Patents by Inventor Robert Todd Swinderman
Robert Todd Swinderman 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: 9409713Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly comprises a conveyor belt, a tail pulley, and a transition zone comprising a loading device. The conveyor is looped around the tail pulley and has a generally flat transverse cross-section on the tail pulley. The conveyor belt transitions from having the generally flat cross-section to having a full-trough cross section in the transition zone. The loading device comprises a chute and skirtboards that are connected to each other and that are above the conveyor belt. The loading device is configured to load bulk material onto the belt in the transition region. The skirtboards have linear bottom surfaces that rise as the distance from the tail pulley increases. The conveyor belt is supported from below in the transition zone in a manner creating linear portions of the conveyor belt directly beneath the skirtboards that also rise as the distance from the tail pulley increases.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
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Publication number: 20160114978Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly comprises a conveyor belt, a tail pulley, and a transition zone comprising a loading device. The conveyor is looped around the tail pulley and has a generally flat transverse cross-section on the tail pulley. The conveyor belt transitions from having the generally flat cross-section to having a full-trough cross section in the transition zone. The loading device comprises a chute and skirtboards that are connected to each other and that are above the conveyor belt. The loading device is configured to load bulk material onto the belt in the transition region. The skirtboards have linear bottom surfaces that rise as the distance from the tail pulley increases. The conveyor belt is supported from below in the transition zone in a manner creating linear portions of the conveyor belt directly beneath the skirtboards that also rise as the distance from the tail pulley increases.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
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Patent number: 9139367Abstract: A conveyor belt idler assembly comprises support structure, a strand of catenary idler rollers, and an outboard wing roller or slider bar. The strand of catenary idler rollers can take on various trough-shaped contours. The outboard wing roller or slider bar is attached to the support structure and is able to translate relative to the support structure only along a linear path. The translational movement of the outboard wing roller or slider bar along the linear path is at least partial dependent upon changes in the contour of the strand of catenary idler rollers. The structure is adjustable such that the strand of catenary idler rollers can be lowered and raised to facilitate servicing and installation. A plurality of idler assemblies can be connected to each other using connecting brackets that rigidly tie the assemblies to each other near the outermost idler rollers or slider bars.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventors: Robert Todd Swinderman, Paul Bernard Harrison, Richard P. Stahura
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Publication number: 20140083822Abstract: A conveyor belt idler assembly comprises support structure, a strand of catenary idler rollers, and an outboard wing roller or slider bar. The strand of catenary idler rollers can take on various trough-shaped contours. The outboard wing roller or slider bar is attached to the support structure and is able to translate relative to the support structure only along a linear path. The translational movement of the outboard wing roller or slider bar along the linear path is at least partial dependent upon changes in the contour of the strand of catenary idler rollers. The structure is adjustable such that the strand of catenary idler rollers can be lowered and raised to facilitate servicing and installation. A plurality of idler assemblies can be connected to each other using connecting brackets that rigidly tie the assemblies to each other near the outermost idler rollers or slider bars.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: MARTIN ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Robert Todd Swinderman, Paul Bernard Harrison, Richard P. Stahura
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Patent number: 8573384Abstract: An improved bulk material conveyor belt scraper comprises a skirt that shields mounting surfaces from the bulk material dust. By shielding the mounting surfaces from bulk material dust, such dust does not interfere with the replacement of the scraper blade. The belt scraper also comprises an improved securing mechanism for attaching belt scrapers to belt scraper mounts. The improved securing mechanism comprises pegs that have an elongate transverse cross-section that more evenly distributes bearing loads between the belt scrapers and their respective mounts. This eliminates local yielding that can cause belt scrapers to become loose over time.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventors: Robert Todd Swinderman, Joerg Gauss, Oleg Meister
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Patent number: 8474608Abstract: A conveyor belt guard panel blank comprises a monolithic planar sheet of material of uniform thickness having opposite facing primary surfaces. The sheet of material has a plurality of openings extending therethrough in a manner creating a mesh. The sheet also comprises at least two handle formations that are adapted and configured to be altered in a manner such that the handle formations extend outward from one of the primary surfaces of the sheet of material.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventors: Jared Piacenti, David Mueller, Robert Todd Swinderman
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Patent number: 8408385Abstract: A bracket assembly comprises a bracket and a stringer of a conveyor belt assembly. The bracket comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The center mating surface lies between the outer mating surfaces and is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to each of the outer mating surfaces. The stringer comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The outer mating surfaces of the bracket are clamped against the outer mating surfaces of the stringer in manner creating a load path for carrying vertical loads through contact forces.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
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Publication number: 20120241288Abstract: An improved bulk material conveyor belt scraper comprises a skirt that shields mounting surfaces from the bulk material dust. By shielding the mounting surfaces from bulk material dust, such dust does not interfere with the replacement of the scraper blade. The belt scraper also comprises an improved securing mechanism for attaching belt scrapers to belt scraper mounts. The improved securing mechanism comprises pegs that have an elongate transverse cross-section that more evenly distributes bearing loads between the belt scrapers and their respective mounts. This eliminates local yielding that can cause belt scrapers to become loose over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: MARTIN ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Robert Todd Swinderman, Joerg Gauss, Oleg Meister
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Patent number: 8205741Abstract: A bulk material handling system comprises a bulk material handling apparatus to convey bulk material, and a bulk material handling accessory that aids in the operation of the bulk material handling apparatus. The bulk material handling accessory comprises a controller having one or more sensors. The controller comprises a processor and a computer readable memory capable of: (i) generating a control signal indicative of an operating condition of the bulk material handling accessory during a cycle of operation of the accessory; (ii) storing in the memory of the controller a limit associated with an operating condition of the accessory; (iii) comparing the control signal to the limit; (iv) generating a signal indicative of an abnormal event associated with the operating condition when the control signal is beyond the limit; and (v) generating a response signal when a number of abnormal event signals generated exceeds a predetermined level of abnormal events.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventors: Robert Todd Swinderman, Cristian Vava
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Publication number: 20120125744Abstract: A conveyor belt guard panel blank comprises a monolithic planar sheet of material of uniform thickness having opposite facing primary surfaces. The sheet of material has a plurality of openings extending therethrough in a manner creating a mesh. The sheet also comprises at least two handle formations that are adapted and configured to be altered in a manner such that the handle formations extend outward from one of the primary surfaces of the sheet of material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: MARTIN ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Jared Piacenti, David Mueller, Robert Todd Swinderman
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Publication number: 20110271488Abstract: A handle system with a universal gripping end is disclosed which comprises a handle at one end, intermediate sections for adjustable length and angle and a universal gripping end designed to accommodate a wide variety of common grooming aids and tools. The system is designed to collapse into a compact size for storage. It can also be extended and locked in any number of advantageous positions so that it can be adapted to a wide variety of common applications that are difficult for persons with disabilities to perform or where safely extending the reach of a tool is advantageous.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2009Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Robert Todd Swinderman, Carl James Reinertsen
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Patent number: 8028819Abstract: A scraper blade for a conveyor belt cleaner is provided. The scraper blade being adapted, when appropriately tensioned against a conveyor belt, to maintain a plurality of predetermined cleaning angles, relative to the conveyor belt, as the scraper blade is progressively worn down through contact with the conveyor belt, the scraper blade having a first blade section and a second blade section. The first blade section is proximate a distal end of the scraper blade, the first blade section being configured to maintain a first predetermined cleaning angle relative to the conveyor belt. The second blade section substantially adjacent the first blade section, the second blade section being configured to maintain a second predetermined cleaning angle, relative to the conveyor belt, after the first blade section is worn away through contact with the conveyor belt. The second predetermined cleaning angle is different than the first predetermined cleaning angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
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Patent number: 8006830Abstract: A bulk material conveyor belt system comprises a belt, a skirt, and a wear liner. The belt forms a continuous loop having an upper transfer run and a lower return run. The belt defines a theoretical, vertically oriented, center plane about which the belt is generally symmetric. The skirt has a lower edge that extends above the transfer run. The wear liner is removably attached to the skirt in a manner such that the skirt lies between the wear liner and the center plane. The wear liner has a lower edge that that extends above the transfer run and beneath the lower edge of the skirt.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
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Patent number: 7971705Abstract: A method comprises a step of accessing a conveyor belt system that has a belt, a return roller, and a return roller support assembly. The return roller is supported by the return roller support assembly. The return roller is engaged with the belt from beneath the return run. The method also comprises operating the return roller support assembly in a manner causing the return roller to lower relative to the belt to a position where the return roller is no longer engaged with the belt, without requiring any person to reach beneath the belt. The method still further comprises removing the return roller from the return roller support assembly by sliding the return roller out from under the belt after the return roller has been lowered, without requiring any person to reach beneath the belt.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventors: Majid Jameel Jabber, Robert Todd Swinderman
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Patent number: 7967129Abstract: A conveyor belt training idler comprise a mount, a roller support frame, a roller, and a locking mechanism. The roller support frame is pivotally attached to the mount about a support frame axis for pivotal movement relative to the mount. The roller is rotatably attached to the roller support frame for rotation about a roller axis. The roller axis is pivotal with the roller support frame about the support frame axis relative to the mount. The locking mechanism has a plurality of discrete settings, each setting being configured and adapted to maintain the roller support frame at a discrete angular setting relative to the mount.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
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ADJUSTABLE WEAR AND DIVERSION DEVICE FOR BULK MATERIAL TRANSFER SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
Publication number: 20110085883Abstract: A wear device for a bulk material transfer system comprises a first wear member and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism is connected to the first wear member and is lockable in a manner that fixes the first wear member in a first position relative to the flow path of the bulk material. The attachment mechanism is also selectively unlockable in a manner such that the first wear member can be moved toward the flow path to a second position. Still further, the attachment mechanism is lockable in a manner that fixes the first wear member in the second position relative to the flow path.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: MARTIN ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Robert Todd Swinderman, Travis John Miller -
Patent number: 7837030Abstract: A bulk material conveyor belt system comprises a belt, a track mounted device, and a support device. The track mounted device comprises a first track. The support device comprises a second track and a locking device. The second track is engaged with the first track in a manner such that the support device limits relative movement between the track mounted device and the belt while the support device also allows the track mounted device to slide relative to the support device along a path defined by the first and second tracks. The locking device comprises a movable portion that is movably attached to the second track and that can selectively bias the first track in a direction other than along the path in a manner creating sufficient friction between the first and second tracks that renders the first and second tracks immovable relative to each.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventors: James L. Daly, Majid Jameel Jabber, Robert Todd Swinderman
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Patent number: 7779987Abstract: An assembly comprises a bulk material belt conveyor system and a carryback sampling device. The bulk material belt conveyor system comprises a belt and a structural frame. The belt is supported by the structural frame and has a downwardly facing portion. The belt is configured to traverse relative to the structural frame. The carryback sampling device comprises at least a first support member, a carryback receptacle, and a carryback scraper. The first support member is pivotally attached to the structural frame about an axis. The carryback scraper and the carryback receptacle are attached to the structural frame via the first support member in a manner such that pivotal movement of the first support member about the axis relative to the structural frame brings the carryback scraper into engagement with the downwardly facing portion of the belt with the carryback receptacle positioned therebeneath.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
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Patent number: 7735620Abstract: A bulk material handling system comprising an enclosure, a door frame, and an access door. The door frame is secured to a wall of the enclosure adjacent an access opening. The exterior surface of the door frame is devoid of horizontal surface portions when the enclosure is oriented with the wall of the enclosure in a vertical position. The access door is releasably secured to the door frame and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The exterior surface of the door is devoid of horizontal surface portions when the access door is in the closed position and the enclosure is oriented with the wall of the enclosure in the vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
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Patent number: D793231Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: RTODDS ENGINEERING, LLCInventors: Ken Langfelder, Robert Todd Swinderman