Endless-orbiting Pusher Or Its Load Support Patents (Class 198/725)
  • Patent number: 11410296
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blister strip inspection device (10) for sensing blister segments (12) of a blister strip (14), having an image acquisition device (16) which is arranged to capture images of the blister strip (14), wherein the image acquisition device (16) comprises a digital camera (18.1), an advance sensing device (24) for continuously sensing an advance (x) of the blister strip (14), and an evaluating unit (40) which is connected to the digital camera (18.1) and to the advance sensing device (24), and which is configured to automatically perform a method having the following steps: (v) sensing the advance of the blister strip (14), (vi) determining a target time (ti), at least also on the basis of the advance, at which a blister segment (12.i) is completely in the field of view (20.1) of the digital camera, and (vii) acquiring an image with the digital camera (18.1) at said target time (ti), wherein the digital camera (18.1) is a video camera which has a field of view (20.1, 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: BLISTER PARTNERS HOLDING BV
    Inventor: Gijsbert Olivier van Schelven
  • Patent number: 11156560
    Abstract: An appearance inspection device includes: a conveyance body having a surface and a rear face and conveyed in a predetermined direction; an illumination device that irradiates with predetermined light an inspection area through which a plurality of objects pass, wherein the objects are arranged at predetermined intervals on a first face that is one of the surface and the rear face; a plurality of imaging devices each of which takes, along a predetermined direction, an image of part of side faces of the objects located in the inspection area, wherein the predetermined direction is inclined to both the surface and the rear face; and a processor that inspects an appearance of the side faces of the objects based on image data obtained by the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: CKD CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tadashi Inoguchi
  • Patent number: 11123659
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sludge collector including: a plurality of flights collecting sludge in a settling basin; a chain connected to the plurality of flights to move the flights; and an attachment-integrated roller unit detachably coupled to an attachment connected to the flights, and preventing the flights from being reversed when the flights are operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignees: LINKON TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeong Hun Oh, Jin Hwan Oh
  • Patent number: 10793385
    Abstract: The problem of providing an apparatus for conveying a molded body for heat exchanger fins that is capable of realizing high speed conveying of the molded body for heat exchanger fins, preventing the generation of noise during conveying, and miniaturization is provided. An apparatus conveys a metal strip in a predetermined direction after tube insertion portions are formed in a thin metal plate, and has a plurality of conveying units disposed along a conveying direction of the molded body for heat exchanger fins, each conveying unit including: a rotating conveyor that has a plurality of tapered protrusions that are capable of advancing into the tube insertion portions and a rotating shaft in a direction that is perpendicular to a conveying direction of the metal strip on a horizontal plane; and a rotating conveyor driving unit that rotationally drives the rotating conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: HIDAKA SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Junichi Nishizawa, Keiichi Morishita
  • Patent number: 9302854
    Abstract: A conveyor system with an endless loop tubular system has an inlet provided for permitting material to be introduced into the tubular system. An endless loop flexible member extends through the tubular system and has inserts disposed thereon for moving material along the endless loop tubular system. A drive mechanism is provided for causing the endless loop flexible member and inserts to move in at least one direction through the endless loop tubular system. A novel outlet valve disposed in the endless loop tubular system is provided for selectively permitting the material to fall out of the endless loop tubular system by gravity, the outlet valve having an opening with an insert entry end and a insert exit end, a first side and a second side and wherein the insert entry end is larger than the insert exit end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: INTRACO, INC.
    Inventor: Eric L. Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20150101912
    Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a plurality of side link assemblies and flight arm assemblies coupled together to form an elongated chain. The flight arm assemblies include a pair of opposing flight arms positioned on either side of the chain with the flight arms each including an elongated body formed with and extending from an integral base and a vertical sprocket opening formed in the integral base. The vertical sprocket opening is configured for engaging a tooth of a drive sprocket to drive the flight arm. The side link assemblies include a pair of opposing side straps positioned on either side of the chain each including a base and a pair of side strap bosses extending outwardly from the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicants: THE CINCINNATI MINE MACHINERY COMPANY, THE CINCINNATI MINE MACHINERY COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall Lee Morris, Aaron Daniel Meyer
  • Patent number: 8931626
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the surface treatment of objects, comprising a treatment cabinet having an entry and an exit and a conveyor system comprising pulling or pushing means, by means of which an object can be conveyed in circulation in a transport direction through the treatment cabinet, thereby covering a transport distance. The object provides a transport length in the transport direction associated therewith, and the pulling or pushing means provide a drive distance in the transport direction. The conveyor system comprises a coupling device, by means of which the object can be coupled to the pulling or pushing means along the drive distance. The drive distance is shorter than the transport length of the object in the transport direction, and the coupling device is aligned so that the transport distance that can be covered by the object is longer than the drive distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Eisenmann AG
    Inventors: Juergen Heim, Eckard Riemrich
  • Patent number: 8925715
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus feeds a metal strip with cutaway portions in a conveying direction and includes: a reference plate on which the metal strip is placed and in which a slit is formed; moving bodies that are provided below the reference plate and are moved by driving means parallel to the reference plate in the conveying direction; feed pins that advance into the cutaway portions, are provided on the moving bodies so as to move up and down with respect to the reference plate, and pull the metal strip in the conveying direction when the moving bodies move; and at least one guide portion that contacts a side surface on an opposite side of the metal strip to the cutaway portions and guides conveyance of the metal strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hidaka Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanao Karasawa, Toshiyuki Nanaarashi
  • Patent number: 8910775
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus has a conveying track for electronic devices in a row, two vacuum passages to create vacuum forces to hold electronic devices against the conveying track at first and second positions respectively preventing overlapping of electronic devices; and sensors arranged with respect to the conveying track, the first sensor detects presence or absence of the leading electronic device at the first position for removal of the leading electronic device from the conveying track, and the second sensor detects presence or absence of the leading electronic device at a sensor position between the first and second positions as the leading electronic device is conveyed along the conveying track from the second to the first vacuum passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: ASM Technology Singapore Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Chak Tong Sze, Pei Wei Tsai, Wing Sze Chan, Cho Hin Cheuk, Tsz Chun Chow
  • Patent number: 8794429
    Abstract: A pan section for combined conveying and winning apparatuses having a bottom run and a top run for guiding driver elements of a conveyor chain, as well as a welded frame structure which has two side cheeks which consist of one-piece rolled profiles. The rolled profiles have a constant profile shape with a bottom leg and a top leg, which are angled outwards in the assembled state, and an intermediate leg being provided with an offset for supporting and welding at least one intermediate plate. The pan section further includes a substructure connected to the bottom leg of the rolled profiles to connect both bottom legs to one another at a distance from the intermediate bottom. The substructure also has mounting pieces positioned at the ends below the bottom legs for transverse-force transmission means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Fischer, Siegfried Schmidt, Eugen Baier, Jörg Wirtz, Uwe Tillessen
  • Patent number: 8770911
    Abstract: A collating conveyor (4, 6) receives products (2) sequentially from a delivery point and collates them into groups (8). A pusher (9) transfers groups (8) of products from the collating conveyor (4, 6) to a receiving trough (10), where they are turned through a predetermined angle B. The collating conveyor (4, 6) is inclined to the horizontal and is provided with lugs (5, 7), each of which supports a stack (8) of products under the effect of gravity. A pick-and-place head (11) picks up a group (8) of products from the trough (10) by gripping and clamping the products (2) together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Quin Systems Limited
    Inventor: Michael Webb
  • Patent number: 8720673
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport apparatus for conveying a product, comprising a moveable conveying element (2) for conveying a product, a stationary sliding rail (3) that is arranged around the circumference for guiding the conveying element (2), and a drive device (5) for a linear motor for driving the conveying element (2), wherein the conveying element (2) comprises a main body (2a), a pusher finger (15) that can be brought into contact with the product, and a permanent magnet (6) that is operatively connected to the drive device (5) for the linear motor, wherein the conveying element (2) comprises a first running device (10), which is arranged on a side of the conveying element (2) in the running direction (A) of the conveying element (2), and a second running device (11) which is arranged on the other side of the conveying element (2) in the running direction (A) of the conveying element (2), and wherein the conveying element (2) comprises a guiding device (12, 22) that is arranged such that a resul
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich Loecht
  • Patent number: 8418837
    Abstract: A corner assembly for a tube conveyor system comprises a housing defining a wheel receiving area and a flow path with ports at opposite ends of the flow path. A wheel rotatably received in the wheel receiving area comprises a rim having an upper surface and a lower surface; a pair of spaced apart channels formed in at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the rim; and at least one flapper pivotally mounted to the wheel inside of the rim. The flapper is freely movable between a position in which it is aligned with a wall of one of the channels and a position in which it is aligned with a wall of the other of the channels. Thus, when the wheel rotates, the flapper will sweep any material in the wheel receiving area towards and through one of the channels and into the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The GSI Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Brad Eversole
  • Patent number: 8322970
    Abstract: A conveying and stacking apparatus for stacking items or substrates carrying items received from an infeed conveyor is provided. The stacker has a housing and at least one movable platform upon which the item or substrate with one or more items located thereon is placed. An overhead loading belt assembly which includes at least one belt assembly positioned to travel over at least a portion of the infeed conveyor adjacent to the at least one moveable platform and the at least one moveable platform is provided. The at least one belt assembly carries the item or the substrate with the items located thereon to a stacking position on the at least one platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Packaging Progressions, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Ward, Allen Ely
  • Patent number: 8245837
    Abstract: A corner assembly for a tube conveyor system comprises a housing defining a wheel receiving area and a flow path defining an angle and having ports at opposite ends of said flow path. A wheel is rotatably received in the wheel receiving area. The wheel comprises a rim having an upper surface and a lower surface; at least one pair of spaced apart channels formed in at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the rim; and at least one flapper pivotally mounted to said wheel inside of said rim. The flapper is freely movable between a first position in which the flapper is aligned with a wall of one of the channels and a second position in which the flapper is aligned with a wall of the other of the channels. Thus, when the wheel rotates, the flapper will sweep any material in the wheel receiving area towards and through one of the channels and into the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: The GSI Group, LLC
    Inventor: Brad Eversole
  • Publication number: 20120018282
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport apparatus for conveying a product, comprising a moveable conveying element (2) for conveying a product, a stationary sliding rail (3) that is arranged around the circumference for guiding the conveying element (2), and a drive device (5) for a linear motor for driving the conveying element (2), wherein the conveying element (2) comprises a main body (2a), a pusher finger (15) that can be brought into contact with the product, and a permanent magnet (6) that is operatively connected to the drive device (5) for the linear motor, wherein the conveying element (2) comprises a first running device (10), which is arranged on a side of the conveying element (2) in the running direction (A) of the conveying element (2), and a second running device (11) which is arranged on the other side of the conveying element (2) in the running direction (A) of the conveying element (2), and wherein the conveying element (2) comprises a guiding device (12, 22) that is arranged such that a resul
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Heinrich Loecht
  • Publication number: 20110284343
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the surface treatment of objects, comprising a treatment cabinet having an entry and an exit and a conveyor system comprising pulling or pushing means, by means of which an object can be conveyed in circulation in a transport direction through the treatment cabinet, thereby covering a transport distance. The object provides a transport length in the transport direction associated therewith, and the pulling or pushing means provide a drive distance in the transport direction. The conveyor system comprises a coupling device, by means of which the object can be coupled to the pulling or pushing means along the drive distance. The drive distance is shorter than the transport length of the object in the transport direction, and the coupling device is aligned so that the transport distance that can be covered by the object is longer than the drive distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: EISENMANN AG
    Inventors: Juergen Heim, Eckard Riemrich
  • Patent number: 8015776
    Abstract: A product packaging system is provided having a series of selector wedges that engage the lower portions of a series of products moving along a product infeed conveyor. The selector wedges separate the products into product groups for loading into product cartons moving adjacent the product infeed conveyor. At approximately the same time the selector wedges are engaging the products, a series of lugs are conveyed by an overhead lug system into engagement with each of the products being engaged so as to help stabilize the products and prevent tipping of the products as they are separated and loaded into their corresponding product cartons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Vicenc Alfonso Alfonso, Vicente Marquez Estevez
  • Publication number: 20110185870
    Abstract: A waste roll web product processing system includes a first roller conveyor, a push bar conveyor, a second roller conveyor, a guide device and a cutter. The push bar conveyor pushes waste roll web products from the first roller conveyor to the second roller conveyor for enabling the second roller conveyor to deliver the waste roll web products to the guide device so that the waste roll web products fall downwards along the guide device one after another and the cutter cuts off each falling waste roll web product for enabling the web material and shaft of each waste roll web product to be separately recycled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Chan Li Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Hsing Yu
  • Publication number: 20100084247
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting apparatus for transporting products, which includes a linear drive mechanism, a continuous conveyor system, having two parallel straight conveyor regions and two curved conveyor regions each connecting one end of the straight conveyor regions, and a plurality of conveyor elements. The conveyor elements extend along the continuous conveyor system and convey the products to be conveyed along at least a portion of the conveyor system while being guided along a guide path. The linear drive mechanism includes a first linear segment and a second linear segment, which are disposed parallel to the straight conveyor regions. The curved conveyor regions of the conveyor system are advantageously embodied as driveless.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Alfred Wipf, Heinrich Loecht, Martin Siering
  • Publication number: 20090250316
    Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing a viscous or semisolid product. The device includes a versatile product holding tray for manufacturing or forming the product. This tray is a polygonal member that includes a top surface for receiving the liquid or semisolid product, and a plurality of sides wherein at least one side includes a registration recess that is configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a retaining bar of an endless conveyor to facilitate positioning of the tray upon the conveyor so that the retaining bar advances the tray during manufacture of the product. The device also includes an endless conveyor that includes a plurality of spaced tray retainer bars thereon for holding and advancing the tray to one or more product forming stations for forming the product on the trays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Giovanni Gaetano, Robert John Mazurek, Thomas Clayton Pritchard
  • Patent number: 7581637
    Abstract: A feeding device for a packaging machine used to feed individual goods to a packaging station of the machine includes at least one continuously rotating conveyor which comprises at least one driver element used to drive the individual goods, which are to be guided, along a conveyor path. The inventive feeder device is embodied in such a manner that, for each conveyor, only one individual driver element can be placed in a driving position of the individual goods which are to be guided at any one time. The device reduces the feeding path of a packaging machine and also increases the position precision of the individual goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Lenherr, Cyrille Fuellemann
  • Publication number: 20090032374
    Abstract: A sortation conveyor has overlapping pusher shoes stealth profile upper surface and a “cow catcher” edge which reduces interference with mislocated packages. In a tube type sortation conveyor of one aspect of the present invention, the center of the tubes are vertically offset upwards from the center of the chain pins which allows a single pusher cap design to be used with a round tube type and a slat type sortation conveyor. In another aspect of the invention, the pusher cap has a single, common mounting surface which accepts pusher pads of different divert angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Martin Albert Heit, Matthew John Tefend, Justin Zimmer
  • Patent number: 7128520
    Abstract: According to a method for transferring articles, the articles, in particular blister packs, are transferred to a feeding line of a packaging machine, moving continuously and longitudinally with respect to an outlet line of a machine producing the articles, on which the articles to be transferred are carried in line in a continuous way. According to the method, the articles leaving said outlet line, aligned and regularly spaced apart, are transferred onto support elements carried by a distributing unit aligned with the outlet line, above the feeding line. The support elements are selectively operated to release one by one said articles into respective holding pockets defined by the feeding line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Marchesinl Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 6896121
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor pan (50) for underground face and gate conveyors, with a bottom pan (2) and a top pan (3) for the guidance of scrapers of a scrapper chain, the conveyor pan (50) having a welded frame construction (1) comprising side walls firmly fixed to one another with a conveyor base (8) and a means (60) of joining the conveyor pans. In accordance with the present invention the side walls comprise mirror image single part rolled profiles (10) with a constant profile form over the length of the conveyor pan (50), whereby the rolled profile (10) includes a base arm (11) and a top arm (12) both angled outwards as well as an extended intermediate arm (13) joining these, which is provided with an offset (14), onto which intermediate arm (13) on its inside at least one step (17) is formed for the support and welding on of at least one of the intermediate plates (40A) stiffening the frame construction (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: DBT GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Vorsteher, Gerhard Merten, Frank Fischer, Jorg Wirtz, Siefgried Schmidt, Martin Broszat, Alfred Hefferan, John Cobley, Alister McAndrew, Olaf Losbrodt
  • Publication number: 20040140178
    Abstract: A drag chain conveyor is provided for use in underground mining, and comprises interconnected, profiled conveyor chutes, conveyor chains guided in the conveyor chutes, carriers attached to the conveyor chains, and at least one drive for the conveyor chains. The conveyor chains and/or the carriers are comprised at least partially of a self-extinguishing and difficult to ignite plastic or polymeric material having anti-static material properties and a high mechanical strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Elmar Wiejack-Symann, Frank-Hasse Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6698576
    Abstract: In a method for transferring a product in a packaging machine, the product is engaged from behind by a pushing element which is mounted on and driven by a first circulating continuous conveyor and moved from a transfer station along a sliding surface for transfer to an ongoing conveyor device. While being moved, the product is guided between the pushing element and a forward limiting element which is mounted on a second circulating continuous conveyor. To ensure a precise, rapid transfer, the forward limiting element is returned to the transfer station after the product has been moved by the carrying run of its second continuous conveyor and is used as the pushing element for the next product to be moved. The pushing element is guided back to the transfer station in the opposite direction to that in which the product is conveyed by means of its first continuous conveyor and is used as the limiting element for the next product to be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Hähnel, Richard Christ
  • Patent number: 6598731
    Abstract: A feeder conveyor belt system applies force to the upper surface of objects and assists in moving the objects over a planar surface. The feeder conveyor belt is mounted on a suspension system which allows the feeder conveyor belt to adjust to the contour of objects being transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Eldetco, Inc.
    Inventor: Don Lunghi
  • Publication number: 20020195318
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the control of the chain drive mechanisms of underground working machines and a correspondingly equipped chain scraper conveyor. In chain scraper conveyors with a large distance between the main and auxiliary drive stations, e.g. a distance of more than 400 m, a chain breakage in the bottom run or a shaft breakage can arise, which can be traced back to vibration phenomena in the chain. The invention proposes to filter out a detection signal (Serk), representative of the currently arising vibrations of the chain (1), from the operating data of the main and auxiliary drives (I, II) by means of a detection device (34), and to take this to an active suppressor (35), which generates a time-variable control signal (STilgung) in accordance with a suppressor function, with which, in the frequency range of the vibration of the chain, a change is effected to a control value, e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Dirk Abel, Arno Breimhorst, Erwin Haese, Gerhard Merten, Peter Herkenrath, Nicole Kositza, Manfred Ziegler, Ulrich Paschedag
  • Patent number: 6435330
    Abstract: A transfer system for moving one or more articles between a conveyor and a station. The system includes a transfer assembly having a lifting mechanism configured to engage the article as it is carried by the conveyor, lift the article to a raised position above the support and lower the article from the raised position to the conveyor. The assembly also includes a displacement device configured to move the article from the raised position to a station, position the article at the station, and return the article from the station to the raised position above the conveyor. The system also includes the method of transferring an article between a conveyor having a pair of spaced rails and a station positioned to one side of the conveyor. The method includes engaging the underside of the article between the rails and lifting the article to a raised position and moving the article in a direction perpendicular to the conveyor between the raised position and a position vicinal the station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Asyai Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Bonora, Richard H. Gould
  • Publication number: 20010019006
    Abstract: In an adjustment zone (B), the spacings between objects, which are conveyed by independently movable holding elements (2) along a rail track (1) are e.g. for a processing operation adjusted to a predefined value larger than the minimum spacing. To achieve this, a continuously circulating and compressible, adjusting chain (5) running in a circulating track is provided, which adjusting chain (5) is elongatable in a controlled manner. The circulating track extends at least in the adjustment zone (B) parallel to the rail track (1) such that the adjusting chain is in engagement with holding elements (2) conveyed along the rail track (1). Furthermore, control means for adjusting a predefined compression of the adjusting chain (5) are provided in the adjustment zone (B). The adjusting chain (5) comprises e.g. chain links (6) joined together in an articulated manner. Assigned to every second articulated joint of chain links (6) are guide rollers (7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: H. Ulrich Stauber
  • Patent number: 6189682
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic lug loader to place blocks on each lug on a lug conveyor in a finger jointing machine. The lug loader includes a support structure with a control station and a feed table. A powered loading conveyor overlies the support structure with an infeed end disposed over the control station. The loading conveyor extends downstream to an outfeed end which is disposed over the upstream end of the lug conveyor. A powered adjuster is connected to the loading conveyor and shifts the loading conveyor toward and away from the control station to selectively grip a block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: David A. Hill
  • Patent number: 5901833
    Abstract: A golf ball conveyor including an endless chain having link pins arranged vertically which moves along a travelling line in a golf-ball conveying direction to convey golf balls. A driving device rotates the chain in an endless manner. A plurality of ball moving protrusions are provided at predetermined distances on the chain to move the golf balls one-by-one, and a plurality of guide rollers are provided at predetermined distances on the chain for guiding movement of the chain. Sprockets may be used for bending the travelling line of the endless chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Yoshio Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 5431272
    Abstract: To move or remove a workpiece from a worktable, as for example a finished workpiece from a work station, an elongate conveyer member, once it has been positioned so that at least a portion thereof is superposed over the finished workpiece, is lowered to contact at least one portion of the finished workpiece. Upon contact, the conveyer member is activated to convey the workpiece away from the work station, and if desired, automatically convey the workpiece to a storage bin or pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Finn-Power International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mikko Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 5363968
    Abstract: An automatic blister system includes an inspection station into which blisters are delivered in seriatim. After inspection the blisters are removed from the inspection station. A transport assembly conveys the blister through the inspection station. A sensor or detector is mounted in the inspection station directed at the path of travel of the blisters. In addition, a high speed camera is in the inspection station which is actuated by the sensor for capturing a picture of the blister. The characteristics of the blister in the picture are then monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventor: Sabrie B. Soloman
  • Patent number: 5360099
    Abstract: An adjustable flight bar system (10) for advancing articles along a predetermined path includes a pair of conveyor chains (11) and a series of adjustable flight bars (13). Each flight bar has a support member (23) and an auxiliary member (24) coupled to the support member through cross links (25). The auxiliary member is movable between a retracted position adjacent the support member and an extended position away from the support member to accommodate articles of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventors: Will L. Culpepper, Glenn Robinson
  • Patent number: 5203446
    Abstract: A conveyor mechanism for transporting trays utilizing a simple, single closed belt loop that is round in cross-section. The belt runs in and over a slider bed in straight sections and/or curved sections, and its upper edge extends above the slider bed so as to be exposed to the bottom of the trays whose weight gives the belt a frictional coefficient of engagement for transporting therealong. Line contact is provided between the transported trays and the topmost edge of the belt on which it is functionally balanced to limit the tipping motion of the load. The belt is kept operative by a motor, and guided in pulleys, slots or guides and guards, and thereby the load in effect "walks along the belt".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Jared Ufland
  • Patent number: 5158280
    Abstract: Apparatus for processing letters, comprising: an elongate deck; structure for feeding respective letters in a downstream path of travel extending longitudinally along the deck, the feeding structure including a pair of axially parallel spaced rollers, the feeding structure including an endless belt looped about the rollers and disposed in engagement therewith; and structure for supporting the feeding structure, the supporting structure including a stationary frame, the supporting structure including a pair of elongate parallel-spaced support members pivotably attached to the frame and extending therefrom into overhanging relationship with the deck, and the feeding structure removably connected to the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Jose R. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5131524
    Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor system with movable partitions, which is so designed that powdery goods, grainy goods or other shapeless goods, or loose stuff, such as molded resin articles, can surely and safely be conveyed, when excessive resistance is applied to the lower end portion of a partition moving within a load-receiving tray, the partition swings rearward to run free of the load, when goods to be conveyed get stuck at the lower end portion of the partition, the partition moves in that state in the tray dragging the goods along, and when the partition reaches the front sprocket in the running direction and the partition-attached portion of an endless caterpillar engages with the sprocket and rotates about a quarter, the partition is flipped over, permitting the goods to be set free or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Akira Uehara
  • Patent number: 5069327
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shavings conveyor which has a continuously turning conveyor belt (1) provided with two lateral conveyor chains (2) as well as a housing (6) equipped with guide rails (8) for these conveyor chains, openings (11, 12) for the coolant to pass through being provided in the upper guide rails (8) of the conveyor chains. In this way a structurally simple conveyor is produced in which the delivered coolant can run off laterally in a reliable and quick manner through the region of the upper conveyor run (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Gebr. Hennig GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Stohr, Alfred Rehle
  • Patent number: 5056651
    Abstract: A flight for collecting sludge by sweeping comprises a roller shoe, comprising (a) a frame having a substantially U-shaped cross section and having a pair of side plates, (b) a shaft having a diameter-enlarged portion at one end and a threaded portion at the other end, and fixed to the side plates, and (c) a roller rotatably supported by the shaft between the side plates, wherein the frame is constituted by an injection-molded synthetic resin, and the roller is made of a synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Nagamatsu
  • Patent number: 5048671
    Abstract: A conveyer for particulate or comminuted material having flighting carried by a belt rather than a chain or cable. The flat belt is oriented with its broad sides in a substantially vertical plane and is driven and supported by pulleys at each end of the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: EBM Mill & Elevator Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Clayton S. Ellsworth
  • Patent number: 4909378
    Abstract: Mechanical handling apparatus for moving a load over a support surface comprises an endless powered conveyor device which extends substantially over at least part of the length of the support and is trained round guides or pulleys rotatable about substantially horizontal axes. The endless conveyor device comprises a chain having a working run and a return run the working run of which comprises at least two working parts, which are movable vertically independently or in unison. In a preferred embodiment, each conveyor device comprises two side-by-side chains. The endless chains run in a guide for the working run and a guide for the return run. The guides are mounted one on top of the other, the lower guide being of inverted channel section and the upper guide being of upwardly open channel section which rises and falls within an outer channel on a support plate which is in contact with an inflatable device such as an air bag in order to provide a smooth and uniform raising and lowering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Hydraroll Limited
    Inventor: John E. R. Webb
  • Patent number: 4884679
    Abstract: A depository for receiving under conditions of security bank transaction deposits in envelopes of carying thicknesses one at a time, wherein the envelopes may contain coin in different sizes and numbers. The depository has a transport mechanism including a fixed upper platen, an endless belt having a lower flight movable below and supported by the fixed upper platen, and a lower platen movable with respect to the fixed upper platen at an angle downward from the belt and in the direction of belt travel when the belt is driven. An envelope being conveyed is pinched between the belt and a narrow longitudinal central ribbed plastic rail projecting upward from the movable lower platen. The plastic rail ribs have slippery low friction surfaces and the belt engages a low friction slippery surface portion of the fixed upper platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Diebold Incorporated
    Inventors: Harry T. Graef, Kevin H. Newton
  • Patent number: 4878578
    Abstract: The specification discloses a split-cam conveyor roller assembly including a pair of eccentric rollers rotatable relative one another between transportation and accumulation positions. A pin fixed in one roller is received within a circumferential slot in the other roller. A magnet is fixed at one end of the slot, and the pin is made of a ferrous material to aid in retaining the rollers in the transportation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Rapistan Corp.
    Inventor: Gerald A. Brouwer
  • Patent number: 4870241
    Abstract: Can bodies (1) rounded around an arm (16) are taken over by endless conveying tracks (30;50). These are each guided over guide devices (32;52) and a drive wheel (33;53) and each comprise a run parallel to the arm (16) in order to convey the can bodies (1) along the arm (16) in the direction of a welding station (70). The guide devices (32;52) are mounted on track carriers (26;46) and form, together with these and the associated conveying track (30;50), units adapted to the length of the can bodies and interchangeable as a whole. These units are each secured to a sliding carriage (22;42) which is adjustable at least substantially radially to the arm (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Elpatronic AG
    Inventor: Peter Gysi
  • Patent number: 4721202
    Abstract: A frictional drive unit, suitable for effecting linear sliding movement of a structural member into a cantilevered position, includes a frame, at least two sprocket assemblies mounted in bearings in the frame and spaced apart with their rotational axes parallel to each other, and an endless track. This track comprises a plurality of articulated friction pads mounted upon the sprocket assemblies and drivingly engageable with the structural member. Reversible motor means is carried by the frame and is drivingly connected to at least one of the sprocket assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Dowty Boulton Paul Limited
    Inventors: Melvyn T. Fryer, John P. Rogers
  • Patent number: 4615432
    Abstract: In a device for the transport of workpieces of flexible materials which are to be supplied to a treatment station in a coil for treating their longitudinal edges and the workpiece in the form of a coil from which a portion to be treated projects is sent, or positioned on, a transport device which includes a transport trough which receives the coil. The trough is provided on one or both long sides with a supporting bending edge and a bearing surface arranged vertically below it. A coiled workpiece may be transported by the device at high speed and moved to align its longitudinal edge or edges to be treated at various work stations without difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Kolb & Schule
    Inventor: Conrad Arbter
  • Patent number: 4538801
    Abstract: A slitter feeds paper sheets one-at-a-time from a stack onto an alignment table and against a guide surface. A quick and accurate adjustment for the guide surface enables the orientation of the guide surface and thus of the sheets to be adjusted. The sheets are fed to a cutter and are cut into segments. The cutters include radially overlapping cutting edges which are freely separable, against a spring-bias, to accommodate the simultaneous passage of more than one sheet. The cut segments are discharged onto conveyor assemblies and fanned-out in divergent directions for collection. The conveyor assemblies support the segments along laterally spaced lines and frictionally engage the segments with a drive belt intermediate the lines of support. A quick-release clutch enables the drive to the sheet feeding mechanism to be interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Therm-O-Type Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher K. Van Pelt
  • Patent number: 4458806
    Abstract: A conveyor chain for a dishwashing system which chain includes a plurality of pinned links and travels on a conveyor pan and supports at least in part racks to be carried. The links are pinned for movement about a vertical axis (in a horizontal plane). Paired wheels are pinned to the links and lie in planes that form acute angles with the pan. This minimizes lateral sliding friction between the wheels of the links and the pan and therefore, wear, when the chain travels through a non-linear portion of the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventors: Clyde R. Weihe, Edward C. Gratto