Patents by Inventor Michael Hendrik DeGroot

Michael Hendrik DeGroot 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: 11873172
    Abstract: A multi-piece component for a conveyor comprises a first section and a second section that mates with the first section around a shaft using a hygienic fastener to form a complete module. The hygienic fastener seals an interface between the fastener and the first section and between the first section and the second section. Chamfers facilitate positioning of the multi-piece component on a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jake A. Mohan, Paul A. Marsman
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 11795005
    Abstract: A hygienic, cleanable conveyor roller for use in a conveyor includes a segmented hub, a plurality of spokes and a rim for contacting a conveyor belt. The segmented hub comprises a plurality of arcuate segments in different axial planes connected to each other. The conveyor roller is mounted upon and rotatable about a mounting shaft that may axially constrain the roller. During a single revolution of the conveyor roller about the mounting shaft, all surfaces of both the conveyor roller and the mounting shaft are fully exposed, allowing the surfaces to be cleaned in place, without requiring removal of the conveyor roller from the mounting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Paul A. Marsman
  • Patent number: 11787639
    Abstract: A conveyor employs an assembly at a drive end having a position limiter assembly configured to accommodate flights in a conveyor belt while ensuring proper engagement between the conveyor belt and a drive. The end assembly includes opposing end plates, a drive extending between the end plates and a position limiter assembly extending between the end plates below the drive for ensuring proper engagement of a conveyor belt with the drive. The position limiter comprises a series of spaced apart rollers mounted to and spaced from a mounting bar extending between the end plates. Roller mounting arms connect the rollers to the mounting bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Laitram L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik Degroot, Drew Downer, Gerko Hulshof, Jake A. Mohan
  • 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: 20220274787
    Abstract: A multi-piece component for a conveyor comprises a first section and a second section that mates with the first section around a shaft using a hygienic fastener to form a complete module. The hygienic fastener seals an interface between the fastener and the first section and between the first section and the second section. Chamfers facilitate positioning of the multi-piece component on a shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jake A. Mohan, Paul A. Marsman
  • 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: 11345551
    Abstract: A sealed sprocket for a conveyor belt comprises a sprocket mounted on a drive shaft and a seal system sealing an interface between the sprocket and the drive shaft. The seal system comprises a seal cap housing ring seals for sealing interfaces between the sprocket and seal cap and between the seal cap and drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, David A. Kokx
  • Publication number: 20220153528
    Abstract: A hygienic, cleanable conveyor roller for use in a conveyor includes a segmented hub, a plurality of spokes and a rim for contacting a conveyor belt. The segmented hub comprises a plurality of arcuate segments in different axial planes connected to each other. The conveyor roller is mounted upon and rotatable about a mounting shaft that may axially constrain the roller. During a single revolution of the conveyor roller about the mounting shaft, all surfaces of both the conveyor roller and the mounting shaft are fully exposed, allowing the surfaces to be cleaned in place, without requiring removal of the conveyor roller from the mounting shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Paul A. Marsman
  • 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: 20220119200
    Abstract: A conveyor employs an assembly at a drive end having a position limiter assembly configured to accommodate flights in a conveyor belt while ensuring proper engagement between the conveyor belt and a drive. The end assembly includes opposing end plates, a drive extending between the end plates and a position limiter assembly extending between the end plates below the drive for ensuring proper engagement of a conveyor belt with the drive. The position limiter comprises a series of spaced apart rollers mounted to and spaced from a mounting bar extending between the end plates. Roller mounting arms connect the rollers to the mounting bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik Degroot, Drew Downer, Gerko Hulshof, Jake A. Mohan
  • 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: 11242884
    Abstract: A sealing wedge-lock washer assembly usable in a hygienic, secure fastening system. A wedge-lock washer assembly comprises two wedge-lock components—one of which is a sealing wedge-lock washer having a wedge-lock cam and a sealing material bonded to its outer rim. The other component is a standard wedge-lock washer or a bolt whose head has a wedge-lock cam that engages the complementary cam on the sealing wedge-lock washer. The resulting sealing wedge-lock washer assembly locks a bolt in a secure joint that is hygienically sealed from the intrusion of contaminants by the sealing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jake A. Mohan, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Jeff Batchelder
  • Patent number: 11214446
    Abstract: A conveyor employs an assembly at a drive end having a position limiter assembly configured to accommodate flights in a conveyor belt while ensuring proper engagement between the conveyor belt and a drive. The end assembly includes opposing end plates, a drive extending between the end plates and a position limiter assembly extending between the end plates below the drive for ensuring proper engagement of a conveyor belt with the drive. The position limiter comprises a series of spaced apart rollers mounted to and spaced from a mounting bar extending between the end plates. Roller mounting arms connect the rollers to the mounting bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik Degroot, Drew Downer, Gerko Hulshof, Jake A. Mohan
  • 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: 20210261346
    Abstract: A sealed sprocket for a conveyor belt comprises a sprocket mounted on a drive shaft and a seal system sealing an interface between the sprocket and the drive shaft. The seal system comprises a seal cap housing ring seals for sealing interfaces between the sprocket and seal cap and between the seal cap and drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Hendrik DeGroot, David A. Kokx
  • 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.