초록

A system and method for providing a multi-paneled hamper where adjacent panels are coupled to one another via an exposed hinge-like pivoting coupling.

대표청구항 ▼

A system and method for providing a multi-paneled hamper where adjacent panels are coupled to one another via an exposed hinge-like pivoting coupling. lt; a bearing element positioned to bear against the article-conveying surface along a section of the belt-conveying path, the bearing element inclu

A system and method for providing a multi-paneled hamper where adjacent panels are coupled to one another via an exposed hinge-like pivoting coupling. lt; a bearing element positioned to bear against the article-conveying surface along a section of the belt-conveying path, the bearing element including a bearing surface comprising an oxidizable metal contacting the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt, wherein oxidizable metal is transferred from the bearing surface to the article-conveying surface as the belt is driven past the bearing element to form a thin layer of oxidized metal on the article-conveying surface exhibiting increased friction. 8. A conveyor as in claim 7 wherein the bearing element is stationary. 9. A conveyor as in claim 7 wherein the oxidizable metal is aluminum. 10. A conveyor as in claim 7 further comprising weights attached to the bearing element to hold the bearing surface in contact with the article-conveying surface of the belt. 11. A conveyor as in claim 7 wherein the bearing element is disposed along the belt-conveying path at a position where articles are not conveyed. 12. A method for forming a thin layer of a preselected material on an article-conveying surface of a conveyor belt, comprising: positioning a transfer element including a preselected material proximate an article-conveying surface of a conveyor belt along a section of a belt-conveying path; causing the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt and the preselected material to rub; and transferring the preselected material from the transfer element to the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt by the rubbing of the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt against the preselected material to form on the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt a thin layer of the preselected material exhibiting surface characteristics different from the surface characteristics of the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt. 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising replenishing the preselected material as it is depleted from the transfer element. 14. A method for forming a thin layer of a preselected material on a surface of a conveyor belt, comprising: positioning a transfer element including a preselected material proximate a surface of a conveyor belt along a section of a belt-conveying path; causing the conveyor belt and the preselected material to rub; and transferring the preselected material from the transfer element to the surface of the conveyor belt by the rubbing of the surface of the conveyor belt against the preselected material to form on the surface of the conveyor belt a thin layer of the preselected material exhibiting surface characteristics different from the surface characteristics of the surface of the conveyor belt; wherein the preselected material is a metal. 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the metal is an oxidizable metal. 16. A conveyor following a conveying path, comprising: a conveyor belt having an article-conveying belt surface; a belt drive drivingly engaged with the conveyor belt; a transfer element disposed along a section of the conveying path proximate the article-conveying belt surface, the transfer element including a preselected material put in contact with the article-conveying belt surface and rubbed onto the article-conveying belt surface as a surface layer as the conveyor belt is driven past the transfer element. 17. A conveyor as in claim 16, wherein the transfer element includes a reservoir for the preselected material. 18. A conveyor as in claim 17, where in the reservoir is replenishable. 19. A conveyor as in claim 16, wherein the transfer element includes a dispenser for applying the preselected material to the belt surface. 20. A conveyor following a conveying path, comprising: a conveyor belt having a belt surface; a belt drive drivingly engaged with the conveyor belt; a transfer element disposed along a section of the conveying path proximate the belt surface, the transfer element including a preselected material put in contact with the belt surface and transferred to the be