Patents by Inventor Stuart J. Ledingham

Stuart J. Ledingham 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: 7147098
    Abstract: Readily bendable and twistable rolling conveyor guides are provided. The guides include axle-positioning members that slidably engage channels of a structural support member. A plurality of axles carrying rotatable elements and spacers are disposed between the axle-positioning members. Certain embodiments include notches in the axle-positioning members. Certain other embodiments include unique cross-sections at the exterior of the channels. Advantageously, the assembled guides may be bent without causing distortion of the channels or interference between the axle-positioning members and the channels. In certain other embodiments, the support structures of the guides are constructed of flexible materials. The guides are thus readily twistable about longitudinal axes thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6991086
    Abstract: Readily bendable rolling conveyor guides are provided. The guides include axle-positioning members having notches. The axle-positioning members slidably engage channels of a structural support member. A plurality of axles carrying rotatable elements and spacers are disposed between the axle-positioning members. Due to the notches in the axle-positioning members and the unique cross-section of the exterior of the channels, the assembled guides may be bent at small radii without causing distortion of the channels or interference between the axle-positioning members and the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6964333
    Abstract: Chain guide assemblies for conveyor systems including matched chain guide strips and preassembled straps that interconnect and locate the chain guide strips in constant perpendicular spacing. In certain aspects, the matched chain guide strips are preassembled with the straps to form preassembled chain guide assemblies. The chain guide assemblies can describe straight segments as well as circle segments. The chain guide assemblies present a relatively open configuration to facilitate cleaning and servicing the chain guide assemblies and attached conveyor chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6872027
    Abstract: A guide rail clamp comprises a first clamp half and a second clamp half, which when fastened together form a slot therethrough adapted to fit a cylindrical support rod or a flat rectangular support bar. The two halves of the clamp may be held together by a pair of bolts extending through a pair of threaded sleeved nuts, which securely grip the bolts when the two clamp halves are spaced slightly apart. In a preferred embodiment, two pegs extending from one clamp half into holes located in the second half help align and secure the grip of the clamp and minimize motion of the rail. To securely fasten the support rod or support bar inserted within the slot, a bolt may be used to bias the support bar or rod against the edges of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6827205
    Abstract: A guide rail spacer is provided that can be adjusted among a plurality of predetermined fixed positions with respect to the guide rail which it supports. The can spacer can also be secured when not in use such that it does not interfere with conveyor line operations while remaining readily available for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Solus Indistrial Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6786672
    Abstract: A low profile rod clamp comprises two halves having semi-circular channels for receiving a support rod. When the two halves of the clamp are fastened together, the outer surfaces of the rods are in contact. The positioning of the two rods adjacent one another and with surface-to-surface contact results in increased friction and the highest possible load resistance. The clamp provides the ability to raise or lower the support rods in a vertical direction, while also allowing for rotation and the ability to move the rods in a horizontal direction as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Solus Industrial Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Publication number: 20040163925
    Abstract: Readily bendable rolling conveyor guides are provided. The guides include axle-positioning members having notches. The axle-positioning members slidably engage channels of a structural support member. A plurality of axles carrying rotatable elements and spacers are disposed between the axle-positioning members. Due to the notches in the axle-positioning members and the unique cross-section of the exterior of the channels, the assembled guides may be bent at small radii without causing distortion of the channels or interference between the axle-positioning members and the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6752534
    Abstract: A flange bearing comprises a housing having a body with a reinforcing member encased therein. The housing provides strength and resistance to stress fracturing without the use of heavy materials, such as cast iron, or the use of ribs and recesses which can harbor contaminates. The bearing is preferably lightweight and easily cleaned. Also, a leveler constructed in accordance with the present invention provides similar advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6752260
    Abstract: The present invention provides a guide rail support bracket assembly for supporting a conveyor system guide rail through a support rod. The assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting segment configured to be mounted to a conveyor body. The support bracket is preferably formed by cutting and bending a generally flat metal plate. A support segment is connected at one end to the mounting segment and at another end, spaced from the mounting segment, to an angled clamping section. The support rod is clamped into the clamping section by an eyebolt that fits through a clamping hole formed in the angled clamping section. The eyebolt is drawn into the angled clamping section by a clamping knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart J. Ledingham, David N. Padgett
  • Publication number: 20040037639
    Abstract: A guide rail clamp comprising a first clamp half and a second clamp half, which when fastened together form a slot therethrough adapted to fit a cylindrical support rod or a flat rectangular support bar is disclosed. The two halves of the clamp may be held together by a pair of bolts extending through a pair of threaded sleeved nuts, which securely grip the bolts when the two clamp halves are spaced slightly apart. In a preferred embodiment, two pegs extending from one clamp half into holes located in the second half help align and secure the grip of the clamp and minimize motion of the rail. To securely fasten the support rod or support bar inserted within the slot, a bolt may be used to bias the support bar or rod against the edges of the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6685385
    Abstract: A guide rail clamp comprising a first clamp half and a second clamp half, which when fastened together form a slot therethrough adapted to fit a cylindrical support rod or a flat rectangular support bar is disclosed. The two halves of the clamp may be held together by a pair of bolts extending through a pair of threaded sleeved nuts, which securely grip the bolts when the two clamp halves are spaced slightly apart. In a preferred embodiment, two pegs extending from one clamp half into holes located in the second half help align and secure the grip of the clamp and minimize motion of the rail. To securely fasten the support rod or support bar inserted within the slot, a bolt may be used to bias the support bar or rod against the edges of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, INC
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6669009
    Abstract: A guide rail support bracket assembly for supporting a conveyor system guide rail through a support rod. The assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting segment configured for mounting to a conveyor body. In one aspect, the support bracket is formed by cutting and bending a generally flat metal plate. A support segment is connected to the mounting segment and, spaced from the mounting segment, to an angled clamping section. The support rod is clamped into the clamping section by an eyebolt that fits through a clamping hole formed in the angled clamping section. The eyebolt is drawn into the angled clamping section by a clamping knob. In certain aspects, an extension segment is interposed between the mounting and the support segments to space the support segment further from a conveyor body. In other aspects, the support bracket and clamping sections are separate pieces pivotably joined by a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart J. Ledingham, David N. Padgett
  • Publication number: 20030205447
    Abstract: A low profile rod clamp comprises two halves having semi-circular channels for receiving a support rod. When the two halves of the clamp are fastened together, the outer surfaces of the rods are in contact. The positioning of the two rods adjacent one another and with surface-to-surface contact results in increased friction and the highest possible load resistance. The clamp provides the ability to raise or lower the support rods in a vertical direction, while also allowing for rotation and the ability to move the rods in a horizontal direction as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Publication number: 20030178540
    Abstract: The present invention provides a guide rail support bracket assembly for supporting a conveyor system guide rail through a support rod. The assembly includes a support bracket having a mounting segment configured to be mounted to a conveyor body. The support bracket is preferably formed by cutting and bending a generally flat metal plate. A support segment is connected at one end to the mounting segment and at another end, spaced from the mounting segment, to an angled clamping section. The support rod is clamped into the clamping section by an eyebolt that fits through a clamping hole formed in the angled clamping section. The eyebolt is drawn into the angled clamping section by a clamping knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Publication number: 20030173194
    Abstract: A readily bendable rolling conveyor guide is provided. The guide includes axle-positioning members having notches. The axle-positioning members slidably engage channels mounted to a structural support member. A plurality of axles carrying rotatable elements and spacers are disposed between the axle-positioning members. Due to the notches in the axle-positioning members and the unique cross-section of the exterior of the channels, the assembled guide may be bent at small radii without causing distortion of the channels or interference between the axle-positioning members and the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6591978
    Abstract: A unitized vertical support for attaching auxiliary equipment to a conveyor system or other industrial application. The support is made of a tube having one end in a molded plastic base. When plastic is injected into the mold, plastic flows into the tube during the molding process, thus creating a unitized support which presents movement of the tube relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Solus Industrial Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Publication number: 20030116410
    Abstract: A guide rail spacer is provided that can be adjusted among a plurality of predetermined fixed positions with respect to the guide rail which it supports. The can spacer can also be secured when not in use such that it does not interfere with conveyor line operations while remaining readily available for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: 6579032
    Abstract: A low profile rod clamp comprises two halves having semi-circular channels for receiving a support rod. When the two halves of the clamp are fastened together, the outer surfaces of the rods are in contact. The positioning of the two rods adjacent one another and with surface-to-surface contact results in increased friction and the highest possible load resistance. The clamp provides the ability to raise or lower the support rods in a vertical direction, while also allowing for rotation and the ability to move the rods in a horizontal direction as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Solus Industrial Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Publication number: 20030091252
    Abstract: A flange bearing comprises a housing having a body with a reinforcing member encased therein. The housing provides strength and resistance to stress fracturing without the use of heavy materials, such as cast iron, or the use of ribs and recesses which can harbor contaminates. The bearing is preferably lightweight and easily cleaned. Also, a leveler constructed in accordance with the present invention provides similar advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
  • Patent number: D503333
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham