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).

  • Patent number: 11952219
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jake A. Mohan, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, Jeff Batchelder, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240076132
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, JR.
  • Patent number: 11827454
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11802608
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John Stong, Gabriel Nazar, Gerko Hulshof, Martin Sprenkeler, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230250861
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: John Stong, Gabriel Nazar, Gerko Hulshof, Martin Sprenkeler, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, James R. Honeycutt, JR.
  • Publication number: 20220250854
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jake A. Mohan, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, Jeff Batchelder, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11332318
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220048713
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, JR.
  • Patent number: 11192723
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210188561
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder, Gerko Hulshof, David A. Kokx, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210009354
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, JR.
  • Patent number: 10836581
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190263596
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof, Drew Downer, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10035656
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Gerko Hulshof, Philipp J. Hortig, Matthew A. Steenwyk, Jeff Batchelder, James R. Honeycutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9914591
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G. J. Wolters, James R. Honeycutt, Jr., Edward T. Mol
  • Publication number: 20170081125
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G.J. Wolters, James R. Honeycutt, JR., Edward T. Mol
  • Patent number: 9527672
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 9359141
    Abstract: Components of a conveyor system designed to facilitate tight transfer of products onto and off a positively-driven, low tension conveyor belt. The conveyor system includes a tension amplifier in a returnway of a conveyor belt circuit for selectively increasing tension in the conveyor belt prior to infeed without increasing the low tension in the returnway prior to the tension amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Daniel Robert Hendrickson, James R. Honeycutt, Jr., Brian A. Trapani, Wayne A. Pertuit, Jr., Paul E. St. Pierre, Philipp J. Hortig
  • Publication number: 20160107840
    Abstract: Components of a conveyor system designed to facilitate tight transfer of products onto and off a positively-driven, low tension conveyor belt. The conveyor system includes a tension amplifier in a returnway of a conveyor belt circuit for selectively increasing tension in the conveyor belt prior to infeed without increasing the low tension in the returnway prior to the tension amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Daniel Robert Hendrickson, James R. Honeycutt, JR., Brian A. Trapani, Wayne A. Pertuit, JR., Paul E. St. Pierre, Philipp J. Hortig
  • Patent number: 9242801
    Abstract: Components of a conveyor system designed to facilitate tight transfer of products onto and off a positively-driven, low tension conveyor belt. The conveyor system includes a tension amplifier in a returnway of a conveyor belt circuit for selectively increasing tension in the conveyor belt prior to infeed without increasing the low tension in the returnway prior to the tension amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Daniel Robert Hendrickson, James R. Honeycutt, Jr., Brian A. Trapani, Wayne A. Pertuit, Jr., Paul E. St. Pierre