Unit Load Conveying Means Maintained In Uniform Orientation While Transiting From One Direction To Another Patents (Class 198/797)
  • Patent number: 11479409
    Abstract: An apparatus (10, 60) for storage of elongate elements, such as pipes, tubes and conduits. The apparatus (10, 60) includes a frame (12) that supports a plurality of trays (15, 63). The trays (15, 63) are arranged in two vertical columns of storage positions, except for the trays located at the top or bottom of the apparatus as they are moved about sprockets (71, 72) by a drive motor (73). Each tray (15, 63) is configured to support a plurality of elongate items. The trays (15, 63, which may embodied as cradles or racks, may be moved between a storage position and an access position, wherein in the access position, the elongate items can be accessed from substantially vertically above the tray (15, 63).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: JUSTOY PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert Ian Hedley, Christopher Nash Whybin
  • Patent number: 10549567
    Abstract: A drying device to dry a drying target member includes a plurality of holders and a circulator. The plurality of holders hold the drying target member. The circulator circulates the plurality of holders. The plurality of holders are supported by the circulator to rotate with respect to the circulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohki Asada, Masato Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10202242
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating molded objects all having a predetermined object length in a treatment station has first and second transversely spaced conveyor strands extending longitudinally in a travel direction into the treatment station for displacing the object in the travel direction into the treatment station. Respective first and second holding bolts are supported by the respective strands and secured in respective ends of the objects with the objects extending transversely between the strands. A plurality of longitudinally spaced and transversely extending support elements are fixed to and longitudinally displaceable with the first strand. The first bolts are supported on the elements that each have a transverse length equal to at least 30% of the length of the first holding bolt between the respective end of the respective molded object and the first conveyor strand, or 10% of the length of the molded objects, or 30 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: EHA COMPOSITE MACHINERY GMBH
    Inventor: Mike Neubert
  • Patent number: 10106316
    Abstract: A cargo carousel system for shipping containers is provided that can include a frame configured to fit within a shipping container and a cargo carousel mechanism in the frame that can move cargo pod platforms, configured for holding cargo pods, in a continuous loop path in the frame. The system can further include two frames side-by-side in the shipping, each frame with its own cargo carousel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Glen Munholland
  • Patent number: 9932170
    Abstract: A cargo carousel system for shipping containers is provided that can include a frame configured to fit within a shipping container and a cargo carousel mechanism in the frame that can move cargo pod platforms, configured for holding cargo pods, in a continuous loop path in the frame. The system can further include two frames side-by-side in the shipping, each frame with its own cargo carousel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Glen Munholland
  • Patent number: 9790056
    Abstract: The disclosure is related to systems and methods regarding transit and movement of people. The Articulated Funiculator is a continuous and connected system of trains that moves people in mass. The trains lie horizontal at specific floor levels (designated as stations) in tall buildings or underground levels (designated as stations) in mining operations and underground subway stations. The Articulated Funiculator transitions from horizontal alignments at the stations to vertical, slanted or curved alignments between the stations, albeit the passengers remain horizontal in a standing position. The Articulated Funiculator captures the energy from the braking, dynamic braking’ of the trains and stores it. The stored energy is then used to accelerate the Articulated Funiculator. This re-use of energy makes the Articulated Funiculator sustainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Fritz King
  • Patent number: 8783442
    Abstract: A melting furnace system includes a conveyor for moving a stack of ingots toward an ingot melting station. The conveyor has a platform and a raised part extending from the platform for engaging an underside of the stack. The conveyor automatically transfers the stack to a bucket located at a downstream end of the conveyor. The bucket includes a bottom wall, a back wall and a pair of sidewalls, and is sized to receive the stack of ingots. The bottom wall of the bucket is configured to receive the raised part of the conveyor such that the stack is initially positioned above the bottom wall of the bucket via the raised part. A carriage provided at the downstream end of the conveyor engages the bucket and includes a lifting mechanism for raising the bucket together with the stack of ingots toward the ingot melting station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl J. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8626329
    Abstract: An improved assembly, test, packaging and/or processing system and a control system, each of which may be expanded or reduced in size, capability and/or capacity on a modular basis to suit or adapt to a number of different applications. The product assembly, test, packaging and/or processing system comprises a number of modules which are assembled and arranged as required. Pallets move between stations on the modules along track portions which cooperate with track portions on adjacent modules so other modules can be added without affecting the movement of the pallets. When those modules are added or removed, or when stations are added or removed, corresponding controllers in the control system are also added or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: AGR Automation Ltd.
    Inventors: Craig Alexander Dickson, Ronald Arron McGill
  • Publication number: 20130319827
    Abstract: Carrier puck for a conveyer system, comprising a non-circular lower body, an upper body and an intermediate circular portion connecting the lower body with the upper body, where the rear section of the lower body comprises a concave shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: FlexLink Components AB
    Inventor: Anders Ek
  • Publication number: 20120043183
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for transferring goods (6) from a first (2) to a second conveyor (4), comprising a substantially upright extending frame (8), —an endless drive arranged on the frame (8) and • drivable by a motor; at least one support member which is connected to the endless drive (24) and which is drivable in a circuit by means of the endless drive (24), —at least one product carrier (28) connected to the support member, wherein the product carrier (28) is connected to the support member for rotation about a lying shaft extending transversely of the frame, wherein the product carrier (28) is connected drivably to no more than one endless drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Pieter Gerrit Hannessen
  • Patent number: 8109380
    Abstract: An intermediate storage including an intake station and an output station, two vertical conveyors, and two horizontal conveyors forming a conveying circuit with the two vertical conveyors. All conveyors are in a form of chain conveyors. The two vertical conveyors each include chains including catches and are arranged in pairs, each with an individual chain drive. Level differences which occur in operation between transferring edgers of unit load suppliers and carrier plates can be identified and corrected immediately. To keep a mutual gap between successive gondolas small, the gondola of a gondola pair that is running ahead is deflected sideways in the region of the deflection. A collision with the following gondola is thus reliably avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Rotzinger AG
    Inventor: Kurt Philipp
  • Publication number: 20110125307
    Abstract: An improved assembly, test, packaging and/or processing system and a control system, each of which may be expanded or reduced in size, capability and/or capacity on a modular basis to suit or adapt to a number of different applications. The product assembly, test, packaging and/or processing system comprises a number of modules which are assembled and arranged as required. Pallets move between stations on the modules along track portions which cooperate with track portions on adjacent modules so other modules can be added without affecting the movement of the pallets. When those modules are added or removed, or when stations are added or removed, corresponding controllers in the control system are also added or removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Craig Alexander Dickson, Ronald Arron McGill
  • Patent number: 7946414
    Abstract: A conveyor system has a pair of outer wheel tracks and a pair of inner wheel tracks, the wheel tracks of each pair being spaced from each other and extending parallel to each other. Each wheel track has at least one generally vertical portion and at least one generally horizontal portion. A conveyor member has two pairs of wheels, the wheels of each pair being located on opposite sides of the member, each pair of wheels engaging one pair of wheel tracks; the wheels and tracks are configured and oriented relative to each other so that the member is maintained in a selected orientation as the member moves relative to and along the tracks. The conveyor system includes a lift subsystem for preventing slippage of the conveyor member as the conveyor member travels around a curved portion of the conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Harold R. Greene
  • Publication number: 20110017569
    Abstract: A conveyer assembly for loading and unloading objects from vehicle, the assembly including a platform having at least one slot extending across at least a portion of the platform, at least one conveyor extending at least partially into the slot, wherein the conveyor linearly translates inside the slot and at least one support plate, wherein the support plate is releaseably associable with the conveyor via at least one connector member configured to engage the at least one conveyor in such a way that when the conveyor linearly translates the support plate translates therewith and when the conveyor stops the support plate is secured in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Henry C. Mulder
  • Publication number: 20100322746
    Abstract: A transport system for a storage and retrieval system having an array of storage levels, each storage level having respective storage areas, the transport system including a vertical conveyor having a frame and support shelves movably coupled to the frame, each support shelf being configured to hold one or more uncontained case units in predetermined areas of the support shelf, and transfer vehicles disposed on respective ones of the storage levels, the vertical conveyor having a conveyor to transfer vehicle interface configured to transfer the uncontained case units substantially directly between the support shelves and the transfer vehicles for transport to the storage areas in substantially one transfer vehicle picking operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: CASEPICK SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: John Lert, Stephen C. Toebes, Robert Sullivan, Nathan Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20100263990
    Abstract: A conveyor system has a pair of outer wheel tracks and a pair of inner wheel tracks, the wheel tracks of each pair being spaced from each other and extending parallel to each other. Each wheel track has at least one generally vertical portion and at least one generally horizontal portion. A conveyor member has two pairs of wheels, the wheels of each pair being located on opposite sides of the member, each pair of wheels engaging one pair of wheel tracks; the wheels and tracks are configured and oriented relative to each other so that the member is maintained in a selected orientation as the member moves relative to and along the tracks. The conveyor system includes a lift subsystem for preventing slippage of the conveyor member as the conveyor member travels around a curved portion of the conveyor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Harold R. Greene
  • Patent number: 7789222
    Abstract: An endless dough conveyor 16 is provided with a resin endless toothed belt 18 instead of a metal chain. A toothed pulley 22 around which the endless toothed belt is wound is also made of resin. A rail 64 is disposed adjacent to a horizontal path of the belt, and a roller 46 attached to the belt is adapted to roll on the rail. At least two induction motors are provided for driving the endless toothed belt. The induction motors are supplied with electric power from a single inverter 35. At least a pulley is provided with a detecting unit 80. The detecting unit 80 detects a state in which teeth of the endless toothed belt climb onto that of the pulley, thereby predicting breakage of the belt. Thus, it is possible to prevent contamination of dough in a proofer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Oshikiri Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhide Fujita, Masayuki Koma, Koji Koike, Satoshi Goto
  • Patent number: 7762384
    Abstract: A conveyor system has a pair of outer wheel tracks and a pair of inner wheel tracks, the wheel tracks of each pair being spaced from each other and extending parallel to each other. Each wheel track has at least one generally vertical portion and at least one generally horizontal portion. A conveyor member has two pairs of wheels, the wheels of each pair being located on opposite sides of the member, each pair of wheels engaging one pair of wheel tracks; the wheels and tracks are configured and oriented relative to each other so that the member is maintained in a selected orientation as the member moves relative to and along the tracks. The conveyor system includes a lift subsystem for preventing slippage of the conveyor member as the conveyor member travels around a curved portion of the conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Harold R. Greene
  • Patent number: 7708135
    Abstract: A food transport system and method are provided for transporting a packaged food item from one floor of a restaurant, such as a cooking or preparation floor, to another floor of the restaurant, such as a serving or dining floor. The food transport system includes a conveyor that transports a food-item supporting carrier along a closed-loop pathway. The carrier includes a rack with a plurality of spaced-apart food-item support members. On an upward portion of the pathway, the carrier passes a pick-up station having a pick-up rack with a plurality of spaced-apart food-item support members, the carrier support members passing between the pick-up support members to pick up the food item. On a downward portion of the pathway, the carrier rack passes through a drop-off rack in a similar manner, thus depositing the food item on the drop-off rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Ellerth, Gavin Walker
  • Patent number: 7628268
    Abstract: A device is provided for displacing gas turbines, especially during maintenance thereof. The device comprises several transporter platforms which are arranged behind each other. At least one gas turbine can be positioned on each of the transporter platforms. The or each gas turbine can be displaced by displacing the transporter platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Peter-Max Mueller, Detlef Renner
  • Patent number: 7500551
    Abstract: A conveyor system has a pair of outer wheel tracks and a pair of inner wheel tracks, the wheel tracks of each pair being spaced from each other and extending parallel to each other. Each wheel track has at least one generally vertical portion and at least one generally horizontal portion. A conveyor member has two pairs of wheels, the wheels of each pair being located on opposite sides of the member, each pair of wheels engaging one pair of wheel tracks; The wheels and tracks are configured and oriented relative to each other so that the member is maintained in a selected orientation as the member moves relative to and along the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Harold R. Greene
  • Patent number: 7455172
    Abstract: A break-away mounting system for a continuous-motion, high-speed position conveyor system is disclosed. A support cradle may be suspended from a conveyor belt such that the support cradle maintains a fixed position and orientation relative to at least one point on the conveyor belt without inducing appreciable stress on the conveyor belt, the support cradle, or the coupling between the conveyor belt and the support cradle. The mount may include a leading rotatable bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a first key attached to the conveyor belt, the rotatable bearing adapted to accommodate rotational forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt. The mount may also include a slide bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a second key attached to the conveyor belt, the slide bearing adapted to accommodate longitudinal forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Rice, Eric A. Englhardt, Robert B. Lowrance, Martin R. Elliott, Jeffrey C. Hudgens
  • Patent number: 7273343
    Abstract: A rotary transfer apparatus, comprising a frame structure; a rotatable main shaft supported by the frame structure; a first planetary member connected to the main shaft; at least one first planetary shaft rotatably connected to the first planetary member and rotating in relation to the main shaft; a secondary body connected to each first planetary shaft; a second planetary shaft rotatably connected to each secondary body and rotating in relation to the first planetary shaft; an article transfer mechanism connected to each second planetary shaft; and an offset cam mechanism. The article transfer mechanism is adapted for picking and placing articles, and has at least one stem connected to the second planetary shaft. Each stem has a distal end whose motion defines a product path about the main shaft. The product path has at least two apexes, with one apex wherein the distal end of the stem moves in an in-line motion and another apex wherein the distal end of the stem moves in a non-identical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly Ziegler
  • Patent number: 7258221
    Abstract: The storage unit comprises at least two flexible members (55), equipped with supports (57) for the products to be stored, extending and moving along respective parallel paths defined by a plurality of driving wheels (59, 63). The supports (57) project laterally in respect of the relative flexible member. In each of the paths, in proximity to at least one driving wheel, a transfer member (71) is positioned to receive the products from the supports located on a branch (55A) of the respective flexible member upstream of said driving wheel and transfer them to the supports located on a branch (55B) of said flexible member downstream of said driving wheel in respect of the direction of feed of the flexible members along the respective paths, so that the products follow a trajectory that by-passes said driving wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Fabio Perini S.p.A.
    Inventors: Walter Di Nardo, Mauro Gelli
  • Patent number: 7011206
    Abstract: A vertical conveyor in the form of a said C-shaped fixed tray conveyor (1) for the vertical conveying of individual products from and to a lower level (3) to or from a upper level (2) on essentially horizontal, vertically movable spaced carrying platforms (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Knapp Logistik Automation GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Hornhofer
  • Patent number: 6279732
    Abstract: A carousel apparatus including a track plate, two or more tracks that define a closed circuit, and an alignment block that travels about the closed circuit while maintaining a fixed orientation. The alignment block may be adapted to support a load so that the load may be recirculatively transported while maintaining a fixed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Texonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6273242
    Abstract: A rotary transfer apparatus, comprising: a frame structure; a rotatable main shaft supported by the frame structure; a primary body connected to the main shaft; at least one first planetary shaft rotatably connected to the primary body and rotating in relation to the main shaft; a secondary body connected to each first planetary shaft; a second planetary shaft rotatably connected to each secondary body and rotating in relation to the first planetary shaft; an article transfer mechanism connected to each second planetary shaft; and an in-line cam mechanism. The article transfer mechanism is adapted for picking and placing articles, and has at least one stem connected to the second planetary shaft. Each stem has a distal end whose motion defines a product path about the main shaft. The product path has at least one apex at which point the distal end of the stem moves in an in-line motion. The in-line cam mechanism is adapted for extending the in-line motion at the apex(es) of the product path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Allen L. Olson, Larry A. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 6264418
    Abstract: A workpiece positioner is provided which is adapted to move a workpiece from a load/unload zone to a work zone spaced from the load/unload zone. The workpiece positioner comprises a first stationary frame, a second frame coupled to the first frame so as to be rotatable relative to the first frame about a first axis, a first drive device for effecting rotation of the second frame about the first axis, and a first workpiece holder adapted to releasably receive a workpiece. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the first holder is rotatably mounted to the second frame so that the workpiece holder and the workpiece are maintained in a substantially constant orientation relative to the first frame as the second frame is rotated about the first axis. In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the workpiece positioner further includes a second drive device coupled to the second frame so as to move with the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Motoman, Inc.
    Inventors: Zane Allan Michael, Daniel Warren Slanker, Wade Matthew Hickle, William Harold DeCamp
  • Patent number: 6044627
    Abstract: A device for displacing articles from a first substantially rectilinear feed track (23) to a second substantially rectilinear feed track (24) forming an angle with the first track (23), comprises apparatus (26) for grouping articles in batches of at least two articles; apparatus (27) for grasping the batches of articles formed; and apparatus for driving the grasping apparatus along a closed circuit (28). Along the closed circuit there is a station (29) where the batches of articles are seized batchwise by the grasping apparatus, at the end of the first feed track (23); and a station (30) where the batches of articles are released batchwise by the grasping apparatus, at the beginning of the second feed track (24). At the seizing station (29), the articles of each batch of articles are aligned in a first direction of alignment substantially parallel to the first feed track (23), and at the releasing station (30), the articles of each batch of articles are aligned perpendicular to the second feed track (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Aries Packaging
    Inventor: Pascal de Guglielmo
  • Patent number: 6006897
    Abstract: A switching machine having a number of trolleys pulled by belts mounted on drive wheels set at the ends of the machine and comprising a mechanism suitable for imposing a counter rotating motion on the trolleys, so as to maintain them in a correct position while passing over the drive wheels.The mechanism for achieving the counter rotation motion on the trolleys comprises a number of first sprockets, mounted on a support firmly attached to the drive wheels, having a rotation motion proportional to the rotation of the drive wheels and having the same direction, and, for each trolley, a sprocket firmly attached to the frame of the trolley, suitable for meshing with said first sprockets when the trolley reaches the ends of its path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Finmeccanica S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Faure, Nedo Gennari
  • Patent number: 5788057
    Abstract: An apparatus for the suspended storage of foodstuffs, particularly slabs of chocolate or the like, arranged on shelves (15) lying flat on trays (14) hanging from two parallel chains (12, 13) moving around a closed circuit that includes a supply run and a return run. Each tray (14) is combined with at least one shock absorbing device (61) for restricting the swinging motion thereof, quickly damping said motion and preventing the trays from bumping into one another. For this purpose, the shock absorbing device (61) comprises a braking disc located within a recess provided inside a housing and containing a viscous liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Sapal Societe Anonyme des Plieuses Automatiques
    Inventors: Hans Heiri Walser, Urs Muller
  • Patent number: 5657615
    Abstract: There is provided a spacing conveyor mechanism 10 having a pair of spaced, identical drive chains 13, 14. A number of conveyors 20 are attached to the chains, each conveyor having a leading carriage 21 pivotally attached to one chain 13 and a trailing carriage 22 pivotally attached to the other chain 14. Connecting the each pair of leading/trailing carriages is a pair of rod 23 extending rearwardly from the leading carriage through corresponding holes in the trailing carriage. The carriages remain parallel throughout their path and the position of the carriages relative to each other are easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Rolf Muller
  • Patent number: 5642604
    Abstract: A spacing conveyor mechanism (10) for conveying cans (11) along an article feed path (12) in a packaging machine for forming the cans into groups of cans is disclosed. The spacing conveyor mechanism has a pair of spaced drive sprockets (15) positioned along the article feed path, and over which an endless drive chain (14) is passed. A spaced series of carriages (17) are pivotally attached to the drive chain. Each of the carriages includes a conveyor (18), the conveyor having a plurality of recessed pockets (19) sized and shaped to engage one each of the cans therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Rolf Muller
  • Patent number: 5638665
    Abstract: There is provided an article conveyor mechanism comprising a drive chain 13 on which is pivotally mounted a number of carriages 16 each having a conveyor 17 secured thereto. Each conveyor 17 has a plurality of pockets 18. Each conveyor 16 has two pins 19, 20 for engaging in respective grooves 21, 22 which are identical to each other in shape, but which are offset. When the chain 13 is driven, the conveyors remain parallel to each other throughout their endless paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Rolf Muller
  • Patent number: 5447407
    Abstract: A modular storing and dispensing assembly (20) for a plurality of large containers (21) of substantial weight. The modular assembly (20) comprises a container support track mechanism (24) supporting the containers (21) for movement toward a dispensing station (26). An enclosure (27) substantially encloses the track mechanism (24) and all of the containers (21). The track mechanism (24) and the enclosure (27) are both coupled to a modular frame (32) for movement thereof as a unit. The modular frame (32) is mounted on a vehicle (23) and can be used as a free-standing storing and dispensing unit. In an embodiment, the track mechanism (24) includes a conveyor-type assembly (35) extending about a predetermined path (34) substantially along the full transverse dimension of the vehicle (23). The conveyor mechanism (35) includes a conveyor drive mechanism (105) and a flexible transport device (111) movably coupled to the drive mechanism (105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: McKesson Corporation
    Inventors: Roger G. Weaver, Randolph K. Takata, Steven C. Finn
  • Patent number: 5425442
    Abstract: A vertical conveyor is disclosed having a frame with a first and second vertical frame section spaced apart but supportingly connected to each other. Load supports having first and second ends are conveyed around a looped path. Each load support is movably mounted at the first and second ends to first and second frame sections. A pickup chain assembly has a pickup drive chain, an upper drive sprocket driven by the motor wherein a substantial amount of the load exerted by the supports against the pickup chain assembly is imported against the upper drive sprocket. An idler sprocket is aligned below the drive sprocket and has a smaller diameter than the drive sprocket. The pickup drive chains include a plurality of pickups pivotally mounted thereto which engage transverse axles mounted at the end of compression links of a compression chain assembly. The load supports are mounted on the compression chain assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Howard M. Lawn
    Inventor: Robert Lichti
  • Patent number: 5361891
    Abstract: A tape conveyor system for moving a carriage along a path having at least one vertical curve and at least one horizontal curve comprises a carriage track, a tape guide, and a carriage. A block on the tape is movably positioned between two elements on the carriage to effect movement of the carriage along the carriage track. The tape guide orients the tape width horizontally during each vertical curve and vertically during each horizontal curve. The carriage track has two opposing channels, and the carriage has wheels in each channel so that the carriage can move along both horizontal and vertical track portions in a stable manner. A container can be mounted to the carriage via a leveling mechanism which cooperates with cam guide surfaces on the carriage track to control the orientation of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Comco Systems
    Inventors: Harold R. Greene, Michael J. Foreman
  • Patent number: 5273392
    Abstract: This invention relates to an automated work center for use in materials handling operations. The work center includes a randomly accessible vertically moving temporary storage queue 11 for receiving containers 25 that hold material goods. A fixed loading ramp 20 is arranged to receive containers 20 from an external system and to load the received containers onto the storage queue 11. A work area 5 having a plurality of rotatable work tables 7 provides an gives the operator access to the containers. A delivery system 14 transfers containers between the storage queue 11 and the work tables 7 and a takeaway system 16 transfers containers between the work area and the conveyor network. An automated control system 17 coordinates the delivery of containers between the temporary storage queue 11 and the work area 5. A consolidation queue 18 having a multiplicity of vertically spaced shelfs may be disposed opposite the work tables 7 to facilitate the consolidation of ordered goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Computer Aided Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clay Bernard, II, Stanley H. Lukken, Daniel C. Perry
  • Patent number: 5216949
    Abstract: A conveyor for transporting fresh lasagne through a drier includes a plurality of container-supports substantially like cylindrical cages and each having a plurality of radial pockets for receiving and holding the lasagne. The containers are mounted removably on a conveyor with parallel chains and roll relative to the chains as they pass through the drier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Barilla G.e.R. F. LII-Societa per Azioni
    Inventor: Fausto Bertozzi
  • Patent number: 5214999
    Abstract: A processing facility, for subjecting products to process conditions for lengths of time and having a processing chamber equipped for establishing a predetermined condition within and throughout the chamber, a pair of continuous flexible conveyor elements, extending through the chamber along a generally zig-zag pathway, rotatable bearing members for supporting the flexible elements in predetermined lengths, spaced one above the other, and spaced apart from one another, the flexible elements being extended around respective bearing members, in a generally zig-zag fashion, product supports extending between the flexible elements, attachments at each end of the products supports for attachment to respective flexible elements, so that the product supports are freely swingably supported between the flexible elements, and the rotatable bearing members being spaced apart on opposite sides of the chamber a distance greater than the length of the product supports so that the product supports may freely pass between th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Knud Simonsen Industries Limited
    Inventors: Lyle W. Norrie, Torben Madsen, Ping F. Wu
  • Patent number: 5113970
    Abstract: An integrated system for delivering food and other products from a central processing station to one or more remote delivery stations, the products being transported in carriers which travel both vertically and horizontally in an upright position on conveyors having reversible paths of travel which include optional delivery positions. The system is expandable to include order stations in advance of the delivery stations from which orders are sent to the central processing station, the order stations optionally including currency conveyors in communication with the central processing station to permit payment for the items purchased at the time they are ordered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: Edward F. Bavis
  • Patent number: 4989722
    Abstract: An endless belt is driven between two yarn processing machines. A plurality of package carrier members are mounted at spaced intervals to the endless belt by pivot connections which permit the carrier members to travel in freely pivotal hang disposition. The carrier members support packages thereon to transport the packages from one machine to the other. A contact member adjacent the machine receiving the supported packages contacts the carrier members to release the supported packages therefrom as the carrier members travel thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: W. Schlafhorst & Co.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Kuepper
  • Patent number: 4957188
    Abstract: A carrier basket is suspended between an opposing pair of drive members which define a path of travel between a processing station and a remote delivery station, the path of travel having vertical flights at each station interconnected by a horizontal flight. To prevent rocking movement of the suspended carrier basket, it is provided at its opposite ends with diametrically opposite cam rollers which are sequentially engaged in cam tracks extending along the path of travel of the carrier basket, a first cam track lying at one end of the carrier basket and extending between the processing station and a point intermediate the horizontal flight of the conveyor, the other of the cam tracks lying at the opposite end of the carrier basket and extending between the intermediate point and the delivery station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Inventor: Edward F. Bavis
  • Patent number: 4887953
    Abstract: The installation comprises an endless circulating shelf plant which is divided into a plurality of individual endless bucket belts having run returning stations with horizontal run returning axis in a common plane. A shelf serving apparatus is located in front of this plane and can access every location of the shelves of the individual endless bucket belts which arrive in the mentioned plane. Due to the combination of the endless circulating shelves and the shelf serving apparatus the access time is substantially optimized by the installation which also utilizes the available space to its best.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: System Schultheis AG
    Inventor: Bruno A. Greub
  • Patent number: 4869361
    Abstract: A collecting device for polyethylene-sheet calendar manufacturing machines including a supporting plate having horizontal upper and lower plates, a pair of rollers disposed adjacent to the supporting plate, a belt disposed on and driven by the rollers and a plurality of receiving devices engaged on the belt and supported by the supporting plate. Each receiving devices has a fixing piece secured on the belt and a receiving box engaged with the fixing piece by a bearing, so that the opening of the receiving box faces upwards during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventors: Ming Y. Huang, Jau N. You
  • Patent number: 4867051
    Abstract: A barbeque grill apparatus having a container with a curved bottom, two sides connected to the bottom and two ends interconnecting the bottom and the sides. A shaft is rotatably attached to a top portion of the container and a plurality of arms extend radially outwardly therefrom. The arms each have a grill attached thereto in such a manner that when the shaft is rotated, each of the new grills will maintain a horizontal orientation. A source of heat is disposed in the container but to one side of the lowest portion of the bottom of the container so that grease dripping into the container will not accumulate directly over the flame, to thereby prevent burning of such grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Frederick C. Schalk
  • Patent number: 4712650
    Abstract: A conveying system is provided, which is particularly designed to convey food over a traffic lane to another traffic lane. The system includes a track extending from inside the restaurant, over the adjoining traffic lane or lanes, to a food-receiving station. A chain-driven trolley is coupled to the track and carries a leveling basket for holding the food or other material being conveyed. In the preferred form, the track includes a high-density, polymer plastic defining two chain-receiving parallel grooves and a third, enlarged, parallel groove. The trolley includes a pair of spaced, track-riders shiftably received in the enlarged groove and coupled to one loop of the chain. Preferably, the trolley includes a basket-locking mechanism and the food-receiving station includes an inclined shoulder. The locking mechanism unlocks before the basket reaches the food-receiving station such that upon reaching the food-receiving station the basket contacts the inclined shoulder, pivoting outwardly towards the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Pronto Service Facilities, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4688735
    Abstract: A system for automatically supplying tapered paper tubes to an automatic winder which includes a number of winding units. The system includes a paper tube discharging device which provide a stock section for retaining tapered tubes in heaped up condition and a releasing section for separating lowermost ones of the heaped up paper tubes in the stock section. The separated paper tubes are transported one by one along a paper tube transporting path and fed to each winding unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Murata Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noshi Shinji, Akio Matsushima
  • Patent number: 4643633
    Abstract: This invention provides a rotary transfer device or apparatus for the pickup, transfer and deposit of articles. The rotary transfer device has a drive source, a frame structure and an article pickup and deposit mechanism that travels in a predetermined, but changeable, path which has at least two apex positions of travel. The rotary transfer device includes a first stationary gear mounted to the frame structure which provides a first rotary motion for the articles transferred by the device. A first planetary gear is provided for rotation about the first stationary gear, and structure for rotating the first planetary gear about the first stationary gear is provided to produce the rotation. A second stationary gear mounted for rotation with the first planetary gear is provided to produce a secondary motion effect for the articles to be transferred by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Minnesota Automation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Lashyro
  • Patent number: 4558778
    Abstract: A device for sequentially transferring cigarettes or cigarette pairs from a rectilinear, preferably horizontal path, so-called "longitudinal", along which the cigarettes are moved forward in a file in which they are axially aligned, to a rotary fluted drum with its axis of rotation being parallel to the rectilinear horizontal path, the transferred cigarettes being successively deposited, parallelly arranged side by side, onto the drum in a row, which is transverse with respect to the cigarette file moving along the longitudinal path. The transferring device includes a rotary drum positively driven at a constant speed, onto which there is mounted a number of swinging arms star-like arranged at an equal distance therebetween and carrying each one a suction head for picking up and transferring the cigarettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: SASIB S.p.A.
    Inventor: Athos Cristiani