By A Plurality Of Laterally Spaced, Projecting Members On The Conveyor Patents (Class 198/699.1)
  • Patent number: 10947058
    Abstract: A conveyor system integrates lane dividers to form a plurality of product lanes across a conveyor belt carryway while providing conduits enabling transverse fluid flow across the carryway. Each lane divider includes a body defining edges of adjacent conveyor belt lanes and hinge elements or other attachment means for integrating the lane divider into a modular conveyor belt. The body has lateral conduits to allow transverse fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gilbert J. MacLachlan
  • Patent number: 10919703
    Abstract: An incline conveyor using a modular conveyor belt with a repeating pattern of belt sections. Each belt section includes a first region with a high-friction flat top surface, a second region with a high-friction textured top surface, a third region between the first and second regions with a recessed low-friction top surface, and a fourth region between consecutive belt sections with a top surface like that of the third region. The textured top surface, which may be formed by a plurality of nodules, provides multiple high-friction catch points to stop polybags from sliding down the inclined conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Nathan L. Trentini
  • Patent number: 10392193
    Abstract: A linkage for moving material from a first end of a conveyor toward a second end of the conveyor includes a first link and a second link. The first link includes a first side edge and a first indicator. The second link includes a second side edge and a second indicator. The second link is coupled to the first link such that the first side edge of the first link overlaps with the second side edge of the second link. Elongation of the first link in the direction of movement causes the first indicator to move relative to the second indicator, and a position of the first indicator relative to the second indicator provides an indication of a wear condition of the first link. In some aspects, a first surface and/or a second surface of one of the links includes a wear indicator representing a surface wear condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
  • Patent number: 9994396
    Abstract: An eye link conveyor belt including a plurality of eyelets and a plurality of cross rods, the plurality of eyelets including openings on each end and the plurality of cross rods extending through the openings to thereby connect the plurality of eyelets together; and a plurality of wire forms connected to the conveyor belt, the wire forms including at least one protrusion extending above a planar product support surface of the conveyor belt. A plurality of side plates can be secured to the conveyor belt by the wire forms and also extend above the planar product support surface of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Maine, Jr., George H. Messick, Jr., Thomas O. Perdue, Jeffery D. Ulchak, Charles E. Hennigar
  • Patent number: 9950865
    Abstract: The present invention allows the friction of the belt with the slide table to be abated as well as restrains dusts from occurring. The conveyor belt 10 for carrying a transported article mounted on the surface thereof comprises: a belt main body 1; and a lower surface layer 3 to cover the lower surface of the belt main body 1, in which the lower surface layer 3 is provided with a projective surface 4b in which a plurality of projections 4 whose peak portions 4a are formed into a curved surface shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: FORBO SIEGLING JAPAN LTD.
    Inventors: Kae Takahashi, Kohei Zenitani
  • Patent number: 9701479
    Abstract: A conveyor having an endless conveyor belt made from a plurality of hingedly connected modular belt modules limited by two longitudinal sides. Each module comprises one or more upper parts and a lower part each pivotably connectable to a forwardly arranged belt module. One or more upper parts are provided with means projecting below the lower part at least when the one or more upper parts are in the same plane as the lower part. A feeding station is arranged on the conveyor's substructure and includes two side walls arranged parallel to a travelling direction of the conveyor belt and substantially orthogonal to the plane of the conveyor belt's surface. An end wall spans between the two walls leaving a gap between the upper surface of the conveyor belt and the lower edge of the end wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: AMMERAAL BELTECH MODULAR A/S
    Inventor: Kenneth Westergaard Andersen
  • Patent number: 9371187
    Abstract: A system and method for supercharging the feed system for a belt in tube conveyor for agricultural products, which enables achieving a full or near full fill level of the conveyor belt entering the intake end of the conveyor tube. The invention uses a crop delivery apparatus operable to propel an airborne flow of the crop material at least largely in a direction of movement of the conveyor belt, onto the belt surface after formation into a concave shape conforming to a lower portion of the conveyor tube. Additional capabilities include the ability to propel the crop material into an intake end of the conveyor tube, and provision of enclosing structure for containing and focusing the crop material flow. The system can accommodate various angles of tilt and sideward pivotal movement of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Edward H. Priepke, Scott D. Wilson, John J. Borsdorf, Jonathan E. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 9254963
    Abstract: A tube conveyor belt system for use in conjunction with a support. At least a portion of the support has a concave shape. The tube conveyor belt system has a belt and at least one cleat. The belt has a surface. The at least one cleat extends from the surface of the belt. The at least one cleat includes a plurality of paddle regions and a plurality of web regions. The plurality of paddle regions is in a spaced-apart configuration. The web regions have a flexibility that is greater than a flexibility of the paddle regions. One of the web regions is positioned between adjacent paddle regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: WCCO Belting, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20140090959
    Abstract: A driving device of a conveyor device such as an intake finger assembly of an auger of a harvesting device includes a feeder aid disposed in an interior of the conveyor device, a swivel bearing for supporting the feeder aid on a control shaft, a first fastening section assigned to the swivel bearing, and a second fastening section. The second fastening section is disposed at a distance from the first fastening section, between which a predetermined breaking point is disposed on the feeder aid. The first fastening section and the second fastening section are interconnected by a resiliently elastic connecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Ferenc Domokos, Tibor Szakallas
  • Patent number: 8678177
    Abstract: A combination slider block and pusher lug for mounting on a base plate mounted on a transfer chain includes a flanged channel having a latch and a base plate receiving cavity for snugly fitting over the base plate. A pair of flanges extend inwardly in opposed facing relation over the cavity from the sides of the channel so as to define a slot sized to receive the mount such as the weld between the base plate and the chain. The web of the flanged channel has a lug mounted orthogonally thereto. The cavity has an opening at one end, sized to receive the base plate therethrough. An opposite end of the cavity includes a stop to arrest sliding translation of the base plate through and along the cavity. The latch is mounted adjacent the opening. The latch operates to selectively lock the base plate in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Northern Plastics Ltd.
    Inventor: Deane R. Henderson
  • Publication number: 20130298372
    Abstract: A profile assembly for use on a belt comprises a base configured to be attached to the belt, wherein the base comprises a lower portion configured to be in physical communication with a surface of the belt, and an upper portion comprising aperture channel therein, and a lip disposed adjacent to the channel on a side of the upper portion; and a removable profile configured to matingly engage the base, wherein the profile comprises an outer portion configured to be in physical communication with an object to be conveyed, and an inner portion configured to be inserted into the upper portion, wherein the inner portion comprises a protrusion extending from a first surface of the inner portion, the protrusion configured to extend through the aperture and snap fit with the lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: HABASIT AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: ARTHUR F. WILLIAMS, PAUL H. STEVENS
  • Patent number: 8567593
    Abstract: This invention provides a belt profile and profiled belt that can be easily mounted to and detached from a toothed belt. Specifically, a profile body and a claw section are integrally formed via a connection section. A side edge section of the toothed belt is inserted between the profile body and the claw section from an inner side in the belt width direction. The profile body is arranged on a rear surface side of the toothed belt. The claw section is arranged at the side edge section, on the tooth surface side. The connection section passes outside the side surface of the toothed belt. The profile is mounted on the toothed belt by engaging the claw section with a belt tooth while the profile body and the claw section sandwich the side edge section. The profile is removed from the toothed belt by performing these procedures in reverse order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Haruhiko Nakamura, Ryuki Inoue
  • Publication number: 20130277176
    Abstract: A gripper (12) is disclosed having a base (24) that extends from a first end a second end and includes resilient (32) fingers that extend from the base between the first end and the second end. The resilient fingers (32) may be configured to generally conform to and engage with articles (34) being transferred when the base is mounted to a conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Rick Corlett, Mike Chin, Dean A. Wieting
  • Publication number: 20130168209
    Abstract: A belt conveyor for grain or other granular materials has an enclosed housing, a bottom return, an infeed end and a discharge head. The conveyor uses a special high angle lift belt with projecting lugs of approximately two inches high and having cooperating angled elements that form material receiving pockets. The lugs are arrayed on the belt in meshing relationship so that as the belt curls laterally within the housing, the lugs prevent backflow of materials at least up to a forty degree angle when the conveyor is running. The bottom return section of the conveyor has a plurality of belt supporting rollers extending transversely across the return section. The belt lugs are also arranged so that upper ends of the lugs form a longitudinally and transversely continuous supportive surface for low friction running support by the belt return rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: CRUSTBUSTER / SPEED KING INC
    Inventors: Benjamin Fanshier, Ronald L. Marler
  • Patent number: 8430234
    Abstract: A transport system for substrates, the transport system having at least one belt for receiving the substrates thereon, retainers disposed at spaced distances on the belt, the spaced distances being at least as wide as a width of the substrates, the retainers rising to an elevation above the belt that is sufficient to stop the substrates from sliding when the substrates bump against the retainers, a motor for moving the belt, and a motion controller for providing acceleration and deceleration of the belt, thereby aligning the substrates against the retainers through successive acceleration and deceleration cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventor: Carolus Truyens
  • Patent number: 8430236
    Abstract: A chain transporter system has a plurality of adapter elements mounted on spaced apart chain links with a separate mounting part received in each adapter element. Each adapter element includes a groove-type recess having a pair of opposed walls, each of which has an undercut. Each mounting part is received in the recess of an adapter element with extensions matingly received in the undercuts of the adapter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Bühler Bindler GmbH
    Inventor: Achim Krischer
  • Publication number: 20130020180
    Abstract: A transport system for substrates, the transport system having at least one belt for receiving the substrates thereon, retainers disposed at spaced distances on the belt, the spaced distances being at least as wide as a width of the substrates, the retainers rising to an elevation above the belt that is sufficient to stop the substrates from sliding when the substrates bump against the retainers, a motor for moving the belt, and a motion controller for providing acceleration and deceleration of the belt, thereby aligning the substrates against the retainers through successive acceleration and deceleration cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: KLA-TENCOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: KLA-Tencor Corporation
  • Patent number: 8292065
    Abstract: An improved conveyor belt is provided for use in a tubular conveyor. The belt includes a plurality of cleat sets extending at a non-perpendicular angle across the axis of the belt. Adjacent cleat sets are offset with respect to one another, such that the axis of adjacent cleat sets are non-parallel. Each cleat set includes a plurality of spaced apart, upstanding cleat members. The orientation of the cleat sets helps maintain material toward the center of the belt, while the orientation of the cleat members eliminates vacuum behind the cleat members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Meridian Manufacturing Group
    Inventors: Juan Neufeld, Bernie Thiessen
  • Patent number: 8286785
    Abstract: A transport system for substrates, the transport system having at least one belt for receiving the substrates thereon, retainers disposed at spaced distances on the belt, the spaced distances being at least as wide as a width of the substrates, the retainers rising to an elevation above the belt that is sufficient to stop the substrates from sliding when the substrates bump against the retainers, a motor for moving the belt, and a motion controller for providing asymmetric acceleration and deceleration of the belt, such that the belt decelerates faster than the belt accelerates, thereby aligning the substrates against the retainers through successive acceleration and deceleration cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventor: Carolus Truyens
  • Publication number: 20120067693
    Abstract: A bread conveying apparatus comprising: a pair of rolling members spaced apart from each other along a loaf bread conveying path; an endless revolving member wound around said pair of rolling members and laid along said conveying path; a first flight mounted to said endless revolving member to urge said loaf bread along said conveying path and carry said loaf bread to a predetermined position; and a second flight mounted to said endless revolving member upstream of said first flight along said conveying path to urge said loaf bread so as to align said loaf bread with said predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Oshikiri Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Suzuki, Shuichi Iribe, Michinori Watanabe, Seiichi Akutsu
  • Publication number: 20120061209
    Abstract: A module for forming a conveyor, particularly a band conveyor, presenting a plurality of modules connected together, each module including: an upper surface, a lower surface, conventional elements for removably connecting the modules together to form the conveyor, and connection element for removably connecting additional members, particularly a thrust bar, to the upper surface; in which the connection element includes, on the exposed face of the upper surface of the module, at least one predefined identification mark, the module presenting, below the upper surface in a position corresponding with the at least one predefined mark, at least one connection element extending from and closed by the upper surface and provided with, or in which there can be provided, a seat or hole adapted to cooperate with means, to removably connect the additional member to the upper surface of the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: SYSTEM PLAST S.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrea MEMOLI, Ted Van Der Hoeven
  • Publication number: 20120055762
    Abstract: A conveyor system is provided with a plurality of support members which are erected and spaced apart from each other, a plurality of holding units on which the plurality of support members are held, and a drive unit that moves the holding units in a conveying direction. A supporting plane on which a workpiece is supported and conveyed is formed by distal end portions of the support members. The support members are movable in parallel with respect to the supporting plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuo Kobayashi, Izuru Hori, Shin Yoshida, Kenichi Fukami
  • Publication number: 20120055761
    Abstract: A transport system for substrates, the transport system having at least one belt for receiving the substrates thereon, retainers disposed at spaced distances on the belt, the spaced distances being at least as wide as a width of the substrates, the retainers rising to an elevation above the belt that is sufficient to stop the substrates from sliding when the substrates bump against the retainers, a motor for moving the belt, and a motion controller for providing asymmetric acceleration and deceleration of the belt, such that the belt decelerates faster than the belt accelerates, thereby aligning the substrates against the retainers through successive acceleration and deceleration cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: KLA-TENCOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Carolus Truyens
  • Patent number: 8020706
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems are used to separate fines from objects of a feed mixture being processed (e.g., iron bearing pellets, chips and dust). For example, at least a portion of an endless belt defining a channel is movable up an incline relative to horizontal (e.g., an incline that is at an angle relative to horizontal that is greater than an angle of repose associated with the objects, but less than an angle of repose associated with the fines being removed). Further, obstruction elements may be used on the endless belt to impede the flow of the fines down the incline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: David W. Hendrickson, Richard F. Kiesel, Rodney L. Bleifuss
  • Patent number: 8016103
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chain-transport system containing chain links (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, . . . ) which are strung together and adjacent chain links (10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, . . . ) being rotatably joined together about an axis of rotation (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) common to one of the two chain links and all of the axes of rotation (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, . . . ) in the chain-transport system running parallel to each other. At least some of the chain links (10, 50, 90, . . . ) are adapted (10-12, 50-52, 90-92, . . . ) in such a way that respectively one add-on component (13, 53, 93) can be attached thereto. According to the invention, attachment of the respective component (13, 53, 93, . . . ) to the respective adapted chain link (10-12, 50-52, 90-92, . . . ) occurs in the form of a positive fit connection between a connecting area (13a, 13b, 13c, . . . ) of the add-on component (13, . . . ) and a connecting area (12a, 12b, 12c, . . . ) of the adapted chain link (10-12, . . . ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Buhler Bindler GmbH
    Inventor: Achim Krischer
  • Patent number: 7802676
    Abstract: A belt module having a grid geometry including cavities and ribs associated with an outer surface for attaching a high friction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventors: Dieter Guldenfels, Dietmar Elsner
  • Patent number: 7770712
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring articles such as absorbent cores or disposable diaper chassis components from a rotary mechanism, such as a pad turner, to a linear mechanism, such as a conveyor, for further processing. A puck on the apparatus is capable of manipulating the article during this transfer procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Curt G. Joa, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. McCabe
  • Patent number: 7731020
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly is provided, which includes a link belt formed of a plurality of overlapping belt links. A plurality of engagement elements are attached to the link belt to form an upper surface. In one embodiment, the link belt includes a plurality of apertures and the engagement elements comprises connectors that cooperate with the apertures to connect the engagement elements to the link belt. The upper surface of the engagement elements may be configured in a variety of forms. In one embodiment, the engagement elements comprise a protuberance that projects upwardly to form a point of limited contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Fenner U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy M Bigler, Ryan Van Duyn, Francis B Fatato
  • Patent number: 7686159
    Abstract: A belt module suitable for use in a modular belt and designed for holding attachments such as flights. The belt module has an attachment holder with a dovetail section on the upper surface that accommodates attachments and the like that are designed to be removably attached to the holder by means of attachments furnished with foot extensions that fit into the dovetail section by sliding the foot laterally into a locked position relative to the attachment holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Dietmar Elsner
  • Patent number: 7681712
    Abstract: In an alignment conveyor apparatus including an input conveyor (1), an output conveyor (2) with a flap sensor (14), a single or a plurality of alignment conveyors (3), a product sensor (12), and a control unit (7), the control unit (7) includes an alignment conveyor controller (71) and an output conveyor controller (72), the alignment conveyor controller (71) includes a product position manager (712), a position correction calculator (713), and a position correction instruction creator (715), the output conveyor controller (72) includes an output conveyor position manager (721).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Koji Hara, Kengo Egami
  • Patent number: 7641044
    Abstract: A conveyor chain for a travel way on which an operator and/or a work carriage are reliably moved in a nonskid manner. The conveyor chain has a series of modules, each with a nonskid material loaded upper surface with front and rear hinge portions for connecting the modules to each other by connecting pins. The nonskid material loaded upper surface has hollows with the hollow surfaces recessed below the upper surface. The upper surface includes a number of supporting ribs project upwardly from the hollow surfaces and terminate flush with the upper surface, so that the transfer of the work carriage is easy and a back bend radius is decreased. Miniaturization and simplification of the conveyor are attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Hajime Ozaki, Katsutoshi Shibayama
  • Patent number: 7597189
    Abstract: A cap sorter for lifting and orienting caps includes a hopper section for holding randomly oriented caps. A conveyor belt travels along a belt path that extends through the hopper section. The belt path extending from the hopper section and moving upward therefrom. A plurality of spaced apart cleat attachment locations are located along a length of the conveyor belt, each cleat attachment location formed by a plurality of button members extending from an outer surface of the conveyor belt. Each button member includes an enlarged head portion. Each cleat attachment location has a cleat attached thereto with each cleat having a plurality of slots for matingly engaging with a corresponding one of the button members to removably hold the cleat to the conveyor belt when the enlarged head of the button member is located at a securing location of its corresponding slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Fowler Products Company LLC
    Inventors: Dan Davis Hinsley, Arnold D. Cotney, III
  • Publication number: 20090127075
    Abstract: A belt module suitable for use in a modular belt and designed for holding attachments such as flights. The belt module has an attachment holder with a dovetail section on the upper surface that accommodates attachments and the like that are designed to be removably attached to the holder by means of attachments furnished with foot extensions that fit into the dovetail section by sliding the foot laterally into a locked position relative to the attachment holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Dietmar Elsner
  • Patent number: 7530448
    Abstract: A workpiece support mountable onto a workpiece conveyor, the support including a rigid vertically upstanding member, which is vertical when mounted onto an upper-most surface of the workpiece conveyor, and a cap mounted onto the upstanding member. The cap includes a housing defining a cavity. The housing is substantially entirely sealed around the cavity so as to inhibit detritus entering the cavity. The cavity has an opening at a lower-most end thereof. The opening is for snug mounting of the cap onto the upstanding member when the upstanding member is journalled snugly in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Northern Plastics Ltd.
    Inventors: Deane R. Henderson, Bruce Gordon Halverson, William R. Newnes
  • Patent number: 7431144
    Abstract: A temporary storage system (1) of belt type for lightweight hollow bodies (C), said system being particularly suitable for use with empty plastic containers (C) and of the type comprising a storage buffer vessel (2) provided with a feed entry opening (3) in its upper part and a discharge exit (4) in its lower part, said exit (4) being situated above conveyor means (5) for removal from the buffer vessel (2), said system comprising at least one movable storage belt (6a, 6b, 6c) positioned substantially horizontally in the interior of said buffer vessel (2), said storage belt (6a, 6b, 6c) being arranged to receive a falling plurality of desired volumes (D) of said hollow bodies (C), while advancing during the fall of said hollow bodies (C) by a distance sufficient to maintain said volumes (D) separate, said volumes (D) being made to advance towards the discharge exit (4) and allowed to fall onto the removal conveyor means (5) when said stored hollow bodies (C) are required to be withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Zeccheiti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mauro Giovanelli
  • Patent number: 7428961
    Abstract: A conveyor device (1) for conveying substantially round products (11), for example eggs, comprises a support track (4) along which the products (11) can move in a conveying direction during use. Furthermore, the conveyor device (1) comprises a first substantially cylindrical engagement member (5), which extends transversely over the support track (4) with respect to the conveying direction. The engagement member (5) is designed to be flexible at least at the circumference, in order to engage on the products (11) on the support track (4), and can rotate about its axial axis (6) in order to advance the products (11) along the support track (4). The support track (4), downstream of the first engagement member (5) as seen in the conveying direction, has a elevated portion (8) which is located at a distance from the first engagement member (5) which is such that the latter engages on the products (11) on the upward part of the elevated portion (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Staalkat International B.V.
    Inventors: Leonardus Johannes Temming, Geert Jan Menkhorst
  • Patent number: 7156606
    Abstract: An article aligning apparatus for aligning a plurality article tiers to be loaded into a carton. Each article tier comprises an article array delivered from an in-feed stream at an in-feed end of a packaging machine. The apparatus comprises an article conveyor for conveying a lower article tier, a first article conveying means including one or more lugs mounted on an endless track for selecting an upper article tear and for conveying the upper article tier to a point of vertical alignment with the lower article tier, thereafter to be stacked and conveyed to the out feed end of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Patrice Bridier, Alain Vergnaud, Marc Bernoin
  • Patent number: 7156222
    Abstract: A powered magazine apparatus for retaining and transporting flexible bags comprises a base conveyor, and a pair of first and second digitated conveyor belts positioned on respective opposite sides of the base conveyor. Each of the digitated conveyor belts comprises a large multiplicity of outwardly projecting fingers. Each of the bags to be retained and transported is supported at its lower extent by the base conveyor, while opposite marginal edges of each bag are supported substantially through their vertical extents by the projecting fingers of each of the first and second digitated belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Campbell Wrapper Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen D. Schnuelle, Richard Stapp, Glenn Hayes
  • Patent number: 7021453
    Abstract: Various conveyor designs are disclosed, along with related link designs, suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The conveyor may include a plurality of connected links. Each link may have a length extending across the direction of transport and a width extending along the direction of transport. Each link may have a body, a slider, at least one gripping member, and a gear drive mechanism interconnecting the slider and gripping member. The slider is slidable along the length of the body to selectively move the gripping member between a first position and a second position via the gear drive mechanism. The gripping member when in first position is disposed in an open position, and the gripping member when in the second position is disposed in a gripping position for contacting one of the objects to hold the object during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Hartness International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hartness, William R. Hartness, III, Mark W. Davidson, Frank Brennan, Robert C. Beesley
  • Patent number: 6811021
    Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt module with a unitary sideguard. The sideguard extends upward perpendicularly from the top conveying surface of a plastic module body. The sideguard extends longitudinally along the conveying surface with a leading edge laterally offset from a trailing edge. Wedge-shaped indentations formed at the leading and trailing edges allow the sideguards of leading and trailing belt modules in a conveyor belt to mesh and to overlap without interference as the belt backflexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Andrew A. Corley
  • Patent number: 6761264
    Abstract: A conveyor belt for transporting objects is provided. The conveyor belt includes a plurality of body members. Also included in the conveyor belt are a plurality of surface platform members that are disposed at one side of the body members. An outside surface of the surface platform member is sloped from a first location of higher elevation to a second location of lower elevation. A rail member is located on the surface platform member and is proximate to the second point of lower elevation. The surface platform member is adapted to support an object that is transported by the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hartness International
    Inventors: Dorian F. Steeber, Robert C. Beesley, Olivier P. Duterte
  • Publication number: 20040065528
    Abstract: In a wet paper web transfer belt comprising a base body, a wet paper web side layer, and a machine side layer, the wet paper web side layer is formed of a high molecular weight elastic section having fibers protruding from its surface. The protruding fibers hold water from a wet paper web and therefore, the transfer of a wet paper web by attachment to the transfer belt, and the smoothness of removal of the wet paper web from the transfer belt when the web is transferred to the next stage of the papermaking process, are both improved without decreasing the durability of the transfer belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Kenji Inoue
  • Patent number: 6651461
    Abstract: A conveyor belt including a series of predefined sections and elevated support structures at the edges of each section for supporting items on the belt above the belt at each section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Paul J. Richter
  • Publication number: 20030213680
    Abstract: A conveyor belt for transporting objects is provided. The conveyor belt includes a plurality of body members. Also included in the conveyor belt are a plurality of surface platform members that are disposed at one side of the body members. An outside surface of the surface platform member is sloped from a first location of higher elevation to a second location of lower elevation. A rail member is located on the surface platform member and is proximate to the second point of lower elevation. The surface platform member is adapted to support an object that is transported by the conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Dorian F. Steeber, Robert C. Beesley, Olivier P. Duterte
  • Patent number: 6601697
    Abstract: A conveyor belt for transporting objects is provided. The conveyor belt includes a plurality of body members. Also included in the conveyor belt are a plurality of surface platform members that are disposed at one side of the body members. An outside surface of the surface platform member is sloped from a first location of higher elevation to a second location of lower elevation. A rail member is located on the surface platform member and is proximate to the second point of lower elevation. The surface platform member is adapted to support an object that is transported by the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Hartness International
    Inventors: Dorian F. Steeber, Robert C. Beesley, Olivier P. Duterte
  • Patent number: 6592446
    Abstract: A device for conveying separate objects (1), especially disk-shaped objects such as coins is provided with a guideway (2) and with a conveyor (4) running on a conveying arm (3) at a distance from the guideway (2). The distance (d) between a strand (5) of the transport belt (4) facing the guideway and the guideway (2) is smaller than the smallest height of an object (1) above the guideway (2). The objects (1) can be grasped by the strand (5) of the conveyor (4) facing the guideway (2) and can be conveyed on the guideway (2) and wherein the static friction and/or sliding friction forces between the objects (1) and he conveyor (4) are greater than the static friction and/or sliding friction forces between the objects (1) and the guideway (2). The conveyor (4) is a lamella belt (4) and the strand (5) of the lamella belt (4) facing the guideway (2) is guided over the entire longitudinal extension of the conveying arm (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: F. Zimmermann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6554129
    Abstract: A conveyor belt and an attachment element that firmly interlocks into a row of the conveyor belt. In one version, the attachment element includes a base from which two sets of hook-shaped appendages extend. The appendages each include a shank portion extending from the base and a hook portion angling from the shank portion to a distal end. The hook portions of the first set extend in different directions from the hook portions of the second set. Belt modules in the interconnected rows of the conveyor belt have receptacles that open onto an outer surface of the belt. The receptacles are shaped to receive the differently-directed appendages. Blocking surfaces bounding the receptacles constrain the differently-directed appendages against removal. In another version, the attachment element includes a flange that extends outward in a different direction from a set of appendages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Straight, Richard M. Klein, Christopher J. Verdigets
  • Patent number: 6471041
    Abstract: An attachment member for attaching to a roller chain tab includes a body member with a cavity defined in a bottom end thereof. This cavity has dimensions corresponding essentially to a tab provided on a roller chain link plate. The cavity is defined by a back wall, sides, and a front wall, and further includes a protuberance that extends from the back wall into the cavity towards the front wall. This protuberance has a shape so as to fit into a hole defined in the tabs provided on the roller chain link plates upon the body member being slid onto the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie T. Long, Ryan P. Rosenow
  • Patent number: 6467610
    Abstract: A modular conveyor belt with pin-retained attachments. The conveyor belt is constructed of a series of rows of side-by-side belt modules hingedly interconnected end to end by hinge pins through interleaved hinge eyes of adjacent rows. Selected modules are base modules that include upstanding members extending from intermediate module structure. Belt attachments, such as flights, include depending connection members with shank portions that interleave with the upstanding members of the base module. One or more aligned apertures through the interleaved connection members and upstanding members form passageways across the base modules for connecting pins that hold the attachment to one or more base modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventor: Gilbert J. MacLachlan
  • Patent number: RE42361
    Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt module with a unitary sideguard. The sideguard extends upward perpendicularly from the top conveying surface of a plastic module body. The sideguard extends longitudinally along the conveying surface with a leading edge laterally offset from a trailing edge. Wedge-shaped indentations formed at the leading and trailing edges allow the sideguards of leading and trailing belt modules in a conveyor belt to mesh and to overlap without interference as the belt backflexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Andrew A. Corley