With Means To Affect Flow Patents (Class 198/525)
  • Patent number: 11885035
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to non-ferrous metallurgy and electrolytic production of Aluminium for lining a cathode assembly of an electrolytic cell. The present method includes laying materials while simultaneously distributing same over the surface of a base and levelling them at a height measured from the plane of the top edge of the shell of the cathode assembly of the electrolytic cell by gradually moving a device for installing unformed lining materials along a longitudinal axis of the cathode of the Aluminium electrolytic cell. Said device is configured in the form of a bridge equipped with a mechanical drive for movement. The bridge has guides on which a frame is mounted for vertical movement, said frame having cassettes provided with gates with a mechanical drive. The technical result is reduced labor costs, healthier working conditions for operatives, and better quality installation of the base of an electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: OBSHCHESTVO S ORGANICHENNOY OTVETSTVENNOST'YU “OBEDINENNAYA KOMPANIYA RUSAL INZHENERNO-TEKHNOLOGICHESKIY TSENTR”
    Inventors: Aleksandr Vladimirovich Proshkin, Samuil Yakovlevich Levenson, Vitalij Valer'evich Pingin, Aleksej Vasil'evich Morozov, Andrej Gennad'evich Sbitnev, Mikhail Aleksandrovich Lantsevich, Vyacheslav Andreevich Goldobin
  • Patent number: 11040834
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a conveyor skirt system, the system comprising: a support member; a series of skirting panels releasably fixed to the support member; a rail assembly positioned outside the conveyor, extending in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the conveyor; and a trolley assembly mounted on the rail assembly, the trolley assembly being adapted to engage and support one or more of the skirting panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: CPC ENGINEERING PTY LTD
    Inventors: Graham Trevor Warner, Ronald Thomas Bell, Brad Michael John Lloyd
  • Patent number: 10883865
    Abstract: A fluid component includes a cross-shaped body having laterally extending first and second flow ports and axially extending first and second access ports. The first flow port connected in fluid communication with the first access port by a first branch port. The second flow port connected in fluid communication with the second access port by a second branch port. The first and second access ports are connected in fluid communication by a convoluted flow restricting passage extending generally axially from the first access port to the second access port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael D. Bestic, David J. Hasak, Bryan S. Reiger, Andrew Creque
  • Patent number: 10190065
    Abstract: A system for processing material for a gasifier. The system comprises an auger feeder adapted to receive material to be gasified. The auger feeder is adapted to feed the material. In an exemplary embodiment, a tube is connected to the auger feeder such that the tube is adapted to receive the material from the auger feeder. In such an embodiment, the tube is also connected to a gasifier, which is adapted to receive the material from the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventors: Mark E. Koenig, Larry E. Koenig
  • Patent number: 10147064
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for representing components of an industrial system with a visualization tool, in accordance with a physical layout of the industrial system. Other embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for simulating the representations of the components of the industrial system with a simulation engine. In particular, in such embodiments, the utilization of these representations is optimized through an operator interface, and graphical indicia of the utilization are displayed. In addition, the graphical indicia may further comprise a representation of the normalized utilization for each representation. In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides techniques for auto-calibrating the representations of the components of the industrial system based on information received during operation of the industrial system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Joachim Thomsen
  • Patent number: 10126054
    Abstract: An auxiliary single-pass tube bundle heat exchanger for improving the melting efficiency of melter kettles used to melt thermoplastic pavement marking materials. The auxiliary single-pass tube bundle heat exchanger includes a heat transfer tube bundle having a plurality of heat transfer tubes in which the flow of molten thermoplastic material reverses directions at least once. Hot heat transfer oils flows around the plurality of heat transfer tubes. Vertical material transfer tubes connect between the bottom of the melter kettle and the top of the auxiliary single-pass tube bundle heat exchanger and between the bottom of the auxiliary single-pass tube bundle heat exchanger and the top of the melter kettle. Augers within the vertical material transfer tubes driven by reversible drive motors cause molten thermoplastic material to flow from the bottom of the melter kettle, through the auxiliary single-pass tube bundle heat exchanger, and into the top of the melter kettle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: James P. Shea
  • Patent number: 10099871
    Abstract: A loose component supply device provided with component supply apparatus that stores multiple components, frame to which the component supply apparatus is detachably attached, claw member for locking the component supply apparatus to the frame, and a component support member that supports multiple component in a scattered state, the components having been ejected from an entrance of the component supply apparatus that is attached to the frame; the locking of the component supply apparatus to the frame is released by an operator grasping grip of the component supply apparatus. The component supply apparatus is swung, and with the swinging linking mechanism is operated such that shutter rotates downwards. That is, with the releasing of the locking of the component supply apparatus, the entrance of the component supply apparatus is covered by the shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunji Morikawa, Toru Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10052651
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive supply system is disclosed. The hot melt adhesive supply system includes an outer container defining an upper cavity and a lower cavity. The upper cavity includes an inner container having a top opening to receive unmelted hot melt adhesive pieces and a bottom aperture. The system also includes a dispensing mechanism between the upper cavity and the lower cavity. The dispensing mechanism regulates the dispensing of the unmelted hot melt adhesive pieces from the upper cavity to the lower cavity. The dispensing mechanism includes a base plate and one or more rotating members that rotate to move the unmelted hot melt adhesive pieces through a gap defined between the base plate and the bottom aperture. The system also includes a transfer conduit that communicates the unmelted hot melt adhesive pieces from the lower cavity to a hot melt adhesive melter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Enes Ramosevac
  • Patent number: 10005615
    Abstract: The system and method for using flights and fasteners with compact-grid conveyor belts. The J-fasteners of rivet-type fasteners secure angled and vented metal flights to compact-grid conveyor belts. The fasteners attach a flight via embossed areas spaced to avoid guide and drive pulleys. Specially adapted sprockets are also used to accommodate the attachment of flights using fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Wire Belt Company of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Matson
  • Patent number: 9938087
    Abstract: A conveyor tail system positioned proximal a chute of a conveyor belt which includes a clamp assembly having a support plate for securing the conveyor tail system to the chute and a compression plate for selective coupling with the support plate. The conveyor tail system further includes a seal for creating a barrier between the clamp assembly and the conveyor belt. The seal defines a runner portion for extending along the conveyor belt, and a sealing portion selectively engageable between the support and a clamp portion defined by the compression plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: David K. Liland
  • Patent number: 9832930
    Abstract: A system conveying material-other-than-grain (MOG) from a harvesting machine to a packaging machine towed by the harvesting machine. The system includes an joint pivotably joining a harvesting machine hitch to a packaging machine hitch. An accelerator is mounted to the packaging machine hitch. The accelerator has a housing with a top-side inlet and a side outlet. A MOG-propelling disk is disposed in the housing and is rotatable about an axis. A conduit is disposed above the packaging machine hitch and has an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end coupled to the side outlet. The conduit has first and second opposing side portions and a top side portion without an opposing bottom portion, with at least part of the top side portion is parallel with the plane of the disk. The accelerator, conduit, and packaging machine are collectively in pivotal arrangement relative to the harvesting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Maynard M. Herron
  • Patent number: 9591798
    Abstract: A distributing unit (10) for granular material such as seed grains (12), fertilizers or the like is disclosed, in particular a seeding unit (11) of a distributing or seeding machine. The unit (10) comprises a housing (14) with at least one inlet opening (18) for conveying granular material or conveyed seed grains (12) and an outlet opening (26) and also a rotating conveying device (24) with at least one rotating conveying element (28) for taking hold of the granular material or the seed grains (12), which conveying element is arranged or extends approximately axially with respect to the housing (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: HORSCH MASCHINEN GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Horsch
  • Patent number: 9132958
    Abstract: The circuit board transportation device has: a guide member that is provided in such a manner as to extend in the transport direction and has a guide surface that comes into abutment with a circuit board from the outside of the circuit board in a perpendicular direction that is a direction perpendicular to the transport direction; a conveyor belt that extends in the transport direction to support an end of the circuit board; and a drive unit that moves the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt has: a belt base portion that is located under the guide member and extends both ways of the perpendicular direction from the position of the guide surface; and a projection that extends upward from the belt base portion up to a position between upper and lower ends of the guide surface. The conveyor belt supports the circuit board by means of the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Ogiso
  • Patent number: 8615323
    Abstract: Provided is a substrate-processing apparatus including a storage member, a transfer member, and a control unit. The transfer member includes a plurality of transfer arms that load or pick up a substrate to or from the storage member. The control unit controls velocity of the transfer arms such that the simultaneously driven transfer arms simultaneously arrive at target points. Accordingly, the transfer member loads or takes out a plurality of wafers at once to or from the storage member, so that the substrate-processing apparatus reduces transfer time and improves productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Semes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-Jin Hong, Jun-Ho You
  • Publication number: 20130239518
    Abstract: A device for packaging fruit or vegetables, comprising: a first conveyor device (10), predisposed to convey a plurality of products (100) along a first advancement direction (X) and to unload each item (100) individually from at least one side with respect to the advancement direction (X); a grip layer (30), arranged on one side of the first conveyor device (10), predisposed to receive the products (100) unloaded from the first conveyor device and to slow down and stop the movement of the products (100) in a progressive and controlled manner (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: B. LONGOBARDI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Bruno LONGOBARDI
  • Patent number: 8333273
    Abstract: A device for receiving and transporting objects in a direction substantially different from the vertical is disclosed. The device includes a conveyor belt arranged in a transport direction and a row of flexible elements attached alongside and above the conveyor belt. Each row of flexible elements is inclined downwards, so as to present less mechanical resistance to a force oriented downwards than upwards. The device also includes a transport belt coupled to the conveyor belt wherein each row of flexible elements is fixed to the transport belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Visar
    Inventor: Olivier Kleynen
  • Patent number: 8297478
    Abstract: Powder feed cylinder assemblies and powder feeders are provided. A powder feed cylinder assembly includes a cylinder, a bit, and bushings. The cylinder has a main passage, a first feed channel, and a second feed channel, each feed channel at two axial locations between the cylinder's two ends. The bit extends through the main passage and has an outer surface including a helical channel formed thereon. A center bushing is disposed in the main passage between the two axial locations and has a first axially-extending passage through which the bit extends. The first end bushing is disposed in the main passage on one side of the center bushing and has a second axially-extending passage through which the bit extends. The second end bushing is disposed in the cylinder on the other side of the center bushing and has a third axially-extending passage through which the bit extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Malcolm Hughes, James Brown, Vincent Papotto, Phil Roark
  • Publication number: 20120090956
    Abstract: A dust control apparatus and method for a bulk material handling transfer system having a chute comprising a pathway there through for handling varying volumes of bulk material flowing through the chute using gravity flow. A self-adjusting air restrictor gate is mounted in the chute for engaging the upper surface of flowing bulk material through the chute for restricting the air pathway during material volume flow variations to reduce dust emissions. The gate member contacts the upper surface of flowing bulk material and moves up and down in response to the flow of bulk material through the chute to restrict the flow of air to reduce dust. A counterweight mechanism and a damper helps maintain controlled contact of the air restrictor gate with the upper surface of bulk material flowing through the chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: CCC Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Hays Brobst
  • Publication number: 20110139578
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly has a supply source from which a plurality of rolling objects is delivered to a conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor assembly is also configured such that the horizontal velocity of the rolling objects delivered to the conveyor belt is substantially the same as the horizontal velocity of the conveyor belt. Such configuration advantageously reduces, or even eliminates undesired movement of the objects on the conveyor belt and thus significantly improves quantification of the objects on the conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alexander Kheifets
  • Patent number: 7913833
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for aligning disordered sheet material. The apparatus according to the invention in particular has the advantage, that disordered sheet material is fast and reliably aligned, so that the sheet material can be formed into bundles. Since the alignment of the sheet material can be carried out automatically by the apparatus, i.e. in particular has not to be carried out by an operator, moreover, a cost-effective alignment of the disordered sheet material is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Sperl, Michael Stapfer
  • Patent number: 7855343
    Abstract: A measuring device is arranged to store a block or group of a plurality of objects in a state where the objects are congested in the block, to suppress the scattering magnification of the objects when the objects are dropped off to prevent failures such as seal bite in a filling device disposed below the measuring device, to shorten the dropping length of the objects, and to reduce the contact resistance of the objects to a receiving opening of the filling device during the objects are dropped off to attain the discharging speed of the objects. The shapes and opening degrees of a gate unit can be changed so that a lower opening of a hopper is disposed inside the receiving opening of the filling device in a top plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Nakagawa, Hiroshi Hattori, Teruo Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7789217
    Abstract: A device for eliminating fugitive material dust emanating from material being transferred from an upper conveyor, feeder or crusher to a lower position, or other location. The device allows adjustability of the chute's total flow capacity where increased capacity is required. The device has a sliding gate disposed in the hopper to control the rate of transfer of the material from the hopper. A chute is disposed below the hopper and is movable in both a lateral direction (transverse to the direction of belt travel), and movable in the axis of belt travel. A choke is slidably attached to the chute, and slidable therein. The gate is positioned to maintain a level of material in the hopper to prevent dust from emanating out of the hopper from the chute. The choke is positioned to reduce airflow through the material as it passes through the chute to a lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: CCC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Fischer, Douglas Glenn Osborn
  • Publication number: 20100163369
    Abstract: A material-delivery apparatus includes a conveyor assembly operable to transport material and a lift operable to change an elevation of the conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly includes a chute comprising a entry point and an exit point and having a limit switch associated with the chute exit point and a conveyor-belt assembly comprising an entry point and an exit point and operable to transport the material from the conveyor-belt assembly entry point to the chute entry point and having a limit switch associated with the conveyor-belt assembly exit point. The conveyor-belt-assembly limit switch and the chute limit switch are operable in combination to control a rate at which the material is transported from the conveyor-belt-assembly entry point to the chute exit point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Randy Douglas Woodie, Angelo Solon Mergelos, Paul Samuel Walters, JR., William Lewis Russell, JR.
  • Patent number: 7699157
    Abstract: A safety arrangement for use with a piece of equipment. The safety arrangement includes a signal generating unit for generating an optical signal, an elongate element, and a signal detecting unit. The elongate element is disposed along, about, around or through the piece of equipment and is capable of transmitting an optical signal. The signal detecting unit detects an optical signal. The signal generating unit is connected to the signal detecting unit by the elongate element such that the signal detecting unit is in optical communication with the signal detecting unit. The signal detecting unit is arranged to detect a change in the optical signal transmitted by the elongate element as a consequence of movement of the elongate element and, upon detection of the change in the signal, the detecting unit is configured to effect a change in the operation of the piece of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Limited
    Inventors: Julian Poyner, Derek Jones, Derek Sawyer, Burt Sacherski, Francis L. Leard
  • Patent number: 7694805
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a guard assembly and its individual guards for protecting a conveyor system, such as the center conveyor frame. Related methods of installing or removing the individual guards and the guard assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Glenn Schneider, Toby Frelich
  • Patent number: 7565963
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the individual distribution of small stick-shaped objects (7), this device (1) making use of: a conveyor (2) comprising an endless conveyor belt (3) circulating around at least two pulleys or rollers (4, 4?), the outer side of this belt (3) being provided with transversal separators (5) which delimit a succession of compartments (6); a hopper (9) wherein the small stick-shaped objects (7) contained in compartments (6) are successively dumped; an individual distributor (10) arranged in the base of hopper (9) and wherein the small stick-shaped objects (7) become engaged via gravity, and comprising: a support and guide casing (8) comprising a semi-cylindrical form, substantially coaxial to the downstream pulley (4?), this casing (8) being oriented in such a way that it maintains the small stick-shaped objects (7) inside their respective compartments (6) during the passing of the belt (3) on said pulley (4?); a flexible vertical partition (11) separating the internal s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Exploitation Industrielle des Tabacs et Allumettes (Seita)
    Inventors: Georges Cholet, Gwennaël Verstichel, Cédric Lucas
  • Patent number: 7472787
    Abstract: A feeding device for feeding small parts to be identified and picked up and a part handling apparatus and sorting apparatus including the feeding device. The feeding device includes a picking platform, a dispenser arranged to dispense the parts to the picking platform, and a return member. The feeding device also includes a decelerator connected to the dispenser to reduce the speed of the part to be fed to the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Wisematic Oy
    Inventors: Jani Uusitalo, Henri Viinikainen
  • Patent number: 7364034
    Abstract: An adjustable aperture apparatus on a bulk material transfer chute that transfers a flow of bulk material from a discharge conveyor to a separate receiving conveyor is automatically closed when no bulk material is being transferred by the transfer chute from the discharge conveyor to the receiving conveyor. With the apparatus being closed, any residual dust from the bulk material remaining on the discharge conveyor is collected on the closed apparatus and primarily contained in the bulk material transfer chute. When bulk material is again conveyed on the discharge conveyor to the bulk material transfer chute, the conveyed bulk material is deposited on the closed aperture apparatus and the weight of the material causes the apparatus to automatically move to an opened condition, allowing the transfer of the collected dust with the bulk material supplied to the bulk material transfer chute to the receiving conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Benetech Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Clark, Ronald A. Westfall, John S. Pircon
  • Patent number: 7258225
    Abstract: An apparatus for diverting material in a controlled manner comprising a diverter plate attached to a mounting assembly. The diverter plate is shaped for receiving falling material and facilitating the flow of the material onto a conveyance means or into storage. The mounting assembly comprises a carrier spring assembly that permits the diverter plate to pivot about a shaft and thereby move from a default position to an unload position. The mounting assembly further comprises two adjustable locking mounts that hold the shaft in place and also allow the shaft to be adjustably rotated and thereafter fixed in place. A method for diverting material in a controlled manner comprises the steps of installing the apparatus at a transfer point and activating a first conveyance means that feeds material to the chute. A second conveyance means that receives the material after diversion by the apparatus can optionally be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventor: John Hall
  • Publication number: 20030029699
    Abstract: An apparatus for sorting particles of a material such as concrete. The apparatus includes a frame and a drive assembly attached to the frame to induce gyroscopic vibratory motion of the frame in a selected rotational direction. Adjacent first and second inclined screens are affixed to the frame. The screens slope downwardly away from an intermediate ridge at different, respective first and second angles. Material dropped onto the intermediate ridge separates into a first stream which passes along the first inclined screen and a second stream which passes along the second inclined screen. The first and second angles are selected in relation to the vibratory motion of the frame so that the first and second streams each move at substantially the same velocity. A diverter member at the intermediate ridge aids in the transition of material flow along the respective screens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Smico Manufacturing Company, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Randall K. Stoner
  • Publication number: 20020175050
    Abstract: The combination of a conveying surface that is movable to advance material supported thereon, a wall projecting upwardly from the conveying surface to confine material on the conveying surface, a sealing element to block passage of material between the conveyor surface and wall, and a clamping system for the sealing element. The clamping system may consist of a) a locking assembly having a bearing portion that is mounted for movement relative to the wall between i) a mounting position and ii) a holding position, with the sealing element residing between the wall and the bearing portion with the locking element in the holding position, b) a fixing element on the wall, and c) a wedge assembly having a body that cooperates with the fixing element and that is movable slidably and guidingly relative to the locking assembly between first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20020088688
    Abstract: A conveyor system has a housing with a plurality of horizontally extending lower support arms and a plurality of horizontally extending upper support arms spaced above the lower support arms and forming a plurality of guide sets. An upper pair of crossed scissor fingers and a lower pair of crossed scissor fingers are provided. A vertically oriented primary pivot shaft is secured between each upper support arm and its associated lower support arm and through each of the scissor fingers for rotation about a common first axis for each guide set. Four vertically disposed guide plates in each guide set with second pivot shafts are pivotally coupled to an associated end of one upper scissor finger and one lower scissor finger for rotation about second axes. Each guide plate has a radially inwardly oriented extension with a slot and fixed pin extending downwardly from an upper support arm into an associated slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Sean Dotson, Paul Dumas, Joe Kolcun
  • Patent number: 6341930
    Abstract: A bulk material feeder for improving material flow as the material makes the generally ninety degree (90°) transition from the downcomer to the generally horizontal conveyor. The downcomer presents an innermost divergent surface that extends upwardly from the discharge opening of the downcomer. The divergent surface may be defined by an inlet wall that is fit within the outer casing wall of the downcomer, or by the outer casing wall itself. The present invention also concerns the method of retrofitting an existing feeder with a divergent inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Homer, III
  • Patent number: 6328156
    Abstract: A skirt board and mounting plate for sealing the side edges of a conveyor belt to prevent spillage of material being transported. The skirt board comprises an elastomeric sheet having regularly spaced parallel ribs integrally formed on one major surface thereof and adapted for insertion within regularly spaced parallel slots formed in a metal mounting plate that is adapted for attachment to a frame disposed above or along side the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignees: Nelson-Williams Linings, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur C. Ostman
  • Patent number: 6273665
    Abstract: A bulk material feeder is disclosed for improving material flow as the material makes the generally ninety degree (90°) transition from the downcomer to the generally horizontal conveyor. The downcomer presents an innermost divergent surface that extends upwardly from the discharge opening of the downcomer. The divergent surface may be defined by an inlet wall that is fit within the outer casing wall of the downcomer, or by the outer casing wall itself. The present invention also concerns the method of retrofitting an existing feeder with a divergent inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Homer, III
  • Patent number: 6155407
    Abstract: A belt support system for supporting a belt member along a portion thereof during a material transfer operation where a flow of material is allowed to impact the belt member at a predetermined impact location, the present system including a plurality of roller members housed in three separate members which are positioned in side-by-side relationship to each other, the center member being secured to a support structure and the two opposed end or wing members being each pivotally mounted to the center member and to the support structure so as to be angularly adjustable relative to the center member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Dust Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Delmer Leroy Shelstad
  • Patent number: 6145708
    Abstract: A flowable particulate distributor is provided having at least one wall and a multiplicity of posts. Each of the posts have a first end and a second end. The posts are attached at the first ends to the at least one wall forming a geometric array such that the second ends of the posts extend away from the at least one wall. An inlet port is also provided. The inlet port is connected to the at least one wall and is positioned above the geometric array. The flowable particulate distributor can be attached to a vibratory feeder assembly. The vibratory feeder assembly includes an elongated feed tray and a vibrator. The feed tray contains the flowable solids and has an open end thereon. The vibrator is mounted on the feed tray opposite the open end and the open end is aligned with the inlet port. This invention can also be described as a method for dispensing flowable solids. This method includes the step of introducing a high density of flowable solids into a flowable particulate distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble
    Inventor: Edward Lawrence Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5671550
    Abstract: The invention relates to a particulate conveying apparatus for evenly drying particulate material. The apparatus comprises a plurality of spatially separate, essentially parallel, vertically oriented proportioning plates, disposed between a first end and a discharge end of the conveying apparatus for flow of particulate material therebetween. An endless conveyor is positioned proximate to and below the bottom edge of the proportioning plates for receiving of particulate material flowing between the plates from the first end to the discharge end of the conveying apparatus. The plates each have side edges that vary a preset distance from one side edge to an opposing side edge of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Christianus M. T. Westelaken
  • Patent number: 5637836
    Abstract: A constant-rate feeding device can weigh out, with high accuracy and at a high rate, a powdery material containing fibrous substances and thus having a high entangling tendency, such as a material for a friction member. A powdery material A supplied from a belt feeder (17) is divided into a plurality of masses by a first vane wheel (3) and dropped onto a damper provided under the vane wheel. The powdery material deposited on the damper is divided into small masses and discharged by moving vanes (5a) of a second vane wheel (5) through openings (4a) of the damper. Thus, the material can be fed and weighed out with high accuracy. The damper (4) is moved out of the feed path of the material except during the final stage of weighing operation for increased weighing speed. The damper (4) may comprise a plurality of movable comb teeth. By moving or turning the comb teeth relative to one another, it is possible to adjust the area of the opening of the damper and thus the feed rate of the material with high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiko Nakagawa, Hatsuo Murakami, Keisuke Fujiki, Toshikazu Kogetsu
  • Patent number: 5632369
    Abstract: Particulate material falling from an end of a belt positioned within a rotatable hollowed drum is distributed over an axial width of the interior wall of the drum by a guiding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Lars G. A. Wadell
  • Patent number: 5564557
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing suspension for a conveyor assembly includes brackets that attach to the parallel support beams of the conveyor. The brackets support corresponding saddles, that in turn, mount the conveyor assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the saddles are mounted above inverted U-shaped brackets that are attached to the top flange of the support beams. Dual coil springs are positioned vertically between the brackets and the saddles, with one spring on each side of the support beams. Within the springs are guide pins to restrict lateral movement, while adjustable fasteners preload the springs. In an alternate embodiment, the bracket/saddle combination is reoriented to provide increased overhead clearance. Each longitudinal end of the combination is covered by a skirt of flexible rubber to protect the interior from dust and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Hinkle Contracting Corporation
    Inventor: Donald R. Spencer
  • Patent number: 5350053
    Abstract: An input station for a belt conveyor of the kind including a continuous conveyor belt that moves in a conveyor run through an input station to a discharge location, around a head pulley, and in a return run around a tail pulley back to the input station and the conveyor run. At the input station the conventional center support rollers are retained but the support rollers along the sides of the belt are replaced by a plurality of elongated, stationary, flat support members that support the sides of the conveyor belt throughout the input station, improving the seal to input station skirtboards and materially reducing or eliminating input leakage while maintaining roller support and flexibility in the center of the belt, with minimal friction increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Arch Environmental Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Archer
  • Patent number: 5303813
    Abstract: Sealing apron device for a moving conveyor belt or loading trough of a belt conveyor, has at least one mounting plate which is fitted above the belt and which has a vertically adjustable sealing apron on a side wall. The underside of the apron interacts with the belt for sealing, and the sealing apron comprises a number of adjacent sections which are vertically slidable relative to each other on the mounting plate by means of slide guides on the mounting plate and the apron sections respectively. Each apron section is so fixed to the mounting plate with a clamping plate or bracket and fixing members that an apron section is clamped between the clamping plate and the mounting plate. A friction element between the clamping plate and sealing apron sections permits a downward movement of the section relative to the mounting plate, but impede an upward movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Mass Flow Equipment B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes J. de Rooy
  • Patent number: 5207551
    Abstract: This invention relates to a conveyor assembly on a truck for transporting and mixing concrete components. The conveyor assembly is secured in place by guides permitting lineal removal of the conveyor assembly A conveyor belt is supported by rollers which are carried in pairs of recessed blocks for easy removal. The margins of the belt are in contact with barriers extending lengthwise along the conveyor which confine the concrete components on the belt. Barrier supports are of the over center clamping type to facilitate barrier adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: James E. Yelton
  • Patent number: 5154280
    Abstract: A conveyor system having a conveyor belt (21) having a substantially horizontal segment with hopper walls (26) overlying the segment and providing a hopper channel (25) terminating at a distance above the belt to provide clearance space below the hopper walls, and a skirtboard (74) mounted on the hopper walls, projecting into the clearance spaces and terminating in flexible sealing flaps (75) confronting the upper surface of the belt (21) to limit the flow of particulate material (M) through the clearance space. The hopper walls (26) have upwardly-directed guide tracks (37) on their outward sides to receive elongated slides (44) for longitudinal displacement in the associated track (37). The skirtboard (74) extends transversely to and between adjacent slides (44) to position its flexible sealing flaps (75) in confronting relation to the conveyor (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Asgco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: George T. Mott
  • Patent number: 5131524
    Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor system with movable partitions, which is so designed that powdery goods, grainy goods or other shapeless goods, or loose stuff, such as molded resin articles, can surely and safely be conveyed, when excessive resistance is applied to the lower end portion of a partition moving within a load-receiving tray, the partition swings rearward to run free of the load, when goods to be conveyed get stuck at the lower end portion of the partition, the partition moves in that state in the tray dragging the goods along, and when the partition reaches the front sprocket in the running direction and the partition-attached portion of an endless caterpillar engages with the sprocket and rotates about a quarter, the partition is flipped over, permitting the goods to be set free or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Akira Uehara
  • Patent number: 5048669
    Abstract: A modular conveyor belt sealing system is provided including a plurality of modular units, each unit including a lightweight frame and one or more wear liners removably fastened to the interior of each frame. The modules are removably positioned adjacent each edge of the conveyor belt. The modules extend along each edge of the conveyor belt as desired and are removably fastened in place and to one another end to end. Each module is of equal length and may include different interior configurations of straight, inwardly deflecting or outwardly deflecting wear liners. Each module may additionally include an inner liner attached to the interior of the frame between the frame and the wear liner, with the wear liner spaced apart from the inner liner, defining a passageway therebetween and extending from the bottom of the module at the conveyor belt edge to the top of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventor: Robert T. Swinderman
  • Patent number: 5016747
    Abstract: In a conveyor belt assembly for conveying particulate material, a rigid primary seal is mounted between the inboard loading zone and an outboard region of the belt which is desired to remain clear of particulate material. A flexible secondary seal is mounted between the primary seal and the outboard region, and includes a flexible sheetlike member having a sealing portion resting with light sealing pressure in sliding contact with the upper belt surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventor: Willem D. Veenhof
  • Patent number: 4989727
    Abstract: A skirtboard apron for a belt conveyor is formed as an elongated molded or extruded elastomer member having a U-shaped upper mounting portion that slides onto the lower part of a skirtboard; the legs of the U-shaped mounting portion grip the sides of the skirtboard. A wiper portion of the apron, integral with the mounting portion, projects down into engagement with the conveyor belt. No fasteners are required, and no wear adjustments are necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Gordon Belt Scrapers, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4951805
    Abstract: A hopper assembly for uniform distribution of sludge, in which distribution elements on the bottom of the hopper are rotatable about vertical axes to enhance uniformity of distribution of the sludge issuing from the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Komline-Sanderson Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: John Gordon, Erich W. Sodtalbers