Conveying Apparatus Entirely Supported By Mobile Ground Engaging Means Patents (Class 198/300)
  • Publication number: 20110088994
    Abstract: A vertical chain-driven conveyor apparatus includes two upright side frames, two sets of upper and lower sprockets mounted revolvably and respectively on the side frames, and a pair of endless chains, each trained on a respective set of the upper and lower sprockets for elevating and lowering a plurality of merchandise rolls. Each chain is guided by a guide rail unit to smoothly travel along an upright running route. A pair of chain-tension adjusting units are respectively coupled with the upper sprockets such that the upper sprockets can be moved upwardly relative to the lower sprockets to properly tense the chains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Tieh-Han WU
  • Patent number: 7918332
    Abstract: The present invention is a conveyor arrangement for a stamping die employed within a stamping press. The conveyor arrangement has a fixed conveyor with a protruding end, wherein the fixed conveyor is mounted on the die for receiving and shuttling stamped parts from the die. The conveyor arrangement also has a moveable conveyor with a supported first end and a cantilevered second end, wherein the moveable conveyor is arranged for positioning the second end under the fixed conveyor's protruding end for receiving and shuttling stamped parts from the fixed conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. Vaughn, Jr., Mark A. Frondal, Charles J. Abramson
  • Publication number: 20110076115
    Abstract: A conveyor shuttle having a conveyor belt for conveying textiles across a wash alley from a washing machine (selected from among a plurality of washing machines) to a drying machine (selected from among a plurality of drying machines). The shuttle travels along the work alley among and between the washing machines and the drying machines. Some embodiments further include guide hardware to help guide soiled laundry into the washing machine. Some embodiments include an operator platform and an operator control system so that a human user can ride on the shuttle and help control various wash alley functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: G.A. BRAUN, INC.
    Inventors: Michael C. Page, Stephen D. Wilbur, Joseph B. Gudenburr, IV, R. Scott Morse
  • Publication number: 20110017569
    Abstract: A conveyer assembly for loading and unloading objects from vehicle, the assembly including a platform having at least one slot extending across at least a portion of the platform, at least one conveyor extending at least partially into the slot, wherein the conveyor linearly translates inside the slot and at least one support plate, wherein the support plate is releaseably associable with the conveyor via at least one connector member configured to engage the at least one conveyor in such a way that when the conveyor linearly translates the support plate translates therewith and when the conveyor stops the support plate is secured in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Henry C. Mulder
  • Patent number: 7866462
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for use with a conveyor belt includes an elongate conveyor support frame and a plurality of conveyor support devices mounted on this frame. These devices include a tail pulley mechanism having two tail pulley sections mounted on a pulley support for rotation about a common central axis of rotation. The pulley support includes a central support portion located at inner ends of the pulley sections and extending radially outwardly from these inner ends to a vertically extending pivot axis. An interconnecting support arrangement mounts the pulley support on the conveyor support frame and includes a pivot connector connecting the central support portion for pivotable movement about the pivot axis. An actuator can pivot the pulley support about the pivot axis to maintain the conveyor belt within a central region of the tail pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Prairie Machines & Parts Mfg. (1978) Ltd.
    Inventor: Maurice DeMong
  • Publication number: 20100326746
    Abstract: An combination including a harvester, a generator vehicle, and a transport vehicle including a chassis, a motor, a plurality of traction devices, and a control unit aligning the transport vehicle in relation to at least one of the harvester and a previous path of the harvester. A method of positioning a train of transport vehicles in relation to a path of the harvester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Deere and Company
    Inventor: Timothy J. Kraus
  • Publication number: 20100252395
    Abstract: A method for moving a processing device, a frame of a processing device and a processing device, which is moved on a base. The processing device comprises at least one processing unit and a frame, to which the processing unit is attached, as well as at least four legs articulated to the frame. The legs comprise support plates settable against the base. The legs are settable into a support phase, where the support plate settles against the base and into a transfer phase, where the support plate is off the base. The processing device is moved without lowering the frame onto the base so that the legs are controlled to settle to the support phase and the transfer phase alternately so that at least three legs are in the support phase when the processing device moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Metso Minerals, Inc.
    Inventors: Harri Lehtonen, Tuomas Jokioinen, Matti Peltola, Timo Mustonen, Markku Pusenius, Antti Peltola, Harri Niemi
  • Patent number: 7721869
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for moving a mine conveyor segment (2, 3) between a first position in line with a train of conveyor segments and a second storage position out of line with the train of conveyor segments, comprising: a segment holder (9), and a guide (8) for guiding the movement of the segment (2, 3) between the first and the second position, wherein the apparatus is connectable to a device (102) for manipulating the train of conveyor segments such that the segment holder (9) is at least partially movable independent from the train manipulating device (102). The handling of the conveyor segments (2, 3) in the first position is not decisive for the status of the apparatus according the present invention, and therefore the handling of the segments outside the first position can coincide (overlap) with the operating of the launch platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Superior Highwall Miners, Inc.
    Inventor: Cornelis Wilhelm In 'T Hout
  • Publication number: 20100051413
    Abstract: A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the frame to be articulated towards the grate. A second end of each ramp spaced from the frame is supported above but in close proximity to the ground. A support frame is associated with each ramp for supporting the second end of each ramp. A drive-on ramp contacts an end portion of the support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Brent J. Gausman, David K. Evink
  • Publication number: 20090272622
    Abstract: A conveyor for a construction vehicle includes a frame removably connectable with the vehicle. The frame includes front and rear ends, first and second sides extending between the two ends, and upper and lower surfaces extending between the front and rear ends. An endless belt is disposed generally about the frame and at least one and preferably a pair of support members are connected with the frame. Each support member has a first, vertical portion connected with the frame first side and a second, horizontal portion extending generally beneath the frame lower surface and being disposable upon a base surface. The two support members are configured to retain the entire frame and the belt spaced generally above the base surface so as to facilitate removal of the belt from the frame and alternatively facilitate installation of the belt upon the frame. Preferably, each support member includes an L-shaped bended bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Brian W. Rudge
  • Patent number: 7599756
    Abstract: A production moving line system. An illustrative embodiment of the production moving line system includes at least one metallic guide strip and at least one tow vehicle which may be adapted to follow the guide strip. The tow vehicle may include control circuitry and a power source and a wireless transceiver connected to the control circuitry. An assembly fixture cart may be coupled to the tow vehicle. A wireless communication link may be provided between a central control computer and the wireless transceiver of the tow vehicle. A production moving line method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brad J. Reeves, James S. Bradley, Richard S. Irvine, Chris G. McInelly
  • Publication number: 20090178898
    Abstract: Material handling apparatus (10) for collecting and handling particulate material such as particulate coal, the apparatus (10) comprising an elongated hollow conveyor housing (19) along which an endless chain (43) extends, the chain (43) carrying a plurality of transverse flights (44), the housing (19) being supported adjustably on a mobile chassis (11), and a materials collection head (31) at one end of the housing (19) which includes augers (38) for directing particulate material towards a central portion of the head (31) for engagement by the flights (44) which convey the collected materials along the housing (10) to an outlet (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Keith Leslie Carmody, David Charles Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20090145721
    Abstract: An agricultural conveyor is supported on a pair of steerable wheels such that the steerable wheels are pivotal relative to the conveyor frame about respective upright axes. A hydraulically actuated steering mechanism is arranged to commonly pivot the steerable wheels together relative to the conveyor frame. A hydraulic connector is arranged to connect the hydraulically actuated steering mechanism to a controllable hydraulic output of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Bernie John Toews
  • Publication number: 20090133987
    Abstract: A method and process line apparatus for processing a sized ore feed excavated from an ore deposit is disclosed. The method involves disposing a processing apparatus in a processing apparatus position relative to the ore deposit, and disposing a first mobile conveyor to receive a sized ore feed at a receiving location located along a length of the first mobile conveyor. The first mobile conveyor is operable to convey the sized ore from the receiving location to a discharge end of the first mobile conveyor. The method also involves disposing a second mobile conveyor to receive the sized ore from the discharge end of the first mobile conveyor at a transfer location along a length of the second mobile conveyor and to convey the sized ore from the transfer location to the processing apparatus. The first and second mobile conveyors are oriented at an operational angle between a length of the first mobile conveyor and a length of the second mobile conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Suncor Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Dirk, Paul Frederick MacDougall
  • Publication number: 20090133988
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving grain from a grain includes a vertical main auger at a rear end of a frame, a knife extending rearward to cut the grain bag, a turret auger pivotally attached to the top of the main auger, and a feed auger extending laterally from the bottom intake of the main auger. A bias element forces a pair of pinching rollers against each other. A drive rotates the pinching rollers such that an empty portion of the bag can be fed between the rollers and the rollers rotated to pull the empty bag upward from the ground and forward between the rollers such that the empty bag falls on the ground in front of the rollers as the frame moves rearward, and such that the frame is pulled rearward by the rollers and the feed auger moves rearward into a filled portion of the grain bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Hubertus Dekoning
  • Publication number: 20090065327
    Abstract: A mobile conveyor system includes a conveyor having a portion with a first dimension, the first dimension having a value falling within a predetermined range of values. The system also includes a mobile frame assembly for mounting the conveyor thereon. The frame assembly defines a conveyor mounting bed having a second dimension that is adjustable for receiving therein-the portion of the conveyor having the first dimension, for mounting the conveyor to the frame assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Carl Evangelista, Michael Evangelista, Kimberly K. Kelm, Dennis K. Scheer
  • Publication number: 20080283357
    Abstract: A portable truck dump comprises a conveyor system mounted on an elongate frame to transport material from a first end of the frame to a second, opposite end of the frame. A grate is positioned over the conveyor system and is supported by first and second sides of the frame. A ramp extends generally perpendicular to the frame on each side of the frame next to the grate to provide a drive-over access for a material transport vehicle to deposit its load over the grate and onto the conveyor system. A first end of each ramp immediately adjacent to the frame is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the frame to be articulated towards the grate. A second end of each ramp spaced from the frame is supported above but in close proximity to the ground. A support frame is associated with each ramp to provide a barrier along the ground adjacent to and at a level of the second end of each ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Brent J. Gausman, David K. Evink
  • Publication number: 20080217213
    Abstract: A vehicle for separating a mixed debris stream is disclosed. The vehicle includes an elongate vehicle frame; a separating structure mounted on the vehicle frame and configured to contact the mixed debris stream with a fluid stream at a contact region to separate the mixed debris stream into at least a first debris stream and a second debris stream, wherein the second debris stream includes at least some material of a higher density than material from the first debris stream; a first conveyor; and a second conveyor, wherein the contact region is spaced from the feed end portion of the first conveyor, and wherein the separating structure is further configured to selectively direct the fluid stream to move the contact region among a plurality of locations relative to the feed end portion of the first conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Roger G. Smith, Jason D. Gerard
  • Publication number: 20080060909
    Abstract: In one form, a belt lifter apparatus provides increased lifting force and belt lift height by a scissors mechanism having crossed lifting arms each having a translatable end and having a translatable pivot axis between the lifting arms. Preferably, other ends of the lifting arms are fixed to an upper belt lifting member and to a lower support base member at locations such that the pivot axis translates to a position located substantially at the center of the lifted belt when the belt is lifted to the highest lift height. Lightweight, aluminum tubular members are used for the lifting member and the base support and each includes a track for supporting the translatable ends of the lifting arms. The span width of the base member is adjusted by sliding telescoping, tubular legs within the base tubular element. Pivoted wing arms are supported by braces extending to the belt lifting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Flexible Steel Lacing Company
    Inventor: Brett Edwin DeVries
  • Patent number: 7322460
    Abstract: A pivoting unloading door for ramp assembly and common conveyor drive for door or ramp segments thereof. The door or ramp segments are pivotable about a pivotal axis between a folded or closed position in generally overlaying relation one to the other, and an unfolded or open unloading position in parallel, end-to-end relation, the door segments including conveyors thereon for conveying objects or matter thereover when in the unloading position. The door assembly includes a common drive for the conveyors which is disposed beneath the conveyors in the unloading position in coaxial relation with the pivotal axis, and which is operable for simultaneously moving the conveyors. The output of the drive can extend through a pivot joint connecting the door segments, and can connect the elements of the pivot joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Covington, Timothy A. Meeks, Gary R. Gallens
  • Patent number: 7303382
    Abstract: A conveying apparatus for directing material into a die. The die includes a material opening to accept the material from a material feed system and is positioned in a press. The conveying system comprises a frame, including a front stanchion, a rear stanchion, a first side, and a second side. The first side is spaced a first distance from the second side and the front stanchion is spaced a second distance from the rear stanchion. A plurality of horizontal supports is operatively attached to first and second sides and spans the first distance. A plurality of horizontally expanding cross members is also included wherein each cross member supports one of the horizontal supports and is operatively connected to adjacent cross members. The cross members are positioned to vary the second distance. A vertical displacement device is operatively attached to the plurality of horizontal supports to vertically position the plurality of horizontal supports to direct the material to the material opening of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Bennett Tool & Die Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jefferey W. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20070204489
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for scraping material from the earth. The device has a scraper housing, which may be attached to the front of a bulldozer or other earthmoving vehicle. The scraper housing may generally include a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a center support, and a brace. The device may be equipped with a scraper blade attached to an earth transfer plate, the scraper blade attached proximate to the front of the scraper housing. As the scraper housing is urged forward, the scraper blade scrapes material from the earth which, by the force of the material being scraped, is forced along the earth transfer plate. After reaching the end of the earth transfer plate, the material can be deposited onto a scraper conveyor that has a belt extending between the side walls of the housing. The scraper conveyor belt continuously moves material toward an opening in the second wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventors: Frank L. Corrado, Joseph J. Corrado, Frank H. Robinson, William W. Wipf
  • Patent number: 6993405
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for monitoring the environment surrounding a product in a product carrier and events affecting the product carrier and product in the product carrier during manufacture of the product. The apparatus including: a product carrier adapted to transport product undergoing manufacture; and a first device adapted to sense an attribute of an environment within the product carrier or an event affecting the product carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Beaulieu, James A. Bostwick, Scott A. Cummings
  • Patent number: 6814214
    Abstract: A pallet and conveyor system for loading pallets onto a transport vehicle is described. The conveyor system has a first and a second conveyor which positions the pallets between the conveyors and maintains the pallets in upright orientation. The conveyor defines an upper conveyance track and a lower conveyance track which may be placed on the bed of a transport truck. The pallets maintained in the conveyor system are easily loadable on the truck and can be captured without operator lifting by the conveyor system. The pallets may be forked from any direction and provide a stabilization device for maintaining the cargo within the pallets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mobil Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Warlow, Boris Fridman
  • Patent number: 6808057
    Abstract: The truck-mounted escalator is an improvement to mobile passenger stairways used to allow airline passengers to board and alight from large commercial aircraft. The improvement consists of motorizing the steps so they would function identically to escalator staircases commonly used in building structures. The truck-mounted escalator would consist of an electrical motor-driven escalator unit mounted on the bed of a dump truck style vehicle. The vehicle would feature a central support for the escalator unit and a hydraulic unit by which the escalator could be inclined for desired positioning. The escalator unit and hydraulic lift could be controlled by either of two control units, one located in the cab and the other on the rear of the truck bed. Electrical power for the motor, escalator unit, hydraulic lift, and control units would be supplied by the truck battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jitendra R. Nirmal, Ravi J. Nirmal
  • Patent number: 6782993
    Abstract: Mobile conveyor modules are used for transporting aggregate over a long distance, or for transferring the aggregate to other modules, and for stacking the aggregate either linearly or radially. These modules may be used in various combinations by themselves or in combination with existing conveyor systems and bridge stackers to stack aggregate on and off multi-lift leach pads and on multi-lift dump sites. The mobile conveyor modules are designed to be steerable and self-propelled, providing increased maneuverability and reducing relocation/reformation time. Multiple stacking methods may be used with the mobile conveyor modules either separately, or at the same time, advance and retreat stacking, the stacking of a berm, or the filling in of a corridor, may be accomplished on a variety of terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Terra Nova Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George M. Bernard, Ronald R. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20040163926
    Abstract: A transfer station for a material conveyor system. The transfer station includes a portion for engaging a ground surface and for moving the transfer station relative to the ground surface. The transfer station includes a portion for supporting a conveyor belt, which has a longitudinal extent and which supports material, for movement relative to the ground in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the belt. The transfer station includes a portion for applying a skewing force against the belt to maintain the belt at a location relative to the means for supporting during movement of the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Delbert G. Preuninger, Bobby J. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6752915
    Abstract: The present invention provides a web conveying apparatus for conveying a web while holding the web and applying tension to the web, wherein the conveying apparatus has a plurality of rollers with which the web contacts to be conveyed, and at least one roller of the plurality of rollers has a mechanism for limiting deformation of the web within Y/E, and a web conveying method using a web conveying apparatus for conveying a web while holding the web and applying tension to the web, wherein the conveying apparatus has a plurality of rollers with which the web contacts to be conveyed, and the web is conveyed while the deformation of the web is limited within Y/E by a mechanism that is provided for at least one roller of the plurality of rollers. The apparatus and the method prevent meandering of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kozo Arao, Noboru Toyama, Yuichi Sonoda, Yusuke Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20040060797
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving and packing freshly harvested agricultural products in such a way as to minimize the damage to agricultural products from bruising and breakage resulting from falling into storage bins. This invention uses a hydraulic-driven conveyor belt to move smaller transport containers which are physically closer to the actual point where the agricultural products are discharged into the waiting transport containers. Because the transport container is physically closer to the discharge point of the agricultural products, the actual distance the agricultural products fall is greatly reduced as is the probability of damage from bruising or breaking apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony Damian Oseguera
  • Publication number: 20040050653
    Abstract: A turkey gathering machine comprising a structure that supports turkey gathering elements and conveyors for conveying the turkeys toward a loading station; the structure can move so that it can be arranged closer to the turkeys as they are gathered, without requiring the poultry to walk for long distances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Enrico Mola
  • Publication number: 20030226738
    Abstract: The disclosed discharge chute directional control system and method is typically used on outdoor power equipment. By moving the position of the handle portion of a spring loaded handle assembly, the operator imparts rotation to a cam assembly. Rotation of the cam assembly imparts opposing forces on a pair of cables. These opposing forces, when applied to the rotational mounting of a discharge chute, change the orientation of the discharge chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Charles A. Eakins, Gerald B. Ash, George Leslie Todd, Raiford Scott Webb, Jimmy F. Clemens, Don E. Wilkes, Norman Buckhouse
  • Patent number: 6651804
    Abstract: A material conveying system capable of traversing a floor along a curvilinear path, the system comprising a plurality of framework members arranged in tandem on the surface along a portion of the path to form an elongated longitudinally extending conveyor train; and connector means on each framework member cooperate with connector means on each adjacent framework member for coupling the plurality of framework members, the connector means permitting movement between adjacent framework members. The conveying system also includes a plurality of the framework members including a crawler chain assembly comprising a plurality of crawler chain pads interconnected by chain links to form an endless loop. The crawler chain assembly extends over a lower portion of each of the plurality of framework members wherein the crawler chain pads are maintained in engagement with the floor, and over an upper portion having an upper surface that supports the chain pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry M. Thomas, Gregory M. Chandler
  • Publication number: 20030182723
    Abstract: A transfer device includes an upper mechanism and a lower mechanism associated with the upper mechanism. The upper mechanism includes a first endless belt that circulates in forward and reverse directions. The lower mechanism includes a second endless belt that circulates in forward and reverse directions independently of the first endless belt. The first and the second endless belts are selectively brought into and out of engagement with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: DAIHEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fumio Kasagami, Fumio Hojo
  • Publication number: 20030136632
    Abstract: Mobile conveyor modules are used for transporting aggregate over a long distance, or for transferring the aggregate to other modules, and for stacking the aggregate either linearly or radially. These modules may be used in various combinations by themselves or in combination with existing conveyor systems and bridge stackers to stack aggregate on and off multi-lift leach pads and on multi-lift dump sites. The mobile conveyor modules are designed to be steerable and self-propelled, providing increased maneuverability and reducing relocation/reformation time. Multiple stacking methods may be used with the mobile conveyor modules either separately, or at the same time, advance and retreat stacking, the stacking of a berm, or the filling in of a corridor, may be accomplished on a variety of terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: George M. Bernard, Ronald R. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20030010600
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly is for use with a vehicle having a wheel pivotable about an axis and an actuator configured to pivot the wheel. The conveyor assembly includes a carriage connectable with the vehicle and having a wheel pivotable about an axis, a swing axis and a first bearing surface about the swing axis. A carriage steering actuator pivots the carriage wheel about its axis in one direction when the vehicle actuator pivots the vehicle wheel about its axis in an opposing direction. A conveyor connected with the carriage has a second bearing surface engaged about the first bearing surface. Further, a swing actuator rotates the conveyor about the swing axis such that the second bearing surface linearly displaces along a first arcuate path as an actuator end displaces along a second arcuate path, configured such that the bearing surface displacement is greater than the actuator end displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: BLAW-KNOX CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leonard E. Speers, William R. Schwelitz, Robert W. Begley, Terry K. Olson, Ben J. Huisman, Jason P. Wiese, Shane Kruse
  • Patent number: 6471032
    Abstract: An elevator for bulk material includes an elevator head that mounts a mass flow measuring device. The elevator head also supports the upper sprocket of the elevator. The elevator head is pivotable thereby permitting adjustment of the elevator chain tension without altering the spatial relationship between the elevator paddles, the top of the elevator head and the sensor surface of the mass flow measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Busschaert, Bart Marie Antoon Missotten, Serge Odon Deleersnyder, Cyriel Richard Jozef De Busscher
  • Publication number: 20020070098
    Abstract: A conveyor transport apparatus comprises a main portable conveyor and a secondary conveyor releasably attached to the main conveyor frame. An actuator is operable to move the secondary conveyor from a ground position where the secondary conveyor is supported on the ground, to a transport position where the secondary conveyor is raised above the ground. The apparatus may be configured so that the secondary conveyor is supported on the ground and attached to the main conveyor when the main conveyor is in a raised position and the secondary conveyor is raised above the ground when the main conveyor is in a lowered position. The main conveyor can be attached to a towing vehicle for transport of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: Brandt Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Marc Eberle, Jon Close
  • Patent number: 6386352
    Abstract: A swing conveyor assembly for use with a base vehicle including a first material conveyor having a discharge location. The swing conveyor assembly comprises a platform supported by a wheel assembly, a linkage assembly adapted to be interconnected between the platform and the base vehicle and a second material conveyor. The linkage assembly is configured to permit free vertical movement over a given range of the platform and wheel assembly relative to the base vehicle. The second material conveyor has a receiving location and is rotatably connected to the platform about a vertical rotation axis. The rotation axis extends through the receiving location and the discharge location when the platform is connected to the base vehicle such that receiving location remains aligned with the discharge location as the second material conveyor is rotated relative to the first material conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Blaw-Knox Construction Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian Baker, William R. Schwelitz, Leonard E. Speers
  • Patent number: 6354429
    Abstract: An apparatus for inverting a windrow of agricultural crop material on the ground as the apparatus moves along the windrow in a first direction has a lifting mechanism for lifting the crop material from the ground substantially without destroying the integrity of the windrow as the apparatus moves in the first direction. In addition, a transporting mechanism receives the crop material from the lifting mechanism and positively transports the crop material along a generally semicircular path substantially also without destroying the integrity of the windrow so that the crop material is positively transported generally in the first direction when it reaches an exit location where the crop material is dropped to the ground. The continued movement of the crop material by the transporting mechanism results in the crop material passing the exit location so that a lower surface of the windrow is repositioned to a top of the windrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: A.I.L. Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Kuhlmann, Eugene H. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6336545
    Abstract: Single-track and a dual-track conveyor support crawlers are employed in conjunction with a mobile conveyor system. The crawlers comprise rotational coupling between single-track base units and structure link members. The crawlers further comprise a steering subsystem to control relative rotation between the single-track base units and the structure link members. The crawlers comprise translational coupling between the single-track base units and the structure link members, and elevation control subsystems to control the relative vertical position between the single-track base units and the structure link members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Rotec Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Arndt, A. Steven Ledger, Robert F. Oury
  • Publication number: 20010035330
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for harvesting agricultural products, in particular fruit, such as capsicums, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, peppers, etc., from plants which are cultivated in greenhouses. The product-bearing plants are cultivated in parallel rows. Between the said rows, processing passages which extend in the longitudinal direction thereof are provided, in such a manner that each row adjoins a said processing passage. Between the said rows, harvest conveyor tracks which extend in the longitudinal direction thereof are arranged, in such a manner that each row adjoins said harvest conveyor track. The product to be picked from a specific row is harvested from the processing passage which adjoins this specific row, is laid onto the harvest conveyor track which adjoins this specific row and by the said harvest conveyor track is removed to a delivery point at one of the ends of the said specific row. The invention also relates to a device for using the method according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Evert Van Zanten, Jacob Valstar
  • Patent number: 6296318
    Abstract: In a device for milling off ground surfaces, especially roadways, having a wheel frame carrying a machine frame, a milling roller supported in the machine frame and extending transversely to the direction of travel, at least one conveyor means arranged in front of the milling roller in the direction of travel for removing the milled material, and having a shield arrangement extending transversely to the direction of travel between the milling roller and the conveyor means having a vertical cover plate with a passage opening for the milled material, it is provided that the end, on the side of the milling roller, of the conveyor means is dismountably supported in a belt shoe fixed to the machine frame in a height-adjustable manner, and that the belt shoe and the conveyor means comprise guiding means and coupling means adapted to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Simons, Peter Busley, Herbert Ley
  • Patent number: 6186318
    Abstract: An elongated low profile sheet metal tray has a bottom panel adapted to seat on the bolster plate of a stamping press under a die set. The panel supports adjacent upper and lower runs of an endless belt directed around guide rollers and a drive roller supported by cast support members removably connected to opposite ends of the tray. A motor and gear reducer unit is mounted on one support member and drives the belt drive roller, and the sheet metal tray has opposite integral side rails forming inclined surfaces and channel portions enclosing opposite edge portions of the belt. A sheet of plastics material extends between the bottom panel and the bottom run of the belt, and a detector senses belt stoppage for stopping the motor and stamping press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Pax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis J. Pax, Steven J. Pax
  • Patent number: 6186311
    Abstract: A self-transporting conveyor system suitable for handling the discharge of a rock or concrete crusher, for example. The system includes a pair of stacking conveyors and a pair of transfer conveyors all of which are assembled together for towing by a single highway tractor. The conveyors can be set up at a desired site using available equipment, such as a loader, so that the cost of a special crane is avoided. Each stacking conveyor includes a self-contained hydraulic power supply that allows it to hydraulically fold up for transport, and unfold for operation, and enables it to hydraulically pivot back and forth during operation to build a kidney-shaped pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ohio Machinery Co.
    Inventor: Edward L. Conner
  • Patent number: 5904240
    Abstract: An elongated low profile sheet metal tray has a bottom panel adapted to seat on the bolster plate of a stamping press under a die set. The panel supports adjacent upper and lower runs of an endless belt directed around guide rollers and a drive roller supported by cast support members removably connected to opposite ends of the tray. A motor and gear reducer unit is mounted on one support member and drives the belt drive roller, and the sheet metal tray has opposite integral side rails forming inclined surfaces and channel portions enclosing opposite edge portions of the belt. A sheet of plastics material extends between the bottom panel and the bottom run of the belt, and a detector senses belt stoppage for stopping the motor and stamping press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Pax Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis J. Pax, Steven J. Pax
  • Patent number: 5402874
    Abstract: A conveyor coupled to a skid motor vehicle operates to unload bulk granular material from a railroad hopper car. The conveyor has an obtuse configured frame supporting an endless belt extended about an idler roller and a driven roller. A hydraulic motor mounted on the frame supplied with hydraulic fluid under pressure from the hydraulic system of the motor vehicle rotates the drive roller thereby moving the belt relative to the frame and mount thereon. A pair of transverse tubular box members are secured to the bottom of the frame to accommodate forks attached to the skid motor vehicle whereby the skid motor vehicle can lift the conveyor and transport it to another location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: M Bar D Railcar Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Dahlin, William S. Pladson
  • Patent number: 5197590
    Abstract: A hopper loader interfaced with a variety of hoppers/feeders having a horizontal infeed conveyor with a hand-feed belt section near the input end movable between an operative position for hand-feed operation and a lowered position to facilitate automatic feeding. A positioning actuator is coupled between the hopper loader and the hopper to provide for automatic fine-tuning adjustment of the jogger position as well as for machine make-ready to accommodate changing product size. A single controller is provided for simultaneously positioning a plurality of loaders. The controller has adjustable stops for accommodating frequently used product formats. Automatic air delay shut-off saves energy by shutting off the air blast system a predetermiend delay after the loader is halted. further automatic means saves energy and prevents "over jogging" and damage to the product by turning off the jogger a predetermined delay interval after the loader stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Prim Hall Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Prim, David Hall, Robert Kinson, Cyrus Myers
  • Patent number: 5037266
    Abstract: A compost supplement spreader for delivering supplement to the top of an elongated compost pile, the spreader being formed of a frame having spaced apart sides, wheels mounted on the frame for movement of the frame on the earth with the compost pile being positioned between the frame sides, a hopper elevationally supported between the frame sides, the hopper having a lower position whereby supplement may be deposited in the hopper open top and having an upper operating position whereby the hopper bottom clears the top of the compost pile and a conveyor belt in the bottom portion of the hopper for controllably discharging supplement from the hopper onto a compost pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Virgil H. Jurgensmeyer
  • Patent number: 5033605
    Abstract: A mobile conveyor installation is composed of a carrier frame composed of channels joined end-to-end on which a scraper-chain conveyor is mounted. Drive stations are provided at the ends of the conveyor and the frame and one or both of these have driven tracks for moving the installation. The conveyor and carrier frame can adopt a curved profile. A guide beam composed of articulated plates which can be braced and locked or released serves to guide the carrier frame and the conveyor. The guide beam is connected with rams to the conveyor or the carrier frame to effect relative longitudinal movement therebetween. The guide beam is raisable and lowerable from contact with the floor either directly or via the carrier frame. The plates of the beam are coupled to a traction chain which can be tensioned or slackened with a hydraulic unit to cause the plates of guide beam to become rigid for guidance or released for movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Gewerkschaft Eisenhutte Westfalia GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Marquart
  • Patent number: 4907732
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for joining pipe sections on or along side a pipeline right-of-way. The apparatus comprises a main frame and one or more telescoping subframes. The two pipe sections are supported in a first position where their ends are beveled. The two pipe sections are moved to a second position where they are pushed together, held in place with a clamp, and rolled while a welding head joins the two pipe sections. The joined pipe sections are moved to a third position to await removal from the apparatus by a crane. In the meantime, pipe sections are continually loaded and unloaded from the apparatus so that pipe sections can be joined on a continuous basis. The subframe telescopes into and out of the main frame to support a pipe section thereon. Road wheels and tractor wheels are provided on the main frame to allow the apparatus to be transported and positioned along the pipeline right-of-way in inaccessible and remote locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Richard L. Jones