Formed Of Or Including Pivotally Interconnected Rigid Links Patents (Class 198/850)
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Patent number: 7559422Abstract: A modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. In one embodiment, the link section is unitary and includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector may be provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure, such as a small diameter, cylindrical nosebar or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Otto Jorgen Draebel, Mark T. Johnson, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: 7556145Abstract: A gapless side guard for use with a modular belt having modules connected to one another by pivot rods. The gapless side guard has a continuous strip of flexible material for retaining materials being transported on the modular belt. In one embodiment, the strip has strip openings and the strip is connected to the module with brackets. The brackets have anchors and the strip openings are positioned around the anchors such that the strip is thereafter joined to the anchors. The bracket has a stud side with studs extending from the stud side. The module has stud openings and the studs are snapped into the stud openings in the module and are thereafter joined to the module. The strip is flexible such that when the modular belt is driven over a sprocket it is capable of elongating as the distance between the brackets increases.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Habasit AGInventor: Dietmar Elsner
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Publication number: 20090145731Abstract: A conveyor (1) for conveying products along a conveying track (23) with varying temperature, comprising a first axle (3) provided with first divert wheels (2) and a second axle (4) provided with second divert wheels (5) and a plurality of modular, endless conveyor mats (6) built up from plastic modules (15), travelling in side-by-side parallel relation in a conveying direction around the first and second divert wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2006Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventors: Michael Van Rees, Cornelis Hendrik Mijndert Menke, Gijsbertus Johannes Verduijn
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Patent number: 7543699Abstract: An endless conveyor, in particular a link conveyor for items of baggage in the baggage-reclaim area of an airport, which, by very straightforward and functionally reliable design, is to replace the expensive, heavy and maintenance-intensive prior-art conveyor guided on link chains. According to the invention, it is proposed that the traction device provided for the endless conveyor is a cable, in particular wire cable, which connects the conveying elements and on which the conveying elements are fastened at defined intervals such that they can negotiate curves and gradients, and that driving takes place preferably via a linear drive.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellachaftInventor: Thomas Helgert
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Patent number: 7530454Abstract: A conveyor belt including a plurality of link elements, and a pivot rod with a button head at one end. The button head is sized to pass through an outer opening and be received in a first edge extension when in a particular orientation. The pivot rod is retained with the button head received in the first edge extension by rotating the button head so that the button head is misaligned with respect to the first dimension of the outer opening. A method for assembling a conveyor belt is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Ashworth Bros. Inc.Inventors: D. Joseph Neely, Aaron Brantly Neely
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Patent number: 7527145Abstract: A low-friction conveyor (10) including a conveyor belt (12) supported on self-contained rollers (32) riding along a carryway (22). The conveyor includes a modular conveyor belt constructed of a series of rows of belt modules (24, 25) connected into a loop by hinge joints between adjacent rows (26). The belt is supported on a carryway. Drive surfaces are accessible from the interior side (28) of the belt loop. Drive elements, such as sprockets (16), drive on the drive surfaces to move the belt along the carryway. The belt rollers are recessod inward of the outer side (29) of the belt loop and extend past the interior side of the belt loop. In this way, the rollers engage the carryway in low-friction, rolling contact.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Omair Zubair, Gerald O'Connor, Kyle Sedlacek
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Patent number: 7527146Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a module which can support a roller between adjacent hinge members to simplify modular conveyor assembly and disassembly. The module includes at least two adjacent first hinge members extending in a direction of conveyor travel and defining a space therebetween. The at least two adjacent first hinge members include coaxial openings for receiving a hinge pin therethrough. A first snap fit extension extending from at least one of the adjacent first hinge members toward the other of the adjacent first hinge members for holding a roller in the space substantially coaxial with the openings in the at least two adjacent first hinge members.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLCInventors: James C. Stebnicki, Kevin S. Hansen
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Patent number: 7523820Abstract: A rolling element chain is applied to retain and arrange multiple rollers at intervals in a line and has a belt assembly and multiple clamping assemblies. The rollers are cylinders mounted parallelly in the rolling element chain. The belt assembly is resilient and has two parallel bars. The clamping assemblies are formed in pairs between the parallel bars to form multiple roller holes on the belt assembly and each clamping assembly has multiple clamping protrusions. The clamping protrusions of each clamping assembly are formed in a line between the parallel bars and alternately protrude oppositely away from the belt assembly and together hold one corresponding roller in the belt assembly. Each clamping protrusion has a roller surface and at least one apex. The at least one apex is formed on and protrudes from the roller surface, thereby, reduces contact area between the clamping protrusions and the rollers.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Precision Motion Industries, Inc.Inventors: Ching-Shan Wu, Yen-I Liao, Chien-Hsiung Liao
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Patent number: 7520379Abstract: A chain pin or pin element for connecting chain links together to form a section of a chain for conveying products along a conveyor line or path of a material handling system includes a shaft portion and a head portion at at least one end of the shaft portion. The shaft portion is received through respective chain links to define a joint of the section of chain, while the head portion or head portions retain the pin at the links. At least one head portion of at least some of the pins includes a reservoir and a channel formed therein. The reservoir is configured to receive a lubricating fluid, such as from a lubricating device of the material handling system, while the channel functions to distribute the lubricant from the reservoir and toward and onto the shaft portion of the pin to lubricate the joint of the chain.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Frost Links, Inc.Inventors: Charles C. Frost, Jonathan M. Rathbun
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Patent number: 7500555Abstract: A link plate for a metal waste conveyer is composed of plural flat plates, and each of them has its lengthwise opposite side edges respectively provided with plural staggered pivotal members and opposite lateral ends respectively compressed to form a vertical side plate. Before the side plate is compression molded, the flat plate has its opposite short sides respectively compressed to form a bar projection with a preset length and thickness. The central line of the bar projection is parallel to the lengthwise central line of the flat plate and perpendicular to the bending line of the side plate. The bar projection has its opposite ends respectively positioned on the side plate and the flat plate, having one end on the side plate located lower than the upper edge of the side plate to form a space therebetween, and the other end on the flat plate extended to a preset length for reinforcing the supporting force of the side plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Miaw Yeou Metal Industry Co., LtdInventor: Chin-Lien Liao
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Patent number: 7494006Abstract: A modular conveyor belt and belt attachment members that are retained by hinge rods. The attachment members have a body with opposite outer and base surfaces. Interaction elements, such as high-friction surfaces, plates, or holddown wings, extend from the outer surface. The base surface mounts flush against a conveying surface or an opposite surface of the belt. Legs extend directly from the base surface into gaps between hinge elements extending longitudinally outward of conveyor belt modules forming the belt. Feet at distal ends of the legs hook under hinge rods to retain the attachment member firmly in place. The lateral spacings between the legs are related to the geometry of the hinge elements to register the attachment element with respect to the belt.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Errol P. Knott, R. Scott Dailey, Richard M. Klein, Gilbert J. MacLachlan
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Patent number: 7490715Abstract: Link chain with improved wear resistance as well as method of manufacturing such a link chain. For manufacturing of a link chain, several chain links (39; 40) comprising link pins (41) or plates provided with coatings being applied by means of a PVD process are assembled. The coatings consist of hard material layers and/or slide material layers. It is possible that no PVD coating is provided on a transition zone (1a; 4) of elements (41; 42) used for the manufacturing of the chain links predetermined for connection with another element (42; 41).Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Joh. Winklhofer & Soehne GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Helmut Girg, Martin Kohn, Stefan Pintoiu, Stephan Schmitt, Gerald Jörgensen, Bernhard Schachtner
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Publication number: 20090014287Abstract: A mini conveyor system comprises: a plurality of conveyors (1, 2) each formed from a plurality of identical modules (3A-E), each conveyor (1, 2) being guided on a dedicated support structure (5) comprising a mover element (6) and a central support element (7), each module (3A-E) comprising a load-carrying surface (8A-D) and, under the load-carrying surface, a lower surface (18A-E) from which guide means (9) extend, the system comprising a plurality of different conveyors (1, 2), all these different conveyors comprising modules (3A-E) comprising: a load-carrying surface (8A-E) having an area different from the load-carrying surface of the modules of another conveyor of said plurality of conveyors, and the same guide means (9), such that they can slide, be guided and be supported by the same support structure (5), said structure (5) being identical for all said plurality of different conveyors (1, 2).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: System Plast S.p.A.Inventor: Sergio Marsetti
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Patent number: 7473092Abstract: A method and a structure are disclosed for adjusting the distance between two preforms. Thus, the distance between two preforms is changed by adjusting the proportion in the number of two carriers on the track. In addition, the possibility of wear of the carriers is greatly reduced. Further, it is only necessary to prepare carriers of fewer sizes so as to satisfy the distance required by diverse different containers during fabrication.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Chum Power Machinery Corp.Inventor: Peter Pan
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Patent number: 7464810Abstract: A plate-link chain made up of a plurality of parallel plates arranged in rows extending in the running direction of the chain. The plates form chain links that are connected to adjacent chain links at a hinge joint. Elastically deformable damping plates extend parallel to the plates and interconnect adjacent chain links with each other elastically to allow bending movement of the chain as it passes around a wheel. The damping plates serve to damp strand vibrations that develop in the chain strand that extends between pulleys or gears about which the chain passes.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventor: Aurel Vietoris
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Publication number: 20080277244Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor segment (1) for use in a train (10) of such conveyor segments in high wall mining, provided with at least one hook (2, 22, 46) located and at least one coupling element (3, 26), wherein the hook and the coupling element are suited for coupling, wherein the hook is moveable between an open position and a closed position, and the conveyor segment is provided with locking means (7, 24, 47) for securing the hook in a closed position. The invention further relates to an assembly of at least two such conveyor segments. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of coupling of such conveyor segments. Finally, the invention relates to a method of releasing such conveyor segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2005Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Steven Allen Antoline, Paul Emile Van Es
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Patent number: 7449079Abstract: A belt for power transmission and for conveying elements is provided wherein the belt comprises a top layer attached to the top surface of the belt. The top layer provides a generally smooth top surface for the belt. The belt preferably is a link belt and the top surface of the belt comprises a bonding layer for adhering the top layer to the belt. The bonding layer may be a thermoplastic urethane that is heat fusible with the compressible layer to adhere the compressible layer to the belt. A method is also provide in which a top layer is adhered to a link belt and the top layer is then severed into a plurality of separate elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Fenner, U.S., Inc.Inventors: Francis B Fatato, Jeremy M Bigler
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Patent number: 7441649Abstract: An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors together create a substantially open, planar support surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Span Tech, LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: 7428964Abstract: A chain cover includes side covers each formed with a shaft hole for receiving a coupling pin of a roller chain, two top covers each having a length substantially equal to a chain pitch of the roller chain, and a coupling plate coupling the top covers adjacent to each other. The side cover at each end of the chain cover has a convexly arcuate front edge concentric with the shaft hole and a concavely arcuate rear edge similar to the front edge, and the coupling plate and two top covers cooperate to form a slat. A plurality of these chain covers can be mounted on a plurality of parallel roller chains to cover the top and sides of each roller chain and form a flat goods conveying surface between the roller chains, thereby forming a slat conveyor which is less expensive than a roller conveyor and provides excellent conveying stability.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Inventor: Eiji Yoshida
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Publication number: 20080217141Abstract: A conveyor assembly is provided, which includes a link belt formed of a plurality of overlapping belt links. A plurality of engagement elements are attached to the link belt to form an upper surface. In one embodiment, the link belt includes a plurality of apertures and the engagement elements comprises connectors that cooperate with the apertures to connect the engagement elements to the link belt. The upper surface of the engagement elements may be configured in a variety of forms. In one embodiment, the engagement elements comprise a protuberance that projects upwardly to form a point of limited contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: Jeremy M. Bigler, Ryan Van Duyn, Francis B. Fatato
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Patent number: 7419052Abstract: Conveyor chains are provided which comprise free balls which are free to rotate in all directions thereby allowing for the stable conveyance of articles in any direction in the entire horizontal plane and at an increased speed in the direction of conveyance with reduced contamination in the conveyance environment. A conveyor chain 100 comprises a number of chain links 110 comprising a plurality of hinge portions 112 in a zigzag formation protruding from the front and rear end edges that are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain through hinge pins 120. Free balls 131 protrude from both the surface and back sides of the chain link 110 and are free to rotate while held in the chain link 110. Either the free balls 131 or ball holding portions 132, which hold the free balls 131, is made of polyacetal while the other is made of polyamide or polyester.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventors: Hajime Ozaki, Katsutoshi Shibayama, Yoshihiro Murakami
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Patent number: 7419051Abstract: An endless side-flexing conveyor is described comprising a conveyor belt made from a number of rows of hinged interconnected belt links, where each row comprises at least one link, where each link has a front end, a back end, a top surface, a bottom surface and two sides, where hinge parts separated by apertures are arranged along the front end and the back end such that front hinge parts on the front end will fit inside apertures on the back end of an adjacent belt link, and where the front end and back end are substantially parallel to a first axis parallel to the width direction of the link, wherein the hinge parts of each link are defined by a top and bottom which are substantially flush with the top and bottom surfaces respectively, and two side surfaces and a free front surface, and that the front hinge parts on one end of each link are provided with a protrusion on each side surface, where the protrusions fit inside elongated apertures provided in the side surfaces of the rear hinge parts on the opposiType: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: PED Invest A/SInventor: Poul Erik Damkjær
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Patent number: 7383943Abstract: A method of repairing a slat conveyor includes an anchor bar and a ratchet puller. The anchor bar preferably includes an anchor frame and a pair of C-clamps. A first C-clamp is pivotally coupled to a first end of the anchor bar with at least one link and the second C-clamp is coupled to a second end of the anchor bar with at least one link. The anchor bar is secured to conveyor frame with the pair of C-clamps. A first end of the ratchet puller is secured to the anchor bar and to a first end of a broken conveyor chain. A second end of the ratchet puller is attached to a second end of the broken conveyor chain. The ratchet puller is actuated, until the first and second ends of the broken chain meet.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Inventor: Guy E. Davis, Jr.
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Patent number: 7377380Abstract: A conveyor belt (1), comprising a number of plastic modules (3) successive in conveying direction (2) which are each provided at a front and rear side (4, 7) with a row of projections (5, 8) extending transversely to the conveying direction (2), provided with hinge holes with recesses (6, 9) located therebetween, the projections (5, 8) cooperating with recesses (6, 9) of adjoining modules, while hinge loops of successive modules (3) are coupled with the aid of hinge pins, extending through the hinge holes, transversely to the transport direction (2), the hinge pins being included with clearance in oversize hinge holes of projections (5, 8) at the front and/or the rear side (4, 7). At least two successive modules (3) are interconnected via an intermediate element (12) borne on a hinge pin (11A) and bearing mounted so as to be pivotal relative to a pivot (A) substantially transverse to the hinge pin (11A) in a bearing opening formed in one of the modules (3).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Rexnord FlatTop Europe B.V.Inventors: Cornelis Hendrik Myndert Menke, Gijsbertus Johannes Verduijn
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Publication number: 20080110730Abstract: The invention relates to an endless conveyor, in particular a link conveyor for items of baggage in the baggage-reclaim area of an airport, which, by very straightforward and functionally reliable means, is to replace the expensive, heavy and maintenance-intensive prior-art conveyor guided on link chains. According to the invention, it is proposed that the traction means provided for the endless conveyor is a cable, in particular wire cable, which connects the conveying elements and on which the conveying elements are fastened at defined intervals such that they can negotiate curves and gradients, and that driving takes place preferably via a linear drive.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventor: Thomas Helgert
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Publication number: 20080110729Abstract: A conveyor (2) which has a plurality of slats (6) for transferring articles around the conveyor (2), some or all of the slats (6) having at least one visible surface (14) through which indicia is displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2005Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Daniel Grant, Douglas Grant
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Patent number: 7367447Abstract: A conveyor belt assembled of modular plastic components is retained together without the usual connecting rods or pins. In one embodiment the modules, each of which has series of finger-like projections or knuckles both at forward and rear ends of the module, the projections are tapered to narrows in width from top to bottom. The projections at either the forward or rear side have laterally extending posts or dowels at one side of each projection, each with a length that extends through only part of the width of the gap between adjacent projections. In the opposite set of projections are holes, similar to the aligned holes that are present when module rows are connected by rods. With the projections being tapered, modules of adjacent rows can be put together by interdigiting the projections with the modules of adjacent rows held at an angle, preferably an acute angle beyond 90°.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Habasit AGInventor: James J. Harrison
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Patent number: 7364036Abstract: A belt module comprising an intermediate section having a top surface. A first plurality of link ends have opposed side walls that provide the first link ends with a first transverse thickness. The transverse thickness is connected to the intermediate section at a first proximal portion and extends from the intermediate section in a direction of belt travel to a first distal portion at the link ends. The first link ends have a first opening through the thickness between and to the opposed side walls. The first opening is disposed transverse to the direction of belt travel. The belt module also includes a second plurality of link ends having opposed side walls providing the second link ends with a second transverse thickness. The second transverse thickness is connected to the intermediate section at a second proximal portion and extends from the intermediate section in a direction opposite to the first link ends to a second distal portion at the link ends.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Habasit AGInventor: Alex Schoepf
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Patent number: 7364038Abstract: A conveyor comprising an endless conveyor belt made from a plurality of rows of hinged interconnected belt links where each row extends in a width direction substantially perpendicular to a traveling direction of the belt and comprises at least one link, where substantially all links further comprise a front end, a back end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of opposing side surfaces, front hinge parts and rear hinge parts for a pin-less connection, at least one roller aperture provided through the thickness of the link, the at least one roller aperture comprising at least one axle receiving, guiding, and retaining means, such that an axle may be arranged substantially parallel to the top surface, and a roller arranged coaxially with the axle.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Uni-Chains A/SInventor: Poul Erik Damkjaer
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Patent number: 7360643Abstract: A modular belt having plug-inserts produced from electroconductive material. The plugs may be snapped into respective holes that are preformed or machined in a standard plastic belt module. The modules may be produced from low cost materials such as polypropylene or polyacetal. The electroconductive plugs may be attached to the belt in numerous ways including, but not limited to, snap fit, gluing, screwing or direct integration by molding.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Habasit AGInventor: Sergio Fandella
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Patent number: 7360644Abstract: A rodless system for a modular conveying belt where the studs are inserted into the pivot opening by transversally shifting the module with the studs in relation to the module with the pivot opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Habasit AGInventors: Marco Lucchi, Dietmar Elsner
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Patent number: 7357757Abstract: An improved simulated climbing wall provides a self-regulating endless climbing surface. The structure includes a form including upper and lower at least partially cylindrical outer surfaces, a planar forward surface, and an open back surface. A continuous belt includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is disposed in sliding engagement with the cylindrical surfaces and planar forward surface of the form, and the outer surface of the belt includes a plurality of raised features configured for climbing by a user. A tensioning shoe engages with the inner surface of the belt through the open back surface of the form, and a mechanism, coupled to the tensioning shoe, is operative to a) relieve tension on the belt as a user climbs upwardly, thereby increasing rotational slippage of the belt around the form, and b) increase tension on the belt as a user moves downwardly, thereby reducing or terminating rotational slippage of the belt around the form.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Inventor: George T. Brown
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Patent number: 7343730Abstract: An investment cast, stainless steel chain link is provided for chains used in water and wastewater treatment. The chain link comprises a pair of spaced apart, elongated sidebars having forward ends and rearward ends. The forward ends are spread apart and are provided with outwardly and laterally extending bosses having transverse boss pin bores coaxially aligned with each other. The rearward ends are interconnected by a cylindrical barrel having a barrel pin bore extending through each of the sidebars. The sidebars are formed with outwardly and laterally projecting reinforcing ribs-extending between the bosses and the barrel pin bore along a substantial length of the sidebars. A freely rotatable chain pin is inserted through aligned boss and barrel pin bores from either end thereof for interconnecting first and second pairs of sidebars. An arrangement is provided for preventing the lateral dislodgement of the chain pin from the sidebars.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventors: Michael W. Humcke, Anthony D. Krallman
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Patent number: 7334677Abstract: In a conveyor chain, which includes chain links (1) being connected to one another via pivoting bearings (4), each chain link (1) has two link plates (2 and 3) and a bolt (5) which connects the two bolt ends (2.2 and 3.2) of the link plates (2 and 3) and is articulately mounted in the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.1) of the link plates (2 and 3) of an adjacent chain link. The bearing housing of the pivoting bearing (4) comprises two bearing housing parts (8 and 9), and each bearing housing part (8 and 9) comprises a part flange (17). The part flange (17) of the bearing housing parts (8 and 9), and the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.1) of the link plates (2 and 3) are held together with the help of a common fixation means, in a manner such that, alone by way of this fixation means, the bearing housing parts (8 and 9) firmly enclose the bearing body (6) and are fastened in the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.1) of the link plates (2 and 3), secured against rotation and axial displacement, and the bearing ends (2.1 and 3.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Ferag AGInventor: Carl Conrad Mader
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Patent number: 7331447Abstract: A modular belt having modules intercalated and locked into position by a pivot rod having a retaining ring disposed in spaced apart relation relative to the end of the rod along the longitudinal axis. An outermost link end of the first plurality of link ends of the module has an opening that is larger in diameter and offset from the openings in the remaining link ends. The opening in the outermost link end may be substantially oblong-shaped with a portion of the opening coinciding with the remaining openings. The oblong shape improves the rod retaining function.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Habasit AGInventors: Michal Krisl, Dietmar Elsner
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Patent number: 7331446Abstract: A chain module (1) for a modular chain conveyor comprising a substantially sheet-shaped body part (2), provided with a conveying surface (3) located at an upper side of the body part (2), with hinge holes (4A1, 4A2, 4B) included in the body part (2) and with two projections (15A, 15B) provided at the underside (14) of the body part (2), wherein sliding faces (17A, 17B) located at the sides (16A, 16B) facing each other of the projections (15A, 15B), together with a sliding face (18) located between the projections (15A, 15B) at the underside (14) of the body part (2), form a guide with substantially U-shaped cross section.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Rexnord Flattop Europe B.V.Inventors: Gijsbertus Johannes Verduijn, Leonardus Adrianus Cornelissen
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Patent number: 7314130Abstract: A conveying system (1), comprising an endless first conveyor belt (3) circulating between at least first and second (2B) divert elements, a top run (4A) of the first conveyor belt (3) forming a first conveying surface (5) movable between the divert elements in a first conveying direction (P1), and an endless second conveyor belt (7) circulating between at least third and fourth divert elements, the top run (8A) of the second conveyor belt (7) forming a movable second conveying surface (9) movable between the divert elements in a second conveying direction (P2), the second conveyor belt (7) extending at least partly above and along the second divert element (2B), so that the first (3) and second (7) conveyor belts, while including a gap-shaped interspace (10), are in mutually transverse alignment. In the interspace (10), intermediate elements (T), in particular fingers, are arranged that bridge the gap between the first (5) and the second (9) conveying surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: MCC Nederland B.V.Inventors: Sjoerd de Geus, Gijsbertus Johannes Verduijn
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Patent number: 7314132Abstract: A unitary modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. The link section includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector maybe provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Otto Jorgen Draebel, Mark T. Johnson, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: 7293643Abstract: A plate link chain in the form of a conveyor chain comprising at least two chain strands that are disposed parallel to one another and are comprised of a sequence of inner plate members and outer plate members, wherein the inner plate members are provided with openings for receiving at least one sleeve for connecting the inner plate members of oppositely disposed chain strands, wherein the outer plate members are provided with openings aligned with the openings of the inner plate members to receive a link pin that extends through the sleeve and is fixed on the outer plate members, and wherein the inner plate members are comprised of at least two individual plates, one of which, of at least the inner plate members of one chain strand, is provided with angle brackets for the mounting of further chain components.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Aumond-Fördererbau GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Poppeck Burkhard
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Patent number: 7293644Abstract: A side-flexing conveyor chain module that distributes chain tension across the width of the belt module includes a first module member and a second module member. The first module member has first link ends extending in a direction of conveyor travel and arcuate first fingers extending in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of conveyor travel. A second module member is pivotally coupled to the first module member about a module vertical axis. The second module member has second link ends extending in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of conveyor travel and arcuate second fingers extending substantially in the direction of conveyor travel which interdigitate with the first fingers. Cam surfaces on the first fingers engage cam surfaces on the second fingers to transfer forces between the first and second module members.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLCInventors: James C. Stebnicki, Robert E. Mitchell
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Patent number: 7281626Abstract: A belt module includes an intermediate section having a corrugated portion extending along the length of the intermediate section and a web extending along the length of the intermediate section and adjacent to the corrugated portion. A plurality of first link ends extend outward from the intermediate section with the transverse opening. A plurality of second link ends extend outward from the intermediate section in a direction opposite the first link ends and the second link ends have a transverse opening having an elongated shape.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Habasit AGInventor: Dieter Guldenfels
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Patent number: 7281627Abstract: The forged chain link assembly comprises a forged chain link having a male end and a female end which cooperates with an opposite end of an adjacent link to form a chain, each end having a bore therein which cooperates with a bore in the opposite end of an adjacent link for receiving a hollow sleeve and bolt assembly therein for creating a forged link chain wherein the links pivot relative to each other, a hollow sleeve of the hollow sleeve and bolt assembly extending through the bores, with a washer of a diameter greater than that of the bore positioned to each lateral side of the female end of a chain link, and an elongate bolt extending through each washer and a bore in the hollow sleeve and receiving a nut thereon, the hollow sleeve having a length which is not equal to a lateral extent of the female end.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: 4B Elevator Components, Ltd.Inventor: Aden Michael Gunston
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Patent number: 7278535Abstract: A chain link is described which may be assembled with other chain links to form a conveyor belt which is particular in that along the front and rear edges, recesses are provided such that a recess along one edge corresponds to no recess at the opposite edge, and that the recesses along one edge inside each recess is provided with two notches protruding into the recess along a common axis parallel to the front/rear edges, and that apertures are provided inside the recesses along the opposite edge, where the apertures can accommodate notches from an adjacent chain link, and that an opening substantially perpendicular to the bottom and top sides connects the aperture with the bottom side for allowing the notches to pass into the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: PED Invest A/SInventor: Poul Erik Damkjær
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Patent number: 7267221Abstract: A silent modular conveyor link adapted for assembly with multiple complementary links to form a conveyor. The conveyor includes a support for supporting items to be conveyed on the conveyor. A plurality of silent teeth extend downwardly from the support for mating engagement with a sprocket gear and for mating alignment with teeth in a complementary link for articulating movement relative to the complementary link. An opening in at least some of the teeth are provided for receiving a link pin for connecting the multiple conveyor links together to form an endless conveyor. Both genderless and male/female conveyor links are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Ramsey Products CorporationInventor: William C. Hall
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Patent number: 7267222Abstract: A bracket for use in a modular belt conveyor, the bracket comprises a modular portion having a first bracket opening, a support portion having a second bracket opening, and an offset portion that joins the modular portion and support portion such that the support portion is offset from the modular portion. A pair of spaced apart brackets is installed in a row of modules, and a load member is positioned in the holder openings to make a low cost flight for a modular belt conveyor. A modular link-pair having first and second link ends extending in opposite directions from an intermediate section. The second link end has a holder that has a holder opening, and a pair of modular link-pairs is installed in a row of modules. A load member is positioned in the spaced apart holder openings to thus make a low cost flight.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Habasit AGInventors: Paolo Montemartini, Roberto Madonini, Enrico Visconti, Verbena Flavio
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Patent number: 7267220Abstract: A derailleur drive chain structure for downhill event operating in conjunction with a gear disk includes inner chain plates, outer chain plates, sleeves, and pins. Each sleeve is disposed between each pair of inner chain plates. Each pin is to connect each pair of abutted outer and inner chain plates. Two ends are provided on a first side of each outer chain plate. The outer edge of each outer chain plate externally to the two ends is disposed with a protruding portion to improve tensile strength and flexibility of the chain to upgrade its impact withstanding performance for improving riding safety.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Inventor: Wen-pin Wang
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Publication number: 20070205085Abstract: A chain for conveying logs may be formed of both fabricated and cast links to produce a chain that is durable and economical. The chain includes a plurality of driving links each having at least one contact for engaging the logs and a plurality of common links free of the contacts. Whereas each of the driving links are formed as a cast link, each of the common links is formed as a fabricated link.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Applicant: ESCO CorporationInventors: Kevin R. McLaughlin, Ian R. Bingham, Dean F. Richards
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Patent number: 7264113Abstract: A link is disclosed for a conveyor, as is a conveyor itself, suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction, a plurality of the links being attachable to form the conveyor, the link includes a body having a length extending along the direction of transport and a width extending across the direction of transport, and two opposed gripping members extending from the body. At least one of the gripping members is a movable gripping member movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position, the movable gripping member includes a gripping end, the gripping members being located so as to contact one of the objects via the gripping end when the movable gripping member is in the second position to hold the object relative to the body during transport.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Hartness International, Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Hartness, Robert C. Beesley, Mark W. Davidson, William R. Hartness, III
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Patent number: 7251924Abstract: The present invention provides a non-detachable chain link for a material mover chain. Chain link comprises a body portion having an aperture therethrough and a hook portion including a tip portion. A recess defined by the hook portion is adapted to contain one or more bearing surfaces on the body portion of an adjacent link in a chain comprised of a plurality of such links. The tip portion has a greater width than the aperture to prevent the hook portion from falling through the aperture of an adjacent link. This prevents chain links from coming detached during operation due to an object falling on the chain or excessive slack developing in the chain.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Graetz Contract Mfg., LLCInventors: Jamie Graetz, James Zak
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Patent number: RE40248Abstract: The invention provided a conveyor belt, which is special in that the belt in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the belt is made from one single chain link, and that the transport top surface comprises a wide main portion and the top part of the eye projections which are flush with the main portion, such that the belt surface is substantially without apertures and/or openings and further that the hinge-like assembly arrangement is fully accessible only from the underside of the belt. By this inventive chain link is achieved that the narrow gaps between each assembled chain link in the prior art is not present such that from a hygienic point of view it becomes much easier to clean the entire conveyor belt satisfactory in that for each chain link, which usually constitutes 40-60 mm of the total length of the conveyor belt, which altogether, especially for deboning lines, might be 300-400 meter long, no gaps are present.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Uni-Chains A/SInventors: John Haue Damkjaer, Poul Erik Damkjaer