Patents by Inventor Aaron Philip Walker
Aaron Philip Walker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11530095Abstract: A link for a conveyor chain includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin protrude laterally away from one another. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin may each have an oblong cross-section. At least one retainer can secure a connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, and each retainer can be positioned substantially within one of the first portion and the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Patent number: 11440736Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a first flight including a first side portion having a first aperture, a first flight bar, and a first sprocket-engaging portion. The conveyor chain also includes a second flight including a second side portion having a second aperture, a second flight bar, and a second sprocket-engaging portion. The conveyor chain further includes a connecting pin having a first end portion received within the first aperture and a second end portion received within the second aperture. The connecting pin couples the first and second flights together. The first sprocket-engaging portion is positioned laterally outwardly of the first end portion of the connecting pin and the second sprocket-engaging portion is positioned laterally outwardly of the second end portion of the connecting pin.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Patent number: 11332316Abstract: A link for a conveyor chain includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin protrude laterally away from one another. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin may each have an oblong cross-section. At least one retainer can secure a connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, and each retainer can be positioned substantially within one of the first portion and the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Publication number: 20210237979Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a first flight including a first side portion having a first aperture, a first flight bar, and a first sprocket-engaging portion. The conveyor chain also includes a second flight including a second side portion having a second aperture, a second flight bar, and a second sprocket-engaging portion. The conveyor chain further includes a connecting pin having a first end portion received within the first aperture and a second end portion received within the second aperture. The connecting pin couples the first and second flights together. The first sprocket-engaging portion is positioned laterally outwardly of the first end portion of the connecting pin and the second sprocket-engaging portion is positioned laterally outwardly of the second end portion of the connecting pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Patent number: 10981728Abstract: In some aspects, a conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link coupled between the first link and the second link. The first link includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally. The second link includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally. A flight bar is positioned adjacent an end of the first sprocket-engaging portion of the first link.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Patent number: 10974905Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link. The first link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The second link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The coupler link couples the first link to the second link, and the coupler link is positioned laterally between the first sprocket-engaging portion and the second sprocket-engaging portion of each link. The coupler link includes a first joint pivotably coupled to the first link and a second joint pivotably coupled to the second link. The first joint permits pivoting movement of the first link about a plurality of axes, and the second joint permits pivoting movement of the second link about a plurality of axes.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Publication number: 20200354150Abstract: A link for a conveyor chain includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin protrude laterally away from one another. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin may each have an oblong cross-section. At least one retainer can secure a connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, and each retainer can be positioned substantially within one of the first portion and the second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2020Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Patent number: 10717603Abstract: A link for a conveyor chain includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin protrude laterally away from one another. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin may each have an oblong cross-section. At least one retainer can secure a connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, and each retainer can be positioned substantially within one of the first portion and the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Publication number: 20200115164Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link. The first link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The second link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The coupler link couples the first link to the second link, and the coupler link is positioned laterally between the first sprocket-engaging portion and the second sprocket-engaging portion of each link. The coupler link includes a first joint pivotably coupled to the first link and a second joint pivotably coupled to the second link. The first joint permits pivoting movement of the first link about a plurality of axes, and the second joint permits pivoting movement of the second link about a plurality of axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Patent number: 10604347Abstract: A drive mechanism for a chain conveyor includes an elongated shaft that extends along an axis and is configured to be driven to rotate by a motor. A sprocket is integrally formed with the shaft. The sprocket includes a plurality of lobes that extend around a perimeter of the shaft. Each lobe is spaced apart from an adjacent lobe by a recessed portion. Each of the recessed portions is configured to receive a drive pin of the chain conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Publication number: 20200010277Abstract: In some aspects, a conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link coupled between the first link and the second link. The first link includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally. The second link includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally. A flight bar is positioned adjacent an end of the first sprocket-engaging portion of the first link.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Patent number: 10442627Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link. The first link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The second link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The coupler link couples the first link to the second link, and the coupler link is positioned laterally between the first sprocket-engaging portion and the second sprocket-engaging portion of each link. The coupler link includes a first joint pivotably coupled to the first link and a second joint pivotably coupled to the second link. The first joint permits pivoting movement of the first link about a plurality of axes, and the second joint permits pivoting movement of the second link about a plurality of axes.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Patent number: 10414594Abstract: In some aspects, a conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link coupled between the first link and the second link. The first link includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally. The second link includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally. A flight bar is positioned adjacent an end of the first sprocket-engaging portion of the first link.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Patent number: 10392193Abstract: A linkage for moving material from a first end of a conveyor toward a second end of the conveyor includes a first link and a second link. The first link includes a first side edge and a first indicator. The second link includes a second side edge and a second indicator. The second link is coupled to the first link such that the first side edge of the first link overlaps with the second side edge of the second link. Elongation of the first link in the direction of movement causes the first indicator to move relative to the second indicator, and a position of the first indicator relative to the second indicator provides an indication of a wear condition of the first link. In some aspects, a first surface and/or a second surface of one of the links includes a wear indicator representing a surface wear condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Patent number: 10106325Abstract: A conveyor chain includes first link, a second link, a connecting link, a first flight, and a second flight. The first link includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first side portion has apertures and a first drive pin disposed between the apertures. The first drive pin is configured to be driven by a first sprocket. The second side portion has apertures and a second drive pin disposed between the apertures and extending in a direction opposite the first drive pin. The second drive pin is configured to be driven by a second sprocket. The second link includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first flight is cast integrally with an end of the first drive pin of the first link, and the second flight is cast integrally with an end of the second drive pin of the first link.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Publication number: 20180251313Abstract: A linkage for moving material from a first end of a conveyor toward a second end of the conveyor includes a first link and a second link. The first link includes a first side edge and a first indicator. The second link includes a second side edge and a second indicator. The second link is coupled to the first link such that the first side edge of the first link overlaps with the second side edge of the second link. Elongation of the first link in the direction of movement causes the first indicator to move relative to the second indicator, and a position of the first indicator relative to the second indicator provides an indication of a wear condition of the first link. In some aspects, a first surface and/or a second surface of one of the links includes a wear indicator representing a surface wear condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Publication number: 20180251308Abstract: A conveyor chain includes first link, a second link, a connecting link, a first flight, and a second flight. The first link includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first side portion has apertures and a first drive pin disposed between the apertures. The first drive pin is configured to be driven by a first sprocket. The second side portion has apertures and a second drive pin disposed between the apertures and extending in a direction opposite the first drive pin. The second drive pin is configured to be driven by a second sprocket. The second link includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first flight is cast integrally with an end of the first drive pin of the first link, and the second flight is cast integrally with an end of the second drive pin of the first link.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Publication number: 20180251316Abstract: A drive mechanism for a chain conveyor includes an elongated shaft that extends along an axis and is configured to be driven to rotate by a motor. A sprocket is integrally formed with the shaft. The sprocket includes a plurality of lobes that extend around a perimeter of the shaft. Each lobe is spaced apart from an adjacent lobe by a recessed portion. Each of the recessed portions is configured to receive a drive pin of the chain conveyor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Publication number: 20180251310Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link. The first link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The second link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The coupler link couples the first link to the second link, and the coupler link is positioned laterally between the first sprocket-engaging portion and the second sprocket-engaging portion of each link. The coupler link includes a first joint pivotably coupled to the first link and a second joint pivotably coupled to the second link. The first joint permits pivoting movement of the first link about a plurality of axes, and the second joint permits pivoting movement of the second link about a plurality of axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Publication number: 20180251312Abstract: In some aspects, a conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link coupled between the first link and the second link. The first link includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin protruding laterally. The second link includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging portion protruding laterally. A flight bar is positioned adjacent an end of the first sprocket-engaging portion of the first link.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart