Each Conveying Surface Means Abbutted And Pushed By Succeeding Conveying Surface Means Patents (Class 198/795)
  • Patent number: 11795003
    Abstract: According to various aspects of the disclosure, a circulation conveyor transport wheel (100) may have: a framework (102) at which the circulation conveyor transport wheel (100) can be rotatably mounted; a multiplicity of coupling devices (104) which are arranged at an outer circumference of the framework (102) and of which each of the coupling devices has at least one form-fit contour (104f) for the form-fitting coupling-on of a substrate carrier (400), wherein the multiplicity of coupling devices (104) has a pair (302) of coupling devices (104), the form-fit contours of which have a smaller spacing to one another along the circumference than to the form-fit contours of the multiplicity of coupling devices (104) which are arranged immediately adjacent to the pair (302).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: VON ARDENNE Asset GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stephan Aulhorn
  • Patent number: 11724893
    Abstract: An assembly line having a carrier for transporting components which is structured and dimensioned for receiving components of two different devices, so that the assembly line can be switched from assembling one device to assembling the other device without changing or altering the series of carriers on the assembly line, and a method of operating the assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: RENAISSANCE LAKEWOOD, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Steward, Bob Wood
  • Patent number: 10807798
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an inventory storage module has first to fourth conveyor segments that define a conveying loop. The module translates storage totes around the conveying loop using, at least in part, first and second actuator assemblies. The first actuator assembly has a first actuator and a first crossbar connected to the first actuator. The first actuator assembly moves the first crossbar in a first direction such that the first crossbar engages and pushes totes along the first conveyor segment in the first direction. The second actuator assembly has a second actuator and a second crossbar connected to the second actuator. The second actuator assembly moves the second crossbar in a second direction, opposite the first direction, such that the second crossbar engages and pushes totes along the second segment in the second direction. The third and fourth segments transfer totes between the first and second segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Scott Kalm, Benjamin Douglas Garcia, Vahideh Kamranzadeh, Dinesh Mahadevan, Seshachalamgupta Motamarri, Tyson Wittrock
  • Patent number: 9688484
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a conveying system having carriages guided on a guide of a first conveying segment, each of which has a wheel catcher that includes a conveying wheel having carriage catching areas, each of which is associated with one of several entrainers disposed along a periphery of the conveying wheel. Each entrainer has a carriage-catching surface that faces the rotation direction and that cooperates with a wheel catcher on a carriage. The entrainers are all independently controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Kamps, Thomas Nitsch, Stefan Van Heukelum
  • Patent number: 9027743
    Abstract: A device for changing a pallet car in a plant for the treatment of bulk materials where pallet cars that are continuously conveyed using a lifting wheel and a lowering wheel on an outer rail and an inner rail in an endless chain includes, in regions of a bottom and top strand of the lifting wheel, first and second outer curve links of the outer rail that are openable such that the pallet car is removable from the chain and another pallet car is insertable into the chain. A removal switch is disposed in the region of the bottom strand of the lifting wheel, via which the pallet car is movable out from the chain, and a supply switch is disposed in the region of the top strand of the lifting wheel, via which the pallet car is insertable into the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Andrej Schulakow-Klass, Juergen Emmel, Thomas Holzhauer
  • Patent number: 8820518
    Abstract: The invention relates to an accumulating conveyor, in particular for use in the motor vehicle industry, for example for conveying body parts on pallets. The pallets are automatically coupled in a form-fitting manner at the reversing station or at the reversing stations by at least one centering pin, wherein, after the relevant reversing station has been passed, the centering pin or the centering pins is or are automatically released again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Tunkers Iberica S.L.
    Inventor: Jose Pac Gracia
  • Patent number: 8678169
    Abstract: A checkpoint system, wheeled bins for a checkpoint system, and methods for conveying articles in wheeled bins through a checkpoint system. Each bin has four wheels that do not extend below the bin's flat bottom. In this way, the bin can be slid on its bottom along a shallow, troughed divesting table while it is being filled and conveyed on its bottom through a checkpoint and rolled on its wheels along a deeper troughed discharge lane. A bin return beneath the discharge lane returns bins to a bin storage queue beneath the divesting table. A sorter at the output of the checkpoint selectively diverts bins to one or more discharge lanes, such as individual lanes for cleared and for suspect bin contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Baker, Matthew L. Fourney
  • Patent number: 8474603
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a plurality of containers through a plurality of work stations including at least two conveyor assemblies, each conveyor assembly being adapted to sequentially convey at least one group of containers therealong in a row from one work station to another. The apparatus further includes a plurality of holder assemblies for holding the containers, some of the holder assemblies being associated with one of the conveyor assemblies and some of the holder assemblies being associated with the other conveyor assembly. The holder assemblies are located on the respective conveyor assemblies such that the plurality of containers are positioned adjacent to each other as they move through the plurality of work stations. A computer control system is programmable to control the coordinated operation of the conveyor assemblies so as to move such conveyor assemblies at different cycles of movement as the containers move through the work stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: IMA North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Joseph Warecki, Guido Marchesi, Charles J. Selig
  • Patent number: 7987973
    Abstract: A conveyer belt, of the type used in endless conveyors, has a plurality of belt links. Each belt link is substantially identical, and has a front edge, a rear edge, two side edges, an upper surface, and an under surface between the edges. The front and rear edges relate to the direction of travel in use. The front edge of each belt link is provided with an indentation and the rear edge is provided with a mirror image of the indentation in the form of a recess. The front edge of one belt link snugly fits in the rear edge of an adjacent belt link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ammeraal Beltech Modular A/S
    Inventor: Peter Broe
  • Publication number: 20100163371
    Abstract: In the conveying device (1) with pusher elements (2) every one of the pusher elements (2), respectively, comprises at least one roller element (3) and at least one spacer body (4), wherein the at least one spacer body (4) is designed for keeping pusher elements (2), which follow one another in the conveying device, at a distance from one another. In doing so, successive pusher elements (2) in conveying direction extend from a first end to a second end, and the pusher elements (2) in the zone of the first end are movably supported relative to a conveying track (7) by the at least one roller element (3). The pusher elements (2) in the zone of the second end are supported on an adjacent pusher element (2), and successive pusher elements (2) are loadable relative to one another only under compression, but not, however, under tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: WRH WALTER REIST HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Walter Reist
  • Patent number: 7677384
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting containers to at least one processing station, in particular a filling and/or sealing station, having a number of container carriers that accommodate the containers and having two parallel guides spaced apart from each other and extending in the transverse direction, which are used for the advance and return of the container carriers and have turnaround devices at their ends that perform the function of switching the container carriers from one guide into the other guide; pinions are also provided for transporting the container carriers and are situated between the guides and engage the container carriers. The turnaround devices each have arc guides that adjoin the ends of the two guides and are connected to them and that also transition in the arc from one guide to the other guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Groninger & Co. GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Veile, Rupert Miksch
  • Patent number: 7658275
    Abstract: A carrier type conveying apparatus capable of solving a problem in a conventional conveying apparatus wherein a conveying carriers (1) stop abnormally, comprising a rear-pushing traveling district (3) having, at its inlet, a rear-pushing drive means (5A) propelling the conveying carriers (1) at a constant speed and, at its outlet, a speed control drive means (5B) for sending out the conveying carriers (1) at the constant speed and a high-speed traveling district (4). The conveying apparatus comprises carrier connection systems (carrier connection means (9), connection engagement means (10), connection release means (11)). When the conveying carriers (1) travel in the high-speed traveling district (4), the connection of the conveying carriers (1) adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction by the carrier connection systems is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7604448
    Abstract: An apparatus for transport and controlled discharge of a load has a frame with a guide for a series of displaceable transport containers, a drive unit for carrying the containers in an endless track, a resetting device for placing a container in a starting position and discharge station for selectively relieving a container of a load. The containers have an at least partially movable carrying panel for receiving the load thereon, including a tray which can be operated selectively between a transporting and discharge positions. The guide provides on either side of the containers a support surface on which the containers support with free-running wheels. On at least one side of the containers the support surface displays a convexity in a direction transversely of the transport direction with an apex on which a running surface of at least one wheel is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: EuroSort B.V.
    Inventors: Wouter Balk, Jozef Walter Maria Hopman
  • Patent number: 7565966
    Abstract: A transporter/sorter and a transport box therefore are disclosed. The transporter/sorter 1 comprises a guide rail 50 having straight portions and curved portions and forming an endless loop path, a plurality of transport wagons 30 undergoing excursion along the endless loop path in an inter-coupled state, and transport boxes 20 supported on the transport wagons 30, respectively, in a state of being found on the outer side of the guide rail 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhito Yoshitani
  • Patent number: 7431150
    Abstract: An adjustable curved neck guide for a conveyor is disclosed. The guide comprises a plurality of segments mounted on first and second plates using a series of pin and slot assemblies. Each segment has first and second surfaces and a guide edge, the segments arranged end to end such that the guide edges define a curve having radius. As the second plate is moved relative to the first plate, the pins slide in the slots thereby moving the segments and changing the radius of curvature defined by the guide edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Sidel (Canada) Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Ranger
  • Publication number: 20080196381
    Abstract: In the state where plural sheets of link plates which are single parts are laminated, tension for widening a distance between through-holes is loaded by a pair of pins which are inserted through the through-holes of the link plates so as to load pretension serving as a predetermined compressive residual stress on the link plates. Subsequently, the pair of pins are extracted from the link plates. Consequently, connection members are inserted through the corresponding through-holes of the plurality of link plates so as to assemble a chain with an endless shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Tada, Kozue Matsumoto, Kazuo Rokkaku
  • Patent number: 7328557
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading small objects into respective blisters of a foil web has a plurality of substantially identical fill plates each having an array of receptacles corresponding to the blisters of an area of the foil. A conveyor moves the fill plates one after another in a transport direction at an upper level from a fill station remote from the web to a transfer station close to the web, then lowers them to a lower level, then returns them in an opposite return direction from the transfer station to the fill station, and finally raises them in the transfer station to the upper level. At the fill station the receptacles of the plates are filled with the small objects. At the transfer station the small objects are taken out of the receptacles of the plates and put into the blisters of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Detlev Gertitschke, Wolfgang Krahl
  • Patent number: 7306089
    Abstract: The invention relates to conveyor systems with skillets adapted with connectors to enable power to be conveyed between skillets that are abutted together along a production area. With the skillets being electrically connected, the conductor only needs to supply power the electrical receiving device of a single skillet at any given time. The conductor in turn can be limited to a length of about one skillet, which reduces the wear, as well as installation, repair and maintenance costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventor: Dan Ellens
  • Patent number: 7263799
    Abstract: The invention provides a plant base comprising a base section with a seat for a plant pot, in which a tail section extends in a horizontal direction from the rear of the base section. A groove/protuberance combination is provided at the front of the base section and the rear of the tail section that is able to be accommodated in the groove of another corresponding plant base. The groove and the protuberance each has a support surface that is lower or higher than the support surface of the groove, such that when the protuberance of the plant base has been taken up in the groove of the other plant base, one of the two plant bases is lifted from the substrate at the location of the engaging protuberance and groove. Thus, the invention provides a plant base that continuously retains the same orientation during transport over a conveyor belt, with successive plant bases kept a sufficient distance apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: E. Van Zanten Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Evert Van Zanten
  • Patent number: 7219793
    Abstract: A braking device for a pallet intended to run in a conveying track. The braking device includes a matrix and a braking element. The matrix includes the support service and exterior surface and a recess having various screws and openings. The braking element includes at least two protrusions which are disposed within the grooves of the matrix and project outwardly from the openings of the matrix at various stages of braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Flexlink Components AB
    Inventors: Staffan Robertsson, Thomas Lumsden, Stavros Progoulakis
  • Patent number: 6814218
    Abstract: A conveying apparatus suitable for driving a number of carriers in such a manner that the front end of each carrier thrusts the rear end of the preceding carrier is provided. The conveying apparatus comprises a guide rail and carriers. The rail includes a U-turn path section. Each carrier includes a load bar assembly including at least three load bars connected end-to-end by vertical pivot shafts in such a manner that the bars can pivot horizontally relative to each other. Each carrier also includes a load support supported by the associated middle load bar. Each carrier further includes a front trolley supporting at least the front end load bar and a rear trolley supporting at least the rear end load bar. The trolleys are supported movably on and guided by the guide rail. The trolleys are fixed to and in parallel with the end load bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeyoshi Nishihara
  • Patent number: 6626282
    Abstract: A transfer line (L) is formed by a first conveyer (C1) and a second conveyer (C2) which are disposed in parallel to each other for transferring a pallet, a first traverser (T1) for transporting the pallet (P) from a terminal end of the first conveyer (C1) to a start end of the second conveyer (C2), and a second traverser (T2) for transporting the pallet (P) from a terminal end of the second conveyer (C2) to a start end of the first conveyer (C1). The first and second conveyers (C1 and C2) are operable to drive main drive rollers (22) provided at start ends of the conveyers by bringing the rollers into abutment against side surfaces of rearmost pallets (P) in the advancing direction, thereby urging and collectively driving a plurality of pallets (P) which are connected together forwardly of the rearmost pallets (P) in a state in contact with the rearmost pallets. This enables the length of the transfer line (L) to be changed as desired without modification of a drive device for the pallet (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nishizawa, Masami Mitsuhashi, Keiichi Kubota, Kouichi Ikeda, Hideo Murakami
  • Patent number: 6523673
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing pallet cars on-the-fly in a traveling grate machine which includes spaced-apart drive sprockets positioned at one end of intermediate curved end portions for engaging and driving the supporting rollers of the pallet cars and for causing movement of the pallet cars along the top and bottom strands of the machine. The apparatus for changing pallet cars includes first hinged sections of outer guide rails located at the drive sprockets adjacent to the bottom strand of guide rails. The first sections of hinged guide rails are moved from a locked position to an open position whereby in the open position a selected pallet car requiring replacement is removed from the drive sprocket means and outer guide rails as the drive sprocket continues to turn. Second hinged sections of outer guide rails arc provided at the top of the drive sprocket adjacent to the upper strand of guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Svedala Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Fenton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6502691
    Abstract: A conveyor is provided that can easily accommodate a change in specification of stations. Carriages (100) are coupled by carriage couplers (200, 210). Driving units (20) are provided to move entire coupled units (B1, B2) together by driving some of the coupled carriages (100). A distance of conveyance can be changed and a change in specification can be easily coped with only by rearranging the driving units (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: Isamu Akatsuka, Yuji Nakano, Yoshitomo Takano
  • Patent number: 6464066
    Abstract: An endless roller chain conveyor of the over/under type supporting carriers or pallets which independently travel along the horizontal runs of the conveyor upon demand, while the roller chain is allowed to continuously run at a constant speed. The chains are commercially available multi-strand roller chain. The carriers or pallets may be stopped and held along the horizontal runs of the conveyor (both top and bottom) using mechanically driven stop assemblies located at required load, unload, holdback, or workstation positions assigned to the particular application. The carriers or pallets are driven on the roller chains by way of guide sprockets, alignment bars, and support rollers. The guide sprockets are attached to an adjustable clutch assembly of the type, which allows for adjustment of the rolling resistance to accommodate the particular load requirements of the specific application for a particular machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Inno-veyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Bethke, Brian R. Dana, Frank A. Stone
  • Patent number: 6460684
    Abstract: A buffer/brake system is provided for carriers used in an automated assembly system. The rear ends of the carriers are each equipped with a flexible ring that is compressed when an upstream carrier strikes the flexible ring. Compression of the flexible ring causes it to expand and thereby engage the sidewalls of the track and the frictional engagement of the ring against the sidewalls of the track act as a brake for the struck carrier. The ring acts to absorb the shock resulting from the collision between the queued carrier and the oncoming carrier, thereby limiting the transfer of impact forces from pallet to pallet along the track. The ring is carried by a rotatable support which has a laterally extended ring abutment surface. The rotatable ring support is able to swivel, relative to the carrier to which it is attached, as the track makes turns in the assembly system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Wes-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Doud Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6425478
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor device (1) comprising a plurality of individually movable transport means (2) which can be driven adjacent to one another by the front sides (2b, 2c) thereof, and which are guided by means of a guiding rail (4). The inventive device also has a driving means (3) which actuates the transport means (2) in a curved section (6f) of the guiding rail (4), whereby the driving means (3) and the transport means (2), said transport means being successively conveyed in a contactless manner, positively interact with one another in order to convey transport means (2) in a curved section (6f).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Jürg Eberle
  • Patent number: 6367374
    Abstract: A product-carrying unit side portions extending along two opposite regions for engagement with respective support features of a product treatment chamber. A floor region of the unit extends between the side portions and consists of an array of floor region portions with together define a discontinuous upper product-carrying surface of the unit. The surfaces are suitably defined by the upper surfaces of the ribs of the unit. The spaces between the top surfaces of the ribs provide access to the underside of product supported on the discontinuous product supporting surface of the unit and enable heat exchange contact between the heat exchange medium and the underside of the product. The floor region of the unit is shaped to define ducts through which flow of heat exchange medium is directed for contact with the underside of the product supported on the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Oseney Limited
    Inventors: Herman P. Van Den Bergh, Colm Moran, Michael Broderick
  • Patent number: 6293387
    Abstract: A carrier for orienting and conveying things to be transported includes a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side periphery, and a second side periphery. The bottom surface is intersected by a traverse slot which is upwardly communicative with a traverse through bore. Either of the first side periphery or the top surface provides a transport section adapted to receive and convey the thing to be transported, and the second side periphery provides a drive control section suited to engage a drive mechanism. The body may include a hold lip, detent, or other structure cooperative with the first side periphery or top surface to contact, receive, and convey the thing to be transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Hugh H. Forster
  • Patent number: 6269942
    Abstract: A force transmission or transport device having a line of force transmitting elements (2), a guide (1) for guiding the line of force transmitting elements (2) along a predetermined course, and at least one drive. A tensioning drive (6) is provided at one end of a section (5) of the predetermined course. A further drive (3), or an intermitting stop (9), is provided at the other end of the section (5) for tensioning the line of force transmitting elements (2) by a tractive or a compressive load. The further drive (3) or stop (9) acts substantially without slippage on the force transmitting elements (2). The tensioning drive (6), via a friction clutch, starts slipping when the desired tension has built up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventors: Carl Conrad Mäder, Marcel Schneider
  • Patent number: 6155405
    Abstract: A transmission system for transmitting pushing forces along straight and curved paths includes a guide channel (1) and a line of transmission members (10) arranged in the guide channel. The transmission members are acted on by a drive. The transmission members (10) are in contact with each other at end contact faces where the contact faces are formed with mating ring-shaped ridge (11) and a ring-shaped groove, respectively. The ridge (11) and groove (12) are matched to each other such that they are positioned inside each other when the members are arranged coaxially and contacting each other. The cross sections of the ridge (11) and groove (12) are such that ridge and groove are pivotable in relation to each other when engaged. A line of such transmission members arranged in a straight line and pressure loaded forms a buckling-resistant bar which does not exert forces on straight regions (1.2) of an enclosing guide channel (1). In curved guide channel parts (1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: IPT Weinfelden AG
    Inventors: Dieter Siebenmann, Werner Honegger
  • Patent number: 6102194
    Abstract: A pallet type transfer device utilized to transport parts or components along a conveyor-type assembly line is disclosed. The pallet type transfer device includes a body member having a rear bumper member with a pair of oppositely disposed idler wheels rotatably mounted thereto and having a front bumper member attached to the front surface thereof. The top surface of the rear bumper member is inclined upwardly towards the rear surface of the body member. Parallel, longitudinally extending, spaced-apart complementary grooves are provided on the bottom surface of the body member, each groove having a conveyor belt received therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Belcan Corporation
    Inventor: John Charny
  • Patent number: 5975280
    Abstract: A device for transporting flat products to further processing units is provided which includes a track 4 forming a continuous loop, a plurality of gripper elements 1 and a driving module 99. The gripper elements 1 are arranged on the track 4, and include a gripper 2 for seizing a flat product 11 from a first device and releasing the flat product to a second device 13. Each gripper element 1 moves independently from each other gripper element 1 along at least a portion of the track 4. Each gripper element is selectively engaged by the driving module 99 for movement along the track. The driving module 99 may include, for example, a drive unit 9 for driving the gripper elements in a side-by-side configuration without pitch; an extended pitch driving unit 7 for driving the gripper elements at a defined pitch; an acceleration unit 6 for accelerating the gripper elements to the defined pitch; and/or a diverting unit 32 for diverting selected gripper elements to an alternate track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignees: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, Heidelberger Harris, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Cote, Richard D. Curley, Charles H. Dufour
  • Patent number: 5590756
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for driving roller supported trolleys around a radiused track to the upper end of a gravity conveyor, in which one or more rotating members each have a spring-loaded element which is retracted as the member rotates across the top of a trolley and is spring extended into a recess in the top of the trolley to establish a driving contact. The trolley is then swept around the radiused track by rotation of the rotating member. The elements may comprise pivotally mounted inclined dogs which allow overrunning of the trolleys when impacted from the rear by succeeding trolleys. The trolleys may also be controllably lowered at the other end of the conveyor by rotation of a second powered rotary member having similar spring-loaded elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Knight Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James Zaguroli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5549192
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for driving roller supported trolleys around a radiused track to the upper end of a gravity conveyor, in which one or more rotating rod assemblies each having a spring loaded plunger which is retracted as the rod assembly rotates across a trolley and is extended into a recess in the top of the trolley to establish a driving contact. The trolley is then swept around the radiused track by rotation of the rod assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Knight Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James Zaguroli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5540319
    Abstract: A conveying system in a production line for conveying a plurality of objects includes a conveying route. The conveying route comprises first rails and second rails, extending in the different directions and intersecting each other. Each object has a driven portion including a moveable section pivotably supported on the object. The conveying system includes a plurality of conveying units. A first conveying unit has a mechanism for advancing rollers, which are pressed against the driven portion of an object, toward an intersection, when the object travelling on the first rails nears an intersection, and for retracting the rollers from the driven portion when the object enters the intersection. A second conveying unit has a mechanism for advancing the rollers toward the intersection when the object is in the intersection, and for advancing the rollers away from the intersection toward a third conveying unit when both rollers are pressed against the driven portion of the object in the intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Orisaka, Shingo Yamauchi, Toyonori Okuyama, Kenji Manabe, Mitsumoto Inoguchi
  • Patent number: 5529168
    Abstract: A translational/rotational support member conveying system including at least one basic conveyor (CE) consisting of two shields (1,2) each provided with opposed rectilinear (10) and/or circular (11) guide channels, as well as a translating and/or rotating notched belt (3) moving near the guide channels. The system further includes one or more support members (4) with two or more lower pegs (41) engaging the guide channels and the belt notches (30,31) in order translationally and/or rotationally to drive and guide said support member(s) (4). The system may be used in a flexible linear wiring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: L'Entreprise Industrielle
    Inventors: Louis Soriano, Jackie Orange
  • Patent number: 5409103
    Abstract: A conveyance device is disclosed having a line of members which are held by guide rails, and which include end faces located next to adjacent members. Each member has grooves disposed on opposite sides that extend in the longitudinal direction of transportation for receiving the guide rails and a drive source. Each member includes a bore that passes through the member in the transverse direction to receive an entrainment pin. Each member also includes at least one metal piece extending in the longitudinal direction of transportation that is fixed to at least one plastic part such that an end face of the plastic part projects over the metal piece in the longitudinal direction of transportation, the total length of the member being greater than the total length of the metal piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Norbert Hartel, deceased, by Ingrid Hartel, Georg Petz
  • Patent number: 5372240
    Abstract: A buffer/brake system is provided for carriers used in an automated assembly system. The rear ends of the carriers are equipped with a flexible ring that is compressed when the queued carrier is struck by an oncoming carrier. Compression of the flexible ring engages the sidewalls of the track support that accommodates the conveyor and the frictional engagement of the ring against the sidewalls of the track support act as a brake for the queued carrier. The ring also acts to absorb the shock resulting from the collision between the queued carrier and the oncoming carrier. The buffer/brake system is fully incorporated in and fixedly attached to the carrier and is not placed on the conveyor separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Robert Weskamp
  • Patent number: 5320210
    Abstract: A product-carrying tray 1 has longitudinally slotted end members 3 for sliding engagement on guide rails in a conveyor installation or storage unit. Transverse edges 2 of the tray are provided with coupling members 5 for interengagement with other like units also accommodated on the guide rails. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling members 5 are defined by interengaging hook structures consisting of projecting portions 7 and laterally extending end portions 6. The tray of the invention is especially suited to accommodating food products within a storage or treatment chamber. The tray may however also serve as a product-carrying element in a conveyor installation. Apart from the hook-type interconnection illustrated, a multiplicity of other interconnecting arrangements may be provided, including, inter alia, alternative mechanical structures and magnetic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Oseney Limited
    Inventors: Hugo Van Den Bergh, John Hayes
  • Patent number: 5280830
    Abstract: In an apparatus for transporting packaged food products from a product loading station to an unloading station, series of containers are entrained by a drive arrangement along a closed-loop path and temporarily halted at the loading station and the unloading station for loading the products onto the containers and unloading the products from the containers, respectively; each container has a hitch member arranged to rest on the drive arrangement in a freely slidable manner therealong and, disposed in the closed-loop path, there is at least one accelerating device applying a force to each container effective to impose on the container an acceleration with respect to the speed of the drive arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Barilla G.e. R. F.lli - Societa per Azioni
    Inventors: Enrico Schiaretti, Enzo Fontanesi, Paolo Gabelli, Antonio Chierici
  • Patent number: 5253745
    Abstract: A product-carrying tray 1 has longitudinally slotted end members 3 for sliding engagement on guide rails in a conveyor installation or storage unit. Transverse edges 2 of the tray are provided with coupling members 5 for interengagement with other like units also accommodated on the guide rails. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling members 5 are defined by interengaging hook structures consisting of projecting portions 7 and laterally extending end portions 6. The tray of the invention is especially suited to accommodating food products within a storage or treatment chamber. The tray may however also serve as a product-carrying element in a conveyor installation. Apart from the hook-type interconnection illustrated, a multiplicity of other interconnecting arrangements may be provided, including, inter alia, alternative mechanical structures and magnetic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Oseney Limited
    Inventors: Hugo van den Bergh, John Hayes
  • Patent number: 5141100
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device to convey parts towards one or more processing stations and to remove them therefrom. This device includes a rail forming a continuous closed circuit and supporting a series of supports which are in contact with the rail by rollers, at least one of which is elastically biased against the rail. Each support is provided, at least at one of its ends, with a ball bearing or roller bearing, by which each support comes into contact with the support that precedes it or follows it. Preferably, the rail has a section with two opposite cants, and it is elastically gripped between rollers having a groove with a shape that matches the cants. Thus, precise positioning is obtained in the transversal direction of each support with respect to the rail, and the ball bearings provide precise contact, with low wear and tear, between two successive supports. This provides for accurate positioning also in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Compagnie Europeenne de Composants Electroniques LCC
    Inventors: Emigliano Campus, Pascal Gorisse
  • Patent number: 5139131
    Abstract: A conveyor installation has a track (3) driven to run endlessly about two deflector wheels (100, 101) and supported by guide rails (1, 1', 2), for the conveyance of workpiece carriers which are designed for instance as boxes to accommodate packagings for liquids. The track (3) has two straight portions (3a, 3b). So that it is possible without any cumbersome dismantling work to clean such an installation thoroughly while at the same time providing accurate guidance for the workpieces being conveyed, positioning them precisely at the processing stations, it is according to the invention proposed that the track (3) comprise, closed in itself, a row of links (4) which have their end faces (16) bearing one on another and in which there are recesses for engagement with the guide rails (1, 1', 2) which support the links (4) in the straight portions (3a, 3b) from opposite sides and in the curved portions (3c, 3d) from outside and in that one workpiece carrier is inseparably mounted on each link (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Tetra Pak Holdings S.A.
    Inventors: Anders Persson, Leif Pettersson
  • Patent number: 5064054
    Abstract: An endless conveyor for moving material from a first position to a second position comprises a guide which includes a first and second track spaced apart a predetermined distance for defining a path of travel. A plurality of substantially flat surface transport carriers are positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each substantially flat surface transport carrier includes a first end disposed adjacent to a first track and a second end disposed adjacent to a second track. A drive member engages and pushes each individual substantially flat surface transport carrier and imparts movement thereto along the path of travel defined by the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Hoppmann Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt H. Hoppmann, Philip S. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5040668
    Abstract: An endless conveyor for moving material from a first position to a second position comprises a guide which includes a first and second track spaced apart a predetermined distance for defining a path of travel. A plurality of transport carriers are positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each transport carrier includes a first end disposed within a first track and a second end disposed within a second track. A drive member engages each individual transport carrier and imparts movement thereof along the path of travel defined by the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Hoppmann Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt H. Hoppmann, Philip S. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5038921
    Abstract: An endless conveyor for moving material from a first position to a second position comprises a guide which includes a first and second track spaced apart a predetermined distance for defining a path of travel. A plurality of transport carriers are positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each transport carrier includes a first end disposed within a first track and a second end disposed within a seocnd track. A drive member engages each individual transport carrier and imparts movement thereof along the path of travel defined by the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Hoppmann Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt H. Hoppmann, Philip S. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5012917
    Abstract: Transport apparatus for an assembly line for objects such as vehicle bodies. The transport apparatus include a plurality of movable platforms which are positioned in end to end contact with one another. A drive mechanism applies a force to one of the platforms which, in turn, is applied to the remainder of the platforms causing them to move along the assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Arthur Gilbert, Norbert Gottstein, Joachim Rostock
  • Patent number: 4972937
    Abstract: Apparatus for transporting articles includes a closed track having rectilinear track portions. Disposed in the track are a plurality of series of carriers movable along the track and arranged to carry the articles. A drive is provided which acts on the respective rear one of a series of successive carriers, which contact each other in a non-resilient manner, for incrementally moving the carriers along the track. There is also provided a joining device which acts on the carriers of a series to keep the carriers in closed-up formation as they are moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Product Suppliers AG
    Inventor: Mathias L. C. Aarts
  • Patent number: 4958721
    Abstract: A bucket conveyor having a guide track, a plurality of independent buckets slidably engaged with the guide track and a driving mechanism that directly engages each bucket of the plurality of buckets during their movement around the guide track. The guide track is provided with a detachable segment which allows the removal of buckets from and the addition of buckets to the bucket elevator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: The Upjohn Company
    Inventor: Chris R. Redford