Wherein The Conveyor Portion Is Supported And Driven Adjacent Its Opposite Sides By Horizontally Spaced Drives Patents (Class 198/465.3)
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Patent number: 10875715Abstract: A transfer cassette including a base plate, an interlock assembly, a securement plate, and a plate tab. The interlock assembly is arranged on a first edge of the base plate and includes a support arranged on the base plate and a locking finger rotatably arranged on the support. The securement plate is arranged on a second edge of the base plate, opposite the first edge. The plate tab is partially secured to and extending from the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Randy L. Pfeiffer
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Patent number: 10843303Abstract: A manufacturing method for a wind turbine blade is described which utilizes a post-moulding station in the manufacturing process. A blade shell forming part of a wind turbine blade is initially moulded in a blade mould, the blade shell subsequently transferred to a post-moulding station which allows for various post-moulding operations to be carried out on the blade shell away from the mould, thereby increasing the productivity of the blade mould in the manufacturing process. The post-moulding station may be operable to perform the closing of first and second blade shells to form a wind turbine blade, and may be formed from an adjustable structure which can provide relatively easy access to the contained blade shell for working thereon. Accordingly, the manufacturing equipment may be of reduced cost, combined with an increase in the overall productivity of the manufacturing system.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/SInventor: Bernard Willem De Waal Malefijt
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Patent number: 10781050Abstract: A system and a method for processing of optical lenses in which the processing takes place by means of different processing apparatus between which there is a respective transfer apparatus. The transfer apparatus are used both for longitudinal and also cross conveyance. Each processing apparatus has its own conveyor apparatus which is controlled by the processing apparatus itself. The transfer apparatus are controlled by a central transfer control.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: SCHNEIDER GMBH & CO. KGInventor: Gunter Schneider
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Patent number: 10600666Abstract: An article transport facility includes a transport device which has a connecting portion connected to the storage device, and which is configured to transport an article. The connecting portion is located on the first side with respect to the first path whereas a subject path is located on the second side with respect to the first path. The transporting path of an article by the transport device is so located to cross the first path in plan view and to extend at least from the connecting portion and to the second side with respect to the first path. A first transfer portion to or from which an article is transferred by a transport vehicle traveling along the subject path is set in a portion of the transporting path that is located on the second side with respect to the first path.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Niiyama, Takahiro Horii
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Patent number: 10543618Abstract: A pallet feeder assembly for use with a concrete products machine of a type supporting a mold box within a production zone comprises a conveyor having a load/unload expanse configured to be disposed below the production zone, an upstream staging expanse upstream, and upstream and downstream ends. A plurality of sensors operative to detect a presence of a pallet on the conveyor are disposed along a length of the conveyor and include sensors disposed upstream and downstream of the load/unload expanse. Transport means on the conveyor move a pallet loaded on the transport means between the upstream and downstream ends of the conveyor. An open portion within the load/unload expanse is configured to admit a lifting means for raising the pallet from the transport means up into the production zone against an underside of a mold box during a production cycle of a concrete products machine.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: COLUMBIA MACHINE, INC.Inventors: Stacy L. Gildersleeve, Mani Jenabzadeh, Bryan M. Bandstra
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Patent number: 10070587Abstract: A chain and slat conveyor with first and second continuous chains and a plurality of slats. Each slat is connected to the first chain by a keyhole connection and to the second chain by a bolt or rivet which passes through a hole in the slat.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignees: AGCO DO BRASIL SOLUÇÕES AGRICOLAS LTDA, AGCO CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel Saraiva, Glen Suffolk
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Patent number: 9908713Abstract: A vertical circulating conveyor includes a lowering path part (3) and a raising path part (4) that connect end portions of a conveyance path part (1) and a return path part (2) vertically positioned in a linear arrangement. The lowering path part (3) includes front wheel lowering guide rails (8A) to guide front wheels (F) of a transport vehicle (5) and rear wheel lowering guide rails (8B) to guide rear wheels (R) of the transport vehicle (5). The transport vehicle (5) is moved in the lowering path part (3) by falling under its own weight in almost the horizontal state in a powerless manner while the front wheels (F) of the transport vehicle (5) are guided by the front wheel lowering guide rails (8A) and the rear wheels (R) of the transport vehicle (5) are guided by the rear wheel lowering guide rails (8B).Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignees: NAKANISHI METAL WORKS CO., LTD., TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yoshihiro Okazaki, Haruyuki Yamaguchi, Tomonari Shibayama, Yuji Sekino, Tomohiro Yamakawa, Toshihiro Naruse, Ken Shiojima
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Patent number: 9840373Abstract: A system and a method for processing of optical lenses in which the processing takes place by different processing apparatus between which there is a respective transfer apparatus. The transfer apparatus are used both for longitudinal and also cross conveyance. Each processing apparatus has its own conveyor apparatus which is controlled by the processing apparatus itself. The transfer apparatus are controlled by a central transfer control.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Schneider GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Gunter Schneider
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Patent number: 9758267Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling containers, and a method of operation, are disclosed, whereby a plurality of container carriers are movable along an upper container guideway of the apparatus. Notably, a pair of servo drives in the form of linear actuators act generally in opposition to each other, at opposites ends to the container carriers movable along the container guideway, to accurately index and position the container carriers with respect to associated filling equipment. Servo-driven transfer wheels, positioned at respective opposite ends of the upper container guideway, effect movement of the containers to and from a return conveyor positioned beneath the upper container guideway, whereby the container carriers are moved from the downstream end of the filling region back to the upstream end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Martin J. Mueller
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Patent number: 9623992Abstract: A device for the accumulation and release of products arranged within containers comprises a main accumulation unit with a reception opening and a first delivery opening, the containers being guided between the openings. The device is provided with a second accumulation unit operationally in communication with the main unit and having a second delivery opening. The device uses an actuator for selectively moving containers loaded with products from the main accumulation unit to the second unit, in order to selectively by-pass the first delivery opening and enable containers to be unloaded at the second delivery opening provided in the second accumulation unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: CT PACK S.R.L.Inventors: Daniele Davi, Bruno Alberti, Andrea Querzoli
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Patent number: 9541569Abstract: A measurement apparatus for the detection of the feed movement of a workpiece to be processed, which has a belt or chain, which is guided on a carrier via deflection disks, a pressure device, which is moved along in its movement direction with the belt or the chain for the pressing of the belt or the chain against the workpiece, and a sensor for the detection of the movement of the belt or the chain. An accurate measurement can be attained in that the carrier on a holder can be rotated around a swivel axis, which is at a right angle to the direction of movement of the belt or the chain.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Inventor: Hans Hundegger
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Patent number: 9499344Abstract: A workpiece transport system includes a number of holding trays, a conveyor belt, and a number of connecting assemblies corresponding to the trays. Each of the number of holding trays has a first surface with a defined recess for receiving workpieces. Each of the number of holding trays is rotatably connected to the conveyor belt by one of the number of connecting assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Chiun Mai Communication Systems, Inc.Inventors: Chien-Yu Lin, Ke-Han Lee
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Patent number: 9440303Abstract: A reflow furnace (1) has a decompression chamber (5), and air bubbles contained in a molten solder on a substrate (7) are removed in this decompression chamber (5). The substrate (7) supported on a first conveying rail (8) is fed into the decompression chamber (5) by a first conveyance rod (18). The substrate (7) in the decompression chamber (5) is taken out by a second conveyance rod (32) and is conveyed to the exit of the reflow furnace (1) while being supported on the second conveying rail (9). Before the treatment of substrates (7) having different widths, the width of the first conveying rail (8) and the width of the second conveying rail (9) are adjusted. During this adjustment, the second conveyance rod (32) is displaced in the width direction of the substrate (7), with the second conveyance rod (32) kept in the decompression chamber (5), and in association with this, the spacing between right and left rail portions (12a, 12a) in the decompression chamber (5) is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Yokota Technica Limited CompanyInventor: Yatsuharu Yokota
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Patent number: 8967367Abstract: An article transport facility includes an article transport vehicle and a rotatable member transporting device. The article transport vehicle is configured to travel along a predetermined travel path by obtaining propelling force by drivingly rotating a propelling rotatable member with the propelling rotatable member in contact with a contact portion. The propelling rotatable member can be in contact with the rotatable member transporting device. And the rotatable member transporting device transports, in an advancing direction, the propelling rotatable member in contact with the rotatable member transporting device, and is provided in place of the contact portion in a specific section included in the predetermined travel path. The propelling rotatable member is configured to be able to be drivingly rotated while in contact with the rotatable member transporting device.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Kasuya, Masaru Satou
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Patent number: 8813946Abstract: Elongate packs of circular biscuits are fed at high speed from a wrapping output conveyor to a transverse indexing conveyor. The indexing conveyor has a series of compartments with inclined sides, each compartment receiving a pair of packs end to end. The conveyor indexes each time that it receives a pair of packs, the compartments holding the packs against movement longitudinally of the conveyor. The packs are removed in groups from the indexing conveyor and urged together on a tray of adjustable dimension. Orientation of the packs is maintained, for consistent presentation of printing ABCD.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Quin Systems LimitedInventor: Michael Webb
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Patent number: 8789679Abstract: A transferring device includes a conveyer system, a reloading mechanism, and a jig. The reloading mechanism includes a blocking assembly and a grasping assembly. The blocking assembly includes a holding member mounted on the conveyer system, a stopping member, and a first driving member positioned on the holding member. The stopping member is connected to the first driving member. The grasping assembly includes a fixing member mounted on the conveyer system, a second driving member mounted on the fixing member, a third driving member mounted on the second driving member, and a pair of catches. The catches are positioned at opposite ends of the third driving member. The jig includes a top cover and a bottom cover engaged with the top cover. The jig is transferred on the conveyor system.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignees: Fu Ding Electronical Technology (Jiashan) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jian-Qiang Lu, Jian-Hua Xu
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Patent number: 8727100Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a system for conveying apparatus over a conveyor belt assembly. The system includes a set of pallets which support the apparatus and travel within parallel driving conveyors of the conveyor belt assembly. While the pallets in both driving conveyors are capable of rotation, only the pallets in one of the driving conveyors may move in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel so that the apparatus may be centred over the conveyor belt assembly when the pallets are in motion.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.Inventors: Robert Donald Ecob, Bounna Wang
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Patent number: 8678167Abstract: A work transfer device is capable of moving a carriage in any direction and easily changes processes even with a simple configuration. The work transfer device includes a frame having a slit in a transfer direction, a ribbon body stored in the frame such that an upper portion is guided by the slit, a carriage coupling part connected to an upper end of the ribbon body and protruding from an upper side of the frame, a driving part feeding power to move the ribbon body in the transfer direction, and a tool carriage, which has a support part supporting a work W and has a coupling part coupled to the carriage coupling part, travelling on the frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignees: Shinmei Industry Co., Ltd., Kyoei Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuo Nakamura, Norio Kito
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Patent number: 8549866Abstract: A cooling tunnel includes an infeed port for feeding objects, a discharge port for discharging objects, successive treatment stations for treating the objects with a cooling medium, and a conveyor system for transporting the objects to be cooled from the infeed port to the discharge port, with the conveyor system travelling through the individual treatment stations. The conveyor system has a first section running through several treatment stations, the first section extending from the infeed port to a turnaround station, a second section running through several treatment stations, the second section extending from the turnaround station to the discharge port, as well as a return section, which is arranged before the discharge port and connects a discharge-side zone of the second section with an infeed-side zone of the first section, to selectively either discharge objects or to cool them further. A method for operating a cooling tunnel is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: airinotec GmbHInventor: Stefan Hummrich
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Patent number: 8540235Abstract: An apparatus for conveying envelopes traveling in a travel direction in a generally upright orientation. The apparatus includes a first pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and configured to engage lateral edges of the envelopes, and configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction. The apparatus includes a second pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and positioned downstream of the first pair of conveyor assemblies in the travel direction, with the second pair of conveyor assemblies being configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction independently of the first pair of conveyor assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Inventors: Peter Kern, Reinhard Buri, Axel Schütz
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Patent number: 8496103Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) moves a transport unit (3) having at least one running section (4, 5). The running section (4, 5) can, in particular, be configured as a runner of a skid. The conveying apparatus (1) has a support (6, 8) which takes up the weight of the transport unit (3) on the running section (4, 5). The conveying apparatus (1) includes at least one drive roller (20) which interacts with the running section (4, 5) of the transport unit (3) for a rolling movement and subjects the transport unit (3) to a force (FK) for movement along the support (6, 8). The drive roller (20) is operatively connected to a force-generating device (44) for providing a press-on force (FP) pressing the drive roller (20) against the running section (4, 5) of the transport unit (3).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Duerr Systems GmbHInventors: Andreas Federmann, Michael Lauer
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Patent number: 8366376Abstract: This is a paper-stacking support with segmented shelves that can support paper and can also fold upon being rotated around rollers by a driver belt. Once an upper shelf is fully loaded, it is moved downwardly by the drive belt and another shelf is moved into an upper loading position by the drive belt. This allows for a continuous running of the stacking operation without an interruption during the unloading of the stacked paper.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Douglas K. Herrmann
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Patent number: 8256605Abstract: In order to transport printed circuit boards (30) through a processing system (12), printed circuit boards (30) lying one behind another can be connected by means of holding clips (22) to form a type of chain. The outer ends of the holding clips (22) are suspended on two spaced-apart transport chains (16) which provide for transport and mounting. The holding clips are formed in two parts with a lower holding part (22) and an upper holding part (40), between which a printed circuit board (30) is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Gebr. Schmid GmbH & co.Inventor: Laurent Nicolet
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Patent number: 7954631Abstract: A chain link conveyor for use in material handling equipment such as a feed cart. The chain link conveyor comprises a series of sprockets and a pair of spaced apart chains trained around the sprockets. Each chain includes a series of interconnected links. Each link comprises a pair of sidebars and an interconnecting cross bar along with a pair of hooks that function to connect consecutive links and also function to form a sprocket centering gap that receives and guides respective sprockets through the link as the links moves over the sprockets. Various implementations of the chain link conveyor can be made. In one implementation the chain link conveyor is disposed in a feed cart.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Weaverline, LLCInventors: Frank Nevin Weaver, Frank Nolt Weaver
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Patent number: 7731017Abstract: A device for driving load conveyors or transporters in the form of a driving and guiding means (4), integrated in a line of conveyors or transporters (1 and 2) and extending along the longitudinal axis of said conveyors or transporters (1 and 2), perpendicularly to their plane and essentially formed by the combination of a driving belt (5), arranged along at least one longitudinal edge or in the extension of longitudinal edges of at least one conveyor or transporter (1 and 2) or two successive conveyors or transporters (1 and 2), and of a guide applying (6) the loads against the driving belt (5), arranged along the longitudinally opposite edges. Particular applicability is in the field of conveying by means of pallet conveyors or transporters, in particular with change of rate of transport and/or of level between conveyors.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Sidel Participations SASInventor: Zmaj Petrovic
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Publication number: 20100126829Abstract: In order to transport printed circuit boards (30) through a processing system (12), printed circuit boards (30) lying one behind another can be connected by means of holding clips (22) to form a type of chain. The outer ends of the holding clips (22) are suspended on two spaced-apart transport chains (16) which provide for transport and mounting. The holding clips are formed in two parts with a lower holding part (22) and an upper holding part (40), between which a printed circuit board (30) is mounted.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: Gebr. Schmid GmbH & Co.Inventor: Laurent Nicolet
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Patent number: 7669498Abstract: A transmission system includes two or more independent chambers, in each of which shafts with gears thereon are provided for rolling in synchronous motion, and a carrier with adjustable gear devices on a bottom thereof. Each of the adjustable gear devices has a base, a movable rack member, vertical springs and horizontal springs. The movable rack member is connected to the base to be moved along a horizontal direction. The vertical springs are provided between the base and the carrier to urge the adjustable gear device along a vertical direction. The movable rack member has a rack portion to be meshed with the gears of the shafts, such that the carrier is moved by the gears to cross the chambers. With the movement of the movable rack member both along the horizontal and the vertical direction, the carrier is transported in a smooth, synchronous, skid-proof, stable and real-time motion during the crossing chamber process.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Hsiuping Institute of TechnologyInventors: Geeng-Jen Sheu, Tuan-Jen Yu, Chung-Chung Liu, Chien-Ming Li, Hsin-Lun Wu
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Publication number: 20100006395Abstract: This invention is a low profile, over-under conveyor with two continuously moving chain loops that form upper and lower tracks on which flexible work platforms ride. Each flexible platform includes two or more spaced metal slats joined by a thin flexible band. The slats include shoes that rest on and frictionally engage the moving chain loops. When one of the platforms reaches the end of one track, the flexible platform frictionally engages and compresses a pneumatic drive wheel and flexes to negotiate a low profile inversion and return on the other track. This allows the conveyor to handle long work platforms, while having a relatively low profile. Asynchronous accumulation and release of the freely moving flexible work platforms is accomplished using stop cylinders mounted inside the frame of the conveyor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2008Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventor: John Dana Cannell
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Patent number: 7637367Abstract: This invention is a low profile, over-under conveyor with two continuously moving chain loops that form upper and lower tracks on which flexible work platforms ride. Each flexible platform includes two or more spaced metal slats joined by a thin flexible band. The slats include shoes that rest on and frictionally engage the moving chain loops. When one of the platforms reaches the end of one track, the flexible platform frictionally engages and compresses a pneumatic drive wheel and flexes to negotiate a low profile inversion and return on the other track. This allows the conveyor to handle long work platforms, while having a relatively low profile. Asynchronous accumulation and release of the freely moving flexible work platforms is accomplished using stop cylinders mounted inside the frame of the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: H&CS Corp.Inventor: John Dana Cannell
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Patent number: 7628268Abstract: A device is provided for displacing gas turbines, especially during maintenance thereof. The device comprises several transporter platforms which are arranged behind each other. At least one gas turbine can be positioned on each of the transporter platforms. The or each gas turbine can be displaced by displacing the transporter platforms.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbHInventors: Peter-Max Mueller, Detlef Renner
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Patent number: 7600629Abstract: A conveyor system includes a conveyor track and at least one workpiece carrier that includes a first control curve and a second control curve, and a first control curve tracker and a second control curve tracker that are assigned to the conveyor track. The first control curve tracker is arranged in a first control engagement with the first control curve, and the second control curve tracker is arranged in a second control engagement with the second control curve. The control curves and associated control curve trackers are arranged so that the at least one workpiece carrier can be deflected laterally off of a subsection of the conveyor track via the interaction of the first control engagement and the second control engagement.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AGInventors: Paul Skljarow, Delf Reumann, Boris Buesing, Karl Hinderer
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Patent number: 7585143Abstract: A stocker apparatus includes a first tray stock section (70) for storing a plurality of empty trays (11a), a second tray stock section (80) for storing the plurality of empty trays (11a) loaded with products, tray supporting means (130) provided in the first tray stock section (70) and the second tray stock section (80) for mounting the trays (11) thereon, and lifting and lowering means for lifting and lowering the tray supporting means (130). The stocker apparatus further includes carrier means (140) for carrying the loaded tray to the second tray stock section (80). The stocker apparatus further includes an outer wall constituting member covering the first tray stock section (70) and the second tray stock portion (80) for shielding the first tray stock section (70) and the second tray stock section (80) from an external atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Tsubaki Seiko, Inc.Inventor: Yukihiro Hanaoka
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Publication number: 20090078535Abstract: A slip tube system is configured to transport a load along a conveying path of an overhead conveyor system. A stationary frame has at least one rotating shaft with a shaft axis extending along the conveying path of the stationary frame, and a movable carriage configured to transport a load along the conveying path. A slip tube is placed on at least one of the least one rotating drive shafts and each slip tube has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of a respective drive shaft, and is in rotational sliding engagement therewith. At least one driven wheel is attached to the carriage to engage with an exterior of the slip tube surrounding the at least one rotating drive shaft to push the slip tube into driving engagement with the rotating shaft, and to rotate the slip tube therewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Charles Paul Tabler
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Publication number: 20090057107Abstract: Handling device of the present invention includes spaced-out transverse bars connected through their ends to endless lateral drive chains made of links. The chains include a series of flexible links connected through bars.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: PELLENC (Societe Anonyme)Inventors: Roger Pellenc, Jean-Marc Gialis
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Patent number: 7481310Abstract: A panel transportation device of the present invention has a panel grasp portion for grasping a panel, a link mechanism for moving the panel grasp portion in a panel transportation direction, and a slide mechanism for operating the link mechanism so as to move the panel grasp portion in the panel transportation direction and moving the entire link mechanism. The slide mechanism is constituted of a first slide mechanism with a first slide block and a second slide mechanism with a second slide block. The link mechanism is constructed such that the first slide block and the second slide block are connected to the panel grasp portion and the panel grasp portion is moved in the panel transportation direction by individually and linearly driving the first slide block and the second slide block.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: IHI CorporationInventor: Yasushi Dodo
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Patent number: 7441648Abstract: A transport system including a curved conveyance section configured for moving articles along a curved conveyance path. At least one turnstile wheel is configured to guide the articles along the curved conveyance path. In some embodiments, the turnstile wheel comprises a first surface configured to guide an exterior vertical belt along a continuous curve on an exterior edge of the curved conveyance path and a second surface configured to guide an interior vertical belt along a continuous curve on an interior edge of the curved conveyance path. The first surface and the second surface are configured to have a common axis of rotation outside the curved conveyance path and to rotate at a same angular velocity. The interior vertical belt and the exterior vertical belt are configured to support the articles as the articles are conveyed along the curved conveyance path. The articles are conveyed along the curved conveyance path without stopping or significantly slowing down.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Aquest Systems CorporationInventors: Barry Kitazumi, Benjamin T. Davidson
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Patent number: 7434678Abstract: A transport system includes a curved conveyance section configured to move an article along a curved path without significantly slowing or stopping. Exemplary articles for conveyance include semiconductor wafers and substrates for display devices and photovoltaic devices. In some embodiments, the conveyance section includes a turnstile wheel including an interior surface and an exterior surface. The external surface is configured to guide an exterior belt that in turn supports one side of the article around the conveyance path. The internal surface is configured to either support an opposing side of the article, or guide an interior belt that in turn supports the article around the conveyance path. Instead of employing a turnstile wheel, other embodiments employ interior and exterior supports for supporting opposite ends of the article, such as interior and exterior belts, that move at essentially the same angular rate along the inside and outside of the conveyance path.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Aquest Systems CorporationInventors: Barry Kitazumi, Benjamin T. Davidson
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Patent number: 7306089Abstract: The invention relates to conveyor systems with skillets adapted with connectors to enable power to be conveyed between skillets that are abutted together along a production area. With the skillets being electrically connected, the conductor only needs to supply power the electrical receiving device of a single skillet at any given time. The conductor in turn can be limited to a length of about one skillet, which reduces the wear, as well as installation, repair and maintenance costs.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Jervis B. Webb CompanyInventor: Dan Ellens
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Patent number: 7255220Abstract: A conveyance system, wherein dividable horizontal conveyance units are connected to each other through joint plates and a support post and rails of the horizontal conveyance units are connected to each other without any step and clearance. A joint conveyance carnage assembly is conveyed by a force applied thereto from annular chains of the horizontal conveyance units through chain presser plates. When the rearmost one of the chain presser plates leaves the annular chain of the horizontal conveyance unit, the chain presser plate of the headmost first conveyance carriage reaches the annular chain of the horizontal conveyance unit and the joint conveyance carriage assembly is continuously conveyed.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Iwata Koki Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiharu Iwai, Masanori Nonaka
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Patent number: 7210889Abstract: A circulating storage system (1) has at least two storage columns (4) of stored-goods carriers (5) that are arranged one above another and circulate during operation, at least one horizontal conveyor device (9) which, during operation, transfers the stored-goods carriers from one storage column to the other storage column, and a vertical conveyor device (7) which, during operation, can move at least one part of the storage column in a vertical direction. The circulating storage system also has at least one further vertical conveyor device (7), for each vertical conveyor device assigned to a storage column, to provide each storage column with the capability of being moved in the vertical direction, independently of the other storage column, by the vertical conveyor device assigned to it.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Bellheimer Metallwerk GmbHInventor: John McFarland
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Patent number: 7178661Abstract: An overhead rotatably powered conveyer drive shaft has ridges inter-engaged with skewed driven wheels mounted for free rotation on a load carrying carriage to trace a helical loci of engagement and improve traction. The ridges are preferably extruded to be parallel. The driven wheels may also have extruded parallel ridges or have an elastic peripheral surface deformed elastically into spaces between adjacent drive shaft ridges during normal conveying to provide the inter-engaging.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Charles P. Tabler
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Patent number: 7131523Abstract: A transport system, in particular an airport luggage transport system, and guide means for a transport system of this type, for transporting individual items, are disclosed. The items are transported along a transport path with at least one straight section, with support elements for supporting a bottom side of the containers. The bottom side of the containers includes at least one straight guiding element in the form of a groove-shaped recess extending in a transport direction and having two opposing side faces. To accurately and securely guide the containers, guiding means with lateral guiding rollers engage with the side faces of the groove-shaped recesses.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wolfgang Brixius, Dominik Gräfer, Albrecht Hoene
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Patent number: 7080450Abstract: A machine for terminating wire assemblies comprising: a means for holding a wire assembly; a linear movement means for moving said means for holding between a first area and a second area; an insertion head; and, a means for dislodging; wherein, after a wire assembly is loaded into the means for holding a wire assembly, the means for holding a wire assembly is moved by the linear moving means from the first area to the second area for assembly termination by the insertion head; and, following termination, the assembly is at least partially unseated from the means for holding a wire assembly by the means for dislodging.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: Neil Edward Deming, Larry Eugene Cox, Jr.
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Patent number: 7073657Abstract: A conveying arrangement for processing printed products, comprising a conveying section, a plurality of deposit trays on which the printed products are transported along the conveying section, the conveying section having an intake area where the printed products are fed to the deposit trays and a delivery area at an end region of the conveying section where the printed products are removed from the deposit trays, and a control mechanism for controlling a distance between respectively adjacent deposit trays in the intake area based on a thickness of the printed products.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Muller Martini Holding AGInventors: Daniel Langenegger, Hansjörg Schneeberger
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Patent number: 7063204Abstract: This document describes an apparatus and system for conveying components. The apparatus and system include several parts. The apparatus and system include a base that supports a rail. The apparatus and system also includes a pallet assembly that is capable of moving along the rail. The pallet assembly includes first and second surfaces that are separated by a thickness dimension. The apparatus and system also includes a positioning mechanism that is connected to the base. The positioning mechanism includes a drive roller that rotates about a first axis and engages the first surface of the pallet assembly. The positioning mechanism also includes an idler roller that rotates about a second axis, which is generally parallel to the first axis. The idler roller engages the second surface of the pallet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Michael W Pfeiffer, Eric D. Johnson
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Patent number: 7059465Abstract: Multi-directional conveyor with a pair of conveying belts, a plurality of sprockets, a sprocket holding frame, a gear reduced drive motor and a plurality of four sided trays. The trays are attached to the conveying belts by outwardly facing horizontal pins that are located at opposing offset corners of the trays and are capable of rotating within corner blocks that are affixed to the tray. The pins are fixedly attached to the conveying belts. The conveying belts have a plurality of evenly spaced apertures that accommodate the sprockets so that the drive motor can power the sprockets that are rotatably pinned to the frame thereby causing the belts to be driven in a linear fashion. The belts are capable of changing their angular orientation according to the spatial relationship of one sprocket to another. The belts are made of thin gauge stainless steel.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Inventor: Edmund Chan
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Patent number: 7048109Abstract: A transport system, in particular an airport baggage handling system, includes a container having an underside formed with a grooved recess which defines a leading edge and a trailing edge, as viewed in a transport direction of the container. The transport system has at least one incline conveyor which is constructed to define a convexly curved transport path for transporting the container through engagement of the grooved recess, whereby the incline conveyor supports only the leading and trailing edges of the recess of the container, as the container is moved in the transport direction. This ensures a stable travel of the container along the convexly curved transport path.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wolfgang Brixius, Dominik Gräfer, Albrecht Hoene
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Patent number: 7007795Abstract: A transport conveyor for workpieces, pallets, or workpiece carriers which includes a drive transmission that includes a traction coupling that interrupts the transfer of torque and driving force to the conveyor rollers, belt or the like upon an interruption in the movement of the workpieces, pallets or workpiece carriers on the conveyor. The transmission traction device includes contact-free couplings which can be integrated in the rollers or be mounted outside the drive path of the rollers. Because the couplings operate without physical contact, they are free from wear commonly incurred in the drive transmission as an incident to the interruption of workpiece movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Bleichert Forderanlagen GmbHInventors: Ludwig Zoller, Dirk Watzlawek
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Patent number: 6997304Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an accumulating conveyor system has at least one shoe slideably connected to an endless chain. Each shoe includes a pair of opposing rollers, one of which is engageable with the endless chain when the shoe is positioned adjacent an upper support member, and the other is engageable with the endless chain when the shoe is positioned adjacent a lower support member. The shoe further includes a transverse roller attached to a body of the shoe and engageable with the upper and lower support members. In another aspect of the present invention, a workpiece support may be detachably connected to two shoes positioned on opposite sides of the conveyor system to form a pallet. In yet another aspect of the present invention, two or more pallets may be connected together using an anti back-flex chain to form a pallet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventors: Timothy N. Thomas, Bradley R. Carver
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Patent number: 6983838Abstract: The invention relates to a modular construction system for a conveyor for conveying article carriers longitudinally or transversely, having lateral longitudinal carriers, having transverse frame elements which connect these longitudinal carriers, and having driven load-bearing conveying means for the article carriers. The object of the present invention is to provide a modular construction system which is significantly improved in relation to prior-art solutions in respect of production costs, assembly and installation costs, process costs and the delivery time for the conveyor. In order to achieve the object, it is proposed that the longitudinal carrier, which accommodates the conveying means, is a respective torsionally rigid hollow aluminum or plastic profile which can be connected in a releasable manner to the transverse frame element and is designed for optionally accommodating driven load-bearing rollers or insertable sliding plates for a load-bearing belt.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Hans-Gerd Spoeler