Patents by Inventor Christopher B. Spicer

Christopher B. Spicer 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).

  • Publication number: 20240025667
    Abstract: A conveying system employs independently controlled flights. The flights are controlled separately from a conveying surface using a linear transport system. The linear transport system allow the position of the flights to be controlled based on a parameter, such as the length of a conveyed object. The flights are pivotally mounted to a mover of the linear transport system and can pivot relative to the conveying surface to allow the flights to fit in a space between an end of carryway and a receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew L. Fourney, Robert K. Paquin, James L. Brun, Christopher B. Spicer, David L. Marsh
  • Patent number: 11807473
    Abstract: A conveying system employs independently controlled flights. The flights are controlled separately from a conveying surface using a linear transport system. The linear transport system allow the position of the flights to be controlled based on a parameter, such as the length of a conveyed object. The flights are pivotally mounted to a mover of the linear transport system and can pivot relative to the conveying surface to allow the flights to fit in a space between an end of carryway and a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Fourney, Robert K. Paquin, James L. Brun, Christopher B. Spicer, David L. Marsh
  • Publication number: 20230278806
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of article-diverting conveyor belt rollers. An underlying drive roller assembly includes a plurality of pivotable rollers carriers, each having a freely rotatable drive roller that contacts the conveyor belt rollers from below. An actuator engages an orientation device to pivot the carriers and change the orientation of the drive rollers. The drive rollers may also move into and out of engagement with the conveyor belt rollers as their orientation changes. The orientation device is sandwiched between three-dimensional support plates to adjust the orientation of the drive rollers relative to the belt rollers. A top support plate includes corrugated vertical walls forming wearstrip holders. The orientation device may raise or lower the drive rollers during pivoting of the roller carriers. The drive roller assembly may be a modular assembly that can be customized for varying sizes, shapes and configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew L. Fourney, Joseph F. Kovacs, Angela Longo Marshall, Christopher B. Spicer, John E. Wenzel, Yorrick Mulder
  • Publication number: 20220009719
    Abstract: A conveying system employs independently controlled flights. The flights are controlled separately from a conveying surface using a linear transport system. The linear transport system allow the position of the flights to be controlled based on a parameter, such as the length of a conveyed object. The flights are pivotally mounted to a mover of the linear transport system and can pivot relative to the conveying surface to allow the flights to fit in a space between an end of carryway and a receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew L. Fourney, Robert K. Paquin, James L. Brun, Christopher B. Spicer, David L. Marsh