Patents Examined by Joe Dillon
  • Patent number: 7258221
    Abstract: The storage unit comprises at least two flexible members (55), equipped with supports (57) for the products to be stored, extending and moving along respective parallel paths defined by a plurality of driving wheels (59, 63). The supports (57) project laterally in respect of the relative flexible member. In each of the paths, in proximity to at least one driving wheel, a transfer member (71) is positioned to receive the products from the supports located on a branch (55A) of the respective flexible member upstream of said driving wheel and transfer them to the supports located on a branch (55B) of said flexible member downstream of said driving wheel in respect of the direction of feed of the flexible members along the respective paths, so that the products follow a trajectory that by-passes said driving wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.
    Inventors: Walter Di Nardo, Mauro Gelli
  • Patent number: 7255220
    Abstract: A conveyance system, wherein dividable horizontal conveyance units are connected to each other through joint plates and a support post and rails of the horizontal conveyance units are connected to each other without any step and clearance. A joint conveyance carnage assembly is conveyed by a force applied thereto from annular chains of the horizontal conveyance units through chain presser plates. When the rearmost one of the chain presser plates leaves the annular chain of the horizontal conveyance unit, the chain presser plate of the headmost first conveyance carriage reaches the annular chain of the horizontal conveyance unit and the joint conveyance carriage assembly is continuously conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Iwata Koki Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Iwai, Masanori Nonaka
  • Patent number: 7255227
    Abstract: An edge module for a modular plastic conveyor belt with a resilient blocking member for preventing migration of a hinge rod out of its resident position in the hinge joint of the belt. The edge module includes a hinge rod aperture intersected by a recess. A blocking element in the form of a resilient strip is retained at one end in the recess against a curved outer side wall of the recess in a blocking position occluding the aperture. The other end of the blocking element is elastically deformable away from the outer side wall into a non-blocking position by the force of a hinge rod being inserted into the aperture from the outside edge of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stephen Melancon
  • Patent number: 7255217
    Abstract: A wheel for driving a flexible handrail of an escalator or moving walk turns about an axis of rotation, and has a tire with a tire cover that may be filled with pressurized gas and a contact surface that is intended to rest against the handrail. The contact surface is formed on a power transmission element that has a reinforcing insert and is accommodated in a peripheral recess of the tire cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Thomas Novacek, Thomas Illedits
  • Patent number: 7255224
    Abstract: An endless conveyor for receiving, conveying in a conveying direction and delivering rotation-symmetrical products. The conveyor is provided with at least a single endless transport element, as well as with a number of transverse elements extending perpendicularly to the conveying direction. At least a single hourglass-shaped roller is provided on each transverse element, wherein the rollers form a corresponding at least single row and wherein between each two successive rollers in a row there is a conveying position for a product. The conveyor includes a lay-on portion and a successive downstream portion which are situated in different planes, the angle between these planes being greater than 180° as measured from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: FPS Food Processing Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Martin Doornekamp
  • Patent number: 7252192
    Abstract: A link module suitable for use in a conveyor chain intended for travel along an intended direction on a given path. The module includes a first eye and a second eye adjacent the first eye. The eyes define a space therebetween. A roller assembly extends into the space and is detachably mounted between the first and second eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Stebnicki, Robert E. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7252188
    Abstract: A device for machining a glass plate (5) is provided with a lifting element (10,11) which is used to lift the glass plate (5) from a transport device (3) located on a lower edge of a supporting wall (1), during the machining process. The lifting element (10,11) includes lifting fingers (10) provided with clips (15) which can be applied to the lower horizontal edge (7) of the glass plate (5), in order to positively connect the lifting element (10,11) to the glass plate (5). Both a drive for lifting and lowering the lifting element and a drive for horizontally displacing the same are associated with the lifting element (10,11), such that the glass plate (5) can be displaced during the machining process, without slipping and without any time delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Lisec
  • Patent number: 7252187
    Abstract: This is a device that is designed as a conveyance system for use in the interior of any type of vehicle and other myriad uses such as a home, warehouse, closet, etc. The conveyance system is anchored to the interior roofline of a vehicle; it has a conveyor such as a pulley, track or slide, a holding apparatus such as a basket or similar object for stowing items in, and a method of moving the conveying device and basket from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Louis LoRusso
  • Patent number: 7249673
    Abstract: A belt band conveyor having an endless transport belt that is guided over deflection rollers, to which a guide element that projects beyond the belt plane is attached. The guide element can be handled separately before it is attached to the transport belt and moves along as the transport belt moves. On its guide surfaces, which extend in the transport direction of the transport belt, running surfaces that are inclined relative to the belt plane roll off from rotating guide rollers as the transport belt moves. A plurality of separate clamping shoes are attached along the transport belt, each of which has an attachment profile attached to the transport belt, and a spring-elastic clamping element connected with such profile. An elastic/flexible guide strip that extends in the transport direction over the entire length of the transport belt is clamped in place relative to the attachment profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Interroll (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Norbert Axmann
  • Patent number: 7246700
    Abstract: A modular conveying assembly for conveying an object. The assembly includes a plurality of chain modules assembled in an edge to edge relation to form a continuous belt. At least one hinge pin joins adjacent chain modules, and pivotally connects the adjacent modules in the direction of belt travel. At least one cradle adjacent at least one of the modules is retained by the at least one pin. A roller is supported by the cradle and, in one embodiment, is engageable with the object to reduce friction between the belt and the object. In one embodiment, the cradle includes a first half including a first hinge element. A second half including a second hinge element is spaced from the first hinge element and defines a space therebetween. A shaft extends between the first and second halves through the space defined by the first and second hinge elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Stebnicki, Dean A. Wieting, Kevin S. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7241080
    Abstract: A pump for transferring particulate material from a source to a remote location, including a particulate chamber having open ends, check valves at the open ends, a vacuum source connected to the chamber adjacent one end, a gas source at the opposed end of the chamber and a control which alternatively connects the vacuum to the chamber to draw particulate material from the source to the chamber and connecting the gas under pressure to drive the particulate material to the remote location. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber has a cylindrical inner diameter and the source of vacuum is a venturi pump connected to a pinch valve permitting overflow of particulate material through the pinch valve and venturi pump, which is returned to the source. In one embodiment, the pinch valve surrounds an open end of the chamber permitting overflow while avoiding agglomeration of the particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Durr Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Klobucar, James L. Pakkala, Mazen Haddad, David J. Cole
  • Patent number: 7243002
    Abstract: A system and method provides for the identification and monitoring of carriers within a pneumatic carrier system. Each carrier which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon identification information for the carrier. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the chip. When a carrier is put in the system, a destination location can be associated with the particular carrier ID. This associated information is then employed to, among many things, monitor and confirm identity of the carrier as it moves to its destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Translogic Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Michael Hoganson, Gregory Richard Chaney, Bennett Charles Hinnen
  • Patent number: 7237479
    Abstract: A device for successively transporting sheets in a platen press includes gripper bars with respective ends fixedly attached to two flexible of endless loop elements. Each loop element is engaged respectively with an intermittent drive wheel and at least one free wheel. A rectangular working chase and a movable platen arranged on both sides of the path of the grippers of the said bar. Nozzles are connected to a compressed air supply, for directing air jets towards the movable platen during a stopping phase of the gripper bars, in order to successively stop the sheets between the working chase and the movable platen. The nozzles are located below the transverse rear edge of the working chase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Bobst S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Pollien
  • Patent number: 7234898
    Abstract: A pneumatic transmission system includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a transmission conduit connecting the first and second terminals in fluid communication with each other. The pneumatic transmission system may include a first blower directly connected to the transmission conduit and configured to create a vacuum within the transmission conduit between the first terminal and a carrier, and a second blower directly connected to the transmission conduit and configured to create a vacuum within the transmission conduit between the second terminal and a carrier. The pneumatic transmission system may include first and second end doors that are configured to move to open or close the first and second end openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: E.F. Bavis & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Brown
  • Patent number: 7234586
    Abstract: A conveyor suitable for use, e.g., in food processing apparatus, includes particular procedures and arrangements for decontaminating the surface of the conveyor. The conveyor surface is subject first to a mechanical cleaning, e.g., by spraying of liquid followed by brushing in a rinse/clean unit. This step displaces gross debris from the conveyor surface. In a second step, the surface is subjected to UV irradiation to sterilize the cleaned surface. This UV irradiation may be provided by banks of UV lamps between which the conveyor passes. Detectors for residual organic material may be used to monitor the cleanliness of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Bernard Newman
  • Patent number: 7234909
    Abstract: The object of the invention is an apparatus for storage of wood chips in a curved-top stockpile the apparatus consisting of a central tower, which supports a conveyor for loading the chips and a beam-like turning pile composer, and a unloading beam supported on ground level on the lower part of the tower as well as on supporting wheels and furnished with unloading devices for transporting the wood chips towards the center of the apparatus. The central tower is furnished at one side with a tubular ex-central opening, and the tower occupies a central tube for delivering the wood chips either upwards or downwards from the opening. The unload drive for the unloading device is positioned inside the tower and the stockpile yard is furnished with a wall at the reach of the unloading device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Arvo Jonkka
  • Patent number: 7228990
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for transporting and dispensing fibers into an aggregate mix, and more specifically, to a method and system for transporting and dispensing unitized fibrous constructs into a mix without affecting the structural integrity of the unitized construct. The dispensing system will transport and dispense unitized fibrous constructs intact into a cementitious mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7226248
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the continuous gravimetric metering and pneumatic conveying of pourable material which is conveyed across a given distance by a metering rotor (1) which is arranged in a pressure-proof manner in a housing (2) and is provided with conveying pockets (1a). Said housing (2) comprises a charging station and a discharging station for the pourable material, which are connected to the inlet/outlet (4, 5) of a pneumatic conveyor system. The housing (2) is connected to a force metering device which detects the momentary load generated on the metering rotor (1) by the conveyed material. The inlet and outlet of the pneumatic conveyor system are connected to the bottom of the housing (2). In order to build the inventive device in a compact manner while reducing the assembly requirements and improving flow guidance, the flow from the inlet (4) to the outlet (5) is deflected within the upper area of the housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: pfister GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Wilhelm Häfner, Hubert Wolfschaffner
  • Patent number: 7223060
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for simultaneously conveying and regulating the temperature of shaped parts, comprising a conveying device, which is suited for advancing objects, and at least one blower by means of which the objects can be subjected to the action of an air flow while being advanced. The conveying device is characterized in that it is formed by a closed channel whose clearance height approximately corresponds to the height of an individual shaped part, whose clearance width at least along a portion of its length is greater by a multiple than the width of an individual shaped part, in whose base plate a multitude of air inlet openings are arranged with a blowing direction oriented in the longitudinal direction of the channel and diagonal to the surface, and in whose cover plate, which is situated opposite the base plate, a multitude of air inlet openings are placed. The air flow produced by the blower can be introduced into the channel via the air inlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola S.C.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Ralf Weidenmüller
  • Patent number: 7222750
    Abstract: A dosing device of a pulverulent material uses an oscillating drive mechanism with straight to-and-fro movement to extract and dose a pulverulent material contained in a hopper with a calibrated outlet aperture, and then to transfer the extracted mass to a removal point. The hopper can be fixed or movable. To measure the mass flowrate extracted from the aperture, the hopper is connected to the mechanism by a flexible blade and bears on a table equipped with a weighing cell formed by a weight sensor. The weight variation indicates the mass flowrate, which can be adjusted by acting on the oscillation frequency of the mechanism, or on the opening of the outlet aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Movidis
    Inventor: Pierre Mosca