Vertically Swingable Conveyor Patents (Class 198/318)
  • Patent number: 10760276
    Abstract: An apparatus includes rigid tubing and a tubular nozzle. The tubular nozzle is attached to the rigid tubing and includes a proximal nozzle portion, a distal nozzle portion, and a guide-shoe. The proximal nozzle portion defines a first proximal nozzle sub-portion merging with a second proximal nozzle sub-portion at a first angle. The distal nozzle portion is removably attached to the proximal nozzle portion and defines a first distal nozzle sub-portion merging with a second distal nozzle sub-portion at a second angle. The guide-shoe projects outwardly from an exterior sidewall of the distal nozzle portion. In use, high-velocity air is propelled through the tubular nozzle to remove debris from the gutter. The guide-shoe allows the tubular nozzle to easily bypass hangers that are located in the gutter and to lock the tubular nozzle in the gutter so that it does not unintentionally depart the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: James R. Lindl
  • Patent number: 10589939
    Abstract: A support assembly for a telescopic conveyor may be provided. The assembly may include at least two spaced apart bearings and a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, the bearings being coupled to the reservoir to impart force to and receive force from the hydraulic fluid. The reservoir may be configured to transmit force received from any one of the bearings to at least one other of the bearings by the hydraulic fluid. The assembly can distribute uneven loads amongst the bearings thereby maintaining contact between the bearings and the conveyor, and reducing wear on the bearings and associated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Terex GB Limited
    Inventor: Terence Bratton
  • Patent number: 10004943
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a base frame having a first baseboard member, a second baseboard member, and a base pad disposed in between. The first baseboard member includes a first locking member disposed on a first headend of the first baseboard member, and the second baseboard member includes a second locking member disposed on a second headend of the second baseboard member. The exercise device further includes a pole frame having a top crossbar, a bottom crossbar, a first side pole, and a second side pole. The first lock member of the first baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the first side pole and the second lock member of the second baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the second side pole, such that the pole frame is interlocked with the base frame substantially perpendicularly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventors: Wei-Teh Ho, Willy Wei Yu Ho
  • Patent number: 9668423
    Abstract: A crop cart unloading system for efficiently unloading a harvested crop from a crop cart. The crop cart unloading system generally includes a hopper having a floor conveyor movably positioned with respect to a lower floor, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the lower floor, an unloading door movably connected to an unloading end of the hopper, and an upper opening defined by an upper edge of the plurality of sidewalls for receiving a field crop. The hopper is pivotally connected to a support frame having a plurality of wheels. A first actuator is connected between the support frame and the hopper to lift the unloading end of the hopper. An unloading conveyor is attached to the unloading end of the hopper to receive and discharge a field crop from the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Burnell R. Kringstad
  • Patent number: 9622420
    Abstract: An agricultural baler comprising a baler mechanism and a carriage assembly coupled to the baler mechanism. A platform is coupled to at least one of the baler mechanism and the carriage assembly. The platform is configured to move a bale from the baler mechanism to the carriage assembly and remain tilted until the bale is moved onto the carriage assembly at least substantially out of contact with the platform. A sliding mechanism is coupled to the carriage assembly. The sliding mechanism is configured to move the bale onto the carriage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy J Kraus, Henry D Anstey
  • Patent number: 8992156
    Abstract: A conveyor is arranged to be mounted underneath a hopper bottom highway transportation truck which has two longitudinally spaced dump hoppers each with a bottom discharge opening to carry the discharged material to the side of the trailer from each of the hoppers in turn. The conveyor is thus carried between the bottom discharge openings so that it can be raised up between them during transport. From the mounting point at one side between the openings the conveyor is lowered so that its loading end is lowered and then the conveyor pivots to one side or the other so that its loading end is underneath the selected bottom discharge opening. The conveyor runs in a direction so that it lifts the material from the selected discharge opening upwardly to the mounting point at the one side for discharge to the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Haukaas Manufacturing Limited
    Inventors: Greg Haukaas, Beric Duane Haukaas, Vincent Colistro
  • Patent number: 8919526
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor belt mounting for a charger that is used in road building, in order to supply a road-finishing machine with paving material. Using the slewing belt mounting, it is possible to achieve different discharge heights for the paving material. The slewing belt mounting comprises a cantilever arm, which is movably mounted on the frame of the charger, a pivot arm, which is pivotally connected to the cantilever arm, and a conveyor belt, which is connected to the pivot arm. The slewing belt mounting is characterized in that it comprises at least one lifting element, such as a hydraulic cylinder, cable winch, toothed rack, gear mechanism or the like, which is fastened by a first end to the frame and by a second end to the cantilever arm, wherein the cantilever arm is vertically adjustable by means of the lifting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Joseph Vogele AG
    Inventors: Steffen Fickeisen, Joschka Neumann
  • Publication number: 20140367219
    Abstract: A grain auger has a frame, a conveyor mounted on the frame for movement between a lowered transport position and a raised use position, and an axle with a pair of wheels to rollably support the auger. The axle has angular disposed hollow members with telescoping arms extending therefrom so that the length and height of the axle is adjustable. A cradle is provided on top of the axle, with a support block at the top of the lift assembly for nesting in the cradle when the conveyor is in the lowered transport position, to minimize the cantilever of the conveyor during transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Terry Douglas Houssian, Bradley Metro Zazula
  • Patent number: 8820510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor or a similar conveying means for mounting on a construction machine, and in particular a road surface milling machine, which conveyor can be linked with a coupling area to the construction machine in an articulated manner and is pivotable by way of a lifting apparatus with a loading area in relation to the construction machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Forster, Markus Meurer, Thomas Haubrich
  • Publication number: 20140216891
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a vehicle for transporting or moving a load including a frame and may include a telescopic beam, a drive wheel and a support wheel, an arm connected to the drive wheel, and a conveyor having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is connected to the arm and the second end is connected to the support wheel. The telescopic beam may elongate and contract to reposition the position of the drive wheel in relation to the support wheel and thereby change the configuration of the vehicle and correspondingly the position of the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: SPENCER W. CHAMBERLAIN
  • Patent number: 8733533
    Abstract: A roof loading device delivers materials such as shingles to a roof from the ground. The device includes a platform and a conveyor coupled to the platform. The conveyor has a first end pivotally coupled to the platform and a second end positionable in spaced relationship from the platform wherein the second end is configured for being positioned over a surface of a roof. A motivator is operationally coupled to the conveyor wherein the conveyor is configured for moving an object on the conveyor from the first end of the conveyor towards the second end of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Robert P. Duran
  • Patent number: 8702368
    Abstract: A cart having an adjustable elevation auger. A junction box may located within the opening of a sump of a bin of a cart. The junction box may have an open top, closed bottom and sides, and back wall. The back wall of the junction box may be secured to a bin wall by a hinge such that the junction box may pivot about a pivot axis. An auger housing may be connected to and extend from the junction box. An auger may extend through the auger housing and have an intake end disposed within the junction box. The auger housing and auger may pivot with the junction box about a pivot axis between a lowered position and an elevated position. The auger may be a corner auger and may be a folding auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Van Mill, Ronald J. Schlimgen
  • Patent number: 8696296
    Abstract: Seed tender apparatus for holding one or more seed containers and including an inclined conveyor apparatus pivotable between a stowed configuration and a discharged configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Willmar Fabrication, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Claussen, Jereme J. Ascheman
  • Patent number: 8678166
    Abstract: An articulated discharge end for a conveyor that is positionable adjacent to a moveable receiver includes a frame, having a distal end, configured to bear a discharge end of a conveyor belt at the distal end. The frame has two axes of rotation, whereby the distal end is vertically translatable and laterally rotatable. A guide is disposed near the distal end, and is configured to contact the moveable receiver, whereby motion of the moveable receiver can substantially govern vertical translation and lateral rotation of the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Spudnik Equipment Company LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Borgmann, James Yearsley
  • Publication number: 20140014463
    Abstract: A conveyor is arranged to be mounted underneath a hopper bottom highway transportation truck which has two longitudinally spaced dump hoppers each with a bottom discharge opening to carry the discharged material to the side of the trailer from each of the hoppers in turn. The conveyor is thus carried between the bottom discharge openings so that it can be raised up between them during transport. From the mounting point at one side between the openings the conveyor is lowered so that its loading end is lowered and then the conveyor pivots to one side or the other so that its loading end is underneath the selected bottom discharge opening. The conveyor runs in a direction so that it lifts the material from the selected discharge opening upwardly to the mounting point at the one side for discharge to the side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Greg Haukaas, Beric Duane Haukaas, Vincent Colistro
  • Patent number: 8627947
    Abstract: An agricultural conveyor assembly of the type including a main conveyor, a feed auger assembly, and a main auger boot pivotally supporting the outlet end of the feed auger assembly on the inlet end of the main conveyor for swinging movement further includes a feed auger lift assembly. The feed auger lift assembly includes a bearing surface supported about an inlet opening of the main auger boot and one or more extendable lift members extending between a first end pivotally coupled to the feed auger assembly and a second end supported on the bearing surface for rotational movement about a feed auger swing axis together with the feed auger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sakundiak Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Terry Douglas Houssian
  • Patent number: 8622192
    Abstract: A product cart has a frame and one or more tanks forming compartments each having an opening at the upper end for receiving product. The cart includes a conveyor support having a swing arm with a first end pivotally mounted to the frame for motion generally horizontally between storage and use positions, a shift assembly mounted to a second end of the swing arm, and a mounting bracket assembly coupled to the shift assembly. Finally a conveyor is coupled to the mounting bracket assembly. The swing arm is constructed as a parallel linkage having first and second links which form a four-bar parallel linkage with the frame and with the shift assembly to maintain the shift assembly in a fixed orientation relative to the frame as the swing arm is moved. The shift assembly is operable to move the mounting bracket assembly between lowered and raised positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Stanley R. Borkgren
  • Patent number: 8479911
    Abstract: A container for example for a seeder includes a filling conveyor mounted on one with a bottom hopper and an upper filling spout with the conveyor being movable in a direction inwardly and outwardly relative to the side of the container to different positions relative to the container for cooperation with a supply. This is achieved by mounting the conveyor on a swivel coupling at the outer end of an arm which can be raised and lowered by pivotal movement about an inner end at the container. The hopper is supported on two pairs of ground wheels, each pair being arranged on a respective side of the hopper for supporting the respective side and each pair comprising a respective one of a pair of castor wheels mounted at respective ends of a pivotal beam extending along the respective side of the hopper and pivotal about an axis transverse to the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Convey-AU Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Henry Friesen
  • Publication number: 20130134012
    Abstract: A product cart has a frame and one or more tanks forming compartments each having an opening at the upper end for receiving product. The cart includes a conveyor support having a swing arm with a first end pivotally mounted to the frame for motion generally horizontally between storage and use positions, a shift assembly mounted to a second end of the swing arm, and a mounting bracket assembly coupled to the shift assembly. Finally a conveyor is coupled to the mounting bracket assembly. The swing arm is constructed as a parallel linkage having first and second links which form a four-bar parallel linkage with the frame and with the shift assembly to maintain the shift assembly in a fixed orientation relative to the frame as the swing arm is moved. The shift assembly is operable to move the mounting bracket assembly between lowered and raised positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: STANLEY R. BORKGREN
  • Publication number: 20130134013
    Abstract: A product cart has a frame and one or more tanks forming compartments each having an opening at the upper end for receiving product. The cart includes a conveyor support having a swing arm with a first end pivotally mounted to the frame for motion generally horizontally between storage and use positions, a shift assembly mounted to a second end of the swing arm, and a mounting bracket assembly coupled to the shift assembly. Finally a conveyor is coupled to the mounting bracket assembly. The swing arm is constructed as a parallel linkage having first and second links which form a four-bar parallel linkage with the frame and with the shift assembly to maintain the shift assembly in a fixed orientation relative to the frame as the swing arm is moved. The shift assembly is operable to move the mounting bracket assembly between lowered and raised positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Stanley R. BORKGREN
  • Publication number: 20130082511
    Abstract: A machine configured to travel across a surface is disclosed. A material removal mechanism is configured to remove material from the surface. A frame supports the material removal mechanism. A conveyor is configured to receive the material and to convey the material to a location off of the machine. A pivotal connection includes connectors connected to the frame and conveyor, respectively, which are configured to mate with one another to allow pivoting of the conveyor relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Jordan Dorian Weckerly, Michael Edwin Stevens, Lucian Mihai Husar, John Eron Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 8408857
    Abstract: Biomass may become an important source of combustible fuel in the future. For biomass, such as switchgrass, to be economically viable as a fuel, the processes required to take the plant material from a green, growing plant in the field to an energy dense package must be efficient. A self-propelled bale picking truck simplifies and speeds bale collecting, stacking, and staging for loading onto a truck for transport over the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Gary L. Kelderman
  • Patent number: 8371430
    Abstract: A telescopic or non-telescopic conveyor system having a feed section operatively associated with the conveyor system for feeding materials to one end of the conveyor system is provided. The conveyor system is pivotably mounted to the feed section to pivot the telescopic conveyor system to pivotably rotate relative to the feed section. In another embodiment, the feed section of the conveyor includes a frame to which is attached one or more movable baffles for moving material which has been collected at the sides of the feed section to permit displacement of the same upon lateral movement of the feed section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Thor Global Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Thorkil J Johannsen
  • Patent number: 8317013
    Abstract: An auger assembly transfers particulate material from a source area to a target area using a main auger, an open top swing auger or U-trough, and an extendable loading swing auger connected to one another. The main auger is supported on a wheeled frame similar to conventional grain augers while the U-trough is pivoted thereon, and the extendable loading swing auger is mounted on a rail system on the top of the U-trough. The inlet hopper of the extendable swing auger can be extended out to reach away from the main auger thus can be more easily positioned for proper alignment with the discharge hopper of a particulate material container even when the discharge hopper is within a confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Sakundiak Equipment Ltd.
    Inventor: Jerome Sanders
  • Patent number: 8196730
    Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Cullen
  • Patent number: 8186497
    Abstract: A suspension system for an unloading conveyor of an agricultural harvester vehicle, has a first support configured to hold the unloading conveyor in a vertical unloading position; a second support configured to hold the unloading conveyor in a horizontal unloading position; a control circuit coupled to the first and second supports, wherein the control circuit is configured to selectively engage at least one gas charged hydraulic accumulator to one of the first support and the second support to thereby spring-load the unloading conveyor in the vertical or the horizontal direction (or both).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan Patrick Mackin, Daniel James Burke, Bruce Alan Coers
  • Publication number: 20120067692
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor or a similar conveying means for mounting on a construction machine, and in particular a road surface milling machine, which conveyor can be linked with a coupling area to the construction machine in an articulated manner and is pivotable by way of a lifting apparatus with a loading area in relation to the construction machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: BOMAG GMBH
    Inventors: Hans Forster, Markus Meurer, Thomas Haubrich
  • Patent number: 8025140
    Abstract: A material processing apparatus comprises a conveyor that is rotatable in vertical direction around a horizontal axis that is situated in an element rotatable in horizontal direction relative to the apparatus. The element is articulated to the apparatus at a main point of articulation, and at a point remote from the main point of articulation, articulated to a variable length element which in turn is articulated to the apparatus, and the element is connected to an actuator causing the horizontal rotational movement of the element together with the conveyor, defined by said main point of articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Metso Minerals Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Whyte, Stephen Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7997406
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes a tail portion connected to a head portion such that the head portion is moveable relative to the tail portion from a first position to a second position located lower than the first position. It should be appreciated that such movement of the head portion can permit the drop height of the conveyor apparatus to be adjusted. At least one frame portion is moveably positioned between the tail portion and the head portion. A stacker is also provided that includes the conveyor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Flsmidth A/S
    Inventor: Scott D. Schafer
  • Patent number: 7729832
    Abstract: A large manipulator with an articulated mast (22) is pivotally connected to a mast base (21) that is rotatable about a vertical axis. The mast (22) comprises at least three mast arms (23 to 27) which are pivotable to a limited extent about horizontal articulated axis (28 to 32) that are located parallel to each other, the pivoting movement being relative to the mast base (21) or an adjacent mast arm (23 to 27) and being performed by means of a respective drive unit (34 to 38). A control unit is provided with coordinate transformer (74, 76) which responds to a given guiding parameter (r) and measured angular values (??) that are determined by means of angle sensors (44 to 48) located on the mast arms (23 to 27). The coordinate transformer (74, 76) does a conversion into movement signals (??v) for the drive units (34 to 38) in accordance with predefined path/slew characteristics, the movement signals being related to the articulation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Putzmeister Concrete Pumps GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Benckert, Kurt Rau
  • Patent number: 7635254
    Abstract: A mobile pump system includes a wheeled trailer adapted to transport the mobile pump system. Mounted to the trailer are a hydraulic fluid supply system, a power source and an adjustable pipe system that includes a discharge pipe section, an intake pipe section and a swivel section coupled between the intake pipe section and the discharge pipe section. The swivel pipe section allows the discharge pipe section and the intake pipe section to be pivoted independently of each other. Hydraulic cylinders and extensible pivot arms pivot the discharge pipe section and the intake pipe section so that they can be positioned at various angles with respect to the trailer frame. A submersible hydraulic pump is mounted to the intake pipe section and is driven by the power source and hydraulic fluid supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Mega Corp, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Kunz, Doug Eligur, Philip Funk
  • Publication number: 20090159396
    Abstract: A portable conveyor device, and method of operating and storing the portable conveyor device, the device including a base having means for releasably affixing the base to a support surface and means for moving the base with respect to the support surface, a first conveyor rotatably attached at a first end to the base by an articulating member, and a second conveyor moveably attached to the base by a vertical conveyor elevation device, wherein the first conveyor being configured to move by the articulating member between a first horizontal position supported on the support surface and a second inclined position and being configured to transport items onto the second conveyor, wherein the second conveyor in a first operating position being configured to receive items from the first conveyor and convey items in both a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Gladys L. Wood
  • Patent number: 7500814
    Abstract: An air cart for use in an agricultural seeder includes a frame; a material tank carried by the frame; an arm pivotally coupled with the frame; a conveyor coupled with the arm for conveying material to the tank; and a hydraulic positioning system coupled with the conveyor for automatically moving the conveyor to a selected one of a plurality of predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Bradley J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7273150
    Abstract: A portable screening trommel having a chassis, at least one wheel assembly at a rear portion of the chassis, a hopper for receiving a material, a rotary trommel being chain driven at a discharge end and which receives the material from a feed conveyor beneath the hopper, a first product conveyor extending from a rearward end of the chassis to a forward end and feeding a rotatable stacking conveyor, and a second product conveyor receiving material from within the trommel and being rotatable between an operating position and a traveling position. The stacking conveyor is positioned at the forward end of the chassis and is rotatable between a first operating position and a second traveling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Wildcat Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Fridman, Jerry L. Warlow
  • Patent number: 7264104
    Abstract: An aggregate processing unit is provided that includes an in-feed conveyor adapted to have a first lower section that can move laterally to accommodate various processing configurations and to also allow for enhanced mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Crushers International
    Inventors: Gary Heeszel, Tom Furrer, Robert Carnes
  • 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: 6932209
    Abstract: A transfer device includes an upper mechanism and a lower mechanism associated with the upper mechanism. The upper mechanism includes a first endless belt that circulates in forward and reverse directions. The lower mechanism includes a second endless belt that circulates in forward and reverse directions independently of the first endless belt. The first and the second endless belts are selectively brought into and out of engagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Daihen Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Kasagami, Fumio Hojo
  • Patent number: 6604620
    Abstract: An apparatus in kit form for attachment of a conventional portable conveyor to a vehicle for transport comprises a rear hitch member attached to an axle mount on the axle of the conveyor adjacent one wheel and adapted at an opposite end thereof for releasable attachment to a vehicle's rear hitch. A front vehicle mount is attached to a front portion of the vehicle and a conveyor mount is attached to a support location between the intake end of the conveyor body and the axle. A front hitch member has an upper end releasably attached to the conveyor mount, and has a lower end releasably attachable to the front vehicle mount, so as to bear against the support location as the conveyor body moves down, with the result that the intake end moves up. The apparatus is adjustable such that the conveyor and vehicle may be substantially aligned for travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew Dennis
  • Publication number: 20030057055
    Abstract: A transport conveyor particularly for grain in piles on the ground has a trailer mounted on ground wheels for towing by a tractor in a direction of travel. The trailer can be driven forward while the tractor remains stationary either by a hydraulic cylinder on an extendible hitch or by a drive at the ground wheels which moves the trailer while the hitch and the tractor remain stationary. An auger tube is carried on the trailer by a support post which allows the auger tube to swivel about a vertical axis from a longitudinally extending transport position to an operating position in which the tube extends generally transversely of the direction of travel with a feed end of the tube projecting outwardly beyond one side of the trailer, with a discharge end projecting outwardly beyond the opposite side of the vehicle and with the discharge end raised for discharge into a transport truck on that side. The tube can also pivot about a horizontal axis at the post allowing the feed end to float up and down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Duane Haukaas, Greg Haukaas
  • Patent number: 6422785
    Abstract: An infeed conveyor is provided with high pivot capability. High pivot capability is the capability to raise the elevation of at least one end of an infeed conveyor belt to an elevation higher than regular horizontal operation if the belt placer is operating lower than the surrounding grade. High pivot capability prevents the infeed conveyor from bottoming out on the grade of the haul road or adjacent pavement; and in some instances, high pivot capability allows use of the belt placer under conditions that belt placers without high pivot capability could not operate. Also disclosed is the ability for belt placers to be used to pave in both forward and reverse directions, whereas former belt placers could only pave in the forward direction. This is accomplished by the ability to rotate the discharge conveyor under one side of the belt placer, and changing the direction in which the belt placer travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Rexcon-Division of Rose Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Ruggles, David C. Rohrer
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020060125
    Abstract: A self propelled vehicle for transport and placement of an onboard supply of fill material in an onboard hopper. The hopper is connected to said vehicle at a point operatively positioned to discharge fill material placed therein on a conveyor belt mounted to a support structure. The fill material is deposited on the conveyor at a receiving and discharged at the distal end of the conveyor either directly or via a flow director attached to the distal end attached thereto. The flow director bifurcates the stream of fill material allowing the operator to place more or less of the fill in two streams using a plurality of independently adjustable channeling ramps. The hopper is optionally adjustable from an angle normal to the vehicle to allow for adjustment in the vehicle center of gravity on grades. The flow director can also be configured for attachment to existing conveyors to increase their utility or used as part of the entire self propelled device in a single unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: James Woods
  • Patent number: 6378686
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted conveyor system including an infeed conveyor assembly mounted for powered rotation relative to the vehicle. The conveyor system includes a discharge conveyor assembly pivotally mounted to a main turret, which in turn is mounted to a primary turntable for powered rotation relative to the vehicle. The discharge conveyor assembly includes a telescoping boom and a moving discharge conveyor belt to supply an aggregate material, such as concrete, to a desired point at the work site. An infeed conveyor assembly is rotatably mounted to the main turret by a powered secondary turntable. The powered secondary turntable is mechanically driven by a drive mechanism, such that the infeed conveyor assembly can be rotated relative to the main turret. The secondary turntable and the primary turntable are independently operable and rotate about a common vertical axis, such that the infeed conveyor assembly and the discharge conveyor assembly can be independently rotated relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Putzmeister Inc.
    Inventors: Martin G. Mayer, Terry L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6349812
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a belt conveyor of the type in which a continuous belt runs along a support duct where the support duct is carried on an undercarriage for raising and lowering movements of a discharge end of the duct and where an input drive member for driving the belt is mounted at or on the undercarriage. At least one idler roller is provided to maintain a predetermined tensioning force to the belt. An accumulator is arranged to contain hydraulic fluid and to maintain the hydraulic fluid at a predetermined set pressure while allowing changes in volume of the hydraulic within the accumulator. The accumulator is connected to at least one cylinder. The cylinder is operatively connected to the idler roller for movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: Richard J. Epp, Dwayne S. Epp
  • Patent number: 6332736
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for spreading paving materials. A chassis forms a support structure for the spreader and includes a front side facing toward a paving direction, a rear side opposite the front side, a receiving side facing toward a haul road and a far side opposite the receiving side. A receiving conveyor belt extends across the haul road and runs to a central point beneath the chassis, the receiving conveyor belt receives paving materials from delivery trucks traveling along the haul road and transports the paving materials to the central point where the paving materials fall off the receiving conveyor belt and onto a swinging delivery conveyor belt. The delivery conveyor belt includes a first end located at the central point beneath the receiving conveyor belt and extends beyond the rear side of the chassis to a second end of the receiving conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: James Cape and Sons Company
    Inventors: William R. Cape, Christopher C. Cape
  • Patent number: 6283269
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted conveyor system including an infeed conveyor assembly having a telescoping feed section including a pivotable outer portion. The feed section of the infeed conveyor assembly includes an outer portion pivotally mounted to an inner portion such that the outer portion can be positioned at an angle relative to the inner portion. The outer portion of the feed section includes a support assembly such that the outer portion can be supported on the ground in a generally horizontal orientation. The outer section includes a collapsible collection bin having a pair of hinged sidewalls and a pair of hinged end walls that can be joined to form the collection bin above the conveyor belt of the infeed conveyor assembly. The combination of the collapsible bin and horizontal outer portion of the feed section of the infeed conveyor assembly allows the conveyor system to be used in directly unloading a supply of aggregate material without the requirement of a separate hopper and additional unloading equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Putzmeister, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin G. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6244418
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting a conveyer onto a skid steer loader. The apparatus includes a first mounting element arranged to mount on the loader's lift arms. A first frame extends from the first mounting element for pivotally mounting a second frame thereon such that the second frame is pivotal about an axis extending in the direction of the loader's travel. A second mounting element mounts the elongate housing of the conveyer onto the second frame such that the conveyer extends perpendicularly to the direction of the loader's travel. A hydraulic piston cylinder is mounted between the first and second frames for controlling pivotal displacement of the second frame and conveyer mounted thereon about the axis extending in the direction of the loader's travel. The lift arms on the loader control the height of the conveyer relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Demaco Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Emile Desrochers
  • Patent number: 6129196
    Abstract: Highway safety regulations generally limit the length of trailers to 75'. Most large conveyors generally have two top folds, one at each end of the conveyor. This format facilitates a trailer which is balanced on a wheeled support both in an unfolded operative position and a folded towing position. The mono-fold trailer conveyor comprises: a main conveyor section having a feed end portion; one and only one folding discharge conveyor section having one end hingably attached to the main conveyor section and having a length exceeding one half of the length of the main conveyor section; and, a counterweight positioned on the feed end portion of the conveyor, necessitated by the otherwise unbalanced folding discharge conveyor section, and sized to stably maintain the discharge end of the conveyor in an elevated position when the conveyor is in an operative unfolded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventors: Derek Lapper, Paschal McCloskey
  • Patent number: 5984077
    Abstract: This invention relates particularly to overhead conveyors as are used to deliver, or in some cases to remove, materials from high places such as roof tops. In particular, the invention applies to such conveyors which are mobile, i.e. vehicle mounted, and may be part of a delivery truck for transporting materials such as roofing shingles. The truck is driven into a site where roofing or the like is to be applied or repaired, and the conveyor is positioned as to its elevation and azimuth using its own power drive equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: High Reach Conveyors, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Frye, Beacher R. Webb, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE42969
    Abstract: A portable trommel has a chassis, including support wheels at one end thereof for movement of the trommel. A trommel is rotatably mounted on the chassis and has an input and an output end. A hopper and an input conveyor, for supplying material to be screened to the input end of the trommel, are mounted on the chassis adjacent the input end of the trommel. An output or fines conveyor, for collecting material passing through the trommel screen, is mounted on the chassis, below the trommel. A stockpiling conveyor is mounted on the chassis and has a lower end adapted to receive screened material from the fines conveyor and an upper end for discharging screened material to form a stockpile. The stockpiling conveyor can be in two parts, which can be folded into a retracted position for storage and transportation, and further can be mounted for rotation about a vertical axis to enable an arcuate storage pile to be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: James Paschal McCloskey