Links Having Interfitted Ends Patents (Class 198/853)
  • Patent number: 11858745
    Abstract: Mining machines such as continuous miners and chain haulage units may include chain conveyors that are capable of deflecting laterally in order to travel through lateral turns. The chain conveyors may include flight members for pushing or urging material along a pan. The chain may be driven by one or more sprockets. In one independent aspect, a link for a chain conveyor includes a body including a first end a second end opposite the first end, a first opening proximate the first end and extending in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the link, a second opening proximate the second end and extending in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the link, and a relief opening extending through the link body and positioned between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Hoover, Grant William Johanningsmeier, Dirk Johannes van Dyk, Christopher George Stewart, Benjamin Scott Patterson
  • Patent number: 11772897
    Abstract: A plastic modular conveyor belt constructed of belt modules with wear pads. The belt is supported in the carryway of a conveyor atop linear wearstrips along which the belt's wear pads slide as the belt advances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Guernsey, David W. Bogle, Catherine M. Bishop
  • Patent number: 11733735
    Abstract: A support assembly, a foldable display screen and a terminal device are provided. The support assembly includes a first support member, a second support member and a third support member. The second support member has a first side and a second side. The first support member is rotatably arranged to the first side of the second support member, and the third support member is rotatably arranged to the second side of the second support member. The first support member is movable between a first locked position and a first unlocked position. The first support member is configured to rotate relative to the second support member, and the second support member and the third support member are configured to be fixed relative to each other when the first support member is in the first locked position. The second support member is configured to rotate relative to the third support member when the first support member is in the first unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jianwei Liu
  • Patent number: 11726528
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first and second body, a hinge unit configured to connect to the first and second body, and a flexible display disposed on the hinge unit, the first, and second body, wherein the hinge unit includes a bendable support member supported by the first and second body, and a plurality of slit members, wherein each slit member includes a fixed end that is supported by the support member and a free end that extends toward the flexible display, and wherein the plurality of slit members are arranged in a longitudinal direction relative to the flexible display and are spaced apart by an interval, wherein the free ends limit a curvature of the flexible display in a folded state by moving closer to each other and touching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ho-seong Seo
  • Patent number: 11493110
    Abstract: A splice system for a conveyor belt system includes a plurality of spaced tractive rods; a plurality of rows of flat wire pickets transversely disposed with respect to a direction of travel and interconnecting the plurality of spaced tractive rods, wherein at least one of the rows of flat wire pickets includes an outer edge link on each end thereof, the outer edge link including a reverse-turn closed edge on an outer side thereof; and wherein movement of at least one of the plurality of rods is restricted by the reverse-turn closed edge on the outer edge link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Cambridge International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Ulchak, Thomas O. Perdue, George H. Messick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11459212
    Abstract: A method for mounting a conveyor chain for a pallet belt of a moving walkway is described. Provided elongated connecting elements for fastening pallets are coupled in one coupling process to one another and to chain links, which are coupled to one another, such that the connecting elements are arranged one behind the other parallel to the extension direction of the conveyor chain, each of the connecting elements is coupled at a front end to an associated first one of the chain pins, and at a rear end to an associated second one of the chain pins, wherein a connecting element spacing distance between the first and second chain pins is an integer multiple of the chain spacing distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Dominik Praxmarer, Gerhard Kleewein, Kurt Streibig
  • Patent number: 11447339
    Abstract: The invention relates to a manufacturing process for a reinforced conveyor belt and product thereby obtained comprising a plurality of plastic modules wherein each module comprises at least one opening that houses a roller and is configured to rotate with respect to a shaft, which consists of a metal tube able to be filled with plastic material; and which comprises the stages of (i) inserting the shaft in an injection mold for a plastic module in the region corresponding to the opening; and (ii) a single stage of injecting the plastic module such that said injected plastic fills the inside of the shafts forming a single assembly or structure with the body of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: AFHER EUROBELT, S.A.
    Inventors: Javier San Miguel Nuñez, Carlos Herrero Perez, Miguel De Garnica Escribano
  • Patent number: 11428042
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a nesting grille may include an alpha link having a top alpha link grommet, a beta link, and a plurality of cross members. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of cross members are coupled to at least one of the alpha link and the beta link. In one embodiment, the top alpha link grommet is configured to receive one of the plurality of cross members. In one embodiment, the grille is configured to be moveable between an extended state and a retracted state, the grille coiled about itself with the alpha link disposed inside of the beta link when the grille is in the retracted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: CORNELLCOOKSON, LLC
    Inventors: Cole Price, Brian Rishi Kachchakaduge Fernando, Milton Prosperi
  • Patent number: 11279563
    Abstract: A plate element is disclosed that is capable of use in a wire conveyor belt assembly having multiple spaced rods. The plate element may include a plate body having a planar base surface, one or more engagement elements to engage one or more of the spaced rods, and an interface element that extends away from the planar base surface to form a raised interface surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignees: Cambridge International, Inc., Prince Castle LLC
    Inventors: Sajid A. Safvi, Robert E. Maine, Jr., Thomas O. Perdue
  • Patent number: 11235933
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an object in a conveying direction includes a conveyor comprised of a plurality of modular links adapted for interconnecting to form a chain. At least one of the links comprises a rounded upper portion forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction. The at least one link further including a forwardly projecting portion associated with a first transverse connector forming a part of the upper portion and a rearwardly projecting portion associated with a second transverse connector forming part of the upper portion. The first and second connectors may be staggered in the conveying direction and a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Further aspects pertain to a link with an apical engaging structure, and a sprocket with a removable tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Fye, James L. Layne, Scott Dayton Barbour
  • Patent number: 11174108
    Abstract: A transfer module for a universal sorting conveyor has a ball belt looped around two pulley assemblies mounted to a frame and driven in a machine direction. Two bi-directional cross-belt assemblies are mounted to the frame to provide two smooth surfaced belts each supported on a roller bed. The belts extend beneath and engage the ball belt to advance a conveyed parcel in the cross direction. Each cross belt assembly has internal motorized drive rollers at the ends and a multiplicity of closely spaced idler rollers of smaller diameter than the drive rollers which define the roller bed, with a spacing between the idlers rollers of less than one inch. The ball belt has a plurality of plastic link bodies pivotally connected to one another, each with a downwardly opening socket having downwardly facing entry notches which allow distortion of the socket for entry of a ball therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Skarlupka Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Bruce Skarlupka, Brian A. Zdroik
  • Patent number: 11048302
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first and second body, a hinge unit configured to connect to the first and second body, and a flexible display disposed on the hinge unit, the first, and second body, wherein the hinge unit includes a bendable support member supported by the first and second body, and a plurality of slit members, wherein each slit member includes a fixed end that is supported by the support member and a free end that extends toward the flexible display, and wherein the plurality of slit members are arranged in a longitudinal direction relative to the flexible display and are spaced apart by an interval, wherein the free ends limit a curvature of the flexible display in a folded state by moving closer to each other and touching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ho-seong Seo
  • Patent number: 11004469
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cassette shutter in which the durability of a curved shutter for opening and closing a medium entrance of a cassette is improved, and assembly of parts is simple. In the present invention for achieving said objective, a cassette shutter, which is slidably disposed on front and bottom surfaces of a cassette storing a paper medium therein and opens and closes an entrance formed in the front surface of the cassette, is configured to include: a plurality of pieces arranged longitudinally and a fastening pin that passes through and thereby fastens a lower portion of an upper-side piece and an upper portion of a lower-side piece so as to enable relative rotation of the plurality of pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: HYOSUNG TNS INC.
    Inventors: Seung Tae Paik, Ho Keun Lee, Tae Gang Kim
  • Patent number: 11002590
    Abstract: A weighing system weighs an item within a container on a conveyor. The container is connected to the conveyor via a primary connecting means and a secondary connecting means, each of which include a first section permanently connected to the container, a second section permanently connected to the conveyor, and a third section hingedly connected to both the first section and the second section. The third sections are mutually coupled to each other, and are each rotatable about a first axis substantially parallel to the conveying direction, such that the rotation allows for movement of the container with respect to the conveyor in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Optimus Sorter Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Willem Dagobert Stronkhorst
  • Patent number: 10941834
    Abstract: A splice system for a conveyor belt system includes a plurality of spaced tractive rods; a plurality of rows of flat wire pickets transversely disposed with respect to a direction of travel and interconnecting the plurality of spaced tractive rods, wherein at least one of the rows of flat wire pickets includes an outer edge link on each end thereof, the outer edge link including a reverse-turn closed edge on an outer side thereof; and wherein movement of at least one of the plurality of rods is restricted by the reverse-turn closed edge on the outer edge link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Cambridge International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Ulchak, Thomas O. Perdue, George H. Messick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10773896
    Abstract: A conveyor system is provided. Conveyor modules are pivotally secured to one another through engagement of links on a first and second side of each module. Portals extend through the modules. Each portal comprises four portal surfaces oriented in opposing pairs. A radial slot is located on each of at least two portal surfaces. A cup is provided with four walls. Ridges are formed on the outside surfaces of at least two opposing walls of the cup. An orifice is formed on two opposing walls of the cup. A roller is rotatably mounted on an axle that extends between the orifices to position the roller inside the cup. The cup is secured inside the portal by engagement of the ridges with the slots. The cup and roller assembly may be rotated to change its orientation relative to the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: SAFARI BELTING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Chris Smith
  • Patent number: 10472175
    Abstract: Conveying equipment includes carriages having a frame with front and rear ends coupled to adjacent carriages by vertical support shafts and having a floor board which is supported by the frame. A floor board main portion has a protruding arc-shaped end edge concentric with one of the vertical support shafts and a floor board sub-portion which has a recessed arc-shaped end edge concentric with the other vertical support shaft. The protruding arc-shaped end edge in one carriage and the recessed arc-shaped end edge in an adjacent carriage are relatively rotatable around the common vertical support shaft located at the arc centers of each of the edges. The floor board main portion overhangs from one end of the frame in each of the carriages and is supported on an overhanging portion which overhangs from the floor board sub-portion in the adjacent carriage so as to be freely relatively rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Minoura, Yoshifumi Yasuda
  • Patent number: 10308432
    Abstract: A wire mesh belt for use as a conveyor. The wire mesh belt has a plurality of links which are interlocked to form the wire mesh belt. First straight portions, second straight portions and bent portions of the links form passages which extend across the length of each link. A longitudinal axis of each link extends generally transversely to a longitudinal axis of the wire mesh belt. Support inserts are provided in the passages of respective links. The cooperation of the support inserts with the links provides support to the wire mesh belt to minimize the deformation of the wire mesh belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: WIRE-MESH PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard D. Riva, II, Dustin C. Carl
  • Patent number: 10294040
    Abstract: Cleaning assemblies, particularly for conveyor systems, are provided. For example, a cleaning assembly comprises a split fluid jet head that includes an inlet end for receipt of a flow of a fluid, an outlet end for an egress of the fluid, and a plurality of veins extending from the inlet end to the outlet end. The plurality of veins split the flow of the fluid into a plurality of flows of the fluid. The cleaning assembly also comprises a manifold that includes a body and a plurality of fluid passages defined through the body. Each fluid passage has an inlet port and an outlet port. The outlet ports are defined at various locations along the body. The manifold is configured to receive the split fluid jet head such that each vein of the plurality of veins is aligned with an inlet port of the plurality of inlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: George W. Massey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10263402
    Abstract: Methods and applicators for applying tubular conductor cover to a cable. The applicator may retain a user's hand. The applicators may stop a user's hand from moving relative to the applicator in a direction opposed to a path of conductor cover passage through the applicator. An applicator for applying a tubular conductor cover to a cable, the conductor cover being split longitudinally to define a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, the applicator comprising: a separator shaped to contact, in operation of the applicator, an interior surface of the conductor cover to spread open the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge along a portion of the conductor cover to allow the portion of the conductor cover to be applied to a cable; and a hand retainer connected to or forming part of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Cantega Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Martin S. Niles, Edmond LeRouzic, Scott Young, Keith I Yeats
  • Patent number: 10183808
    Abstract: A module (1) for a modular conveyor chain (8), comprising a link portion (2) made of sheet metal that includes a substantially elongate conveying body (3), having a centrally located coupling piece (4) on one longitudinal side thereof and a pair of coupling pieces (4) on an opposite longitudinal side thereof, that are inter-spaced to receive the centrally located coupling piece of a link portion of a consecutive module therebetween, wherein the coupling pieces extend from the body part to loop around a receiving space (5) for a hinge pin (7), wherein the coupling pieces form less then a three quarter loop relative to a plane defined by the conveying body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: REXNORD FLATTOP EUROPE B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Hendrik Mijndert Menke
  • Patent number: 10065802
    Abstract: A conveyor belt module for inserting a high-density array of rollers comprises a bottom heavy spine forming a portion of a module body and gusset blocks reinforcing an intersection between the spine and hinge elements. The conveyor belt module includes hinge elements spaced apart by five different separation distances to allow a high-density array of rollers mounted on a hinge rod in spaces formed between the hinge elements and interlaced hinge elements of an adjacent conveyor belt module in a modular plastic conveyor belt formed by a plurality of interlaced conveyor belt modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Sijia Chen
  • Patent number: 9889992
    Abstract: A conveyor belt includes a plurality of spaced rods and a plurality of slats. Each of the plurality of slats includes a base portion for carrying an item. The base portion has a perpendicular leading edge of the base portion relative to a direction of conveyance travel of the conveyor belt and a perpendicular trailing edge of the base portion relative to the direction of conveyance travel of the conveyor belt. At least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge is coupled to one of the plurality of rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: PRINCE CASTLE LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Adomaitis, Frank Anthony Agnello, Richard Bauer, Eloy Cerda, Mark Edward Fastabend, Sean Patrick Forrest, Charles B. Hartfelder, Karl Ronald Heinze, Scott R. Hammac, Kyle Thomas Kestner, Christine S. Laub, Eugene Stanley Maslana, Calvin States Nelson, Laurence A. Schoell, Zoran Ulicevic, Aleksandr Yazvin, Loren J. Veltrop, Brian J. Truesdale, Dennis Malkowski
  • Patent number: 9815629
    Abstract: A belt link for removing material from between the run and the return portions of a conveyor belt moving along a first trajectory. The belt link may include a first substantially planar plate member including first and second substantially parallel edges and first and second hinge knuckles at the first and second edges, respectively, the plate member forming at least a first pass through slot between the edges with the first hinge knuckle leading as the belt moves along the first trajectory. The belt link may further include a cleat including first and second rigid cleat members. The belt link may still further include a cap member extending between distal ends of the first and second cleat members to close off a cavity formed between the first and second rigid cleat members. The second cleat member may form at least one drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: JORGENSEN CONVEYORS
    Inventor: Paul Pribyl
  • Patent number: 9764901
    Abstract: A magnetic conveyor belt module integrates a magnetic element into the body of the module to attract conveyed articles to the body. The magnetic conveyor belt module includes a recess for seating a magnetic element and a retention element for retaining the magnetic element within the recess. A cover encapsulates the magnetic element within the body of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David W. Bogle, Richard A. Keb
  • Patent number: 9522786
    Abstract: A conveyor belt includes a first link having a first protrusion with a first mating surface that is curved. The first protrusion is disposed proximate a first rod receiving aperture of the first link. The belt also includes a second link having a second protrusion with a second mating surface that is curved. The second protrusion is disposed proximate a second rod receiving aperture of the second link. The first mating surface receives and abuts the second mating surface. The second link is restrained against movement in less than three orthogonal directions relative to the first link due to abutment of the first and second mating surfaces. The first and second rod receiving apertures are aligned when the first and second mating surfaces abut. Additionally, the belt includes a connecting rod extending through the first and second rod receiving apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ashworth Bros., Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Lasecki, Darroll Joseph Neely
  • Patent number: 9499343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying system. The conveying system comprises a conveying track, an endless conveyor mat for conveying products in a conveying direction, a drive for driving the conveyor mat, and a return guide provided at the conveying track for guiding the conveyor mat upon circulation. The return guide extends substantially transversely to the conveying direction. The conveyor mat comprises a number of plastic modules, which are provided at their bottom side with a track guide surface, while at least a part of the plastic modules at the location of the respective track guide surface comprise at least one chamber extending inwardly with respect to the module for being in a contact with the return guide during circulation of the module around the return guide. The chamber is formed such that the contact upon circulation consists of a first line contact and a second line contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: REXNORD FLATTOP EUROPE B.V.
    Inventors: Leonardus Adrianus Catharinus Cornelissen, Ronald Sigmond
  • Patent number: 9340359
    Abstract: A link, usable in a conveyor belt of the type with articulated links, includes a main link supporting member, in particular of plastic material, more specifically a rigid or substantially rigid material such as acetalic resin or polyamide, and a secondary or product engagement member, in particular of elastically compliant material, preferably an elastic or elastomeric material, and in particular defining a product supporting member defining a corresponding surface for supporting the product to be conveyed. Fastening elements are provided by which the secondary or product engagement member is fastened to the main link supporting member, and which include, on the secondary member, corresponding protruding elements adapted to be inserted into a respective socket formed in the main link supporting member, the socket defining corresponding perpendicular retaining undercut elements for holding the secondary or product engagement member to the selfsame main link supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: BETT SISTEMI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Tienno Bettati
  • Patent number: 9205986
    Abstract: A conveyor chain link provided with an upper body having a carrying surface and a lower body having a front end and a rear end, where the rear end is provided with a first leg and a second leg arranged at a certain distance from each other such that the front end of a chain link fits between the first and second legs of an adjacent chain link when mounted in a conveyor chain, wherein a first protrusion of the first leg is provided with a first tab extending towards the front end and a second protrusion of the second leg is provided with a second tab extending towards the front end, where the bearing surfaces of the tabs are parallel with the carrying surface of the upper body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: FlexLink AB
    Inventor: Peter Miglavs
  • Patent number: 9139370
    Abstract: A link for a mechanical chain configured for engaging sprocket teeth is provided, the link having one or more features for minimizing pinch points and contamination within a conveyor system and for minimizing wear of the link when used within a conveyor system. A mechanical chain incorporating links with such features and a conveyor system incorporating the mechanical chain also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: George W. Massey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9085414
    Abstract: A conveyor including a side-flexing belt having a plurality of modules and a plurality of rods. Each module includes a central portion having a main region extending in a straight path, a plurality of front links each including a front aperture, a plurality of rear links each including a rear aperture, a plurality of front gaps between adjacent pairs of front links, and a plurality of rear gaps between adjacent pairs of rear links. A length of each front gap is substantially the same along substantially the entire thickness of an adjacent front link, and a length of each rear gap is substantially the same along the entire thickness of an adjacent rear link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Solus Industrial Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Apaar Sharma, Shivakumar Chougule
  • Publication number: 20150090565
    Abstract: An apparatus for the conveying of containers, with a conveyor which forms a contact face for the containers to be conveyed, wherein the conveyor moves at least locally along a pre-set direction and has a plurality of conveying members connected to one another in an articulated manner, and with a drive device for driving the conveyor. The conveying members are produced from a plastics material which has been acted upon with a radiation in order to change its material structure and/or which has a plurality of spherical bodies embedded in its material structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Johann Huettner, Martin Seger
  • Patent number: 8991593
    Abstract: A chain conveyor includes a chain constituted of a plurality of links foldably coupled by pins. The links include roller-equipped links each having a roller. The chain conveyor includes a pushing-up mechanism for pushing up each roller to a protruding position. At the protruding position, each roller protrudes upward above a loading surface of the chain, on which articles are loaded. Accumulated articles are supported by the rollers arranged at the protruding position so that the articles are separate from and above the loading surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Keiko Shinobu
  • Patent number: 8991595
    Abstract: Modular belt link module consisting of a main body element and an insert, where the modular belt link module is of the type which when assembled with a plurality of substantially identical modular belt link modules constitutes a conveyor belt, where each main body element has a central part, from which central part eye parts project in a forward and rearward direction with respect to the intended travelling direction, such that eye parts along a front part of one modular belt link may be interleafed between eye parts on a rear part of an adjacent modular belt link module, and where the eye parts each are provided with an aperture arranged laterally to the intended travelling direction, such that when the eye parts are interleafed, the apertures of adjacent eye parts overlap, and a connection pin may be inserted laterally at least through some of the apertures, hingely connecting adjacent modular belt link modules, wherein the central part and a plurality of the eye parts are provided with a continuous cavity,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ammeraal Beltech Modular A/S
    Inventor: Germ Buter
  • Patent number: 8985318
    Abstract: A link for a modular conveyor belt may include a supporting structure and a bearing structure covering at least a portion of the supporting structure. The supporting structure may have a tensile strength that is higher than the bearing structure, and the bearing structure may be more resistant to wear than the supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ashworth Bros., Inc.
    Inventor: Darroll Joseph Neely
  • Patent number: 8978881
    Abstract: A pivot rod that is formed by overmolding the end of a grooved rod with a plastic head. The pivot rod may be formed out of shear resistant materials such as steel or the like. Alternatively, a headed rod may be formed by overmolding a highly shear resistant, reinforced extruded plastic rod with a plastic ring or head of a moldable compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventors: Ramaswamy Prakasam, Sellappa Gounder Shanmugasundaram
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150060243
    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 centre 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Göran Abbestam
  • Publication number: 20150034460
    Abstract: Modular belt link, having a leading and a trailing edge (2,3), where a top surface (32) is provided between said leading and trailing edge, where a plurality of eye parts (4) project from both the leading and trailing edges, where the eye parts are spaced laterally, and off set such that eye parts on a trailing edge of one element may be inserted between eye parts on the leading edge of an adjacent belt link, and that means are provided for mutually and hingedly connecting adjacent belt links, where the eye parts along the trailing and leading edge are united with substantially unbroken leading and trailing walls (6,7), arranged perpendicular to the top surface, where said walls are spaced, and that reinforcing ribs (15) are arranged between said walls and the underside of the top surface, where said reinforcement ribs are arranged at an oblique angle not parallel to the intended transport direction of the belt links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: AMMERAAL BELTECH MODULAR A/S
    Inventor: Kenneth Wwstergaard Andersen
  • Publication number: 20150027859
    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: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: AMMERAAL BELTECH MODULAR A/S
    Inventor: Kenneth Westergaard
  • Patent number: 8939280
    Abstract: Conveying systems and method for detecting the presence and amount of biological contaminants or additives on a conveyor belt. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having embedded biosensors. Transmitters co-located in the belt with the biosensors transmit biosensor signals to a remote controller. The remote controller allows remote monitoring of the contamination level on the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David W. Bogle, Manoj Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140374219
    Abstract: A thrust chain link of a conveyor chain of a conveyor system for conveying articles suspended from retaining adapters, in particular of a sorter, includes a base body with a thrust unit arranged on its bottom side and spaced-apart coupling sections formed on its ends for pivotal connection to an adjacent link. The thrust unit includes two tappets protruding from the bottom side of the base body, wherein a front first tappet in the conveying direction is shorter than a rear second tappet. The two tappets are spaced apart such that a head portion of the retaining adapter can be received between the two tappets without play or largely without play. A conveyor chain, a conveyor system and a method for positioning a retaining adapter on a conveyor chain of a conveyor system are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Otto
  • Publication number: 20140367231
    Abstract: Detachable tab (3, 20, 30)for a modular belt link, characterised in that the tab has upper (11, 12, 13) and lower (14, 15, 16) body portions, wherein:—the upper body portion (11, 12, 13) is suitable to be arranged in a modular conveyor belt module, where said upper body portion (11, 12, 13) comprises a U-shaped section, having two substantially parallel flanges (11, 12), upstanding from a bridge member (13), where the flanges (11, 12) each has a distal end terminating the flange away from the flange's connection to the bridge member (13), and an inner side surface facing the other flange and an outer side surface facing away from the flanges, and where—the lower body portion comprises three distinct sections (14, 15, 16):—a first section (14) connecting a second section to the bridge member (13) of the upper body portion, where said—a second section (15) projecting in a direction opposite and parallel to the flanges of the upper body portion, and a—third section (16) arranged substantially perpendicular to sa
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Tyson Gabler
  • 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: 8881890
    Abstract: A modular roller-top conveyor belt and rollers for the belt. The roller-top belt has axles that are fixed relative to the module body. Each of the pieces of the multi-piece rollers can be installed radially onto an axle and joined together in a puzzle pattern to form a complete roller that can rotate on the axle. Parallel ridges extending across the width of the modules add stiffness to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gilbert J. MacLachlan, David C. Weiser, Abraham L. Miller, Errol P. Knott, Timothy J. DeRoche, Jude G. Martin
  • Publication number: 20140326584
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides belts (chains or brick-laid) having rod retains provided by way of an end module and a link cap for easier disassembly. The outer link end of the end module is altered to be narrower and furnished with a connecting structure. A separate link cap piece is produced, providing a corresponding connecting structure suitable to connect to the outer link end of the end module such that the width of the outer combined pieces is substantially the same as the other link ends of the belt. The link cap may be furnished with an opening allowing for assembly with a pivot rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Enrico Visconti, Marco Lucchi
  • Publication number: 20140318932
    Abstract: Modular conveyor mat (1), comprising a number of rows (2) of modules (3), successive in the conveying direction (P) of the conveyor mat, which modules are provided with a body part (4) from plastic extending transversely to the conveying direction, which is provided with an upper surface (5), and which is provided, viewed in conveying direction, at the front (8) and rear (9) with a series of coupling elements (11) spaced apart with mutual interspaces (10). Coupling elements and interspaces of modules successive in conveying direction interdigitate, and are hingedly coupled with the aid of pins (12). The conveyor mat is provided with reinforcing strips (14) included in the body parts of the modules, spaced apart at a mutual intermediate distance transversely to the conveying direction, which extend in conveying direction between successive hinge pins, and which are provided adjacent their ends (15) with recesses (16) in which the hinge pins successive in conveying direction are received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Joost Martinus van den Berg, Cornelis Hendriki Mijndert Menke
  • Publication number: 20140311877
    Abstract: A conveyor belt includes a first link having a first protrusion with a first mating surface that is curved. The first protrusion is disposed proximate a first rod receiving aperture of the first link. The belt also includes a second link having a second protrusion with a second mating surface that is curved. The second protrusion is disposed proximate a second rod receiving aperture of the second link. The first mating surface receives and abuts the second mating surface. The second link is restrained against movement in less than three orthogonal directions relative to the first link due to abutment of the first and second mating surfaces. The first and second rod receiving apertures are aligned when the first and second mating surfaces abut. Additionally, the belt includes a connecting rod extending through the first and second rod receiving apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Ashworth Bros., Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Lasecki, Darroll Joseph Neely
  • Patent number: 8863943
    Abstract: Front and back ends (2a, 2b) of plastic chain modules (2) made of a plastic material are rotatably linked by multiple plastic connecting pins (3a) and metal connecting pins (3b) to form an endless plastic chain conveyor (1). In the plastic chain modules (2) of the plastic chain conveyor (1), carrier surfaces (4a) (top surfaces) of module bodies (4) are smooth. Offset engaging parts (5a, 5b) that can be attached to and detached from each other in the width direction of the plastic chain conveyor (1) are formed on linking end pieces (4X) of the module bodies (4). Circular through-holes (6) receiving the bar-shaped connecting pins (3a, 3b) that rotatably link the offset engaging parts (5a, 5b) of the chain modules (2) are formed at the centers of the sides of the offset engaging parts (5a, 5b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michitaka Miyashita
  • 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