Patents Assigned to Quantum Conveyor Systems, Inc.
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Patent number: 6466828Abstract: Featured is a device controller in a system having a multiplicity of such controllers and a conveying system and method for controlling a multiplicity of devices using such controllers. Each controller includes a plurality of bi-directional communications ports, a processor that processes information and provides outputs, where at least one output controls the device, and an applications program for execution within the processor that includes instructions and criteria for processing the information and providing the processor outputs. Specifically, the applications program includes instructions and criteria for communicating information between and among controllers; instructions and criteria for processing information received by a controller; and instructions and criteria for modifying the operation of a device responsive to the communicated information. For a conveying system having a multiplicity of conveying sections, a controller is provided for each section.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Quantum Conveyor Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hans J. Lem, Richard J. Bowman
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Patent number: 6378687Abstract: Featured is a sorting/diverting apparatus that diverts articles from a plurality of moving belts, the sorting/diverting apparatus including a plurality of rollers that are rotatably mounted to a support frame and a moving mechanism that moves the support frame back and forth between two positions. The controller controls the moving of the support frame and the operation of the drive motor so as to divert/sort the articles. Each controller includes bi-directional communications ports, a processor that processes information and provides outputs, and an applications program for execution within the processor that includes instructions and criteria for processing the information and providing the processor outputs to control the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Quantum Conveyor Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hans J. Lem, Richard J. Bowman, Robert J. Koehler, William E. Koehler, Gerald R. Grispart, Michel L. Plasse
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Patent number: 6085892Abstract: Featured is a sorting/diverting apparatus that diverts articles from a plurality of moving belts that are at a nominal base height. The apparatus includes a support frame, a plurality of rollers that are rotatably mounted to the support frame, a moving mechanism that moves the support frame back and forth between first and second position. The rollers also are mounted so as to be parallel to the moving belts. In the first position the rollers are disposed below the nominal base height and in the second position at least a portion of the rollers is disposed above the base height. The apparatus further includes a drive motor and a drive mechanism that mechanically interconnects the drive motor and each of the rollers. Also featured is an apparatus controller that controls the moving of the support frame and the operation of the drive motor. Preferably, the controller is operated so the rollers are simultaneously rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction when in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Quantum Conveyor Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hans J. Lem, Richard J. Bowman, Robert J. Koehler, William E. Koehler, Gerald R. Grispart, Michel L. Plasse
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Patent number: 5984498Abstract: Featured is a device controller in a system having a multiplicity of such controllers and a conveying system and method for controlling a multiplicity of devices using such controllers. Each controller includes a plurality of bi-directional communications ports, a processor that processes information and provides outputs, where at least one output controls the device, and an applications program for execution within the processor that includes instructions and criteria for processing the information and providing the processor outputs. Specifically, the applications program includes instructions and criteria for communicating information between and among controllers; instructions and criteria for processing information received by a controller; and instructions and criteria for modifying the operation of a device responsive to the communicated information. For a conveying system having a multiplicity of conveying sections, a controller is provided for each section.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1996Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Quantum Conveyor Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hans J. Lem, Richard J. Bowman
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Patent number: 5676237Abstract: The tracking signal generating device disclosed herein is adapted to be utilized between successive conveying sections in which articles are transported at a nominal height. A resilient suspension supports an elongate roller so that it projects above the nominal height of the conveying sections in the absence of an article being transported, but is deflected downwardly by the passage of an article from one section to the next. A sensor responsive to the downward deflection provides a signal indicating the presence of an article and an encoder driven by rotation of the roller generates signals indicating the length of an article passing the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Quantum Conveyor Systems, Inc.Inventor: Hans J. Lem
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Patent number: 5641056Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting articles up a steep gradient and having a continuous belt having article engaging lugs projecting from only the outer belt face. Conventional flat idler rollers are employed for turning the direction of the belt between the transport path and a return flight. A conventional flat drive roller is provided in the return flight between the first and second idler rollers with first and second segmented idler rollers directing the belt under tension in a wrap around the drive roller which engages only the back face of the belt with the lugs passing between segments of the segmented idler rollers.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1995Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Assignee: Quantum Conveyor Systems, Inc.Inventor: Hans J. Lem