Patents by Inventor Stephen C. Fye

Stephen C. Fye 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
  • Patent number: 11639271
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a mount for mounting to the conveyor. The mount includes a support rail for supporting the guide rail, which support rail may have a length in the conveying direction less than a length of the conveyor. The support rail may include one or more stops for engaging one of a pair of movable supports. The supports may be slidably mounted to the support rail for adjusting a position of the guiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Aaron Cotton, Nathan Lasley
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20220063922
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a mount for mounting to the conveyor. The mount includes a support rail for supporting the guide rail, which support rail may have a length in the conveying direction less than a length of the conveyor. The support rail may include one or more stops for engaging one of a pair of movable supports. The supports may be slidably mounted to the support rail for adjusting a position of the guiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: James L. LAYNE, Stephen C. Fye, Aaron Cotton, Nathan Lasley
  • 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
  • Patent number: D856624
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Fye, James L. Layne, Scott D. Barbour
  • Patent number: D857329
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: SPAN TECH LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Fye, James L. Layne, Scott D. Barbour