Abstract: A conveyor for transporting materials or people from a first location to a second location has an elongated boom having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a conveyor mechanism such as an endless belt, chain, or ladder that is operably attached to the elongated boom; and a plank platform operably attached to the boom adjacent to the bottom surface of the boom, wherein the platform is selectively pivotable from the boom and capable of providing a walking surface for the person unloading the conveyor. The platform may additionally or alternatively be at least partially extendible from one end of the elongated boom. The conveyor may be operably attached to a vehicle.

Abstract: A connector for conveyor belts and the like includes a plurality of connection elements disposed in a side-by-side relationship to extend across the end edge of an associated belt. Each of the connection elements includes outwardly disposed shank portions with free ends shaped for insertion into the opposite faces of the belt, and inwardly disposed loop-shaped center portions arranged to mesh with a like connector on the opposite end of the belt. A generally flat cover element has a central aperture through which the center portions of the connection elements are inserted, and is deformable for folding the cover element over the end edge of the belt and onto the opposite faces of the belt to cover the shank portions of the connection elements on both sides of the belt.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus comprises an upper conveyor tube. A lower conveyor tube has an open upper discharge end telescopically engaged with the upper conveyor tube, and an intake hopper mounted on a lower intake end. A telescope actuator selectively extends and retracts the lower conveyor tube. Wheels are attached to the upper conveyor tube to support the lower end of the upper conveyor tube and the lower conveyor tube. The wheels are oriented for travel transverse to the conveyor tubes, and an elevating actuator is operative to raise and lower the wheels. A conveyor belt has a top run that passes through the hopper and conveyor tubes, and a belt drive moves the top run of the conveyor belt up through the conveyor tubes to carry material from the intake hopper to the upper discharge end of the upper conveyor tube.

Abstract: A conveyor belt with advertising is fabricated by coating at least one flexible belting member with a vinyl size coating. A white base coat is applied over the vinyl size coating. A variety of printing processes may be used to print registered color separation images on the belting member. These processes include silkscreen, flexographic and offset printing. The belting members may be made in lengths shorter than the entire length of the conveyor belt with removable attachment means, permitting individual advertising images to be replaced without replacing the entire conveyor belt. Methods for fabricating the belting members including ink formulations, handling and drying steps are also described.

Abstract: A dynamically adjustable automotive air bag gas venting system including an inflatable cushion stored in a non-inflated configuration; an inflator receptive of a first command signal for initiating the inflator; a retainer plate; a base plate; a rotatable ring positioned between the base plate and the retainer plate and a pyrotechnic actuator receptive of a second command signal for initiating the pyrotechnic actuator so as to at least partially vent inflation gas from an air bag.

Abstract: A strip brush moving surface guard is mounted to extend along a fixed surface with the strip brush projecting over the edge of the moving surface to guard the gap between the moving and fixed surfaces. The strip brush includes a base. An elongated holder is secured to the fixed surface and the base and holder are hingedly connected so that the strip brush may yield and pivot or hinge away from the moving surface. The hinge may be an elongated rod and socket connection. When assembled to the fixed surface, the fixed surface acts to block disassembly of the hinge without removal of the holder form the fixed surface.

Abstract: A friction drive system floor conveyor includes a tubular guide rail laid along a conveyor line, a tubular support rail laid directly above, and disposed in parallel relation to, the tubular guide rail, multiple inverted J-shaped carriers having rollers pivoted freely at their upper ends for engagement with the upper side of the support rail, and a pair of guide rollers freely pivoted at the lower end to engage opposite sides of the guide rail, a driven bar linking bases of the carriers, a carriage support bracket installed upright on the driven bar, and a friction drive disposed along the conveyor line. The friction drive system floor conveyor achieves a stable conveyance with low noise, and without roll or rattling while conveying heavy materials or articles, simplifies system construction, and facilitates system maintenance.