Condition Responsive Control Means For Vehicle Or Conveyor Patents (Class 198/301)
  • Patent number: 11786950
    Abstract: In the case of a caterpillar track drawing machine having a drawing die and a caterpillar track disposed behind the drawing die, which track comprises two drawing chains having drawing tools disposed on chain links of the drawing chains, it should be possible to align the drawing tools of at least one of the two drawing chains jointly with the respective chain link, perpendicular to the drawing line, so that the caliber range can be changed, in simple and operationally reliable manner, between two drawing recesses having different caliber ranges. The latter is also possible if two different drawing recesses of the second one of the two drawing chains are intended for a first caliber range for which the first drawing recesses for at least one of the two drawing chains are intended, or if the drawing recesses of a first one of the two drawing chains deviate from the drawing recesses of a second one of the two drawing chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SMS group GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Cmiel, Joerg Lindbuechl
  • Patent number: 11613855
    Abstract: A work machine including a frame, a plurality of ground engaging mechanisms, a conveyor assembly and a mill chamber. The conveyor assembly including a conveyor belt. The mill chamber including an auger and a rotor, the rotor having a plurality of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. Johnson, Conwell Keefer Rife, Jr., Eric S. Engelmann
  • Patent number: 11427120
    Abstract: An agricultural implement for mounting on a U-shaped foundation frame supported on wheels for travel over a ground surface where the foundation frame includes first and second laterally spaced mounting beams fixed to and extending from a base. The implement is configured to perform an agricultural operation, to rest on the ground surface when in an idle position, and to attach to the foundation frame when in an operating position. The implement comprises a rigid implement portion configured to be attached to the first and second mounting beams at first and second beam locations remote from the base such that the first and second mounting beams are prevented from moving laterally with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: DOT Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Norbert Beaujot
  • Patent number: 10954786
    Abstract: A feeder is described for the conveyance of material such as overburden or mineral from a working site, the feeder comprising a feed device having a material receiving end having a material receiving apron suitable for receiving material such as overburden or mineral at a working site; a material discharge end distal of the material receiving end; an endless conveyor disposed between the material receiving apron and the discharge end so as in use to cause material received at the material receiving apron to be conveyed to the material discharge end; a chassis supporting the feed device; a transport carriage supporting the chassis and adapted to cause the feeder to be movable across a surface for deployment in use. A system A system and method for the movement of material from a working site for example via transport trucks are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: MMD Design & Consultancy Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Pearson
  • Patent number: 10919742
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an endless cable winch including a drive unit having an engine configured to generate a torque. The endless cable winch further including an output unit connected to the drive unit, the output unit including a power transmission assembly coupled to the drive unit, the power transmission assembly configured to apply a driving force to a cable. The endless cable winch further including a lifting force limiting device configured to stop the drive unit as soon a predetermined driving force is exceeded. In doing so, this system is also transferable to winches with multiple engines. The engine and the output unit can be movable relative to one another, and the lifting force limiting device can be configured to stop the drive unit based on the relative movement of the drive unit and the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SafeWorks, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Lülfing
  • Patent number: 10865049
    Abstract: Conveyor apparatus, systems and methods are provided. Some embodiments include pivot assemblies for folding a conveyor frame between transport and operational configurations. In some embodiments, one or more frame sections of the conveyor frame are sized to be received in a shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Superior Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lafe Grimm, Philip Rosen
  • Patent number: 10412890
    Abstract: A sickle cutting system is mounted on a header for forward travel over ground having a standing crop thereon and includes a cutter bar with a plurality of knife guards and two opposed sickle bars driven in opposite phase with a drive system for driving the sickle bar through repeated cycles of reciprocating movement from start-up of the system through to a shut-down. The drive system includes a control device responsive to the sensor signals from both of the first and second drive systems for advancing or retarding one of the first and second drive systems so that a number of sensor signals obtained from the first drive system is continually maintained so as to be substantially equal to a number of sensor signals obtained from the second drive system to maintain the sickle bars in opposite phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: James Thomas Dunn, Graham Michael Leverick, Lance Thomas Willer
  • Patent number: 10323365
    Abstract: In a self-propelled construction machine, specifically, a road milling machine, a surface miner or a recycler, for milling a ground surface, comprising a machine frame with a longitudinal axis, comprising a chassis with wheels or tracked ground-engaging units which support the machine frame, comprising a controller for the travelling and milling operation, comprising a height-adjustable working drum, comprising a slewable transport conveyor arranged in front of or behind the working drum as seen in the direction of travel of the milling machine with a discharge end from which worked-off milling material is dischargeable onto a point of impingement on a loading surface of a means of transport, wherein the transport conveyor is slewable about, as a minimum, a first slewing axis extending essentially orthogonal to the machine frame laterally under a slewing angle, wherein the controller comprises a control system which controls, as a minimum, the slewing angle of the transport conveyor automatically in the trave
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Andreas Vogt, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 10076830
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand tool machine for placing a nail having a push button that can be activate by a user for placing a nail. A combustion chamber is provided, in which a mixture of combustible gas and air can be ignited. In the combustion chamber, a piston is arranged in a movable manner in order to be accelerated by the combustion gases in the direction of placement. In the direction of placement, the piston has a punch protruding from the piston for driving the nail. A compressor compresses the air in the combustion chamber prior to igniting. The compressor has a fan wheel and an electric motor. At an operating speed of the electric motor, the fan wheel has a rotational speed of at least 2,000 rotations per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Raggl, Christoph Boehm
  • Patent number: 10058985
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held machine tool for setting a nail, having a safety mechanism which can be actuated by a user and a button which can be actuated to trigger a setting of the nail. A mixture of flammable gas and air can be ignited in a combustion chamber. A piston is movably arranged in the combustion chamber in order to be accelerated in the setting direction by the combustion gases. There is a stamp on the piston for driving the nail. A compressor for compressing the air in the combustion chamber is directly connected to the combustion chamber via a channel. A valve which connects the channel or the combustion chamber to the environment is opened between the actuating of the safety mechanism and the actuating of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Raggl, Nikolaus Hannoschoeck, Christoph Boehm, Donato Clausi
  • Patent number: 9745136
    Abstract: A segmented articulating conveyor is provided that is articulable between a straight configuration and an articulated configuration. The segmented articulating conveyor has a plurality of conveyor segments forming a conveyor system. The conveyor segments are pivotally connected to one another to permit manual articulation of the conveyor system between straight and articulated configurations. A belt is operably engaged with the conveyor segments, the belt being configured to accommodate an arc of the conveyor system when in the articulated configuration. A motor is operatively engaged with the belt and configured to move the belt. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: ZOETIS CANADA INC.
    Inventor: Patrick Poulin
  • Patent number: 9031682
    Abstract: An eyeglass lens supplying system for supplying an eyeglass lens to a plurality of eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes: a plurality of conveyer line units, each of which includes: at least one conveyer line conveying a tray; a tray moving unit separating at least two trays from the conveyer line to move the trays to standby positions, and put the tray on the conveyer line; and a control unit obtaining processing information from a host computer; a carrying-in conveyer line connected to the conveyer line of the conveyer line unit; a carrying-out conveyer line connected to the conveyer line of the conveyer line unit; a main control unit communicating with each of the control units, and determines the processing apparatus to process the lens in the tray on the carrying-in conveyer unit, or determines the conveyer line unit to convey the tray on the carrying-in conveyer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoshi Tanaka, Yuya Nakako
  • Patent number: 8985300
    Abstract: A control system is provided for a conveyor bridge with a plurality of segments and equipped with individual traveling gears for the cyclic traveling (moving) on a surface in travel straight ahead and in a curve. The control system follows a process including the steps of: detecting positions of both ends of the segments of a conveyor bridge on terrain; calculating target coordinates for the control of the conveyor bridge; simultaneous switching on of the drives of all traveling gears; synchronously controlling the drives of all traveling gears; during the travel movement, constantly measuring the distance covered by each traveling gear; constantly measuring angular deviations from the straight line between two adjacent segments during the travel movement; providing a lateral slope compensation between the traveling gear and the support frame of each segment; and providing a fine alignment of all segments after reaching the target coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: TAKRAF GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Reiche
  • Patent number: 8875864
    Abstract: A system and method for material handling includes a first portable conveyor for feeding material to a mobile bridge conveyor for the material to be stacked via a stacker until a discharge end of the mobile bridge conveyor is at or within a predetermined distance of a discharge end of the first portable conveyor. The first portable conveyor moves away from the mobile bridge conveyor after the discharge end of mobile bridge conveyor is at or within the predetermined distance of the discharge end of the first portable conveyor. A second portable conveyor that feeds material to the first portable conveyor rotates such that a discharge end of the second portable conveyor is moved towards the mobile bridge conveyor until reaching a feeding position for feeding material to the mobile bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventors: Paul Emerson, Glenn Davis
  • Patent number: 8770373
    Abstract: A side shifting conveyor is provided for a surface mining operation. The conveyor generally includes conveyor sections and conveyor translation devices. Each conveyor translation device includes a drive operable to move the associated at least one conveyor section in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction. The conveyor further includes a controller operatively coupled to each drive for controlling operation of the drive and coordinating movement of the conveyor sections. A method for moving a conveyor in a surface mine generally includes sensing that a surface miner operable to deposit material onto the conveyor sections has moved beyond one of the conveyor sections, fixing a position relative to the surface mine of a conveyor translation device associated with one of the conveyor sections, and operating the conveyor translation device to move one of the conveyor sections in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Neilson, Michael S. Adamczyk, Joseph J. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8561778
    Abstract: An assembly for moving caps through a cap-lining machine includes a track for the downstream movement of the caps to a cap-lining location in the cap-lining machine. A first gate is mounted downstream from the cap-lining location for movement between first and second positions preventing and allowing downstream movement of the caps, respectively. A sensing location is formed in the track downstream from the cap-lining location. A second gate is mounted downstream from the sensing location for movement between first and second positions preventing and allowing downstream movement of the caps, respectively. The first gate moves to the first position in response to a sensor sensing the arrival of one of the caps at the sensing location, and the second gate moves to the second position in response to the first gate moving to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas G. Kieran
  • Patent number: 8348044
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus is provided that includes a frame and a cross conveyor. The cross conveyor has a moveable belt sized and configured to receive and move material. The cross conveyor is supported by the frame. The frame has a base and a plurality of rotatable members attached to the base. The rotatable members are configured to rotate to move the frame. The frame is sized and configured to be positionable adjacent to a mobile bridge conveyor having a tripper conveyor device such that a portion of the cross conveyor is positionable under an upper end portion of the tripper conveyor device to receive material from the tripper conveyor device and move the material to a storage area or stacking area for stacking the material. The tripper is preferably constrained to the frame of the mobile bridge conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Tebbe, Glenn Davis
  • Patent number: 8322507
    Abstract: A mobile conveyor machine is provided for a cascading conveyor system in the form of a series of mobile conveyor machines pivotably connected together in the form of a conveyor train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Prairie Machine & Parts Mfg. (1978) Ltd.
    Inventors: Maurice DeMong, Edward Krueckl
  • Patent number: 8251199
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus is provided that includes a frame and a cross conveyor. The cross conveyor has a movable belt sized and configured to receive and move material. The cross conveyor is supported by the frame. The frame has a base and a plurality of rotatable members attached to the base. The rotatable members are configured to rotate to move the frame. The frame is sized and configured to be positionable adjacent to a mobile bridge conveyor having a tripper conveyor device such that a portion of the cross conveyor is positionable under an upper end portion of the tripper conveyor device to receive material from the tripper conveyor device and move the material to a storage area or stacking area for stacking the material. The tripper is preferably constrained to the frame of the mobile bridge conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Tebbe, Glenn Davis
  • Publication number: 20120175219
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus is provided that includes a frame and a cross conveyor. The cross conveyor has a moveable belt sized and configured to receive and move material. The cross conveyor is supported by the frame. The frame has a base and a plurality of rotatable members attached to the base. The rotatable members are configured to rotate to move the frame. The frame is sized and configured to be positionable adjacent to a mobile bridge conveyor having a tripper conveyor device such that a portion of the cross conveyor is positionable under an upper end portion of the tripper conveyor device to receive material from the tripper conveyor device and move the material to a storage area or stacking area for stacking the material. The tripper is preferably constrained to the frame of the mobile bridge conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: FLSMIDTH A/S
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Tebbe, Glenn Davis
  • Patent number: 8086341
    Abstract: A control system for a manufacturing chain having a plurality of modular manufacturing stations positioned in series includes a memory for storing a plurality of unique operation patterns thereon. The control system also includes at least one communications conduit for receiving a first position signal from a first position tracking device of each modular manufacturing station. A processor is configured to independently transmit at least one operation signal corresponding to one of the unique operation patterns to an article transportation device of each modular manufacturing station via the communications conduit based, at least in part, on the first position signal from each modular manufacturing station. The communications conduit further receives a second position signal from a second position tracking device of each modular manufacturing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Spangler, Mark E. Dietz
  • Publication number: 20110253502
    Abstract: A side shifting conveyor is provided for a surface mining operation. The conveyor generally includes conveyor sections and conveyor translation devices. Each conveyor translation device includes a drive operable to move the associated at least one conveyor section in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction. The conveyor further includes a controller operatively coupled to each drive for controlling operation of the drive and coordinating movement of the conveyor sections. A method for moving a conveyor in a surface mine generally includes sensing that a surface miner operable to deposit material onto the conveyor sections has moved beyond one of the conveyor sections, fixing a position relative to the surface mine of a conveyor translation device associated with one of the conveyor sections, and operating the conveyor translation device to move one of the conveyor sections in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Brad Neilson, Michael S. Adamczyk, Joseph J. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20110198193
    Abstract: A control system is provided for a conveyor bridge with a plurality of segments and equipped with individual traveling gears for the cyclic traveling (moving) on a surface in travel straight ahead and in a curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Wolfgang REICHE
  • Publication number: 20110132719
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus is provided that includes a frame and a cross conveyor. The cross conveyor has a movable belt sized and configured to receive and move material. The cross conveyor is supported by the frame. The frame has a base and a plurality of rotatable members attached to the base. The rotatable members are configured to rotate to move the frame. The frame is sized and configured to be positionable adjacent to a mobile bridge conveyor having a tripper conveyor device such that a portion of the cross conveyor is positionable under an upper end portion of the tripper conveyor device to receive material from the tripper conveyor device and move the material to a storage area or stacking area for stacking the material. The tripper is preferably constrained to the frame of the mobile bridge conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FLSMIDTH RAHCO INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Tebbe, Glenn Davis
  • Patent number: 7946410
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus is provided for use on a first mobile machine such as a conveyor vehicle to be used with a second mobile machine connected to the first machine. The apparatus includes a track member adapted for mounting at an end of the first machine, this member providing a track having two opposite sides and bent to form a circular arc having a center of curvature. A hitch unit is mounted for rolling movement on the track and can pivotably connect the end of the first machine to the second machine. The hitch unit includes rollers for engaging both of the opposite sides so that the track is captured between the rollers. The first machine is able to pivot about a substantially vertical axis extending through the center of curvature relative to the second machine and is connected to the second machine for movement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Prairie Machine & Parts Mfg. (1978) Ltd.
    Inventors: Maurice DeMong, Edward Krueckl
  • Patent number: 7905343
    Abstract: A self-propelled crushing machine is provided which ensures that, even when crushed pieces of an object include a concrete reinforcing steel bar or other like material piece, it is prevented that the concrete reinforcing steel bar will pierce into a conveyor belt. To this end, the crushing machine has a memory for storing a relationship in belt velocities between a conveyor belt and a magnetic separator belt which relationship allows a concrete reinforcing steel bar attracted and adhered to the magnetic separator belt to be taken off of the conveyor belt before the trailing end of the concrete reinforcing steel bar travels past a leading end attraction/adhesion position at which the leading end of the concrete reinforcing steel bar is to be attracted and adhered to the magnetic separator belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Tooru Nakayama, Gousuke Nakashima
  • Patent number: 7814599
    Abstract: A travel support device for a conveyor bridge 4 having a swivel joint 12, a two-axis tilting joint 10 and a roller table 8. A portion of the tilting joint 10 is mounted to the swivel joint 12 and another portion of the tilting joint 10 is mounted to the roller table 8 such that the tilting joint 10 rotates about a defined longitudinal axis 30 and an axis 32 transverse of the longitudinal axis 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Fördertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Christof Brewka
  • Patent number: 7599756
    Abstract: A production moving line system. An illustrative embodiment of the production moving line system includes at least one metallic guide strip and at least one tow vehicle which may be adapted to follow the guide strip. The tow vehicle may include control circuitry and a power source and a wireless transceiver connected to the control circuitry. An assembly fixture cart may be coupled to the tow vehicle. A wireless communication link may be provided between a central control computer and the wireless transceiver of the tow vehicle. A production moving line method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brad J. Reeves, James S. Bradley, Richard S. Irvine, Chris G. McInelly
  • Publication number: 20090242355
    Abstract: A shopping cart conveyor system is designed to shut the system down in the event that a shopping cart becomes jammed. The system includes a track operable to guide a shopping cart between a first location and a second location, and a drive assembly for moving a shopping cart along the track. The drive assembly includes engagement members movable relative to the track and operable to engage and move a shopping cart from the first location to the second location, and a drive motor (e.g., an electric motor) operable to provide movement to the engagement members. A force sensor detects a parameter (e.g., motor current) of the drive assembly corresponding with a force required to move the engagement members. A controller receives information regarding a frequency of change in the parameter and compares that information to a known value (e.g., a frequency of the engagement members).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: PFLOW INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Mark R. Webster
  • Patent number: 7583183
    Abstract: An actuated braking and distance sensing system for operational regulation of belt loader equipment and/or other applicable ground support equipment, wherein the present invention incorporates, among other embodiments, spring-responsive actuated emergency braking and distance sensing systems, emergency braking and distance sensing systems implemented via linear variable displacement transducers, and/or emergency braking and distance sensing systems actuated via sonar, lasers and/or infrared sensors. Structural incorporation of the afore-referenced emergency braking and distance sensing systems within airline ground support equipment, particularly belt loader equipment, seeks to effectively reduce accidental collision of such ground support equipment with parked aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Spencer Irvine
  • Publication number: 20080121493
    Abstract: A relocatable oil sand slurry preparation system is provided for preparing an aqueous oil sand slurry amenable to pipeline conveyance while producing minimum overall rejects, comprising (a) a relocatable rotary digester for slurrying oil sand and water and digesting oil sand lumps to form a pumpable slurry, the rotary digester having a feed end for receiving oil sand and water, a slurrying chamber comprising a plurality of lifters for slurrying the oil sand and water, and a trommel screen end for screening out oversize rejects from the oil sand slurry which falls through the trommel screen; and (b) a relocatable rejects recirculation unit operably associated with the rotary digester for receiving oversize rejects and delivering the rejects back to the rotary digester for further digestion. In a preferred body, relocatable oil sand slurry preparation system further comprises a rejects crusher for crushing oversize rejects prior to delivering rejects back to the rotary digester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: SUNCOR ENERGY INC.
    Inventors: Bradford E. BJORNSON, Mario Decrescentis, John Steven Little, Paul Fredrick MacDougall
  • Patent number: 7268676
    Abstract: An actuated braking and distance sensing system for operational regulation of belt loader equipment and/or other applicable ground support equipment, wherein the present invention incorporates, among other embodiments, spring-responsive actuated emergency braking and distance sensing systems, emergency braking and distance sensing systems implemented via linear variable displacement transducers, and/or emergency braking and distance sensing systems actuated via sonar, lasers and/or infrared sensors. Structural incorporation of the afore-referenced emergency braking and distance sensing systems within airline ground support equipment, particularly belt loader equipment, seeks to effectively reduce accidental collision of such ground support equipment with parked aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Spencer Irvine
  • Patent number: 7191889
    Abstract: A remote controlled swing auger system for efficiently manipulating a position of a swing auger. The remote controlled swing auger system includes a swing auger connectable to a main auger, a swing hopper connected to the swing auger, a plurality of front wheels and a plurality of rear wheels rotatably attached to the swing hopper, a drive motor mechanically connected to the front wheels, a control unit in communication with the drive motor, and at least one controller in communication with the control unit. The controller may be comprised of a manual controller and/or a remote controller. The user is able to pivot the swing hopper with respect to a main auger by using the remote controller while in the tractor or in a remote location away from the augers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Heley
  • Patent number: 7077615
    Abstract: A ground apparatus for loading and unloading a cargo compartment of an aircraft. The apparatus comprises a frame, a first conveyor frame comprising a first conveyor with a flat cargo-engaging surface, a first actuator, a routing station for receiving cargo advanced thereto by the first conveyor, a second conveyor frame comprising a second conveyor with a flat cargo-engaging surface, a second actuator, a third conveyor, and controls for activating the third conveyor. The second conveyor frame is pivotally supported at the first end of the second conveyor so as to be sideways movable, and the third conveyor is arranged at the routing station. The routing station allows selective routing of the cargo received from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor or onto the third conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Rampsnake A/S
    Inventors: Lars Thøgersen, James Stuart Wallace
  • Patent number: 6993405
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for monitoring the environment surrounding a product in a product carrier and events affecting the product carrier and product in the product carrier during manufacture of the product. The apparatus including: a product carrier adapted to transport product undergoing manufacture; and a first device adapted to sense an attribute of an environment within the product carrier or an event affecting the product carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Beaulieu, James A. Bostwick, Scott A. Cummings
  • Patent number: 6932554
    Abstract: A control device and corresponding method for controlling a transfer device on a harvesting machine are disclosed. The transfer device is arranged at a distance adjacent to a housing part so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis and, to alter the height setting, elevatable about a horizontal axis. The control device includes a rotation range limiting means that limits the maximum permitted pivot range of the transfer device as a function of the height setting of the transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Isfort, Manfred Poliklas
  • Patent number: 6755296
    Abstract: A self-propelled aircraft cargo belt loader is both propelled and operated hydrostatically. An engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid combination of both provides a power source to operate first and second hydraulic pumps. The first, or primary pump, provides variable fluid pressure used to propel the vehicle., while the second, or secondary pump, provides constant fluid pressure used to drive the conveyor belt, operate the hydraulic cylinders used to raise and lower the conveyor belt, and operate the vehicle's steering. The use of a hydrostatic drive system facilitates off-center placement of both the powerplant and the conveyor belt system, with the powerplant and conveyor belt system being positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. As the powerplant is not covered by the conveyor belt system, engine access for maintenance and replacement is greatly enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Elwell
  • Patent number: 6752915
    Abstract: The present invention provides a web conveying apparatus for conveying a web while holding the web and applying tension to the web, wherein the conveying apparatus has a plurality of rollers with which the web contacts to be conveyed, and at least one roller of the plurality of rollers has a mechanism for limiting deformation of the web within Y/E, and a web conveying method using a web conveying apparatus for conveying a web while holding the web and applying tension to the web, wherein the conveying apparatus has a plurality of rollers with which the web contacts to be conveyed, and the web is conveyed while the deformation of the web is limited within Y/E by a mechanism that is provided for at least one roller of the plurality of rollers. The apparatus and the method prevent meandering of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kozo Arao, Noboru Toyama, Yuichi Sonoda, Yusuke Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 6683262
    Abstract: The system comprises a lower frame, an upper frame coupled to the lower frame, and wheels coupled to the lower frame for engagement with a base for supporting the upper and lower frames and for moving the two frames. A conveyor belt is supported by the upper frame for supporting and moving baggage placed on the belt. A load sensor is coupled to the lower frame for supporting the upper frame for determining the weight of the baggage placed on the belt. A frame drive is coupled to the lower frame for moving the two frames between loading and unloading positions. In addition, a belt drive is provided for moving the belt and baggage thereon off of the belt when the apparatus is located at the unloading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: William M. Scott
  • Publication number: 20030159902
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising loading and unloading apparatus (13), which comprises a loading platform that can be moved by driving means. The loading platform comprises an endless belt (9), which is passed over support rollers (8), and a head partition (12) extending substantially transversely to the flexible belt, which is connected to said belt. The belt (9) can be moved forwards and backwards by driving means. The driving means include a rack extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the belt, which rack (17) is connected to a wall of the vehicle, and a pinion which meshes with said rack (17), which pinion can be rotated by means of a motor (14) which is mounted on said head partition. The rack (17) is disposed under the loading platform, whereby the pinion meshes with the rack (17) along a side edge of the endless belt (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Josephus Franciscus Adrianus hooijen, Petrus Adrianus Wilhelmus Gerardus Huijbers, Petrus Martinus Johannes Ida Spooren
  • Patent number: 6438780
    Abstract: An assembly for processing blanks comprises a first endless conveyor (1) with locations for holders for the blanks and at least one stationary processing station as well as optionally a second conveyor (6) arranged next to said first conveyor (1). The first conveyor (1) comprises a number of self-propelled vehicles (2), where each vehicle carries a tool (4) and a holding device (3) for the blank device. The first conveyor (1) comprises at least one guiding line (19) marked on the running surface (18). Each vehicle (2) comprises sensors (20) detecting the guiding line, and guiding means (22) guiding the vehicle into the guiding line (19) of the running surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: ECCO SKO A/S
    Inventors: Hans Hansen, Christian Ibsen
  • Publication number: 20020092728
    Abstract: The laser pointer 52 indicates the work position and the camera 54 takes the image and the laser range finder 46 provided on the upper frame 10 of the conveyor system is heading for the indicated position, so that the distance is measured. The coordinate of the work position is found from the previously obtained distance and the rotating amount rotating the laser range finder towards the indicated position, and the cargo work is executed. The work position may be easily indicated and the coordinate of the work position may be recognized surely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6336684
    Abstract: An overburden removal system is provided which includes a bucketwheel (3) which cuts overburden from a wall (5) of the mine and discharges the overburden via a discharge boom (7) onto a hopper car (11) which travels on rails (9). The hopper car (11) delivers the overburden onto a conveyor belt (13). The system is characterized by a sensor (17) mounted on the hopper car (11) to detect the lateral position of the conveyor belt (13) relative to the hopper car (11) and a control device responsive to the extent of lateral drift for controlling the position of delivery of overburden into the hopper car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: BHP Coal Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Marcel A. Turner
  • Publication number: 20010001434
    Abstract: A conveyor system having a plurality of segments and articulable joints connecting adjacent segments is disclosed. Each segment is provided with an individually controllable drive unit for moving the conveyor segment over a surface on which the conveyor system is supported. Each joint between segments is provided with a sensor system to measure the amount of articulation at each joint. The conveyor system is further provided with a control system for aligning the segments of the conveyor system. The control system surveys each joint of the conveyor to determine which, if any, joints are out of alignment. The extent of misalignment at each joint is measured and the joint having the maximum misalignment at the time is identified. The maximum velocity at which the overall conveyor system may travel is then limited based on the ratio between the maximum measurable misalignment and the maximum surveyed misalignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Inventors: Raymond C. Daigh, Mark Richard Cranston, Richard J. Monroe
  • Patent number: 6155400
    Abstract: A conveyor system having a plurality of segments and articulable joints connecting adjacent segments is disclosed. Each segment is provided with an individually controllable drive unit for moving the conveyor segment over a surface on which the conveyor system is supported. Each joint between segments is provided with a sensor system to measure the amount of articulation at each joint. The conveyor system is further provided with a control system for aligning the segments of the conveyor system. The control system surveys each joint of the conveyor to determine which, if any, joints are out of alignment. The, extent of misalignment at each joint is measured and the joint having the maximum misalignment at the time is identified. The maximum velocity at which the overall conveyor system may travel is then limited based on the ratio between the maximum measurable misalignment and the maximum surveyed misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: RAHCO International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Daigh, Mark Richard Cranston, Richard J. Monroe
  • Patent number: 5816381
    Abstract: A transport apparatus for feeding textile packages used in the textile industry in two transport directions includes a first pusher element being displaceable in two transport directions and a second pusher or indexing element extending parallel to the first pusher element. A coupling device couples the elements in various positions with limited mutual movement. A reversible drive mechanism is connected to one of the elements for acting on the one element to produce a relative motion between the elements. Latch carriers for the two transport directions are movably supported on the first pusher element. The latch carriers are pivotal into a transport plane of sliver holding containers in accordance with the transport directions by the second pusher or indexing element. The latch carriers are automatically pivoted into a transport position or an idle stroke position under influence of the relative motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: W. Schlafhorst AG & Co.
    Inventor: Helmut Bungter
  • Patent number: 5782020
    Abstract: An excavator with a wireless controlled hopper-spreader allows a single operator to strip off topsoil and spread the stripped off soil more or less evenly after a mineable substance such as gravel is removed. The hopper-spreader uses about a fifty foot conveyor and may be totally operated by an operator in the excavator cab. This combination may be both faster and cheaper than a normal dragline operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: L. Wade Shumaker
  • Patent number: 5749452
    Abstract: An articulated apparatus including a first section having first and second ends, and a length between the first and second ends; a second section having first and second ends, and a length between the first and second ends; a joint connecting the second end of the first section to the first end of the second section for pivotal movement about a first axis; and a cylinder/piston assembly having a piston connected to the first section and movable with the first conveyor section, and having a cylinder mounted to the second section and movable with the second section, the piston being slidably received in the cylinder, and a transmitter and a receiver capable of determining the location of the piston in the cylinder, the transmitter and receiver being located within the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: R.A. Hanson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryon M. Kanenwischer
  • Patent number: 5455656
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for controlling the operating speed of a photoreceptor within an electrostatographic printing machine having a belt type photoreceptive member for recording a plurality of latent images thereon. The process provides automatic reconfiguration of the electrostatographic printing machine control system to determine appropriate pitch timing values in response to a measurement of the actual belt speed as measured by the elapsed time for a single rotation of the photoreceptor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Covert, Jose A. Pena
  • Patent number: 5390105
    Abstract: A method of controlling an apparatus with a control signal responsive to a feedback signal comprises: detecting when a feedback signal is not being received; determining whether a control signal is being provided; and adjusting the control to the apparatus depending on whether the control signal is being provided. An apparatus for performing this method comprises a programmed computer and a control signal feedback circuit for providing to the programmed computer a signal indicating whether a valid control signal is being provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Worley, Charles E. Neal, III, Donald E. Bailey, Vincent P. Rivera