Forming Plural Conveying Paths Feeding To Single Conveying Path Or Vice Versa Patents (Class 198/601)
  • Patent number: 10844881
    Abstract: An apparatus for outputting a solid material entrained in a fluid, the apparatus comprising a receptacle for receiving the solid material, an input for the fluid, an output for solid material, an auger for transporting the solid material from the receptacle to the output, a motor for driving the auger, wherein the motor comprises one or more cylinders each comprising a piston, a second input connected to the input so as to feed part of the fluid to the cylinders, where a cross section of a piston is at least 700 mm2 or wherein a drive transforming the reciprocating movement of each piston, relative to the cylinder, to rotation of the auger around the first axis, is configured to rotate the auger at least 20 degrees when a cylinder completes a cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Fange Innova
    Inventor: Per Fange-Larsen
  • Patent number: 10123487
    Abstract: A grain paddle for a clean grain elevator of a combine harvester. The paddle includes a substantially rigid body with a planar portion having ends disposed distal and proximal to an elevator chain of the combine harvester. Some paddle embodiments include an angled end adjacent the proximal end of the planar portion. Some paddle embodiments include an angled end adjacent to the distal end of the planar portion. Some paddle embodiments include sloped lateral edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Justin Koch
  • Patent number: 9974238
    Abstract: A grain paddle for a clean grain elevator of a combine harvester. The paddle includes a substantially rigid body with a planar portion having ends disposed distal and proximal to an elevator chain of the combine harvester. Some paddle embodiments include an angled end adjacent the proximal end of the planar portion. Some paddle embodiments include an angled end adjacent to the distal end of the planar portion. Some paddle embodiments include sloped lateral edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Michael Strnad, Justin Koch
  • Publication number: 20150114799
    Abstract: The invention relates to a picking system (1) for picking articles from storage loading aids (2) in order loading aids (3), which system comprises a first and a second conveyor system (6, 7) for supplying and discharging the storage loading aids (2) and the order loading aids (3), and a picking station (5) having diverting conveyor systems (15, 16). The first diverting conveyor system (15) connects a transfer section (12) of the first conveyor system (6) for the storage loading aids (2) via a first transport path (17) to a pick-up section (14) of the second conveyor system (7). The second diverting conveyor system (16) connects a transfer section (12?) of the first conveyor system (6) for the order loading aids (3) via a further transport path (18) to a pick-up section (14?) of the second conveyor system (7) for the order loading aids (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: TGW LOGISTICS GROUP GMBH
    Inventors: Rudolf Hansl, Reinhold Lackner
  • Publication number: 20150013268
    Abstract: A machine for making single use capsules (1) for extract or infusion beverages comprises: a transport element (8) for transporting rigid containers (2) and configured to define a plurality of pockets (10) for receiving the rigid containers (2) and which are positioned one after the other, in succession, each having a respective vertical axis (Z10); a plurality of stations which are positioned along a path (P) followed by the transport element (8) and which are configured for operating in phase with the same transport element (8) and comprising: a feed station (11) for feeding the rigid containers (2) into respective pockets (10) of the transport element (8); a dosing station (12) for dosing the product into the rigid container (2); a closing station (13) for closing the rigid container (2) with a length of sheet (7); an outfeed station (14) which withdraws the capsules (1) from the transport element (8); the outfeed station (14) comprises a contact head (21) for contacting and picking a capsule (1) from a res
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Dario Rea, Emanuele Rubbi, Pierluigi Castellari
  • Patent number: 8911182
    Abstract: An agricultural equipment drive system comprises a main drive shaft connectable to a power source, a first gear box, a second gear box and a second drive shaft. The first gear box has a first gear box input connected to the main drive shaft and a first gear box output at a first angle to the first gear box input. The second gear box has a second gear box input connected to the first gear box output and a second gear box output at a second angle to the second gear box input. The second drive shaft connects the first gear box output to the second gear box input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Brandt Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Cameron Bodie, Donald Grant Vass, Jonathan Robert Carteri
  • Publication number: 20140353122
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly comprising a main conveyor having a first side frame and a second side frame, with the first and/or second side frames including a side portion and a support surface. One or more input conveyors having a discharge end are joined to the main conveyor with a bottom portion of the discharge end being positioned on the support surface whereby the input conveyors are accurately mounted in close proximity to the main conveyor to promote the conveyance of items from the input conveyors onto the main conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: H. Thad German, David M. Berghorn, Matthew T. Brayman, James P. Johnson, Bruce E. Taylor, William P. Bray
  • Patent number: 8684167
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a pallet sleeve beneath a load comprises a conveyor component including conveyor elements configured to convey the load thereon in a first direction, one or more stations spaced apart along the first direction and a mechanism for changing the relative vertical positions of the conveyor elements and the stations. The apparatus further includes a pallet sleeve dispenser adjacent the conveyor component and configured for storing pallet sleeves in spaced apart sections aligned with a corresponding station. A drive element associated with each of the stations is configured to engage a pallet sleeve to drive the pallet sleeve from the dispenser to the conveyor component in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A retention mechanism is provided to support a stack of pallet sleeves above a lowermost sleeve being driven from the dispenser to the position underneath the load on the conveyor component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Systec Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Harris, Sean Finley
  • Publication number: 20130313481
    Abstract: A method and a system are provided for feeding a biomass material feed into a fluidized bed gasifier. The system includes a first plurality of screw conveyors disposed circumferentially around and connected to or integral with a gasifier shell of the fluidized bed gasifier, such that each of the first plurality of screw conveyors is in feed communication with a gasifier chamber defined by the gasifier shell. The system also includes a plurality of secondary receptacles, each individually coupled to a respective screw conveyor of the first plurality of screw conveyors, such that each of the plurality of secondary receptacles includes a secondary receptacle shell defining a secondary receptacle chamber in feed communication with the respective screw conveyor. The system further includes a plurality of primary receptacles, each including a primary receptacle shell defining a primary receptacle chamber in feed communication with at least two of the plurality of secondary receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: GRUPO GUASCOR S.L.
    Inventor: Ernesto Esperanza Perez
  • Patent number: 8573386
    Abstract: System having a transitory store (S), in the inlet zone (5) of which, there are disposed fillers (4) for compartment trays, to which rod shaped elements are delivered by in-feed conveyors (3) in form of mass flow from making machines (1), and each machine is assigned with a separate filler (4). In the outlet zone (9) of the store (S) there are disposed unloaders (8) for said trays, and rod shaped elements are delivered by out-feed conveyors (10) in form of mass flow to processing machines (2), and each machine (2) is assigned with a separate unloader (8). On the trajectory of each out-feed conveyor (10) there is situated an emptying hopper (11) co-operating with a mobile filler (12) for compartment trays. Moreover in the inlet zone (5) of the store (S) there is situated a filler (4?) for compartment trays, connected to an unloader (6) for one chamber trays with an in-feed conveyor (3?), and an in-feed conveyor (14), and in the outlet zone (9) there is situated an out-feed conveyor (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. Z O.O.
    Inventors: Leszek Sikora, Radoslaw Owczarek, Adam Gielniewski, Marek Warchol, Kazimierz Makosa
  • Patent number: 8549866
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: airinotec GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Hummrich
  • Publication number: 20130248328
    Abstract: The present invention provides modified push beams for insertion and use in a series of push beams or segments during highwall mining operations to capture residual coal or “fines” that might otherwise be left behind. A first modified beam or recovery beam is provided to divert residual coal on the floor of the mine to the sides, and/or a second modified beam captures the residual coal on the sides of the mine, which may include the coal diverted by the first modified beam, through a side entry system comprising side channel(s) with side auger(s) to combine this captured residual coal with the bulk flow of mined material in a main channel of the recovery beam that is continuous among the series of beams or segments. Methods are also provided for the operation of the modified beams and their insertion into the series of beams of a highwall miner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Tim Lasley
  • Publication number: 20130199895
    Abstract: An egg chain gripper actuating device for use with an egg transfer device. The device comprises an egg conveyor with parallel egg chains movable in a transport direction, each chain supporting egg grippers each adapted to support an egg, which grippers can individually be actuated. The device further comprises an egg receiving unit with a receiving area for receiving eggs released by the egg grippers. The device further comprises one group of one or more actuators for each egg chain, which actuators are designed for selectively actuating passing egg grippers. Multiple support frames are provided, each supporting one or more groups of actuators, of which at least one frame is adjustable parallel to the transport direction and relative to another frame, such that the position of the actuators of the one or more groups supported by the frame can be adjusted relative to the position of the one of more actuators of the one or more groups supported by the other frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Staalkat International B.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Willem Wikkerink, Jan Willem Pennings, Peter Anton Van Asselt, Jan Hordijk
  • Patent number: 8419879
    Abstract: A method for combining with adhesive at least two flat products positioned at least partially one above the other is provided. The method includes moving first flat products in an overlapping flow along a guiding line in a conveying direction and separating the first flat products into a non-overlapping flow after leaving the guiding line and while being conveyed through an underneath-arranged conveying region. The method also includes supplying second flat products from underneath the first flat products with a synchronous time relative to the first flat products. The second flat products each have an adhesive surface. The method further includes combining a respective one of the first flat products along the adhesive covered surface of an underneath supplied respective one of the second flat products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Rickli
  • Publication number: 20120037477
    Abstract: A vertical switcher includes a first conveyor belt mobile in rotation about a first tilting axis and a second conveyor belt mobile in rotation about a second tilting axis. A movement device moves the first and the second conveyor belt between an aligned condition in which the mobile ends thereof (opposite the inlet end and the outlet end) are substantially flanked and a switching condition in which the mobile ends are distanced from one another in order to enable passage of one or more objects crossing between them. The movement device exhibits a main oscillating arm that is mobile about a rotation axis coupled slidably to respective surfaces of the first and the second conveyor element such as to define a resting relation with the respective conveyor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: MECHANICA HOLDING & SERVICES S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio CRISTOFORETTI
  • Publication number: 20120024663
    Abstract: In a conveyor device including a branch path, the number of articles sorted to the branch path is counted accurately. The conveyor device conveys a plurality of articles and includes a main conveyor, a first branch path, a first detector, a second detector, a detection information processing section, and a charging conveyor. The first branch path branches from the main conveyor at a first branch point. The first detector and the second detector are arranged upstream and downstream, respectively, of the branch point along a conveyance direction and are arranged to detect articles on the main conveyor. The detection information processing section is configured to calculate the number of articles sorted to the first branch path based on a difference between the number of articles detected by the first detector and the number of articles detected by the second detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8037998
    Abstract: A panel-carrying-out apparatus used for conveying panels ejected from a press machine includes: a semicircular sorting conveyor adapted to be driven switchably in a normal direction or a reverse direction; and a pair of straight conveyors respectively disposed at ends of the sorting conveyor. Each of the panels from the press machine is mounted on the center position of the sorting conveyor in terms of a conveying path. Specifically, an arced conveyor included in the sorting conveyor, on which each of the panels is initially mounted, is adapted to be driven switchably in the normal direction or the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Noda, Akio Kawato, Koji Uozumi
  • Publication number: 20110168527
    Abstract: A conveyor system having a first conveyor intersecting a second conveyor is provided. A multi-belt transition conveyor assembly is provided at the intersection of the first and second conveyors. The transition conveyor assembly includes a plurality of parallel conveyors of varying lengths. Each belt includes a link belt and a support layer connected to the link belt. The support layer overhangs the link belt and may be comprised of a series of separate elements extending along the length of the link belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Francis B. Fatato, Jeremy M. Bigler
  • Publication number: 20110120834
    Abstract: A conveying apparatus comprises a first conveyor for conveying products in a first conveying direction, which first conveyor comprises a first supply location, where a first series of products are supplied to the first conveyor via a first supply station, a second conveyor for conveying products in a second conveying direction, which second conveyor comprises a second supply location, where a second series of products are supplied to the second conveyor via a second supply station. The conveying apparatus further comprises a channelling element for channelling at least one product out from the second conveyor, and a channelling conveyor for conveying a channelled-out product from said channelling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: EUROSORT B.V.
    Inventors: Wouter Balk, Patrick Theodorus Johannes Van Haaster, Howard Bradley Eisenberg
  • Publication number: 20110056801
    Abstract: System having a transitory store (S), in the inlet zone (5) of which, there are disposed fillers (4) for compartment trays, to which rod shaped elements are delivered by in-feed conveyors (3) in form of mass flow from making machines (1), and each machine is assigned with a separate filler (4). In the outlet zone (9) of the store (S) there are disposed unloaders (8) for said trays, and rod shaped elements are delivered by out-feed conveyors (10) in form of mass flow to processing machines (2), and each machine (2) is assigned with a separate unloader (8). On the trajectory of each out-feed conveyor (10) there is situated an emptying hopper (11) co-operating with a mobile filler (12) for compartment trays. Moreover in the inlet zone (5) of the store (S) there is situated a filler (4?) for compartment trays, connected to an unloader (6) for one chamber trays with an in-feed conveyor (3?), and an in-feed conveyor (14), and in the outlet zone (9) there is situated an out-feed conveyor (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL TOBACCO MACHINERY POLAND SP. Z O.O
    Inventors: Leszek Sikora, Adam Gielniewski, Radoslaw Owczarek, Bartosz Cieslikowski
  • Publication number: 20110031092
    Abstract: Two supply streams of printed products are combined to form a combined printed-product stream. For this purpose, the supply streams are conveyed into a combining region (V) in a main conveying direction (F) in a state in which they, for example, rest loosely on conveying surfaces, are parallel to one another, adjacent to one another and on the same level, inner and outer edges of the printed products (P) of the two supply streams being oriented parallel to the main conveying direction (F). At the entrance to the combining region (V), the inner edge region of each printed product of the first supply stream is raised and, as they are conveyed through the combining region (V), the printed products of the two supply streams are pushed transversely to the main conveying direction (F) and towards one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: FERAG AG
    Inventor: H. Ulrich Stauber
  • Patent number: 7806251
    Abstract: A panel-carrying-out apparatus used for conveying panels ejected from a press machine includes: a semicircular sorting conveyor adapted to be driven switchably in a normal direction or a reverse direction; and a pair of straight conveyors respectively disposed at ends of the sorting conveyor. Each of the panels from the press machine is mounted on the center position of the sorting conveyor in terms of a conveying path. Specifically, an arced conveyor included in the sorting conveyor, on which each of the panels is initially mounted, is adapted to be driven switchably in the normal direction or the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigekazu Noda, Akio Kawato, Koji Uozumi
  • Publication number: 20100200370
    Abstract: A conveyor system and a method for feeding articles of at least two different types to a downstream processing unit are disclosed. The conveyor system comprises an infeed unit for the articles, an arrangement zone downstream from the infeed unit, and a lane zone downstream from the arrangement zone. In the lane zone the articles are transported to the downstream processing unit in an ordered state. The infeed unit comprises at least two conveyor belts, to each of which there corresponds a direction of transport for the articles in a section of the arrangement zone, wherein the directions of transport enclose an angle between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Karl RAUSCH, Josef MAYER, Bruno SCHMIDT
  • Patent number: 7759585
    Abstract: Distribution unit (21, 23) for distributing material into a number of delimited openings (23) arranged next to each other in such a manner that a transition (27) is provided between the individual openings; and wherein, in connection with the individual transition, a pushing unit (25) is arranged, wherein said pushing unit is arranged such that it is able to actively push material in a direction away from the transition. The distribution unit may partake in a weighing apparatus. Material settling in the transition is pushed down into one of the openings by the pushing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Bilwinco A/S
    Inventor: Hans Peter Widmer
  • Patent number: 7717251
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the conveying of homogenized products having an n-track conveying section and a single-track conveying section adjoining it, wherein at least n+1 individual conveyors extending parallel to one another in a conveying plane adjoin the end of the n-track conveying section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: ALPMA Alpenland Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Glas
  • Publication number: 20100101712
    Abstract: A method for combining with adhesive at least two flat products positioned at least partially one above the other is provided. The method includes moving first flat products in an overlapping flow along a guiding line in a conveying direction and separating the first flat products into a non-overlapping flow after leaving the guiding line and while being conveyed through an underneath-arranged conveying region. The method also includes supplying second flat products from underneath the first flat products with a synchronous time relative to the first flat products. The second flat products each have an adhesive surface. The method further includes combining a respective one of the first flat products along the adhesive covered surface of an underneath supplied respective one of the second flat products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Rickli
  • Publication number: 20090294253
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for diverting the path of container units or other articles from an initial conveying direction in a conveying system. In a preferred example, the conveying system incorporates a hinged divert section along a conveying path to more efficiently and robustly divert a container or article in one of several directions, preferably perpendicular to the initial conveying direction. The invention is particularly useful in package processing and storage applications. The hinged divert section of the invention operates using a mechanically advantageous hinged or tilting surface that requires less energy or force to engage a container transport element. Multiple vertical levels can be employed within the conveying system, with the hinged divert section moving vertically and transporting containers in different directions and/or different levels within the conveying system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Howard Eisenberg, Edward Hrehocik
  • Publication number: 20090272623
    Abstract: A mail processing system that delivers articles to delivery locations includes a predetermined number of casing towers arranged in parallel, wherein each casing tower has a plurality of slots to receive articles. A transport system is associated with the casing towers and configured to guide at least one transport vehicle loaded with an article along a delivery path towards a delivery location. At least one elevator device is coupled to the transport system and configured to receive the transport vehicle at a first level and to index the elevator device to move the transport vehicle from the first level to a second level, where the transport vehicle exits the elevator device to travel along the delivery path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Peter Berdelle-Hilge
  • Patent number: 7441645
    Abstract: An accumulation table is disclosed. The accumulation table includes a frame, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and an adjustable discharge chute. Each conveyor has a U-shaped product carrying section on the top of the frame and an arcuate return section located on the bottom of the frame. Some embodiments further include non-linear tracks located between two conveyor chains to direct one of the conveyor chains towards the adjustable discharge chute. The accumulation table can be formed with three or more aligned modular sections, two arcuate sections, and one or more intermediate, straight center sections. Tracks located on each section are aligned to form the complete accumulation table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Garvey Corporation
    Inventors: Claude G. Paquin, Daniel E. Brzeszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 7434675
    Abstract: In a system for equipping component carriers with electrical components, two feed paths for component carriers that are parallel to one another are provided, one being conducted on a straight line over equipping locations of the system and the other being conducted past the equipping locations. Handover devices with which the component carriers can be arbitrarily switched between the two paths are provided between the equipping locations. As a result thereof, a line, parallel or mixed operation of the system is possible, in adaptation to the component carriers to be equipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Rohm, Peter Mison
  • Patent number: 7318722
    Abstract: Disclosed is a molded article conveyance apparatus (MACA) configured to convey a plurality of molded articles away a molding machine. The MACA includes a collection of row-dedicated queuing conveyors, wherein each row-dedicated queuing conveyor is configured to convey a portion of the plurality of molded articles away from the molding machine. The MACA also includes a sequential shunting conveyor configured to selectively move from one row-dedicated conveyor to another. The sequential shunting conveyor is also configured to receive and convey molded articles away from successively selected row-dedicated queuing conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Barrie Lloyd Drysdale
  • Patent number: 7284655
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, an arrangement and an apparatus for conveying objects transversely to their incoming transport direction. In known apparatuses there is a possibility of either removing all the objects in one direction or the other. To a limited extent known apparatuses also allow a division of a string formed from several objects. However, a disadvantage is that the distribution of the objects, in other words the division of a string formed from several objects, e.g. a ream string formed from fourteen reams, to packing machines located opposite one another is possible only to a limited extent. It can also take place only when the machine has been shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: E.C.H. Will GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Höpner, Wolfram Wolf
  • Patent number: 7252186
    Abstract: An accumulation table is disclosed. The accumulation table includes a frame, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and an adjustable discharge chute. Each conveyor has a U-shaped product carrying section on the top of the frame and an arcuate return section located on the bottom of the frame. Some embodiments further include non-linear tracks located between two conveyor chains to direct one of the conveyor chains towards the adjustable discharge chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Garvey Corporation
    Inventors: Claude G. Paquin, Daniel E. Brzeskiewicz, Lasierk Williams
  • Patent number: 7246696
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming groups of battery plates includes at least first and second plate supply lines each including a separation station and a downstream plate supply. The apparatus further includes a first common plate feed line for the envelopers and a second common plate feed line for the downstream plate supplys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: TBS Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Hopwood, Christopher Stephen Barge, Tobin Lee Knighton
  • Patent number: 7168552
    Abstract: A conveyance path for conveying articles though an accumulation conveyor, then through a carry-out conveyor, and then through a joining station is disclosed. After a flow of articles and at a time when there are no articles present on a portion of the conveyance path, an article spacing control of the carry-out conveyor and the carry-out of an article to the joining station are stopped. In the conveyance path where an article is present on a portion of the conveyance path, the speed control of an article in the accumulation conveyor is conducted at a speed higher than a constant speed, the speed control of the carry-out conveyor is conducted at a speed higher than the constant speed, and the article spacing control is conducted at a spacing narrower than a prescribed spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Katayama
  • Patent number: 7040477
    Abstract: A transport system for transport of containers has a switch with an entry zone, an exit zone with at least two different transport paths for conveying a container, and a switch mechanism for selectively controlling the transport of the container to the transport paths. During their travel, the containers are supported by a support assembly, and aligned and advanced in a controlled manner in the entry zone by an alignment and propulsion mechanism. A propulsion and guide assembly in the exit zone is rendered operative in response to a transport of the container along the transport paths and includes at least two modules which respectively cooperate with the transport paths and are disposed in the exit zone below the plane of the support assembly. The modules are hereby so controlled that only the one of the modules is raised into a plane above the plane of the support assembly, when the container is transported along the associated transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Brixius, Dominik Gräfer, Albrecht Hoene
  • Patent number: 6845860
    Abstract: A conveyor transfer apparatus (100) conveys stacks of product (S1) on a multi-row conveyor (110) having a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart belts (112) toward a single-row conveyor (120) oriented transversely to the multi-row conveyor. When a stack is in a desired position, an elevator assembly (130) lifts the stack above the multi-row conveyor to a position near the single-row conveyor. The elevator assembly includes a plurality of elongate members (136) that are sized and spaced to move between adjacent belts of the multi-row conveyor. A pusher assembly (140) extends to push the lifted stack from the elevator assembly onto the single row conveyor. The elevator assembly and pusher assembly then retract until another stack is in position to be lifted. A plurality of elevator assemblies and pusher assemblies are arranged to engage particular rows of stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: ARR Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene W. Walker
  • Patent number: 6722489
    Abstract: A dry bulk unloading apparatus for transferring bulk material from a storage facility to a transport vehicle includes a pair of pivotally interconnected upper and lower screw conveyors. The upper screw conveyor is pivotally connected at its receiving end on a vertical axis to the storage facility and is pivotally connected at its discharge end on a vertical axis to the receiving end of a lower screw conveyor. The conveyors each have an auger driven by an electric motor and electric motors are provided to pivot the upper screw conveyor relative to the storage facility and to pivot the lower screw conveyor relative to the upper screw conveyor. A hand held controller may be used for remote control of the electric motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Aluminum Ladder Company
    Inventor: Anthony J. Cook
  • Patent number: 6689961
    Abstract: A combinational weighing apparatus includes a distributing apparatus for distributing articles fed from above, a plurality of conveyance apparatuses disposed radially below and around the distributing apparatus and a plurality of weighing apparatuses disposed below the respective plurality of conveyance apparatuses, the distributing apparatus including a conical distributing table, a stirring member having one end attached to a rotation shaft arranged at an apex portion of the distributing table and the other end extending slantwise downward to the vicinity of a peripheral edge of the distributing table, and a drive unit for rotating the rotation shaft, in which a gap is provided between a lower side of the stirring member and an upper surface of the distributing table so as to be increased downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Matsuyama, Shinji Shimokawa, Masahiko Tatsuoka, Takashi Kondo
  • Publication number: 20030079960
    Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system is provided for use with products of various sizes, shapes, and stability characteristics. The system comprises multiple moving conveyors, including a first conveyor which transports product from an upstream location. This same conveyor or another conveyor delivers product to a downstream location. An accumulator conveyor, traveling at a substantially similar speed or a designated variable speed as the first conveyor or conveyors, is aligned in the same plane as, is adjacent to, and may mate with the first conveyor at a predetermined location for contiguous movement in the same direction as the first conveyor at this predetermined location. A product guide is provided which allows for the movement of product from the upstream to downstream locations during normal operation and directs product to the accumulator section of the second conveyor when there is a disruption or malfunction downstream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Mark C. Garvey, William J. Fox
  • Patent number: 6491153
    Abstract: A method for splitting a product stream comprising the steps of delivering a plurality of products to an circular path, transferring a first product of the plurality of products inwardly from the circular path to a first substream, and transferring a second product of the plurality of products inwardly from the circular path to a second substream. Further provided is a device for splitting a product stream comprising a support rotatable about a central axis, the support having an outer circumference and an inner circumference; and at least one transfer device attached to the support for receiving products of the product stream, the transfer device having a first position for receiving a first product of the products at the outer circumference and a second position for delivering the first product to a substream at the inner circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Robert Paul Cassoni, John Lawrence Herman
  • Patent number: 5988054
    Abstract: An automated container handling and processing system includes a metal container handling subsystem and a plastic container handling subsystem. Each container subsystem includes a roller conveyor for conveying a plurality of large bins carrying crushed containers derived from reverse vending machines. An automated dumping station receives and inverts the bins sequentially to dump the crushed containers into a central hopper, then sends the bins to a washer which cleans the bins for reuse. A separate belt conveyor receives containers which do not require identification or accounting and conveys them to the central hopper. A second belt conveyor which also leads to the central hopper receives containers from one or more sorting machines which process non-crushed containers from non-RV machine return centers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Tomra of North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Wieglus
  • Patent number: 5647696
    Abstract: An apparatus for depositing loose materials, such as insulation or fireproofing in worksite areas, may be used for depositing a single or premixed loose material. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used both for combining two constituent loose materials to form a composite loose material and for depositing the composite loose material in a worksite area. The apparatus includes a separate hopper or bin for each of the constituent loose materials. Each hopper is operatively connected to a single loose material combining channel for supplying their respective constituent loose material for forming the composite loose material immediately before it is deposited in the worksite area. A single motor is used for supplying both constituent loose materials to the combining channel. The ratio of constituent loose materials in the composite loose material may be changed by replacing an easily accessible gear used in driving an auger for extracting the constituent loose material from one of the hoppers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Henry Sperber
  • Patent number: 5613590
    Abstract: A device for feeding and distributing material which is loose or in single pieces to a plurality of collection points peripheral to the device itself comprising a main fixed support framework, a plurality of radial channels for transporting the material to the collection points supported by the framework, and a part for distributing the material to the transport channels, supported rotatably above the channels, whereto the material is fed and transferred by the latter through falling and distributed by rotation to the radial transport channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Simionato S.P.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Simionato
  • Patent number: 5545856
    Abstract: A product distribution system includes a cone shaped member for receiving a mass of solid flowable product thereon and a pair of concentric downwardly extending cylindrical walls. A top portion of the first of the downwardly extending cylindrical walls is adjacent to and abutting the base of the cone shaped member. A plurality of circularly arranged electromagnetic feeders which extend outwardly in a radial direction from the cone shaped member are disposed below the cone shaped member at the bottom of the first cylindrical wall, and in close proximity thereto, for moving product away from the first cylindrical wall and toward a plurality of circularly arranged weigh hoppers. The second cylindrical wall or retaining member has a diameter which is greater than the first cylindrical wall and together with the first wall forms a circular trough at the base of the cone shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: The Paxall Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Stapp, Glenn A. Hayes
  • Patent number: 5439096
    Abstract: Provided is a dough slice conveying apparatus in which a dough slice can peel off from the reversing part in the terminal of a front side conveyer belt without being deformed and without being dropped between the front side conveyer belt and the rear side conveyer belt, and is then transferred onto and conveyed by the rear side conveyer belt without being folded but in an unfolded condition. The dough slice conveying apparatus is provided with a knife edge having a front end part whose curvature is 2.1T to 11.7T where T is a thickness of the dough slice, and the space between the reversing part in the terminal of the front side conveyer belt and the reversing part in the start end of the rear side conveyer belt is set to less than 0.1R where R is a minimum diameter of the dough slice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: House Food Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Shigematsu, Iwami Hirota
  • Patent number: 5407056
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for distributively feeding a plurality of winding bobbins to predetermined locations, wherein the winding bobbins can simultaneously be fitted onto a rotational shaft without the necessity for large-sized equipment. The apparatus includes a distributing section to which a plurality of winding bobbins are fed while arranged in side-by-side relationship as seen in the axial direction. The distributing section includes a plurality of inclined surfaces so as to allow the winding bobbins to be supported from below. After the winding bobbins are placed on the inclined surfaces, they are distributively fed to the predetermined location along the inclined surfaces in the specifically determined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taiji Akisawa, Tuneo Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 5379881
    Abstract: An apparatus for splitting a stream of material into two or more streams. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing with an axial inlet and two or more radial outlets which are axially spaced from each other. The apparatus includes an impeller which has a central shaft with a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom defining two or more sets of material receiving chambers. Each set of material receiving chambers has guide means directing any material which enters the chambers in that particular set outward through a specific outlet. Due to the rapid rotation of the impeller, each set of material receiving chambers receives material from the inlet at a predetermined ratio of flow rates relative, and guides that material outward through a particular outlet. The device is particularly useful for splitting a stream of particulate material into two separate streams having equal flow rates, even if the flow rate at the inlet to the stream splitter is inconsistent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Andritz Sprout-Bauer, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory R. Kohler
  • Patent number: 5219062
    Abstract: A conveyor installation for loose material, especially blasting materials for sand-blasting installations, includes on the hall floor, respectively, blast chamber floor at least one longitudinal conveyor (1, 2, 3, 4) and at right angle thereto at its conveyor end in the same plane a cross-conveyor (5). These conveyors (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) operate by the use of conveyor members (27, 28) which are suspended in a pneumatically driven reciprocating frame (19, 24, 33). The frames (19, 24, 33) include lateral girders (20, 21; 31, 32) which are connected by webs (22). The frames run on rollers (11 to 18, 34, 36) which project from boundary profiles (6, 7, 8, 9, 10). The latter delimit laterally the longitudinal conveyors (1, 2, 3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Alfred Winter
  • Patent number: 5078261
    Abstract: An unloader for bulk materials is provided to transfer material such as cement from a barge or other bulk container. It includes a moveable and rotatable support member such as a crane or cantilevered arm that is adjacent the bulk container. A first conveyor or auger is connected to the support for pivotal movement and extends generally horizontally. A second conveyor or auger is connected to the distal end of the first conveyor for pivotal movement and is generally vertically oriented. A feeder unit is connected to the distal end of the second conveyor for universal and rotational movement. The feeder includes an uplift portion communicating with the second conveyor, the uplift portion advancing the bulk material at a rate slower than the second conveyor, and a collector portion communicating with the uplift portion. The collector portion includes converging auger assembly to advance the bulk material towards the uplift portion and to assist in transferring it into the uplift portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Miller Formless Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Miller, Allen R. Miller, Charles P. Miller