Patents by Inventor James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
James R. Honeycutt, Jr. 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: 20250012339Abstract: A fastening system for joining two opposing ends of flexible conveyor belt segments includes mating sets of rigid connectors embedded in and extending from confronting ends of the flexible conveyor belt segments. The rigid connectors include laterally-extending load-transferring surfaces that interface to transmit axial tension between the confronting segment ends, or hinge elements that interleave to form a hinge passageway for receiving a connecting rod. The rigid connectors are chemically bonded to the conveyor belt segment ends through microscopic entanglement, a mechanical bond, adhesive bond or through another suitable process.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2022Publication date: January 9, 2025Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gabriel Nazar, James R. Honeycutt, Jr., Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, Martin Sprenkeler, Khoi Vu
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Patent number: 12180012Abstract: A drive assembly for conveyor belt comprises a pair of opposing end plates for mounting a conveyor drive and mounting assemblies for mounting at least one of a position limiter assembly, a scraper assembly, a combined limiter-scraper assembly and side guards. The scraper assembly and combined limiter-scraper assembly include a leaf spring that is selectively tensioned by a tensioning element on an end plate to bias the scraper blade of the scraper assembly into an operational position.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2024Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jake A. Mohan, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, Jeff Batchelder, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Patent number: 12157636Abstract: A cleanable conveyor frame and a method for making a cleanable frame having a simplified frame design. Infeed and outfeed assemblies are movable between operating and cleaning positions. An outfeed assembly includes a drive for a conveyor belt and a scraper assembly. The scraper assembly comprises a scraper blade mounted to a mounting bar extending between two connecting plates and a leaf spring extending rearward from the mounting bar for biasing the scraper blade into contact with the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2023Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20240270505Abstract: A drive assembly for conveyor belt comprises a pair of opposing end plates for mounting a conveyor drive and mounting assemblies for mounting at least one of a position limiter assembly, a scraper assembly, a combined limiter-scraper assembly and side guards. The scraper assembly and combined limiter-scraper assembly include a leaf spring that is selectively tensioned by a tensioning element on an end plate to bias the scraper blade of the scraper assembly into an operational position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2024Publication date: August 15, 2024Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jake A. Mohan, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, Jeff Batchelder, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, JR.
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Patent number: 11952219Abstract: A drive assembly for conveyor belt comprises a pair of opposing end plates for mounting a conveyor drive and mounting assemblies for mounting at least one of a position limiter assembly, a scraper assembly, a combined limiter-scraper assembly and side guards. The scraper assembly and combined limiter-scraper assembly include a leaf spring that is selectively tensioned by a tensioning element on an end plate to bias the scraper blade of the scraper assembly into an operational position.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jake A. Mohan, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, Jeff Batchelder, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20240076132Abstract: A cleanable conveyor frame and a method for making a cleanable frame having a simplified frame design. Infeed and outfeed assemblies are movable between operating and cleaning positions. An outfeed assembly includes a drive for a conveyor belt and a scraper assembly. The scraper assembly comprises a scraper blade mounted to a mounting bar extending between two connecting plates and a leaf spring extending rearward from the mounting bar for biasing the scraper blade into contact with the conveyor belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, JR.
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Patent number: 11827454Abstract: A cleanable conveyor frame and a method for making a cleanable frame having a simplified frame design. Infeed and outfeed assemblies are movable between operating and cleaning positions. An outfeed assembly includes a drive for a conveyor belt and a position limiter-scraper assembly. The position limiter-scraper assembly comprises a roller extending between two connecting plates mounted to outfeed mounting plates, a scraper assembly having a scraper blade mounted to a mounting bar extending between the two connecting plates and a leaf spring extending rearward from the mounting bar for biasing the scraper blade into contact with the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Patent number: 11802608Abstract: A flexible thermoplastic conveyor belt constructed of one or more belt segments having corrugated sidewalls. The one or more segments are joined end to end at one or more joints. The ends of the sidewalls at or near the joints are fastened together by fasteners to form a continuous sidewall along the length of the belt. The fasteners are toolless fasteners requiring no tools; they can be fastened and unfastened by hand alone.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2022Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: John Stong, Gabriel Nazar, Gerko Hulshof, Martin Sprenkeler, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20230250861Abstract: A flexible thermoplastic conveyor belt constructed of one or more belt segments having corrugated sidewalls. The one or more segments are joined end to end at one or more joints. The ends of the sidewalls at or near the joints are fastened together by fasteners to form a continuous sidewall along the length of the belt. The fasteners are toolless fasteners requiring no tools; they can be fastened and unfastened by hand alone.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2022Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: John Stong, Gabriel Nazar, Gerko Hulshof, Martin Sprenkeler, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, James R. Honeycutt, JR.
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Publication number: 20220250854Abstract: A drive assembly for conveyor belt comprises a pair of opposing endplates for mounting a conveyor drive and mounting assemblies for mounting at least one of a position limiter assembly, a scraper assembly, a combined limiter-scraper assembly and side guards. The scraper assembly and combined limiter-scraper assembly include a leaf spring that is selectively tensioned by a tensioning element on an end plate to bias the scraper blade of the scraper assembly into an operational position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2020Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jake A. Mohan, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, Jeff Batchelder, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Patent number: 11332318Abstract: A conveyor employs an infeed assembly and outfeed assembly, each comprising a nosebar assembly that may be mounted to a conveyor frame to transition a conveyor belt between a returnway and a carryway, a belt guiding roller, such as a sprocket or brake, a position limiter for ensuring proper engagement between the belt guiding roller and the conveyor belt and a connecting plate that ensures proper placement of the position limiter relative to the guide roller. The infeed assembly and outfeed assembly components may be easily moved into engagement and out of engagement to facilitate replacement, cleaning or maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20220048713Abstract: A cleanable frame and a method for making a cleanable frame having a simplified frame design. A hygienic conveyor frame assembly comprises a plurality of hollow tubular sections joined together to form an evacuated, sealed conveyor frame support structure that functions as a sterilization zone. An integral carryway is placed on the support structure. Lifters coupled to the conveyor frame can lift the carryway and conveyor belt for cleaning. Infeed and outfeed assemblies are also movable between operating and cleaning positions. A sensor can monitor the conditions of the frame interior to ensure that the vacuum is maintained and initiate a corrective action if the vacuum seal is breached.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2021Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, JR.
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Patent number: 11192723Abstract: A cleanable frame and a method for making a cleanable frame having a simplified frame design. A hygienic conveyor frame assembly comprises a plurality of hollow tubular sections joined together to form an evacuated, sealed conveyor frame support structure that functions as a sterilization zone. An integral carryway is placed on the support structure. Lifters coupled to the conveyor frame can lift the carryway and conveyor belt for cleaning. Infeed and outfeed assemblies are also movable between operating and cleaning positions. A sensor can monitor the conditions of the frame interior to ensure that the vacuum is maintained and initiate a corrective action if the vacuum seal is breached.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20210188561Abstract: A cleanable frame and a method for making a cleanable frame having a simplified frame design. A hygienic conveyor frame assembly comprises a plurality of hollow tubular sections joined together to form an evacuated, sealed conveyor frame support structure that functions as a sterilization zone. An integral carryway is placed on the support structure. Lifters coupled to the conveyor frame can lift the canyway and conveyor belt for cleaning. Infeed and outfeed assemblies are also movable between operating and cleaning positions. A sensor can monitor the conditions of the frame interior to ensure that the vacuum is maintained and initiate a corrective action if the vacuum seal is breached.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2018Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20210009354Abstract: A conveyor employs an infeed assembly and outfeed assembly, each comprising a nosebar assembly that may be mounted to a conveyor frame to transition a conveyor belt between a returnway and a carryway, a belt guiding roller, such as a sprocket or brake, a position limiter for ensuring proper engagement between the belt guiding roller and the conveyor belt and a connecting plate that ensures proper placement of the position limiter relative to the guide roller. The infeed assembly and outfeed assembly components may be easily moved into engagement and out of engagement to facilitate replacement, cleaning or maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, JR.
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Patent number: 10836581Abstract: A conveyor employs an infeed assembly and outfeed assembly, each comprising a nosebar assembly that may be mounted to a conveyor frame to transition a conveyor belt between a returnway and a carryway, a belt guiding roller, such as a sprocket or brake, a position limiter for ensuring proper engagement between the belt guiding roller and the conveyor belt and a connecting plate that ensures proper placement of the position limiter relative to the guide roller. The infeed assembly and outfeed assembly components may be easily moved into engagement and out of engagement to facilitate replacement, cleaning or maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20190263596Abstract: A conveyor employs an infeed assembly and outfeed assembly, each comprising a nosebar assembly that may be mounted to a conveyor frame to transition a conveyor belt between a returnway and a carryway, a belt guiding roller, such as a sprocket or brake, a position limiter for ensuring proper engagement between the belt guiding roller and the conveyor belt and a connecting plate that ensures proper placement of the position limiter relative to the guide roller. The infeed assembly and outfeed assembly components may be easily moved into engagement and out of engagement to facilitate replacement, cleaning or maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2017Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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Patent number: 10035656Abstract: A conveyor employs an infeed assembly and outfeed assembly, each comprising a nosebar assembly that may be mounted to a conveyor frame to transition a conveyor belt between a returnway and a carryway. The outfeed assembly further includes a drive sprocket and a limiter to ensure engagement of drive elements on the conveyor belt with the drive sprockets. A limiter plate ensures proper placement of the limiter relative to the drive sprocket. The infeed assembly and outfeed assembly components may be easily mounted to and removed from the conveyor frame to facilitate replacement, cleaning or maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof, Philipp J. Hortig, Matthew A. Steenwyk, Jeff Batchelder, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
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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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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