Coupled End-to-end Patents (Class 198/666)
  • Patent number: 11952218
    Abstract: A grain bin unload conveyor trough can have a wall profile including a lowermost curved wall portion. Lower portions of a pair of side walls can be spaced laterally from each other at a first interior lateral width, and upper portions of the side walls can be spaced laterally from each other at a second interior lateral width that is greater than the first interior lateral width. A shelf portion of each side wall can extend laterally outwardly from the lower to the upper portion of the side walls. An auger hanger can extend laterally across the conveyor trough and can be supported on the shelf portions of the side walls. The auger hanger can extend down to hold an auger shaft of a grain bin unload conveyor auger in the conveyor trough centrally within the first interior lateral width between the lower portions of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Walker, Adam K. Gutwein, Mark S. Dingeldein
  • Patent number: 11758850
    Abstract: A harvesting assembly for harvesting a crop includes a frame, a cutting knife configured to cut crop, a feed drum, a draper assembly, a first auger assembly, and a second auger assembly. The draper assembly and the auger assemblies are configured to move the cut crop toward the feed drum. The auger assemblies each include a first auger, a second auger, and a mounting unit coupled to the frame and coupled between the first auger and the second auger to support the first auger and the second auger during rotation of the augers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Sumit Kumar, Eric Hans Pierre Pellegrini, Justin C. Freehill, Bryan R. Yanke, Duane M. Bomleny, Joshua R. Pierson, Lawrence F. Kane, Balaji Parthasarathy
  • Patent number: 11693352
    Abstract: A toner conveying device for conveying toner, comprising: a first conveying portion; and a second conveying portion conveying the toner conveyed from the first conveying portion. The first conveying portion further includes: a first screw which includes a first rotation shaft and a first blade portion, the first screw including an engaging portion and a first protruded portion on a first end portion; and a first conveying passage forming member having a first inner wall face which forms a first conveying passage. The second conveying portion includes: a second screw which includes a second rotation shaft and a second blade portion, the second screw including an engaged portion and a second protruded portion on a second end portion; and a second conveying passage forming member having a second inner wall face which forms a second conveying passage, and which is connected with the first conveying passage forming member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tsukasa Abe
  • Patent number: 11606907
    Abstract: A dual auger grain cart includes a horizontal auger assembly, a vertical auger assembly, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the horizontal and vertical auger assemblies. The horizontal and vertical auger assemblies each include an auger shaft and flighting disposed on the auger shaft. The drive assembly includes a first member operatively connected to the horizontal auger shaft, a second member operatively connected to the vertical auger shaft, and a power input device operatively connected to the first and second drive members to drive rotation of the horizontal and vertical auger shafts. The arrangement of the first and second members allow the longitudinal axes of the horizontal and vertical auger shafts to be coplanar and the vertical auger flighting to extend at least in part below the longitudinal axis of the horizontal auger shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Schlimgen, Michael D. Van Mill
  • Patent number: 11396885
    Abstract: A screw system including a plurality of segmented blades. Each blade segment of the plurality of blade segments including a mounting portion and a vane portion. The mounting portion, having a helical length, for removably attaching the blade segment. The vane portion extending from the mounting portion along the helical length thereof. The vane portion having a front surface that is not parallel to a back surface from the mounting portion to a tip of the blade segment, along the helical length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Percheron Power, LLC
    Inventors: Jerry L. Straalsund, Sharon D. Atkin, Nicholas Z. Hertelendy
  • Patent number: 11305945
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container conveyor device (10) in a packaging machine having a container carrier (13) with a plurality of container receptacles (15). At least two rotary-driven linear conveyors (11, 28) are provided, and the container carrier (13) has at least one engagement part (14) which can be brought into engagement with the linear conveyors (11, 28). Two curved conveyors (20, 34) each have a curved guide track (21, 35) with which at least one projection of the container carrier (13) can be brought into engagement. A plurality of container carriers (13) can be transported along the upper linear conveyor (11) in a row with a mutual first spacing of less than 30 mm and at an average speed V0. The container carriers can be transported along the lower linear conveyor (28) with a mutual second spacing which is greater than the first spacing and at an average speed Vu, where Vu?1.5 V0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventors: Achim Stiegler, Marcel Pilat, Moritz Glück, Timo Graf, Daniel Kurr, Daniel Vaas
  • Patent number: 11134651
    Abstract: An auger assembly (1) for receiving and conveying cheese curd downstream along a cheese processing line (32) includes an auger housing (2), a first auger (3) having a first shaft (5) extending through the auger housing (2), a second auger (4) having a second shaft (6) extending through the auger housing (2) and arranged colinearly with the first shaft (5), a first bearing (9) mounted to the auger housing (2) and arranged at the end (7) of the first shaft (5), and a second bearing (10) mounted to the auger housing (2) and arranged at the end (8) of the second shaft (6). The first bearing (9) and second bearing (10) are colinear and facing each other. At least one slotted groove (11, 12) is formed the bearings (9, 10) to enable a cleaning fluid to contact a surface (13, 14) of the respective bearing (9, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Kyle Johnson, Michael Olson
  • Patent number: 11083205
    Abstract: A poultry chiller includes a tank and an auger rotatably held in the tank. The auger includes a first auger section and a second auger section. The first auger section includes a first auger shaft and a first auger flight. The first auger flight includes a first helical portion on the first auger shaft and a first flight extension that extends away from the first helical portion. The second auger section includes a second auger shaft coupled to the first auger shaft and a second auger flight. The second auger flight includes a second helical portion on the second auger shaft and a second flight extension that extends away from the second helical portion. The chiller includes a hanger bearing assembly between the first and second auger sections and extending to an upper portion of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Morris & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Shell
  • Patent number: 10743474
    Abstract: A dual auger grain cart includes a horizontal auger assembly, a vertical auger assembly, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the horizontal and vertical auger assemblies. The horizontal and vertical auger assemblies each include an auger shaft and flighting disposed on the auger shaft. The drive assembly includes a first member operatively connected to the horizontal auger shaft, a second member operatively connected to the vertical auger shaft, and a power input device operatively connected to the first and second drive members to drive rotation of the horizontal and vertical auger shafts. The arrangement of the first and second members allow the longitudinal axes of the horizontal and vertical auger shafts to be coplanar and the vertical auger flighting to extend at least in part below the longitudinal axis of the horizontal auger shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Schlimgen, Michael D. Van Mill
  • Patent number: 10634657
    Abstract: A pile testing device for testing ground includes (i) a tubular outer pile member having a helical flight mounted externally thereon, (ii) an inner pile member received within the second pile, (iii) a coupling assembly operable between an inserting position in which the inner pile member and the outer pile member are joined in fixed relation to one another so as to be arranged to be simultaneously driven into the ground and a testing position in which the inner pile member is longitudinally slidable relative to the outer pile member within a prescribed axial range but in which the inner pile member remains coupled to rotate together with the outer pile member, (iv) a jack coupled between top ends of the inner and outer pile members, and (v) a sensor adapted to measure longitudinal displacement of one of the pile members relative to the other pile member or the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: 6422277 Manitoba Ltd.
    Inventor: Aaron Mark Dugard
  • Patent number: 10518980
    Abstract: An auger assembly for a farm implement, in which the auger assembly includes a first auger section having a first auger shaft that rotates in a conveying direction about a longitudinal axis of the first auger section and a second auger section having a second auger shaft that rotates about a longitudinal axis of the second auger section. The auger assembly includes a first auger coupling portion that includes a drive hub and a lobe. The auger assembly includes a second auger coupling portion that includes a sleeve, which receives the drive hub such that the drive hub is rotatably engaged with the sleeve. The auger assembly includes a drive pin secured to the second auger coupling portion and a latch arm that pivots in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second auger section between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Gerdeman, Ryan Fleshner
  • Patent number: 10105819
    Abstract: A support and coupling assembly for a moving screw auger that is used to move grit, such as grit that is used in the blast cleaning industry. The support and coupling assembly includes a hanger bearing assembly with a hanger bearing bracket with an end for engaging a support surface, such as a wall or a ceiling, and a removed end. A roller bearing engages the removed end of the hanger bracket and a shaft is press fit into the roller bearing. A pair of hub assemblies with flights engages the shaft and rotates with the shaft. Connector assemblies engage the hub assemblies to connect the hub assemblies to screw portions on either side of the hanger bearing assembly. The flights on the connector assemblies will cause the grit to speed up as it moves from the screw portion to the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: RAY'S WELDING SHOP, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Ray
  • Patent number: 10059528
    Abstract: A split shaft screw system includes a screw configured to convey an article along a movement path. The screw includes a plurality of threads, each thread having a crest, a root and a pair of sidewalls, wherein the root and pair of sidewalls are configured to capture the article. Provided are a first screw segment connected to a first drive shaft configured to be driven by a first motor, and a second screw segment immediately adjacent to the first screw segment and connected to a second drive shaft concentric to the first drive shaft, the second drive shaft configured to be driven by a second motor independently of the driving of the first screw segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: LIGHTHOUSE INSTRUMENTS, LLC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Timmins, Warren Griffith, Roy Hughes
  • Patent number: 9963301
    Abstract: An improved feeder/conveyor includes a flexible rotating open helix screw inside a cylindrical sheathing. A motor drive is attached to the flexible rotating open helix screw above at a delivery end, and such provides the rotational speeds necessary to generate the centrifugal and lifting forces necessary. The improvements include a conical bullnose tip as a feeder that attaches to the flexible rotating open helix screw with a curved and tapered support feeder gusset. Such attachment mechanically supports and aligns the conical bullnose tip to the distal end of the flexible rotating open helix screw and a central turning axis. A nose opening in the conical bullnose tip allows either exit or entry of material freely to or from the supply bed, depending on the conveying conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventors: Otis Raymond Walton, Hubert J. Vollmer
  • Patent number: 9752621
    Abstract: A hanger bearing assembly has a bearing enclosed within a plurality of mounting plates. The mounting plates are slidably and removably attached w supports on the interior sidewalIs of a trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Ryan Thomas Olson
  • Patent number: 9731905
    Abstract: A stockpile control system adapted for use on a stockpile conveyor comprising a sensor that is disposed on the stockpile conveyor, a limit switch that is disposed on the stockpile conveyor, a pile probe that is disposed on the stockpile conveyor, and a microprocessor that is in operative communication with the limit switch and the sensor. The stockpile conveyor is adapted to move, the sensor is adapted to measure the location of the stockpile conveyor, the limit switch is adapted to limit the movement of the stockpile conveyor, the pile probe is adapted to measure a distance between the stockpile conveyor and a stockpile, and the microprocessor is adapted to control the movement of the stockpile conveyor. A method for controlling the production of a stockpile comprising providing a stockpile control system, calculating one or more stockpile boundaries, and controlling the movement of the stockpile conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Kolberg-Pioneer, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Enge, Mark Westerman
  • Patent number: 9723783
    Abstract: An agricultural combine including an agricultural harvester, a crop tank for harvested material, and an unloading auger assembly for unloading and discharging crop material. The auger assembly has inner and outer auger tubes pivotally connected to one another. The auger tubes pivot between a first position in which the auger tubes extend transversely and are coaxial and a second position in which the auger tubes form an angle. The auger tubes contain augers having first and second couplings at cooperating ends. The first coupling has two projections extending to cooperate with a single radial projection on the second coupling to provide improved engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chase Patterson, Cooper W. Linde, Kevin Ward, William M. McCully
  • Patent number: 9422114
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for improving the method of manufacturing Archimedes screws by assembling sectors on a shaft without forming gaps, cutting edges or weak regions between one another and ensuring the continuity of the turns of which the screw consists. It consists of a sector having a turn with a length equal to one screw thread and having a geometry that enables it to be interlocked with another, identical sector. The turn sits on a core, the geometry of which is obtained by following in each case a helical generatrix which is offset through at least one turn thickness. The terminal face of the turn is inclined at an angle with respect to the axis of the sector. The device according to the invention is particularly intended for the production of systems for metering or pumping viscous, pulverulent or granular products, the systems including at least one Archimedes screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: EXVENTYS
    Inventor: Samir Osmani
  • Patent number: 9108804
    Abstract: An intermediate support for a screw conveyor, which has a first shaft rotating about an axis of rotation and defined by a number of segments; and a casing. The intermediate support has a movable assembly, which is coaxial with and rotates about the axis of rotation, is integral with the first shaft, and has a second shaft for connecting two segments, and a bushing fitted onto the second shaft; and a fixed assembly, which is coaxial with the axis of rotation, and has a supporting body fitted to the bushing and connected rigidly to the casing, and a number of annular shields coaxial with the axis of rotation and interposed between the supporting body and the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: WAMGROUP S.P.A.
    Inventors: Vainer Marchesini, Davide Govoni
  • Patent number: 8926846
    Abstract: A processing system for processing raw slurry material comprising a barrel member defining a feed portion, a processing chamber, and an outlet opening, at least one pre-processing member, and at least one pre-processing opening formed in the barrel member adjacent to a first portion of the pre-processing member. As the barrel member rotates, the at least one pre-processing member transports at least a portion of the raw slurry material such that at least some of the heavy particulate material in the raw slurry material is transported to the outlet opening, at least some of the liquid material in the raw slurry material is allowed to flow back towards the feed portion, and at least some of the liquid material and at least some of the light particulate material is allowed to flow through the at least one pre-processing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Daritech, Inc.
    Inventor: David DeWaard
  • Patent number: 8889016
    Abstract: A processing system for processing raw slurry material comprises a barrel member defining a processing chamber, at least one intermediate opening, and an outlet opening, a trough system arranged to contain the raw slurry material, at least one transport member, and a drive system. As the drive system rotates the barrel member, the at least one transport member transports at least a portion of the raw slurry material from the trough system and through the processing chamber such that at least a first portion of the raw slurry material is transported to outlet opening, at least a second portion the raw slurry material exits the processing chamber through the intermediate opening, and at least at third portion of the raw slurry material is allowed to flow back towards the trough system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Daritech, Inc.
    Inventor: David DeWaard
  • Patent number: 8863938
    Abstract: A transport device for an agricultural utility machine is provided, having a first pipe section in which a first conveyor auger is rotatably situated and a second pipe section in which a second conveyor auger is rotatably situated, and a joint and/or plug device to connect the first pipe section to the second pipe section. A friction clutch is provided between the first and the second conveyor auger to transfer torque from the first conveyor auger to the second conveyor auger. An agricultural utility machine having such a transport device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sebastien Morel
  • Patent number: 8820515
    Abstract: An agricultural conveyor assembly of the type including a main conveyor, a feed auger assembly, and a main auger boot pivotally supporting the outlet end of the feed auger assembly on the inlet end of the main conveyor for swinging movement further includes a feed auger lift assembly. The feed auger lift assembly includes: i) a support assembly pivotally supported on the main auger boot for pivotal movement with the feed auger assembly about an upright axis and which further pivotally supports the feed auger assembly thereon for relative pivoting about a horizontal lift axis; and ii) an extendable lift member coupled between the feed auger assembly and the support assembly such that the extendable lift member controls pivotal movement of the feed auger assembly about the lift axis while being movable together with the feed auger assembly about the swing axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Terry Douglas Houssian
  • Patent number: 8720669
    Abstract: A device for delivering a conveying truck into a screw driving area has a truck delivery screw and a truck propulsion screw which are connected in tandem via a single position electromagnetic clutch and both the screws are configured to rotate in the same phase in the transmission state of the electromagnetic clutch. Two front and back driven rollers are pivotally connected to a conveying truck at an interval at which the driven rollers can engage both screws. A truck delivery mechanism is provided for delivering the conveying truck in the disengaged state of the electromagnetic clutch while rotating the truck delivery screw by the front-side driven roller until the roller arrives at a fixed position in the truck delivery screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Iba
  • Patent number: 8662285
    Abstract: A swing hopper is pivotally secured about vertical and horizontal axes to the inlet end of a swing auger which is pivotally connected to the main auger tube of a grain auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Lynn Jesse
  • Patent number: 8561786
    Abstract: A screw conveyor to move media includes a first feed screw having a first end portion, a second feed screw having a second end portion, and a support hanger assembly to support the first feed screw and the second feed screw. The support hanger assembly includes a hanger bracket having a vertical support member and an inner hub secured to and extending perpendicularly from the vertical support member, a shaft portion disposed within the inner hub, an inner sleeve configured to be disposed between the shaft portion and the inner hub, at least one outer hub coupled to the shaft portion, and an outer sleeve configured to be disposed between the inner hub and the at least one outer hub. The first feed screw and the second feed screw are coupled to the at least one outer hub. The inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve may be fabricated from low coefficient of friction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Wheelabrator Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Cecil Farrell, Shawn Douglas McBride
  • Publication number: 20130213772
    Abstract: A screw conveyor to move media includes a first feed screw having a first end portion, a second feed screw having a second end portion, and a support hanger assembly to support the first feed screw and the second feed screw. The support hanger assembly includes a hanger bracket having a vertical support member and an inner hub secured to and extending perpendicularly from the vertical support member, a shaft portion disposed within the inner hub, an inner sleeve configured to be disposed between the shaft portion and the inner hub, at least one outer hub coupled to the shaft portion, and an outer sleeve configured to be disposed between the inner hub and the at least one outer hub. The first feed screw and the second feed screw are coupled to the at least one outer hub. The inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve may be fabricated from low coefficient of friction material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: WHEELABRATOR GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: WHEELABRATOR GROUP, INC.
  • Patent number: 8470183
    Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a processing system for processing raw slurry material. The processing system comprises a barrel member, at least one pre-processing member, and a plurality of separator members. The at least one pre-processing member and the plurality of separator members are supported by the barrel member, and the plurality of separator members define at least one separator gap. As the barrel member rotates about the processing axis A, the at least one pre-processing member transports at least a portion of the raw slurry material from the feed portion to the separator portion through the pre-processing portion. The plurality of separator members transport at least a portion of the raw slurry material from the pre-processing portion to the outlet opening through the separator portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Daritech, Inc.
    Inventor: Dave DeWaard
  • Patent number: 8403127
    Abstract: The introduction of a heterogeneous solid substance, such as biomass, into a container which is under pressure is difficult. The rotary valves and airlocks used hitherto have substantial deficiencies. The use of standard screw conveyors has hitherto failed due to the fact that a cavity formed behind the screw helix in which gas could escape from the pressurized container. These deficiencies are resolved in that two independently controllable screws are arranged in a screw conveyor pipe. Between the primary screw driven by a motor and the secondary screw driven by another motor, the biomass is compacted by high pressure as a consequence of the different revolution speeds of the motors in such a way that an almost gas-tight plug is formed. The invention is particularly well-suited for the introduction of biomass into a gasification installation which is under pressure, for the production of synthesis gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Tetzlaff
  • Patent number: 8403128
    Abstract: A screw conveyor to move media includes a first feed screw having a first end portion, a second feed screw having a second end portion, and a support hanger assembly to support the first feed screw and the second feed screw. The support hanger assembly includes a hanger bracket having a vertical support member and an inner hub secured to and extending perpendicularly from the vertical support member, a shaft portion disposed within the inner hub, an inner sleeve configured to be disposed between the shaft portion and the inner hub, at least one outer hub coupled to the shaft portion, and an outer sleeve configured to be disposed between the inner hub and the at least one outer hub. The first feed screw and the second feed screw are coupled to the at least one outer hub. The inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve may be fabricated from low coefficient of friction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Wheelabrator Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Cecil Farrell, Shawn Douglas McBride
  • Patent number: 8328002
    Abstract: A scoping auger of adjustable length is described. The scoping auger includes two conventional augers interconnected to each other in with a sliding connection mounting the two augers to each other with their longitudinal axes parallel with one auger section above the other. A longitudinally extended opening is formed in the top of the auger tube of the lower auger section so that particulate material being conveyed by the upper auger section can be deposited for further conveying of the particulate material anywhere within the length of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Marvin Rayhons
  • Patent number: 8272494
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a main conveyor and a swing auger assembly pivotally coupled to an inlet end of the main conveyor for loading particulate material into the main conveyor. The swing auger assembly includes two first and second augers which are slidable relative to one another to vary a length of the swing auger assembly between a loading hopper at an inlet end of the swing auger assembly and the main conveyor connected at an outlet end of the swing auger. The swing auger assembly is suspended from an overhead support member extending upwardly from the inlet end of the main conveyor such that the swing auger assembly is pivotal through an intermediate position overtop of the main conveyor between first and second laterally offset positions on opposing sides of the main conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Bradley Metro Zazula, Michael Ross Landry, William Lorn Dixon, Leslie Daren Scherle, Terry Douglas Houssian, Victor John Holodryga
  • Patent number: 8267240
    Abstract: An auger conveyor includes a housing, at least one first mounting bracket, at least one second mounting bracket, an auger screw and one or more auger support assemblies. The first mounting bracket has a first landing and the second mounting bracket has a second landing. The first and second mounting brackets are attached to the housing at diametrically opposite positions. The one or more auger support assemblies each have a lateral member connected to a bushing assembly. The auger screw has a rotational axis and is rotatably mounted relative to the bushing assembly. First and second ends of the lateral member each have a geometry adapted to slidably engage with the first and second landings, respectively. The auger screw and the one or more auger support assemblies are adapted to be received within and removed from the housing as an assembled unit, through the first end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Applegate Livestock Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Moreland, Bradley A. Miller, Jamie R. Whitesel, R. Duane Brim
  • Publication number: 20120199446
    Abstract: An auger conveyor includes a housing, at least one first mounting bracket, at least one second mounting bracket, an auger screw and one or more auger support assemblies. The first mounting bracket has a first landing and the second mounting bracket has a second landing. The first and second mounting brackets are attached to the housing at diametrically opposite positions The one or more auger support assemblies each have a lateral member connected to a bushing assembly. The auger screw has a rotational axis and is rotatably mounted relative to the bushing assembly. First and second ends of the lateral member each have a geometry adapted to slidably engage with the first and second landings, respectively. The auger screw and the one or more auger support assemblies are adapted to be received within and removed from the housing as an assembled unit, through the first end of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: APPLEGATE LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Brian S. Moreland, Bradley A. Miller, Jamie R. Whitesel, R. Duane Brim
  • Patent number: 8215477
    Abstract: The archimedes screw (1) for use in conveyors, compactors and the like, comprises a shaft (2) on which a helix (3) is coupled, which screw rotates internally of a containing structure, wherein the archimedes screw (1) comprises a plurality of sections (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d . . . 4n) which can be threaded coaxially and solidly in rotation on a central shaft which defines the shaft (2) of the archimedes screw, each of which plurality of sections exhibits different constructional and functional characteristics from other of the plurality of sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: WAM Industriale S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianni Basaglia, Marco Gaddi, Massimo Passerini
  • Patent number: 8136654
    Abstract: An auger conveyor is provided that includes a housing, at least one first mounting bracket, at least one second mounting bracket, an auger screw and one or more auger support assemblies. The first mounting bracket has a first landing and the second mounting bracket has a second landing. The first and second mounting brackets are attached to the housing at positions diametrically opposite one another. The auger screw has a rotational axis. The one or more auger support assemblies each have a lateral member connected to a bushing assembly. The auger screw is rotatably mounted relative to the bushing assembly. First and second ends of the lateral member each have a geometry adapted to slidably engage with the first landing and the second landing, respectively. The auger screw and the one or more auger support assemblies are adapted to be received within and removed from the housing as an assembled unit, by insertion/removal through the first end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Applegate Livestock Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Moreland, Bradley A. Miller, Jamie R. Whitesel, R. Duane Brim
  • Patent number: 8075785
    Abstract: A separation device for removing solids from an input stream is provided, comprising a vessel, such as a production vessel or storage tank, having an inlet for receiving an input stream containing fluids, such as oil and water, and solids, such as sand and silt. The vessel also includes a fluid outlet and a drain outlet. An optional fluid recirculation and injection device is mounted inside the vessel and delivers fluid to facilitate removal of the solids through the drain outlet. The vessel also includes an agitation or flighted device mounted adjacent to the drain outlet for contacting and dislodging solids which have settled within the vessel. The agitation device includes a rotatable shaft driven by a motor, and an agitation element, such as an auger, to break up the solids and move them toward the drain outlet. A method of removing solids is also provided using the auger device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Omni Energy Services Corp.
    Inventors: Andy Dufrene, Joey Jacob, Vincent Spekschate, Eddie Boudreaux, Brian Fontenot
  • Patent number: 8069973
    Abstract: Flighting for screw conveyors of improved construction and resulting in better wear characteristics and carrying capacity is provided through the use of cold roll manufacturing and a roller which forms the flighting with a shape which moves some of the material being conveyed away from the outside peripheral edge of the flighting and thereby distributes wear over a larger portion of the surface of the flighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Uniflyte Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Wynnobel, Andrew Wilton
  • Patent number: 7743912
    Abstract: A conveyor feeding system for reliably and continuously supplying particulate matter as feedstock, such as rubber tire chips, to a reactor or distillation unit. The feeding system includes a pair of inclined spiral augers having their lower ends submerged in oil or other liquid to provide a liquid seal, thereby preventing undesirable back flow of distillation gases through the feeding system. The push auger acts to push lightweight feedstock downward, submerging it through the liquid seal. The material thereafter is taken up by the partially submerged feed auger, for withdrawal up out of the liquid seal for delivery to further processing, such as a pyrolytic reactor. Buoyant material, which otherwise might float upon the liquid of the seal reservoir, accordingly may be effectively processed through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Dana J. Finley
  • Patent number: 7729832
    Abstract: A large manipulator with an articulated mast (22) is pivotally connected to a mast base (21) that is rotatable about a vertical axis. The mast (22) comprises at least three mast arms (23 to 27) which are pivotable to a limited extent about horizontal articulated axis (28 to 32) that are located parallel to each other, the pivoting movement being relative to the mast base (21) or an adjacent mast arm (23 to 27) and being performed by means of a respective drive unit (34 to 38). A control unit is provided with coordinate transformer (74, 76) which responds to a given guiding parameter (r) and measured angular values (??) that are determined by means of angle sensors (44 to 48) located on the mast arms (23 to 27). The coordinate transformer (74, 76) does a conversion into movement signals (??v) for the drive units (34 to 38) in accordance with predefined path/slew characteristics, the movement signals being related to the articulation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Putzmeister Concrete Pumps GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Benckert, Kurt Rau
  • Patent number: 7708131
    Abstract: A remote control drive kit for attachment to the hopper of a swing auger for driving movement of the hopper relative to the main auger includes a first drive assembly mounted on the base wall of the hopper adjacent a front edge and a second drive assembly mounted on the base wall adjacent a rear edge. Each drive assembly is mounted approximately midway across the base wall and includes a pair of drive wheels and a separate motor and is carried on a bracket arrangement which allows adjustment in a direction toward and away form the edge to accommodate different types of hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Gordon Muth
  • Publication number: 20090183971
    Abstract: The archimedes screw (1) for use in conveyors, compactors and the like, comprises a shaft (2) on which a helix (3) is coupled, which screw rotates internally of a containing structure, wherein the archimedes screw (1) comprises a plurality of sections (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d . . . 4n) which can be threaded coaxially and solidly in rotation on a central shaft which defines the shaft (2) of the archimedes screw, each of which plurality of sections exhibits different constructional and functional characteristics from other of the plurality of sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: WAM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gianni Basaglia, Marco Gaddi, Massimo Passerini
  • Patent number: 7428956
    Abstract: An auger assembly transfers particulate material from a source area to a target area using a main auger, an intermediate swing auger and a loading swing auger connected in series with one another. The main auger is supported on a wheeled frame similar to conventional grain augers while the intermediate swing auger is pivotal thereon and the loading swing auger is pivotal on the intermediate swing auger. The inlet hopper of the auger assembly can thus be more easily positioned relative to the main auger for proper alignment with the discharge hopper of a particulate material container even when the discharge hopper is within a confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Saskatchewan Ltd
    Inventor: Patrick John Scherman
  • Patent number: 7329189
    Abstract: A flexible connector may include a tube having an open end and a lower end distal from the open end, an inner surface of the open end comprising a plurality of apices forming a substantially polygonal lower cross-section, an upper shaft having an insert end disposed insertably in the open end, an outer surface of the insert end comprising a plurality of substantially planer flats forming a substantially polygonal upper cross-section normal to the driven axis of rotation, the upper cross-section being substantially similar to the lower cross-section, and an elastic member disposed compressably between each of the flats and each of the apices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Van Mill, Alan Gustafson, Daryl Rubner
  • Patent number: 7192094
    Abstract: An auger support assembly for use with an augering system for mining which bores a pair of side-by-side holes through a coal seam using dual side-by-side augers. Each auger includes a drilling section which is followed by a series of auger flights for conveying the bored coal back out of the respective hole. The augers are connected together in axially aligned pairs and are supported by the auger support assembly. The auger support assembly includes a pair of bearing housings that are disposed on drive shafts which extend outwardly from the first ends of a first pair of parallel augers and are received within the second ends of a second pair of parallel augers. The bearing housings are connected to each other by a tie bar. A single support leg extends downwardly from approximately the mid-section of the tie bar to engage the ground ledge that is formed between the counter rotating augers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Warren Kelm
  • Patent number: 7093707
    Abstract: A grain delivery conveyor for a grain tank of an agricultural combine includes a first gear box including a first input connectable in rotatably driven relation to a rotatable power source for rotation about a first axis, and a first output rotatable about a second axis angularly related to the first axis by rotation of the first rotatable input; a second gear box including a second rotatable input connected in rotatably driven relation to the first output for rotation about the second axis, and a second output rotatably driveable about a third axis angularly related to the second axis by rotation of the second rotatable input; and an elongate conveyor assembly connected in rotatably driven relation to the second output, the second gear box and the conveyor being jointly pivotable about at least the second axis for varying a position of a free end of the conveyor relative to the grain tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Matousek, Kelvin Bennett, Peter J. Ungs, William Cooksey
  • Patent number: 6908380
    Abstract: A hinged unloading auger for an agricultural combine that reduces the portion of the unloading auger that extends beyond the rear end of the combine when the unloading auger is in its storage position. The horizontal section of the unloading auger includes a hinged joint that connects a first segment and a second segment. In the storage position, the joint is separated to provide a compact storage package. In the unloading position, the second segment is rotated around the hinge so that the axes of the first and second segments are coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Dennis P. Silver
  • Patent number: 6776569
    Abstract: A self-unloading grain cart having a horizontal auger and a vertical auger for unloading grain from the cart. The cart having a plurality of gates for accessing a portion of the auger at one time so as not to overload the auger. The cart also having a clutch for engaging or disengaging the horizontal auger so that the vertical auger can be turned independently from the horizontal auger. The starting and stopping of the movement of grain when unloading the cart is thereby enhanced to prevent spillage and for quicker restarts with lower power requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Balzer, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy McMahon, Frank Bazzoli, Donald Marcy, Trent J. Hoek
  • Patent number: 6679559
    Abstract: An auger flight support for use with an augering systems for mining which bores a pair of side-by-side holes through the coal seam using respective augers. Each auger includes a drilling section which is followed by a series of auger flights for conveying the bored coal back out of the respective hole. The auger flight support includes a pair of thrust bearing and housing assemblies which are tied together and each supported by a respective leg which lowers the friction between the auger flight and the bottom of the bore. This significantly reduces the power required to rotate the augers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Warren E. Kelm
  • Publication number: 20030150648
    Abstract: An auger flight support for use with an augering systems for mining which bores a pair of side-by-side holes through the coal seam using respective augers. Each auger includes a drilling section which is followed by a series of auger flights for conveying the bored coal back out of the respective hole. The auger flight support includes a pair of thrust bearing and housing assemblies which are tied together and each supported by a respective leg which lowers the friction between the auger flight and the bottom of the bore. This significantly reduces the power required to rotate the augers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Warren Kelm