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).
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Patent number: 7147098Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 6991086Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 6964333Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 6872027Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 6827205Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Solus Indistrial Innovations, LLCInventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 6786672Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Solus Industrial Innovations LLCInventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Publication number: 20040163925Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 6752534Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 6752260Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Stuart J. Ledingham, David N. Padgett
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Publication number: 20040037639Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 6685385Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Valu Engineering, INCInventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 6669009Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Stuart J. Ledingham, David N. Padgett
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Publication number: 20030205447Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Publication number: 20030178540Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Publication number: 20030173194Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 6591978Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Solus Industrial Innovations, LLCInventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Publication number: 20030116410Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: 6579032Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Solus Industrial Innovations, LLCInventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Publication number: 20030091252Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham
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Patent number: D503333Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Valu Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Stuart J. Ledingham