By Pivot Between Pusher And Carrier Patents (Class 198/732)
  • Patent number: 11801810
    Abstract: Described is a linear conveyor for advancing vehicles through a vehicle washing system. The linear conveyor includes a pair of reciprocating platforms having a plurality of counterweighted and pivotally connected pawls. The pawls are biased such that they are angled upwards and in a forward direction at rest. Alternating motion of the reciprocating platforms causes a vehicle to move forward along the linear conveyor by pressing the pawl into the rear of the tire in a forward motion, while a rearward moving reciprocating platform slides underneath the tires of the vehicle on an opposite side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Inventor: G. Thomas Ennis
  • Patent number: 11521454
    Abstract: A product dispensing system and methods of use are described. The system includes a linear dispensing unit configured to hold a number of products in an equal number of respective channels in a stacked orientation. Single units of the products are dispensed onto dedicated carriers which maintain an orientation of the product units. The carriers are independently moveable and identifiable and are moved to aggregate various product units associated with a single order and to transport the product units to a validation system. The validation system uses a variety of sensors to verify the identity of the product unit and to cross-reference the product identity with the order. A label is applied to the product unit and the product unit is further transported to a packaging system while continuing to maintain an orientation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Tension International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Terzini
  • Patent number: 11459187
    Abstract: A method for aligning rectangular packaging boxes comprises the steps of conveying packaging boxes along a transport path and of aligning each packaging box by means of at least one stop element. The step of aligning a packaging box comprises the steps of positioning the at least one stop element in a first position, in which it projects into the transport path; conveying the packaging box against the at least one stop element until each section of the packaging box facing the at least one stop element is resting against it; and moving the at least one stop element into a second position, in which it does not project into the transport path and thus releases the aligned packaging box for further transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Stahl, Michael Knoll
  • Patent number: 10269109
    Abstract: A label inspection and rejection system and method for positioning a product package having at least two labels provided thereon relative to at least two cameras to facilitate capturing pictures and/or video of the at least two labels on the product package and for rejecting the product package if the product package is mislabeled. First and second carriers move the product package through a product-transit area such that a first label on the product package passes underneath the first camera and a second label on the product package passes overtop the second camera, and, if the product package is mislabeled, the actuator of the rejection mechanism moves the actuator arm moves to contact the product package to remove the product package from the third carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Orora Packaging Solutions
    Inventor: Donald G. Macdonald
  • Patent number: 10035659
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying stickers to lumber stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: 381572 Ontario Limited
    Inventors: Riley Edward Smith, Kristopher Kenneth Clayton Smith, Edward Clayton Smith, Dustin Travis Smith
  • Patent number: 9919873
    Abstract: There is described a feeding unit for feeding at least one sealed pack of pourable food products to a folding unit configured to form folded packages from relative pack; feeding unit comprising: a feeding conveyor; at least one push member movable cyclically along path and comprising, in turn, a wall adapted to contact pack; and a support for supporting push member on feeding conveyor; path comprising an inlet station at which push member receives, in use, pack, and an outlet station, at which push member discharges, in use, pack; path comprises a first curved stretch which defines outlet station; push member is connected to support in such a way that the movement of support along first portion causes the movement of wall towards feeding conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Franco Santi, Giorgio Mattioli, Alessandro Galata
  • Patent number: 9604786
    Abstract: A bread conveying apparatus includes a flight conveyer including a first flight for urging a bread, an endless revolving member on which the first flight is mounted, and a driving member and a driven member, the endless revolving member being wound around the driving member and driven member, a rail extending along a conveying path of the bread and supporting the first flight, and a rail size setting unit for setting a length of the rail with respect to an extending direction of the conveying path. The length of the rail with respect to the conveying direction is set by the rail size setting unit based on a size of the bread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OSHIKIRI MACHINERY LTD.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Oki, Masami Umetsu, Takahiro Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8985311
    Abstract: A flight conveyor for conveying material includes a frame, drive and idler wheel(s) rotatably mounted on the frame, segments for supporting the material, shafts for pivotally interconnecting the segments to an endless row which has an upper row and a lower row running, during operation, over the drive and idler wheel(s) and a number of conveyor flights for bringing the material along in the conveying direction. A scraper is arranged at the drive wheel for successively scraping off adhered material from segments and flights such that the conveyor can be used for conveying products tending to adhere to the surfaces of the segments and the flights since the adhered products are automatically removed by the scraper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Palle Stockholm Johansson
  • Patent number: 8720671
    Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting material from an origin to a destination includes a conveyor surface that moves a plurality of pivotal flight members along a continuous, predetermined path. The pivotal flight members allow the conveyor surface to freely travel along rollers positioned both within and outside of the conveyor loop for various applications. For example, various obstructions along the predetermined path pivot the flight members in either of two directions to trap, transport and release the material at desired locations. The flight members may be scraped and compressed to remove residual fluids if the conveyor system is used to collect liquids, such as released oil or other contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Slone
  • Publication number: 20140102863
    Abstract: A slat for use in an agricultural harvester including a web securable to a material moving system. A first and second leg extending outwardly from one side of the web, the first leg providing primary impetus for movement of crop material in a first direction by the material moving system. A third leg extending outwardly from an opposed side of the web and providing secondary impetus for movement of crop material by driven movement of the material moving system. In response to the slat encountering a foreign object that becomes wedged between the first leg, the third leg and structure of the material moving system and preventing driven movement of the material movement system in the first direction, upon application of force urging movement of the material movement system in an opposed second direction, the third leg facilitating a rotational movement of the slat for dislodging the foreign object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Herbert M. FARLEY, Andrew V. LAUWERS, Robert Stewart BOYD, III
  • Patent number: 8678177
    Abstract: A combination slider block and pusher lug for mounting on a base plate mounted on a transfer chain includes a flanged channel having a latch and a base plate receiving cavity for snugly fitting over the base plate. A pair of flanges extend inwardly in opposed facing relation over the cavity from the sides of the channel so as to define a slot sized to receive the mount such as the weld between the base plate and the chain. The web of the flanged channel has a lug mounted orthogonally thereto. The cavity has an opening at one end, sized to receive the base plate therethrough. An opposite end of the cavity includes a stop to arrest sliding translation of the base plate through and along the cavity. The latch is mounted adjacent the opening. The latch operates to selectively lock the base plate in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Northern Plastics Ltd.
    Inventor: Deane R. Henderson
  • Patent number: 8657097
    Abstract: A squaring-up device for a package converting line, located between a blank folding section and a folded-blank assembly section. The device has a frame, at least one jogger, having a deployed active position for correcting a geometry of a folded blank, and a drive for transporting the jogger. The squaring-up device includes an effector for moving the jogger from the active position to a retracted inactive position, and vice versa, and control the effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rapidex S.M.
    Inventor: Philippe Vallee
  • Patent number: 8437872
    Abstract: An apparatus (4) for the distribution of cards on paper carriers allows easier control and reading steps on the cards, without slowing down the coupling process, and includes a card conveying line, on which are provided: a first section (44) wherein the cards (100) translate in a substantially vertical arrangement, the apparatus (4) including at least one card control and/or reading station (41) thereat; and a second section wherein the cards translate in a substantially horizontal arrangement and wherein an element for coupling (49) cards to a paper carrier is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Kern Sistemi S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alessandro Prataiola
  • Patent number: 8393461
    Abstract: A car wash roller assembly is provided. The assembly includes a metal frame member having a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion has a first aperture having a shaft disposed therethrough. The assembly further includes first and second plastic cover members holding the body portion therebetween. The first plastic cover member has a second aperture, and the second plastic cover member has a third aperture for receiving the shaft therethrough. The assembly further includes first and second plastic sleeves disposed over first and second portions of the shaft, and first and second plastic wheels rotatably coupled to the sleeves. The first plastic cover member restricts movement of the chain link in a first direction relative to the metal frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Vaughan Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Vaughan Balash
  • Patent number: 8328003
    Abstract: A conveyor for moving a shopping cart between a first location and a second location. The conveyor including a movable conveyor that is adapted to engage and move the shopping cart along a path, and a gate assembly including a door that is movable between an open position allowing passage of the shopping cart along the path, and a closed position inhibiting passage of the shopping art along the path. The door is adapted to move from the closed position to the open position as the shopping cart approaches, and is adapted to move back to the closed position before the shopping cart has passed the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Pflow Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Webster, Patrick J. Kelnhofer, Gene M. Barth
  • Publication number: 20120241292
    Abstract: A belt conveyor having snagless retractable flights. The flights rotate from a retracted position generally parallel to a top conveying surface on the conveyor belt to an extended position standing up and away from the top surface. In one version of the flight, a distal edge of the flight is bent downward into a cavity in the top surface of the belt when the flight is retracted. In another version, rollers at the distal end of the flight extend upstream of the distal edge of the flight. The flight rollers are rotated when the flight is retraced to lift and propel conveyed articles over the edges of the flight. Thus, both flights avoid snagging articles with discontinuous bottoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Matthew L. Fourney
  • Patent number: 8028628
    Abstract: A roller assembly call up mechanism for a vehicle wash conveyor having an endless chain with a plurality of spaced roller assemblies attached thereto for pushing a vehicle along a slotted track, is located below the track and includes a power cylinder, a crank arm connected to the power cylinder and an axle connected to the crank arm for rotation with the axle. A ramp in the form of a pair of spaced forks is connected to the axle for rotation therewith. A slotted link is pivotally connected at one end to the ramp and at an opposite end to the entrance trap door whereby when the power cylinder is actuated the ramp and the trap door are pivoted upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: G. Thomas Ennis
  • Patent number: 7927059
    Abstract: A pipeline padding machine includes a debris-resistant escalator flight. A pipeline padding machine includes an escalator assembly with multiple flight sections attached to a track. A gap between leading and trailing edges of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially the same when the track is substantially straight, and when the track is at its maximum curvature. Leading and trailing edge portions of each flight section may be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of a corresponding track section by a same angle as that between adjacent track sections when the track is at its maximum curvature. The edge portions of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially parallel to each other when the track is at its maximum curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Worldwide Machinery Pipeline Division
    Inventors: Giordano Grassi, Ricky L. Layh
  • Patent number: 7779992
    Abstract: A shopping cart conveyor system that moves a shopping cart from one location to another along a path. The system includes a frame, a track coupled to the frame, and a conveyor coupled to the frame and having an engagement member (e.g., multiple engagement members) adapted to engage a shopping cart. The engagement member is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the track from a first position, where the engagement member will engage and move the shopping cart along the path, and a second position, where the engagement member is capable of releasing engagement of the shopping cart. Preferably, the engagement member is biased toward the first position (e.g., by a resilient member). In one embodiment, the engagement member includes an engagement surface adapted to engage the shopping cart and defining an engagement angle between the engagement surface and a reference axis parallel to the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Pflow Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Webster, Gene M. Barth, Patrick Kelnhofer
  • Publication number: 20100200371
    Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing partially formed cartons is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes a conveyor with selectively actuated lugs that engage and convey the carton. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant in time. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the lug conveyor may actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Urs Reuteler, Charles Ray Landrum, Thomas A. Pool, Thomas R. Long
  • Patent number: 7731018
    Abstract: A rotary gatherer has drums for delivering printed sheet materials and a conveyor having a conveyor chain and a first pin and a second pin connected to the chain and defining a pocket for receiving the printed sheet materials from the drums. The first pin may include a first section movable horizontally and vertically along a predetermined path with respect to the conveyor chain when subjected to a vertical force. A conveyor, a pin and a related method also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Goss International Americas, Inc
    Inventor: John Douglas Mims
  • Patent number: 7565964
    Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing partially formed cartons is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant in time without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Kliklok Corporation
    Inventors: Urs Reuteler, Charles Ray Landrum
  • Patent number: 7537105
    Abstract: In one embodiment, apparatus for controlling spacing of objects conveyed by an object conveyor include flights that can be actuated from a retracted state to an extended state in which the flights extend transversely across the object conveyor, the flights limiting travel of the objects to control their relative spacing, wherein the flights actuate with relatively little force such that a retracted flight will not extend once it contacts a directly adjacent object that occupies space into which the retracted flight would normally extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Matthew L. Fourney
  • Patent number: 7431147
    Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing partially formed cartons is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant in time without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Kliklok Corporation
    Inventors: Urs Reuteler, Charles Ray Landrum
  • Patent number: 7431146
    Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing a partially formed carton is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed to the machine. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Kliklok Corporation
    Inventors: Urs Reuteler, Charles Ray Landrum
  • Publication number: 20040050669
    Abstract: A modular and removable track placed on the ground, comprising a succession of panels (1), supplied with at least one longitudinal guiding groove (2) by means of which to allow at least one beak (3), tightly connected to the load (4) to be dragged, to penetrate inside it, to interact with the series of towing means (6), one for each panel (1), and to be guided in running along the track; each towing means (6) being constituted of a longitudinal ring like element (7), stretched between two spools (8) and (9) and furnished with dragging means (10), of at least one switch (11) and of the motor (12) connected to one of the said spools and activated/deactivated by said switch. Each panel (1) furthermore comprises at least the ducts (13) and (19) for the connections of said switch (11) to said motor (12) and with the fluid dynamic circuit (14, 15) connected at the start of the track with a primary motor, through which at least one motor (12) is activated in one of the panels (1) of the said track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Nicoletta Niccolai
  • Publication number: 20040045794
    Abstract: The conveyor assembly of the present invention is for affixing booklets and the like to a moving web. The conveyor assembly includes a pair of endless chain each having a plurality of lugs attached thereto, a pair of lug supports and a pair of booklet supports. The plurality of lugs are pivotally attached to the each endless chain. Each lug has an elongate pushing arm and a support arm. Each lug is movable from a pushing position to a retracted position. The pair of lug support are spaced apart and generally parallel and are for supporting the support arm of the lugs. The pair of booklet support are spaced apart and generally parallel and are spaced above a respective lug support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Paul J. Connelly, Steve C. Painter
  • Patent number: 6662933
    Abstract: A system for conveying objects (1), which comprises at least one endless transporter (2) able to route the objects (3) along a so-called transportation surface (S), the transporter (2) comprising a plurality of pushers (6) regularly spaced apart, fixed to a movable support (7) for the pushers (6), continuously travelling, in a single direction and periodically along a closed-loop path which extends substantially in a so-called conveying plane (P), perpendicular to the said transportation surface (S) the path being locally contiguous with the transportation surface (S), characterized in that each pusher (6) is mounted so as to be able to move between a so-called inactive position in which the pusher (6) is located at a distance from the transportation surface (S) and does not project therefrom, and a so-called active position in which it projects at least partially from the transportation surface (S) in order to come into engagement with an object (3) and push it along the said surface (S), so that it is possi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Aries Packaging
    Inventors: Pascal De Guglielmo, Alain Cartier, Didier Clerget
  • Patent number: 6647894
    Abstract: A car wash wheel push roller dolly (20) is used for transporting a vehicle by pushing the vehicle wheel on a horizontal track in a car wash system consisting basically of a polyurethane dolly body (22) with an integrally formed upward portion (36) and a gusset (38) connecting the front to the rear. A front axle (40), a first rear axle (42) and a second rear axle (44) are all integrally formed with the dolly body and extend outwardly from each side of the body at right angles. Each distal end of the axles include a groove (46) adjacent to their ends. A pair of front rollers (50) are disposed on the front axle, next to a pair of conveyer chain links (48) also a pair of first rear rollers (52) and second rear rollers (54) engage their respective axles with all of the rollers attached with retaining rings (60). When a vehicle is positioned on the car wash endless chain conveyer horizontal track (58) and the chain links are attached to the endless chain, the vehicle may be pushed forward by the dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jose Luis Simoes
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030079962
    Abstract: A plant and a method for carrying out orderly arrangement of products in ranks along a packaging line, wherein an alignment device is set between a first conveyor belt and a second conveyor belt. The products arrive on the first belt in ranks with substantially disorderly transverse alignment and with longitudinal distances that may vary between the said ranks, and are accelerated to obtain, on the second belt, ranks aligned in an orderly way and properly spaced from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Giuliano Cerutti, Pierre Menegaldo, Filippo Barbweris Organista
  • Patent number: 6536582
    Abstract: A reversible shelf type vertical conveyor wherein a plurality of shelves are pivotally mounted between two endless chains that are driven by pairs of upper and lower sprockets, the shelves pivoted to a space saving vertical orientation during the return run and to a horizontal orientation during the working run. Positive control of the orientation of shelves is provided by pairs of rollers attached to the shelves which straddle a guide bars during the return run and ride within guide channels during the working run. During the transition between return and working runs at the top and bottom, shelves are held tight against bosses adjacent the sprockets. Each successive cycle pivots the shelves 180 degrees, and the shelves are symmetrical about their pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: John Andrew Combs
  • Patent number: 6499731
    Abstract: A high speed sheet feeder machine includes at least one pusher that follows a loop-shaped path of travel as the machine operates. The pusher pushes an insert into an envelope during a forward and downward part of its path of travel and then retreats rearwardly and upwardly along the loop-shaped path of travel before repeating an insertion. In this way, the pusher makes no abrupt changes in its path of travel. Very high rates of insertion are made possible by providing multiple pushers at longitudinally spaced apart intervals along the loop-shaped path of travel. A stop plate is integrally formed with each pusher assembly and a fixed position barrier is mounted on the machine adjacent the rearward end of the loop-shaped path of travel to prevent over-rotation of each pusher member at very high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Todd C. Werner
  • Publication number: 20020098075
    Abstract: An object-sorting system has a conveyor having a horizontally extending stretch, a plurality of pushers fixed on and spaced along the conveyor and extending upward from the stretch thereof, and an upright chute adapted to hold a stack of objects and having a downwardly open outlet spaced above an upstream end of the conveyor stretch. An elongated support surface extends horizontally above the stretch and has an upstream end below the outlet port. A drive advances the stretch and thereby displaces the pushers downstream past the outlet so that the pushers engage at least a lowermost object of the stack in the chute and move the engaged object(s) downstream along the support surface. The support surface can pivot about an axis at the support-surface downstream end and thereby change a vertical spacing between the support surface upstream end and the outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: UHLMANN Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Fritz Fochler, Andreas Kruger, Wolfgang Rodi
  • Patent number: 6422153
    Abstract: A car wash conveyor including a simplified and improved track structure using cut out flat support plates for mounting three tiers of tracks. The support plates allow equal widths of an intermediate and lower track, and incorporation of integral stanchions for support of tire guide rollers. The chain take up mechanism and the roller control mechanism together form an assembly able to be installed into the conveyor or removed for service as a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Gilbert J. Reitsch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6390285
    Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor system for conveying objects along a conveyor path. The system permits conveyance of objects along an inclined path and accumulation of objects. The system comprises a modular, plastic, endless conveyor belt comprising plastic modules linked by means of a connecting pin, accumulation elements for accumulating objects provided in at least some of the modules. Accumulation elements are driver members positionable beneath the conveyor belt's carrying section surface (accumulation position) or above the conveyor belt's carrying section surface (driving position), and a guidance system disposed beneath the driver member path for position driver members in driving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ammeraal International B.V.
    Inventors: Jacob Frank de Geus, Jacobus Gertrudus M. Paardekooper, Hendrik Boele
  • Patent number: 6378693
    Abstract: A conveyor with automatic-repositioning trippable pushers which is set along a sliding surface (12) for products (13) that are to be moved onwards comprises a continuous-drive element wound in a flattened loop (14) to which there may be constrained, at pre-chosen intervals, pusher assemblies (15), wherein each pusher assembly (15) consists of a carrying element (16) constrained to the continuous-drive element (14) by means of a pin (17) and of a pusher element proper (25, 125) that is trippable and comprises a base (26) and a shaped lever (27) that can oscillate (in 28) with respect to the base (26), there being provided elements of elastic engagement (34, 37, 38) between the carrying element (16) and the shaped lever (27) which keep the lever (27) in a position of thrust against a pre-determined force, yielding when a greater opposing force is exceeded, there further being provided, on the lever (27), elements of engagement (31) with the drive element (14) at points corresponding to end pulleys (23) which br
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Sitma S.p.A.
    Inventors: Aris Ballestrazzi, Lamberto Tassi
  • Publication number: 20010032775
    Abstract: A system for conveying objects (1), which comprises at least one endless transporter (2) able to route the objects (3) along a so-called transportation surface (S), the transporter (2) comprising a plurality of pushers (6) regularly spaced apart, fixed to a movable support (7) for the pushers (6), continuously travelling, in a single direction and periodically along a closed-loop path which extends substantially in a so-called conveying plane (P), perpendicular to the said transportation surface (S) the path being locally contiguous with the transportation surface (S), characterized in that each pusher (6) is mounted so as to be able to move between a so-called inactive position in which the pusher (6) is located at a distance from the transportation surface (S) and does not project therefrom, and a so-called active position in which it projects at least partially from the transportation surface (S) in order to come into engagement with an object (3) and push it along the said surface (S), so that it is possi
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Pascal De Guglielmo, Alain Cartier, Didier Clerget
  • Patent number: 6260690
    Abstract: A modular transport and gathering system used for moving a material to be fed (250) in a direction of transport and comprising a plurality of transport modules (A, B) having input-side and output-side end sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Bowe Systec AG
    Inventor: Josef Batzer
  • Patent number: 6260716
    Abstract: A scum sweeper for sweeping surface floating matters in a clarifying tank to a collector channel. A sweeping blade is pivotally hanged by arms to parallel endless running chains mounted onto a supporting frame installed in the tank at an above position with respect to the collector channel. A motor drives the chains that haul the blade back and forth successively over and at the surface of water in the tank. The blade always remains under the chains as a result of a free pivoting of the arms at the opposite turning end courses of the chains. Guiding arrangements are provided to lock the arms in a downward direction when the sweeping blade travels horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventors: Henri Fontaine, Erick Breton
  • Patent number: 6237746
    Abstract: A breakaway pusher for a timing belt used as part of a mailing machine. A split lug, having two halves, each with a hole, is affixed to the timing belt. A torsion spring having two legs and an eye, with one leg bonded to a surface of a pusher, is inserted between the two halves of the split lug, with the eye of the torsion spring aligned with the holes in the halves of the split lug. A pin is press fit into the holes of the two halves of the split lug, and pierces the eye of the torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Sussmeier
  • Patent number: 6168011
    Abstract: An accumulation conveyor system for transporting piece goods along a predetermined path is disclosed. The system comprises a passively transporting element and an actively transporting element. The passively transporting element comprises a series of idle rollers arranged substantially in parallel with each other and form an elongated and substantially continuous and substantially equiplanar path for supporting the goods. An endless conveyor belt is provided for circulating around at least two guide rolls and forms an upper train for motion in a first direction and a lower train for motion in a second direction opposite to said first direction. The passively transporting element and the actively transporting element cooperate to convey the goods along a predetermined path and provides for smooth accumulation of the goods when movement of the goods closest to the delivery end is arrested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: SWS Scharf-Westfalia Industrial Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Morsbach
  • Patent number: 6161682
    Abstract: A car washing apparatus having a continuous conveyor that moves along a conveyor path and a guide rail with an upper surface on which wheels of the vehicle roll thereby moving the vehicle from the proximal end to the distal end upon conveyor movement. The guide rail has a concave recess surface formed in the rail facing upwardly to receive and seat a vehicle wheel. A roller member, mounted to the continuous conveyor engages and drives the wheel until the wheel is driven into the recess surface. The first roller disengages the wheel while the conveyor continues to move. Subsequently, a roller member re-engages the wheel and pushes the wheel from the recess surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Amram Sarig
  • Patent number: 6073752
    Abstract: The scraper chain belt according to the invention is preferably intended for scraper chain conveyors of long conveying lengths and correspondingly high drive outputs, and consists of vertical and horizontal chain links (1, 2) which are suspended articulated within one another, wherein the vertical chain links (1) advantageously have a surrounding out-of-round cross-section which is provided with a flat (6) on its external contour, whilst the horizontal chain links (2), which serve for the scraper connection, are formed in the manner of webbed chain links having a central web (12) which passes transversely through their internal opening. The scraper connection is preferably effected with the aid of studs (19) which are fixedly disposed on the scrapers (13) and which point towards the scraper base, and which pass through the insertion openings (20) in the central webs (12) of the horizontal chain links (2), wherein the scraper connection can be secured with the aid of locking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: DBT Deutsche Bergbau-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Meya
  • Patent number: 6074723
    Abstract: A rotating mat for switching equipment, fitted with one or more holding flaps and elements capable of exerting a recalling force on the mat when the flaps are on the transmission rollers, wherein the elements which exert the recalling force are flexible elements attached to the mat's surface at the point of anchoring the flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Finmeccanica S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nedo Gennari, Andrea Faure
  • Patent number: 5964461
    Abstract: A pusher block assembly is provided for use in the aligner section of a printing press. The assembly includes a pusher which automatically tilts rearwardly and translates downwardly at the discharge end of the aligner section, thereby preventing damage to the trailing edges of the articles transferred to the printing section of the press. The pushers are also pivotable between upright and horizontal positions. This feature eliminates the need for removal of the pusher block assembly when relatively long articles are conveyed by the aligner section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Halm Industries Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Don Ende, Mario Lisena
  • Patent number: 5937999
    Abstract: A conveyor for feeding push members along a path having at least one curved portion; each push member having a push appendix hinged to a flexible conveying member of the conveyor by a control device for keeping the appendix parallel to itself as the push member travels along at least part of the curved portion of the path; and the control device having a first lever supporting in rotary manner the appendix and connected to the flexible conveying member in rotary manner at one end and in rotary and axially-sliding manner at the other end; and a second lever, which rotates with respect to the first lever, is hinged to the appendix, and is inclined with respect to the first lever at an angle varying according to the curvature of the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 5819908
    Abstract: A swinging hook apparatus, rotatably mounted on a pivotal shaft on a conveyor chain, comprising a swinging hook having an abutting surface for detachably engaging with conveyor goods and formed above the pivotal shaft of the swinging hook and having an external force action surface formed below the pivotal shaft with a bearing of the pivotal shaft mounted, through a shock absorber, on the swinging hook support in a longitudinal direction of the conveyor chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Akira Morikiyo, Yoshifumi Sueishi, Yusuke Omura, Kenji Umezawa
  • Patent number: 5791575
    Abstract: A conveyor system for an automatic coning machine having coning units for unwinding thread from spools carried by disks. The system has a feeding conveyor for transporting the spools on carrying disks to the coning machine and a removal conveyor for transporting exhausted spool carrying disks from the coning machine. Passages traverse adjacent coning units which are interconnected to and between the conveying and removal conveyors. Feeders are provided for, at least, the feeding conveyor. The feeders are connected to and movable with the feeding conveyor, wherein the feeders are spaced apart from one another and wherein each of said feeders includes an engaging member for contacting a spool carrying disk and moving the spool carrying disk along the feeding conveyor, and a jutting member movably connected to the feeder which contacts the engaged spool carrier disk for guiding the spool carrier disk in a desired position along the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Savio Macchine Tessili S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Badiali, Luciano Bertoli, Giorgio Colomberotto
  • Patent number: 5738204
    Abstract: A two-point attachment of the pusher on the toothed belt of a conveyor means in conjunction with a rocking lever causes the pusher to perform a rocking motion in the direction opposite to the conveying direction upon deflection of the toothed belt around a return wheel. This results in reduced vibration of the conveyor means and reduced risk of damage to the item conveyed before the pusher dips below the conveying plane (F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Elpatronic AG
    Inventor: Michael Baumgartner