Patents by Inventor Michael Wierman

Michael Wierman 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: 8857604
    Abstract: An improved take-up assembly used on spiral conveyor belt with interconnecting links. The take-up assembly is designed to prevent damage to the belt due to obstructions, excessive tension or excessive buckling. The take-up assembly includes a pivoting swing arm assembly coupled to an obstruction sensor that automatically shuts-off the drive motor used to move the conveyor belt when an obstruction is detected upstream from the take-up assembly. A second obstruction sensor can be used on the upper portion of the take-up assembly to detect obstructions. Also disclosed is a buckling arm located above and longitudinally aligned with the belt and pivotally attached to the distal end of the lower swing arm assembly. The swing arm is designed to pivot beyond the position where the first obstruction sensor is activated so that the amount of belt that continues to be drawn into the stack as the stack coasts to a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Gea Refrigeration North America, Inc
    Inventors: Gerald J Heber, Michael Wierman