Patents by Inventor Scott Dayton Barbour
Scott Dayton Barbour 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: 11840403Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Patent number: 11767171Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an object in a conveying direction includes a conveyor comprised of a plurality of modular links adapted for interconnecting to form a chain. At least one of the links comprises a rounded upper portion forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction. The at least one link further including a forwardly projecting portion associated with a first transverse connector forming a part of the upper portion and a rearwardly projecting portion associated with a second transverse connector forming part of the upper portion. The first and second connectors may be staggered in the conveying direction and a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Further aspects pertain to a link with an apical engaging structure, and a sprocket with a removable tooth.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: Stephen C. Fye, James L. Layne, Scott Dayton Barbour
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Publication number: 20230111702Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Inventors: James L. LAYNE, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Patent number: 11530096Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Publication number: 20220144553Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an object in a conveying direction includes a conveyor comprised of a plurality of modular links adapted for interconnecting to form a chain. At least one of the links comprises a rounded upper portion forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction. The at least one link further including a forwardly projecting portion associated with a first transverse connector forming a part of the upper portion and a rearwardly projecting portion associated with a second transverse connector forming part of the upper portion. The first and second connectors may be staggered in the conveying direction and a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Further aspects pertain to a link with an apical engaging structure, and a sprocket with a removable tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Stephen C. FYE, James L. LAYNE, Scott Dayton BARBOUR
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Patent number: 11235933Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an object in a conveying direction includes a conveyor comprised of a plurality of modular links adapted for interconnecting to form a chain. At least one of the links comprises a rounded upper portion forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction. The at least one link further including a forwardly projecting portion associated with a first transverse connector forming a part of the upper portion and a rearwardly projecting portion associated with a second transverse connector forming part of the upper portion. The first and second connectors may be staggered in the conveying direction and a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Further aspects pertain to a link with an apical engaging structure, and a sprocket with a removable tooth.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: Stephen C. Fye, James L. Layne, Scott Dayton Barbour
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Publication number: 20210362956Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: James L. LAYNE, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Patent number: 11097901Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Patent number: 10988327Abstract: A conveyor system for sorting articles being conveyed in a conveying direction. A first conveyor section includes a plurality of inclined conveyors for de-stacking articles. A second conveyor section includes at least one indexing conveyor for spacing a first group of articles from upstream articles. A third conveyor section includes a chicane conveying path for forming the first group of articles into a single row generally aligned with the conveying direction. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron M. Cotton
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Publication number: 20210047128Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2018Publication date: February 18, 2021Inventors: James L. LAYNE, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Patent number: 10836583Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Patent number: 10589938Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable conveyor belt adapted for conveying articles supported by a conveying surface in a conveying direction, the conveyor belt including guide links. Guides in the form of at least two stationary rods elongated in the conveying direction engage the guide links of the conveyor belt during conveyance. The guides may form part of a conveyor frame including connectors spaced in the conveying direction connecting to at least one upper guide and at least one lower guide without projecting between them. An elongated support may be provided for supporting the connectors, and may include at least portion curved in the conveying direction and a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour
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Publication number: 20200079593Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: James L. LAYNE, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Publication number: 20180339864Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable conveyor belt adapted for conveying articles supported by a conveying surface in a conveying direction, the conveyor belt including guide links. Guides in the form of at least two stationary rods elongated in the conveying direction engage the guide links of the conveyor belt during conveyance. The guides may form part of a conveyor frame including connectors spaced in the conveying direction connecting to at least one upper guide and at least one lower guide without projecting between them. An elongated support may be provided for supporting the connectors, and may include at least portion curved in the conveying direction and a vertical direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour
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Patent number: 10053297Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable conveyor belt adapted for conveying articles supported by a conveying surface in a conveying direction, the conveyor belt including guide links. Guides in the form of at least two stationary rods elongated in the conveying direction engage the guide links of the conveyor belt during conveyance. The guides may form part of a conveyor frame including connectors spaced in the conveying direction connecting to at least one upper guide and at least one lower guide without projecting between them. An elongated support may be provided for supporting the connectors, and may include at least portion curved in the conveying direction and a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2017Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour
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Publication number: 20180072509Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable conveyor belt adapted for conveying articles supported by a conveying surface in a conveying direction, the conveyor belt including guide links. Guides in the form of at least two stationary rods elongated in the conveying direction engage the guide links of the conveyor belt during conveyance. The guides may form part of a conveyor frame including connectors spaced in the conveying direction connecting to at least one upper guide and at least one lower guide without projecting between them. An elongated support may be provided for supporting the connectors, and may include at least portion curved in the conveying direction and a vertical direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour
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Publication number: 20180029800Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an object in a conveying direction includes a conveyor comprised of a plurality of modular links adapted for interconnecting to form a chain. At least one of the links comprises a rounded upper portion forming an apical region for contacting and supporting the article for conveyance along at least a forward run in the conveying direction. The at least one link further including a forwardly projecting portion associated with a first transverse connector forming a part of the upper portion and a rearwardly projecting portion associated with a second transverse connector forming part of the upper portion. The first and second connectors may be staggered in the conveying direction and a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Further aspects pertain to a link with an apical engaging structure, and a sprocket with a removable tooth.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2016Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicant: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: Stephen C. FYE, James L. LAYNE, Scott Dayton BARBOUR
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Patent number: 9656810Abstract: A conveyor system is for intended use in conjunction with the conveyance of articles, such as for being sorted for downstream processing. The system comprises a conveyor, which may be an endless conveyor including a forward run and a return run. The conveyor may have a tilted conveying surface for supporting the articles being conveyed. A low friction guide extends along the conveyor for engaging the articles being conveyed by the conveyor, which may include rollers for providing rolling contact for the articles during conveyance. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Scott Dayton Barbour
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Patent number: 9650211Abstract: An apparatus for use with a conveyor for conveying objects and including an exposed surface. A source of energy is provided to transmit energy to at least a portion of the exposed surface. The energy should be at a level sufficient to kill a living organism in contact with the exposed surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Lewis W. Ward, Scott Dayton Barbour
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Patent number: 9340362Abstract: A conveyor with enhanced cleanability includes a belt for conveying objects above a floor and having a forward run and a return run. A conveyor bed for supporting the belt provides an upper support for supporting the forward run of the belt and a lower support for supporting a return run of the belt. The upper support is adapted for moving toward and away from the lower support, including when the conveyor belt is sectioned into first and second portions corresponding to the forward run and the return run. A conveyor is also mounted in a cantilevered fashion, such as by embedding posts in a curable material forming a base for supporting the conveyor. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Lewis W. Ward, B. Keith Thomas, Scott Dayton Barbour