By Electromagnetic Means Patents (Class 198/769)
  • Patent number: 10857561
    Abstract: A material sprayer includes a hopper and a shaker assembly mounted onto a sidewall of the hopper. The hopper includes at least one sidewall that extends along a first plane. The shaker assembly includes a resilient bracket, an electromagnetic coil, and an armature. The resilient bracket is mounted to the sidewall of the hopper and includes first and second ends and a curved portion. The electromagnetic coil is mounted to a portion of the resilient bracket and is configured to generate a magnetic field in response to a current from a power source. The armature is mounted to a portion of the resilient bracket such that the armature is able to move relative to the electromagnetic coil along an acceleration axis that is orthogonal to the first plane of the sidewall of the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Jeromy D. Horning, Thomas E. Pauly, Steven R. Kuczenski
  • Patent number: 10180345
    Abstract: The invention is a weighing and feeding system for accurate weighing of small quantities of material in pelletized form and feeding the weighed material to processing machines. In particular the invention, is suitable for the preparation of weighed quantities of masterbatch to be added with resin directly into injection molding or extrusion machines for the manufacture of plastic products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: O.E.D.A. Liad Holdings (2006) Ltd.
    Inventors: Eli Margalit, Dov Bernardo Sosnik
  • Patent number: 9481526
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a reciprocally moveable conveyor bed, having a product conveying surface, and a magnetic drive which is oriented in spaced relation relative to the conveyor bed and which, when energized, imparts reciprocal motion to the conveyor bed to move the product along the product conveying surface of the conveyor bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene Groenewald
  • Patent number: 8770389
    Abstract: A vibrator (16) for the tray (10) of a vibratory conveyor (slip conveyor). The conveyor (16) includes bases 19 and 20 supported by resilient mountings (17, 18) on a stationary structure 37. Elongated resilient mountings (17, 18) extend between bases (19, 22), with the tray (10) supported on the base (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: TNA Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Phillip Millard, Tim Moulsdale
  • Patent number: 8752695
    Abstract: A shaker conveyor assembly including a housing, a drive system supported by the housing and at least one transport tray supported by the housing and operatively connected to the drive system. The drive system includes an electric motor that produces a rotary output. A cam assembly is operatively connected in driven relationship to the rotary output of the electric motor so as to rotate therewith. A cam follower assembly is operatively connected to the transport tray and is responsive to the rotation of the cam assembly to produce repeated, reciprocating, linear motion and to transmit this motion to the transport tray so as to convey items therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Magnetic Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Kwasniewicz, Jason L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140097065
    Abstract: An excited frame vibratory conveyor is described and which includes a base frame; a motor mount made integral and with the base frame; a pair of vibratory motors mounted on the motor mount; and an electrical circuit for energizing the pair of vibratory motors in a fashion which reduces movement of the base frame in a vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Chris Woiler, Dean Dunham, Mark Schmidtgall, Jeff Brant, Tim Rickard, Chuck Jameson
  • Patent number: 8251204
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vibratory parts feeding system having an electromagnetic securement system for operatively coupling a feeder bowl, inline feeder, and/or hopper bin to their respective base drive units. The securement system includes a metallic plate and a mounting portion, wherein the metallic plate is affixed to or integrated into the feeder bowl, inline feeder, or hopper bin and the mounting portion, which includes an electromagnet, is affixed to or integrated into the base drive unit. The metallic plate and mounting portion are designed to interface with one another, and when the electromagnet is energized, the metallic plate is secured to the base drive unit by the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Service Engineering Incorporated
    Inventors: John P. Mazza, Mark F. Koester, Robert A. Jennings, Bruce E. Allen, Ryan L. Jennings, Jonathon Baumann
  • Patent number: 8096407
    Abstract: A natural frequency conveyor includes a tray, base, drive system, spring assembly and drive controller for delivery of articles. The drive system includes pairs of identical first and second electromagnets having the respective pole pieces. Preferably the pole pieces of the respective second electromagnets are mounted to the tray, and the pole pieces of the others to the base, so that the second electromagnets so as to the tray are movable in the direction of action of the drive system when energized by a three-phase electricity to be efficient in operation of the conveyor. The spring assembly includes sets of flat springs, which are mounted to the respective tray and base to thereby force the tray to move back when the drive system is not energized. This results in an oscillating movement of the tray according to the natural frequency of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Vaughn Gregor
  • Publication number: 20110284344
    Abstract: A system (1) for supplying components, particularly for transporting small components includes a vibrating device (2) provided with a plate (3) forming a surface for enabling the components to be grasped by a robot and a vibrating element (12) arranged to be capable of vibrating the plate (3) in one of the three directions in space and to be capable of vibrating the plate (3) in directions corresponding to any combination whatsoever of the three directions x, y and z. For this purpose, the vibrating element includes vibrating actuators (12) respectively including a vibrating element arranged to move with at least five degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: ASYRIL SA
    Inventors: Sebastien Perroud, Tobias Hafner, Yves Mussard
  • Patent number: 7857123
    Abstract: A parts conveyor apparatus that conveys parts using the vibrations includes an electromagnetic motor that generates the vibrations; a rotary panel which is mounted on an output shaft of the electromagnetic motor and rotates eccentrically by the rotation of the output shaft; and a spring member which vibrates by the rotation of the rotary panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Fuyama, Shin Takeda
  • Patent number: 7784604
    Abstract: Vibratory linear conveyor that includes a utility weight and a counterweight that can be vibratingly moved in opposing directions via a drive unit, the drive unit being coupled to the utility weight and to the counterweight and being arranged in a receiving chamber beneath the utility weight, whereby a first drive unit including an electromagnet and a second drive unit including a piezo-electric actuator can be exchangeably installed for drive units, identical types of fastening arrangements being provided and positioned identically on each drive unit for connecting to the fastening arrangement arranged on the utility weight and on the counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Feintool Intellectual Property AG
    Inventors: Christian Boeger, Klaus Bott, Franz Edbauer
  • Publication number: 20090032375
    Abstract: Linear vibratory conveyor including a utility weight and a counterweight that can be vibratingly moved in opposing directions via a drive unit, the utility weight and the counterweight being connected via a non-rigid connector that represents or includes a vibration amplifying means for the vibration produced by the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Christian Boeger, Franz Edbauer
  • Publication number: 20090008221
    Abstract: Vibratory linear conveyor that includes a utility weight and a counterweight that can be vibratingly moved in opposing directions via a drive unit, the drive unit being coupled to the utility weight and to the counterweight and being arranged in a receiving chamber beneath the utility weight, whereby a first drive unit including an electromagnet and a second drive unit including a piezo-electric actuator can be exchangeably installed for drive units, identical types of fastening arrangements being provided and positioned identically on each drive unit for connecting to the fastening arrangement arranged on the utility weight and on the counterweight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Christian Boeger, Klaus Bott, Franz Edbauer
  • Patent number: 7392897
    Abstract: Vibrational linear conveyor for conveying workpieces and powdery or granular materials with a useful mass and a counter mass, which are equal in magnitude, are mounted separately at a vibrating system and, for conveying, can be brought into an opposite oscillating or vibrating movement over an electromagnetic exciter element comprising a magnet coil and a magnet armature, both of which are parts of the useful or counter mass. The workpieces or materials are transported by means of the oscillating or vibrating movement on a trough-like conveying element, which is part of the useful mass, along the conveying element, the useful and counter masses of the same magnitude lying essentially one above the other and being built up symmetrically on either side of a vertical central plane, in which the centers of mass of the useful and counter masses are resting on a common line of action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Feintool International Holding
    Inventor: Helmut Krell
  • Patent number: 7104394
    Abstract: A conveying apparatus comprises an elongated conveying bed which includes a proximal end and a distal end. A support structure for the conveying bed accommodates vibratory motion of a portion of the conveying bed extending from the proximal end a substantial distance toward the distal end but dampens vibratory motion at the distal end. In addition, a piezoelectric driver is operatively connected to the conveying bed adjacent the proximal end. Consequently, operation of the piezoelectric driver will induce a wave motion in the conveying bed which will effectively convey a material from the proximal end to the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy K. Baird, Jeffery L. Cable, Garry Kostel, Henry J. Nicolo, Dale Cameron
  • Patent number: 7004306
    Abstract: A conveying apparatus comprises an elongated conveying bed which includes a proximal end and a distal end. A support structure for the conveying bed accommodates vibratory motion of a portion of the conveying bed extending from the proximal end a substantial distance toward the distal end but dampens vibratory motion at the distal end. In addition, a piezoelectric driver is operatively connected to the conveying bed adjacent the proximal end. Consequently, operation of the piezoelectric driver will induce a wave motion in the conveying bed which will effectively convey a material from the proximal end to the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy K. Baird, Jeffery L. Cable, Garry Kostel, Henry J. Nicolo, Dale Cameron
  • Patent number: 6763934
    Abstract: An electromagnetically driven transport device 1 includes a transport unit 4 for transporting an article M to be transported, an electromagnetically driven vibrating unit 2 for vibrating the transport unit 1 to transport the article, a frequency controlling unit 14, a time detecting unit 15 and a frequency setting unit 16. The frequency controlling unit 14 controls a driving frequency of a driving power source 13 of the vibrating unit 2. The time detecting unit 15 detects a time length T during which when the driving frequency is changed the driving current of the vibrating unit at each of frequency exceeds a reference current value. The frequency setting unit 16 is operable to set an actual driving frequency based on the time length T detected by the time detecting unit 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakamura, Hiroaki Morinaka
  • Patent number: 6675955
    Abstract: A product delivery system and method are provided including an electromechanical vibratory conveyor which has a product conveying member, a vibrator for vibrating the product conveyor and a control system for controlling electronically the vibration of the product conveying member both statically and dynamically to optimize performance both with and without product on the product conveying member. The vibration of the product conveying member is tuned both statically and dynamically with a coarse tuning followed by a fine tuning. An improved pulse width modulation drive circuit for the vibrator includes vibrating frequency and amplitude varying devices for adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the vibrator for increased efficiency, optimized performance and reduction in energy consumption. Several redundant safety devices to safeguard the switching devices and the vibrator are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hayssen, Inc.
    Inventors: Majid Nasser-Moghaddassi, James Richard Asbury, Jefferson Calvin Mabry, Jr., Dale Mark Cherney
  • Publication number: 20030226743
    Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor having a conveyor motor which uses bellows to provide the driving force for the conveyor. The conveyor includes a housing within which is mounted the conveyor motor. The conveyor motor has a pair of bellows, a drive plate and a fluid control system. The drive plate is movably mounted between the bellows. The conveyor plate is mounted to the top end of the drive plate. The fluid control system includes a main control valve, a pair of limit switches, a pair of valves and a flow control valve. The fluid control system allows for inflation of one bellow at a greater rate than inflation of the other bellow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis A. Trestain
  • Patent number: 6651807
    Abstract: In a parts feeder driven by an electromagnet driver, the magnet core and the armature are rotationally misaligned either to adjust the lines of direct magnetic force between the electromagnet and the armature or, where the armature is magnetically charged, such that the magnetic force will exert both an attractive force between the magnet core and the armature and a relative torque between the magnet core and the armature which tends to align the poles of the armature and the magnetic core. A round baseplate design allows the unit to be simply enclosed for aesthetic or for potential air purging applications. Counterweights for tuning the parts feeder natural frequency can be bolted to the round baseplate, the counterweights having a ring segment shape to compactly fit on the round baseplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy K. Baird, Leonard Evansic
  • Publication number: 20030111323
    Abstract: In a parts feeder driven by an electromagnet driver, the magnet core and the armature are rotationally misaligned either to adjust the lines of direct magnetic force between the electromagnet and the armature or, where the armature is magnetically charged, such that the magnetic force will exert both an attractive force between the magnet core and the armature and a relative torque between the magnet core and the armature which tends to align the poles of the armature and the magnetic core. A round baseplate design allows the unit to be simply enclosed for aesthetic or for potential air purging applications. Counterweights for tuning the parts feeder natural frequency can be bolted to the round baseplate, the counterweights having a ring segment shape to compactly fit on the round baseplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Randy K. Baird, Leonard Evansic
  • Patent number: 6527104
    Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor includes a conveyor base 12 and a tray 16 movable in a forward direction to move goods with the tray and in a backward direction to slide goods along the tray. A pair of tray support members 18, 20, 192, 200, 222 interconnect the conveyor base in the tray. Each tray support member may be pivotally connected at a lower end of the conveyor base and pivotally connected at an upper end of the tray. An electrically powered linear motor 30, 82, 95, 135, 145, 225 moves the tray forward and rearward. A connector support 20 for interconnecting the base and the tray, or for interconnecting any stationary member and a movable member, may include a linear bearing having an end surface with a radius for rolling engagement with a contact surface having a radius twice of that of the end surface to achieve the desired linear motion of the tray or movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Paul B. Svejkovsky, Paul A. Svejkovsky, Thomas G. Knodell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020157925
    Abstract: A product delivery system and method are provided including an electromechanical vibratory conveyor which has a product conveying member, a vibrator for vibrating the product conveyor and a control system for controlling electronically the vibration of the product conveying member both statically and dynamically to optimize performance both with and without product on the product conveying member. The vibration of the product conveying member is tuned both statically and dynamically with a coarse tuning followed by a fine tuning. An improved pulse width modulation drive circuit for the vibrator includes vibrating frequency and amplitude varying devices for adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the vibrator for increased efficiency, optimized performance and reduction in energy consumption. Several redundant safety devices to safeguard the switching devices and the vibrator are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: HAYSSEN, INC.
    Inventors: Majid Nasser-Moghaddassi, James Richard Asbury, Jefferson Calvin Mabry, Dale Mark Cherney
  • Patent number: 6457577
    Abstract: In a vibratory conveyor which includes a trough for transporting objects, an exciting mechanism for vibrating the trough in a horizontal direction and a supporting mechanism for supporting the trough so as to be vibratile in the horizontal direction, the exciting mechanism is a linear motor, one of the primary and secondary sides of the linear motor is fixed to the trough and the other is facing to the one side with a predetermined gap and so arranged as to be vibratile relative to the one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Ikeda, Toshiro Sekine, Kazumichi Kato, Yasushi Muragishi, Tetsuyuki Kimura
  • Publication number: 20020088694
    Abstract: A gate (50) for a vibratory conveyor (10) is provided. The conveyor includes a conveyor bed (26) that has a surface portion defining an aperture (52). The gate includes a cover plate (54) which is in contact with the conveyor bed and arranged for movement between a first position covering a first portion of the aperture and a second position covering a second portion of the aperture (e.g., between an open position and a closed position). The gate further includes a loading system (57, 72) coupled to the cover plate to exert a force urging the cover plate into contact with the surface portion of the conveyor bed. The gate still further includes a carriage assembly (55) coupled to the loading system for moving the cover plate between the first and second positions. Material conveyed on the conveyor bed can fall through the uncovered portion of the aperture to be thereby diverted from the conveyor bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Thompson, David G. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6357579
    Abstract: A differential motion conveyor includes a cylindrical moving magnet linear motor to drive a trough into vibration to convey material. The linear motor utilizes a compact, efficient and powerful design using an annular stator which drives an armature. The armature includes opposing shaft ends which are connected to either the trough or to a conveyor base, or to a counterweight depending on the conveyor design, to drive the trough into reciprocation to feed particles along the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold E. Patterson, Stanley P. Turcheck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6318542
    Abstract: In a vibratory conveyor which includes a trough for transporting objects, an exciting mechanism for vibrating the trough in a horizontal direction and a supporting mechanism for supporting the trough so as to be vibratile in the horizontal direction, the exciting mechanism is a linear motor, one of the primary and secondary sides of the linear motor is fixed to the trough and the other is facing to the one side with a predetermined gap and so arranged as to be vibratile relative to the one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Ikeda, Toshiro Sekine, Kazumichi Kato, Yasushi Muragishi, Tetsuyuki Kimura
  • Publication number: 20010019009
    Abstract: A conveying system with a frame supporting a conveying member suitable to move products thereon. A drive, which is preferably an electromagnetic drive having a mass that vibrates back and forth along a substantially straight path, is connected to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: David E. Gilman
  • Publication number: 20010019008
    Abstract: A conveying system with a frame supporting a conveying member suitable to move products thereon. A drive, which is preferably an electromagnetic drive having a mass that vibrates back and forth along a substantially straight path, is connected to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: David E. Gilman
  • Patent number: 6260691
    Abstract: A vibratory system for a vibration feeder includes pulse means for generating electrical digital pulse signals. A controller controllably converts the electrical digital pulse signals either into an incrementally increasing or decreasing DC voltage level. At least one vibration block is coupled to the controller for being increased or decreased in its amplitude of vibration in response to the respective incrementally increasing or decreasing DC voltage level generated by the controller. A remotely located additional controller, such as a programmable logic controller, may be coupled to the controller for transmitting electrical digital pulse signals to control the amplitude of vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Arthur G. Russell Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald L. Buchas
  • Publication number: 20010007300
    Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor includes a conveyor base 12 and a tray 16 movable in a forward direction to move goods with the tray and in a backward direction to slide goods along the tray. A pair of tray support members 18, 20, 192, 200, 222 interconnect the conveyor base in the tray. Each tray support member may be pivotally connected at a lower end of the conveyor base and pivotally connected at an upper end of the tray. An electrically powered linear motor 30, 82, 95, 135, 145, 225 moves the tray forward and rearward. A connector support 20 for interconnecting the base and the tray, or for interconnecting any stationary member and a movable member, may include a linear bearing having an end surface with a radius for rolling engagement with a contact surface having a radius twice of that of the end surface to achieve the desired linear motion of the tray or movable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Inventors: Paul B. Svejkovsky, Paul A. Svejkovsky, Thomas G. Knodell
  • Patent number: 6253908
    Abstract: A conveying system with a frame supporting a conveying member suitable to move products thereon. A drive, which is preferably an electromagnetic drive having a mass that vibrates back and forth along a substantially straight path, is connected to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Allen Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Gilman
  • Patent number: 6206180
    Abstract: In a vibratory parts-feeder including; a feeder bowl in which a spiral track is formed, a vertical exciter with first electro-magnetic coil for exciting the feeder bowl in the vertical direction, a horizontal exciter with second electro-magnetic coil for exciting the feeder bowl in the horizontal direction, horizontal leaf springs for supporting the feeder bowl so as to be vibratile in the vertical direction, and vertical leaf springs for supporting the feeder bowl so as to be vibratile in the horizontal direction, wherein there is a phase difference between the currents flowing through the first and second electro-magnetic coils and the feeder bowl is elliptically vibrated, the improvements in which a phase adjusting circuit is connected to the first or second electro-magnetic coil, voltage adjusting circuits are connected to the first and second electro-magnetic coils and the ratio of the longer axis to the shorter axis of the elliptical vibration and the inclination of the longer axis thereof are varied wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiro Sekine, Eiji Ohki, Masanobu Tomita, Hirohiko Murata, Kazumichi Kato, Yasushi Muragishi, Tetsuyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 6202832
    Abstract: A vibratory conveying apparatus includes a trough operatively associated with a vibratory drive assembly for conveying pieces along the trough. The vibratory drive assembly includes a base member and a vibratory drive mounted to the base member. The trough is operatively associated with the vibratory drive to be driven into vibration substantially longitudinally with respect to the base member. First and second flexure members or bars extend longitudinally of the base member on opposite lateral sides of the base member, the bars connected at base ends to the base member. At least one leaf spring extends laterally across the base member, the leaf spring connected at opposite ends to distal ends of the bars and operatively connected at a center thereof to the trough. The flexure members provide increased flexibility at the leaf spring connections to increase useful spring life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard Evansic
  • Patent number: 6201330
    Abstract: A spring coefficient adjustment system for a vibratory drive for use in driving a vibratory delivery apparatus. The drive includes an electromagnet and an associated armature spaced apart by a gap. In the drive, a plate is movable with respect to a frame. One of the electromagnet and the armature is connected to the frame and the respective other is connected to the spring plate. A primary spring is connected between the frame and the spring plate. A plurality of auxiliary elastomer shear springs are selectively engageable between the frame and the plate to change the total spring coefficient between the frame and the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Harold E. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6189683
    Abstract: A differential impulse conveyor includes a conveyor base 12 and a tray 16 movable in a forward direction to move goods with the tray and in a backward direction to slide goods along the tray. A pair of tray support members 18, 20, 192, 200, 222 interconnect the conveyor base in the tray. Each tray support member may be pivotally connected at a lower end of the conveyor base and pivotally connected at an upper end of the tray. An electrically powered linear motor 30, 82, 95, 135, 145, 225 moves the tray forward and rearward. A connector support 20 for interconnecting the base and the tray, or for interconnecting any stationary member and a movable member, may include a linear bearing having an end surface with a radius for rolling engagement with a contact surface having a radius twice of that of the end surface to achieve the desired linear motion of the tray or movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Paul B. Svejkovsky, Paul A. Svejkovsky, Thomas G. Knodell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6179117
    Abstract: A conveying system with a frame supporting a conveying member suitable to move products thereon. A drive, which is preferably an electromagnetic drive having a mass that vibrates back and forth along a substantially straight path, is connected to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Allen Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Gilman
  • Patent number: 6161679
    Abstract: A vibratory drive unit is modular in construction and includes a base member, a top member, a number of lower spring mounting members detachably mounted to the base member, a corresponding number of upper spring mounting members detachably mounted to the top member, a corresponding number of spring members connected between the number of upper and lower spring mounting members and means for vibrating the top member relative to the base member. The various components of the vibratory drive unit are configured provide for either clockwise or counter-clockwise operation using identical drive unit components to thereby minimize component complexity and component inventory required therefore. A vibratory bowl is further provided and includes a number of locator pins extending from a bottom surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: S. Neal Graham
  • Patent number: 6116408
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for controlling the operating frequency of an electromagnetic vibratory feeder at a submultiple of the power line frequency. The apparatus is couplable to a terminal of an electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic vibratory feeder, to control the current through the electromagnetic coil and thereby control power delivered to the electromagnetic vibratory feeder. The apparatus includes a quadrac coupled to the alternating current source; a capacitor coupled to the AC current power source and coupled through a first diode to a gate electrode of the quadrac; and a resistive network coupled through a second diode to the capacitor and to the first diode. The capacitance value of the capacitor and the resistive value of the resistive network form an RC time constant, which is predetermined to provide a selected operating frequency for triggering the quadrac and thereby providing power to the electromagnetic vibratory feeder at a submultiple of the power line frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Pounds
  • Patent number: 6105753
    Abstract: A linear vibratory parts feeder is formed from modular components detachably mounted to one another. A counterweight is detachably mounted to a reversible mounting plate and a plurality of lower spring anchors are detachably mounted to the counterweight. A corresponding plurality of upper spring anchors are detachably mounted to a linear parts transport track, and a drive springs are detachably mounted to corresponding pairs of upper and lower spring anchors. The counterweight may be detachably mounted to either one of opposite mounting surfaces of the mounting plate, which is configured to permit complete access to all feeder components and further to permit placement of upstream and downstream feeder units in close proximity to the feeder of the present invention. The counterweight and spring anchors are configured to maximize the vibratory drive efficiency of this feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: S. Neal Graham
  • Patent number: 6079549
    Abstract: A drive circuit for an electromechanically excited vibratory conveyor responds to the inductance fluctuations of the conveyor drive coil due to mechanical vibration so as to feed the coil with drive pulses having a repetition frequency commensurate with the natural frequency of the mechanical vibration. Phase and duration of the drive pulses are automatically regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: MRW Digit Electronicgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Heinz Meitinger
  • Patent number: 6079550
    Abstract: A conveying system with a frame supporting a conveying member suitable to move products thereon. A drive, which is preferably an electromagnetic drive having a mass that vibrates back and forth along a substantially straight path, is connected to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Allen Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Gilman
  • Patent number: 6041915
    Abstract: A vibratory conveyor assembly including a material transporting trough driven by oscillating motion which imparts a force causing materials located in the trough to be advanced. The conveyor includes a continuous, unitary saddle plate attached about the trough perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the trough. Actuators are coupled to the saddle plate which imparts the oscillating force to the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Inductotherm Corp.
    Inventors: Oleg S. Fishman, Ted Haines
  • Patent number: 5967294
    Abstract: A vibratory conveying feeder includes a trough mounted by springs to a base with a vibratory driver bonded to the base and connected to the trough. The springs include a first vertically oriented spring at a front of the conveyor connected between the base and the trough and a second spring arranged between the trough and the base and arranged along a line about 20.degree. to the horizontal. The second spring is set between 40% to 80% of total spring rate. The base is tapered toward a rear side thereof to allow a plurality of such conveyor feeders to be mounted in a tight circle for delivering material radially outwardly of the center line of the circle in a weighing and distributing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Harold E. Patterson, Brian V. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 5931286
    Abstract: A driving unit includes an electromagnet (33), a vibration plate (11) arranged on one side of the electromagnet (33), and a complementary vibration plate (32) arranged at the opposite side of the electromagnet (33). The parts (1, 2) of the vibration conveyor that need to vibrate are firmly secured to the vibration plate (11). The electromagnet is secured to the complementary vibration plate (32) in a vertically adjustable manner. The vibration plate (11) and the complementary vibration plate (32) are elastically connected to each other. The elastic connection is ensured by at least three supporting beams (29) that are uniformly distributed around the circumference of the winding of the electromagnet (33) at an oblique angle with the winding axis of the electromagnet (33). The supporting beams (29) are connected to the vibration plate (11) and to the complementary vibration plate (32) by leaf spring sets (30, 31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Kramer AG Basserdorf
    Inventor: Thomas Illi
  • Patent number: 5865297
    Abstract: In a vibratory parts-feeder, a bowl is combined with a base block by plural sets of single leaf spring. A controller is connected to an electro-magnetic coil of a drive part for the parts feeder. The bowl is torsionally vibrated nearly at a resonant frequency and at a desired amplitude with automatic or manual adjustment of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiteru Chiba, Teruo Osa, deceased, Toshiro Sekine, Hideyuki Takachu
  • Patent number: 5821657
    Abstract: A vibratory feeder for feeding low density powered material having a tray, a base and a motor supporting the tray on the base. The motor includes an electromagnet having an AC coil supported on an intermediate leg between the outer legs and an armature having a permanent magnet and two pole plates. The pole plates being disposed in the spaces between the outer legs and the intermediate leg. A rare earth magnet is supported between the pole plates. Spaces between the electromagnet legs and the pole plates providing for a stroke of about 0.2 inch at a frequency of 30 Hertz and a tuning spring connecting the motor to the tray. The tuning spring being adjustable to change the deflection of the tray relative to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Eriez Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas H. Falconer, Marshall A. Carner, Jerry A. Selvaggi
  • Patent number: 5757092
    Abstract: A vibratory drive unit of modular construction includes a bottom plate, a first side plate attached to one side of the bottom plate, a second side plate attached to an opposite side of the bottom plate, a front plate attached to the bottom plate, first side plate and second side plate, and a rear plate structure attached to the bottom plate and each of the side plates. The plates define a cavity therebetween, which cavity is configured to receive a mass therein and a vibratory drive means positioned between the mass and the front plate. The modular construction provides for easy replacement of any of the modular components. The vibratory drive unit is further configured to permit maximum air flow about the vibratory drive means, and to provide for accurate positioning of the vibratory drive means relative to a drive plate of an attached parts bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: S. Neal Graham
  • Patent number: 5664664
    Abstract: A magnetic vibrator sub-assembly for a vibratory feed device is described which provides uniform directional motion to component parts placed on its upper member through coaction of the upper member with an alternately energized electromagnetic field and restorative spring forces. The structure of the present invention involves the interconnection of a lower member and an upper member by one or more flat springs. The flat springs are angularly disposed between and support the upper member in superposed spaced, generally parallel relationship above the lower member. The springs are connected to both the lower and upper members in rabbet-type indentations such that the springs are confined by retaining barriers above, below and on the lateral edges of the springs. An electromagnetic coil is attached to the lower member and is employed to alternately flex and release the flat springs by alternately magnetically attracting (i.e., pulling down) and releasing the upper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Vibra, Inc.
    Inventor: Jefferson J. Gaines
  • Patent number: 5518108
    Abstract: A vibratory device operable as a two mass vibrating system comprising a base mass and a work member mass spring coupled and mounted on isolator springs and operating at a frequency approximating the natural frequency of the system. A multiple number of leaf springs inclined at an angle to the base and work member mounting plate provide a combination of torsional and vertical amplitude required to cause the conveying action of the work member. The exciter for the vibratory device is an AC powered multiple electromagnetic oscillator having a fixed redial air gap eliminating the possibility of self destruction by impact of the poles faces without limiting the amplitude of the vibratory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: William V. Spurlin