Power-driven Conveyor Section Feeding To Gravity Section (i.e., Gravity Discharge Material Holder, Or Gravity Flow Path) Feeding In Turn To Another Power-driven Section Patents (Class 198/560)
  • Patent number: 10569832
    Abstract: A drive for a wheeled vehicle having a driven wheel is described. The driven wheel is driven by a gear. The drive includes a support mounted on an axle of the driven wheel and attached to a frame element of the vehicle. A motor is located at the driven wheel. This drive motor is mounted on the support. A second drive gear connected to the drive motor. The second drive gear is also mounted on the support. The second drive gear engages the gear fixed to the driven wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Michal Szelagowski
  • Patent number: 10435244
    Abstract: A conveyor includes a powered pop-up roller driven by separable drive components. A first drive component is rigidly coupled to the frame of the conveyor. The first drive component induces motion driving the roller in a second drive component, which is fixed to the roller but separable from the first drive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bryant G. Ragan, Robert L. Rosen, Jaime E. Castro Cuevas
  • Patent number: 10398148
    Abstract: An oven has a first conveyor, a first burner that directs heat toward the first conveyor from above the first conveyor, and a second burner that directs heat toward the first conveyor from below the first conveyor. A method includes providing foodstuff on a conveyor, exposing the foodstuff to heat directed toward the foodstuff from above the conveyor, and exposing the foodstuff to heat directed toward the foodstuff from below the conveyor. Another oven has a first conveyor and first conveyor insulators that surround the first conveyor and define a first zone. Another method includes introducing foodstuff to a first conveyor belt within a first insulated zone, introducing heat into the first insulated zone, and retaining a portion of the heat within the first insulated zone. Another oven has an insulated cooking zone that closely envelopes a cooking path and an insulated oven zone that substantially envelopes the cooking zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventor: Souhel Khanania
  • Patent number: 10329042
    Abstract: For accurate housing of an object to be packed even in an unfixed box body, a packing apparatus includes a movable unit and a force detection part provided in the movable unit and houses an object to be packed in a box body formed from a packing material based on an output value of the force detection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Nammoto, Kazuhiro Kosuge, Tomoki Harada, Koichi Hashimoto, Kengo Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10245740
    Abstract: The object of the application is a detachable cutting head for an apparatus for feeding filter segments provided with a drum conveyor having flutes for crosswise movement of filter rods, provided with circular knives situated in knife units mounted in the housing of the head, characterized in that it comprises a housing of the head (8) provided with a reference surface (23) for positioning in the apparatus for feeding filter segments; seatings (20, 21) for positioning the knife units (10) and lead-out channels (25), knife units (10) with circular knives (6), whereas the positioning seatings (20, 21) are situated so that the circular knives (6) do not overlap. Furthermore, the object of the application is a drive apparatus of a cutting head and a method of coupling a cutting head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Bartosz Cieslikowski, Ryszard Dominiak, Leszek Sikora, Andrzej Boleslawski
  • Patent number: 9446876
    Abstract: Disclosed are a cooking material dispensing system and dispensing method. The dispensing method comprises the following steps: setting a material bag (9) clamping station in a position near a cooking pot opening but outside the range of the pot opening, and clamping the material bag (9) containing a cooking material at the material bag (9) clamping station; confining the material bag (9), such that the material bag (9) is kept in a clamped state to control the deformation thereof during the dispensing procedure; flipping and/or tipping the material bag (9), and when in a position near the cooking pot opening, dispensing the cooking material in the material bag (9) into the cooking pot; and once the cooking material has been dispensed, shifting the material bag (9) from the range of the cooking pot opening and releasing the clamping of the material bag (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventors: Xinyu Liu, Ping Yan
  • Patent number: 9382767
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for attaching, detaching and conveying tubular on a drill cantilever. The method and apparatus include a tubular standbuilding conveyor assembly and a stand delivery conveyor assembly. The method and apparatus provide for improved movement, assembly and disassembly in order to eliminate inefficient movements and to improve consistent, repeatable performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited
    Inventors: Edwin T. Hill, Dennis W. Waddell
  • Patent number: 9051123
    Abstract: A paper transport system includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a drop chute assembly. The first conveyor has a belt for transporting paper disposed at a first elevation. The second conveyor has a belt for transporting paper disposed at a second elevation that is different from the first elevation. The drop chute assembly is positioned between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The drop chute assembly is configured to receive paper from the first conveyor and output the paper to the second conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: LOTZ INDUSTRIAL PRINTER CO.
    Inventor: Paul B. Lotz
  • Patent number: 8915352
    Abstract: Not only the cracking of granular reduced iron materials is reduced, but also reduced iron materials are fed uniformly onto a furnace floor regardless of a width of the furnace floor. A feeding system for reduced iron material includes a plurality of material feeding equipments 4 provided in a furnace width direction of a mobile furnace floor type reduction melting furnace, wherein each of the material feeding equipments 4 is constructed by a hopper 10 configured to receive reduced iron materials and discharge the materials from a discharge port 10a, a trough 14 configured to connect the discharge port 10a and a material charging portion of the mobile furnace floor type reduction melting furnace configured to receive the reduced iron materials discharged from the discharge port 10a, an exit portion provided on an exit side of the trough 14, and a vibration applying unit configured to cause the trough to vibrate along a furnace floor moving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Tsuge, Tomoki Uemura
  • Patent number: 8857599
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bundle (11) of rolled bars, comprising bar conveying means (4), an inclined plane device (1) for forming a layer of bars and bar accumulation means (5), wherein the inclined plane device (1) comprises a plurality of support elements (2), arranged parallel to each another and defining a first plane inclined by an angle (a) with respect to a horizontal direction, and adapted to receive a predetermined number of bars defining the layer of bars on said first plane from said bar conveying means (4), handling means (60) for translating the inclined plane device (1) from a first maximum advancement position distal from the conveyor means (4) to a second maximum retraction position proximal to the conveyor means (4) to unload the layer of bars onto the accumulation means (5), at a speed such to prevent the bars resting on said supporting elements from being dragged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Poloni, Giuseppe Bordignon
  • Patent number: 8800751
    Abstract: A distribution device for separating and orienting particles in a particle stream conveyed by the device to a particle-measuring device, including a conveying device with a discharge at one end for particles that are to pass in free fall to a downstream image-capturing device. At least two conducting elements are associated with the discharge and are movable relative to one another in that at least one of the conducting elements is movable under the effect of a drive mechanism. A feed gap is provided between the conducting elements for separated particles falling out of the discharge. The conducting elements are arranged in the manner of a funnel such that the feed gap is formed at an end of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Retsch Technology, GmbH
    Inventor: Gert Beckmann
  • Publication number: 20140166439
    Abstract: A metering device for metering granular product into a pressurized conduit of a pneumatic conveyor has a tubular housing oriented vertically. Intake and discharge openings are defined in opposite housing walls with blank walls between the openings. Upper and lower hubs are rotatably mounted and sealed in ends of the housing above and below the intake and discharge openings. An upper surface of the lower hub slopes downward toward an outer edge thereof. The upper and lower hubs are fastened to a drive shaft extending along the housing axis and a meter drive rotates the drive shaft at a selected rotational speed. Each of a plurality of flexible blades extends between the upper and lower hubs and has an outer edge wiping the inner wall surface of the housing such that a sealed blade chamber is formed between adjacent blades and one of the blank walls as the hubs rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Dale Hughes
  • Patent number: 8684164
    Abstract: A device (1) for forming rolled bar (3) bundles which allows to obtain perfectly tidy and super compact bundles, in which the bars (3) are perfectly aligned with one another without twisting, tangling or overlapping, both inside and outside the bundle, conferring an excellent shape and regular appearance to the same. A process for forming rolled bar bundles by using the aforesaid device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Poloni, Giuseppe Bordignon
  • Publication number: 20140059849
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating out and conveying of cable sleeves for assembly of the separated cable sleeves onto cable. The included device relates to a bulk material container (3) accommodating plural loose cable sleeves, and a conveyor system (33) conveying the loose cable sleeves located in the bulk material container (3) to a separation and transportation system (39). A cross-sectional constriction (35) is provided in the transition passage (34) from the bulk material container (32) to the conveyor system (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLEUNIGER HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Ivo Meierhans, Eugen Wosinski
  • Patent number: 8448778
    Abstract: A device for dividing a flow of lumpy material into two sub-flows comprises a dividing mechanism which comprises a dividing edge for splitting the material flow into two sub-flows, an apparatus for directing the material to the dividing mechanism and an apparatus for diverting the two sub-flows away from the dividing mechanism. The dividing edge can be moved back and forth in its longitudinal direction following its own track. Embodiments of the device can permit the wear on the dividing edge to be more evenly distributed and the service life of the device may thereby be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventors: Palle Erik Grydgaard, Richard Eimert, Stig Jensen
  • Publication number: 20130098737
    Abstract: In the context of an endless conveyor finishing machine, the method of the invention consists of preparing objects which are aligned on the battens of said conveyor with a view to delivering same to, for example, a capping station of a filling machine, wherein said preparation method consists of modifying the position of each batten so as to cause each row of objects to move from a horizontal position to a position that is sufficiently inclined, for example vertical, so as to cause the automatic unloading of said batten and the discharge of the series of objects toward a receiving and transit area in which said objects are inserted, single file, into the chute of a conveying device. The finishing machine for implementing the method comprises a module built into the conveying device, including means for propelling the objects to a sufficient height in order to feed same to, for example, a capping station, and for carrying out a complementary selection, checking, and sorting operation on said objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventors: Remy Lopez, Zmaj Petrovic, David Lamoly
  • Patent number: 8292061
    Abstract: A package apparatus includes a first conveyance unit and a second conveyance unit. The first conveyance unit is configured and arranged to convey a plurality of packaged objects in a first conveying direction. The second conveyance unit is provided below the first conveyance unit and configured and arranged to convey the packaged objects in a second conveying direction generally opposite from the first conveying direction. The second conveyance unit is configured and arrange to overlay each of the packaged objects received from the first conveyance unit on an adjacent one of the packaged objects such that the packaged objects are generally oriented in the second conveying direction to form a group of the packaged objects that is conveyed in the second conveying direction on the second conveyance unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seisaku Iwasa, Motoki Takayama, Tatsuya Arimatsu, Yuji Yokota
  • Publication number: 20120181149
    Abstract: A distribution device for separating and orienting particles in a particle stream conveyed by the device to a particle-measuring device, including a conveying device with a discharge at one end for particles that are to pass in free fall to a downstream image-capturing device. At least two conducting elements are associated with the discharge and are movable relative to one another in that at least one of the conducting elements is movable under the effect of a drive mechanism. A feed gap is provided between the conducting elements for separated particles falling out of the discharge. The conducting elements are arranged in the manner of a funnel such that the feed gap is formed at an end of the funnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Gert Beckmann
  • Publication number: 20120000747
    Abstract: A device and a method for transferring printed products conveyed in a stream of individual products from a feed unit to a removal unit makes it possible to divert the printed products from a feed direction to a removal direction. The feed unit includes a first conveyor and a transfer region, and the removal unit includes a takeover region with a support surface for the printed products. The transfer region is located higher than the takeover region. The removal unit of the device includes at least a second conveyor which forms the support surface. A pressing element is arranged above the support surface which can be lowered toward the support surface or toward a printed product moving in the direction of the support surface. The pressing element can be lifted up from the support surface or a printed product positioned thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventors: Beat Brun, Andreas Hess, Christian Troxler
  • Patent number: 8019125
    Abstract: A living animals conveying device for sorting animals with respect to a characteristic such as color, size, gender, or weight. In the case of chicks, an embodiment of the invention includes a section for conveying chicks with chicks positioned in buckets with their wings spread out, and an automatic chicks sexing system. A first endless bucket conveyor comprising pre-positioning buckets able to individually receive and transport a living animal, is oriented with respect to a second endless bucket conveyor, comprising sorting buckets able to individually receive and transport a living animal, the first conveyor and the second conveyor being arranged in such a way that each pre-positioned living animal in a pre-positioning bucket falls from the pre-positioning bucket into a sorting bucket arranged below the pre-positioning bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Egg-Chick Automated Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Nadreau, Jean-Claude Yvin, Patrick Le Moine
  • Publication number: 20110017575
    Abstract: A low-pressure accumulation system and a conveyor belt in an accumulation conveyor for the use with the system. The belt, which is flanked on opposite sides by lines of gravity rollers, has a longitudinal lane of article-supporting belt rollers arranged in groups along the length of the conveyor belt. The groups are spaced apart from each at regular intervals. Trays sit atop the gravity rollers until they are lifted slightly higher by one of the slightly elevated groups of article-supporting belt rollers, which engage the bottom of the tray and convey it along toward a discharge end. Retractable stops selectively block the trays from advancing on the accumulation conveyor. The freely rotatable article-supporting belt rollers roll along the bottoms of any blocked and accumulated trays and provide low back pressure. The belt may also include low-friction rollers that ride on bearing surfaces below the belt to help lower friction between the belt and the conveyor structure while the belt is running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Wargo, Robert M. Poma, Matthew L. Fourney
  • Publication number: 20100300840
    Abstract: A gravity conveyor assembly includes first and second track assemblies positioned parallel to each other. Each of the track assemblies includes a body, having a slot in a first surface. A track member includes a frictional engagement portion received and frictionally engaged within the slot. A track extending portion freely extends above the first surface of the body. The track extending portion is oriented at an angle with respect to an axis oriented transverse to a ground surface such that the track extending portion has a continuous slope with respect to the ground surface. A cassette supported on the first and second track members is adapted for gravity induced rolling motion by the continuous slope. Wheels mounted to opposed sides of the cassette each have a concave perimeter surface aligned for rolling contact with the track extending portion of the track assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Bleichert, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7681326
    Abstract: In application of a green-house effect, under such a concept as to collect solar energy passively into the house and to exhaust moist air passively from the house, an all weather passive-type solar Ogako drying house which is available for all day through a year was made up improving an agricultural vinyl-house in which Ogako is dried continuously during carriage on the belt conveyors due to solar energy and auxiliary heat, and then moist air yielded when drying Ogako is exhausted through an insulated cylinder. In this case, Ogako means sawdust or tipped small particles of wood which is raw material in order to produce a woody pellet fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Marusho-Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyoshi Sugawara, Kimio Kanayama, Shoshichi Sotoda, Kazuhiko Sotoda, Hiromu Baba, Hidehiko Seto, Katsuhiko Shibuya, Toshiyuki Tachi, Shinya Koga, Masahiro Nakajima, Akira Yaegashi, Zenbei Komiyama
  • Patent number: 7565963
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the individual distribution of small stick-shaped objects (7), this device (1) making use of: a conveyor (2) comprising an endless conveyor belt (3) circulating around at least two pulleys or rollers (4, 4?), the outer side of this belt (3) being provided with transversal separators (5) which delimit a succession of compartments (6); a hopper (9) wherein the small stick-shaped objects (7) contained in compartments (6) are successively dumped; an individual distributor (10) arranged in the base of hopper (9) and wherein the small stick-shaped objects (7) become engaged via gravity, and comprising: a support and guide casing (8) comprising a semi-cylindrical form, substantially coaxial to the downstream pulley (4?), this casing (8) being oriented in such a way that it maintains the small stick-shaped objects (7) inside their respective compartments (6) during the passing of the belt (3) on said pulley (4?); a flexible vertical partition (11) separating the internal s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Exploitation Industrielle des Tabacs et Allumettes (Seita)
    Inventors: Georges Cholet, Gwennaël Verstichel, Cédric Lucas
  • Patent number: 7287637
    Abstract: A conveyor system is provided to limit the vertical fall experienced by a product transported along the conveyor and falling into a collection bin. A sensor in a fixed position relative to the product conveying plane of the conveyor measures product collection height in a collection bin to produce an output signal. A controller dynamically varies the angle between the conveyance plane and the collection bin base plane and the vertical displacement therebetween within a preselected range in order to minimize product damage associated with different fall trajectories from the conveyor into the bin for product. Either the conveyor or the collection bin is pivoted under the command of the controller to accomplish the desired function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventors: Kyle Campbell, Thomas J. Campbell, Jeffrey Campbell, Kevin Campbell
  • Patent number: 7264107
    Abstract: A system for transferring an object between driven conveyors comprising an upper conveyor comprising a discharge end, a first belt for transporting the object, the first belt engaging a first end roller and a gooseneck roller, where the first end roller is disposed below the gooseneck roller by a displacement sufficient to create a downward sloping section in the first belt; a transfer guide located adjacent to the discharge end of the upper conveyor, to receive the object from the downward sloping section; a lower conveyor comprising a second belt to receive the object from the transfer guide; and means for driving the upper conveyor and lower conveyor such that the first belt moves towards the transfer guide and the second belt moves away from transfer guide. A lower run of the first belt may be disposed above an upper run of the second belt by a belt spacing approximately equal to or less than the thickness of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Lawrence Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric C. Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20070199799
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus is used in a manufacturing process of irregularly configured products having a shell-like configuration with at least a part of its outer surface largely depressed. The transfer apparatus includes a first transfer device, a second transfer device and a supply device. A first transfer device has a gutter-like configuration and receives the products one after another while the depressions of the products being aligned with a transferring direction. The second transfer device receives the products at the depressions and transfers the products one after another in a row. The supply device receives the products from the second transfer device and supplies the products one by one to a next step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: YUTAKA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masayasu KURACHI
  • Patent number: 7228956
    Abstract: A bulk material precision transfer chute apparatus transfers a flow of material from a discharge conveyor to a separate receiving conveyor. The apparatus receives a flow of material from the discharge conveyor and transfers that material to a receiving conveyor depositing the material in a precise manner that avoids spillage of the material from the receiving conveyor, avoids wear to the receiving conveyor, and avoids excess dust generation from the transfer of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Benetech, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Pircon, Ronald A. Westfall, Gregory A. Clark
  • Patent number: 7134543
    Abstract: A containment apparatus for a multi-pass oven consisting of guide rails and tapered guide chutes having side rails. A tapered guide chute directs product pieces from one conveyor to the center of a receiving region of an underlying conveyor. Guide rails are placed along the sides of the receiving region of an underlying conveyor and maintain baking product pieces on the conveyor. Diverters on the distal end of each guide rail further move product pieces toward the center of the conveyor. Such diverters help ensure that pieces reach a subsequent guide chute or subsequent conveyor without falling off of the conveyor. Such guide rails, diverters, and guide chutes help prevent damage to, and loss of, product pieces while pieces pass through the oven. Guide rails, diverters, and guide chutes are particularly effective at maintaining round or cylindrical pieces within a multi-pass oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lawrence Barry, David Brian Emerson, William C. Flannigan, John D. Kiel, Geoffrey T. Ley, Thomas E. Lyons, Devang Jitendra Sutaria
  • Patent number: 7114611
    Abstract: A conveyor system for a self-checkout apparatus including a first side support rail having an inner side and an outer side and a second side support rail spaced apart from said first side support rail and positioned parallel thereto, where the second side support rail includes an inner side and an outer side. The system also includes a first motor mount affixed to the first side support rail at a first end, a second motor mount affixed to the second side support rail at the first end, and a drive roller having a knurled surface. The drive roller transmits a driving force from a drive motor and positioned at one end of the first side support rail and the second side support rail. The system further includes a return roller positioned at a second end of the first side support rail and the second side support rail, a pair of first tracking guides provided adjacent both ends of the driver roller, a pair of second tracking guides provided adjacent both ends of the return roller and a conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Dickover, Wes Dickover, Mike Radzimski
  • Patent number: 6832681
    Abstract: The invention provides an elevator for separating and distributing a plurality of whole freshly harvested tobacco leaves including clumps of agglomerated tobacco leaves. The elevator has an inclined frame longitudinally extending between a lower end and an upper end, an endless conveyor, and a declumper. The frame carries deck portions extending substantially between the lower end and the upper end. The conveyor is adapted to travel over the deck portions in an upward direction and under the deck portions in a downward direction. The conveyor is also adapted to carry the tobacco leaves to the upper end and discharge the tobacco leaves from the upper end. Also, the elevator includes a declumper adapted to buffet the clumps of tobacco leaves to separate the whole tobacco leaves in the clumps from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Peter VanBerlo
  • Patent number: 6591974
    Abstract: A spout is used for confining the grain flow from an auger. The auger may be a combine, grain cart unloading auger or a grain auger. The spout includes a chute that mounts on the auger tube. An overflow opening in the chute allows grain or other matter to flow out of the spout if the outlet of the chute is plugged. This prevents filling and overloading of the auger and consequent auger damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventors: Darcy Tofin, Leslie G. Hill
  • Publication number: 20020195310
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel transfer conveyor for transporting material from a feed point to an input section of a main conveyor. The transfer conveyor comprises a feed end, a discharge end, and a means for conveying material from the feed end to the discharge end. A connector is provided for detachably and rotatably connecting the transfer conveyor to the main conveyor such that the feed end of the transfer conveyor may be moved about the input section of the main conveyor while maintaining the flow of material from the discharge end of the transfer conveyor into an input section of the main conveyor. If the main conveyor to which the transfer conveyor is attached is to be operated within a range of operation angles, the connector is adapted to permit rotation of the transfer conveyor about the input section of the main conveyor at each operation angle of the main conveyor within the range. The transfer conveyor may be provided with a nozzle portion on the discharge end thereof to which the connector is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: Highline Mfg. Inc.
    Inventors: Kimball Lischynski, Murray Kosokowsky
  • Patent number: 6276511
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aligning and depositing elongate particles covered with at least one bonding agent on a continuously moving support so as to form a non-woven fabric for the subsequent production of boards. Said device comprises a dosing hopper, a unit for transferring the particles to an orientation unit consisting of several rollers having several compartments, said rollers being arranged at a distance from each other on a horizontal surface and at right angles to the direction of displacement of the continuously moving support. The alignment faces of the rollers, whose surfaces define the compartments and are embodied in an airtight manner, are configured in such a way that, at least in the area of their free ends, they are curved and/or bent against the direction of displacement of the continuously moving support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Kvaerner Panel Systems GmbH Maschinen- und Anlagenbau
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Iredi, Hubertus Japes
  • Patent number: 6269938
    Abstract: An over/under line feed system in accordance with the present invention includes a conveyor assembly positioned adjacent a workstation. The conveyor assembly preferably includes upper and lower conveyors. The workstation includes a workstation support frame and a carriage assembly supported by the workstation support frame. The carriage assembly is configured to receive a container, e.g., a collapsible plastic container, thereon. A lifting device is present to raise and/or lower the carriage assembly between the upper and lower conveyors. A tilting device allows at least a portion of the carriage assembly to tilt, providing easier access to the inside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: David W. Lutz
  • Patent number: 6244424
    Abstract: A system for transporting piece goods which comprises at least one output track for conveying piece goods from an entrance to an exit, the entrance being at a higher level than the exit. In order to prevent damages of the transported piece goods and to obtain a better utilization of the transport capacity of the system, the latter is characterized in that the at least one output track is disposed between the entrance and the exit, and in that the output track includes at least two sections in its longitudinal direction which have different adhesive properties and form different angles with respect to a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Jost AG Heimberg
    Inventors: Andreas Reusser, Ulrich Ruchti
  • Patent number: 6206175
    Abstract: A conveyor cleaning and residue control system for use with a conveyor includes an air knife and a deflector. The air knife impinges an air stream against the conveyor to blast residue from the conveyor, and the deflector redirects the air stream and the residue loosened by the air stream toward a chute. The flow of the air stream toward the chute causes at least a portion of the air-borne residue in the vicinity of the conveyor to flow toward the chute with the air stream such that the residue becomes supersaturated and forms macro-particles that precipitate out of air suspension. The air knife and deflector thus recycle the residue carried by the conveyor instead of requiring it to be evacuated. In the first embodiment, the deflector includes a pair of non-coplanar blades that are attached to one another. The deflector is both rotationally and translationally adjustable with respect to the conveyor. A second embodiment is disclosed wherein the deflector is curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Imperial Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Tschantz
  • Patent number: 6135171
    Abstract: A material handling transfer system which utilizes passive dust control methods for containing and controlling fugitive dust emissions generated during a transfer operation. The present system includes an enclosure containment structure which houses a specially designed transfer chute for vectoring a stream of moving material from a first elevated transfer location to a second lower transfer location, the chute being constructed to reduce fugitive dust emissions at the second transfer location, an adjustable deflector mechanism for containing and funneling the bulk material onto the transfer chute structure, and a stilling zone positioned downstream from the second transfer location for impeding the propagation of any fugitive dust emissions through the exit area of the enclosure structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: L. Alan Weakly, Delmer Leroy Shelstad
  • Patent number: 6021887
    Abstract: A plate feeding and handling apparatus (10) includes a synchronization assembly (30) for temporarily suspending the transport of plates on a conveyor (224). The synchronization assembly includes mini-stack assembly (268) and a perch assembly (270).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Gelco International L.L.C.
    Inventor: Galen H. Redden
  • Patent number: 5913403
    Abstract: A drive and transfer station for an underground mining installation employs a frame with spaced apart walls over which material is transferred between scraper-chain conveyors one arranged along a long wall mineral face working and the other arranged along an access roadway. The scraper-chain assembly of the face conveyor is driven by drive assemblies on opposite sides of the frame which drive a rotatable chain drum.At least one of the drive assemblies has a coupling in a gear box with a shaft which can be displaced axially with an adjusting device to drivably connect with the drum or to be released from the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: DBT Deutsche Bergbau-Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Merten, Ulrich Pletsch
  • Patent number: 5755318
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with a device for the continuous delivery of shredded materials exhibiting low flowability, particularly shredded cellulose materials, characterized in: (A) a receptacle for the shredded material to be delivered, said receptacle having an inlet and an outlet and whereto shredded material is delivered by means of an inlet screw, (B) a discharge arm provided in the receptacle and being arranged rotatably, which discharge arm transports the material present in the receptacle towards the outlet by means of rotation, (C) an outlet pit joined to the outlet receiving the material delivered to the outlet by the discharge arm, (D) an outlet screw protruding into the outlet pit and discharging the material delivered to the outlet pit (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Zikeli, Friedrich Ecker, Ulrich Moderl
  • Patent number: 5749283
    Abstract: An oven with slide-out transfer guides is provided for use in conjunction with multiple conveyors ovens to provide quick and convenient accessibility to an oven's interior in case of product transfer difficulties. A slidable rail assembly is mounted in the oven, which also has an access port for transfer guide egress and ingress, and a transfer guide with opposed lips forming a slot which mounts the transfer guide on the rail assembly. When access to the oven's interior is necessary to remedy a product transfer problem, the oven of the present invention allows the transfer guide to slide along the rail while still supported by same, and said transfer guide can be partially removed from said oven without the need to turn off the oven. In this way, obstructions can be cleared quickly without significant down time, thereby saving the user both time and expense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Casa Herrera, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett T. Funk
  • Patent number: 5553968
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for desegregating and conveying aggregate. A drag slat conveyor has a notch in the floor of its discharge end which causes larger aggregate at the lateral edges of the conveyor to drop out of the conveyor after smaller aggregate located between the lateral edges. The larger and smaller aggregate are thereby reoriented from a side-by-side lateral orientation to a longitudinal orientation. The longitudinally oriented segregated aggregate may then be thoroughly desegregated in a second conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5551912
    Abstract: The ending side of one coin conveying endless belt is made higher than the starting side of another adjacent coin conveying endless belt. Between the ending side of the one coin conveying belt and the starting side of the another coin conveying belt, there is provided a coin slide to let the coins, which have reached the ending side of the one coin conveying belt, slide down to the starting side of the another coin conveying belt. By using the coin slide, the transference of coins from the one coin conveying belt to the another coin conveying belt can be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Kagushiki Kaisha Ace Denken
    Inventors: Takatoshi Takemoto, Tosikazu Chida, Noriaki Kano, Eizi Ito, Koji Murakami, Takasi Itagaki, Kozo Sekimoto, Masanori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5392696
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining the lateral spacing of parallel rows of tortillas while transferring tortillas between two vertically spaced conveyors. The tortilla transfer guide is positioned adjacent to two generally horizontal, vertically spaced endless belt conveyors. The tortilla transfer guide has at least one scalloped section having a center of curvature aligned with the longitudinal axes respectively corresponding to an associated row of tortillas travelling towards the guide on the upper conveyor and an associated row travelling away from the guide on the lower conveyor. Each scalloped section is capable of moving a laterally misaligned tortilla towards its center of curvature, which is aligned with the proper longitudinal row axis on the lower conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Machine Masters, Inc.
    Inventors: Francisco Navarro, Manuel Valdez, Jose M. Buendia
  • Patent number: 5318165
    Abstract: A method and device for transferring products in an equally-spaced manner to a wrapping line, whereby transverse columns of products traveling parallel to their axis on a first conveyor are fed successively in a first direction perpendicular to the axis of the product. Wherein the products, still traveling in the first direction, are compacted and equally spaced, and then fed parallel to themselves along a curved path extending over an arc of 90.degree., and are loaded on to a second conveyor traveling in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and extending parallel to the axis of the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Spatafora, Giulio Strazzari
  • Patent number: 5281273
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking recyclable books permits the user to retain the recyclable value of the books while effectively deterring third-parties from reselling books which are intended to be recycled. The method includes transporting recyclable books past a designated marking location and marking at least a portion of the covers of the books with a distinguishing mark, and then transferring the marked books away from the marking location. The apparatus includes a marking device for marking the covers of the books, a transport device having a first and a second end for transporting the books past the marking device so that the covers of the books become marked thereby, and a removal device for moving the books away from the marking device after the covers of the books have been marked thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Fail-Safe Bookmarker, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Emposimato, George Carlson
  • Patent number: 5263591
    Abstract: A controllable refuse recycling system includes a conveyor for conveying refuse. The refuse is carried past a plurality of operating personnel who extract recyclable materials from the refuse, and deposit the extracted materials into separate deposit chutes. At least one deposit chute is situated directly in front of each operator so that the deposit chute is located on the conveyor itself, or on the other side of the conveyor from the operator. The system is also controllable, and includes a control deck for monitoring and controlling the operation of the system. In one embodiment, the operation of the refuse recycling system is modified depending upon the species of refuse which is introduced into the system, so that the system operates in a first mode when commercial refuse is received, and in a second mode when residential refuse is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Taormina Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Taormina, Vincent C. Taormina
  • Patent number: 5236142
    Abstract: A feed yarn package conveyor system which is capable of automatically conveying feed yarn package to a doubler. It comprises a discharge conveyor and a feed conveyor along the front and rear sides of a machine base; conveyors arranged in two rows on the right and left sides of each spindle, divided to the front and rear; a series of conveyors ranging from the discharge conveyor to the feed conveyor being declined towards the front of the machine base, with the front conveyor on the side of each spindle being set in a take-up position, such that the conveyors will be declined towards a center when feed yarn packages have been received thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Teranishi, Hiroshi Uchida
  • Patent number: 5234094
    Abstract: A flexible feeder conveyor system for removing material from a stockpile and transporting the removed material to a fixed conveyor. The system includes an underconveyor positioned below an excavator and having a loading hopper attached to its forward end to receive material and transport it beneath the excavator a rearward end of the underconveyor. A string of trailing conveyors is towed behind the underconveyor with the last trailing conveyor having its rearward end attached to a stationary terminal support positioned at the fixed conveyor. The underconveyor, the trailing conveyors, and the terminal support are connected together using transition hoppers. Each transition hopper includes an upper hopper mounted to the raised rearward end of the forward conveyor, and a lower hopper mounted to the forward end of the next rearward conveyor. The forward end of the conveyor is rollingly supported by a pair of caster wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Felco Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary L. Weyermann, Don Suverkrop