By Constant Engagement With Guide Means Throughout Conveying Course Of Travel Patents (Class 198/800)
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Patent number: 11780688Abstract: Present disclosure provide a conveyor, a conveying system having the same, and a method of manufacturing the conveyor. The conveyor comprises a carrying member adapted to carry an object to be conveyed. The conveyor also comprises a plurality of rollers arranged under the carrying member and adapted to be guided to move along guide rails in a first direction. The conveyor further comprises a first magnetic engaging portion arranged to extend from a lower surface of the carrying member to a position near to the guide rails in a second direction normal to the first direction, and adapted to interact with a second magnetic engaging portion on the guide rails, to generate a driving force for driving the conveyor in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2019Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventor: Hao Gu
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Patent number: 11505407Abstract: There is disclosed agiotage and retrieval system e.g. suitable for use in an airport and for aircraft baggage. In order e.g. to provide such system which improves usage and availability in view of the prior-art, a control system controls the system in two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, a first rack region serving device (110) is only serving a first rack region 104 using a first feeding and extraction conveyor system (114), and a second rack region serving device (112) is only serving a second rack region (106) using a second feeding and extraction conveyor system (116). In a second mode of operation, only the first rack region serving device (110) is used for serving both the first and second rack regions (104, 106), and only the first feeding and extraction conveyor system (114) is used for feeding articles to the first rack region serving device (110) and for taking away articles from the first rack region serving device (110).Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Beumer Group A/SInventor: Uffe Lykkegaard
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Patent number: 11104547Abstract: An elevator that incorporates a framework that allows multiple autonomous mobile lifts to move independently inside and outside a building or a group of buildings in shafts and corridors in such a way that multiple lifts can share a shaft and/or corridor.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Inventor: Ivan Araujo Dayrell
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Patent number: 10569974Abstract: A transport system for the transport of containers in a container treatment facility includes a transport track with at least one long stator of a linear motor and multiple transport elements for transporting one or multiple containers. The transport elements are arranged movably on the transport track and formed to be guided along the transport track through magnetic interaction with the at least one long stator. The front and back sides of the transport elements are formed to driven into one another at least in pairs and to have a minimal attainable transport spacing that is smaller than the longitudinal extension of the transport elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Michael Neubauer
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Patent number: 10486941Abstract: A lift system for moving a car along a track in a guided manner. The lift system having a guide rail system, a car and a drive unit arranged on the car. The guide rail system forms a closed track along which the car can be moved between floors when in operation. The drive unit has a motor, a gear wheel system connected to the motor by a shaft and a guide disk. The guide rail system has a pinion system and guide edges spaced apart from one another, which cooperate with the guide disk. When in operation, the motor drives the gear wheel system and the gear wheel system acts on the pinion system in order to move the car along the track in a guided manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Inventio AGInventors: Lukas Finschi, Florian Troesch, Paul Friedli, Kilian Schuster, Jonas Vonaesch
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Patent number: 10322877Abstract: A production line comprises one or more assembling stations and at least one module for carrying containers for supplying to the assembling stations parts which are necessary during the execution of a working cycle. In one example, the module includes a paternoster conveying system including a plurality of drawings for containing the parts. The module includes two endless lateral chains and two lateral guide rails engaged with each drawer. The paternoster system and guide rails selectively position the drawers to downwardly angularly rotate toward the workstation when facing the workstation to increase ergonomic access to the parts for the assembling station operator.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Comau S.p.A.Inventors: Simone Belardinelli, Ugo Ghirardi
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Patent number: 9877360Abstract: A microwave range includes a main body having a cooking chamber therein; and a tray unit in the cooking chamber, in which the tray unit is configured to rotate food on a first plane and a second plane, the second plane being is orthogonal to the first plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics CorporationInventor: Chang Ho Lee
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Patent number: 9540183Abstract: An apparatus for advancing articles or tooling includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion spaced apart and opposing the first portion. The first and second portions each comprise an outer track and an inner track that extend parallel with the outer track. The outer and inner tracks define a machine direction. The apparatus includes a first transport member and as second transport member. The first and second transport members are defined by a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion separating the first and second end portions. The first and second end portions of the first and second transport members are at least partially nestable.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Hilde Cloostermans-Huwaert, Andre De Saert
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Patent number: 9457959Abstract: End drive for a conveyor, comprising a conveying track (6) for, during use, guiding a conveying part of a straight-running modular conveyor mat (2), a return guide (10) extending at a distance along the conveying part for return guidance of a return part of the conveyor mat, and a gear drive (16) located between the conveying track and the return guide for, through engagement of the conveyor mat, drivingly having the conveyor mat round from the conveying track to the return guide. The return guide comprises a guiding envelope (E), linking up with the gear drive and extending along successive rows of modules, in which movement of the return part of the conveyor mat both sideways in the plane of the conveyor mat and transversely to the conveying plane is limited.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: REXNORD FLATTOP EUROPE B.V.Inventors: Cornelis Hendrik Mijndert Menke, Leonardus Adrianus Catharinus Cornelissen
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Patent number: 9004268Abstract: The invention relates to a conveying system for moving containers (14), the conveying system (4) comprising an inclined track (8) and a conveying device (24), where the track (8) has an container inlet (11) at the bottom (12) and an container outlet (15) at the top (16) and where the conveying device (24) is arranged to travel down (R) the track (8) and comprises a container moving unit (54) which after passage below a container (14) moves the container (14) one step up (L) the track (8), the conveying device (24) thus moving one container (14) at a time one step up (L) the track (8) during the downward (R) travel of the conveying device (24). The invention also relates to a tower structure (2) comprising a container conveying system (4), and a method for conveying containers (14) with a conveying system (4).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Plantagon International ABInventor: Ake Olsson
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Patent number: 8827071Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting apparatus for conveying a product, comprising a movable conveying element (2) for conveying the product, also comprising a fixed-location running rail (3), which is arranged all the way round and defines a running track for the conveying element (2), and further comprising a linear-motor-drive means (4) for driving the conveying element (2), wherein the conveying element (2) has a permanent magnet (5) which is in operative connection with coils (6) of the linear-motor-drive means (4), and wherein the conveying element (2) has at least a first sub-element (22) and a second sub-element (23), which are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of an articulation (7).Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Heinrich van de Loecht
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Patent number: 8770385Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Nedpack Patenten B.V.Inventor: Pieter Gerrit Hannessen
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Patent number: 8763792Abstract: A conveyance system includes a traveling member to transport an article installed for movement along a travel guide. A drive source arranged to drive the traveling member is a linear motor including an armature, disposed along the travel guide, and a mover on the secondary side installed on the traveling member. The travel guide includes a rectilinear section and a curved section. The armatures of the linear motor are spaced at a distance from each other and arranged such that a plurality of the armatures are arranged along the rectilinear section and the curved section of the travel guide. The travel guide is arranged to accommodate a plurality of traveling members mounted thereon.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuya Iwasaki, Kazuhiro Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8689969Abstract: A belt (2), forming a conveyor or a transmission belt, comprising at least one, but possibly a plurality of substantially inextensible but elastically flexible planar strips, typically of spring steel, rigidly fixed together lengthwise to form an endless belt. The belt is typically provided with drive slots for accurately driving the belt. The belt may support carriers such as buckets (to form a bucket conveyor) or scrapers (to form a scraper conveyor).Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: George Terah Gough
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Patent number: 8672119Abstract: A system for providing stability to a carriage along a curved portion of a rail. The system includes a support rail having a bend. The bend includes a support surface. The carriage is configured to engage the support surface so as to stabilize the carriage as the carriage is moved through the curved portion of the rail.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Michael David Anstett
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Patent number: 8646590Abstract: In a revolution transport system for manufacturing and assembly lines with work stations arranged along the transport system, workpiece carriers are movably supported on a track formed by horizontally spaced outer and inner carrier and support rails extending around the transport system wherein each workpiece carrier includes a carriage movably supported on the outer rail and upper and lower rollers in engagement with upwardly facing and downwardly fairing surfaces of the intermediate or inner rail to prevent tilting of the workpiece carrier by forces acting on an outwardly projecting workpiece support arm of the workpiece carrier.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Expresso Deutschland GmbHInventor: Herbert Tepel
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Patent number: 8640859Abstract: A conveyor system pallet is provided, having: a pallet body; and a guiding system operatively attached to the pallet body and designed to abut against at least one side rail of a conveyor system, the guiding system including: a plurality of first directional guides; and a plurality of second directional guides oriented approximately orthogonally to the first directional guides. A further guiding system for a conveyor pallet is provided, having: a plurality of first directional guides having: a plurality of guides designed to abut against a first side rail of the conveyor system; and a plurality of guides designed to abut against a second side rail located above the first side rail of the conveyor system; and a plurality of second directional guides designed to engage an underside of the first side rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc.Inventor: Robert Donald Ecob
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Publication number: 20130026011Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting apparatus for conveying a product, comprising a movable conveying element (2) for conveying the product, also comprising a fixed-location running rail (3), which is arranged all the way round and defines a running track for the conveying element (2), and further comprising a linear-motor-drive means (4) for driving the conveying element (2), wherein the conveying element (2) has a permanent magnet (5) which is in operative connection with coils (6) of the linear-motor-drive means (4), and wherein the conveying element (2) has at least a first sub-element (22) and a second sub-element (23), which are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of an articulation (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Heinrich van de Loecht
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Patent number: 7946414Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventor: Harold R. Greene
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Publication number: 20110048901Abstract: A belt (2), forming a conveyor or a transmission belt, comprising at least one, but possibly a plurality of substantially inextensible but elastically flexible planar strips, typically of spring steel, rigidly fixed together lengthwise to form an endless belt. The belt is typically provided with drive slots for accurately driving the belt. The belt may support carriers such as buckets (to form a bucket conveyor) or scrapers (to form a scraper conveyor).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: George Terah Gough
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Patent number: 7857125Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a plurality of vertically hanging trays includes a vertical rotating members comprising a first pair of rotating chains carrying the plurality of trays at respective top bars thereof and a second pair of rotating chains coupled to each top bar through linking bars, the first and second pairs of rotating chains being operatively coupled. The apparatus may be used in a furnace, a cleaning apparatus and a combined furnace cleaning apparatus as well as in medical and other applications.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventor: Ching Chiang Tang
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Patent number: 7762384Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Inventor: Harold R. Greene
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Publication number: 20090178900Abstract: The invention relates to the conveyance and preferably also to the electrical contacting of an item to be treated (1), for example in the form of a printed circuit board or a conductor foil, in an electrolysis system. A device according to the invention comprises a large number of clamps (10) able to move along a conveyance path (4) and driven by a continuously revolving drive means (20). The device is configured in such a way that the clamps (10) at the start (4a) of the conveyance path (4) are brought from an open state into a closed state in order to grip and preferably also electrically to contact the item to be treated, and that the clamps (10) respectively at the end (4b) of the conveyance path (4) are brought from the closed into the open state in order to re-release the item to be treated (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2006Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: Atotech Deutschland GmbHInventors: Britta Scheller, Rainer Schmidt, Olaf Lorenz
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Patent number: 7537100Abstract: A method for changing the direction of motion of a pallet moving on wheels at an end of a travelator. The method comprises moving the pallet in a traveling direction at a first level, positioning a supporting element in alignment to receive a wheel of the pallet using a positioning device, positively guiding a trailing end of the pallet from the first level to a second level different than the first level by supporting the wheel of the pallet with the supporting element, and moving the pallet in a return direction at the second level. The pallet maintains a substantially constant orientation during the change of direction of motion.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Kone CorporationInventors: Jorma Mustalahti, Esko Aulanko, Marc Ossendorf
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Patent number: 7500551Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Inventor: Harold R. Greene
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Patent number: 7344015Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of changing the direction of motion of a pallet at an end of a transport conveyor while maintaining the pallet at a substantially constant attitude. The method comprises conveying pallets in a passenger transport direction and at a first level, conveying pallets in a return direction and at a second, different level, positively guiding a trailing end of a first pallet with respect to its direction of motion with a supporting element, and rotating the supporting element with a second pallet located immediately behind the first pallet with respect to the direction of motion, thereby moving the trailing end of the first pallet from one of the first level and the second level to the other of the first level and the second level and changing the direction of motion of the first pallet.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: KONE CorporationInventors: Jorma Mustalahti, Esko Aulanko
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Patent number: 7278532Abstract: An apparatus for conveying articles includes a transmission element, a plurality of element guides around which the transmission element extends, a drive motor for moving the transmission element, a plurality of article carriages operatively connected to the transmission element for movement therewith, and a guide track for maintaining the article carriages in a selected orientation as they move along the conveying path.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Martin Gessner Pty LtdInventor: Kevin Joseph Martin
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Patent number: 7134542Abstract: A conveyor system having a plurality of conveyor modules which are secured together in an end-to-end relationship. Each conveyor module includes a frame and a plurality of drive rollers rotatably mounted along one side of the frame, and a motor mounted to the frame is drivingly connected to the drive rollers. A first upper guide is also mounted to the frame at a position spaced upwardly from the drive rollers. At least one work support includes a lower rail supported by the drive rollers and an upper follower slidably positioned within the upper guide.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Valiant CorporationInventor: Andrew Noestheden
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Patent number: 7086525Abstract: Conveyor chains of the type utilized in commercial ovens and proofers are provided with improved bearing support for the rotating and pivoting components of the chains. The rotating components comprising antifriction bearings constructed from superior components which support substantial improvements in the service life of the conveyor chains. The pivoting components are provided with plain bearings and/or antifriction coating which also function to extend the service life of the conveyor chains.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Stewart Systems, Inc.Inventors: Leonard R. Kilby, Austin J. Kozman
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Patent number: 6968943Abstract: Conveyor chains of the type utilized in commercial ovens and proofers are provided with improved bearing support for the rotating and pivoting components of the chains. The rotating components comprising anti-friction bearings constructed from superior components which support substantial improvements in the service life of the conveyor chains. The pivoting components are provided with plain bearings and/or anti-friction coating which also function to extend the service life of the conveyor chains.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Stewart Systems, Inc.Inventors: Leonard R. Kilby, Austin J. Kozman
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Patent number: 6675950Abstract: A conveying device includes a mount frame, a first guide mounted on the mount frame along a conveying circuit, several transport trolleys distributed along the conveying circuit, and a system for driving each of the transport trolleys comprising a second guide mounted on each of said transport trolleys and designed to co-operate with the first guide, a transmission connected to the transport trolleys. Advantageously, each of the transport trolleys includes a support having at least one useful face, advantageously intended for supporting at least a dish, and maintained in a substantially horizontal position. The invention is useful for fast catering service in a restaurant hall or the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: ColumbusInventor: Manoel Collon
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Patent number: 6666327Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end-to-end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Sig Simonazzi North America, Inc.Inventors: Leonard R. Kilby, John M. Lucido, Joop Frans Hoekstra
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Publication number: 20030226744Abstract: A conveyor transports lightweight articles with a high degree of adaptability to the space it can occupy and the path along which the conveyor units can travel. The track of the conveyor has curving track sections connecting main track sections which may reside in different vertical levels. The conveyor units are pivotally connected to the carrier means so as to allow the conveyor unit to pivot relatively to endless carrier, such as a chain. Means for counteracting or preventing article-supporting members from tilting from their position relative to the horizontal plane are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Uffe Lykkegaard, Ole Prydtz
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Publication number: 20030178288Abstract: Conveyor chains of the type utilized in commercial ovens and proofers are provided with improved bearing support for the rotating and pivoting components of the chains. The rotating components comprising anti-friction bearings constructed from superior components which support substantial improvements in the service life of the conveyor chains. The pivoting components are provided with plain bearings and/or anti-friction coating which also function to extend the service life of the conveyor chains.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Leonard R. Kilby, Austin J. Kozman
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Publication number: 20030079969Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: Sig Simonazzi North America, Inc.Inventors: Leonard R. Kilby, John M. Lucido, Joop Frans Hoekstra
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Patent number: 6536582Abstract: A reversible shelf type vertical conveyor wherein a plurality of shelves are pivotally mounted between two endless chains that are driven by pairs of upper and lower sprockets, the shelves pivoted to a space saving vertical orientation during the return run and to a horizontal orientation during the working run. Positive control of the orientation of shelves is provided by pairs of rollers attached to the shelves which straddle a guide bars during the return run and ride within guide channels during the working run. During the transition between return and working runs at the top and bottom, shelves are held tight against bosses adjacent the sprockets. Each successive cycle pivots the shelves 180 degrees, and the shelves are symmetrical about their pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventor: John Andrew Combs
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Patent number: 6533106Abstract: A conveyor transports lightweight articles with a high degree of adaptability to the space it can occupy and the path along which the conveyor units can travel. The track of the conveyor has curving track sections connecting straight track sections having opposite transport directions and the individual conveyor unit comprises guide members that engage with stationary guides to prevent the article supporting member of the unit from tilting when passing straight as well as curving track sections. The article supporting members of the units are arranged between the main track and the stationary guides when the units are moving along the curving main track section. In particular, each unit may have first and second guiding members to prevent tilting of the article supporting member at curving and straight track sections, respectively, and both guiding members co-operate with their respective guides over a certain distance when the unit enters and leaves a curving track section.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Crisplant a/sInventor: Uffe Lykkegaard
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Publication number: 20030047419Abstract: A reversible shelf type vertical conveyor wherein a plurality of shelves are pivotally mounted between two endless chains that are driven by pairs of upper and lower sprockets, the shelves pivoted to a space saving vertical orientation during the return run and to a horizontal orientation during the working run. Positive control of the orientation of shelves is provided by pairs of rollers attached to the shelves which straddle a guide bars during the return run and ride within guide channels during the working run. During the transition between return and working runs at the top and bottom, shelves are held tight against bosses adjacent the sprockets. Each successive cycle pivots the shelves 180 degrees, and the shelves are symmetrical about their pivot axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2001Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventor: John Andrew Combs
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Patent number: 6474521Abstract: A storage chest for vehicles comprises a box defining an opening and being sized for mounting to a motor vehicle; a door openably closing off the opening; a plurality of containers sized and shaped to receive and hold one or more items; a motorized drive assembly mounted to the box and connected to the plurality of containers to move the containers in a circuitous path for selective presentation thereof proximal to the opening; and, a subjacent secondary support assembly for supporting the containers.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: James O. Young
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Patent number: 6450238Abstract: The system comprises at least one conveyor tract along which a line of containers is made to move forward by a pusher action applied at one end of the line. A plurality of transport elements can be aligned on the conveyor tract and are capable of receiving at least one respective container of the line, with the containers separated from each other. The transport elements are capable of cooperating with each other in thrust transmission, so that the pushing action applied to the transport elements produces the forward movement of the line of containers while the containers themselves are kept separate from each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Fata Aluminium division of Fata Group S.p.A.Inventor: Aldo Conti
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Patent number: 6336549Abstract: A multi-level conveyer mainly includes a plurality of carrier units connected at front and rear ends to two parallelly extended chains, and chain wheels provided at predetermined positions for the chains to pass there and turn to form more than one level of horizontal conveyance path on the conveyer. The multi-level conveyer can be mounted in a room with limited area while providing sufficient conveyance length and time to meet requirements in most drying operations and largely reduce power consumption required in drying.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Inventor: Hsieh Chuan Jen
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Patent number: 6321899Abstract: An apparatus for transferring goods from one conveyor of random nature to another, includes a frame, an endless transporter supported therein and at least one carrier connected thereon. The carrier is connected to the endless transporter for rotation on a lying shaft and a holder is provided for holding the carrier horizontal, so that goods can be transferred in a random path from one conveyor to the other.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: NedpackInventor: Pieter Gerrit Hannessen
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Patent number: 6321895Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end-to-end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Sasib North America, Inc.Inventors: Leonard R. Kilby, John M. Lucido, Joop Frans Hoekstra
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Patent number: 6318543Abstract: A product transport system which is located predominantly within a chamber 10 (for example, an industrial oven chamber) and which comprises a pair of parallel, spaced apart conveyor chains 19. The conveyor chains are arranged to convey a plurality of transversely extending product support trays 15 through the chamber 10. Pairs of transversely spaced carriers 31 are provided to carry respective ones of the trays 15. Chain sprockets 20 are located within the chamber in alignment with the respective conveyor chains and the sprockets 20 are arranged to direct the respective conveyor chains through changes in direction (including through forward-and-return horizontal passes) within the chamber 10. Rotatable guide members 28 in the form of toothed wheels are positioned laterally adjacent to but out of alignment with respective ones of the chain sprockets 20, and a subsidiary chain drive is provided for driving each guide member 28 in synchronism with an adjacent one of the chain sprockets 20.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Commander Land & Air Investments Pty LimitedInventor: Kevin Joseph Hicks
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Patent number: 6279732Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Texonics, Inc.Inventor: Edward A. Thompson
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Patent number: 6257397Abstract: In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and apparatus for connecting the carriages end to end. The carriages each include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each including first and second link portions. The link portions are pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair. The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Sasib North America, Inc.Inventors: Leonard R. Kilby, John M. Lucido, Joop Frans Hoekstra
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Patent number: 6112885Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transport apparatus for thin, board-shaped substrates, for example printed circuit boards, which are conveyed through a coating installation and the like. In order to simplify manipulation during conveying, there is provided a frame (1) for holding a substrate (7), tensioning elements (4) being arranged spaced from one another on frame members (2), lying opposite one another, of the frame (1), which tensioning elements (4) engage the edge of the substrate and tension the substrate, the frame (1) being provided with a device (16) which serves to provide connection to a conveyor belt or the like. The tension springs (4) exert a tension away from the substrate (7) in the direction of the plane of the thin substrate to avoid sagging of the substrate. FIG. (1) illustrates the transport apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corp.Inventors: Kaspar Kuster, Anton Ruegge, Gerhard Kraft, Torsten Reckert
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Patent number: 6006897Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 12, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Finmeccanica S.p.A.Inventors: Andrea Faure, Nedo Gennari
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Patent number: 5941367Abstract: An output unit for a continuous wrapping machine, wherein packets, substantially in the form of a rectangular parallelepipedon and laid flat on respective seats of a continuous conveyor wheel, are fed by the wheel crosswise to a small lateral surface of the packets, and are transferred onto an intermediate conveyor, which receives each packet from the respective seat, feeds the packet parallel to itself along a substantially 90.degree. conveying arc, and unloads the packet onto an output conveyor tangent to the output end of the conveying arc and traveling continuously in a direction crosswise to a large surface of the packet.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: G.D Societa' Per AzioniInventors: Roberto Osti, Fiorenzo Draghetti
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Patent number: 5695071Abstract: A system and a method for sorting are provided for distributing articles, such as mail pieces or other flats, to predetermined destinations. At the destination, the particular article is raked by a raking assembly from a carrier for placement into a container. The container, when full, is gravity fed onto a discharge conveyor and automatically replaced with a new empty container. The carrier operates on two levels for delivery of articles to containers on two levels while maintaining the carriers in a horizontal position throughout the sorting process. A sloped front end of the carrier allows the articles to be transported at a rapid speed and in a continuous fashion.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: ElectroCom Gard Ltd.Inventors: Gerald David Ross, Robert Earl Sadler, Jr., John Martin Buday, Jr., Gunther Adam Dorth, David Novak