Separable Conveyor Portion Patents (Class 198/687.1)
  • Patent number: 11092039
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an apparatus for circumferentially separating turbine blades. An apparatus according to the present disclosure may include: a length-adjustable elongate member having opposing first and second ends; a first clasp coupled to the first end of the length-adjustable elongate member, the first clasp shaped to at least partially engage an airfoil profile of a first turbine blade positioned circumferentially adjacent to a dovetail slot, relative to a centerline axis of the turbomachine; and a second clasp coupled to the second end of the length-adjustable elongate member, the second clasp shaped to at least partially engage an airfoil profile of a second turbine blade circumferentially positioned adjacent to the dovetail slot, the first and second turbine blades being circumferentially adjacent to the dovetail slot at opposing circumferential ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sandra Beverly Kolvick, Kevin Leon Bruce, Antoine Mastroianni, Danielle Werner, Hubert Karol Wojtowicz
  • Patent number: 10920910
    Abstract: A stackable cable hanger for supporting bundles of communications cables with the center radius of the bundle spread over the opening of the cable hanger. The cable hanger includes a cable tray with an upward extending inner arm and an upward extending outer arm. A cable tray extends between the arms. An arcuate surface on the cable tray provides a gentle bend radius to any cable bundles laid on the tray. Arcuate transitions on lateral ends of the cable tray provide a curved transition between the tray and the arms. Mounting holes are on the top and bottom of the inner arm enable attachment of the hanger to a support surface and vertical stacking of multiple hangers to create multiple tiers of cable bundles. A tie down loop on the inner arm and on the outer arm enables closure of the hanger opening with a cable tie or similar closure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 10822124
    Abstract: A unit for boxing packaged food products including a rotary element with at least one first seat for receiving a blank; a first transfer station for transferring the blank from a magazine for feeding blanks to a folding mould; a folding station for opening up, at least partly, the blank; a second transfer station for transferring the blank folded open from mould to the first receiving seat; an insertion station for inserting the packaged food products inside the blank folded open positioned on the first receiving seat; a closing station for closing the blank folded open, positioned on the second receiving seat and containing the packaged food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: GIMA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Pierluigi Castellari, Dario Rea, Massimiliano Medri
  • Patent number: 9665903
    Abstract: A system and method for ordering various types of articles includes: an input device for each person enabling the person to order designated articles to be delivered to a designated seat and row in a seat section; an article source for supplying articles designated in each order; a conveyor system having a first conveyor section extending along a first axis from the article source, and a second conveyor section extending along a second axis from the first conveyor section to the seats of the seat section; and a central control in communication with the input devices for receiving orders therefrom and for controlling the conveyor system to convey the articles designated in each order to a compartment at a convenient location to the occupant of the seat and row designated in the respective order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Yariv Glazer
  • Publication number: 20130081926
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier link of a conveyor chain intended to convey hanging product carriers, which comprises two parallel walls connected by a partition wall and an opening in which a chain lock is positioned, where the chain lock can assume an open state and a closed state, and where the chain lock comprises two locking arms, each with a locking lug, where the locking lugs are intended to secure an object in the central opening such that the product carrier bears against the two locking lugs when the product carrier is conveyed hanging from the carrier link. The invention further relates to a conveyor chain comprising a plurality of carrier links. The aim of the invention is to obtain a more secure carrier link which permits a controlled and traceable flow and which additionally has a higher loading capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Dan Davidson
  • Publication number: 20090152075
    Abstract: Construction element for a device for forward feeding of product carriers (16), which construction element comprises a first beam section (14) presenting a main rail (15) intended to carry product carriers (16) movably resting on said main rail (15), a second beam section presenting a console intended to carry an endless belt (1) or chain, which is intended to contribute to the forward feeding of said product carrier (16), and guiding means (19) running along said main rail (15) intended to retain product carriers (16) on the main rail (15), and also a device for forward feeding of product carriers including such a construction element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Inge Davidsson
  • Patent number: 7478470
    Abstract: A device for assembling, tuning and testing motor vehicles may be installed anywhere in a flat hall without modifying the ceiling or floor and is transportable. The device may be assembled from individual, transportable, modular, interconnectable components that can be installed on a flat surface without using pits or creating floor load. The device encompasses the conveying mechanisms and assembly units for the motor vehicles to be assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Dürr Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Mogck, Frédéric De Moliere, Klaus Werner Thomer, Thomas Tentrup
  • Patent number: 7467706
    Abstract: A device for conveying workpieces along a path of movement is described. The device includes a conveyor driven by a conveying drive unit. Spindle or spindle-like elements, on which the workpieces may be arranged, are fastened to the conveyor. The device also includes a synchronizing mechanism with at least one guide device, driven by a synchronizing drive unit, for guiding the spindle or spindle-like elements during movement of the conveyor. The synchronizing drive unit is mechanically coupled with the conveying drive unit to achieve synchronicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Eisenmann Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Nothum
  • Publication number: 20080210523
    Abstract: A conveyor is powered by a rotating, generally horizontal drive tube or shaft engaged by angularly disposed trolley wheels, in which trolleys support the conveyed products or materials above the drive tube and clear of any parts of the conveyor structure that would interfere with the desired path of travel. Each of the trolleys is provided with load wheels which ride on load rails above the drive tube and associated drive wheels, thereby providing a structure upon which a platform or other support may be mounted for bearing the transported products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Donald E. Owens, Charles P. Tabler
  • Patent number: 7377377
    Abstract: The invention relates to an overhead conveyor of the type that comprises at least one drive carriage (13) which is drivably arranged in a girder system and from which load-holding means (18) are suspended, and where the girder system comprises an elongate straight box girder (9) having a first inner space with rails (12) for the drive carriage (13) and a second elongate inner space comprising a driven endless belt (5, 6) with means (23) to be drivingly connected to the drive carriage.(13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: OCS Overhead Conveyor System, AB
    Inventor: Carsten Christiansson
  • Patent number: 7270228
    Abstract: A hanger for an overhead conveyor system has a member including spaced-apart-shaped portions generally along a first axis a distance that is generally equal to a distance between adjacent load pins of a conveyor chain or a whole number multiple of the distance between adjacent load pins of the conveyor chain. The member further has an angled portion disposed between the hook-shaped portions along a line that is generally parallel to the first axis and along a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis. The member further includes a first arm interconnecting the first hook-shaped portion and the angled portion and a second arm interconnecting the second hook-shaped portion and the angled portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Metal Fabricating Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Golias
  • Patent number: 7007795
    Abstract: A transport conveyor for workpieces, pallets, or workpiece carriers which includes a drive transmission that includes a traction coupling that interrupts the transfer of torque and driving force to the conveyor rollers, belt or the like upon an interruption in the movement of the workpieces, pallets or workpiece carriers on the conveyor. The transmission traction device includes contact-free couplings which can be integrated in the rollers or be mounted outside the drive path of the rollers. Because the couplings operate without physical contact, they are free from wear commonly incurred in the drive transmission as an incident to the interruption of workpiece movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Bleichert Forderanlagen GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Zoller, Dirk Watzlawek
  • Patent number: 6758325
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes an elongate track or rail and a number of trolleys used to store and/or convey various items along the track or rail. In cross-section, the rail is generally crescent shaped with a hollow interior, having an upwardly convex upper surface and an upwardly concave lower surface. The trolleys consist of an elongated trolley bar or support suspended on one or more trolley pendants which movably engage and travel along the rail. The trolley pendants are generally U-shaped having a central bight or body to which the trolley bar is coupled, and two spaced apart arms which project from the bight. The arms of the trolley pendant are spaced from each other by a distance selected greater than the lateral width of the rail. The arms of the trolley pendant define a throat portion between the arms. A bearing member is spaced towards the end of each arm, projecting inwardly towards each other part way into the throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Greeley
  • Patent number: 6745891
    Abstract: The invention proposes a suspension-type conveying arrangement in the case of which conveyable-article carriers (1) are supported, by way of running rollers (9) on guide rails (3) for movement along a conveying route. Arranged on a drag chain/drive chain (15) guided along the conveying route are driver elements (17), preferably brush elements (17), which can be moved between a driving position and a non-driving position. The invention proposes various concepts in order, in the case of a build-up of conveyable-article carriers (1), to transfer the driver elements (17) into the non-driving position, with the result that they act on the built-up conveyable-article carriers (1) at most to a slight extent, if at all. In the driving position, it is possible for driver elements (17) to act on the conveyable-article carriers (1) in order to drive them along the conveying route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: WF Logistik GmbH
    Inventors: Braunmüller Walter, Lutsch Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 6745892
    Abstract: Conveyor system accessories are disclosed, which provide an inexpensive way to stage, stockpile and/or sort work pieces and provides easy entry to and exit from a main conveyor. In particular, a trolley or trolleys that carry work pieces ride on the conveyor rail above the chain or intermesh with the chain on the inside of the track. These accessories are used with single track continuous conveyor systems, which greatly enhances the productivity of the single track system by permitting work pieces to be taken off-line without taking the work piece off a load pendant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jerry Taeger
  • Patent number: 6742648
    Abstract: A rail guidable conveying device for conveying sheet-like products (21) in a conveying direction (F), having a guide part (2), a carrying part (3) which is arranged on the guide part and is configured for retaining a product, and a coupling part (4), which can be magnetically coupled to a drive means (5) and is configured such that the strength of the coupling to the drive means is variable. The invention also relates to a conveying apparatus having a drive means and a plurality of the conveying devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Werner Honegger
  • Patent number: 6688451
    Abstract: A multi-head robotic system capable of delivering numerous robotic devices to a task site is disclosed. A number of robotic devices perform tasks simultaneously, thus tasks can be completed quickly. Each individual robot does not need to move at an extremely fast speed. The sequence in which the robotic devices arrive at or leave a task site is unlimited. The robotic delivery system is capable of “leapfrogging” robotic devices, or placing them randomly, at locations where they are most needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen J. Derby, Jeffrey M. Smith
  • Patent number: 6681920
    Abstract: The device serves for the automated handling and intermediate buffering of manufacturing components, whereby the components are suspended with the hooks 4 on the racks 1 which are conveyed as a series of racks. Provision is made for a crossbeam 9, 9′ comprising the two inwardly directed bars or gutters 10, 42, 59, 56, 58, 8 for receiving the load, which oppose each other and are located within the crossbeam. The elements 14, 48, 46, 61 for introducing the torque when the device is handled are arranged on the racks 1. The racks 1 comprise back-up surfaces located on the front and rear sides. Furthermore, the racks 1 comprise the hooks 4, clamps, fastening points or fastening rails, which are located on the underside or on secondary surfaces and are directed downwards. Provision is made for support surfaces for supporting shelf boxes or conveyor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Raimund Reisacher
  • Patent number: 6675953
    Abstract: Conveyor system accessories are disclosed, which provide an inexpensive way to stage, stockpile and/or sort work pieces and provides easy entry to and exit from a main conveyor. In particular, a trolley or trolleys that carry work pieces ride on the conveyor rail above the chain or intermesh with the chain on the inside of the track. These accessories are used with single track continuous conveyor systems, which greatly enhances the productivity of the single track system by permitting work pieces to be taken off-line without taking the work piece off a load pendant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Jerry Taeger
  • Patent number: 6675954
    Abstract: Conveyor system accessories are disclosed, which provide an inexpensive way to stage, stockpile and/or sort work pieces and provides easy entry to and exit from a main conveyor. In particular, a trolley or trolleys that carry work pieces ride on the conveyor rail above the chain or intermesh with the chain on the inside of the track. These accessories are used with single track continuous conveyor systems, which greatly enhances the productivity of the single track system by permitting work pieces to be taken off-line without taking the work piece off a load pendant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Jerry Taeger
  • Publication number: 20030201153
    Abstract: Conveyor system accessories are disclosed, which provide an inexpensive way to stage, stockpile and/or sort work pieces and provides easy entry to and exit from a main conveyor. In particular, a trolley or trolleys that carry work pieces ride on the conveyor rail above the chain or intermesh with the chain on the inside of the track. These accessories are used with single track continuous conveyor systems, which greatly enhances the productivity of the single track system by permitting work pieces to be taken off-line without taking the work piece off a load pendant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry Taeger
  • Publication number: 20030192771
    Abstract: Conveyor system accessories are disclosed, which provide an inexpensive way to stage, stockpile and/or sort work pieces and provides easy entry to and exit from a main conveyor. In particular, a trolley or trolleys that carry work pieces ride on the conveyor rail above the chain or intermesh with the chain on the inside of the track. These accessories are used with single track continuous conveyor systems, which greatly enhances the productivity of the single track system by permitting work pieces to be taken off-line without taking the work piece off a load pendant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry Taeger
  • Publication number: 20030192772
    Abstract: Conveyor system accessories are disclosed, which provide an inexpensive way to stage, stockpile and/or sort work pieces and provides easy entry to and exit from a main conveyor. In particular, a trolley or trolleys that carry work pieces ride on the conveyor rail above the chain or intermesh with the chain on the inside of the track. These accessories are used with single track continuous conveyor systems, which greatly enhances the productivity of the single track system by permitting work pieces to be taken off-line without taking the work piece off a load pendant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry Taeger
  • Patent number: 6619468
    Abstract: An overhead conveyor track system for a wheeled carrier having at least one wheel adapted for traveling along a track and a depending load bracket. The system includes first and second elongated conveyor tracks having respective free ends. These tracks are adapted and arranged such that the same are in substantial longitudinal alignment with the free ends thereof in spaced relationship presenting a gap therebetween. The system further includes an elongated track segment that is adapted and arranged so as to be placed in the gap in a gap closed position in substantial longitudinal alignment with the tracks. The track segment normally is in the gap in its gap closed position but is removable from the gap so as to provide the system with a gap open condition. An automatic safety switch mechanism is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Doskocil Food Service Company - Jefferson, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Baneck, Brian R. Krause
  • Patent number: 6609608
    Abstract: A drag catch conveyor including an endless, driven pulling chain which can be moved along a specified path, supporting blocks mounted to the pulling chain, a number of drag catches mounted to the pulling chain in mutually overlapping relation so as to be alternatively offset in a left direction and a right direction, and a rail system disposed below the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: PEP Fördertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Schneuing
  • Patent number: 6588579
    Abstract: Conveyor system accessories are disclosed, which provide an inexpensive way to stage, stockpile and/or sort work pieces and provides easy entry to and exit from a main conveyor. In particular, a trolley or trolleys that carry work pieces ride on the conveyor rail above the chain or intermesh with the chain on the inside of the track. These accessories are used with single track continuous conveyor systems, which greatly enhances the productivity of the single track system by permitting work pieces to be taken off-line without taking the work piece off a load pendant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry Taeger
  • Patent number: 6564929
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning, handling and conveying structural parts for a surface finishing of the parts comprises frames arranged successively in a conveying direction, hooks carried by the frames for hanging the structural parts, and devices for maintaining successive ones of the frames in the conveying direction so close to each other that the structural parts hanging on the hooks are locked in position by the successive frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Raimund Reisacher
  • Patent number: 6478353
    Abstract: A universal wheel transport hook includes a body portion having a suspension hook formed in one end and a C-shaped cradle formed in the other end. A spacer portion is formed between the suspension hook and the C-shaped cradle. At least one retaining clip and retaining bar assembly is mounted upon the body portion between the spacer portion and the C-shaped cradle. At least one retaining pad is mounted upon the C-shaped cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn T. Barrozo
  • Patent number: 6464067
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for buffering with the use of a closed gripper. The invention comprises transport means (20) which are provided with grippers (22), can move along a conveying section (10), and are located in the area of a buffer section (14) of the conveying section (10). Transport means are stored in such a way that the distance between the transporting means (20), said means being successively arranged in the buffer section (14), is essentially determined by the degree of opening of the grippers (22) or by the dimensions of the transport means (20). Said means are also stored in such a way that opened grippers (22) are at least partially closed without exercising a holding function in or before the area of the buffer section (14). To this end, a closing device is placed in an entry area (16) of the buffer section (14) which, for example, can be provided in the form of a closing connecting member (18) and can be displaced along the conveying section (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Walter Reist
  • Patent number: 6431347
    Abstract: A conveyable-article carrier for transporting conveyable articles along a conveying section in a conveying apparatus has running rails for guiding conveyable-article carriers and also has a drive belt guided along the running rails, and carries along the conveyable-article carriers along the conveying section. Each conveyable-article carrier has a carrier body and a coupling element located on the carrier body and is brought into drive connection with the drive belt. The conveyable-article carriers can also be accumulated in at least one build-up region of the conveying apparatus, as the drive belt continues running, and each have a separating device which can be activated under the action of the build-up pressure and for temporarily releasing the drive connection. The coupling element is designed as a part of the separating device which can be moved relative to the carrier body between a drive position, for coupling to the drive belt, and a neutral position, for disengaging from the drive belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: WF Logistik GmbH
    Inventor: Anton Gossner
  • Patent number: 6427824
    Abstract: An overhead conveyance device and an overhead conveyance vehicle that can convey a conveying object, while keeping it at a minimum distance from surrounding equipment when the overhead conveying vehicle turns around during conveyance of the conveying object. The overhead conveyance device (1) is so structured that even when a carriage part (6) of the overhead conveyance vehicle (5) enters a branching part (3) for allowing the carriage part to change in traveling direction and turns around, the conveying object (25) grasped by a hand (9) can be kept unchanged in direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanao Murata, Teruya Morita, Hitoshi Kawano
  • Patent number: 6390284
    Abstract: A hanging-down jig is provided for supporting a vehicle body frame for a motorcycle in a hung-down manner on a hanger of an overhead conveyor. A dummy frame is mounted on the vehicle body frame for the motorcycle for supporting the vehicle body frame in a hang-down manner on a support arm of the hanger of the overhead conveyor. The dummy frame includes a center member coupled to the vehicle body frame by a pin, and a pair of left and right side members coupled to the vehicle body frame by a pin. The angle of, the longitudinal positions of and the lateral distance between the side members with respect to the center member can be adjusted as desired. The longitudinal and vertical positions of a support portion provided on the support arm of the hanger and engaged with a hanging-down member of the dummy frame can be adjusted as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Yamada, Toshihiro Tsuchiya, Norihisa Ohgi
  • Patent number: 6386356
    Abstract: The invention relates to conveying means (1) which can be rail-guided and are provided for conveying especially flat products in a conveying direction (F). Said conveying means comprises a guiding part (2) which runs in a v-shaped manner in a conveying direction and constructs a three point support. In addition the conveying means comprises a supporting part (3) which is provided for holding the product and arranged in fixed manner on the guiding part (2). The conveying means also have a coupling part (4) which is arranged on a driving means (9) such that it can be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Jürg Eberle
  • Patent number: 6382397
    Abstract: For conveying individually held products (3) in a network of conveying paths (A, B), a holding element (4) is associated with each product (3) and is conveyed together with the product along the entire conveying route for the product (3) which route contains various conveying paths (A, B). Each holding element (4) comprises at least one first coupling part (1) for being coupled to a conveying element being movable along a given conveying path (A, B) and comprising a second coupling parts (2) or for being coupled to guides extending along the conveying paths. In transfer areas (U) in which products and holding means are transferred from one conveying path to another conveying path control means are provided for uncoupling holding elements (4) from conveying elements or guides of a first conveying path (A) and for coupling holding elements (4) to conveying elements or guides of a second conveying path (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Carl Maeder
  • Patent number: 6357574
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor system comprising a guiding rail (6) and a plurality of retaining devices (8) for a conveyed item, especially printing products. Said retaining devices each have a guiding pan (5) which can individually move in the guiding rail (6). A second guiding rail (7) is provided with a driving means (2) which is guided thereon. The driving means (2) permits a detachable coupling to a coupling part of the guiding part (5) such that, in a coupled state, a load carrying connection exists between the driving means (2) and the coupling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Contact GmbH
    Inventors: Jürg Eberle, Willy Leu
  • Patent number: 6341686
    Abstract: The invention proposes a conveying apparatus with a three-dimensionally movable receiving conveyor for receiving conveyable-article carriers (3) from a suspended conveyor in which the conveyable-article carriers (3) are guided on a running-roller guide profile for movement along a first conveying section (5) and are supported in a suspended manner on own running rollers (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: WF Logistik GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Peter Beyer
  • Patent number: 6302262
    Abstract: For conveying individually held products (3) in a network of conveying paths. (A, B), a holding element (4) is associated with each product (3) and is conveyed together with the product along the entire conveying route for the product (3) which route contains various conveying paths (A, B). Each holding element (4) comprises at least one first coupling part (1) for being coupled to a conveying element being movable along a given conveying path (A, B) and comprising a second coupling parts (2) or for being coupled to guides extending along the conveying paths. In transfer areas (U) in which products and holding means are transferred from one conveying path to another conveying path control means are provided for uncoupling holding elements (4) from conveying elements or guides of a first conveying path (A) and for coupling holding elements (4) to conveying elements or guides of a second conveying path (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Ferag Ag
    Inventor: Carl Maeder
  • Patent number: 6267060
    Abstract: A factory preassembled drive module is assembled between opposed spaced apart ends of load beams and opposed rotatable shafts supported by the load beams are assembled drivingly to a rotatable drive shaft coupling of the drive unit or module in a job site where the overhead conveyor is installed. The drive unit module includes a motor driving a transmission, in turn driving pulleys that drive belts in turn driving the rotatable portion of the drive shaft coupling. The drive motor and transmission are mounted on a bracket with lost motion permitting tension adjustment of the belts, and the bracket is formed with flanges to respectively abut and overlap correspondingly shaped portions of the adjacent load beams for connection thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: OCS-Intellitrak, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Owens, Jr.