Patents by Inventor Edward T. Mol
Edward T. Mol 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: 20240051760Abstract: A manufacturing process converts a standard flat belt conveyor belt into a new, positively driven, pitch differential belt. A strip of thermoplastic material having a physical characteristic, such as melting temperature, that differs from the physical characteristic of the thermoplastic material comprising the conveyor belt, is applied to the drive side of a commercially available conveyor belt and machined to create a plurality of teeth, or drive bars, of any desired geometry that is configured to engage with the with sprockets or drums of the drive mechanism on the conveyor. The strip and/or drive bars can also be made by additive manufacturing, such as by 3D printing. Two ends of the resulting belt segment are cut to length and spliced, preferably with finger joints, to make a continuous loop using an industry standard hot-plate vulcanizer with a custom fitting called an alignment mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Applicant: Mol Belting Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward T. Mol, Daniel Hendrickson
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Patent number: 10427880Abstract: A conveyor employs a low-tension, direct drive conveyor belt, and a snap-on position limiter for ensuring proper engagement of the belt and a drive sprocket. The position limiter includes a body, a limiting surface and a snap clap opposite the limiting surface for snapping the position limiter to a mounting shaft. The position limiter may include a mounting arm for mounting a conveyor belt scraper at the front of the position limiter. Mounting plates at the end of the conveyor support a mounting shaft for mounting the position limiter or other conveyor components in place relative to the drive sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Jeff Batchelder, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G. J Wolters, Edward T. Mol, Ruizhe Ma
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Publication number: 20190112129Abstract: A conveyor employs a low-tension, direct drive conveyor belt, and a snap-on position limiter for ensuring proper engagement of the belt and a drive sprocket. The position limiter includes a body, a limiting surface and a snap clap opposite the limiting surface for snapping the position limiter to a mounting shaft. The position limiter may include a mounting arm for mounting a conveyor belt scraper at the front of the position limiter. Mounting plates at the end of the conveyor support a mounting shaft for mounting the position limiter or other conveyor components in place relative to the drive sprocket.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2018Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Jeff Batchelder, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G.J Wolters, Edward T. Mol, Ruizhe Ma
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Patent number: 9914591Abstract: A cleanable belt conveyor and a method for making a cleanable belt conveyor having a simplified frame design. The conveyor includes at least one toolbar and one or more auxiliary components mounted to the toolbar using a snap clamp having a protrusion that mates with a channel on the toolbar.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G. J. Wolters, James R. Honeycutt, Jr., Edward T. Mol
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Patent number: 9771220Abstract: An endless conveyor belt comprises a flat belt with sidewalls. Each sidewall has slots spaced at regular intervals, and disposed at an acute angle relative to the facing surface of the sidewall, so that the belt can make a reverse bend with minimal obstruction. The sidewall may have overlapping sections in an alternate embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2016Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Intralox, L.L.C.Inventors: James Honeycutt, Edward T. Mol, Daniel Hendrickson
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Publication number: 20170081125Abstract: A cleanable belt conveyor and a method for making a cleanable belt conveyor having a simplified frame design. The conveyor includes at least one toolbar and one or more auxiliary components mounted to the toolbar using a snap clamp having a protrusion that mates with a channel on the toolbar.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G.J. Wolters, James R. Honeycutt, JR., Edward T. Mol
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Patent number: 9555971Abstract: A conveyor employs a low-tension, direct drive conveyor belt, and a snap-on position limiter for ensuring proper engagement of the belt and a drive sprocket. The position limiter includes a body, a limiting surface and a snap clap opposite the limiting surface for snapping the position limiter to a mounting shaft. The limiting surface may comprise rotatable rollers mounted to the body, or a continuous arcuate surface. The position limiter may include a mounting arm for mounting a conveyor belt scraper at the front of the position limiter.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Jeff Batchelder, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G. J. Wolters, Edward T. Mol, Ruizhe Ma, Roel Marcel Mellink, Gerko Hulshof
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Patent number: 9527672Abstract: A cleanable belt conveyor and a method for making a cleanable belt conveyor having a simplified frame design. The conveyor includes at least one toolbar and one or more auxiliary components mounted to the toolbar using a snap clamp having a protrusion that mates with a channel on the toolbar.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Jeff Batchelder, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G. J. Wolters, James R. Honeycutt, Jr., Edward T. Mol, Angela Longo Marshall, Gilbert J. MacLachlan, Joseph M. DePaso, Timothy J. DeRoche
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Patent number: 9399556Abstract: A motorized drum (03000) has a drum shell (03700) with a motor (04200) there within and an end lid (03570) of a determined diameter with an end lid recess (46920). An end lid remover tool (46940) has an outer circumferential geometry with a larger diameter and a tool recess (46930). The tool recess complements the end lid recess. A joining cord (46910) has a cross-sectional geometry that corresponds to the combination of the end lid recess and the tool recess. An inlet enables access to the channel, and a flexible member (46910) is installed therethrough to occupy the channel. A slide hammer (46950) applies an axially outward force whereby the end lid is urged axially outward in response to outward force conveyed to the end lid arrangement via the flexible member. The remover tool can have alternatively a circumferential spiral geometry that is configured to engage an outer circumferential spiral geometry of the end lid.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: Mol Belting Systems, Inc.Inventors: Laurens G. J. Wolters, Edward T. Mol
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Publication number: 20160167884Abstract: A conveyor employs a low-tension, direct drive conveyor belt, and a snap-on position limiter for ensuring proper engagement of the belt and a drive sprocket. The position limiter includes a body, a limiting surface and a snap clap opposite the limiting surface for snapping the position limiter to a mounting shaft. The limiting surface may comprise rotatable rollers mounted to the body, or a continuous arcuate surface. The position limiter may include a mounting arm for mounting a conveyor belt scraper at the front of the position limiter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2016Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Jeff Batchelder, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G.J. Wolters, Edward T. Mol, Ruizhe Ma, Roel Marcel Mellink, Gerko Hulshof
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Patent number: 9296565Abstract: A conveyor employs a low-tension, direct drive conveyor belt, and a snap-on position limiter for ensuring proper engagement of the belt and a drive sprocket. The position limiter includes a body, a limiting surface and a snap clap opposite the limiting surface for snapping the position limiter to a mounting shaft. The limiting surface may comprise rotatable rollers mounted to the body, or a continuous arcuate surface. The position limiter may include a mounting arm for mounting a conveyor belt scraper at the front of the position limiter.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Jeff Batchelder, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G. J. Wolters, Edward T. Mol, Ruizhe Ma, Roel Marcel Mellink, Gerko Hulshof
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Patent number: 9296563Abstract: A conveyor has a belt arranged to be urged around conveyor rollers, and a belt cover formed of an endless loop of fabric material and is in frictional communication over the belt. The belt cover is formed of two plies that are arranged to be adhered to one another in an edge region of the belt cover. The communication between the belt cover and the belt has a coefficient of friction of ˜0.50. A message is printed on the outer ply of the belt cover. In addition, an antimicrobial material is disposed on the belt cover, and is formed of silver nanoparticles embedded in a polyurethane film having a thickness of ˜0.5 mil.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Handstand Innovations, LLCInventors: Susan J. Vanderploeg, Eric D. Erikson, Edward T. Mol
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Publication number: 20150210475Abstract: A conveyor employs a low-tension, direct drive conveyor belt, and a snap-on position limiter for ensuring proper engagement of the belt and a drive sprocket. The position limiter includes a body, a limiting surface and a snap clap opposite the limiting surface for snapping the position limiter to a mounting shaft. The limiting surface may comprise rotatable rollers mounted to the body, or a continuous arcuate surface. The position limiter may include a mounting arm for mounting a conveyor belt scraper at the front of the position limiter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Jeff Batchelder, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G.J. Wolters, Edward T. Mol, Ruizhe MA, Roel Marcel Mellink, Gerko Hulshof
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Publication number: 20150210478Abstract: A cleanable belt conveyor and a method for making a cleanable belt conveyor having a simplified frame design. The conveyor includes at least one toolbar and one or more auxiliary components mounted to the toolbar using a snap clamp having a protrusion that mates with a channel on the toolbar.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Jeff Batchelder, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G.J. Wolters, James R. Honeycutt, JR., Edward T. Mol, Angela Longo Marshall, Gilbert J. MacLachlan, Joseph M. DePaso, Timothy J. DeRoche
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Publication number: 20140284183Abstract: A motorized drum (03000) has a drum shell (03700) with a motor (04200) there within and an end lid (03570) of a determined diameter with an end lid recess (46920). An end lid remover tool (46940) has an outer circumferential geometry with a larger diameter and a tool recess (46930). The tool recess complements the end lid recess. A joining cord (46910) has a cross-sectional geometry that corresponds to the combination of the end lid recess and the tool recess. An inlet enables access to the channel, and a flexible member (46910) is installed therethrough to occupy the channel. A slide hammer (46950) applies an axially outward force whereby the end lid is urged axially outward in response to outward force conveyed to the end lid arrangement via the flexible member. The remover tool can have alternatively a circumferential spiral geometry that is configured to engage an outer circumferential spiral geometry of the end lid.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2012Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: MOL BELTING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Laurens G. J. Wolters, Edward T. Mol
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Publication number: 20120168981Abstract: A thermoplastic endless belt has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth at a given belt pitch. The teeth are adapted to engage a sprocket with circumferentially spaced sheaves at a sprocket pitch greater than the belt pitch. The belt is slightly stretchable so that the sprocket can drive the endless belt when engaging the teeth within a range of load on the belt. The belt is preferred for use in conveyors in food processing industries where the smooth outer surface can transport food items and is easier to clean and keep free of impurities.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventor: Edward T. Mol
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Publication number: 20120125741Abstract: A conveyor has a belt arranged to be urged around conveyor rollers, and a belt cover formed of an endless loop of fabric material and is in frictional communication over the belt. The belt cover is formed of two plies that are arranged to be adhered to one another in an edge region of the belt cover. The communication between the belt cover and the belt has a coefficient of friction of ˜0.50. A message is printed on the outer ply of the belt cover. In addition, an antimicrobial material is disposed on the belt cover, and is formed of silver nanoparticles embedded in a polyurethane film having a thickness of ˜0.5 mil.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Susan J. Vanderploeg, Eric D. Erickson, Edward T. Mol
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Patent number: 8163214Abstract: A thermoplastic endless belt has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth at a given belt pitch. The teeth are adapted to engage a sprocket with circumferentially spaced sheaves at a sprocket pitch greater than the belt pitch. The belt is slightly stretchable so that the sprocket can drive the endless belt when engaging the teeth within a range of load on the belt. The belt is preferred for use in conveyors in food processing industries where the smooth outer surface can transport food items and is easier to clean and keep free of impurities.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Thermodrive LLCInventor: Edward T. Mol
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Patent number: 8002110Abstract: A toothed belt connector for making an endless belt has two leaves, adapted to be connected to each other by knuckles along one or more teeth. Each knuckle has at least one hole extending through tooth portions so that when the holes are in registry, a pin can be extended through the holes to connect the leaves at the teeth. The leaves can be adjoined to the ends of a belt to make the belt endless. The tip end of each knuckle can be beveled or it can have a stepped finger that fits into a cutout on the opposite leaf to keep the end of the knuckle from protruding as the belt wraps around a sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Thermodrive LLCInventors: Michael DeGroot, James Honeycutt, Edward T. Mol
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Publication number: 20090301845Abstract: A toothed belt connector for making an endless belt has two leaves, adapted to be connected to each other by knuckles along one or more teeth. Each knuckle has at least one hole extending through tooth portions so that when the holes are in registry, a pin can be extended through the holes to connect the leaves at the teeth. The leaves can be adjoined to the ends of a belt to make the belt endless. The tip end of each knuckle can be beveled or it can have a stepped finger that fits into a cutout on the opposite leaf to keep the end of the knuckle from protruding as the belt wraps around a sprocket.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: THERMODRIVE LLCInventors: Michael DeGroot, James Honeycutt, Edward T. Mol