Patents Examined by Douglas Hess
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Patent number: 10011436Abstract: A feed unit, for example for feeding components to smoking article assembly apparatus. The feed unit has a rotary device having a supply region (4) and one or more channels (7) adapted to receive components from the supply region (4) such that the components are stacked one on top of another within each channel (7). Each channel (7) has an inlet (5) and an outlet through which components pass for output from the feed unit. One of the inlet (5) and the supply region (4) is configured to reciprocate relative to the other to agitate the components in the supply region (4) so that components pass into the channel (7).Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITEDInventors: Gary Fallon, Kie Seon Park, Martin Fuller, Geoffrey Vernon, Andrew Cleall, James Stembridge, Thomas Grunfeld
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Patent number: 9969561Abstract: The invention relates generally to conveying systems, for moving work pieces from work station to work station including conveyors which generally move at a constant speed and include load carrying units which can be coupled for movement therewith between work stations and uncoupled from the conveyor so that they will be stationary at the work stations while work is done on a work piece carried by the load carrying units. More particularly, the present invention pertains to improved systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing locomotion and control to a conveyor system including surface-mounted drive system and adjustable, automatic take-up system with floating drive chassis. The present invention also pertains to elevated conveyor systems comprising many of the same components as the surface-mounted conveyor systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: RSI, Inc.Inventor: Arthur Bernard Rhodes, II
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Patent number: 9969556Abstract: A conveyor belt module of the type having eye parts projecting outwardly from both sides of a central spine, where a plurality of interconnected belt modules define a transport plane, where the eye parts are offsetly spaced along the spine on either side of the spine, said spine defining a central line laterally on each module, such that eye parts on one belt module may be interfitted between eye parts on an adjacent module and mutually connected in a hinge-like manner, characterized in that the belt module comprises at least two types of eye parts: a first type of eye parts arranged on one side of the spine having a central opening in a direction orthogonal to the transport plane with parallel sides delimiting the eye part, and a second type of eye parts arranged on the other side of the spine having a central opening in a direction orthogonal to the transport plane with parallel sides delimiting the eye part, where adjacent the distal end of the second type of eye parts, cams, projecting away from the sidesType: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Ammerall Beltech Modular A/SInventor: Kenneth Westergaard Andersen
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Patent number: 9914589Abstract: An automated feed chute system for a cube feeder that includes: a feed chute, where the feed chute includes a closed position, an open position or any desired position in between; a mounting pin extending from one side of the feed chute; an opening mechanism, where the opening mechanism engages the mounting pin; and a mechanism to remotely activate the actuator. The opening actuator mechanism includes an arm that attaches to the mounting pin on the feed chute. The feed chute includes a pivot point, where the feed chute pivots about the pivot point to move the feed chute between the closed position, open position or any desired position in between. Preferably, the means to automatically activate the opening mechanism is a remote control.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventors: John Teel, J. W. Teel, Jr.
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Patent number: 9908708Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conveyor belt link and a sprocket driven conveyor belt comprising the same. In particular, it relates to a conveyor belt link with coupling mechanism that provides a conveyor belt surface that can reduce product marking, minimizes costs, and simplifies manufacturing and assembly of a conveyor belt comprising the same.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: PRINCE CASTLE LLCInventors: Matthew Adomaitis, Frank Anthony Agnello, Richard Bauer, Eloy Cerda, Mark Edward Fastabend, Sean Patrick Forrest, Charles B. Hartfelder, Karl Ronald Heinze, Scott R. Hammac, Kyle Thomas Kestner, Christine S. Laub, Eugene Stanley Maslana, Calvin States Nelson, Laurence A. Schoell, Zoran Ulicevic, Aleksandr Yazvin, Loren J. Veltrop, Brian J. Truesdale, Dennis Malkowski
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Patent number: 9908717Abstract: An accumulation system for a conveyor that supports an object for movement along a path. The accumulation system including a clutch mechanism that selectively manipulates the operation of the conveyor via eddy currents to affect the movement of the object.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: REXNORD INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Justin Michael Stefanko
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Patent number: 9896270Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible manual storage system comprising: a rolling track (3); piece-holding chains (1, 1?, 1?) formed by a variable number of crossbars (1a, 1b, 1c) provided with through-holes (12) form which pieces can be suspended; shock absorbing end parts (4) and carns (6) for connecting consecutive piece-holding chains (1, 1?, 1?); and rolling assemblies (2) provided with a casing (25) having a U-shaped cross-section and equipped with at least one pair of rollers (26) bearing on a guide (31) of a rolling track (3) and with a vertical shaft (21) for supporting the crossbars of a piece-holding chains. The rolling track (3) comprises at least one first segment (3a) and one second segment (3b) that can be coupled to one another and a station (8) at which successive piece-holding chains can be stopped and disconnected from one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: ESYPRO MANUTENCIÓN S.L.U.Inventor: Jose Luis Froiz Espino
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Patent number: 9868592Abstract: A tensioning mechanism for a conveyor system includes a support structure, a first carriage, a second carriage, and a brake mechanism. The first carriage is positioned proximate a first end of the support structure and is supported for movement relative to the support structure. The first carriage includes first rolls for receiving the belt such that movement of the first carriage modifies a tension in the belt. The second carriage is supported for movement relative to the support structure and includes second rolls and at least one return pulley. The second rolls are configured to support a portion of the belt extending between the first carriage and the second carriage. The brake mechanism is positioned proximate a second end of the support structure and includes a brake pulley and a brake selectively retarding rotation of the brake pulley. The brake pulley supports a portion of the belt extending between the brake mechanism and the return pulley.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.Inventors: Andrew P. de Lore, Matthew John Croker
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Patent number: 9862544Abstract: A braking device for a roller conveyor has at least one brake pad (40) for engagement with an outer circumference of at least one conveyor roller (60) of the roller conveyor. The braking device also has an eccentric shaft (20) with a first eccentric (24) for moving the brake pad (40) toward the conveyor roller (60) and away therefrom; and a stepping motor (10) for rotating the eccentric shaft (20). A roller conveyor and to a method for producing a braking device also are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Interroll Holding AGInventor: Ulrich Reichel
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Patent number: 9862546Abstract: A chain drive for a link chain of mining conveyors or mining extraction machines, in particular for scraper chain conveyors, includes a drive shaft. The drive power or the drive torque is introduced into the link chain by chain tooth elements. The chain tooth elements are set directly in the drive shaft in seats. For that purpose, the chain tooth elements have a lower coupling portion for interlocking engagement in the seats in the drive shaft. Accordingly, a separate chain wheel is unnecessary.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Inventors: Dietrich Braun, Eberhard Braun
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Patent number: 9856087Abstract: A surface platform for a conveyor belt includes a platform member having an upper surface and a rail member at one side of the upper surface. The upper surface has a first portion adjacent the rail member, a second portion adjacent the first portion, and a third portion adjacent the second portion. The second portion extends upward at a distance and in a direction such that when an article is placed on the platform member in contact with the rail the article extends to, and no further than, the second portion. The first portion may be horizontal or curved.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Beesley
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Patent number: 9856094Abstract: An adjustable container handling device for handling containers, such as beverage bottles, comprising at least a turntable, format parts, and a star wheel conveyor comprising pockets.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: KHS GmbHInventors: Andreas Fahldieck, Andreas Krieg, Nils Mallitzki
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Patent number: 9840374Abstract: A self-biasing conveyor belt scraper for a conveyor belt trained around a sprocket includes a base mounted on a shaft below the sprocket and a tapering scraper tip extending from the base. The top of the base contacts the conveyor belt at a first location. The conveyor belt pushes against the top of the base to bias the tapering scraper tip into contact with the conveyor belt at a second location.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventor: Ruizhe Ma
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Patent number: 9834384Abstract: An automatic blade and conveyor gap adjustment assembly for a blade portioning conveyor machine having a blade assembly and a conveyor assembly with an infeed conveyor and an outfeed conveyor includes a blade adjustment assembly suitable for moving the blade assembly between at least first and second positions relative to the conveyor assembly and a first automatic conveyor gap adjustment assembly. The first automatic conveyor gap adjustment assembly is configured to define a first gap between an interior nose of the infeed conveyor and an interior nose of the outfeed conveyor to correspond to the first position of the blade assembly, and it is configured to define a second gap between the interior nose of the infeed conveyor and the interior nose of the outfeed conveyor to correspond to the second position of the blade assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: John Bean Technologies CorporationInventors: Alex Dopp, Erick Sorenson
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Patent number: 9828188Abstract: A belt-stripper module for a conveyor belt includes a stripping body. The stripping body includes a cutter carrier, a stripping blade attached thereto and a stripping edge unit attached to the stripping blade. The cutter carrier is rotatable about a stripping-body axis of rotation. The stripping edge unit is positionable so as to form an obtuse angle ? relative to the conveyor belt in a running direction of the conveyor belt and to rest against the conveyor belt at an acute angle ?, as measured at a right angle to the running direction and as seen in direction of the belt surface. The stripping-body axis of rotation intersects the stripping edge unit of the stripping blade at a point of intersection. A stripping-body pivot axis connecting the base and stripping body, as seen in the running direction, is located in front of the point of intersection.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Inventor: Hans-Otto Schwarze
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Patent number: 9828182Abstract: The invention relates to a suspended pouch (10) acting as a container for conveyed goods for transporting goods to be conveyed in a suspended conveyor device, comprising a first pouch side wall (12) and a second pouch side wall (14) which can be unfolded and folded up to open and close a conveyed goods receiving region (16), and comprising a suspension means (20), the first pouch side wall (12) comprising a rigid edge contour region (12r) and being connected at said region to the suspension means (20) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (26), and the second pouch side wall (14) being connected to the suspension means (20), or said suspension means being able to act on said second side wall, in such a way that the first and second pouch side wall (12, 14) can be unfolded and folded up by pivoting the first pouch side wall (12) about the pivot axis (26), wherein the suspended pouch (10) comprises a basic unit (50) and an interchangeable element (60), the basic unit (50) comprising the suspension means (20)Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: RSL LOGISTIK GMBH & CO. KGInventor: Rolf Schoenenberger
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Patent number: 9828181Abstract: A rubber-reinforcing steel cord embedded in a rubber product has a stranded structure including a core strand, and a plurality of sheath strands intertwined around an outer circumferential surface of the core strand; wherein a lubricant is provided between wires that constitute the core strand.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.Inventors: Gang Hou, Atsushi Miyajima, Ryotaro Suefuji, Hidehiro Sasakuma
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Patent number: 9815636Abstract: A cantilevered screw assembly comprising an improved anchor system. In an exemplary embodiment, a support wall may be formed of a single casting with at least a portion of a bearing housing. An exemplary embodiment of a cantilevered screw assembly may also comprise at least one solid oil bearing to facilitate rotation of the screw.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2016Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Inventors: Mark E. Koenig, Larry E. Koenig
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Patent number: 9815164Abstract: A wood-working machine, which contains at least one processing unit, a workpiece support having at least one front support area arranged in front of the processing unit in the feeding direction of a workpiece and one rear support area arranged behind the processing unit in the feeding direction of the workpiece, and a transporting device, which has a front transporting unit arranged on the front support area and a rear transporting unit arranged on the rear support area for moving and positioning the workpiece lying on the workpiece support in a first linear axis (X axis), wherein the front and rear transporting units includes at least one transporting roller that can be placed against the top side of the workpiece, and wherein a measuring system, which is integrated into the front or rear support area and has a measuring belt or measuring chain pressed against the bottom side of the workpiece for detecting the motion of the workpiece in the first linear axis, is associated with each transporting unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Inventor: Hans Hundegger
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Patent number: 9809426Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-speed brake apparatus for an escalator, comprising: a brake sprocket mounted on a drive shaft for a step; a driven sprocket connected to the brake sprocket through a brake chain to operate in conjunction with the brake sprocket; an electronic clutch that controls a connection between the driven sprocket and a transmission gear; a brake motor of which the central shaft is rotated by the transmission gear; a plurality of switching means connected to a plurality of winding wires that are stators of the brake motor; and a controller for supplying an operating pulse to a selected switching means. Therefore, when there is an abnormality in an escalator, it is possible to stop a step at a low speed according to an operating pulse supplied by the controller, thereby stably stopping riders standing on the step and thus protecting the riders.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Mijuhitec Co., LTD.Inventor: Ho Yeon Lee