Patents Assigned to Vic Thompson Company
  • Patent number: 6719097
    Abstract: A transport apparatus transports objects from one location to another, and in particular between a check station and a conveyor system. The apparatus has an arm that is structured and arranged to be located in a bagwell near the check station. The arm is telescoping and is contained in a base unit. A platform for receiving baggage is coupled to a free end of the arm and extends over the base unit when the apparatus is retracted. The platform has a roller that bears on the floor. As the arm extends and retracts, the platform rolls on the floor. Internal roller bearings allow the arm to telescope. The arm and the platform can be adjusted in height and the widths of the base unit and platform can be adjusted to the bagwell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Vic Thompson Company
    Inventors: Victor H. Thompson, Jr., Benon C. Jarka
  • Patent number: 6672451
    Abstract: A conveyor belt is made up of plastic links that are capable of traversing a radiused or curved path. The links are provided with a cover member, such as a plate. Articles to be conveyed are put on top of the plates. The links are interconnected together so as to reduce the exposure of gaps between the links. Each link has a slot on the ends, with the slot receiving a guiderail or track. Each slot has a convex inside surface which contacts the guiderail. The belt is supported by side frames, which side frames have lips that form the tracks. Each side frame has an upper lip and a lower lip. Thus, the side frames can support and guide both an upper portion of the conveyor belt as well as a lower portion of the conveyor belt in a self contained assembly. The side frames are coupled together by cross beams to provide the support, as well as provide a path of the tracks. The side frames are coupled to vertical supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Vic Thompson Company
    Inventors: Victor H. Thompson, Jr., Benon C. Jarka
  • Patent number: 6471048
    Abstract: A conveyor belt is made up of plastic links that are capable of traversing a radiused or curved path. The links are provided with a cover member, such as a plate. Articles to be conveyed are put on top of the plates. The links are interconnected together so as to reduce the exposure of gaps between the links. Each link has a slot on the ends; with the slot receiving a guiderail or track. Each slot has a convex inside surface which contacts the guiderail. The belt is supported by side frames, which side frames have lips that form the tracks. Each side frame has an upper lip and a lower lip. Thus, the side frames can support and guide both an upper portion of the conveyor belt as well as a lower portion of the conveyor belt in a self contained assembly. The side frames are coupled together by cross beams to provide the support, as well as provide a path of the tracks. The side frames are coupled to vertical supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Vic Thompson Company
    Inventors: Victor H. Thompson, Jr., Benon C. Jarka
  • Patent number: 6109854
    Abstract: A slide extends from an upper level platform to a lower level. The slide includes a bed with a smooth top surface and side frames that project upwardly from the bed. The bed is a sheet having upraised lips along its side edges. The lips are received by first channels in the side frames. Crossbars extend transversely beneath the bed, with the ends of the crossbars being received by second channels in the side frames. A groove is formed in the top surface of the bed, which groove receives a line. The line is coupled to a motor and to a carrier located on the slide, wherein the carrier traverses up and down the slide. Objects can be raised and lowered between the two levels using the carrier. Alternatively, objects can be allowed to slide down the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Vic Thompson Company
    Inventors: Victor H. Thompson, Jr., Christina S. Gross, Keith W. Gross