Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Kuiper
Daniel J. Kuiper 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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Publication number: 20230243401Abstract: A conveyor belt fastener having a body with upper and lower plate portions and loop portions connecting the upper and lower plate portions. The upper and lower plate portions have apertures to receive an attachment member for securing the plate portions to an end of a conveyor belt. The body has a lateral spacing between the flared loop portions configured to receive a loop portion of a fastener secured to another end of the conveyor belt. Each loop portions includes proximal portions adjacent the upper and lower plate portions with proximal lateral widths. Each loop portion further includes a laterally enlarged distal portion extending arcuately intermediate the proximal portions along the loop portion for contacting the hinge pin. The laterally enlarged distal portion has a distal lateral width larger than the proximal lateral width to provide a wide contact area between the loop portion and the hinge pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Inventors: Daniel J. Kuiper, Brett E. DeVries
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Patent number: 11473649Abstract: In one aspect, a system is provided for securing fasteners to a conveyor belt end. The system includes a fastener bed to support fasteners, the fastener bed including a plurality of aligned fastener holes configured to receive staples of lower plates of the fasteners. The system further includes an applicator comprising a plurality of operating members operable to interface with the fastener holes of the fastener bed to advance the applicator along the fastener bed, secure the applicator relative to the fastener bed, and drive legs of the staples through the conveyor belt and into apertures of upper plates of the fasteners. The applicator is operable to urge upper plates of the fasteners against the conveyor belt end and bend the staple leg end portions against the upper plates of the fasteners to secure the fasteners to the conveyor belt end.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Joannes Stefanus van't Schip, Daniel J. Kuiper, Jason Carr, Nekheel Gajjar, William J. Daniels, William Robert Wawczak
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Publication number: 20210071736Abstract: In one aspect, a system is provided for securing fasteners to a conveyor belt end. The system includes a fastener bed to support fasteners, the fastener bed including a plurality of aligned fastener holes configured to receive staples of lower plates of the fasteners. The system further includes an applicator comprising a plurality of operating members operable to interface with the fastener holes of the fastener bed to advance the applicator along the fastener bed, secure the applicator relative to the fastener bed, and drive legs of the staples through the conveyor belt and into apertures of upper plates of the fasteners. The applicator is operable to urge upper plates of the fasteners against the conveyor belt end and bend the staple leg end portions against the upper plates of the fasteners to secure the fasteners to the conveyor belt end.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Joannes Stefanus van't Schip, Daniel J. Kuiper, Jason Carr, Nekheel Gajjar, William J. Daniels, William Robert Wawczak
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Patent number: 10844930Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, an applicator is provided for applying staple fasteners to an end of a conveyor belt. The applicator provides advancing, clenching, staple driving, and final set operations that are coordinated by a drive of the applicator. In one form, the drive includes a cam plate and the applicator includes a handle that may be pivoted to turn the cam plate through a range of motion. Turning of the cam plate causes cam followers received in cam paths of the cam plate to shift and operate the mechanisms of the applicator. A method of using an applicator to apply conveyor belt fasteners is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Joannes Stefanus van't Schip, Daniel J. Kuiper, Jason Carr
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Publication number: 20180087601Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, an applicator is provided for applying staple fasteners to an end of a conveyor belt. The applicator provides advancing, clenching, staple driving, and final set operations that are coordinated by a drive of the applicator. In one form, the drive includes a cam plate and the applicator includes a handle that may be pivoted to turn the cam plate through a range of motion. Turning of the cam plate causes cam followers received in cam paths of the cam plate to shift and operate the mechanisms of the applicator. A method of using an applicator to apply conveyor belt fasteners is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Joannes Stefanus van't Schip, Daniel J. Kuiper, Jason Carr
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Patent number: 9884722Abstract: A tracking apparatus and method for urging a mistracking conveyor belt back towards a correct travel path are provided. The apparatus and method both utilize downstream shifting of an end portion of an idler roller due to mistracking of the conveyor belt for directing or steering the belt back toward its correct travel path and a reaction force from the belt due to the steering thereof for energizing a tilting action of the idler roller to raise the downstream end portion thereof. In this manner, the tilting of the idler roller is not mechanically coupled to the downstream shifting of the roller end portion allowing the belt tracking apparatus herein to be bi-directional for use with conveyor belts that may be run in opposite travel directions.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Kuiper, Brett E. DeVries, Richard W. Gilman
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Patent number: 9845198Abstract: A tracking apparatus and method for urging a mistracking conveyor belt back towards a correct travel path are provided. The apparatus and method both utilize downstream shifting of an end portion of an idler roller due to mistracking of the conveyor belt for directing or steering the belt back toward its correct travel path and a reaction force from the belt due to the steering thereof for energizing a tilting action of the idler roller to raise the downstream end portion thereof. In this manner, the tilting of the idler roller is not mechanically coupled to the downstream shifting of the roller end portion allowing the belt tracking apparatus herein to be bi-directional for use with conveyor belts that may be run in opposite travel directions.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Kuiper, Brett E. DeVries, Richard W. Gilman
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Publication number: 20160264358Abstract: A tracking apparatus and method for urging a mistracking conveyor belt back towards a correct travel path are provided. The apparatus and method both utilize downstream shifting of an end portion of an idler roller due to mistracking of the conveyor belt for directing or steering the belt back toward its correct travel path and a reaction force from the belt due to the steering thereof for energizing a tilting action of the idler roller to raise the downstream end portion thereof. In this manner, the tilting of the idler roller is not mechanically coupled to the downstream shifting of the roller end portion allowing the belt tracking apparatus herein to be bi-directional for use with conveyor belts that may be run in opposite travel directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: Daniel J. Kuiper, Brett E. DeVries, Richard W. Gilman
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Patent number: 9346622Abstract: A tracking apparatus and method for urging a mistracking conveyor belt back towards a correct travel path are provided. The apparatus and method both utilize downstream shifting of an end portion of an idler roller due to mistracking of the conveyor belt for directing or steering the belt back toward its correct travel path and a reaction force from the belt due to the steering thereof for energizing a tilting action of the idler roller to raise the downstream end portion thereof. In this manner, the tilting of the idler roller is not mechanically coupled to the downstream shifting of the roller end portion allowing the belt tracking apparatus herein to be bi-directional for use with conveyor belts that may be run in opposite travel directions.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Kuiper, Brett E. DeVries, Richard W. Gilman
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Patent number: 9296564Abstract: A support bed assembly, either of the impact or non-impact type, having relatively low cost slider bar assemblies is provided. The slider bar assemblies have a two-piece body including an elongate upper slide member and an elongate lower base member that have a slide fit for connecting the upper slide member to the lower base member to extend longitudinally therealong. The upper slide member is removably connected to the lower base member to allow for replacement thereof due to wear.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventor: Daniel J. Kuiper
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Patent number: 9090405Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that allows for faster and easier removal of the belt cleaner blades out from under a conveyor belt. In one aspect the assembly includes a biasing surface of one of an elongate support assembly and a channel member configured to be engaged by a securing member and urge distal ends of legs of the channel member into tight engagement with the elongate support assembly and minimize debris accumulation therebetween. In another aspect, the elongate base member and rail member each include lateral portions configured to slidably engage corresponding wedge portions to urge the rail member toward the base member. A method of installing a belt cleaner assembly is also provided which includes camming a rail member downwardly toward the support member upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Brett E. DeVries, Daniel J. Kuiper, Carl J. Hessler
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Patent number: 9085419Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that has an insertion device for ease in installing an elongate cartridge assembly carrying belt cleaner assemblies onto an elongate support extending across a conveyor belt in an operative position thereon. In one form, an elongate lever handle pivotally connected to the elongate cartridge assembly can be used to generate a leveraged insertion force, preferably by an operator that does not need to reach into the operating envelope of the conveyor system, e.g. beyond tensioning mechanisms or under the belt. The handle and the cartridge assembly can have an over-center locking mechanism therebetween for providing the operator tactile feedback as to when pivoting of the lever handle has caused the cartridge assembly to be shifted to its operative position on the support.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Kuiper, Brett E. DeVries, Gregory Lee Westphall, Richard W. Gilman
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Publication number: 20140283358Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that has an insertion device for ease in installing an elongate cartridge assembly carrying belt cleaner assemblies onto an elongate support extending across a conveyor belt in an operative position thereon. In one form, an elongate lever handle pivotally connected to the elongate cartridge assembly can be used to generate a leveraged insertion force, preferably by an operator that does not need to reach into the operating envelope of the conveyor system, e.g. beyond tensioning mechanisms or under the belt. The handle and the cartridge assembly can have an over-center locking mechanism therebetween for providing the operator tactile feedback as to when pivoting of the lever handle has caused the cartridge assembly to be shifted to its operative position on the support.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Daniel J. Kuiper, Brett E. DeVries, Gregory Lee Westphall, Richard W. Gilman
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Patent number: 8757360Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that has an insertion device for ease in installing an elongate cartridge assembly carrying belt cleaner assemblies onto an elongate support extending across a conveyor belt in an operative position thereon. In one form, an elongate lever handle pivotally connected to the elongate cartridge assembly can be used to generate a leveraged insertion force, preferably by an operator that does not need to reach into the operating envelope of the conveyor system, e.g. beyond tensioning mechanisms or under the belt. The handle and the cartridge assembly can have an over center locking mechanism therebetween for providing the operator tactile feedback as to when pivoting of the lever handle has caused the cartridge assembly to be shifted to its operative position on the support.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Kuiper, Brett E. DeVries, Gregory Lee Westphall, Richard W. Gilman
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Publication number: 20140131171Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that allows for faster and easier removal of the belt cleaner blades out from under a conveyor belt. In one aspect the assembly includes a biasing surface of one of an elongate support assembly and a channel member configured to be engaged by a securing member and urge distal ends of legs of the channel member into tight engagement with the elongate support assembly and minimize debris accumulation therebetween. In another aspect, the elongate base member and rail member each include lateral portions configured to slidably engage corresponding wedge portions to urge the rail member toward the base member. A method of installing a belt cleaner assembly is also provided which includes camming a rail member downwardly toward the support member upper surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Brett E. DeVries, Daniel J. Kuiper, Carl J. Hessler
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Patent number: 8640856Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that allows for faster and easier removal of the belt cleaner blades out from under a conveyor belt. In one aspect the assembly includes a biasing surface of one of an elongate support assembly and a channel member configured to be engaged by a securing member and urge distal ends of legs of the channel member into tight engagement with the elongate support assembly and minimize debris accumulation therebetween. In another aspect, the elongate base member and rail member each include lateral portions configured to slidably engage corresponding wedge portions to urge the rail member toward the base member. A method of installing a belt cleaner assembly is also provided which includes camming a rail member downwardly toward the support member upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Brett E. DeVries, Daniel J. Kuiper, Carl J. Hessler
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Publication number: 20130284565Abstract: A tracking apparatus and method for urging a mistracking conveyor belt back towards a correct travel path are provided. The apparatus and method both utilize downstream shifting of an end portion of an idler roller due to mistracking of the conveyor belt for directing or steering the belt back toward its correct travel path and a reaction force from the belt due to the steering thereof for energizing a tilting action of the idler roller to raise the downstream end portion thereof. In this manner, the tilting of the idler roller is not mechanically coupled to the downstream shifting of the roller end portion allowing the belt tracking apparatus herein to be bi-directional for use with conveyor belts that may be run in opposite travel directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Daniel J. Kuiper, Brett E. DeVries, Richard W. Gilman
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Publication number: 20130277181Abstract: A support bed assembly, either of the impact or non-impact type, having relatively low cost slider bar assemblies is provided. The slider bar assemblies have a two-piece body including an elongate upper slide member and an elongate lower base member that have a slide fit for connecting the upper slide member to the lower base member to extend longitudinally therealong. The upper slide member is removably connected to the lower base member to allow for replacement thereof due to wear.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventor: Daniel J. Kuiper
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Publication number: 20130075228Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that allows for faster and easier removal of the belt cleaner blades out from under a conveyor belt. In one aspect the assembly includes a biasing surface of one of an elongate support assembly and a channel member configured to be engaged by a securing member and urge distal ends of legs of the channel member into tight engagement with the elongate support assembly and minimize debris accumulation therebetween. In another aspect, the elongate base member and rail member each include lateral portions configured to slidably engage corresponding wedge portions to urge the rail member toward the base member. A method of installing a belt cleaner assembly is also provided which includes camming a rail member downwardly toward the support member upper surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: BRETT E. DEVRIES, DANIEL J. KUIPER, CARL J. HESSLER
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Patent number: 8312986Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that allows for faster and easier removal of the belt cleaner blades out from under a conveyor belt. In one aspect the assembly includes a biasing surface of one of an elongate support assembly and a channel member configured to be engaged by a securing member and urge distal ends of legs of the channel member into tight engagement with the elongate support assembly and minimize debris accumulation therebetween. In another aspect, the elongate base member and rail member each include lateral portions configured to slidably engage corresponding wedge portions to urge the rail member toward the base member. A method of installing a belt cleaner assembly is also provided which includes camming a rail member downwardly toward the support member upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing CompanyInventors: Brett E. DeVries, Daniel J. Kuiper, Carl J. Hessler