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).

  • Patent number: 11840403
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: James L Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
  • Patent number: 11767171
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Fye, James L. Layne, Scott Dayton Barbour
  • Publication number: 20230111702
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: James L. LAYNE, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
  • Patent number: 11530096
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
  • Publication number: 20220144553
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen C. FYE, James L. LAYNE, Scott Dayton BARBOUR
  • Patent number: 11235933
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Fye, James L. Layne, Scott Dayton Barbour
  • Publication number: 20210362956
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: James L. LAYNE, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
  • Patent number: 11097901
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
  • Patent number: 10988327
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron M. Cotton
  • Publication number: 20210047128
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: James L. LAYNE, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
  • Patent number: 10836583
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
  • Patent number: 10589938
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour
  • Publication number: 20200079593
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: James L. LAYNE, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
  • Publication number: 20180339864
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour
  • Patent number: 10053297
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour
  • Publication number: 20180072509
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour
  • Publication number: 20180029800
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. FYE, James L. LAYNE, Scott Dayton BARBOUR
  • Patent number: 9656810
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Scott Dayton Barbour
  • Patent number: 9650211
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Lewis W. Ward, Scott Dayton Barbour
  • Patent number: 9340362
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Lewis W. Ward, B. Keith Thomas, Scott Dayton Barbour