Patents by Inventor Michael D. McDaniels
Michael D. McDaniels 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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Patent number: 7308979Abstract: A conveyor for possible use in transferring articles between two adjacent conveyors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of idler structures and a drive structure for collectively guiding and moving a conveyor belt or chain relative to a bed. At least one of the drive structure or idler structures is mounted or positioned so at to be capable of moving relative to the belt or chain to provide tensioning therefor. In another embodiment, a bed assembly including the chain or belt, the drive structure, and the idler structure is also substantially fully releasable from a corresponding base for servicing or clearing a jam. In either case, the conveyor may be driven using a slave drive associated with an adjacent conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel, Stephen C. Fye, B. Keith Thomas, Lewis W. Ward
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Patent number: 7108126Abstract: An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors define a substantially open, planar conveying surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Span Tech, LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: 6959803Abstract: A conveyor for possible use in transferring articles between two adjacent conveyors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conveyor includes a pair of idler structures and a drive structure for collectively guiding and moving a conveyor belt or chain relative to a bed. At least one of the drive structure or idler structures is mounted or positioned so at to be capable of moving relative to the belt or chain to provide tensioning therefor. In another embodiment, a bed assembly including the chain or belt, the drive structure, and the idler structure is also substantially fully releasable from a corresponding base for servicing or clearing a jam.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel, B. Keith Thomas, Stephen C. Fye
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Patent number: 6758776Abstract: A split sprocket assembly, related apparatus, and a method of mounting a sprocket to a rotatable structure, such as a drive or idler drum, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sprocket assembly is comprised of at least three sections or segments, each of which is secured to the adjacent section or segment by a fastener, such as a tangentially-extending bolt and nut combination. The sprocket assembly includes a plurality of receivers, each for receiving a key that corresponds to a keyway formed in the rotatable structure. In one embodiment, at least one of the keyways is truncated and, thus, extends only partially across the rotatable structure in the axial direction. A key substantially identical to the truncated keyway in length and width is placed therein, such that the sprocket is prevented from traveling or “walking” along the rotatable structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: Stephen C. Fye, James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: 6668948Abstract: A jet nozzle is provided for drilling holes through the earth, such as drainholes around a well. The nozzle may include orifices for discharging fluid to drive the nozzle forward and includes a disk or other device having orifices to produce a swirling motion to fluid in the body of the nozzle. Swirling fluid is discharged from a front orifice and an extension is placed forward of the front orifice to confine the swirling fluid in a radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Buckman Jet Drilling, Inc.Inventors: William G. Buckman, Sr., Thomas L. Dotson, Michael D. McDaniels, Wendell S. Bell
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Publication number: 20030192718Abstract: A jet nozzle is provided for drilling holes through the earth, such as drainholes around a well. The nozzle may include orifices for discharging fluid to drive the nozzle forward and includes a disk or other device having orifices to produce a swirling motion to fluid in the body of the nozzle. Swirling fluid is discharged from a front orifice and an extension is placed forward of the front orifice to confine the swirling fluid in a radial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: William G. Buckman, Thomas L. Dotson, Michael D. McDaniels, Wendell S. Bell
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Publication number: 20030144098Abstract: A split sprocket assembly, related apparatus, and a method of mounting a sprocket to a rotatable structure, such as a drive or idler drum, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sprocket assembly is comprised of at least three sections or segments, each of which is secured to the adjacent section or segment by a fastener, such as a tangentially-extending bolt and nut combination. The sprocket assembly includes a plurality of receivers, each for receiving a key that corresponds to a keyway formed in the rotatable structure. In one embodiment, at least one of the keyways is truncated and, thus, extends only partially across the rotatable structure in the axial direction. A key substantially identical to the truncated keyway in length and width is placed therein, such that the sprocket is prevented from traveling or “walking” along the rotatable structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: Stephen C. Fye, James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: 6585110Abstract: A modular link conveyor system (10) for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections (15) providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers (30) are positioned in the underside of selected link sections (12) to provide support by rolling on a guide rail (25, 26) of the conveyor system (10). Each link section (12) includes at least one interengaging apex (13) and leg portion (14) having a matching hole (22) and slot (21) for receiving a transverse rod (20) to permit side flexing action. An enclosure (36, 37) for each roller (30) provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, at least one roller (30) is mounted in each side link section (13, 14) that also provides a depending arm (28) and transverse tab (29) for lateral guiding action. The link sections (15) are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel, Mark T. Johnson, Wendell S. Bell
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Publication number: 20030075419Abstract: A modular link conveyor system (10) for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections (15) providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers (30) are positioned in the underside of selected link sections (12) to provide support by rolling on a guide rail (25, 26) of the conveyor system (10). Each link section (12) includes at least one interengaging apex (13) and leg portion (14) having a matching hole (22) and slot (21) for receiving a transverse rod (20) to permit side flexing action. An enclosure (36, 37) for each roller (30) provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, at least one roller (30) is mounted in each side link section (13, 14) that also provides a depending arm (28) and transverse tab (29) for lateral guiding action. The link sections (15) are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel, Mark T. Johnson, Wendell S. Bell
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Patent number: 6543609Abstract: A split housing for a sprocket in a conveyor system is disclosed. The sprocket includes a first, preferably upper portion that mates with a second, preferably lower portion to define a curved guide track for guiding a conveyor belt from a forward to a return run, or vice versa. The split nature of the housing allows for the removal of one portion, such as the upper portion, in a vertical direction without the need for moving the adjacent sprocket or guide rail. Hence, the other portion may remain attached to a stable structure used to support the conveyor system.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: 6481567Abstract: An intermediate drive for a conveyor system is disclosed. The drive includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of spaced parallel drive sprockets gang mounted on a common drive shaft. In the preferred embodiment, each sprocket engages a separate conveyor belt to drive it in the same direction in an endless path along a conveyor guide rail. Each guide rail includes a recessed portion that preferably matches the contour of the corresponding sprocket. By juxtaposing each sprocket in the recessed portion, engagement between each drive sprocket and the corresponding modular link belt is made. The drive may also be used along a curved section of the conveyor system, in which case the drive sprockets have different diameters for driving the belts at different speeds, and the contour of the recessed portions correspond to the adjacent drive sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: 6471046Abstract: A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Wendell S. Bell, Michael D. McDaniel, Mark T. Johnson
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Publication number: 20020108840Abstract: A split housing for a sprocket in a conveyor system is disclosed. The sprocket includes a first, preferably upper portion that mates with a second, preferably lower portion to define a curved guide track for guiding a conveyor belt from a forward to a return run, or vice versa. The split nature of the housing allows for the removal of one portion, such as the upper portion, in a vertical direction without the need for moving the adjacent sprocket or guide rail. Hence, the other portion may remain attached to a stable structure used to support the conveyor system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Michael D. McDaniel
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Publication number: 20020088689Abstract: An intermediate drive for a conveyor system is disclosed. The drive includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of spaced parallel drive sprockets gang mounted on a common drive shaft. In the preferred embodiment, each sprocket engages a separate conveyor belt to drive it in the same direction in an endless path along a conveyor guide rail. Each guide rail includes a recessed portion that preferably matches the contour of the corresponding sprocket. By juxtaposing each sprocket in the recessed portion, engagement between each drive sprocket and the corresponding modular link belt is made. The drive may also be used along a curved section of the conveyor system, in which case the drive sprockets have different diameters for driving the belts at different speeds, and the contour of the recessed portions correspond to the adjacent drive sprocket.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Michael D. McDaniel
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Publication number: 20020060141Abstract: A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2001Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventors: James L. Layne, Wendell S. Bell, Michael D. McDaniel, Mark T. Johnson
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Patent number: 6364095Abstract: A modular link conveyor system for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers are positioned in the underside of selected link sections to provide support by rolling on a guide rail of the conveyor system. Each link section includes at least one interengaging apex and leg portion having a matching hole and slot for receiving a transverse rod to permit side flexing action. An enclosure for each roller provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around 180° of the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, a roller is mounted in each side link section that also provides a depending arm and transverse tab for lateral guiding action. The link sections are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel, Mark T. Johnson, Wendell S. Bell
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Patent number: D505764Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: Michael D. McDaniel, Wendell S. Bell, Stephen C. Fye
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Patent number: D511298Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: D528259Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Otto Jorgen Draebel, Mark T. Johnson, Michael D. McDaniel
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Patent number: D483168Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Span Tech LLCInventors: Michael D. McDaniel, Wendell S. Bell