Casing, Cover, Shield Or Load Supporting Surface Patents (Class 198/860.3)
  • Patent number: 11919717
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a conveyor apparatus comprising: a conveyor frame embodying a structural support for a conveyor surface defining a conveyor length that extends in a length direction and comprises: a first sidewall comprising a first guide track extending along a first inner surface thereof in the length direction, and a second sidewall comprising a second guide track extending along a second inner surface thereof in the length direction; a plurality of bottom panels, each extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein a first bottom panel of the plurality of bottom panels is engaged with the first guide track of the first sidewall and the second guide track of the second sidewall such that the first bottom panel is configured to be selectively moveable throughout a range of motion defined at least in part by the first guide track and the second guide track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS, LLC
    Inventor: Alhelí Espinosa Carlín
  • Patent number: 11878868
    Abstract: The present invention pertains a replacement liner (10) for insertion in a conveyor pan (100) of a chain type conveyor (200), comprising a floor part (12) having a left connection surface (14) and a right connection surface (16), a left side part (18) having a left side part connection surface (20) connectable to the left connection surface (14), and a right side part (22) having a right side part connection surface (24) connectable to the right connection surface (16). The connection surfaces (14, 20, 16, 24) are configured to form, in a connected state, a form-fitted connection with their complementary connection surface (14, 20; 16, 24). The present invention further pertains to a conveyor pan (100), a chain type conveyor (200) comprising such, a liner replacement method and a liner sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: William R Weber
  • Patent number: 11858749
    Abstract: A conveying device includes a plurality of conveying zones having conveying elements, each conveying zone having at least one conveying drive for the conveying elements of the zone in question and being associated with a control unit that controls the conveying drive of the conveying zone, with the conveying device being designed having a support structure. Each conveying zone is formed by an individual independent conveying module that is fastened on the support structure as a complete individual unit and forms the entirety of the conveying device with additional adjacent conveying modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Dematic GmbH
    Inventor: Max Winkler
  • Patent number: 11639268
    Abstract: Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose an axle lock assembly comprising a first plate with a first aperture, a second plate with a second aperture, a shaft, wherein the shaft is inserted through the first aperture and the second aperture and a bush. When the hushing is in contact with the first plate and the second plate, the bush creates a lateral force to move the first plate and the second plate in opposite directions to secure the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS, LLC
    Inventors: Saravanan Sadasivan, Ravi Kumar Avupati, Venkatesh Raikar, Balaji Krishnaswamy
  • Patent number: 11597603
    Abstract: A rotating and locking conveyor side guard system may include an elongate side guard of sheet material having three longitudinal bolt slots therethrough, one at each end and one at the center, and three bolts for securing the side guard to a side of a conveyor through the bolt slots. With the bolts loosened, a user may slide the side guard from side to side, relative to the conveyor, and rotate the side guard about the center bolt to a substantially perpendicular orientation to allow access to an interior of the conveyor through the side of the conveyor. It may then be rotated in a second direction until the first and second bolt slots engage corresponding bolts, in a locked position, to prevent rotation of the side guard. Some systems may include multiple side guards end-to-end in series, each side guard sharing a bolt with each adjoining side guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Tim Holmberg
  • Patent number: 11383933
    Abstract: A trough conveyor that transports fine bulk material and is exposed to windy conditions may include a belt for transporting bulk material, a center roll for supporting the belt, first and second wing rolls that support angled segments of the belt, a frame that supports the center roll and the first and second wing rolls, and a hood cover disposed above the belt. The trough conveyor may also include first and second baffles that form labyrinths that help attenuate wind velocity over the fine bulk material. The baffles may also help contain fine bulk material that is stirred up within a stilling space formed between the hood cover, the belt, and the baffles. In addition or in the alternative, the trough conveyor may include fairings that deflect crosswind beneath the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS (USA), INC.
    Inventors: Martin S. Lurie, R. Steven Kasper
  • Publication number: 20150122173
    Abstract: In order to provide a crossmember device for a floor unit of a coating and/or processing chamber where components of a drive device for a conveying device are protected from unwanted contamination, it is proposed that the crossmember device includes a crossmember and a force-transmitting drive element of a drive device, wherein the drive element is arranged at least in portions in an interior of the crossmember.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Andreas Federmann, Mario Reiber, Michael Baitinger, Samuel Caspari
  • Patent number: 9004267
    Abstract: A conveying system includes conveying cells (14) for accommodating in particular hot bulk goods or lumpy conveying material. The conveying cells have a bottom (16), a front wall (30) and a rear wall (31) in the conveying direction of the conveying system and side walls (15) connecting the latter. The conveying cells (14) open at the top are shielded from the surrounding atmosphere by a stationary and gas-tight top cover (17) that spans the open surface of the conveying cells. Both sealing elements (22; 34, 35) shielding intermediate spaces (32) existing between the conveying cells (14) in the conveying direction from the surrounding atmosphere and also sealing elements (22; 28) projecting laterally on both sides beyond the side walls (15) of the conveying cells (14) are disposed in the bottom region of the conveying cells (14) lying opposite the top cover (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Aumund Fordertechnik
    Inventors: Guido Kirbach, Matthias Moritz, Christian Niedzwiedz, Frank Reddemann
  • Publication number: 20150060236
    Abstract: A cover for a linear conveyer. The linear conveyer including a stationary module having a rail extending linearly and a stator including armature coils that is fixed to the rail, and a slider including a mover component having magnetic poles arranged linearly and a rail guide that is fitted on the rail. The slider sliding from an end surface of the rail along an elongated direction of the rail to be arranged on the rail and moving on the rail by a linear motor. The cover is attached to the slider to cover a magnetic pole face of the mover component of the slider. The cover has a thickness so as to come in contact with an end portion of the stationary module when the slider is mounted on the rail. The cover is detached from the slider by the contact with the end portion of the stationary module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Manabu KATAYAMA
  • Patent number: 8919543
    Abstract: A side cover is provided for a conveyor. The side cover includes a first edge and a second edge. The second edge is substantially parallel to the first edge. Further, a magnet is coupled to the first edge. The magnet is configured to couple the side cover to the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Jorgensen, Alan Z. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8899410
    Abstract: A conveyor underguard that is adapted for use with a conveyor having a pair of spaced apart side channels, each having a lower flange and a plurality of openings on each flange, includes a guard surface and a pair of mounting members, each extending outwardly generally parallel to the guard surface and defining fastener openings. The fastener openings are spaced apart in a manner that aligns with the through-openings of the conveyor. A pair of side members connect the guard surface with the mounting members in a manner that offsets the guard surface from the mounting members away from each flange. The conveyor underguard is defined by a polymeric material body having a planar body pan integrally connected to opposed first and second side walls and to first and second end walls. A first side flange is integrally connected to the first side wall and extends for an entire length of the first side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Brayman, Samuel A. Sheffer, Percy Vreeken, Nick Pomante, Randy Eschenburg, Timothy J. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20140305776
    Abstract: A table plate for a machine for treating containers, particularly a labeling machine, said table plate comprising a carrousel portion where a carrousel can be positioned and pivotally connected to the table plate; said table plate comprising a rotating star-shaped element region where at least one rotating star-shaped element for supplying or discharging containers to or from the carrousel can be arranged and pivotally connected to the table plate; said table plate being formed as a solid and one-piece work piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Dieter Hafner, Tobias Eichhammer, Bernhard Högl, Andreas Bergers
  • Patent number: 8851277
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor system (2) comprising a support frame (4) and an endless carrier chain (6) arranged horizontally thereon and defining an upper part (6a) and a lower part (6b); the carrier chain thereby having an inner side (12) and an outer side (14); wherein the support frame comprises a shielding element (24) in an area (A) defined between the inner side (12a) of the upper part of the carrier chain (6) and the inner side (12b) of the lower part of the carrier chain (6); wherein the shielding element (24) itself, or in combination with the first main support element (16) and/or the second main support element (18) having an extension that blocks a direct access between any point P1 located on the inner side (12a) of the upper part of the carrier chain (6) and a corresponding point P2 located on the inner side (12b) of the lower part of the carrier chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Flexmove System (M) SDN. BHD.
    Inventors: Jesper Olsen, Steffen Olsen
  • Patent number: 8844315
    Abstract: A cryogenic freezer includes a plurality of conveyor rail supports that rest upon side walls of a lower housing of the freezer. The conveyor rail supports include upper and lower bars that support upper and lower conveyor support rails extending perpendicular to the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP
    Inventors: Stephen Bilger, David C. Braithwaite
  • Publication number: 20140262700
    Abstract: A conveyor underguard that is adapted for use with a conveyor having a pair of spaced apart side channels, each having a lower flange and a plurality of openings on each flange, includes a guard surface and a pair of mounting members, each extending outwardly generally parallel to the guard surface and defining fastener openings. The fastener openings are spaced apart in a manner that aligns with the through-openings of the conveyor. A pair of side members connect the guard surface with the mounting members in a manner that offsets the guard surface from the mounting members away from each flange. The conveyor underguard is defined by a polymeric material body having a planar body pan integrally connected to opposed first and second side walls and to first and second end walls. A first side flange is integrally connected to the first side wall and extends for an entire length of the first side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: DEMATIC CORP.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Brayman, Samuel A. Sheffer, Percy Vreeken, Nick Pomante, Randy Eschenburg, Timothy J. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20140231229
    Abstract: A conveying device including a revolving, extensively extended conveying element and a frame construction with a plurality of frame profiles for laterally enclosing conveying element. At least two frame profiles of the frame construction are designed as hollow profiles and in their profile longitudinal axis are connected to one another via face-side end sections. The profile walls of the two frame profiles at their face-side end sections are designed such that the two frame profiles form a positive-fit connection, which counteracts forces acting longitudinally, transversely and vertically onto the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: WRH WALTER REIST HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Robert Aliesch
  • Patent number: 8770390
    Abstract: An improved conveyor belt assembly is provided with telescoping housing sections and a tension system for extending and retracting the sections relative to one another to maintain a selected tension on the conveyor belt. The assembly also has a lower end with a stepped profile matching the stepped profile of the cleated belt, so as to pick up and discharge fallen seeds or material and eliminate gaps where fallen seeds and material may collect. One or more scrapers are provided adjacent the lower track of the belt to push stray seeds and material off the lower track for pick up by the cleated belt at the lower end of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Woodhaven Capital Corp.
    Inventors: Juan Neufeld, Samuel John Plett, Bernie Thiessen
  • Publication number: 20140110229
    Abstract: A side cover is provided for a conveyor. The side cover includes a first edge and a second edge. The second edge is substantially parallel to the first edge. Further, a magnet is coupled to the first edge. The magnet is configured to couple the side cover to the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Jorgensen, Alan Z. Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8678181
    Abstract: A conveyor belt roller guard comprises opposite first and second longitudinal side panels, opposite transverse side panels, and a bottom panel. The first and second longitudinal side panels, the transverse side panels, and the bottom panel are arranged in a manner adapted to define a u-shaped trough that comprises a cavity that is open from above. The first longitudinal side panel has a lower portion that is hinged relative to the transverse side panels about a first pivot axis in a manner such that the first longitudinal side panel can be swung downward while the bottom panel and the transverse side panels remain stationary. The first pivot axis extends substantially horizontal and parallel to the first longitudinal side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventors: Majid J. Jabber, Justin M. Malohn, Christopher L. Schmelzer
  • Patent number: 8662292
    Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly with a housing profile that protects components positioned in an interior of the housing from spilt products and is easier to clean than previously known conveyor belt assemblies. The conveyor belt assembly of this invention includes a frame with a sloped surface positioned under the conveyor belt such that spilt product that falls through the conveyor belt lands on the sloped surface and gravity pulls the spilt product off the sloped surface to a side of the housing for easy clean up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Service Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary Brackemyer, Jeff Dean, Danny Gonzalez, Gino Rigitano, Jerral Richardson
  • Publication number: 20130228423
    Abstract: A mount for operationally positioning a shield assembly above a conveyor belt assembly. The mount comprises a pair of spaced apart brackets attached on each side of the conveyor frame, and a pair of linkages pivotally connecting the brackets to the shield assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: MAGUIRE SUPER-SHIELD LTD.
    Inventor: Dennis R. Maguire
  • Patent number: 8474608
    Abstract: A conveyor belt guard panel blank comprises a monolithic planar sheet of material of uniform thickness having opposite facing primary surfaces. The sheet of material has a plurality of openings extending therethrough in a manner creating a mesh. The sheet also comprises at least two handle formations that are adapted and configured to be altered in a manner such that the handle formations extend outward from one of the primary surfaces of the sheet of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventors: Jared Piacenti, David Mueller, Robert Todd Swinderman
  • Publication number: 20130145911
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for processing and/or transporting food products (3), in particular meat and sausage products, comprising at least one constructional unit (7) and at least one pressure monitoring device (15). The invention is characterized in that the at least one constructional unit (7) comprises a housing (10) which is sealed in a pressure-maintaining manner and that in the housing (10) an excess pressure compared to the surroundings of the housing can be generated and monitored by the at least one pressure monitoring device (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
    Inventor: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
  • Patent number: 8353395
    Abstract: A conical-shaped plug member integrally comprising soft, porous foam material and having a helical profile for plugging the gap space in between the flights of an auger when an auger is not in use. Helical auger plug systems may comprise a removably attachable flag to indicate when the plug member is in use (inserted). The plug member of the present invention is designed to reduce the loss of heat (or cooling air) within/from a grain bin during the heating and drying process while preventing rodents and other animals from entering the grain storage bin through the auger flightings and infesting the grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Harold Pederson
  • Publication number: 20120298480
    Abstract: A support (1), module (101, 201) to be placed on the support, transport system is for displacement of people/goods modernized with the module and modernization method of transport systems is for displacement of people/goods. The support (1) has fixings (11) to fix the support (1) to a bearing structure (10) of the transport system, horizontal tie plates (12) to support and horizontally place the module (101, 201), lateral tie plates (13) to support and laterally place the module (101, 201), longitudinal tie plates (14) to support and longitudinally place the module (101, 201). The module has positioning and verification equipment (101A, 201A, 301A) to place the module (101, 201, 301) maintaining within tolerances the system lines of the transport system. The transport system has a support (1) and an entrance (101)/exit (201)/central (301) module on an entrance (100)/exit (200) finished floor/in a central section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP NORTE, S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Casielles Estrada, Juan Antonio Fernandez Fidalgo, Abdón Muñiz Camblor
  • Patent number: 8286788
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for the thermal treatment of threads, which comprises a positioning mechanism (8) and a position control mechanism (9) acting on a very short area in the immediate proximity of each sealing head. The positioning mechanism (8) includes an axle (10) for pivoting the frame (3), connected directly to the frame (3), and an actuator (11) for pivoting the frame, which is acting on said frame (3) through the intermediary of a rod linkage (12), mounted between the edge of the frame (3) and the actuator (11). The device for positioning the conveyor belt (2) during its advance in the pressurized enclosure (1) is provided, with a mechanism for holding the conveyor belt (2) at a height separation with respect to the position control mechanism (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventors: Philippe Massotte, Michel Mazoyer, Serge Munschi
  • Publication number: 20120125740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting and guiding assembly for conveyor belts comprising a frame (1) which comprises at least one base element (1a), and at least one substantially flat structure (33a) supported by said at least one base element (1a); wherein said at least one substantially flat structure (33a) is projecting with respect to said at least one base element (1a) and is open on one of its sides through which said at least one conveyor belt (2) can be introduced/removed; and wherein said assembly additionally comprises at least one supporting and guiding mechanism of at least one conveyor belt from at least one perimetric guiding profile; such that it allows considerably simplifying the maintenance, repair and replacement of all the elements forming the assembly, minimizing the downtimes and saving in waiting costs and costs of parts to be replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Bayer MAterialScience AG
    Inventors: Cecilia Vila Torra, Jordi Gavalda Monedero
  • Publication number: 20120125744
    Abstract: A conveyor belt guard panel blank comprises a monolithic planar sheet of material of uniform thickness having opposite facing primary surfaces. The sheet of material has a plurality of openings extending therethrough in a manner creating a mesh. The sheet also comprises at least two handle formations that are adapted and configured to be altered in a manner such that the handle formations extend outward from one of the primary surfaces of the sheet of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: MARTIN ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jared Piacenti, David Mueller, Robert Todd Swinderman
  • Patent number: 8127919
    Abstract: A conveyor lift table for a conveyor system comprises a conveyor including a frame and a plurality of rollers for supporting a load thereon and a lift mechanism connected to one end to said frame and configured to move the conveyor with a load supported thereon from an uppermost position to a lowermost position. A guard assembly is provided that includes plurality of U-shaped panel sections, each of the panel sections defining a successively larger perimeter. The panel section having the smallest perimeter is attached to the conveyor frame. Each panel section is connected to the next larger perimeter panel section by a plurality of slide members so that the guard assembly is configured to telescopically completely enclose the lift mechanism on three sides as it moves between its uppermost and lowermost positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Systec Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Harris, Achie B. Russell
  • Patent number: 8104606
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly for conveying a product to one or more product operations includes a conveyor belt rotating about a drive roller assembly and an end return roller assembly. A pair of spaced apart side frames supports the conveyor belt and between which the conveyor belt rotates. The side frames are formed from an upstanding member and an inwardly extending horizontal member. Both the frame upstanding member and the frame horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. One or more L-shaped brackets are formed from a generally upstanding member and an inwardly extending member. Both the bracket upstanding member and the bracket horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. The bracket horizontal member slots are configured to overlay the frame elongate horizontal member slots, and the bracket upstanding member slots are configured to overlay the frame upstanding member slots for attaching components to the side frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Unique Metal Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Don A. Rogers, Rick A. Musick
  • Patent number: 8074787
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the transport of containers, wherein at least one container is driven along on rotating drive units (12) on a transport system, the transport system being built over a long distance such that remote delivery of containers may at least be achieved on a regional scale and a transport system for transporting containers comprising a rectangular frame (1,3), several rotatable drive units (12), fixed to the frame (1,3) perpendicular to the frame (1,3) and parallel to each other, each comprising at least one drive wheel (10) on which a container can be supported and driven, wherein the transport device runs over a long distance such that the remote delivery of containers may at least be achieved on a regional scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Silvio Grilli
  • Patent number: 8056707
    Abstract: Provided are a heat resistant laminated conveyor belt and manufacturing method thereof by which a belt surface pressure when a liner and corrugated core paper are pressed and bonded together can be increased to thereby enhance a bonding performance. The heat resistant laminated conveyor belt comprises a belt core layer 11 made by a heat resistant non-metallic fiber substrate being impregnated with a fluororesin dispersion and then dried and sintered and a surface layer 13 (plain weave wire, etc., for example) formed on the belt core layer 11 via an adhesive layer 12 made by a fluororesin film, the surface layer having a fabric structure using an element wire or wires made of a ferrous metal or having a structure in which the element wire or wires are arranged together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Printing & Packaging Machinery, Ltd., Chukoh Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishibuchi, Takashi Nitta, Hideo Imazato, Takafumi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 8047357
    Abstract: A conveying device having a drive motor with motor shaft, a motor housing, and a load-receiving support stand, where to improve the conveying device in terms of simplified assembly and ease of maintenance, the motor housing is configured as part of the load-receiving support stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Franz Braun, Roland Laumer
  • Patent number: 7980377
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement, for securing a protective component to a chute or conveyor structure, having a hook-shaped formation which engages with the protective component, a first beaded section located in a first undercut slot in a supporting base, and a retaining mechanism which abuts a side of the first beaded section and which has a second beaded section located in a second undercut slot in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Brelko Patents (PTY) Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Ellis, Melvyn George King
  • Patent number: 7975837
    Abstract: A conveyor (10) includes an elongate tray (12) for supporting goods thereon, and a powered drive (16) to move goods along the tray. In one embodiment, a gate (24) is supported on this tray for closing an opening in the tray or for opening to allow goods to drop through the tray opening. The gate has a first magnet (34) supported thereon. A gate drive (22) moves the gate between the open and closed positions, and has a second magnet (32) which cooperates with the first magnet such that the magnets separate if the gate encounters an obstruction when closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Heat and Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Petri, Anselm Pajuodis, Steven Bullard
  • Patent number: 7886897
    Abstract: A protective cover for deployment within the interior of a conveyor truss of a conveyor belt-driven bulk material handler. The protective cover comprises an apical support member configured for resilient attachment to an upper, central truss member of the conveyor truss such that the apical support member hangs above the conveyor belt when the cover is deployed. The cover comprises a pair of parallel support members, each configured for fixed attachment to opposite lateral conveyor truss members. The apical support member and the parallel support members together form a triangular arrangement of support members within the conveyor truss when the cover is deployed. Also provided is a rectangular sheet of protective material having a means for attachment of opposite sides thereof to a corresponding member of the pair of parallel support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Thor Global Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Thor Johanssen
  • Patent number: 7882944
    Abstract: A belt guard for a drive belt on a roller conveyor system, that can be positioned adjacent the drive belt and between adjacent conveyor rollers to guard the side edges of the drive belt from inadvertent or intentional entanglement of a person's fingers or other body parts or clothing in the rotating rollers and drive belts. A guard assembly is provided having a first and second belt guard members affixed together and disposed on opposite sides of the drive belt. The invention also includes a roller conveying system that has a plurality of the spaced-apart cylindrical rollers, driven by a plurality of a circular drive belt, and a nip guard system having a plurality of nip guard means that guard the nips and/or sides of the revolving drive belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: TKF, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Eubanks, John Erwin Treft
  • Patent number: 7870948
    Abstract: A rolling conveying device including guide rails 6, 6?, 5? in which, respectively, at least one rolling body 1, 1?, 8 with a plurality of freely rotatable rollers 2 is arranged in operational interaction with a plurality of conveying bodies 10 which are freely displaceable between the rollers of the rolling body. The rolling body or bodies form tracks closed in themselves, they are not, however, chains because they are neither pulled nor pushed. Solely the conveying bodies are displaced, respectively, driven between the rolling bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: WRH Walter Reist Holding AG
    Inventor: Walter Reist
  • Patent number: 7837020
    Abstract: A system for lining a substrate, such as a rock chute, includes a liner with an engagement aperture that is configured to receive an adapter and that includes an internal ledge that enables use of the adapter to secure the liner to the substrate. Such a system may also include a base plate that may be secured to the substrate and that may be assembled with the liner to enable use of the adapter to attach the liner to the substrate. Methods for selecting a suitable adapter and using the adapter with the disclosed liner are also within the scope of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Michael F. Pittman
  • Publication number: 20100276260
    Abstract: A storage platform is incorporated into the main conveyor. The machine is movable, and incorporates space for the storage of main conveyor structure. The machine also includes a mechanism for raising the top of the endless belt, and for permitting the lower or return portion of the endless belt to pass through the mobile machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: JOY MM DELAWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew P. de Lore, Peter Weatherhead
  • Patent number: 7818921
    Abstract: A through section shielding construction is disclosed in which a partitioning wall defines a slit-like opening extending along a lateral direction as a moving passage of a penetrating member relative to the partitioning wall, and a plurality of shielding plates for closing the slit-like opening are juxtaposed along the slit-like opening as being suspended pivotally to be pushed open one after another by the penetrating member moving along the slit-like opening. The shielding plates are provided as adjacent pairs, and there is provided an operative coupling mechanism for operably coupling, with each other, two shielding plates constituting each pair in such a manner that in association with one of the paired shielding plates being pushed open in one direction by the penetrating member, the other shielding plate is pivotally opened in the opposite direction to the one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyotani Hisashi, Izuru Matsubara, Kenji Sakita, Yoshikazu Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20100230254
    Abstract: An ice re-surfacing machine an acoustically isolated face shield around the intake mouth of its vertical conveyor housing. Ultrasonic vibrations induced in the shield prevent build-up of ice from cuttings thrown at the mouth by the machine's horizontal conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick R. Manion
  • Patent number: 7757840
    Abstract: An improved conveyor assembly includes a conveyor belt for conveying a product to one or more product operations is disclosed. Such conveyor assembly includes a pair of spaced apart side frames that support the conveyor belt and between which the conveyor belt rotates. The side frames are formed from an upstanding member and a inwardly extending horizontal member. Both the frame upstanding member and the frame horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. One or more L-shaped brackets are formed from a generally upstanding member and an inwardly extending member. Both the bracket upstanding member and the bracket horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. The bracket horizontal member slots are configured to overlay the frame elongate horizontal member slots, and the bracket upstanding member slots are configured to overlay the frame upstanding member slots for attaching components to the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Unique Metal Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Don A. Rogers, Rick A. Musick
  • Patent number: 7743914
    Abstract: A dust tight closed type belt conveyor for conveying dust contained materials to be scattered out during operation; which comprises the conveyor belt supported in a form of concave by a plurality of rollers and a plurality of glide plates and also the bulged cover roof closing the upside space over the conveyor belt, so that all make a dust tight and closed conveying space extending in the driving direction. Further, the belt conveyor is preferably provided with a system for avoiding the belt meandering motion causing a harder dust scattering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Yoko Inc.
    Inventors: Hideharu Nagahama, Shogo Nagahama, Akira Nagahama, Masakazu Tsukamoto, Koji Fujioka
  • Patent number: 7735632
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting the strip seal on the side of a pass-through positioning stage. The strip seal can effectively provide support to a cover of the stage and be magnetically coupled to the cover and base for an enhanced seal and added support. Accordingly, the tendency for the stage to sag and vibrate during operation is mitigated. Moreover, a side-mounted strip seal is exposed to a reduced amount of debris that accumulates on the top of a stag, and thus is less susceptible to contaminants entering the interior of the stage. As such, and in connection with a variety of other means for reducing contamination, the stage can operate for longer periods of time without wear and/or maintenance, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Anorad Corporation
    Inventors: Dave Garlow, Alfred Santacapita
  • Publication number: 20090321224
    Abstract: A protective cover for deployment within the interior of a conveyor truss of a conveyor belt-driven bulk material handler. The protective cover comprises an apical support member configured for resilient attachment to an upper, central truss member of the conveyor truss such that the apical support member hangs above the conveyor belt when the cover is deployed. The cover comprises a pair of parallel support members, each configured for fixed attachment to opposite lateral conveyor truss members. The apical support member and the parallel support members together form a triangular arrangement of support members within the conveyor truss when the cover is deployed. Also provided is a rectangular sheet of protective material having a means for attachment of opposite sides thereof to a corresponding member of the pair of parallel support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Thor Global Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Thor Johanssen
  • Patent number: 7608304
    Abstract: A substrate carrying method for removing the electrical charges on a substrate and then carrying the substrate includes forming a conductive layer with conductivity on a part of the surface of the substrate, and carrying the substrate while supporting a conductive layer-forming region of the substrate by a grounded substrate supporting unit with conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Minoru Koyama
  • Publication number: 20090218201
    Abstract: A transition plate assembly and a position sensor assembly are used to detect a dislodged or removed transition plate from a gap between the discharge end of a conveyor and the first end of a run-out ramp. The position sensor assembly may detect a safe seated position of a hinged transition plate protecting the gap and generate a motor-enabling signal to a drive motor that drives the conveyor. An interrupted motor-enabling signal, corresponding to an unsafe condition, may turn off the drive motor to prevent damage to articles or persons until an enabling signal is restored. In one embodiment, the termination of the power to the drive motor continues until a delay period has elapsed following the detection of an enabling signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Wesley Dickover, Wesley Dale Dickover
  • Publication number: 20090211880
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for conveying profiled objects, particularly bottles or parisons comprising an annular collar between two sliding planes with the aid of at least one conveying apparatus, at least one part of which rests against the object in a frictionally engaging manner and is supported on receiving elements or pressure rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Franz Klaiber, Peter Novak
  • Publication number: 20090194394
    Abstract: A frame adapter assembly for use in connection with a belt conveyor assembly including: a frame adapter body having a top surface and a bottom bearing surface for at least partially contacting a surface of a belt conveyor frame; at least one bracket extending from the top surface of the frame adapter body for operatively engaging at least a portion of a shaft of at least one roller; and at least one attachment arrangement for removably or permanently attaching the frame adapter assembly to at least a portion of the existing belt conveyor frame. A method for repairing a belt conveyor assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Allison Custom Fab
    Inventor: Scott C. Croftcheck