Patents Assigned to Span Tech LLC
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Patent number: 9656810Abstract: A conveyor system is for intended use in conjunction with the conveyance of articles, such as for being sorted for downstream processing. The system comprises a conveyor, which may be an endless conveyor including a forward run and a return run. The conveyor may have a tilted conveying surface for supporting the articles being conveyed. A low friction guide extends along the conveyor for engaging the articles being conveyed by the conveyor, which may include rollers for providing rolling contact for the articles during conveyance. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Scott Dayton Barbour
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Patent number: 9650211Abstract: An apparatus for use with a conveyor for conveying objects and including an exposed surface. A source of energy is provided to transmit energy to at least a portion of the exposed surface. The energy should be at a level sufficient to kill a living organism in contact with the exposed surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Lewis W. Ward, Scott Dayton Barbour
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Patent number: 9604258Abstract: A conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first conveyor extending in a first direction and a second conveyor extending in a second direction, with the directions intersecting. A transfer conveyor, such as a transpositor conveyor, may be provided for transferring articles from one of the first conveyors to one of the second conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations. Related aspects and methods are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Brian Keith Thomas, Steve C. Fye, Lewis W. Ward, Ervin Puskar
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Patent number: 9340362Abstract: A conveyor with enhanced cleanability includes a belt for conveying objects above a floor and having a forward run and a return run. A conveyor bed for supporting the belt provides an upper support for supporting the forward run of the belt and a lower support for supporting a return run of the belt. The upper support is adapted for moving toward and away from the lower support, including when the conveyor belt is sectioned into first and second portions corresponding to the forward run and the return run. A conveyor is also mounted in a cantilevered fashion, such as by embedding posts in a curable material forming a base for supporting the conveyor. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Lewis W. Ward, B. Keith Thomas, Scott Dayton Barbour
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Patent number: 9290331Abstract: A diverter is for intended use in connection with a diverter conveyor for diverting articles moving in a conveying direction from a primary path of travel to one of three different optional paths of downstream travel. The diverter includes a plurality of guides, each mounted for relative movement thereto from a first position to a second position. Depending on the position, the diverter is caused to follow one of the several downstream paths of travel. Related aspects include a conveyor incorporating the diverter and methods of use and manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventor: Stephen C. Fye
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Patent number: 8727109Abstract: An apparatus for conveying one or more objects along a conveying path in a conveying direction includes an endless conveyor chain formed of modular links arranged in rows in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The links include spaced outer side links forming a part of a conveying surface for the objects to be conveyed and intermediate links interconnected with side links by connector rods, the chain having at least a forward run for conveying one or more objects in the conveying direction. A driver is provided for driving the conveyor chain, and includes a first sprocket adapted for engaging at least one side link along at least one side of the chain, the first sprocket mounted for rotation about an axis generally orthogonal to the conveying direction and the transverse direction. The sprocket may comprise a split sprocket, and may be adapted for pivoting movement.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Lewis W. Ward, B. Keith Thomas, Michael Seiler, Stephen C. Fye
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Patent number: 8522962Abstract: A connector for connecting modular conveyor links to form a belt includes a rod-like core and a powder coating forming a protective shell. The core may be stainless steel and the powder coating may be nylon.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventor: Mark D. Russell
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Patent number: 8479912Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. A transfer conveyor, such as a transpositor conveyor, may be provided for transferring articles from one of the first conveyors to one of the second conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventor: James L. Layne
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Publication number: 20130146419Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations. In another embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of conveyors arranged in three different layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: SPAN TECH LLCInventor: SPAN TECH LLC
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Patent number: 8376118Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations. In another embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of conveyors arranged in three different layers.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventor: James L. Layne
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Patent number: 8113334Abstract: A matrix conveying system for intended use in sorting articles and related methods of conveying and sorting articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the matrix system comprises a plurality of first endless belt or chain conveyors extending in a first direction and a plurality of second conveyors extending in a second direction, each intersecting the plurality of first conveyors. The system may be used to sort articles delivered from one or more storage locations for distribution, or may instead be used to sort articles for delivery to one or more storage locations.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventor: James L. Layne
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Patent number: 8033388Abstract: A component subjected to wear during use includes a powder coating formed of a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, polyolefin, polyester, urethane, epoxy, acrylic, and mixtures thereof to provide improved wear resistance, enhanced cleanability, and reduced surface friction. Preferably, the component is for use in conveying product, such as in a conveyor system, and includes: (1) a metal core and a nylon powder coating; or (2) a stainless steel core and a powder coating. Most preferably, the coating is generally clear or translucent so as to give the appearance that the underlying component, which is typically made of metal, is neither coated nor made entirely of a polymer.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventor: Mark D. Russell
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Patent number: 7841462Abstract: In one aspect, a modular link conveyor chain including slats is capable of assuming a compressed and an expanded condition so as to permit side-flexing while moving along a forward run and a return run in an endless path. The chain is formed of links arranged in rows spaced apart in the conveying direction, the links of a first row including aligned apertures and the links of a second row including oversized apertures, such as slots, for aligning with the aligned apertures of the links in the first row. A first connector is associated with the corresponding apertures to interconnect the first and second rows of links. At least one elongated slat is mounted to the connector. The slat maybe mounted for pivoting movement between a first position forming at least part of a conveying surface along the forward run, and a second position along the return run.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Span Tech, LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Lewis W. Ward, B. Keith Thomas, Mark D. Russell
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Patent number: 7837029Abstract: A connector for connecting modular conveyor links to form a belt includes a rod-like core and a powder coating forming a protective shell. The core may be stainless steel and the powder coating may be nylon.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventor: Mark D. Russell
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Patent number: 7690496Abstract: A diverter is for intended use in connection with a diverter conveyor for diverting articles moving in a conveying direction from a first path of travel to a second path of travel. The diverter includes a guide mounted for relative movement thereto from a first position adjacent one side of the diverter corresponding to the first path of travel to a second position adjacent another side of the diverter corresponding to the second path of travel. A magnetic coupling is formed between the diverter and the guide for maintaining the guide in either the first position or the second position. A selector may be provided as part of a switch for switching the guide between the first and second positions. Related aspects include a conveyor incorporating the diverter and methods of use and manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: Stephen C. Fye, Lewis W. Ward, B. Keith Thomas, Ashok R. Anumula
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Patent number: 7559422Abstract: A modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. In one embodiment, the link section is unitary and includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector may be provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure, such as a small diameter, cylindrical nosebar or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Otto Jorgen Draebel, Mark T. Johnson, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: 7559421Abstract: A conveyor system includes a chain with modular side and intermediate guide links. The guide links assist in supporting the chain along the return run in a suspended fashion intermediate of the outer sides without causing wear on the conveying surface. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: Michael D. McDaniel, Wendell S. Bell
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Patent number: 7441649Abstract: An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors together create a substantially open, planar support surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Span Tech, LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: 7314132Abstract: A unitary modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. The link section includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector maybe provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Otto Jorgen Draebel, Mark T. Johnson, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: D658842Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Lewis W. Ward, B. Keith Thomas, Stephen C. Fye