Links Pivot About Mutually Perpendicular Axes Patents (Class 198/852)
  • Patent number: 11780678
    Abstract: A modular conveyor belt including a plurality of rods, a plurality of rollers, and a plurality of links. Each link includes a main body, a plurality of link hinge members, and a plurality of roller hinge members. Each roller hinge member has an opening therethrough configured for receiving a corresponding rod and a recessed retainer configured for receiving and retaining a corresponding roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Inventor: William Mason
  • Patent number: 11674570
    Abstract: A self-adaptive heavy-duty gear transmission walking device includes a guide track. A carrying seat is slidably installed on the guide track. A loading platform is arranged on the carrying seat, and matching frames are arranged at the bottom of the carrying seat and positioned opposite from each other. A first driving mechanism, a walking mechanism, a first support bracket, a stop mechanism, and a second support bracket are arranged on the carrying seat. A vertical support mechanism and a horizontal support mechanism are arranged in the matching frame. The first driving mechanism is connected to one end of the walking mechanism. The walking mechanism penetrates through the carrying seat and is magnetically connected to the guide track. The other end of the walking mechanism is connected to a first transmission shaft. The first transmission shaft penetrates through the first support bracket and is fixedly installed with a brake disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignees: XUZHOU XCMG DRIVELINE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., XUZHOU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Datong Qin, Nong Zhang, Liqiao Jiang, Ming Ma, Chang Lyu, Zhongbin Wang, Jianjun Hu, Chuanhui Huang, Dandan Sun, Jun Song, Haodong Yin, Lige Xue, Minghu He, Hongrui Zhu, Minghui Hu, Yonggang Liu, Changzhao Liu, Xinhua Liu, Kun Han, Shengcheng Wang
  • Patent number: 11629011
    Abstract: A chain link for a conveyor chain includes a planar elongate sheet metal conveying body having four outer corners and sides that extend between adjacent outer corners, the sides include long sides and short sides that extend between the long sides, the sides further include side face portions that extend substantially transversely to a conveying plane of the conveying body, and at each of the outer corners, the conveying body may include a corner face portion that extends transversely to the conveying plane and that connects angularly to a side face portion of a short side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: REXNORD FLATTOP EUROPE B.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus Maria Bal, Cornelis Hendrik Mijndert Menke
  • Patent number: 11530095
    Abstract: A link for a conveyor chain includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin protrude laterally away from one another. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin may each have an oblong cross-section. At least one retainer can secure a connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, and each retainer can be positioned substantially within one of the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
  • Patent number: 11505408
    Abstract: A modular conveyor belt module includes a base body extending along a first direction transverse with respect to the transport direction, between two opposite lateral faces. The module includes upper and lower surfaces; two opposed longitudinal edges; hinge elements projecting respectively from the two edges along a second direction. Each of the first and second hinge elements is crossed by a first and second hole, respectively, the axes of the holes being parallel to the first direction. The holes are each coaxial to each other. The first hinge elements interpose the second hinge elements of another module with the respective holes coaxially aligned. The hinge elements are interposed to each other leaving free spaces to receive a roller. Each roller projects with a portion from the upper surface, the plane parallel with respect to the two directions and tangent to the portion of the rollers projecting from the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: REGINA CATENE CALIBRATE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Garbagnati, Norberto Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 11498421
    Abstract: A display device for a vehicle includes a first frame, a second frame configured to be move along a first direction with respect to the first frame, a roller rotatably coupled to the second frame and configured to move along the first direction based on movement of the second frame, and a flexible display that is at least partially wound around the roller and that is configured to be bent around the roller. The flexible display has an end portion fixed to the first frame. A front surface of the flexible display defines an externally exposed area that is configured to increase based on an increase of a distance between the first frame and the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang-Hyeun Son, Seunghwan Song, Romain Diboine
  • Patent number: 11421756
    Abstract: A power transmission chain (2) for use with a drive member (4) having a plurality of teeth (6), and wherein: (i) the power transmission chain (2) comprises a plurality of chain links (8) which are pivotally connected together by connecting members (9) and pivot arrangements (10) so that the power transmission chain (2) can pass around the drive member (4) in use; (ii) each one of the pivot arrangements (10) comprises first and second pivots (12, 14) which extend towards each other from opposite sides (16, 18) of the chain links (8); (iii) the first and second pivots (12, 14) have adjacent ends (20, 22) which face each other and which are spaced apart; (iv) the power transmission chain (2) comprises a plurality of engaging formations (24) for enabling engagement with the drive member (4); (v) the engaging formations (24) are positioned between the adjacent ends (20, 22) of the first and second pivots (12, 14); and the engaging formations (24) and the spacing apart of the adjacent ends (20, 22) of the first and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: NEW MOTION LABS LTD.
    Inventor: Marcel Fowler
  • Patent number: 11332316
    Abstract: A link for a conveyor chain includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin protrude laterally away from one another. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin may each have an oblong cross-section. At least one retainer can secure a connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, and each retainer can be positioned substantially within one of the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
  • Patent number: 11229187
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming food product includes a plurality of links forming a generally continuous conveyor, the plurality of links each forming at least one cavity together with a longitudinally adjacent link wherein the longitudinally adjacent link includes a pivotable tongue that pivots through the cavity as the generally continuous conveyor reaches an end of its horizontal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: SONOMA CREAMERY, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Crean, III, Louis J. Biaggi, Dana D. Smith, Patrick L. Costello, Francisco X. Aguirre
  • Patent number: 10865046
    Abstract: A conveyor chain having links joined by link pin biased into any of multiple operating positions with its positioning head blocked against rotation by engagement with a detent on a positioning link. The pin can be lifted so that its head is above the level of the detent, rotated to a new operating position, and allowed to be biased back into its position with the head again blocked against rotation by the detent, whereby the wear surface of the pin can be changed to accommodate for chain wear occurring when a link rotates relative to the link pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Frost Tech LLC
    Inventor: Charles C. Frost
  • Patent number: 10829346
    Abstract: A moving walkway (1) comprises at least one endless belt (12) moving in a conveyance direction along a closed loop and a plurality of pallets (20). The closed loop comprises a conveyance portion (16) and a return portion (18) extending between two turnaround portions (5, 7), respectively. Each of the pallets (20) comprises at least one mounting portion (20a, 20b) rotatably attached to the at least one belt (12), and at least one mechanical connection (21) connecting the pallet (20) with the at least one mounting portion (20a) of an adjacent pallet (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Illedits, Alexander Turek, Martin Michalke
  • Patent number: 10696482
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an article in a conveying direction is provided. A conveyor includes a plurality of modular links and one or more removable connectors for interconnecting adjacent links of the plurality of modular links to form an endless chain for conveying the article in the conveying direction, at least one of the links comprising an upper link surface sloping in both the conveying direction and a transverse direction, thereby forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Dorisio, James L. Layne
  • Patent number: 10093486
    Abstract: A guide for a chain (105) for an articles conveyor (100) is proposed. Said guide comprises a return guide (110R;210R;310R) being adapted to guide the chain (105) along at least a portion of a return section of a conveyor path of the articles conveyor (100). The chain (105) comprises a plurality of links (115) each one having a first link element (1151) for supporting the articles to be conveyed and a second link element (1152) for supporting the first link element (1151). The return guide (110R;210R;310R) comprises a return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R) along the return guide (110R;210R;310R), said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R) extending within the return guide (110R;210R;310R) from a surface (110RB;210RB;310RB) of the return guide (110R;210R;310R) that, in use, defines a lower outer surface of the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: REXNORD FLATTOP EUROPE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Andreoli
  • Patent number: 9663298
    Abstract: A conveyor belt module has a conveying surface and a shaped bottom surface. The shaped bottom surface includes a concave lateral channel in the shape of a bell curve, designed to accommodate a nosebar, so that a conveyor belt formed of the modules can smoothly navigate the nosebar. The module includes hinge elements having elongated, slotted openings that are offset from the vertical center of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gilbert J. MacLachlan
  • Patent number: 9592866
    Abstract: A track assembly may have a chain assembly including a plurality of track links, a traction assembly including track shoes secured to the plurality of track links, a drive sprocket, an idler assembly including an idler and a mount, and a roller assembly including a plurality of rollers and a roller frame. A wear monitoring system may have a wear sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a current position of a first component of the track assembly, and a controller in communication with the at least one wear sensor, the controller being configured to determine an amount of wear experienced by the track assembly based on the signal. The first component may be configured such that wear of at least a second component causes the first component to move to the current position from a previous position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hasselbusch, Kevin L. Steiner, Eric James Johannsen
  • Patent number: 9573767
    Abstract: A conveyor belt module comprises a module body and offset hinge elements extending from each end of the module body. On one end, the hinge elements include a progressively widening hinge passageway having hinge openings extending at different angles. The hinge openings progressively widen in a stepped manner to facilitate load sharing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gilbert J. MacLachlan
  • Patent number: 9352907
    Abstract: Width adjustment device (1), for being used in connection with adjusting the width of conveyor belts of the type made up from a large number of substantially identical belt modules (2,2?), where each module along leading and trailing edges in the intended travelling direction is provided with eye parts separated by openings (17), such that an eye part on one module may be fitted in an opening (17) on an adjacent module, and where the eye parts are provided with an aperture laterally, such that when a conveyor belt is assembled from a plurality of belt modules (2,2?), a connection pin (16) may be inserted laterally through the openings in overlapping eye parts, thereby hingely connecting adjacent belt modules, where the width adjustment device (1) is detachably arranged on each belt module (2,2?) along one or both sides of the conveyor belt, and where a device on one module (2) at least partly overlaps with the device arranged on the upstream and/or downstream module (2?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ammeraal Beltech Modular A/S
    Inventor: Kenneth Westergaard
  • Patent number: 9289036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a watchstrap (1) including a plurality of mutually hinged elements (7) which each comprise at least one link (2, 3, 4, 4?) and at least one recess consisting of at least one hole (15, 15?) for receiving therein a linking member (10, 11, 12). Next to the open ends (16) of at least some of said holes (15, 15?), a clearance (20) of the linking member (10, 11, 12) is provided, preventing any contact at said point between the latter and said links (2, 3, 4, 4?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ROLEX SA
    Inventors: Adrien Catheline, Benjamin Celant, Jérôme Tyrode
  • Patent number: 9290327
    Abstract: A conveyor chain link, comprising an upper body having a carrying surface, and a lower body having a front end and a rear end, where the upper body and the lower body are separate parts, where the upper body is provided with a longitudinal slot adapted to cooperate with a protruding tongue on the front end of the lower body, with at least one forward bearing surface arranged perpendicular to the center line of the chain link and adapted to bear on at least one first bearing surface of the lower body, with two sideway bearing surfaces adapted to bear on two second bearing surfaces of the lower body, and at least one locking means adapted to lock the upper body to the lower body fixedly and irremovably. The advantage of the chain link is that a chain link with different properties for the lower body and the upper body is provided for, where the upper and lower bodies are fixedly locked to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: FlexLink AB
    Inventor: Göran Abbestam
  • Patent number: 9221611
    Abstract: A flat wire conveyor belt includes a plurality of spaced tractive rods, a plurality of rows of flat wire pickets transversely disposed and interconnecting the plurality of spaced tractive rods, each picket defining a nominal picket height; each of the rows of pickets defines a plurality of first links and a plurality of second links, and each of the links having a transverse spacing. The conveyor belt includes opposing first and second outer edges and the plurality of first links are disposed on at least one of the first and second outer edges of the flat wire conveyor belt. The first links on at least one of the first and second outer edges having a terminal end with a reduced length less than the nominal picket height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Ulchak, Michael R. Franzoni
  • Patent number: 9187250
    Abstract: A modular belt link has leading and a trailing edges with a top surface located between the leading and trailing edges. A plurality of eye parts project from both the leading and trailing edges, and are spaced laterally and off set from one another such that eye parts on a trailing edge of one belt link may be inserted between eye parts on the leading edge of an adjacent belt link. Means are provided for mutually and hingedly connecting adjacent belt links such that the eye parts along the trailing and leading edge are united with substantially unbroken leading and trailing walls arranged perpendicular to the top surface. The walls are spaced from one another. Reinforcing ribs are arranged between the walls and an underside of the belt links. The reinforcement ribs extend at an oblique angle not parallel to the intended transport direction of the belt links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ammeraal Beltech Modular A/S
    Inventor: Kenneth Westergaard Andersen
  • Patent number: 9156620
    Abstract: A surface platform for a conveyor belt includes a platform member having an upper surface and a rail member at one side of the upper surface. One end of the rail member has an undercut portion defining an extension, and the other end of the rail member defines a slot, the slot and extension being complimentarily sized. The slot has a bottom edge located above the upper surface of the platform member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Whitten, Jack F. Stone
  • Patent number: 9150359
    Abstract: A link member having a curved bearing surface and a conveyor belt comprising a link member having a curved bearing surface are described. The link member can be comprised in any type of conveyor belt, including a grid-type conveyor belt, a smaller-radius grid-type conveyor belt or a flat-wire conveyor belt. The link member eliminates the objectionable noise caused by pivot rods jumping the corner of conventional links having curved bearing surfaces. According to one embodiment, the link member comprises a pair of leg portions, each leg portion comprising a first opening at a distal end and a second opening at a proximal end, and a connecting portion that connects the pair of leg portions, the connecting portion comprising a curved bearing surface between first and second side surfaces. The first and second side surfaces extend in a direction toward the proximal end of the leg portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ASHWORTH BROS., INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Lasecki, Darroll Joseph Neely
  • Patent number: 9126763
    Abstract: Transport chain for transporting objects along a transport path in a transport direction, which transport chain comprises a plurality chain links that is interconnected using a joint segment between each chain link, which joint segment comprises a bearing element. Each chain link in the part that is located at the back in the transport direction comprises a cavity that is arranged to receive the bearing element. The bearing element is substantially spherical and comprises a plurality of through holes. The joint segment also comprises a plurality of pins that is arranged in the through holes in the bearing element and in openings in the chain link and in openings in the following chain link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: CARRYLINE AB
    Inventor: Dag Henrekson
  • Patent number: 9090401
    Abstract: A chain link for a curved conveyor chain, the chain link comprising a base body and a bolt, the base body having an articulation section and a fork section and a carrier means for carrying material that is to be conveyed, the bolt being elongated and designed in a circular cylindrical manner in at least one central section. In the articulation section, a bolt opening is provided through which the bolt can pass and can rotate relative to at least two axes. The fork section has an articulation recess for receiving the articulation section of an adjoining identical chain link, the fork section having two opposite bolt recesses which can receive the opposite ends of the bolt of the adjoining chain link. The articulation and fork sections of two adjoining, identical chain links are maintained at a distance by two slide sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Till Guener, Wolfram Baier, Peter Ludwig, Hans-Peter Buttau
  • Patent number: 8973743
    Abstract: A woven wire conveyor belt having a plurality of spiral wires and a plurality of connecting wires operably associated with the plurality of spiral wires to form a conveying surface with a plurality of openings formed therein. Each of the plurality of spiral wires has a first side wall and a second side wall that are substantially flat. The connecting wires can be crimped or straight wires. The spiral wires can be left spiral wires, right spiral wires or a combination of left and right spiral wires. The spiral wires and the connecting wires are preferably formed from round wire. Preferably, the woven wire conveyor belt is an endless belt. The conveyor belt can be a balanced weave wire belt, a double weave wire belt, a rod reinforced weave wire belt, a chevron weave wire belt, a double balance weave wire belt, and a single weave wire belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Lumsden Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Farrell, Gina Mitchell, Boyd E. Knepp
  • Patent number: 8905228
    Abstract: A self-supporting platform is formed of a plurality of hingedly connected modules. Adjacent modules may bend inwards against each other but resist flexing in the opposite direction. Each module includes a slotted module connector extending below the module body. The slotted module connector engages a peg to allow one-way bending of the modules relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jorge E. Nagel, Glenn R. McCall, Jr., Stephen T. Ferrell
  • Patent number: 8899409
    Abstract: A conveyor belt configured to contact a drive surface is disclosed including a substantially U-shaped link having an outermost portion with a contact surface configured to face the drive surface. The outermost portion of the link may be more resistant to wear due to contact with the drive surface than other portions of the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ashworth Bros., Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan R. Lasecki
  • Publication number: 20140332354
    Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a plurality of side link assemblies and flight arm assemblies coupled together to form an elongated chain. The flight arm assemblies include a pair of opposing flight arms positioned on either side of the chain with the flight arms each including an elongated body formed with and extending from an integral base and a vertical sprocket opening formed in the integral base. The vertical sprocket opening is configured for engaging a tooth of a drive sprocket to drive the flight arm. The side link assemblies include a pair of opposing side straps positioned on either side of the chain each including a base and a pair of side strap bosses extending outwardly from the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: The Cincinnati Mine Machinery Company
    Inventors: Randall Lee Morris, Aaron Daniel Meyer
  • Patent number: 8863944
    Abstract: A wear-resistant modular plastic conveyor belt can resist wear at the hinge for a long operating life, even in abrasive environments. The conveyor belt comprises a plurality of modules having T-shaped link ends interleaved together. A hinge rod may be inserted in a hinge passageway, formed at least in part by kidney-shaped openings in the T-shaped links. The conveyor belt employs multiple surfaces to transfer load from module to module during operation of the conveyor belt depending on the relative motion of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gilbert J. MacLachlan
  • Patent number: 8851271
    Abstract: Conveyor belts are made from modular links having offset forward and rearward projecting eye parts to intercalate eye parts from one belt link between eye parts with oval lateral apertures. Connecting rods inserted through aligned apertures hingedly connect adjacent links. Clips restrict lateral turning of the belt links. Clips have general U-shapes with two legs, a bridge portion end, and opposite free ends. Projecting members at the free ends have lengths parallel to the legs and smaller than the lengths of the apertures in the belt links in which the clip is to be installed, and have heights equivalent to or smaller than the heights of the aperture in the belt link in which the clip is to be installed. The lateral distance between the two legs of the U, is larger than the lateral extent of an eye part in the belt link in which the clip is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ammeraal Beltech Modular A/S
    Inventor: Germ Buter
  • Publication number: 20140291127
    Abstract: A chain link for a curved conveyor chain, the chain link comprising a base body and a bolt, the base body having an articulation section and a fork section and a carrier means for carrying material that is to be conveyed, the bolt being elongated and designed in a circular cylindrical manner in at least one central section. In the articulation section, a bolt opening is provided through which the bolt can pass and can rotate relative to at least two axes. The fork section has an articulation recess for receiving the articulation section of an adjoining identical chain link, the fork section having two opposite bolt recesses which can receive the opposite ends of the bolt of the adjoining chain link. The articulation and fork sections of two adjoining, identical chain links are maintained at a distance by two slide sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GmbH
    Inventors: Till Guener, Wolfram Baier, Peter Ludwig, Hans-Peter Buttau
  • Patent number: 8844712
    Abstract: A conveyor chain link a main body, a top plate to which a handling product or part thereof is restable thereupon; said main body having a front portion and a rear portion; said front portion and rear portion having means to be interconnected such that one link can be connectable to another in order for the establishment of a multi-linked conveyor chain; a first guide member arrangement including a pair of rotably-supported laterally extending on opposing sides of an underneath side of said top plate, adapted to roll in the direction of movement of said conveyor chain, wherein said rollers of the first guide member arrangement are adapted to rest and rotate along a corresponding top face of a wear strip as part of a conveyor assembly support structure for the conveyor chain; a second guide member arrangement, including two rotably-supportable guide members on opposing sides of said main body, rotably about a longitudinal axis, perpendicular to the top plate, wherein the peripheral edge of the respective guide
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Flexmove System (M) Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventors: Bok Leong Ooi, Johnny Teik Chuan Yew
  • Patent number: 8839948
    Abstract: A conveyor having a conveyor belt with magnetic properties that allow the belt's position to be controlled by externally generated magnetic fields and methods for controlling such a conveyor belt. Sensors sense an operating condition of the belt, such as belt speed, belt tension, belt loading, belt lateral, or radial, position, or belt elevation, and send those measurements to a controller. Electromagnets in the conveyor frame generate magnetic fields that interact with the magnetic properties of the belt to apply selected forces to position the belt in the conveyor. The controller adjusts the strength and direction of the magnetic fields generated by the electromagnets to control the operating conditions of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John F. Landrum, Glenn R. McCall
  • Patent number: 8827071
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting apparatus for conveying a product, comprising a movable conveying element (2) for conveying the product, also comprising a fixed-location running rail (3), which is arranged all the way round and defines a running track for the conveying element (2), and further comprising a linear-motor-drive means (4) for driving the conveying element (2), wherein the conveying element (2) has a permanent magnet (5) which is in operative connection with coils (6) of the linear-motor-drive means (4), and wherein the conveying element (2) has at least a first sub-element (22) and a second sub-element (23), which are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of an articulation (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich van de Loecht
  • Patent number: 8820517
    Abstract: A lateral plate element (106) for a link for a self-stacking endless conveyor belt includes an outer plate section (110); an inner plate section (120); and a bridging plate section (130) bridging the outer and inner plate sections. A resting surface (141) engages a lateral plate element of an underlying tier of the self-stacking endless conveyor belt (1). An upper portion with an associated upper edge (7) engages the resting surface of a lateral plate element of an overlaying tier of the self-stacking endless conveyor belt when it extends helically. An inner abutment surface (126) engages the upper portion of the underlying lateral plate element to limit outward lateral movement of the lateral plate element relative the underlying lateral plate element. An outer abutment surface (142) engages the upper portion of the underlying lateral plate element to limit the inward lateral movement of the lateral plate element relative the underlying lateral plate element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies AB
    Inventor: Goran Gramby
  • Patent number: 8776998
    Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt constructed of belt modules having hooked structure to hold belt rows together during splicing for easier hinge-rod insertion and to accommodate an elongated belt edge portion permitting hinge-rod growth and a method for splicing such a belt together. The modules include a pivot end that hooks into a mating receptacle on the module of a consecutive belt row. An aperture through the receptacle and the pivot end is aligned with the apertures of other hinge elements to form a lateral passageway for a hinge rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David C. Weiser, Gilbert J. MacLachlan, Terral A. Ridgell
  • Patent number: 8770379
    Abstract: A sorting device including successive load carrying platforms having a front edge and a rear edge for supporting products to be sorted on a supporting surface, a conveying mechanism conveying the load carrying platforms in a conveying direction along a conveying path, a sorting mechanism including plural pusher elements pushing a product to be sorted sideways off at least one supporting surface at a desired sorting location. The pusher elements each extend above at least one load carrying platform and are arranged for being jointly conveyed with the at least one load carrying platform in the conveying direction. A drive mechanism moves the at least one pusher element sideways at the desired sorting location. An arcuate shape of a front edge of a load carrying platform, as seen in top plan view, abuts an arcuate shape of a rear edge of a next load carrying platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Vanderlande Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus Marie Van Den Goor, Erwin Hendrikus Petrus Martinus Johannes Van Schaijk, Martinus Johannes Maria Vertogen, Johannes Petrus Maria Vissers
  • Patent number: 8757366
    Abstract: A hinge rod retainer for a modular conveyor belt. The retainer retains a hinge rod within a passageway, while allowing room for rod expansion or contraction relative to the belt width. The retainer comprises a flexible portion and a support forming an outside edge of the modular conveyor belt. The flexible portion comprises a flexible hook including an opening for allowing passage of the hinge rod into the passageway. The flexible hook defines a trapping region between the passageway and outside edge of the modular conveyor belt for trapping a hinge rod end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gilbert J. MacLachlan
  • Patent number: 8689968
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor device having an endless conveyor which revolves between deflection rollers and on which a receiving device for conveying goods to be conveyed is provided. The conveyor device also includes a power supply line. The conveyor element is a conveyor chain having chain links hinged together. Each link has a section of the power supply line, and the sections of adjacent chain links are coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Eckhard Polman
  • Patent number: 8573389
    Abstract: A link module suitable for use in a conveyor chain intended for travel along an intended direction on a given path. The module includes a first eye and a second eye adjacent the first eye. The eyes define a space therebetween. A roller assembly extends into the space and is detachably mounted between the first and second eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Stebnicki, Robert E. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20130264177
    Abstract: A version of a conveyor chain that comprises: a plurality of side link assemblies, each said side link assembly comprising: two connecting pins and two side straps, wherein each side strap has a base and two side strap bosses extending from the base and wherein each side strap boss is capable of receiving one of said connecting pins; a plurality of connector assemblies; a plurality of flight arm assemblies, each said flight arm assembly comprising: two flight pins and two flight arms, wherein each flight arm has an elongated portion having a flat, planar bottom surface, and a base portion, wherein said base portion has a vertical sprocket opening and two flight arm attachment apertures, each flight arm attachment aperture configured to receive one of said flight pins; wherein each universal connector assembly is adapted to be connected to a side link assembly and a flight arm assembly, to form an endless chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Randall Lee Morris
  • Patent number: 8534455
    Abstract: A transport device for conveying printed products. The transport device includes a conveying chain. The conveying chain includes at least two functional units arranged sequentially along a conveying section and connected to each other by a connecting element. Each functional unit includes a first chain link and a second chain link. The first and second chain links are operatively connected to one another and differing in their respective functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Muller Martini Holding AG
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Oppliger, Michael Landolt, Tony Kluser
  • Patent number: 8505715
    Abstract: A conveyor chain (10) for conveying articles is proposed. The chain includes a sequence of links (20), each link defining a support surface (42, 130) for the articles to be conveyed. Each link is hinged to a preceding link in the chain by means of a pin (80) having a first axis and is pivotable with respect to the preceding link by means of a sleeve (90) having a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Said sleeve is coaxially rotatable with respect to a gudgeon (100) which is coaxial to the second axis and crossed by the pin. Said gudgeon is coupled with a plate-like element (120) adapted to be hold into a seat (47) of the link in such a way to be flush with said support surface. The shape of the plate-like elements and the coupling thereof with the respective gudgeons is such that the plate-like element associated with a link extends to cover the gudgeon of the subsequent link in the chain when the chain configuration is substantially planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Rexnord Marbett S.R.L.
    Inventors: Andrea Andreoli, Davide Calciolari
  • Patent number: 8448781
    Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a plurality of chain links connected together in a chain, each including a pair of forward arms having a space therebetween and a rearward arm extending in a rearward direction. The forward arms of one link are configured to receive the rearward arm of an adjacent link to form a continuous chain. The rearward arm of each link extends a distance from the forward arms so that when adjacent links are coupled together, an engagement space is created between the forward arms of the links. The engagement space is configured to receive portions of sprockets that would engage the forward arms of the link for driving the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: The Cincinnati Mine Machinery Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Lee Morris
  • Patent number: 8424667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a moving walkway comprising a moving belt (1) formed by a series of pallets (3) consecutively hinged to one another by means of elements (4-5) forming part of the pallets themselves and forms drive means through which the stress of the pulling mechanism is transmitted between pallets (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Norte, S.A.
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Gonzalez Alemany, Juan Domingo Gonzalez Pantiga, Manuel Alonso Cuello
  • Patent number: 8397903
    Abstract: A modular belt conveyor (12), in particular curving or helical conveyor, including a number of mutually interconnected modular belt conveyor links (14) that together form a common curving or helical conveyor with an inner and outer belt edge, respectively, of which at least one belt edge, preferably the inner belt edge, interacts by inter-spaced, preferably vertical curve guides, wherein at the belt edge or edges interacting with the curve guide, each of the belt conveyor links (14) are either provided with an edge reinforcement or are fitted with an edge element (20), the edge reinforcement or edge element (20), respectively, together with the corresponding adjacent belt conveyor link (14) forming a substantially closed guide surface (34) at the belt edge in question. In a simple way and by means of simple technical means are hereby achieved the possibility of counteracting the said problems of lateral incisions or apertures at the inner or outer belt edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ammeraal Beltech Modular A/S
    Inventor: Kenneth Westergaard Andersen
  • Patent number: 8342320
    Abstract: A conveyor chain (1), comprising a series of sheet metal chain links (2) which are each provided with a basically rectangular conveying body part (3) and with a hinge assembly (4), which hinge assembly comprises a centrally located hinge loop (7) and comprises a pair of hinge loops (10) spaced apart with an intermediate distance (9) on the opposite longitudinal side of the chain link, wherein the central loop is located in the intermediate space of a successive module (2?), wherein the hinge assembly (4) further comprises two auxiliary hinge loops (12), wherein the cooperating hinge loops of successive modules are connected by means of hinge pins (14), the thickness of the sheet metal of the conveying body part being between approximately 2.0 mm and approximately 2.8 mm, and wherein the diameter of the hinge pin is between approximately 3.0 and 5.0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Rexnord FlatTop Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Rutger Jansen, Franciscus Maria Bal
  • Patent number: 8286787
    Abstract: A chain (30) for a conveyor of an apparatus (10) for accumulating and arranging products or packs (P) into groups, is made loop-closed by means of a series of links articulated to each other through connection of pins (32) connected by plates (33), each link is provided with a driving portion (34) and a drawing portion (35) of sliding blocks (50) provided for accommodating the products or packs (P), such drawing portion (35) is provided with guide plates (37, 37?) of the sliding blocks (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: CT PACK S.r.l.
    Inventors: Danielle Davi, David Rosignoli
  • Patent number: 8276747
    Abstract: A modular conveying system with sprockets engaging the modules such that they do not cover any link gaps but are positioned between the link gaps. The module is characterized by link structures having link pairs that are spaced apart sufficiently at a distance to allow the sprockets to be located between the link pairs. Positioning the sprockets between the link pairs leaves the hinge gaps uncovered and thus allows free access to the hinge gap for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventors: Dieter Guldenfels, Marco Lucchi