Importance

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Abstract

A conveyor ratcheting apparatus for advancing a conveyor in one direction in discrete steps. A ratchet arm is pivotally supported on a frame. A ratchet actuator drives the arm reciprocally between first and second positions. A ratchet wheel is rotatably supported on the frame. Circumferentially spaced teeth are formed around an outer rim of the ratchet wheel. The ratchet arm sequentially engages each of the teeth and causes the ratchet wheel to rotate in one direction each time the ratchet arm engages one of the teeth and moves toward the second position from the first position. The ratchet arm disengages whenever the ratchet arm moves from the second position back toward the first position. A detent engagement member is supported on the frame and is moveable into engagement with one of four stop detents in the ratchet wheel when the first ratchet arm is in the second position. The detent engagement member positively holds the ratchet wheel and allows ratchet wheel rotation out of the second position only after being disengaged. An actuator is operatively connected to the detent engagement member and disengages the detent engagement member in response to ratchet arm movement and before the ratchet wheel is rotated out of the second position.

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First Claim