  further including the step of grounding the belt apparatus to reduce the static electric buildup on said belt apparatus.  
   
   
       10 . A retaining member for releasably holding an object to the belt of a belt conveyor apparatus, comprising: 
 a belt mounting surface adapted to be secured to the belt; and    an object retainer adapted to releasably secure an object to said retaining member.    
   
   
       11 . The retaining member recited by  claim 10  further comprising a guide that guides the object into releasable engagement with said object retainer.  
   
   
       12 . The retaining member recited by  claim 10  wherein said object retainer is a clip.  
   
   
       13 . The retaining member recited by  claim 12  wherein said clip forces the object against a guide that guides the object into releasable engagement with said object retainer.  
   
   
       14 . The retaining member recited by  claim 12  wherein said clip forces the object against said belt mounting surface.