Patents by Inventor Michael L. Spangler

Michael L. Spangler 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: 5217110
    Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt with a plurality of modules with interfitting link ends, connected by pivot rods has a rod-retention system with a slidable pivot rod hole blocking member which is inserted from the bottom of the outermost link end of an edge module and is captured in the edge module after insertion while being slidable to blocking and nonblocking positions. The modules are constructed with wide link ends for driving and narrow link ends to create multiple shear planes on one side and constant width link ends on the other side of the module, the constant width link ends being spaced to accommodate the wide and narrow link ends and there being a connecting structure between the link ends for stiffening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Cambridge Wire Cloth Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Spangler, Thomas O. Perdue
  • Patent number: 5174439
    Abstract: A modular plastic turn belt has internal modules with link ends of varying shapes, a central body formed for high stiffness, large open area, and light-weight construction. Special edge modules with closer link end spacing and tapered pivot rod slots provide improved edge strength, load distribution, and collapsibility. A bi-directional pitch line drive from both surfaces is provided by a symmetrical drive barrel. Unique hold down arrangements, traction improved constructions, and rod retention arrangements are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Cambridge Wire Cloth Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Spangler, Thomas O. Perdue
  • Patent number: 4993544
    Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt is formed of a plurality of non-reversible modules having inter-fitting link ends connected together and hinged by pivot rods having a rod capturing arrangement at each end of the outermost link ends of end module assemblies which is a blocking member insertable into a slot in the widest and outermost link end with the flat surface of the blocking member facing the rod and a projection for cooperating with the rod hole for holding the blocking member in place but allowing it to be removed. The belt also has internal modules in addition to end modules and all modules are constructed such that the narrowest link ends of unequal width link ends are adjacent sprocket cavities but are offset in a direction of another link end to provide additional strength and rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Cambridge Wire Cloth Company
    Inventors: Peter K. Bailey, Michael L. Spangler
  • Patent number: 4893710
    Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt is formed of a plurality of non-reversible modules having inter-fitting link ends connected together and hinged by pivot rods having a rod capturing arrangement at each end of the outermost link ends of end module assemblies which is a blocking member insertable into a slot in the widest and outermost link end with the flat surface of the blocking member facing the rod and a projection for cooperating with the rod hole for holding the blocking member in place but allowing it to be removed. The belt also has internal modules in addition to end modules and all modules are constructed such that the narrowest link ends of unequal width link ends are adjacent sprocket cavities but are offset in a direction of another link end to provide additional strength and rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Cambridge Wire Cloth Company
    Inventors: Peter K. Bailey, Michael L. Spangler