Conveyor Section Folds To Facilitate Transportation Or Storage Of Section Patents (Class 198/632)
  • Patent number: 6095319
    Abstract: A combination adjustable height bearing stand and roller platform assembly is provided which can be fixed at a pre-adjusted height. The combination bearing stand and roller assembly includes two pairs of legs with each pair of legs being pivotally connected together at a joint connection so that the legs can be brought from a parallel position used for storage to an angled position. The corresponding legs of the two pairs of legs are connected by cross-connectors. The legs are tubular and one leg of each pair of legs receives a height-adjustable support which can be secured at a pre-selected height by a fixing element. The top ends of the height-adjustable support are connected to fastening elements which, in turn, are pivotally connected to two carriers which support the plurality of rollers of the roller platform assembly. Both the platform and bearing stand legs are pivotable between a collapsed and parallel storage position to an angled and horizontal position respectively using a single motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Wolfcraft GmbH
    Inventors: Zbiegniew Noniewicz, Winfried Ebert, Hans-Juergen Schueller
  • Patent number: 5662210
    Abstract: A conveyor for particulate material of the type including a tube with a belt running through the tube and defining a return run of the belt outside the tube provides a folding action by which the length of the tube can be reduced by folding an upper portion back against a lower portion. The folding action is actuated by a hand crank which drives a chain wheel connected to a pivot pin carrying the upper portion. The pivot pin is mounted to one side of the tube which is opposite to the return run of the belt. In order to provide an extension portion of the return run which can be released to provide the length necessary for the folding action, the return run passes over a pair of rollers to form a serpentine section of the return run at the fold line of the tube. Each of the rollers is carried on a respective one of the upper and lower portions on opposite sides of the fold line to release the serpentine portion as the folding action is effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Commercial Welding Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert J. Toews
  • Patent number: 5443351
    Abstract: An improvement over a prior art mobile hydraulic conveyor apparatus which is mounted on the rear end of a truck for both vertical and lateral pivoting, as well as vertical storage for transport to different locations. The apparatus is moved vertically by a block and tackle arrangement under hydraulic control. Lateral pivoting is achieved by activation of a pair of hydraulic cylinders which act on the conveyor apparatus to shift the apparatus laterally about a pivot axis extending centrally through a turret connected to the conveyor apparatus and mounted on a turret holder which in turn is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the truck. The turret holder includes a c-ring which is mounted in a circumferential groove formed on the turret. The conveyor apparatus includes two pivotally connected trays which support a hydraulically driven belt which transports material dispersed from the truck to a selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: Michael J. Pettijohn
  • Patent number: 5360097
    Abstract: A conveyor is rotatably mounted to a vehicle. The conveyor includes a plurality of frame members pivotally coupled to one another, such that they can be placed in overlapping relationship for transport with the vehicle or unfolded for use. An extension member is slidably coupled to one of the frame members such that the conveyor can be extended beneath a rail car for receiving material therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Granite Rock Company
    Inventor: J. C. Hibbs
  • Patent number: 5333725
    Abstract: A foldable framework for supporting a belt conveyor which comprises a fixed sloping support frame (1,2), a movable support frame (4,5) connected to an upper end of the fixed frame with a first universal type connection (3), and a support leg (6) connected at its lower end to the fixed frame (1,2) with a second universal type connection (9) and connected at its upper end to the movable frame (4,5). A power-operated device (8) is connected between the support leg (6) and the movable frame (4,5). The power-operated device is operative to cause the movable frame (4,5) to pivot about the first universal type connection (3) between an operative conveyor-support position and a laterally displaced, inoperative position suitable for storage and transport of the framework and any conveyor supported thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Patrick J. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5297665
    Abstract: A conveyor vehicle having a pair of lateral-feeding conveyors which in a road transport position extend longitudinally along opposite sides of a vehicle frame. A longitudinally-feeding conveyor has a road transport position stacked above the lateral-feeding conveyors. The conveyors have mountings mounting them for pivotal movement to place them in set up positions and expanses of the conveyors fold over to attain compactness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Roger G. Smith
  • Patent number: 5297914
    Abstract: An apparatus for unloading belly dump trucks into piles comprises a ramp onto which the unloading truck drives, a hopper for reception of dumped material, and a conveyor running under the hopper and onto a side conveyor arm for disposal of the material The conveyor arm can be raised and lowered and collapsed for transport An engine for powering the apparatus is disposed oppositely of the conveyor arm, and can be moved toward and away from the ramp for transport and operation, respectively. Rear wheel assemblies comprise a plate slidably mounted to the side of the ramp which can raise and lower the ramp. A steerable front wheel assembly can be raised and lowered for removal of the apparatus from the towing truck and local movement of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Lloyd Ash
  • Patent number: 5282501
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transportable wood processing apparatus (10) for cutting, sorting and loading firewood and the like. A frame (12) is carried by wheels (14, 16) and includes a guide tongue (20) and trailer hitch (22) for moving the apparatus from location to location. A stop plate (42) sets the length of firewood which is cut by a reciprocating saw (38). A divider (54) is laterally offset from saw table (32) such that the cut firewood will fall either to side (58) or side (60) and be sorted according to relative size depending upon which side the center of gravity of the firewood lies. The cut firewood either falls into a feed conveyor (68) which then feeds a loading conveyor (70) for loading a vehicle or, if too large for direct loading, falls into a splitter conveyor (72) and is carried to a splitter table (74) for splitting with splitter (76). After being split, the firewood is placed into loading conveyor (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: George E. Miller, III
  • Patent number: 5086911
    Abstract: There is disclosed an endless conveyor having a foldable framework and comprising a supporting structure (3), a tail conveyor framework (1) which is hingedly connected at one end (2) to the supporting structure (3), a head conveyor framework (6) is hingedly connected to the other end (5) of the tail conveyor framework (1), the tail and head conveyor drums (4, 7) mounted on tail and head conveyor frameworks respectively and around which an endless belt (8) is taken, and at least one supporting link (10) hingedly connected at one end (11) to the supporting structure (3) and at the other end (9) to the head conveyor framework (6) at a point adjacent to the hinged connection (5) of the tail conveyor framework (1) to the head conveyor framework (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Extec Screens and Crushers Limited
    Inventor: Patrick J. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5044484
    Abstract: There is disclosed an endless conveyor elevator with a foldable support frame, and which has a chassi (3), a tail conveyor section (1) pivotally connected at its tail end (2) to the chassis (3) and pivotally connected at its other end (4) to the lower end of an intermediate conveyor section (5). The upper end (6) of the intermediate conveyor section (5) is pivotally connected to one end of a head conveyor section (7). An actuator (12) is coupled with the conveyor sections to move them between an inoperative folded position, as shown in FIG. 1, to an unfolded rectilinear working position shown in FIG. 2. This movement of the conveyor sections between the inoperative and working positions is achieved by the geometry of the conveyor sections and that of a link member (9) which interconnects the chassis (3) and the head conveyor section (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Extec Screens & Crushers Limited
    Inventor: Patrick J. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5044867
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus that can be attached to the rear of a truck or the like. The conveyor belt apparatus of the present invention may be adjusted in both the vertical and horizontal plates either during operation or when at rest. This versatility in movement assures that the materials discharged by the conveyor are placed in specific locations. The conveyor is stored in the vertical position at the rear of the truck or vehicle to which it is attached. The speed of the motor on the conveyor apparatus may be adjusted to accommodate any number of applications. The whole apparatus is hydraulically controlled, and the hydraulics can be connected with the hydraulic system provided on a truck. The conveyor is provided with a cover to avoid injury to persons by stray particles. The cover also assures that materials will not be lost along the path to the end of the conveyor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Michael J. Pettijohn
  • Patent number: 4981204
    Abstract: A mobile material handling apparatus which includes a collapsible conveyor system supported on a wheel-supported vehicle frame. The conveyor system may be shifted from a collapsed state to an extended state through operation of fluid-powered rams. Hinges and pivoted links guide frame sections in the conveyor system for movement in defined paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Inventor: Roger G. Smith
  • Patent number: 4811829
    Abstract: A main frame of a passenger conveyor has a plurality of frame sections divided along the length thereof. Each adjacent pair of frame sections have opposed joint members provided at joint portions of the frame sections. When the frame sections are provisionally assembled, one of the joint members is formed therein with a positioning hole whereas the other joint member is fixedly connected with a positioning pin which, when the frame sections are re-assembled at an installation site, is engaged with the positioning hole to facilitate easy and quick re-assembly of the frame sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignees: Hitachi Ltd ., Hitachi Elevator Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Hayashi Nakazawa, Hiroumi Iyoda, Makoto Ueta
  • Patent number: 4773521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact portable conveyor for truck use, in particular, the conveyor body is provided with flat and smooth support surfaces for supporting the transmitted articles as well as for providing the transmitted articles, hard or soft, a slide moving surface for easy delivery also on both the top and bottom ends of the conveyor body, there are provided an adjustment plate for tightening adjustment of the driving chains which are wound on the sprockets of the driving shafts as they are mounted to their respective adjustment plates. Furthermore, the driving chains are provided with evenly distributed latitudinal pushing boards. The fore section of the conveyor body is provided with a support footing for conveying height adjustment, and the resilience of an U-shaped bracing strip at the ground end of the support footing is utilized for locking the support footing on the two sides of the conveyor body, when not used, for storage purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventor: Ming-Chin Chen
  • Patent number: 4759437
    Abstract: A handrail for an aircraft belt loader in which a pair of parallel support arms pivotally support a rigid rail member with a variable-length link converted to be non-parallel with the support arms when the handrail is erect or operative. When the handrail is collapsed, the link is shortened and a compression spring inside of the link is further compressed so that maximum erecting force is applied when the handrail is stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Bevins
  • Patent number: 4756402
    Abstract: An improved side guide for an aircraft belt loader having a vertical plate member positioned adjacent to and extending along side the belt conveyor frame which plate is supported by a pair of links, one of which has a slot and a cam surface terminating in a notch. A pin attached to the plate member extends through the slot and a lug affixed to the plate member engages the cam surface as the plate member is moved laterally to elevate the plate member, the lug dropping into said notch to lock said plate member in an elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Bevins
  • Patent number: 4613275
    Abstract: An auger support arrangement for attachment to a sidewall of a truck box enables the auger to be moved from a storage position alongside the sidewall to an operating position parallel to the tailgate and cooperating with an aperture in the tailgate. A separate hopper can be permanently attached to the tailgate with the auger having a flight which engages a drive coupling of polygonal shape of a drive motor attached to the hopper. The support includes an arm pivotally mounted on the sidewall with a swivel coupling on the free end of the arm. The arm allows the swivel to move from a position midway along the sidewall and at a mid height of the sidewall to a position at the top rear corner of the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Inventor: Ernest W. Karlowsky
  • Patent number: 4511024
    Abstract: Modular units including foldable panels are (22, 23) mounted on either side of a central divider, such as a conveyor surface (12) mounted on a frame (13). The modular units provide multiple work stations (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) on either side of the central divider. The units are joined together to form a conveyor line for sequenced handling of various items in the work stations. The conveyor system is particularly adapted for materials handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Inventor: Dennis L. Long
  • Patent number: 4493767
    Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly is presented for use in conjunction with a rotary drum filtration apparatus, the conveyor belt passing longitudinally through the drum. The conveyor belt assembly comprises two movable frame sections and an associated conveyor belt. A first movable frame section is slidably mounted, preferably by rollers on rails, on the supporting framework whereby the conveyor belt may be moved between an operative position inside the drum and a retracted position outside the drum. The second movable frame section is pivotably mounted and is capable of pivoting upwardly into a raised position thereby providing a space for the first frame section to be slidably positioned thereunder. Preferably, a ramp means attached to the slidable frame section urges the second pivotable frame section upwardly to the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Inventor: Guido Monteyne
  • Patent number: 4448124
    Abstract: Described is a cylinder type screen printing machine wherein the paper sheet discharge table is divided into a forward belt table of a shorter length and a rear belt table of a longer length. The rear belt table is connected to the forward belt table by a hinge so as to swing down relative to said forward belt table for retreating towards below. When the rear belt table is swung down, a wide space may be provided below the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Sakurai Machine Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Nagatani
  • Patent number: 4427105
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for a grain handling auger casing having at least two separable casing sections hingedly secured together to provide alternate axially aligned positions therebetween for delivery of grain therethrough and mis-aligned positions therebetween for storage of the auger casing during periods of non-use, the latching mechanism including pivotal arms secured to one of the casing sections and movable by the reciprocal piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder secured to the other of the casing sections whereby the two casing sections may be selectively moved into the aligned extended position or mis-aligned position, a spring urged rod member pivotally secured to the arms and extending slidably into a tube member, a latching linkage assembly secured to one casing section and operable by the tube and rod member upon actuation by the pivotal arms, and an adjustable eccentric secured to the other casing section and engageable by the latching linkage assembly in the aligned position between the casing sectio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Parham Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Laird V. Hawley, Eugene T. Logan
  • Patent number: 4368003
    Abstract: A front foldable farm implement and hopper-feeding auger comprising an elongated hopper-supporting frame in three separable sections in end-to-end relation. A drawbar is secured to and transversely extends from the central portion of the intermediate section. First means pivotally connects the opposite ends of this central portion to the adjacent ends of the outboard sections, respectively, whereby the outboard sections may be pivoted between a first position in which the three sections are aligned and a second position in which the outboard sections are generally parallel to the drawbar. A plurality of hoppers is carried by the sections. An elongated tubular conveyor in two separable length portions is carried by the two outboard sections, respectively, these length portions being disposed above and in feeding registry with the hoppers. Further, the conveyor extends parallel to the frame sections when the outboard sections are in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1983
    Inventor: John T. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 4336877
    Abstract: The disclosed unloading machine, which is foldable in height to facilitate its insertion into a ship or the like, comprises an endless train of circular buckets, with axial tension elements therebetween, a foldable vertical leg including two parallel guide tubes, the buckets being movable down the first tube and up the second tube, a boom which is swingable vertically about a pivot at the lower end of the leg, a first conveyor wheel for directing the buckets out of the lower end of the first tube and outwardly along the boom, a second wheel on the outer end of the boom for directing the buckets downwardly into a suspended catenary flight where bulk material is dug, a third wheel for directing the buckets from such flight into the lower end of the second tube, a fourth wheel for directing the buckets from the upper end of the second tube and then downwardly to dump the material, a fifth wheel for directing the buckets upwardly, a sixth wheel for directing the buckets into the upper end of the first tube, the l
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Assignee: Fruehauf Corporation
    Inventor: Charles B. Gill
  • Patent number: 4297753
    Abstract: A patient transfer device having a frame which supports a number of parallel rollers over which an endless belt is fitted for travel across the rollers. The frame is rendered intermediately foldable for compactness of storage or carrying and particularly to facilitate initial installation and subsequent changing of belts for asepsis and/or wear replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Langren
  • Patent number: 4289440
    Abstract: A cam operated safety switch (51) prevents the clutch device (21) for the drive for the unloading auger (34) from being shifted from a clutch disengaged position to a clutch engaged position whenever the unloading conveyor (37) is out of its crop unloading position. A branch circuit (98) with a diode (99) interconnects the tube swing switch (63) and the circuit (92) for declutching the unloading auger drive so that when the unloading conveyor (37) is swung from its unloading position to its transport position the clutch device (21) will automatically be placed in its clutch disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Assignee: Allis-Chalmers Corporation
    Inventor: Maynard E. Walberg
  • Patent number: 4265336
    Abstract: A check-out counter formed of a forward check-out module, having a conveyor belt for transporting merchandise along the top thereof, and a rear bagging module having an upper merchandise receiving deck. The two modules are spaced apart and a stowable second conveyor unit is provided to bridge the space when desired to carry merchandise from the check-out module to the bagging module deck. The conveyor unit is formed of a pair of spaced apart rollers mounted upon opposite ends of a support frame and carrying an endless conveyor belt. One end of the unit is pivotally connected to the bagging module and the othe end is releasably latched to a rear edge of the check-out module. Thus, the unit may alternatively be extended between the modules for conveyor use or may be stowed, hanging downwardly from its pivots in a non-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Almor Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen W. Foster
  • Patent number: 4182433
    Abstract: A check-out counter formed of a forward check-out module, having a conveyor belt for transporting merchandise along the top thereof, and a rear bagging module having an upper merchandise receiving deck. The two modules are spaced apart and a stowable second conveyor unit is provided to bridge the space when desired to carry merchandise from the check-out module to the bagging module deck. The conveyor unit is formed of a pair of spaced apart rollers mounted upon opposite ends of a support frame and carrying an endless conveyor belt. One end of the unit is pivotally connected to the bagging module and the other end is releasably latched to a rear edge of the check-out module. Thus, the unit may alternatively be extended between the modules for conveyor use or may be stowed, hanging downwardly from its pivots in a non-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1980
    Assignee: Almor Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen W. Foster
  • Patent number: 4162725
    Abstract: An improved bale thrower for use with a hay baler is disclosed. The thrower affixes to the discharge end of the bale case of the baler and can be selectively pivoted vertically about at least one horizontal axis between a first operative position for directionally ejecting bales and a second inoperative position which allows the bales to be deposited directly on the ground behind the baler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1979
    Assignee: Sperry Rand Corporation
    Inventors: Charles A. Smith, Clair S. Adams
  • Patent number: 4160501
    Abstract: An improved conveyor comprising an endless belt mounted for travel on a novel support structure permitting substantially horizontal pivotal movement about upright axes of one or both ends of the support structure from a collapsed side-by-side position to longitudinal alignment with each other whereby the endless belt folds about its longitudinal medial axis and then transversely upon itself about said upright axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1979
    Inventor: Thorkil J. Johannsen
  • Patent number: 4157005
    Abstract: An improved direct-loading crop harvester is disclosed as having an articulated elevator which is retractable into a berth in the harvester. During transportation of the harvester from field to field, the lower leg of the loading elevator is horizontally positioned within the berth upon a slidable support cradle, and the upper leg of the elevator is nestled vertically at a side of the berth. Prior to harvesting, the elevator is pulled from the side of the berth with the lower leg resting on the cradle. The elevator is then connected by pivot and hydraulic cylinder mechanisms to the berth such that the lower leg tilts upwardly at the side of the harvester and the upper leg projects outwardly from the upper end of the lower leg. During the harvesting operation, crops are fed to the elevator by a conveyor and are discharged at a selected position above an attendant trailer, preferably through a detachable decelerator mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1979
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Franklin P. Orlando, Ronald W. Droll
  • Patent number: 4121774
    Abstract: A spreader implement attachable to the rear of a tractor has a container with two side by side funnel shaped sections. A port in the bottom of each section allows material to pass to conveyor belts that extend laterally to each hopper side. A flow control member is slideably positioned below each port with one or more openings that correspond to each belt, which openings can be more or less exposed by an adjusting device. The conveyor belts are supported on a foldable boom at each lateral side of the container and each belt leads to a respective rotating spreading disc and the belts extend for different distances so that material is spread over a very broad path. Each spreading boom includes beams and supporting guides for the upper and lower runs of the belts. Guide members are positioned below the flow members to direct material to the upper conveyor runs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Inventors: Ary van der Lely, Cornelis J. G. Bom
  • Patent number: 4061205
    Abstract: A supermarket type checkout assembly for bagging of articles of merchandise by a checkout clerk and/or for bagging by a person other than the checkout clerk. The checkout assembly is provided with two sections. One section is an article check counter for checking articles of merchandise by a checkout clerk. The other section is a bagging station member which includes an article support surface, a plurality of bag storage regions, and a plurality of bagging support shelves. The bagging station member also includes conveyor belt apparatus. The conveyor belt apparatus includes a stationary portion and an extension portion. The extension portion of the second conveyor belt apparatus is movable from an operative position between the article check counter and the bagging station member to a position adjacent the article support surface of the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1977
    Inventor: Malcolm E. Musser