Surface Formed By Plural Parallel Elongated Sections Reciprocating Horizontally Patents (Class 198/750.2)
  • Patent number: 11396383
    Abstract: An unmanned article storage box for automatically receiving an article from a drone and storing the article includes: a box main body configured to form an accommodating space for storing the article therein; an article receiver configured to slidingly be carried in and out from the box main body; a sliding unit configured to slidingly move the article receiver by having a first end that is fastened to the article receiver and a second end that is fastened to an inside of the box main body; a power unit configured to transfer a power to enable the article receiver to move along the sliding unit; and a controller configured to control the power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventor: Kwan Doo Kim
  • Patent number: 10899549
    Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder for a drive unit assembly for a reciprocating floor slat conveyor system has a single tubular barrel divided into two chambers by a center head or plug. The center head is held in position by shrink fitting it into the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Keith Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Jared Murphy, Tim Toth
  • Patent number: 10611579
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to end caps for extruded floor slats that are built into moving floor conveyor systems. The end cap has a portion that is inserted in the hollow end of an extrusion and is held in place by self-threading screws that thread directly into the material making up the end cap and the floor slat at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Keith Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Brandon O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10543980
    Abstract: A roll-off tub style container which is leak-proof to prevent liquids in the container from draining onto the ground or roadways. In one embodiment of the invention, the floor of the container has an upwardly and rearwardly extending inclined portion at the rearward end thereof to prevent liquid in the container from coming into contact with the tail gate of the container. In another embodiment of the invention, the rearward end of the container is elevated during transport to prevent liquid in the container from coming into contact with the tail gate. In yet another embodiment of the container, the floor of the container is inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the forward end thereof to the rearward end thereof. A liquid collection tank may be positioned beneath the floor of the container which has an inlet in fluid communication with the interior of the container and a discharge outlet provided thereon to permit liquid in the tank to be selectively drained therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: Ralph R. Rogers
  • Patent number: 9969560
    Abstract: In a walking floor conveyor, an arrangement of panels lined longitudinally in a side-by-side fashion are organized into at least two correlating groups of panels. At least two panels within each group. Each panel grouping is propelled and retracted in a reciprocating manner, each by a hydraulic cylinder. The panels comprising wheel receptacles underneath the panels and at least one wheel fitted within a wheel receptacle to allow for forward and backward movement along a wheel support beam. These reciprocating panels supported by a series of wheel support beams, interior support beams and side support beams. These side support beams are at their tallest in the back and shortest in the front to provide a slant allowing for a flow of cargo and liquid runoff captured within a plurality of panel drains located between the panels towards a frontally placed auger designed for the assistance of cargo discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Hani Toma
  • Patent number: 9266682
    Abstract: System and method for controlling a moving floor having multiple sliding slats, to produce a practically continuous load-moving force on a load carried on the apparatus. The slats are reciprocated back and forth by hydraulic cylinders, each of which controls a group of slats that are moved together. At any given time, a majority of the slats are moving together in the desired direction, and carry a load in this direction at a nearly uniform velocity. The remainder of the slats are moved in a reverse direction at the same time. The movement of the slats is controlled by an infinite piston positioning feedback system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventors: Tommy George Pistacchio, Philip Joseph Sweet, Lynn A. Stuart
  • Publication number: 20140311873
    Abstract: Movable conveyor slats (12) have side parts (42, 44) which rest on top parts (32) of bearings (30). The bearings (30) have a generally U-shaped cross section and they fit on wings (16, 18) which extend outwardly and slope upwardly from the sides of a fixed conveyor slat (10). The movable slats (12) have web (48, 50) and lower flange portions (52, 54) which with the side parts (42, 44) form laterally outwardly opening channels. The wings (16, 18) and the bearings (30) are received within the channels (56, 58).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Keith Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: James Drago
  • Patent number: 8827624
    Abstract: An elongated container of a truck has a closed front end wall and a hinged rear outlet closure, and a side infeed opening for receiving garbage. This empty container is configured to receive an elongated base upon which is mounted a reciprocating conveyor floor for moving garbage in the container outward through the opened rear closure for deposit at a garbage disposal site. The power drive mechanism for driving the reciprocating floor is located at the front end of the container and is shielded from input garbage by a deflector secured to the reciprocating floor. The deflector also serves as a pusher for compacting and moving garbage in the container out through the opened rear closure. The self-contained reciprocating floor is easily carried manually and fed through the opened rear closure and secured firmly in the truck container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hallco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Olof A. Hallstrom
  • Patent number: 8708636
    Abstract: An improved outer reciprocating floor slat for use in a truck trailer or the like. The outer floor slat is located adjacent to a trailer's side wall. The floor slat has a portion that extends laterally upwardly and outwardly until it reaches the trailer's side wall at an elevation above the normal load-carrying floor elevation of the reciprocating floor slats. The upwardly extending portion facilitates material movement away from the corner region where the reciprocating floor normally intersects the trailer's side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Keith Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Daniel W Jackson
  • Publication number: 20140090960
    Abstract: A tipper retrofit bearingless reciprocating slat-type conveyor assembly 200 for use in a load-holding compartment including a plurality of elongate hold down strips 220, a plurality of elongate guide trough subdecks 230, and a plurality of longitudinal slats 210 adjacent to and parallel to each other is described herein. Also described herein is a snap together bearingless reciprocating slat conveyor for use in a load-holding compartment (that has at least one cross-member having an overhang) that includes at least one reciprocating slat-type conveyor assembly 300, 400 and at least one elongate slat 310, 410 at least partially supported by at least one subdeck 330, 430.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Hallco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Berthelsen, Brady L. Byers, Gregory P. Danis
  • Patent number: 8561788
    Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor (10) is provided for moving goods, including a tray (12) having a tray floor (14) supporting goods, with the tray movable in a forward direction and a backward direction. A drive motor (16) is provided for moving the tray floor in the forward direction and the backward direction. The tray floor includes plurality of dimples (20) each projecting upward from an adjacent product supporting surface (22) of the tray floor. Each dimple (20) includes an upwardly projecting pusher portion (24) for pushing goods forward during the forward movement of the tray, and a tapered ramp portion (26) extending upward from the product supporting surface and engaging the pusher portion for moving goods in front of the pusher portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas G. Knodell, Jr., Blake Svejkovsky, Kenneth C. Petri, Paul A. Svejkovsky
  • Publication number: 20130186733
    Abstract: A reciprocating slat conveyor includes a plurality of laterally and substantially parallel longitudinal trough-like subdecks and a plurality of longitudinal slats adjacent to and parallel to each other. The slats are in a sliding relationship with a pair of adjacent subdecks and cover the longitudinal space between the pair of adjacent subdecks. The subdecks longitudinally support two adjacent slats at or near a slat longitudinal side edge. The subdecks conduct the movement of the slats, preferably without distinct bearing elements therebetween. Some preferred embodiments include raised double-seal system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Hallco Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Berthelsen, Brady L. Byers, Gregory P. Danis
  • Patent number: 8430231
    Abstract: A multi-operating-mode reciprocating slat conveyor having a plurality of operating modes (each operating mode having a predetermined number of steps) and means for switching between operating modes responsive to at least one operating mode changing event. A method implemented using the multi-operating-mode reciprocating slat conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hallco Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Price Almond
  • Patent number: 8424674
    Abstract: Movable conveyor slats (12) have side parts (74, 76) which rest on top parts of bearings (92). The bearings (92) have a generally U-shaped cross section and they fit on wings (52, 54, 54?) which extend outwardly and slope upwardly from the sides of a fixed conveyor slat (10, 10?). Fixed conveyor slats (10, 10?) have base portions (18, 18?) and upper insert portions (20, 20?). The inserts (20, 20?) have downwardly extending ribs (62, 64) on their sides which extend into upwardly opening grooves (48, 50) in the base portions (18). The movable slats (12) have web (80, 82) and lower flange portions (84, 86) which with the side parts (74, 76) of the slats (12) form laterally outwardly opening channels. The wings (52, 54, 54?) and the bearings (92) are received within the channels (88, 90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Keith Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: James P. Drago, Daniel W. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8408140
    Abstract: A device for entering an object into a cell comprises mainly a track for guiding the object and a lifting pod extending the track. It is then possible to use robots and lower them on the floor of the cell to carry out inspection work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat A l'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Herve Vialle, Pascal Gire
  • Patent number: 8397900
    Abstract: A traverse system for transporting a moving cart to working lines includes a base frame disposed along moving direction of the moving cart, a shuttle unit comprising a plurality of roller rotatably disposed on the base frame and a cover plate, and a moving unit disposed on the shuttle unit and configured to reciprocate along the base frame by operation of a cylinder so as to transport the moving cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jeongho Choi
  • Patent number: 8397654
    Abstract: A grate plate arrangement for stepped reciprocating grates includes a grate plate with a front plate fastened to a front wall in the direction of conveyance. The grate plate includes an adjustment plate being clamped between the front plate and the front wall of the grate plate for adjusting a motion gap between the front end of the grate plate and the following grate plate in the direction of conveyance which forms the next grate step. The adjustment plate is calibrated with the front plate still only loosely assembled, in its vertical position that forms the motion gap, and is held in this position by clamping the front plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: IKN GmbH
    Inventors: Nicolaas van Diepen, Richard Schneider, Sando Klaas Windmöller
  • Publication number: 20120261237
    Abstract: A slip conveyor (10) having a plurality of trays (11, 12, 13). Each of the trays (11, 12, 13) has an end portion (19) with an edge (29) inclined to the longitudinal direction of movement (14) of the tray (11, 12, 13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: TNA Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Alfred Alexander Taylor
  • Patent number: 8215478
    Abstract: A multi-operating-mode reciprocating slat conveyor having a plurality of operating modes (each operating mode having a predetermined number of steps) and means for switching between operating modes responsive to at least one operating mode changing event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hallco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Price Almond
  • Publication number: 20120145518
    Abstract: A multi-operating-mode reciprocating slat conveyor having a plurality of operating modes (each operating mode having a predetermined number of steps) and means for switching between operating modes responsive to at least one operating mode changing event. A method implemented using the multi-operating-mode reciprocating slat conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Hallco Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Price Almond
  • Patent number: 8151975
    Abstract: A rail conveyor system comprises a base member supporting a rail conveyor mechanism that includes a mechanical power transfer assembly mounted within the base member. A plurality of parallel support rods mounted upon the base member is rotatable by the mechanical power transfer assembly. A plurality of parallel square tubes rests perpendicularly to and upon the support rods providing a uniform support surface above the base member. The tubes are operatively connected to the power transfer assembly for sequential, longitudinal reciprocation, perpendicular to the support rods. The support rods each include a series of indented surfaces for sequentially lowering one of the tubes relative to three adjacent tubes. The mechanical power transfer assembly provides sequential, longitudinal movement of three adjacent tubes in one direction and movement of a fourth bracketed tube in an opposite direction, while simultaneously rotating the support rods to first lower, then raise the opposite moving fourth bracketed tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Donald Anderson
  • Patent number: 8132520
    Abstract: A conveyor grate for the transport and cooling of bulk material, for example cement clinker, comprises a grate floor having multiple planks (12), adjacently situated transverse to the direction of transport on associated support structures and operationally moved longitudinally relative to one another individually or in groups, with moving gaps (14) designed as blow openings situated therebetween, and a method for operating such a conveyor grate. The mutually facing side edges or side edge regions of two adjacent planks (12) form two complementary, mutually engaging profiles between which the moving gap (14) is formed. In the method according to the invention, at least a quantity of the cooling air is blown through the moving gaps (14) which is sufficient to blow the moving gaps (14) completely open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Alite GmbH
    Inventor: Karl von Wedel
  • Patent number: 8123454
    Abstract: An elongated container of a truck has a closed front end wall and a hinged rear outlet closure, and a side infeed opening for receiving garbage. This empty container is configured to receive an elongated base upon which is mounted a reciprocating conveyor floor for moving garbage in the container outward through the opened rear closure for deposit at a garbage disposal site. The power drive mechanism for driving the reciprocating floor is located at the front end of the container and is shielded from input garbage by a deflector secured to the reciprocating floor. The deflector also serves as a pusher for compacting and moving garbage in the container out through the opened rear closure. The self-contained reciprocating floor is easily carried manually and fed through the opened rear closure and secured firmly in the truck container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hallco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Olof A. Hallstrom
  • Patent number: 8083052
    Abstract: Movable conveyor slats (12) have side parts (42, 44) which rest on top parts (32) of bearings (30). The bearings (30) have a generally U-shaped cross section and they fit on wings (16, 18) which extend outwardly and slope upwardly from the sides of a fixed conveyor slat (10). The movable slats (12) have web (48, 50) and lower flange portions (52, 54) which with the side parts (42, 44) form laterally outwardly opening channels. The wings (16, 18) and the bearings (30) are received within the channels (56, 58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Keith Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: James Prentice Drago, John Thomas
  • Patent number: 8074786
    Abstract: A method of mounting a floor slat (14) of a reciprocating floor to an associated drive beam (18.1) of the floor slat includes mounting an elongate clamp member (200) to the drive beam (18.1). The clamp member (200) has opposed side walls defining a longitudinally extending clamping slot between them. The floor slat (14) is located on the clamp member (200). The floor slat (14) has a downwardly depending longitudinally extending mounting member (208) which is received in the clamping slot. The mounting member (208) is clamped in the clamping slot thereby to attach the floor slat (14) to the clamp member (200) and thus to the drive beam (18.1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Rene Wegkamp
  • Patent number: 8006828
    Abstract: Movable conveyor slats (10, 10?) have side parts (14, 14?, 16, 16?) which rest on top parts (94) of bearings (92). The bearings (92) have a generally U-shaped cross section and they fit on wings (72, 74) which extend outwardly and upwardly from the sides of a fixed conveyor slat (12). The movable slats (10, 10?) have a web (22, 24) and lower flange portions (26, 28) which with the side parts (14, 16) form laterally outwardly opening channels. The wings (72, 74) and the bearings (92) are received within the channel spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Keith Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Stout, Robert Moore, James P. Drago, Michael Kloepfer
  • Publication number: 20110042185
    Abstract: A multi-operating-mode reciprocating slat conveyor having a plurality of operating modes (each operating mode having a predetermined number of steps) and means for switching between operating modes responsive to at least one operating mode changing event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Hallco Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Price Almond
  • Publication number: 20110041706
    Abstract: A chocolate manufacturing machine includes a chocolate dispenser and a chocolate cooler downstream from the chocolate dispenser. There is also a walking beam conveyor to advance a plurality of chocolate molding trays along a path of travel from the chocolate dispenser toward the chocolate cooler. The walking beam conveyor may comprise a pair of spaced apart tray guide rails to guide the plurality of chocolate molding trays. There may be at least one pair of walking beams adjacent the pair of spaced apart tray guide rails. A drive arrangement may cooperate with the at least one pair of walking beams to advance the plurality of chocolate molding trays along the path of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Henry M. Whetstone, JR.
  • Patent number: 7850414
    Abstract: A linear transfer mechanism includes a guide member, a transfer carriage movable along a horizontal linear transfer path provided on the guide member, and a drive mechanism provided with a drive pulley and an output belt wound around the drive pulley for reciprocating movement in a reciprocating movement section in parallel to the transfer path. The transfer mechanism also includes a drive source for driving the drive pulley. The transfer carriage is connected with the output belt of the drive mechanism by a connecting member. Both the drive mechanism and the drive source are supported by the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Daihen Corporation
    Inventors: Takafumi Uratani, Hirokazu Yoda, Daisuke Sado, Akira Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7815037
    Abstract: A conveyor comprises laterally spaced apart lifting/holding slats (12) and laterally spaced apart conveying slats (10) between the lifting/holding slats (12). The conveying slats (10) are advanced in a first direction for conveying a load and are retracted in a second direction for returning them to a start position. The lifting/holding slats (12) have lower portions (62) which reciprocate and upper portions (60) which move up and down. Cams (96, 98) operate in response to longitudinal movement of the lower slat members (62) to raise and lower the upper slat members (60). One end of the upper slat members (60) is connected to a fixed structure (18?) by a pivoting link (110) which pivots to permit up and down movement of the slat member (62) while preventing lengthwise movement of the slat member (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Keith Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Michael C. House, Scott M Delamarter
  • Patent number: 7811046
    Abstract: A bifurcated, dual-compartment trailer having a front storage compartment and a rear storage compartment, each having a power driven live floor. The storage compartments are selectively separated by a moveable or openable partition having a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the partition divides the front compartment from the rear compartment and provides a barrier that prevents bulk material contained in either compartment from mixing with bulk material in the other compartment. The trailer includes a rear door, and when opened, the rear compartment may be unloaded using the rear live floor, after which the partition may be opened and the front compartment unloaded using both the front and rear live floors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce Reuser, John Reuser
  • Patent number: 7798809
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a bulk good grate cooler for cooling hot cement clinker, for example, in a process-controlled manner is provided in order to ensure that the volume flows of cooling air in all areas of the cooling grate and/or the residence time in the respective area of the bed of the goods to be cooled can be matched to the cooling requirements occurring in each area. A control intervention is carried out during the operation of the grate cooler with respect to the respective local cooling air volume flow and/or with respect to the respective local speed of conveyance of cooling grid according to the respective bulk good bed height measured per area and/or the bulk good bed temperature and/or the cooling air through-flow resistance such that if a modification occurs in one or several of the measured parameters, i.e., bed height, bed temperature and through-flow resistance, the respective local cooling air volume flow and/or the conveyance speed of the grate system is altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: KHD Humboldt Wedag GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Mersmann, Karl Schinke, Thomas Binninger
  • Publication number: 20100213035
    Abstract: Movable conveyor slats (12) have side parts (74, 76) which rest on top parts of bearings (92). The bearings (92) have a generally U-shaped cross section and they fit on wings (52, 54, 54?) which extend outwardly and slope upwardly from the sides of a fixed conveyor slat (10, 10?). Fixed conveyor slats (10, 10?) have base portions (18, 18?) and upper insert portions (20, 20?). The inserts (20, 20?) have downwardly extending ribs (62, 64) on their sides which extend into upwardly opening grooves (48, 50) in the base portions (18). The movable slats (12) have web (80, 82) and lower flange portions (84, 86) which with the side parts (74, 76) of the slats (12) form laterally outwardly opening channels. The wings (52, 54, 54?) and the bearings (92) are received within the channels (88, 90).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: James P. Drago, Daniel W. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7661523
    Abstract: A linear hydraulic motor (12) includes an elongate cylinder (26) and at least one piston (34) slidingly located inside the cylinder. The piston (34) has a longitudinally extending portion which fits with clearance in the cylinder and which describes a path in use which penetrates an interior zone of the cylinder which extends radially inwardly from an aperture in the cylinder wall. An internal reinforcing member (300) is slidingly located inside the cylinder to travel with the piston. The reinforcing member describes a path in use which also penetrates said interior zone of the cylinder which extends radially inwardly from the aperture in the cylinder wall and the reinforcing member has portions which are concentric and radially aligned with circumferentially spaced portions of the cylinder wall that are on opposite sides of said aperture in the cylinder wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Rene Wegkamp
  • Patent number: 7658276
    Abstract: A drive beam (18.2) for a reciprocating floor includes a pair of elongate U-shaped channel members with longitudinally extending edges arranged and welded together edge to edge to define an elongate substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section tube member with opposed welded side walls (718) each with a lengthwise welding seam. A pair of elongate opposed reinforcing members (712) is fast with a respective associated welded side wall (718) and located inside the tube member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Rene Wegkamp
  • Publication number: 20100025195
    Abstract: A conveyor comprises laterally spaced apart lifting/holding slats (12) and laterally spaced apart conveying slats (10) between the lifting/holding slats (12). The conveying slats (10) are advanced in a first direction for conveying a load and are retracted in a second direction for returning them to a start position. The lifting/holding slats (12) have lower portions (62) which reciprocate and upper portions (60) which move up and down. Cams (96, 98) operate in response to longitudinal movement of the lower slat members (62) to raise and lower the upper slat members (60). One end of the upper slat members (60) is connected to a fixed structure (18?) by a pivoting link (110) which pivots to permit up and down movement of the slat member (62) while preventing lengthwise movement of the slat member (62).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Michael C. House, Scott M. Delamarter
  • Publication number: 20100025194
    Abstract: Movable conveyor slats (10, 10?) have side parts (14, 14?, 16, 16?) which rest on top parts (94) of bearings (92). The bearings (92) have a generally U-shaped cross section and they fit on wings (72, 74) which extend outwardly and upwardly from the sides of a fixed conveyor slat (12). The movable slats (10, 10?) have a web (22, 24) and lower flange portions (26, 28) which with the side parts (14, 16) form laterally outwardly opening channels. The wings (72, 74) and the bearings (92) are received within the channel spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Stout, Robert Moore, James P. Drago, Michael Kloepfer
  • Publication number: 20100025193
    Abstract: Conveyor slats (14, 14?, 14?) are supported for longitudinal movement along support beams (12, 12?). The slats (14, 14?, 14?) are constructed from a structural plastic material and the support beams (12, 12?) are constructed from metal. The support beams (12, 12?) have a center portion in the form of an upwardly opening channel formed by side walls (22, 22? and 24, 24?) and a bottom wall (20, 20?). A top is formed by side parts (16, 16? and 18, 18?). Side parts (16, 16?) project laterally outwardly from the upper edges of the side walls (22, 22?). A top side part (18, 18?) projects laterally outwardly from the upper edges of the side walls (24, 24?). The conveyor slats (14, 14?, 14?) have a top wall (40, 40?, 40?), a pair of side walls (50, 50?, 50? and 52, 52?, 52?). Inwardly projecting flanges (54, 54?, 54? and 56, 56?, 56?) project laterally inwardly from the side walls (50, 50?, 50? and 52, 52?, 52?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Scott Michael Delamarter, Daniel W. Jackson, James P. Drago
  • Patent number: 7632092
    Abstract: In order to provide an automatically operating cooling air regulating device for a grate cooler for cooling hot bulk material such as cement clinker, for example, which can be constructed easily and can be used without problems both for non-moving and also in particular for moving cooling grate regions or moving cooling grate systems, a regulating device with a regulator housing which is arranged below the cooling grate, performs its movements with it and is flowed through by the cooling air supplied is proposed according to the invention, an inner body which can be moved translatorily by the cooling air flow being guided displaceably in the regulator housing and the free flow cross section of the regulator housing remaining for the cooling air being reduced automatically with increasing height inside the regulator housing of the inner body against which the cooling air flows, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: KHD Humboldt Wedag GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Mersmann, Karl Schinke, Thomas Binninger, Wilhelm Edel, Ralf Werker
  • Patent number: 7604109
    Abstract: A trailer (T) and a dock (D) are provided with substantially identical slat conveyors (10, 12). Each conveyor (10, 12) has alternating conveyor slats (36, 36?) and lifting/holding slats (38, 38?). The trailer (T) is backed up to the dock (D). Upper portions of the lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) are coupled together at their ends. The confronting ends of the conveying slats (36, 36?) are also coupled together. A mechanism carried by the dock (D) raises and lowers the upper portions of the two sets of lifting/holding slats (38, 38?) a drive mechanism carried by the dock (D) where it reciprocates both sets of conveying slats (36, 36?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Keith Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Raymond Keith Foster, Randall Mark Foster, legal representative, John Scott Cook
  • Patent number: 7591368
    Abstract: A glass substrate carrier has a base, a tray assembly, a transmission device and a non-contact brake assembly. The base is movable. The tray assembly has a tray slidably mounted on the base and holding a glass substrate. The transmission device is mounted between the base and the tray assembly and is capable of driving the tray to extend out or retract back to the base. The non-contact brake assembly has a first brake element mounted on the base and a second brake element mounted on the tray assembly and un-contacting the first brake element. The first and second brake elements attract each other with an attractive force to brake a movement of the tray of the tray assembly. The first and second brake elements do not rub against each other and no dust is generated to damage circuit on the glass substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Prime View International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jui-Chung Cheng, Summit Lin
  • Patent number: 7584838
    Abstract: A linear hydraulic motor (12) includes an elongate cylinder (26) and at least one piston (34.1, 34.2, 34.3) is slidingly located inside the cylinder (36). The motor (12) is characterised in that in use force is transferred from the piston transversely outwardly through the cylinder. The invention extends to a reciprocating floor conveyor (10) which includes a plurality of elongate floor members (14) defining a floor surface (16) and which are grouped in at least two sets, at least two transverse drive beams (18.1, 18.2, 18.3), each being fast with an associated set of the floor members, and drive means drivingly connected to the transverse drive beams. The drive means includes at least one such linear hydraulic motor (12) drivingly connected to at least one of the transverse drive beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Rene Wegkamp
  • Patent number: 7556141
    Abstract: A base structure (10) for a reciprocating slat conveyor is formed from a plurality of cellular base sections (18) that are connected by tongue and groove joints (28, 30). Each section is constructed from a lower wall (20), an upper wall (22) placed vertically above the lower wall (20), first and second opposite side portions (22, 24) connected to the upper and lower walls (22, 20) and a plurality of divider walls (26) spaced apart between the side portions (22, 24) and extending vertically between the upper and lower walls (20, 22). Each base section (18) comprises at least one elongated guide beam (36) that extends upwardly from the upper wall (22). The guide beam (36) has a top (42) on which an elongated bearing (14) is placed. The bearing (14) snaps onto the top (20) and a conveyor slat (16) snaps onto the bearing (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Keith Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Randall Mark Foster, Kenneth A. Stout, Michael Christopher House
  • Patent number: 7546915
    Abstract: A linear actuator is provided comprising a housing, a rectangular elongate shaft operably coupled to the housing, and a scraper assembly. The shaft has a hardened bearing surface in sliding engagement with a hardened bearing surface of the housing, thus providing a hard-on-hard bearing between the shaft and housing, wherein the shaft is prevented from rotating with respect to the housing. The scraper assembly comprises first and second resilient members positioned within a recess of the housing, wherein one or more scraper blades are disposed between the first and second resilient members. A retaining member coupled to the housing generally compresses the first and second resilient members within the recess, therein biasing a scraping edge of the one or more scraper blades against the shaft bearing surface, wherein the retaining member, one or more scraper blades, and the first resilient member are operable to clear debris from elongate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Zaytran, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore S. Zajac, Jr., Brian K. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7510071
    Abstract: A plow (P) sits down on movable slats (10) of a reciprocating slat conveyor formed of the movable slats (10) and fixed slats (12) which are between the movable slats (10). The movable slats (10) and fixed slats (12) define valley regions between the movable slats (10). The plow (P) has fingers (92, 106) which extend into the valley regions. During the unloading operations, the plow (P) is moved rearwardly by the moveable slats (10), together with the load (L) that is on the conveyor. When the plow (P) reaches the rear end of the conveyor, it tips rearwardly and discharges the remaining portions of the load (L) off from the conveyor. Then, a teather (T) is wound onto a winch and used for pulling the plow (P) forwardly back into a forward parked position (FIG. 15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Raymond Keith Foster
  • Patent number: 7484957
    Abstract: The invention aims at providing a bulk material cooler particularly for hot cement clinker, wherein the conveyance performance and the efficiency of the cooler are enhanced and problems due to wear are reduced. According to the invention, the cooling grates of several adjacent, elongated bottom elements extending in longitudinal direction of the cooler are put together, said bottom elements being movably controlled independently of one another between a work clearance stroke position in the direction of conveyance of the material to be cooled and a return stroke position in such a way that the material to be cooled is gradually conveyed through the cooler according to the walking floor transport system, wherein the bottom elements are configured as hollow bodies and enable the cold air to go through yet prevent grate sifting of the material to be cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: KHD Humboldt Wedag GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Mersmann, Karl Schinke
  • Publication number: 20090020396
    Abstract: A base structure (10) for a reciprocating slat conveyor is formed from a plurality of cellular base sections (18) that are connected by tongue and groove joints (28, 30). Each section is constructed from a lower wall (20), an upper wall (22) placed vertically above the lower wall (20), first and second opposite side portions (22, 24) connected to the upper and lower walls (22, 20) and a plurality of divider walls (26) spaced apart between the side portions (22, 24) and extending vertically between the upper and lower walls (20, 22). Each base section (18) comprises at least one elongated guide beam (36) that extends upwardly from the upper wall (22). The guide beam (36) has a top (42) on which an elongated bearing (14) is placed. The bearing (14) snaps onto the top (20) and a conveyor slat (16) snaps onto the bearing (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Randall Mark Foster, Kenneth A. Stout, Michael Christopher House
  • Publication number: 20080283365
    Abstract: A plow (P) sits down on movable slats (10) of a reciprocating slat conveyor formed of the movable slats (10) and fixed slats (12) which are between the movable slats (10). The movable slats (10) and fixed slats (12) define valley regions between the movable slats (10). The plow (P) has fingers (92, 106) which extend into the valley regions. During the unloading operations, the plow (P) is moved rearwardly by the moveable slats (10), together with the load (L) that is on the conveyor. When the plow (P) reaches the rear end of the conveyor, it tips rearwardly and discharges the remaining portions of the load (L) off from the conveyor. Then, a teather (T) is wound onto a winch and used for pulling the plow (P) forwardly back into a forward parked position (FIG. 15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond Keith Foster
  • Publication number: 20080277246
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of a reciprocating slat conveyor, such as used to form the floor of a mobile cargo container. For example, the slat conveyor can be installed in the collection area of a garbage collection truck. In particular embodiments, the conveyor includes an elongated floor assembly that has a concave upper surface such that the left and right longitudinal sides of the floor assembly curve upwardly from the longitudinal center of the floor assembly. In this manner, materials, especially liquids, tend to funnel downwardly along the curved portions of the floor assembly and accumulate proximate the center of the floor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy Berthelsen
  • Publication number: 20080271977
    Abstract: A method of mounting a floor slat (14) of a reciprocating floor to an associated drive beam (18.1) of the floor slat includes mounting an elongate clamp member (200) to the drive beam (18.1). The clamp member (200) has opposed side walls defining a longitudinally extending clamping slot between them. The floor slat (14) is located on the clamp member (200). The floor slat (14) has a downwardly depending longitudinally extending mounting member (208) which is received in the clamping slot. The mounting member (208) is clamped in the clamping slot thereby to attach the floor slat (14) to the clamp member (200) and thus to the drive beam (18.1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Rene Wegkamp