Rollers Patents (Class 193/37)
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Patent number: 7637364Abstract: An idler roller assembly is comprised of a polymeric tubular body and an end cap fitted within a cavity of the tubular body at each end of the tubular body. An inner circumferential surface of the tubular body defining the cavity is configured with a plurality of recesses to define first, second and third cavity portions, with the third cavity portion being adjacent to each end of the tubular body. The first and third cavity portions have an inner diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the cavity, and the second cavity portion has an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the first and third cavity portions. An end cap configured to house a bearing race to support each end of the tubular body on a shaft is configured with a first end, a second end and an outer cylindrical wall therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Superior Industries, LLCInventor: Jarrod J. Felton
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Patent number: 7621388Abstract: A roll and a roll spring, where spring is in the form of a ring-shaped body manufactured of an elastic material having two axially spaced-apart ends. In a front end of the spring body, at least one first slot opens which extends towards the rear end, without reaching the same, and which separates two forward-facing laminae. In the rear end, at least one second slot opens which extends towards the front end without reaching the same, and which separates two rearward-facing laminae. At each one of the two ends of the spring body, an end surface of a lamina is axially displaced in relation to the end surface of an adjacent lamina. When the spring is clamped between two rings of a roll shaft included in the roll, the protruding end surfaces are subjected to compressive forces that generate a labyrinth-shaped train of spring forces between the end surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property ABInventors: Jaroslav Vlk, Jorge Gleizer, Jerker Andersson
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Publication number: 20090272620Abstract: A roller made lighter through the use of lightening elements. The inventive roller, with its lightening element(s), is lighter yet maintains its overall dimensions, is strong and durable enough to withstand the rigors of the transportation industry and/or is cost effective to produce and maintain.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: John Dallum, Bryan Spiess
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Patent number: 7607527Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel conveyor constructed by installing a wheel assembly, which includes wheels and support plates arranged on both sides and rotatably supporting axles of the wheels, in a groove of a frame material, the wheel conveyor being easily disassembled and cleaned, provided with a damping function, and also provided with a dust-trapping function. Wheels have axle pins, and support plates are provided with pin holes. A wheel assembly is constructed by inserting the axle pins into the pin holes to be rotatably supported. The cross-sectional shape of a frame material is formed such that first groove-like portions formed integrally with lip portions support the support plates to be movable in the longitudinal direction. Bottom groove-like portions formed integrally with a bottom wall are formed to splay more than the edges of the lip portions. The two groove-like portions are integrally jointed to each other through a joint portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Yazaki Kako CorporationInventors: Atsuhiko Yazaki, Toshitsugu Mizushiri, Ryo Ando, Hirotoshi Kikuchi, Fumio Uematsu
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Patent number: 7608304Abstract: A substrate carrying method for removing the electrical charges on a substrate and then carrying the substrate includes forming a conductive layer with conductivity on a part of the surface of the substrate, and carrying the substrate while supporting a conductive layer-forming region of the substrate by a grounded substrate supporting unit with conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Minoru Koyama
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Patent number: 7588135Abstract: A roller mount for a roller of a conveyer has an axle, multiple holding panels, and a fastener. The holding panels are mounted around a connecting end of the axle, and each has a positioning hole and a securing hole. The positioning hole has a diameter larger than that of the connecting end of the axle. At least one pair of male-female combination is defined between each pair of adjacent holding panels. A distance between an uppermost one pair of the at least one male-female combination and the positioning hole in one of a corresponding pair of adjacent holding panels is different that between the uppermost pair of male-female combination and the positioning hole in the other of the pair of adjacent holding panels. The fastener is mounted through the aligning securing holes in the holding panels.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Worldwide Logistics CorporationInventor: William Chuang
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Patent number: 7581630Abstract: A weather-resistant roller device for a conveyer includes a roller body which has two axially opposite end walls respectively having indented wall regions each confining a receiving groove, a spindle supporting the roller body and having two engaging parts each projecting out of a respective end wall, bearing assemblies sleeved on the spindle, two anti-leak assemblies each provided in a respective receiving groove, and two protective caps each covering a respective engaging part. Each anti-leak assembly has an outer fixed seal member disposed annularly around the spindle and extending from the spindle to a respective indented wall region. Each protective cap has an inner skirt abutting sealingly against the outer fixed seal member of a respective anti-leak assembly, and a hollow neck extending outwardly from the inner skirt and receiving fittingly a respective engaging part.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Inventor: Shih-An Hong
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Patent number: 7578380Abstract: A roller conveyor roll for the transport of furnace-heated metallic strip or a continuously cast steel strand has a shaft extending along an axis, a tubular shell coaxially surrounding the roller shaft and having a pair of axially spaced ends, and a respective insulating body at each of the shell ends between the respective shell and the shaft and angularly fixed to the shell and to the shaft for transmitting torque between the shaft and the shell ends. The bodies electrically and thermally insulate the shell from the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: SMS Siemag AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Brinkmeier, Dankfried Klempel
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Publication number: 20090194386Abstract: A storage system is provided. The storage system may include a roller track configured for being placed within an attic or crawl space. The roller track may have left and right side rails and a plurality of rollers that extend therebetween. At least a portion of the rollers are capable of rotating with respect to the side rails. The roller track may be configured for being oriented at an incline so that objects capable of being located on the rollers are oriented at an incline.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventor: Ingo Dohrendorf
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Patent number: 7549524Abstract: The invention concerns an idler (10) having a shell (12) with at least one core (14) within the shell. The shell has at least one inwardly projecting shell formation (32), and the core has at least one outwardly projecting core formation (40), wherein the shell formation and the outwardly projecting core formation are engaged with one another.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventors: Robert Eichhorn, Bogdan Bogdanovic
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Publication number: 20090145720Abstract: Freewheel flow track systems are adapted for transporting pallets and/or cartons in heavy-duty pallet and carton flow applications. A flow track system may include multiple track sub-assemblies, each track sub-assembly including multiple wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly comprises a wheel rotatably mounted on an axle. A lubricant coating may be fixed to and bonded with the axle. The wheel may be constructed from a polycarbonate-based resin that is impregnated with a lubricant for providing lifetime lubrication to the wheels. The wheel includes a hub, a rim concentric with the hub, a web connecting the hub to the rim, and ribs connecting the hub to the rim through the web.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: JOLEX ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: Robert J. Lawless
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Publication number: 20090143208Abstract: A hollow roll which includes a roll body closed off at each end by a plug-like end piece inserted with a precise fit into the roll body is provided. Each end piece includes an attached axially projecting journal to provide rotatable support for the hollow roll and each end piece has at least one meandering-like or substantially spiral groove in the part of its circumference which is seated in the roll body. The groove is closed off from the cavity of the roll and comprises a connection to the outside at each of the two ends of the groove which is completely filled with an adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: OSKAR DILO MASCHINENFABRIK KGInventor: Joachim Leger
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Patent number: 7506741Abstract: The present invention is a wheel conveyor comprising side frames, plate-shaped stays provided with wheel unit attachment grooves at an upper surface, and wheel units having fixed projections capable of being inserted into the wheel unit attachment grooves provided on an upper surface of the plate-shaped stays, the wheel units comprising two wheel attachment bodies, and a wheel rotatably provided between the two wheel attachment bodies, wherein, on plate-shaped stays provided spanning in a longitudinal direction across the side frames, one or a plurality of wheel units are detatchably attached in a line arrangement in a longitudinal direction of the side frames, and one or a plurality are detatchably attached in a line or interleaved arrangement in a widthwise direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Misuzu Koki Company LimitedInventors: Shigeru Yagi, Kazutake Gomi
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Patent number: 7503450Abstract: A slip roller conveyor has a frame comprising a pair of parallel, spaced-apart side plates. Secured to each of the side plates is a plurality of annular rollers with a predetermined pitch distance between adjacent rollers. The annular rollers have tubular sleeves of a lesser diameter projecting outward from a side surface thereof. The tubular sleeves on an opposed pair of annular rollers fit into the lumen of a longer tubular roller with a clearance fit. The annular rollers on each of the side plates are driven by an endless belt that also surrounds a motor-driven nose roller.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: MagStar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David E. Helgerson, Steven A. Jensen, Joshua D. Krause, Brian D. Koenig, Robert J. Robinson
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Patent number: 7497096Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a curved glass sheet includes a disk roll conveyor and a roll conveyor set positioned downstream of the disk roll conveyor. The roll conveyor set has a plurality of roll conveyor units. In this apparatus, first and second adjusting devices are operable to provide the curved glass sheet with (a) a first conveyance route in which the disk roll conveyor and the roll conveyor set are in a horizontal position to provide a smooth horizontal conveyance surface or (b) a second conveyance route in which the disk roll conveyor is in a downward position and in which at least one roll conveyor unit at a downstream side of the roll conveyor set is in an upward position to provide a continuous concave conveyance surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Central Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Osamu Asai, Yoshiki Katada, Kenji Ujiie
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Patent number: 7497313Abstract: A conveyor idler includes a drum having an outer surface and an inner surface, a shaft (24) about which the drum can rotate in a forward direction, a locking mechanism for preventing the drum from rotating in a reverse direction (R) but which locking mechanism permits rotation of the drum in the forward direction, the locking mechanism having at least one wedging surface (44) fixed directly or indirectly to the drum, and a locking member (38) interposed between the wedging surface and the shaft, the locking member being rotatable about the shaft when the drum rotates in the forward direction, but when an attempt is made to rotate the drum in the reverse direction the locking member becomes releasably wedged between the wedging surface and the shaft, or a surface fixed to the shaft, thereby preventing the drum from rotating in the reverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Roller brake (Proprietary) LimitedInventor: Bogdan Bogdanovic
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Publication number: 20090045035Abstract: A slip roller conveyor has a frame comprising a pair of parallel, spaced-apart side plates. Secured to each of the side plates is a plurality of annular rollers with a predetermined pitch distance between adjacent rollers. The annular rollers have tubular sleeves of a lesser diameter projecting outward from a side surface thereof. The tubular sleeves on an opposed pair of annular rollers fit into the lumen of a longer tubular roller with a clearance fit. The annular rollers on each of the side plates are driven by an endless belt that also surrounds a motor-driven nose roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2007Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: MagStar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David E. Helgerson, Steven A. Jensen, Joshua D. Krause, Brian D. Koenig, Robert J. Robinson
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Publication number: 20090045029Abstract: A conveyor roller assembly adapted to be received between opposed side walls in a conveyor frame is provided including a cylindrical tube and an insert adapted to be received in each of the open ends of the cylindrical tube. Each insert includes a stub shaft having a free end that extends from the insert beyond the end of the tube when the insert is received therein, the stub shaft being rotationally-fixed relative to the insert so as to be rotatable with the cylindrical tube. A bearing housing is secured to each insert, each bearing housing including at least one bearing adapted to receive the stub shaft so as to permit relative rotational movement between the bearing housing and the insert. The bearing housing is adapted to be supported by the sidewall of the conveyor frame so as to prevent relative rotational movement between the bearing housing and the sidewall.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventor: Delwyn G. Deur
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Publication number: 20090043420Abstract: The present invention relates to a control method in the feeding of plate shaped workpieces to a work station, comprising feeding of the workpiece (8) to a control station (1) at which control station (1) it is controlled that the desired number of workpieces (8) are fed to the work station (7), whereby weighing is performed at said control station (1) by at least one electronic weighing unit (3) that transmits signals to a control unit (6) arranged to signal for the feeding of the workpiece (8) to the work station (7) when the transmitted weight signal lies within a predetermined set point range, wherein said weighing unit (3) is kept fixed on top of a fixing structure (4) and in that control takes place directly at the control station (1) before initiating moving of the workpiece (8) to the work station (7), in order to give reliable moving of a single workpiece (8) at the time in the work station (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2007Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: Binar Aktiebolag (publ)Inventor: FREDRIK ARNELL
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Patent number: 7487869Abstract: A roller conveyor system includes multiple carrier slides, which have runners, carry readable data memories and in particular are provided for transport of motor vehicle bodies. The roller conveyor system also has readers for reading out the data stored in the data memories, and a roller conveyor to convey the carrier slides. The roller conveyor comprises roller rails, which are arranged parallel to each other, and multiple rollers which are accommodated in the roller rails, and of which at least some can be driven independently of each other by drives, and of which at least some are provided with flanges. According to the invention, the data memories are accommodated in the runners, and the readers in the roller rails.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Eisenmann Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Werner Swoboda
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Patent number: 7475765Abstract: A roller for a conveyor system is comprised of a body portion that is generally cylindrical and rotatable about a central axis. A first bearing surface is defined around the body portion. A second bearing surface is raised above the first bearing surface and is generally concentric to the first bearing surface, the second bearing surface being more resilient than the first bearing surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Erik Nadeau, Serge Coulombe
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Publication number: 20080310944Abstract: A cargo power drive unit (PDU) includes a housing, and a shaft rotatably mounted in the housing. The shaft has a longitudinal axis, an end, and a spindle outwardly extending from the end. The spindle is radially offset from the longitudinal axis. The PDU further includes a lift roller having a center axis, and having an opening that is radially offset from the center axis. The spindle is non-rotatably received in the opening of the lift roller. When the shaft rotates in the housing and the lift roller contacts a stationary support beneath the housing, at least a portion of the housing is lifted away from the stationary support by the roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: Goodrich CorporationInventor: Scott G. Stegmiller
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Patent number: 7455165Abstract: Freewheel flow track systems are adapted for transporting pallets and/or cartons in heavy-duty pallet and carton flow applications. A flow track system may include multiple track sub-assemblies, each track sub-assembly including multiple wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly comprises a wheel rotatably mounted on an axle. A lubricant coating may be fixed to and bonded with the axle. The wheel may be constructed from a polycarbonate-based resin that is impregnated with a lubricant for providing lifetime lubrication to the wheels. The wheel includes a hub, a rim concentric with the hub, a web connecting the hub to the rim, and ribs connecting the hub to the rim through the web.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Jolex Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Lawless
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Patent number: 7448484Abstract: A roller-conveyor roll for the transport of furnace-heated metallic strip or a continuously cast steel strand has a shaft extending along an axis, a tubular shell coaxially surrounding the roller shaft and having a pair of axially spaced ends, and a respective insulating body at each of the shell ends between the respective shell and the shaft and angularly fixed to the shell and to the shaft for transmitting torque between the shaft and the shell ends. The body electrically and thermally insulates the shell from the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: SMS Demag AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Brinkmeier, Dankfried Klempel
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Publication number: 20080271972Abstract: A ball transfer device is disclosed herein. An embodiment of the ball transfer device includes a chamber, wherein a first opening and a second opening extend into the chamber. A ball is located between the first opening and the second opening and is movable within the chamber. The movement extends between a first position and as second position, wherein a portion of the ball is movable into the first opening when the ball is in the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2005Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Stephen D. Szarkowski, Rodney R. Mishmash, David M. Pruett, Raymond D. Middlemiss, Ernest L. Klemm
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Patent number: 7445109Abstract: A feed roll for use in conjunction with a machine in a food processing operation. A hub of the roll carries a resilient outer component including a sleeve having conical end members which flex during momentary contact with the article. The surface areas of the flexed roll end members are adequate to propel and advance the article being processed while avoiding damage to the article.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Inventor: Ronald L. Anderson
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Publication number: 20080264755Abstract: The roller conveyor for transporting good carriers, in particular skids used in the automobile industry, comprises a conveyor path consisting of several in series arranged roller path modules. Each roller path modules comprises two roller borders which are parallel to each other and between which at least one transport roller is arranged. The roller conveyor also comprises an operation unit movable with respect to the conveyor path. According to said invention, the operation unit is embodied in a modular manner and comprises the roller path module and moving gear modules fixed thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2006Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: EISENMANN ANLAGENBAU GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Steffen Kobs, Werner Swoboda
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Publication number: 20080223689Abstract: A pulley structure comprises an axle, a ball bearing, a boss and a dustproof cover, in which the axle is connected to the ball bearing, an outside of the ball bearing is covered with the boss, a loop groove is disposed on the boss. Furthermore, a plurality of grooves are disposed on a bottom of the loop groove, a plurality of positioning sheets are extended from a rim of the flange, and the dustproof cover can be tightly engaged with the boss by inserting and sticking the positioning sheets in the grooves. Whereby, the dustproof cover is not easily loosed, and the dustproof object can be attained and foreign matter can be prevented from entering the bearing. Besides, an inner structure of the boss is strengthened to enable it to be shock resistible and not sunken and deformed easily so as to extend the use life of the pulley.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Ruei-Hsing Lin
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Publication number: 20080179479Abstract: An idler roller retainer clip includes a generally U-shaped member having a first end and a second opposite end, a base wall and opposing side walls extending from the base wall in a first direction. The base wall comprises an elevated tab extending from the base wall in a direction generally opposite the first direction. The side walls each comprise an edge spaced from the base wall. The edge of each side wall has a first portion, centered between the first and second ends, that is generally parallel to the base wall. Each edge further has a second portion between the first portion and the respective first and second end of the U-shaped member. The second portion of each lower edge extends at an angle from the first portion toward the base wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Michael Petron
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Patent number: 7387199Abstract: A passbook conveyance roller device comprises a conveyance roller and a pinch roller, which are arranged to be opposed to each other, to convey a passbook. The conveyance roller comprises an inner ring member connected to a drive shaft, a metallic outer ring member, and a rubber member fixed to, for example, an outer peripheral surface of the inner ring member and press fitted into an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring member to give elastic forces to the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring member in a plurality of positions, which are spaced circumferentially at predetermined intervals from one another and arranged in point symmetry. Both the inner ring member and the outer ring member are rotated through the elastic member when a load torque on the outer ring member is less than a set torque set by the elastic forces of the rubber member.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Hitachi-Omron Terminal Solutions, Corp.Inventors: Hui Cheng, Kazushi Yoshida, Tatsuma Suzuki
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Publication number: 20080128446Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a sheet product feed mechanism coupled to a DC stepper motor, the mechanism moving a sheet product out of the dispenser during a dispense cycle; and a control unit controlling the DC stepper motor to move the sheet product with a gradually increasing acceleration during a portion of the dispense cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS LPInventors: Bret A. Kuehneman, Joseph A. Racz, Mark R. Grobarchik, Jeffrey A. Wierschke, Antonio M. Cittadino, Christopher M. Reinsel
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Publication number: 20080110721Abstract: The present invention is an improved design of a roller used in material handling mechanisms such as roller conveyors. The roller is a cylinder having grooves and more particular spiral groove that runs continuously from one end of the roller to the other, covering the entire outer peripheral surface. The groove is formed at a helix or spiral angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventor: William Justin
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Publication number: 20080110720Abstract: A flow track for a gravity conveyor system has a corrugated base panel with a series of alternating longitudinal peaks and valleys mounting a plurality of rotating assemblies. The rotating assemblies include rollers or skatewheels mounted for rotation on axles. The ends of the axles rest on the base panel peaks. The axle ends are secured by axle anchors formed on or in the peaks. The axle anchors include a spine that precludes axial movement of the axles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Daniel W. Ross, Michael Machowski
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Patent number: 7341138Abstract: Idle roller assembly suitable for use in trough type belt conveyors is provided having an elongate shaft and spaced apart first and second roller bearing assemblies, each having mounted thereabout an annular hub. A cylindrical tubular roller is mounted to and spans between the spaced apart hubs forming a conveyor support surface. One of the roller bearings affixed to the shaft in a fixed axial position while the other bearing outer race is capable of moving axially sufficiently to accommodate thermal expansion of the cylindrical tubular roller during use. Seals are provided, outboard of each of the hub members between the hub and the adjacent shaft to isolate the bearings from the environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Inventors: Darryl R. Wendt, Lawrence E. Cislo
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Patent number: 7299909Abstract: A taper sleeve for a conveyor roller used in a curved conveyor section has a taper wall with internal radial ribs which mate with the surface of a cylindrical roller core. The inner edges of the ribs preferably have an interference fit with the core surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Automotion, Inc.Inventor: Harry E. Houghton
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Patent number: 7299589Abstract: A telescoping boom mechanism for deploying an expandable structure, such a hoop-supported antenna, comprises a plurality of concentrically nestable tubular boom sections, that are mutually engageable with one another by way of roller assemblies and helical tracks formed thereon. The tubular boom sections are caused to telescopically expand or retract along a deployment axis by means of a rotational drive motor coupled to an outermost one of the tubular boom sections.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Thomas Bruce Campbell, Rick Harless
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Patent number: 7299914Abstract: A roller assembly for an image forming apparatus includes a roller, a bearing for rotatably supporting the roller, a roller cover to be assembled at both ends of the roller, a bushing to be introduced between the roller and the bearing, and a support unit disposed at the roller and the bushing to suppress sliding movement between the roller and the bushing and shaking of the roller in an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyung-shig Chung, Sung-hoon Hong
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Patent number: 7287642Abstract: An idler roller assembly comprises a base frame which includes first and second spaced-apart mounting brackets, a support frame which includes a support tube that comprises a first end which is positioned adjacent the first mounting bracket and a second end which is positioned adjacent the second mounting bracket, and a locking shaft assembly which includes a stationary sleeve which is secured to the first mounting bracket and a rotating sleeve which is rotatably supported by the stationary sleeve and is secured to the first end of the support tube. The stationary sleeve comprises a first contact surface and the rotating sleeve comprises a second contact surface, and the locking shaft assembly further includes a lock spool which comprises a first lock surface which conforms to the first contact surface and a second lock surface which conforms to the second contact surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James L. Carr, Charles C. Stanford, William B. Harwood, Thomas E. Hubbert
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Patent number: 7275632Abstract: A roller conveyor roller for furnace-heated metal strip has a roller shell journaled on a shaft with bearings providing thermal and electrical insulation of the shell from the shaft. The shell can be divided into shell segments each of which can have two bearings. One of these bearings can be a conical bearing with conical rings and with rollers which are thermally and electrically insulating.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: SMS Demag AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Brinkmeier, Dankfried Klempel
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Patent number: 7264112Abstract: Heat is transferred away from the rollers and base of a printer heater by introducing chilled water into the rollers and the base. The paper upon which print has been applied remains at an elevated temperature so that the drying of the print is not delayed. A conventional roller is modified by having an annular cavity formed in its interior and providing fluid communication between the cavity and a chiller. A conventional base is modified by the addition of a serpentine passageway formed in its interior and providing fluid communication between the passageway and the chiller. Cold water provided by the chiller to the roller prevents breaking down of oil in the bearings of the roller. Cold water provided by the chiller to the base carries the heat from the base, increasing the safety of the workplace and extending the working lifetime of the base and its related parts.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Todd C. Werner
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Patent number: 7255226Abstract: Conveyor systems for storage and movement of goods on pallets and slip sheets. The transfer structures enable slip sheet mounted loads to be transferred to a roller conveyor by providing structures that cooperate with wide platen forks of a lift truck. The structures provide roller contact between a portion of the underside of the slip sheet at all times. In other areas there is alternatively contact between a lift truck platen or additional rollers that cooperate in a manner making it possible to move the slip sheet mounted load from the lift truck to an adjacent conveyor system.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Jolex Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Robert Joseph Lawless, Roumen V. Stoyanov
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Patent number: 7246694Abstract: A friction roller (10) includes a support roller (11) and an annular elastic ring (15) which it externally fitted to the support roller (11). The support roller (11) is divided into two portions in a thickness direction, that is, a first divided roller (12) and a second divided roller (13). A flange (127) is formed on one side of the first divided roller (12), and a taper face (128) is formed in an outer peripheral face of the first divided roller (12). A knurling portion (129) is formed in the taper face (128). A flange (136) is formed on one side of the second divided roller (13), and a taper face (137) is formed in an outer peripheral face of the second divided roller (13). A knurling portion (138) is formed in the taper face (137). Meanwhile, taper faces (151, 152) expanding outward are formed in an inner peripheral face of the elastic ring (15).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasushi Yamahara, Masanori Motoda, Masashi Kimura, Masaharu Sugiura, Akira Ishii, Toshitaka Aoki
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Patent number: 7228952Abstract: A shaft support or mount for supporting a conveyor roller and for dampening the vibrations of the conveyor roller or conveyor roller assembly in operation, by providing flexible connection structure in the shaft support, which is usually comprised of rubber. A method of dampening the transmittal of vibrations from a conveyor roller by providing a flexible connection structure in the shaft support.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Van Der Graaf Inc.Inventor: Alexander Kanaris
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Patent number: 7213701Abstract: A roller for a conveyor that includes an elongated stationary axle adapted to be mounted between the opposed side plates of the conveyor. A hollow cylindrical shell having a first diameter is mounted for rotation with respect to the axle. An axle support is provided that includes an inner portion having a cross-sectional shape complimentary to the cross-sectional shape of the stationary axle and an outer portion with a cross-sectional size and shape so as to define a space between the shell and the outer portion of the axle support. A plurality of webs connect the inner portion to the outer portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: TGW Ermanco IncorporatedInventor: Delwyn G. Deur
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Patent number: 7204359Abstract: A support for supporting the end of a shaft protruding from a conveyor roller for dampening the vibrations of the conveyor roller by providing a flexible connection between spaced first and second supports where the supports include structure for resisting the separation of the rubber. A method of dampening the transmission vibrations of a conveyor roller assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Van der Graaf Inc.Inventor: Alexander Kanaris
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Patent number: 7204358Abstract: A conveyor apparatus comprises a plurality of conveyor rail segments joined longitudinally, each of said plurality of conveyor rail segments comprising: a support rail having an upper wheel-seating portion and a lower base portion, the lower base portion having a frustopyramidal cross-sectional shape, a substantially horizontal base panel, and a pair of inwardly angled side panels extending upwardly from opposing edges of the base panel and terminating at the upper wheel-seating portion; and a plurality of wheels translationally secured to the upper wheel-seating portion of the support rail and capable of rotating with respect to the support rail; whereby goods can be transported over the conveyor rail segment.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Creform CorporationInventor: Rolf J. Mueller
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Patent number: 7168546Abstract: An inexpensive, high capacity, and easy to install roller for engaging hot metal plates being transferred over a cooling bed plate transfer grid. An invertible block which may have a bearing is provided at each end of the axle for the roller. The bearing block is received in a cut-out in the upper edge of a respective elongate parallel grid member. The bearing block is clamped in the cut-out by a plate which is received in a pair of slots in forward and aft edges of the cut-out to clampingly overlie the bearing block. A lip on each of the bearing blocks is positioned and sized to abut a lateral surface of a respective grid member and a shoulder on the axle engages the bearing block for preventing movement laterally of the bearing, whereby the roller is restrained from movement axially.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Ronald L. Plesh, Sr.
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Patent number: 7147096Abstract: A wheeled conveyor rail segment has a frustopyramidal cross-sectional shaped support rail, which can be made from roll-formed galvanized steel. A plurality of wheels are joined to the galvanized steel support rail and can rotate with respect thereto, enabling goods to be transported by rolling over the conveyor rail segment. The wheel axles can be held in place by axle bearing units that slide into longitudinal grooves in the support rail. All materials can be made electrically conductive, allowing the conveyor rail segment to be used in applications where control of electrostatic discharge is desired, such as handling semiconductor materials and electronic equipment.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Creform CorporationInventor: Rolf J. Mueller
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Patent number: 7090065Abstract: A keyless frictional shaft locking device with integrated frictional drum conveyor pulley end disc is disclosed. The end disc is concentrically centered around a keyless frictional locking device, and the locking device is configured so as to lock around a shaft while, at the same time, effectuating a radially outward expansion of the end disc so that the end disc may securely fit within the ends of a drum of a drum conveyor pulley without the need for welding of either the end disc to the drum, or the locking device to the end disc.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: B-Loc CorporationInventors: Robert J. Whipple, Kurt W. Burg, Sandro Zamboni
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Patent number: RE40766Abstract: A conveyor idler includes a sleeve having an outer surface and an inner surface, a shaft about which the sleeve can rotate in a forward direction, a locking mechanism for preventing the sleeve from rotating in a reverse direction, but which locking mechanism permits rotation of the sleeve in the forward direction, the locking mechanism being located within the sleeve and having a shaft member fixed to the shaft, with at least one locking member which can move between an unlocked position in which the sleeve can rotate in the forward direction and a locked position in which the locking member locks the sleeve to the shaft member to prevent rotation of the sleeve in the reverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Rollerbrake (Proprietary) LimitedInventor: Tertius F. Dreyer